Simulation and evaluation of sugarcane biorefineries for the production of bioethanol and its derivatives (alcoholchemistry route)

Abstract

Increasing concern about climate change, energy security and depletion of petroleum reserves have motivated the search for alternative forms of energy and replacement of fossil derived resources as feedstock in the production of chemicals. Bioethanol is foreseen as the biofuel with the largest potential to replace fossil fuels, especially when produced from lignocellulosic materials, which present lower cost and are vastly abundant in nature. Taking sugarcane as an example, its lignocellulosic fractions are already available at plant site, in the case of bagasse, or close to first generation ethanol production plants, in the case of trash. Use of bioethanol as a feedstock in the industry may lead to replacement of fossil derived resources, thus allowing for the construction of more sustainable chemical industries. This research project aims the development of simulation of first and second generation bioethanol production processes from sugarcane, as well as ethanol derivatives. Different production routes will be assessed by technical-economic analyses. This project is linked with the Thematic Project "An Integrated Process for Total Bioethanol Production and Zero CO2 Emission" (FAPESP Process n° 2008/57873-8) and includes in its activities the development of biorefineries and production of different chemicals from bioethanol. (AU)