Global production of biofuels is increasing in response to worldwide demand. Simulation software aids not only in the design of environmentally friendly and safe processes, but also helps reduce capital and operating costs. Simulation software provides the functionality and flexibility required to model high fidelity biofuel processes with integrated correlations and reaction models. Process simulation software can be used to improve heat recovery processes, reconcile data, and verify operating conditions. Simulation software contributes to efficient and safe process design. Use of simulation software for the design of biofuels processes is good not only for the environment, but also for the bottom line.
Several technology demonstration plants have been built and operated to verify technical feasibility and economic viability of the technology in the current energy market. Ethanol is an important additive to oxygenate gasoline, and increase the octane rating in light of the recent ban on the MTBE additive. Ethanol can be produced from various bio-mass sources, such as: corn fiber, sugar cane bagasse, grain straws, wood and paper wastes. The main technologies for these processes include: thermo-chemical pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation via a variety of natural and recombinant microbes, and distillation. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) provides funding and technology transfer packages to assist the private sector in creating the needed biomass to ethanol capability.
Computer simulation is an essential tool in the design and economic analysis of new bio-ethanol technologies. This paper will discuss the use of simulation software in the simulation of a bio-ethanol process based on the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Bio-ethanol Pilot Plant design (1). This simulation includes material recycles and thermal integration, as well as techniques to customize unit operations and integrate user created models of the hydrolysis and fermentation processes. For more information, please download the white paper on this subject HERE.
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