Title:
Techno-economic Analysis of Hydrodynamic Cavitation-assisted Hydrothermal Separation for Wheat Straw, Corncob and Sugarcane Bagasse
Author(s):
Muhandiram, D., Rudra, S.
Document(s):
Paper
Slide presentation
Abstract:
Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) enhances biomass pretreatment for bio-product separation, with efficiency further boosted by combining it with hydrothermal separation (HTS). HC initially extracts lignin and extractives into a liquid, leaving a cellulose- and hemicellulose-rich solid. Membrane filtration then purifies lignin from the liquid. An Aspen Plus simulation of this combined HC-HTS process confirmed increased efficiency and economic feasibility. Optimal HC parameters were 30°C and 4 bar. HTS parameters were optimized at 130°C, 15 bar, 6 min residence time, and a 10% solid-to-liquid ratio, achieving peak energy and exergy efficiencies. Techno-economic analysis projected a €5-10 million initial investment and annual net cash flow of €0.4-1.1 million, with a payback period around 9 years over a 30-year lifespan. The process yields 6.49-20.24 kg/hr lignin, 4.27-11.8 kg/hr extractives, 24.98-32.08 kg/hr cellulose, and 14.46-15.55 kg/hr hemicellulose. Process profitability varies with biomass type. Sensitivity analysis showed potential unprofitability in pessimistic scenarios due to product price fluctuations. Nevertheless, the HC-HTS method offers acceptable economics and competitive yields, making it a promising biomass valorization approach.
Keywords:
economic evaluation, bio-products, hydrodynamic cavitation, hydrothermal separation
Topic:
Biomass Conversion for Bioenergy
Subtopic:
Biomass pre-treatment and production of intermediates
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
4CO.15.3
Pages:
695 - 708
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-4CO.15.3
Price:
FREE
