Techno-economic analysis of production of octane booster components derived from lignin

Ng, Zi Wei; Yeoh, King Yee; Hafyan, Rendra Hakim; Putranto, Aditya; Horri, Bahman Amini; Zein, Sharif H.; Rhamdhani, MAkbar A.; Aziz, Muhammad; Butar, Ivan

Abstract

In this study, a comprehensive process for production of an environmentally friendly octane booster (acetophenone) from lignin is presented, along with a detailed techno-economic analysis. Recognizing that much of the prior research on octane boosters has been confined to experimental lab-level investigations, this study develops comprehensive process design to unravel the intricacies of large-scale acetophenone production. The acetophenone production process involves catalytic hydrogenolysis, which also yields phenol as a valuable side product. Based on the process flow diagram, mass and energy balances were developed, revealing significantly improved yields and purity of acetophenone compared to industry standards, reaching 0.74 kg acetophenone per kg of lignin and 99 wt%. In the techno-economic analysis, calculations involving fixed capital investment (FCI), operating costs, and working capital were conducted based on a feed of 100 kg/h of dry lignin. The results indicate FCI at 2.72 million USD, operating costs at 1.09 million USD per year, and working capital at 0.57 million USD. Assuming a 20-year operational lifespan, the payback period is estimated at 6.09 years, as depicted by the cumulative cash flow diagram. Moreover, techno-economic analysis demonstrates a net present value (NPV) of 3.24 million USD at a 10% discount rate, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 22.73%, and a return on investment (ROI) of 34.39%. These positive outcomes underscore the robust profitability of the proposed acetophenone production plant derived from lignin. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis on the IRR indicates that increasing the production capacity could further enhance profitability, reaffirming the feasibility of the plant’s operation. Crucially, this study highlights the potential for sustainable and economically viable production of acetophenone, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to toxic octane boosters and advancing the development of sustainable fuel additives. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Citation

Ng, Z. W., Yeoh, K. Y., Hafyan, R. H., Putranto, A., Horri, B. A., Zein, S. H., Rhamdhani, M. A., Aziz, M., & Butar, I. (in press). Techno-economic analysis of production of octane booster components derived from lignin. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-05255-w

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 24, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 16, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jan 31, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 6, 2024
• Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery
• Print ISSN: 2190-6815
• Electronic ISSN: 2190-6823
• Publisher: Springer (part of Springer Nature)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-05255-w
• Keywords: Process design; Octane booster; Techno-economic; Lignin; Biomass
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4530798