Publication details

Title	The Total Site Approach as a Synthesis Tool for the Selection of Valorization Paths in Lignocellulosic Biorefineries
Document Type	Article
Year	2014
Authors	Stefanakis, M.E., Pyrgakis, K.A., Mountraki, A.D., Kokossis, A.C.
Source	Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, vol.33, p.1567-1572
Keywords	Biorefinery; Lignocellulosic; Pinch Analysis; Process Integration; Total Site Analysis
Abstract	This paper deploys Total Site Analysis as a process synthesis methodology for the valorization and selection of chemical paths in order to integrate under studied biorefineries. As a results, it is able to screen numerous and complex candidate chemical paths and select the best integrated product portfolios. The methodology offers the rules to collocate and integrate plants together securing the feasible margins of maximum energy efficiency and sustainability of the biorefinery. The proposed methodology applied to integrate a lignocellulosic biorefinery converting biomass to three chemical intermediates: Lignin, C5 and C6 Sugars. Then, a set of chemical paths is branched to convert these intermediates to the final products through 8 chemical paths. The purpose of this process synthesis approach is to valorize and select the best integrated combination of plants that subject to minimum energy consumption and offer the highest energy savings. As a result, the methodology offered high reduction to the energy consumption and high energy savings of up to 83.3. % and 84.4. % of heating and cooling duties, respectively. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.
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