Process Intensification and Circular Economy

Abstract

Process intensification is a valuable strategy to enhance the performance of production processes. It may allow reductions in costs and environmental impact, and enhancements in terms of operability and safety. Although the PI philosophy and methodology have a relatively long history in the scientific field, the ideas of this philosophy fit well with the current trends of sustainability and circular economy; since both ideas, in short, seek the reduction of resource use, the reduction of waste, and the continuous and circular use of raw materials. To ensure the sustainability of biofuel purification, it is important to develop processes with low environmental impact, which can also be allowed through the development of intensified technologies. This chapter presents how the intensification of processes is directly related to sustainability, circular economy, and the principles of green chemistry. Finally, a summary of the intensified technologies for obtaining liquid biofuels is shown.