Process Design for the Sustainable Production of Butyric Acid Using Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment

Abstract

Environmental pollution is gradually increasing owing to the increasing use of fossil fuels and fossil-derived chemicals. To overcome this issue, research on renewable and eco-friendly resources is being conducted. Biomass, which can replace fossil-based materials, has the advantages of high carbon efficiency and eco-friendliness. Therefore, we propose an integrated process for producing butyric acid, which is a precursor of biofuel, from white birch. Herein, cellulose is converted to butyric acid via fermentation. Furfural and adipic acid are produced as byproducts, thereby lowering the selling price of butyric acid. The designed process significantly lowers energy consumption through heat integration to ensure both environmental and economic feasibility. Techno-economic analysis was performed to determine the minimum selling price of butyric acid. The minimum selling price for various cases was obtained via sensitivity, pioneer plant, and uncertainty analyses. The minimum selling price was estimated to be $1570/ton. The market price of butyric acid was $1000-1800/ton, suggesting the feasibility of this process. Additionally, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted on the use of lignin, and factors affecting the environment were analyzed.