Computational Implementation of Required Industrial Unit Operations for Bio-Plastic Production from Starch Extracted from Banana Peels by Aerobic Fermentation using Rizophus Oryzae

Abstract

In this research computer modeling was performed with the SuperPro Designer Software to simulate the industrial-scale production of poly-lactic acid using the Rizophus oryzae fungus. The previous to predict the higher output of poly-lactic acid from different strategies: in the first study, a PLA production of 5.56 (kg/h) was obtained with an operating cost of USD 121,722,644/year. Based on the results, improvements were made to the process. The first alternative resulted in a PLA production of 43.64 (kg/h) with a total operating cost of USD 37,356,085/year. The second improved significant differences in terms of the most massive production of PLA was 64.97 (kg/h), with an annual operating cost of USD 55,334,811 being the most promising to be carried on an industrial scale.