Designing integrated biorefineries using process systems engineering tools

Abstract

Biorefinery concept is now well established as an attractive production system for effectively converting lignocellulosic biomass. Sustainable design of biorefinery processes requires considering multiple criteria to analyze the performance of biorefinery from different perspectives. The focus of this chapter is on introducing a systematic methodology for designing integrated biorefineries using process systems engineering tools, which include market analysis, techno-economic assessment, cost accounting, energy integration analysis, life-cycle assessment, supply chain analysis, as well as a multi-criteria decision-making framework to put forward the most effective biorefinery strategies that fulfill the needs of the forest industry. The proposed methodology, aggregating the impacts into sustainability scores, is illustrated through a case study consisting of evaluating the potential of implementing black liquor lignin recovery process or fast pyrolysis within a Canadian softwood Kraft pulp mill with an annual pulp production capacity of approximately 330,000 air-dry-tons. These options are focusing on producing one to two types of Phenol Formaldehyde resins based on functional group and/or molecular structure modifications of recovered lignin.