Modeling, simulation and techno-economic analysis of soybean oil extraction processes with green solvents aiming at biofuel production

• Grant number: 24/16967-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Jean Felipe Leal Silva
• Grantee: Matheus Juan Jacomini
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The climate crisis demands more sustainable solutions to replace the demand for fossil fuels. In this context, soybean oil emerges as a great ally as it is the raw material for biodiesel and green diesel (HVO). However, one of the process options for extracting oil from soybeans uses hexane, a non-renewable solvent. In order to guarantee a more sustainable process, this undergraduate project aims to develop and optimize the soybean oil extraction process using green solvents, as a sustainable alternative to conventional solvents, with a focus on the production of vegetable oil compatible with the production of biofuels. Process modeling and simulation will be carried out with the aim of predicting the behavior of the recovery system and identifying the best operating conditions. Techno-economic aspects will be evaluated, considering extraction efficiency, costs involved and financial viability. The analysis will include comparison with the traditional solvent extraction method, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of using green solvents. The expected result is a more sustainable and competitive methodology for producing biodiesel from soybean oil.