Full text
| |
| Author(s): |
Kelvin André Pacheco
Total Authors: 1
|
| Document type: | Doctoral Thesis |
| Press: | São Paulo. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Politécnica (EP/BC) |
| Defense date: | 2023-06-29 |
| Examining board members: |
Rita Maria de Brito Alves;
Goutham Kotamreddy;
Christos Maravelias
|
| Advisor: | Rita Maria de Brito Alves |
| Abstract | |
The perspective on carbon dioxide (CO2) from being considered a waste product to a valuable resource with potential as a carbon source and alternative to fossil fuels is explored. Carbon Dioxide Utilization (CDU) focuses on advancing carbon capture and storage technologies, developing strategies for recycling CO2 into energy vectors and chemical intermediates, and evaluating the potential of CO2-derived products. By using CO2 as a carbon building block, chemicals can be produced with competitive costs and reduced environmental impact. Adopting alternative feedstocks, such as CO2, can bring disruptive changes to the industry. CO2 can be integrated into the existing chemical industry through fundamental chemicals like methanol or as a potential C1 building block. When evaluating a CDU technology, factors such as emission reduction potential, thermodynamic restrictions, and commercial viability should be considered. To address the challenge of evaluating CO2 utilization technologies and identifying promising products, a systematic approach is developed using a Multi-criteria decision analysis. Specific criteria for carbon dioxide conversion are established, and a three-level assessment is applied to select the most suitable products based on economic viability, technological maturity, and scientific significance. Dimethyl carbonate, dimethyl ether, and acetic acid are identified as favorable products, with further process design studies recommended. An innovative process for acetic acid production from CO2 using the methanol hydrocarboxylation route is developed, incorporating adjustments in feedstock, temperature, pressure ranges, and efficient separation units. The study contributes to the field of process synthesis for converting CO2 into high-value products, addressing the scarcity of literature data on acetic acid production processes. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation of CO2 conversion into methanol and dimethyl ether is conducted. A framework for optimizing chemical plants is proposed, considering both the total annualized cost and resulting CO2 emissions from utility usage. Simplified models, particularly neural networks, accurately represented plant behavior, enabling efficient optimization. Optimization efforts in the processes have yielded positive outcomes in terms of both economic and environmental perspectives. The reduction in total annualized cost demonstrates improved financial efficiency, while the decrease in CO2 equivalent emissions signifies a commendable step towards environmental sustainability. Overall, this thesis provides valuable insights into utilizing CO2 as a valuable resource, optimizing chemical plant operations, and driving the industry towards more sustainable and efficient practices. Further research and development in these areas will contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 17/26683-8 - Evaluation of CO2 conversion processes in chemical products integrated with thermoelectric power plants |
| Grantee: | Kelvin André Pacheco |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate |