Evaluation of concentration technologies in the design of biorefineries for the recovery of resources from vinasse

Author(s)

Peiter, Fernanda S. ^[1] ; Hankins, Nicholas P. ^[2] ; Pires, Eduardo C. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos Sch Engn EESC, Biol Proc Lab LPB, Ave Joao Dagnone 1100, BR-13563120 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Oxford, Dept Engn Sci, Parks Rd, Oxford OX3 1PJ - England

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: WATER RESEARCH; v. 157, p. 483-497, JUN 15 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

This article reports a study of five designs of vinasse biorefineries that incorporate anaerobic bioreactors followed by a concentration technology such as evaporation, reverse osmosis, or forward osmosis. Different techniques of draw solution regeneration - evaporation, reverse osmosis, and membrane distillation - were also analyzed. Exergy analysis, a method that evaluates the resource conversion efficiency of systems, was used to compare the alternatives. The results indicated that among the alternatives analyzed, the combination of anaerobic digestion and reverse osmosis presented the highest exergy efficiency (62%). However, evaporators were the most feasible in terms of costs. Both alternatives are interesting and the final choice depends on the technology available and local economy. In any case, the treatment of 491.76 m(3)/h of vinasse (exergy rate of 60513.8 kW) to recover 70% of water could reduce external water requirement by 66% and generate 28% additional electricity for the sugarcane plant. In this case, the water recovery could represent an economy of 8,490,435.76 USD/year for the Brazilian alcohol industry. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/06246-7 - Biorefinery concept applied to biological wastewater treatment plants: environmental pollution control coupled with material and energy recovery
• Grantee: Marcelo Zaiat
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants