Raw glycerol re-valuing through etherification with isobutylene: process design and techno-economical assessment

Identifier:  imarina:9138905

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9138905

Authors:  Lopez-Suarez, FE; Riveros-Riveros, DM; Cesteros, Y; Salagre, P

Abstract:
© 2020 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility to produce tert-butyl ethers of glycerol in Colombia using glycerol obtained from biodiesel production. The major drawback of this process is related to the high costs associated to the isobutylene reagent used for this reaction. Three possible scenarios, using isobutylene: glycerol molar ratios of 2:1 and 4:1, have been evaluated by simulation and techno-economical assessment using pure isobutylene, C4 fraction and a mixture of C4 and isobutylene as well as a refining stage for crude glycerol. The desired product, a mixture of di- and tri- ethers of glycerol (h-GTBE) was obtained in high amounts for the three scenarios (92–99 wt.%) and a direct relation between production cost and raw material cost was established. The prices for h-GTBE were higher than the proposed selling prices; however, the formation of byproduct (C4 fraction) can make the process competitive. h-GTBE production did not have a competitive price for any scenario at high isobutylene: glycerol molar ratio. The production price was lowered by around 20% for all scenarios when crude glycerol was considered. Finally, competitive price of h-GTBE (0.96 $/kg) and NPV positive was obtained using a mixture of C4 and isobutylene and crude glycerol.