Process modeling and simulation for butanol removing from fermentation broth by extraction with biodiesel

Abstract The present paper evaluates the feasibility of a process flowsheet for butanol bioproduction, as pure compound or as a blend with the biodiesel used as the liquid-liquid extraction (LLEx) solvent. In order to evidence this aspect, a modeling and simulation study was performed using Aspen Hysys commercial simulator. Process simulation results evidenced specific (per ton of butanol separated) power consumption of 22.5 kW/t and hot and cold utility specific consumptions were in power equivalences of 3.4 MW and 2.6 MW respectively. In order to achieve a feasible extraction process of biobutanol from the fermentative broth, a specific quantity of 1.125 t/t biodiesel (recovered as a blend) was required.