Integrated design, analysis and optimization of chemical production from biomass feedstocks

Biomass processing has been identified as a promising source of energy that can replace the use of fossil fuels in the near future. It can be used to produce both high-volume and low-value fuels and high-value but low volume chemicals. The priority for the development of variate fine chemicals from biomass feedstock stepped-up over the changing time. US Department of energy have suggested some top-value platform chemicals derived from biomass which include levulinic acid, succinic acid, glycerol, furans, etc. The idea of bio-refinery has been proposed that uses different conversion technologies to produce multiple products. Bio-based product acceptance in the market depends on the competitiveness of economics and sustainability when compared to oil-based chemicals and products. This work focuses on the development and design of economical routes for the production of various chemicals by utilizing all the components of biomass by using different process systems engineering tools such as techno-economic and life cycle analysis. First, different hydrolysis processes are identified and compared using the tools mentioned above. Then, the hydrolysis process is integrated with the production of p-Xylene. Next, promising chemicals such as butadiene, surfactants, jet-fuels, and lubricants are designed, simulated, and integrated with the production of p-Xylene. Lignin produced is then used to produce high-value polymers which is also integrated with the other processes to map a fully functional bio-refinery. Alternative biomass such as food waste is also explored for producing these chemicals and fuels. Finally, multi-objective optimization is used to develop an optimal bio-refinery configuration considering economic and environmental parameters with regards to supply, demand and process uncertainties.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical reference