TECHNOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVES TO REDUCE THE VOLUME OF VINASSES FROM THE ALCOHOL INDUSTRY AND ITS TREATMENT

Abstract

In this paper, two technological alternatives were analyzed for the production of ethanol in order to diminish the vinasse volume at the exit of the distilling column. Also environmental effects and energy efficiency of the process were discussed, making a proposal for the treatment of residuals. A simulation model was elaborated in Microsoft Excel using process analysis techniques. By means of mass and energy balances, actual process behavior and its technological changes were simulated. The alternatives proposed of adding a bottom reboiler to the distilling column and to recirculate vinasses to the molasses dilution tank decrease the flow obtained at the bottom of the distilling column, showing the best results when combining the alternatives. The alternatives are economically feasible, they obtain higher IRR (Rate of return on investment) than the interest rate used, and the investment is recovered in less than four years, showing liquidity.