TECHNOLOGICAL ASPECTS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT IN THE EFFICIENCY OF A DISTILLERY

Abstract

This work analyzed two technological alternatives for the production of ethanol with the implementation of processes analysis techniques looking for increasing energy efficiency in ethanol distilleries. A simulation method in Excel, using mass balances and energy to consider the fundamental factors determining energy efficiency was developed. The application was used to evaluate the current conditions of the distillery "Jesus Rabi" located in the province of Matanzas and two technology alternatives. The design allows the simulation of the obtaining process of ethanol and so to determine the behavior of indicators of interest. According to the preliminary economic analysis, all alternatives are technically and economically feasible with TIR higher than the interest rate used and the PRC the 3,45 years for both alternatives.