PROPORSAL FOR A BIODIESEL AND HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT ALCOHOLS PLANT FOR A SUGAR INDUSTRY

Abstract

Introduction:
The sugar industry in Cuba is undergoing a process of restructuring and resizing to achieve greater technological, economic, and ecological benefits, imposed by the current economic and environmental conditions. Proposals for biorefineries have been developed within the sugar industry, serving as a tool to reduce energy consumption and the discharge of polluting residues into the environment in industrial processes.
Objective:
To evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of producing biodiesel and high molecular weight alcohols from filter cake generated in sugar factory.
Materials and Methods:
An evaluation of different technologies was carried out, taking into account existing quality control standards for these products to be implemented in the factory. The feasibility was analyzed from an economic, environmental, and social perspective. The project was conducted by applying the methodology proposed by (Ramos, 2014). The technology outlined by (Albernas, 2007), which enables the production and/or development of biodiesel from filter cake, was suggested.
Results and Discussion:
It was determined that the best alternative evaluated is VI, which proposes the production of biodiesel, in batches with NaOH catalyst, on an industrial scale, with HMWA (High Molecular Weight Alcohols). Values of an IRR of 56%, with a payback period of 3.4 years and a ROR (Return on Investment Index) of $ 2 279 512.35 were reported.
Conclusions:
The proposed investment is economically feasible for the company, as it provides economic benefits.