VALORIZATION OF THE HYDROUS ETHANOL DISTILLATION HEADS BY THE RECOVERY OF HIGH VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS

Abstract

Introduction:
Bioethanol production generates by-products such as "distillation heads," which are rich in valuable compounds (ethyl acetate, acetaldehyde, among others) that are currently wasted.
Objective:
To evaluate, through the development and validation of simulation models, the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of three technologies for transforming hydrous ethanol distillation heads into high-value products.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted using Aspen HYSYS V14 simulations, employing the NRTL property package for technologies A (equilibrium reactor esterification) and C (catalytic dehydrogenation), while the Wilson thermodynamic model was used for technology B (reactive distillation). The composition of the distillation heads was evaluated, and mass and energy balances were performed for each technology. Additionally, economic indicators were analyzed to determine financial viability. Finally, residual streams and potential for utilization were identified.
Results and Discussion:
Technology A (equilibrium reactor esterification) achieved the highest purity of ethyl acetate (˃ 90%), though it required high acetic acid consumption, increasing operational costs. Technology B (reactive distillation) demonstrated a 27% reduction in acetic acid consumption compared to technology A. However, Technology C (catalytic dehydrogenation) stood out as the most profitable, outperforming the other alternatives in economic viability.
Conclusions:
Technology C (catalytic dehydrogenation) is the most economically viable option due to its high profitability, as reflected in financial indicators. On the other hand, technology A (equilibrium reactor esterification) proved most effective in product quality, achieving more than 90% ethyl acetate´s purity.