Technoeconomic Analysis of Dual Oil and Biochar Production from Creole Avocado in North-colombia

Abstract

Creole avocado (Laurus Persea L) presents a high potential of valorization since seed and pulp can be used for obtaining high value products. The fruit is composed of pulp, seed, and peel, the avocado pulp is used mainly for human consumption, but it can also be used to obtain oils, pastes, and creams, as it is rich in proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; the rest are generally discarded. The avocado seed has a composition rich in fatty acids, polyphenols, and alkaloids, which allows it to be used to obtain bioplastics, dyes, animal feed, among others. This part of the avocado represents approximately 16 % of the total weight of the fruit. In the present study, the production of oil and charcoal (biochar) from avocado pulp and seed, respectively, was economically evaluated. The process is new and untested with a useful life of 15 years, with a processing capacity of 10,500 t/y and a product flow of 1,505 t/y. A total capital investment of $ 7,699,270.14 was obtained and a recovery of the investment of 6.67 years. In addition, a cost-benefit ratio greater than 1 was obtained, indicating that the project should be considered because the benefits are greater than the costs.