Steady State Analysis and Optimization of a Continuous Reactor for Acid Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass

Abstract

The problem of modelling, operation and optimization of a dilute acid pretreatment reactor for lignocellulosic biomass is addressed. A continuous reactor model is developed based on rigorous mass and energy balances, including a complete kinetic mechanism. The process design and operation are studied through steady state and dynamic analysis, together with an optimization problem that maximizes the reaction rates of the sugar production and of lignin elimination. The sugarcane bagasse as lignocellulosic biomass is considered as case study. The results are presented in terms of yields of fermentable sugars and reaction times, defining operating ranges for an efficient continuous process. The methodology also gives guidelines to: improve experimental design, optimize the operating conditions and control the pretreatment process; reducing costs and effort of research and development.