Pilot study of synthesis of nanocrystalline cellulose using waste biomass via ASPEN plus simulation

Abstract

A study on pilot scale nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) production from agricultural waste biomass has been conducted to determine its feasibility. Current technologies and availability of raw materials was examined and processes that are suitable are incorporated towards the design of a pilot plant. The overall process is displayed as a flow sheet and material and energy balances for the process with a plant-wide simulation using Aspen Plus software was conducted. The product, nanocrystalline cellulose was produced by using acid hydrolysis and is capable of achieving 98% of purity. Moreover, the scenario analysis which analyses base, best and worst case for economics of the plant is also conducted along with a breakeven analysis in every case. From the economic analysis for base case, the total capital investment for the plant will be RM 107,601,898 and annual production rate will be 25,000 tonnes. By assuming that mass production will decrease the price of NCC currently, the price of NCC is set at RM 5772 with a ROI of 23%/year and 4.34 years for the payback period. The annual net profit will be RM 24,812,768.04 after including the total operating cost of RM 111,651,621.

Keywords

• NCC
• Waste biomass
• Aspen plus
• Nanomaterial