Comparative Study on Techno-Economic Analysis for Various Organosolv Fractionation of Bagasse in Thailand

Process simulation is a crucial tool for conducting techno-economic analyses of biomass fractionation processes, providing insights into technical and economic aspects to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the viability of production. This study focuses on the development and comparison of three scenarios based on organosolv fractionation methods. The mass balance analysis revealed significant differences in product yields, with scenario 2 achieving the highest cellulose (7,240.23 kg/day) and lignin (900.13 kg/day) outputs, scenario 3 showing a balanced profile with high hemicellulose recovery (2,959.81 kg/day), and Scenario 1 offering moderate outputs for cellulose and lignin. Economic evaluation indicated that scenario 3 was the most cost-efficient, driven by reduced operating costs, while scenario 1 had the highest total capital and operating expenses. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated minimal variability across scenarios but highlighted the need to study product pricing and future returns. Toxicity evaluation identified scenarios 1 and 3 as safer options due to the lower hazard classification of chemicals used compared to scenario 2. Overall, Scenario 3 emerged as the most favorable for cost-efficient and safe production of cellulose and lignin, supporting its potential for industrial-scale applications.