Flowsheet analysis of gasification-synthesis-refining for sustainable aviation fuel production from invasive alien plants

Abdul M. Petersen, Farai Chireshe, Johann F. Gorgens and Johan Van Dyk

Energy, 2022, vol. 245, issue C

Abstract: The study assessed the potential for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from invasive alien plants (IAPs), which threaten indigenous biodiversity and water resources. Flowsheet analysis of various gasification-Fischer-Tropsch and refining (GFT-R) scenarios using Aspen Plus was followed by economic models, to calculate the minimum product prices. When comparing low-pressure, high-pressure gasification, and combined systems; a similar minimum syncrude selling price (MSSP) of 284 US$/bbl was attained (±1%). However, high-pressure gasification was most efficient at 49%. When considering integrated refining, scaling the feedstock from 38 to 114 tonne/h decreased process costs by 36%, resulting in a minimum aviation fuel selling prices (MAFSP) of 2.14 US$/L. Including alcohol and H2 recovery from FT side-streams may reduce the MAFSP to 2.05 US$/L. Assuming a SAF premium of 2.2 US$/L allowed for biomass to be delivered at factory gate for as high as 96 U$/tonne. The feasibility of co-processing hydrotreated syncrude in a conventional oil refinery was also investigated by comparing the gross product worth (GPW) of syncrude/crude oil blend to the MSSP. Co-processing was not economically viable as the GPW of the blend was only a 3rd of the MSSP. Thus, conventional refineries must be modified to accommodate syncrude.

Keywords: Co-processing; Gasification; Invasive alien plants; Fischer-tropsch refining; Sustainable aviation fuel; Syncrude (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:245:y:2022:i:c:s036054422200113x

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2022.123210

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