Abstract
A thermochemical processing route from biomass residues
to light olefins (ethylene and propylene) is assessed by
means of process simulation and cost analysis. A two-step
process chain is proposed where (1) biomass residues are
first converted to synthetic methanol in a gasification
plant situated close to feedstock resources and (2) the
produced methanol is transported to a steam cracking site
where it is further converted in a methanol to olefins
(MTO) plant. Possibilities for heat and product
integration as well as equipment sharing with a steam
cracking plant are discussed. Overall mass yields from
dry biomass to light olefins range from 169 to 203 kg/t.
Based on cursory capital cost estimates, the maximum
methanol purchase price for such integrated MTO plants is
estimated to be in the range of 420-450 /t.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 63-74 |
| Journal | Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |
| MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- biomass
- gasification
- methanol
- olefins
- biofuels
