Green Propylene and Polypropylene Production from Glycerol: Process Simulation and Economic Evaluation

To reduce dependence on fossil fuels in Brazil, biodiesel production has grown in recent years, resulting a large surplus of glycerol, which is obtained as a byproduct. Therefore, it is essential to seek new applications so that glycerol can be more efficiently used and add value to the biodiesel production chain. Based on this scenario, this work aims to carry out a technical economic feasibility analysis regarding the process of transforming glycerol into propylene by hydrogenolysis and the subsequent polymerization of this product into atactic homopolymer polypropylene. To fulfill this objective, computer simulations of these processes were performed in Aspen Plus v8.8, with the support of information available in the literature. Glycerol hydrogenolysis showed high production costs when compared to other propylene production routes. The polymerization process proved to be economically viable, but its integration with the hydrogenolysis process generated polypropylene with an uncompetitive price compared to the price found in the market. The main problems for the viability of this route were identified as the large excess of hydrogen necessary for the hydrogenolysis reaction and the high costs of glycerol and effluent disposal.

Automated summary

In order to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, biodiesel production in Brazil has increased, leading to a surplus of glycerol as a byproduct. This study aims to assess the technical and economic feasibility of converting glycerol into propylene through hydrogenolysis and subsequent polymerization into atactic homopolymer polypropylene. Computer simulations using Aspen Plus v8.8 and literature information were employed. Glycerol hydrogenolysis showed high production costs compared to other propylene production routes. The polymerization process was economically viable, but integrating it with the hydrogenolysis process resulted in polypropylene with a price disadvantage compared to the market price due to the large excess of hydrogen required for the hydrogenolysis reaction and the high costs of glycerol and effluent disposal.