Technological Assessment on Steam Reforming Process of Crude Glycerol to Produce Hydrogen in an Integrated Waste Cooking-Oil-Based Biodiesel Production Scenario

Abstract

The current scenario of society is to produce fuel from renewable energy resources. The purpose of this research work is to develop an integrated approach for glycerol valorization and biodiesel production. Employing a range of methodologies widely used in the industry, technical analysis and assessments of the process’s applicability in real-world situations are also made. The integrated process plant is simulated using Aspen Plus®. Several different sensitivity analyses are carried out to describe the process that improves efficiency and are designed to maximize hydrogen recovery from the reforming section. The integrated process results are compared with several existing standalone biodiesel production processes. Additionally, the results are verified with the theoretical studies on glycerol valorization. The outcomes of the process plant simulation reveal coherent results with the current industrial standards for the two processes. The results show that the amount of glycerol produced (stream 7) is 60.72 kmol/h in mass flow rate, this translates to 7272.74 kg/h. The hydrogen produced is 488.76 kmol/h and, in mass flow rate, this translates to 985.3 kg/h. The total yield of hydrogen produced is around 13%. The biodiesel yield is at 92.5%. It shows a realistic recovery that would be attained if the process is implemented, contrary to theoretical studies.