Modelling of Liquid-Liquid Equilibria Using NRTL and UNIFAC Equations in the Extraction of Bio-Oil-Based Phenolics Produced from the Pyrolysis of Sugarcane Bagasse

Abstract

An exploration on renewable energy resources has been paid more attention due to the depletion of the fossil-based energy resource. In addition, their safe and environmentally friendly properties have attracted experts’ interest. One of the renewable energy resources is the bio-oil produced from sugarcane bagasse. The bio-oil was produced through a pyrolysis at 500°C. However, the produced bio-oil showed a high content of phenolics, c.a. 40-60%. A liquid-liquid extraction to remove the phenolics using methanol-chloroform solvents would be beneficial to improve the stability of the bio-oil as well as to obtain high purity phenolics. Modelling of the liquid-liquid equilibria in the extraction was then developed using NRTL and UNIFAC equations. The empirical quantitative data of phase equilibrium system were calculated on both the extract and raffinate phases. The lowest RMSD value of 0.043160 was obtained from the calculations using NRTL equation at an extraction temperature of 50°C. Thus, the most suitable model was achieved using NRTL equation.