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Bioethanol Production from Palm Biomass Residues and Techno-Economic Analysis Using Superpro Designer Software

Author

Listed:
  • Md Rahim Uddin

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Z. H. Sikder University of Science and Technology (ZHSUST), Shariatpur, 8024, Bangladesh.)

  • Shakila Akter

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Z. H. Sikder University of Science and Technology (ZHSUST), Shariatpur, 8024, Bangladesh.)

  • Naeem Hossain

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Z. H. Sikder University of Science and Technology (ZHSUST), Shariatpur, 8024, Bangladesh.)

  • M.M. Alam

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Z. H. Sikder University of Science and Technology (ZHSUST), Shariatpur, 8024, Bangladesh.)

Abstract

This study investigates ethanol production from palm biomass residues using SuperPro Designer software. Palm biomass, which resembles bamboo in structural properties, is largely underutilized despite being abundant in major palm oil-producing countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. Approximately 90% of palm biomass is wasted post-harvest. With cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents of 38.7%, 23.8%, and 19.4% respectively (dry weight basis), palm biomass presents a valuable feedstock for bioethanol. A process model was developed to produce 88 million gallons of ethanol annually from 1000 MT/day of feedstock. The estimated annual operating cost is 0.66/kg. Economic indicators such as return on investment and payback time were calculated using selling prices of 1.24/kg for ionic liquid. Ionic liquids, used during pretreatment, are recovered at rates of 95-98%. Lignin, produced at 630 MT/day, is not included in revenue projections but could significantly improve profitability if marketed.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Rahim Uddin & Shakila Akter & Naeem Hossain & M.M. Alam, 2025. "Bioethanol Production from Palm Biomass Residues and Techno-Economic Analysis Using Superpro Designer Software," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 12(6), pages 130-139, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bjc:journl:v:12:y:2025:i:6:p:130-139
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zabed, H. & Sahu, J.N. & Boyce, A.N. & Faruq, G., 2016. "Fuel ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass: An overview on feedstocks and technological approaches," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 751-774.
    2. Manochio, C. & Andrade, B.R. & Rodriguez, R.P. & Moraes, B.S., 2017. "Ethanol from biomass: A comparative overview," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 743-755.
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