(501c) Environmental-Techno-Economic Analyses of Biodiesel Production from Animal Fat Waste Using Hydrothermal Process

Producing fuel from human-generated waste presents a compelling path towards carbon neutrality. Hydrothermal conversion stands out as one of the most thermally efficient methods for biofuel production, significantly reducing the energy required for drying raw materials. This study employs hydrothermal processing to produce biodiesel, encompassing hydrothermal conversion, separation, and a utility area that includes wastewater treatment, heat and cooling sources. The bio-oil derived from this process is segregated into solids, liquids, and gases, where the liquid fraction further is distilled into gasoline, diesel, and heavy oil via a distillation column. The gaseous by-products are utilized as a heating source to enhance plant efficiency.

This study investigates the economic and environmental feasibility of hydrothermal pathway for biodiesel production from animal fat waste. Based on the process simulation using ASPEN Plus, the economic values such as return on investment (ROI), payback period (PBP) and minimum fuel selling prices (MFSPs) were calculated from total capital investment (TCI) and total production cost (TPC) to determine economic feasibility. Additionally, life cycle assessment (LCA) by using GREET was performed to quantify greenhouse gas emissions at the country level and to compare the environmental impact of conventional diesel and biodiesel. The findings from this study are expected to offer valuable insight into strategic decisions regarding biodiesel policy.