Propylene glycol from glycerol: Process evaluation and break-even price determination

• Published in: Renewable energy Vol. 158; pp. 181 - 191
• Main Authors: Jiménez, Roberto X., Young, André F., Fernandes, Heloisa L.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2020
• Subjects: Glycerol; Hydrogen; Process simulation; Propylene glycol; Reforming; Glycerol; Propylene glycol; Reforming; Hydrogen; Process simulation
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.05.126

Propylene glycol can be produced from the hydrogenolysis of glycerol. If hydrogen comes from a renewable source, the produced propylene glycol can be considered completely renewable. The objective of this work is to perform a technical and economic evaluation of a propylene glycol production process which uses glycerol as the main raw material. Two possibilities regarding the hydrogen source are explored: it may come from an external source or be produced locally. It is shown that the break-even price of the partially renewable propylene glycol is lower than the market price of propylene glycol, which indicates that this process is economically viable. It is also shown that the price of hydrogen produced via steam reforming is not competitive with its price if produced by other sources. Consequently, the fully renewable propylene glycol production process yields a lower profit, but it is still viable and depends on the market. •Propylene glycol production from glycerol is simulated in Aspen HYSYS®.•Hydrogen can also be produced from glycerol.•Is it economically viable to produce a fully renewable PG from glycerol?•Economic parameters were carefully selected from literature and market.•Technical aspects are rigorously considered.