Sustainable Process Synthesis, Design and Innovation of Bio-succinic Acid Production

Over the last decades, bio-succinic acid from renewable resources has gained significant attention as a precursor molecule for the synthesis of an array of other chemicals. The goal of this study is to obtain a novel process alternative for bio-succinic acid production, which is optimal and realistic in terms of process economics, implementation as well as environmental sustainability. Thereby, a hierarchical approach consisting of 3 stages: synthesis, design (& analysis) and innovation is used. In stage 1, a comprehensive superstructure is developed to systematically find the optimal processing route to produce bio-succinic acid. The proposed superstructure contains multiple process alternatives including different types of feedstock, pretreatment steps, fermentation technologies, and separation technologies all at acceptable technology readiness level (TRL). Based on the superstructure, a mixed-integer linear model was formulated. Once an optimal processing route is identified, then in stage 2, the selected process flowsheet is designed and analysed in detail. The primary goal at this stage is to identify process hotspots which enables to set design targets for further improvements. The identified process bottlenecks are then used in the 3rd stage where a phenomena-based synthesis methodology is applied, generating non-trade off and more sustainable process alternatives for producing bio-succinic acid.