Techno-economic evaluation of the production of polyesters from glycerol and adipic acid

In this paper we conceptually design and scale up a process for the production of polyesters out of glycerol to be integrated within biodiesel production facilities. Experimental data for the polycondensation reaction and process simulation tools (CHEMCAD and gPROMS) are used to perform a techno-economic analysis of the production of polyesters from glycerol and adipic acid. The plant is flexible for the production of two grades of polyesters, solid and liquid types. The process consists of glycerol purification, polycondensation reaction, and, for the solid polymer, monomers recovery. The solid polymer is also used as adsorbent to purify the biodiesel obtained in the adjacent plant that serves the glycerol. The analysis reveals that the production is economically feasible, with a production cost for the polyester of 1.7 (sic)/kg, providing good asset out of the glycerol based on current market prices for these resins. (C) 2014 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.