(40a) Modeling and Simulation of 1,3-Butadiene Production Process from Lignin

1,3-butadiene is utilized in a wide range of industries such as healthcare, automotive, building and construction and consumer durables [1]. Almost all 1,3- butadiene is produced from steam cracking of heavy crude feedstock. As the cracker feedstock around the globe is trending towards the lighter feedstocks because of the less expansive ethane produced from shale gas, the sustained production of 1,3-butadiene in olefin plants is facing big challenges. As per the current market trends in North America and Europe, 1,3-butadiene production is expected to continue to decrease for next several years [2].

To reduce this gap between demand and supply of 1,3-butadiene, an alternative feedstock for butadiene production is required. In this research, we study the feasibility of using Lignin as an alternative source for 1,3-butadiene production via simulations. First, Lignin is gasified and converted to syngas. Then, the conversion of syngas to light olefins is studied in three different process alternatives depending on the catalyst used: (1) direct synthesis, (2) via dimethyl ether, and (3) via methanol. Finally, 1,3-butadiene is produced via isomerization/dehydrogenation of n-C4H4 [3]. The effect of process conditions on the feasibility, yield and economics of 1,3-butadiene are studied via steady state simulations in Aspen Plus. Meanwhile, dynamic simulations in Aspen Plus Dynamics are conducted to study the effect of feed fluctuations on the product.

References

1. 1,3 Butadiene (BD) Market Analysis by Application (Butadiene Rubber, ABS, SBR, SB Latex, NBR, Hexamethylenediamine), Bio-based Opportunities and Segment Forecasts To 2020.
2. The Continuing Quest for Butadiene by Jeffrey S. Plotkin.
3. Efficiency Estimation and Improvement of the 1,3-Butadiene Production Process from Lignin via Syngas through Process Simulation Toshiaki Hanaoka, Shinji Fujimoto, and Masaru Yoshida Energy & Fuels 2017 31 (11), 12965-12976.