Optimal Design of Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) Production using alternative Carbon Sources

Abstract

In this work, we propose a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model to determine the optimal flowsheet and raw material for the production of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) from different carbon sources, namely, crude glycerol (with the possibility to be purified), cassava starch and sugarcane. The objective function is Net Present Value. Model equality constraints include mass and energy balances, and detailed capital cost for process equipment; while inequality constraints include product specifications and operating bounds on process units. The resulting MINLP model has 3167 continuous variables, 13 discrete variables and 3079 constraints. The proposed model constitutes a powerful tool to shortlist PHB production pathways with higher economic potential looking forward to the improvement of biopolymer production using alternative carbon sources and process schemes.