No abstract

This paper presents a multiobjective optimization model based on a mathematical programming formulation for the optimal planning of a biorefinery, considering the optimal selection of feedstock, processing technology, and a set of products. The multiobjective optimization problem simultaneously considers the profit maximization and the environmental impact minimization. The economic objective function takes into account the availability of bioresources, processing limits, and demand of products, as well as the costs of feedstocks, products, and processing routes. On the other hand, the environmental assessment includes the overall environmental impact measured through the eco-indicator-99 based on the life cycle analysis methodology. The proposed methodology generates a Pareto curve that identifies the set of optimal solutions for both objectives, and it is applied to a case study for planning the production of a biorefinery in Mexico.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Water hyacinth causes severe ecological problems in the infested water bodies. Several strategies have been proposed to eliminate this plant. Nevertheless, most of them have not been economically attractive. This paper proposes a general superstructure and a mathematical programming model for the sustainable elimination of water hyacinth through a distributed biorefining network. The proposed model optimizes the selection of the products, the siting and sizing for the processing facilities, and the selection of the markets, while accounting for technical and economic constraints. A case study for the central part of Mexico, where water hyacinth is a serious problem, is used to show the applicability of the proposed holistic approach. The results show that an optimally synthesized distributed biorefining network is capable of sustainable and economic elimination of water hyacinth from contaminated water bodies while generating value. Additionally, the results shown through Pareto curves allow the identification of a set of optimal solutions featuring trade-offs between economic and environmental objectives.

No abstract