Development of Physical and Chemical Processes to Increase the Efficiency of Concentration of Vinasse’s Solids

Abstract

Each year, ethanol production is increasing in Brazil, consequently, the generation of byproducts as well. Among these, the vinasse stands out. With polluting power a hundred times greater than domestic sewage and high concentration of minerals, vinasse is generated in large volumes. Because of these characteristics, it is widely used in fertirrigation. However, it is composed of about 97% water, inflating the cost of the transport from the plant to the field. For these reasons, removing water from the vinasse and the consequent concentration of solids is an alternative management and application of this by-product. This project aimed to analyze the efficiency of various physical and chemical processes in the removal of water from the vinasse.