Modeling of bio-methanol production from chicken manure using aspen plus® simulation

Methanol was considered an alternative energy source due to its various applicability and high octane. As a fuel, it releases low emissions, and shows high performance and low risk of flammability. Other than that, from previous study it’s just compare with the same processes. In this research, three continuous bio-methanol processes with production capacity of 50,000 kg per year, including gasification, pyrolysis and integrated gasification and pyrolysis using chicken manure as the raw material, were simulated in Aspen Plus®. Process economics were analyzed using Aspen In-Plant Cost Estimator. The integrated gasification and pyrolysis process using chicken manure had the highest total capital investment, but the supercritical process was the most economically feasible overall, providing a lower manufacturing cost and higher net present value and a discounted cash flow rate of return. While the specific manufacturing cost and the specific investment cost were calculated at the range of US$ 312,000 and 1500–2800 kW−1, respectively. Furthermore, the infrastructure investment cost was estimated to be in the US $ 6,012,000 million with the specific cost for one unit in the range of US$ 1800–3500 kW−1. The results obtained are comparable with other studies.