Economic and sustainability evaluation of green CO2-assisted propane dehydrogenation design

Abstract

Oxidative dehydrogenation of propane using CO₂ (ODPC) is among the most investigated on-purpose processes to meet the increased propylene demand, due to the necessity to reduce CO₂ emissions. In this context, the present work simulated an ODPC reactor integrated with chemical looping combustion (CLC) of biogas, which provides the necessary heat, and CO₂ capture technology in Aspen Plus. The simulation was evaluated based on economic and sustainability criteria. In addition, a kinetic model was proposed and validated for a sufficient range of operation. It was possible to achieve net present value (NPV) of -14.86 10⁶ US$, over a 15-year operational period, based on current carbon pricing policies. However, the potential profitability of the process was demonstrated by investigating the effects of more favorable carbon credit policies, with an increase from 50 to 120 US$ tCO₂eq^-1 resulting in a NPV of 164.15 10⁶ US$ and 4 years payback period.