Life-cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of the production of wood vinegar from Eucommia stem: a case study

Abstract

This research undertook a case study of the life-cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of the slow pyrolysis of Eucommia stem for the production of wood vinegar and activated carbon. The results showed that the production of one ton of wood vinegar via the slow pyrolysis of Eucommia stem show comparatively low global warming potential (2.37 × 10² kg CO₂ eq), primary energy demand (3.16 × 10³ MJ), acidification potential (2.19 kg SO₂ eq), antimony depletion potential (3.86 × 10^?4 kg antimony eq), and ozone depletion potential (7.46 × 10^?6 kg CFC-11 eq) and was more environmentally friendly than the production of dilute acetic acid (12 wt %) via petrochemical routes. Meanwhile, the total capital investment, total product cost, and cash flowsheet were provided in the techno-economic analysis. Then, the net present value, internal rate of return, and dynamic payback period of the production process were evaluated. The findings indicated that while this production process is cost-effective, it might not be economically attractive or could generate investment risks. An increase in the added value of the wood vinegar and the activated carbon could remarkably improve the economic feasibility of this production process.