Multi-objective Optimization of Supercritical Water Gasification of Leftover Brazilian Ginseng Roots After Phytochemical Recovery Steps

The present study aims at studying the supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of the leftover Brazilian ginseng roots after phytochemicals extraction for synthetic natural gas (SNG) production, envisioning the development of a promising Brazilian ginseng roots valorization route using sub/supercritical fluids in different steps. A multi-objective energetic-economic-environmental optimization of the proposed SCWG process was assessed through the use computational simulation tools. The results showed that for a given leftover biomass input of 20MW a specific cost of 62-66 USD/MWh of SNG is obtained, which is higher than the average price in Brazilian market. On the other hand, the production process of SNG from this residue showed to be a promising option, being energetically self-sufficient and environmentally friendly. In order to become more economically attractive this alternative process we proposed the construction of the SCWG and the sub/supercritical extraction units in the same location, sharing part of the same high-pressure equipments