Integrated multiproduct biorefinery from Ricinus communis in Mexico: Conceptual design, evaluation, and optimization, based on environmental and economic aspects

Currently, biorefineries require production of multiple value-added bioproducts to compete with oil -derived products. Castor oil, extracted from the Ricinus communis plant, is a valuable biorefinery feedstock for producing a wide range of biochemical products, besides biofuels. However, the castor oil biorefinery requires further investigation to determine its feasibility. The aims were to make the conceptual design and the environmental and economic evaluation of an integrated multiproduct biorefinery based on castor oil plant in the Mexican context. Four different scenarios were analyzed. Azelaic, sebacic, and undecylenic acids, biodiesel, heat, and power were the major marketable products. An optimization approach allowed upgrading both economic and environmental performances, resulting in a more sustainable process design. The optimal results indicated that 42 % of castor oil is used for biodiesel, 38 % for azelaic acid, 7 % for undecylenic acid, and 13 % for sebacic acid. The main novelty of this work is the optimal design of a biorefinery for the multi -production of biopharmaceutical products in a sustainable way, using Ricinus communis, an abundant biomass in Mexico, replacing the consumption of fossil resources.