A process intensification 4.0 approach to determine the feasibility and sustainability of producing biojet-fuel by alcohol to jet route. A case of study of Mexico

This paper explores the feasibility of producing biojet-fuel in Mexico using the Alcohol to Jet process as the base production technology. The work develops a mathematical model based on a process intensification 4.0 approach, which considers the modularization and decentralization of different parts of the process across various locations, with the aim of improving the sustainability of the process. Corn stover and sugarcane bagasse were considered as feedstocks. The mathematical model was formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming problem and solved through multi-objective optimization, focusing on maximizing net profit and social welfare while minimizing the environmental impact as measured by the Eco-indicator 99. This metrics evaluates economics, environmental and social issues. In addition, the generation of jobs calculated using the Jobs Economic Development Impact models and the CO2 emission were calculated as complementary metrics. The optimal solution consists of a net profit of -$485 million USD/year, an Eco-Indicator 99 value of approximately 1.75 billion ecopoints/year, social welfare valued at 367.19, the creation of 15,488 jobs annually, and CO2 emissions of 2.2 kg CO2 per kg of products. This solution proposes replacing up to 6.43% of jet fuel with a hybrid system that includes four complete refineries and two pretreatment depots.