Biofuels and particularly ethanol, have received a dramatic increase in attention as an alternative fuel source as crude oil prices continue to rise. Ethanol may be produced from a number of feedstocks including sugar cane and corn. This paper explores the application of RO processes in producing process water for ethanol refineries in the US. The concentrate management strategies discussed here include discharging to a municipal wastewater treatment plant, discharge to a evaporation ponds and surface water receiving stream, and a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system. The information presented here shows how concentrate disposal processes were tailored to meet the specific needs and limitations of three different industrial locations and may provide guidance for future engineers and users.
This presentation is available to AMTA Members only.
Speaker
- Jonathan Brant, PhD, PE
Company
- HDR Engineering, Inc.
Event
- AMTA Biennial Conference, Las Vegas, NV
Session
- Posters
Date
- 07/23/07
Media
Keywords
- Ethanol, RO, concentrate management, ZLD
Reference
- 9641-DP215