Process modeling of the Quick-germ/Quick-fiber process: Energy, water, and economics

A process simulation model was developed on the SuperPro Designer® platform for a Quick-germ/Quick-fiber (QQ) modified dry grind ethanol fractionation facility. This paper compares energy and water demands, product quality, and economic performance between the QQ and the dry grind ethanol processes. Results showed that the QQ process reduces energy demand by 31.6% and water demand by 17.9%, produces more value-added coproducts, and improves the economic viability. The QQ process has a lower ethanol yield (0.405 vs. 0.414 L of ethanol per kg of corn) because of starch loss at the front-end separation. This model can be used to provide decision support for ethanol producers considering the new emerging technology.

► A process simulation model is built for the Quick-germ/Quick-fiber (QQ) process.
► The paper compares the process performance between the QQ and dry grind processes.
► The QQ process reduces the energy and water demands for ethanol production.
► The QQ process improves the economic performance.