Conversion of rye straw into fuel and xylitol: a technical and economical assessment based on experimental data

▶ We model a plant that produce simultaneously ethanol and xylitol with Aspen Plus. ▶ We use experimental data about hot liquid water pretreatment of rye straw. ▶ The energy optimization is carried out by means of the pinch technology analysis. ▶ Production costs are calculated and an economical analysis is carried out. ▶ If the hemicellulose is transformed to xylitol, even small plants become profitable.