Analysis of the Reflux Ratio on the Batch Distillation of Bioethanol Obtained from Lignocellulosic Residue

Aiming for sustainable and low-cost production, bioethanol production using lignocellulosic wastes, such as sugarcane bagasse and waste from banana crops, has been extensively explored. The recovery step is usually carried out during the distillation process and is challenging, particularly regarding energy issues. This study aimed to evaluate the bioethanol recovery from banana culture waste as a function of the reflux ratio in a process employing a batch distillation column. Tests were performed using a standard mixture of ethanol and water and using total reflux and ratios 0.5, 1 and 2. As expected, the best result was obtained with the highest reflux ratio, and it was under this condition that the broth obtained from the fermentation process was distilled. The maximum ethanol t in the distillate was 67% (wt%), which is less than the 93% composition that was obtained using the standard mixture; however, this is a promising result because inferior values are typically obtained in distilleries using a single column. Also, this value is close to others reported in literature for bioethanol distillation obtained with different residues and higher reflux ratio. Batch distillation is appropriate and feasible for implementation in the production of bioethanol from banana waste in small production units intended for the production of biofuels, beverages or commercial alcohol.