Produção de ácido adípico e ácido glucônico a partir da catálise química da glicose

Abstract

Adipic acid is a very important monomer for the chemical industry, as it is mainly used for the production of polyamide 6,6 (nylon 6,6), and also other polymers that are raw-materials for food and beverage industries, textiles, cosmetics, among others. Its production on an industrial scale can occur via chemical, biological and hybrid routes, however, currently most of its production is carried out through petroleum-derived routes, which release a large amount of NOx gases into the environment. The study carried out for the decision of the route and construction of the project of this present work includes an analysis of the possibility of a more sustainable process and its economic viability. Therefore, an alternative chemical route was chosen, in which adipic acid will be produced by the catalytic oxidation of glucose to glucaric acid and subsequent hydrodeoxygenation of glucaric acid to adipic acid. This process was developed and patented by Rennovia. Furthermore, the first catalysis involves the production of gluconic acid, an oxidation intermediate that has extreme relevance for the market, mainly in food and cosmetics industries. This compound will be commercialized as a second AG Green product. The industrial unit will be implemented in the city of São Bernardo do Campo, in the state of São Paulo, due to its strategic positioning not only regarding the purchase of the main raw materials, but also the internal and external demand for the product. The project comprises a simulation, flowchart and dimensioning of the process, mass and energy balances, and also a comparative economic feasibility analysis for the implementation of the project in 2023 and 2025, considering the forecast of the Selic rate. The present enterprise presents a financial return of the investment in 15 years if implemented in 2023 and 10 years if implemented in 2025, thus showing greater attractiveness for the implementation in 2025.