Economic assessment for the production of 1,2-Propanediol from bioglycerol hydrogenolysis using molecular hydrogen or hydrogen donor molecules

The 1,2‐propanediol can be obtained from bio‐glycerol through hydrogenolysis reactions. The hydrogen required in the process can be supplied using high molecular hydrogen pressure or hydrogen donor molecules, formic acid being the most attractive donor. An economical assessment of both alternatives for hydrogen supply was carried out. Results from the conceptual design of the 1,2‐propanediol purification process revealed that the separation of water from glycols is the most expensive step. The use of formic acid can be cost effective only if it is available at a price lower than 0.12 € kg−1 and high initial glycerol aqueous solutions are used. The formation of condensation products from highly concentrated glycerol solutions when using hydrogen donors needs to be avoided. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35:447–454, 2016