Simulation of concentration and incineration as an alternative for vinasses treatment

In the present work the possibility of the concentration and incineration of the vinasse obtained in a Cuban rum factory was evaluated as an alternative for its treatment and to generate electricity. Simulation with ASPEN PLUS v7.2 was used as process analysis tool. A simulation model of the concentration process was obtained and models reported by the literature were used to simulate the incineration and generation of electricity. The model was validated with the real data of the process with a maximum validation error 5.5% for the total condensates. The necessary conditions were determined to increase the final concentration of the vinasse up to 60 oBrix. The flow of concentrated vinasse was reduced by 48%, the problem of production shutdowns due to the unavailability of stillage storage was solved and 87 kg/h of potassium rich ash and 632 kW of electric power were obtained. Likewise, an economic analysis was carried out that demonstrated the feasibility of applying the proposed technology.