Modelagem e Simulação do Processo de Produção de Querosene de Aviação Sustentável

Abstract

Over the last decade, the aviation industry has experienced significant expansion in global air travel, driving socioeconomic growth and worldwide connectivity; however, this progress has also increased the dispersion of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, intensifying environmental impacts on a planetary scale. As a result, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), an alternative aviation kerosene, has emerged as a sustainable energy solution for the aeronautical industry, being produced from non-conventional sources and having its adoption conditioned by environmental, social, technological, and economic indicators that determine its feasibility and competitiveness. Research in this field, particularly in Brazil, has grown exponentially, positioning the country as a potential hub for SAF production. This biojet fuel represents a viable solution for reducing carbon emissions, as it can be produced from a wide range of renewable sources, including vegetable oils, agro-industrial residues, and lignocellulosic biomass. Such research frequently relies on modeling and simulation software to analyze and optimize production processes, aiming to reduce losses, improve efficiency, and increase profitability. The production of this alternative kerosene follows international standards such as ASTM D1655 and ASTM D7566, as well as national regulations, including ANP Resolution No. 856/2021 in Brazil, which establishes technical requirements for quality, safety, and commercialization. The main technological routes include Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ), Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA), and Fischer–Tropsch (FT), each defined by distinct feedstocks and specific conversion processes. This research proposes the development of a computational modeling and simulation of the SAF production process, focusing on the HEFA pathway, which was selected due to its higher technological maturity and energy efficiency compared to the other evaluated alternatives. The modeling will be based on a comprehensive state-of-the-art review to develop a tool for evaluating and optimizing operational parameters, with the objective of increasing production efficiency. This study constitutes the initial stage of a broader project aimed at optimizing SAF production and reducing losses and uncertainties in future experimental studies within the CATSAF/UFBA project.