Process Simulation and Technical Evaluation of Dual Oil and Biochar Co-Production from Native Avocado Using the Extended Water–Energy–Product Approach

Herrera-Rodríguez T.C.; Parejo-Palacio V.; De Hoyos-Montiel J.D.; Rojas-Flores S.; González-Delgado Á.D. · Processes (2026) · DOI: 10.3390/pr14101586

Resumen

Avocados produced in Colombia’s Caribbean region represent a biomass with high potential for valorization beyond fresh consumption, particularly when their fractions are exploited as sources of value-added compounds. This study proposes a dual-production system integrating oil extraction from the pulp and biochar generation from the seed under a process approach aimed at maximizing raw material utilization. The process performance was evaluated through the application of the Extended Water–Energy–Product (E-WEP) methodology, which allows for a comprehensive assessment of water, energy, and material consumption, as well as product generation efficiency, based on computer simulation results. The findings indicate an overall process yield of 14.20%, limited by the high raw material demand, although a high oil recovery efficiency of 83.95% was achieved. Water consumption reached 17.84 m3/t, with 99.25% converted into wastewater, highlighting the need for improved water management strategies. The process exhibited an energy demand of 3613.19 MJ/h, predominantly covered by natural gas consumption, which led to an energy intensity of 23,192.65 MJ/t. Furthermore, the obtained NER and EUI values of 0.53 and 2.84, respectively, suggest that the system does not operate under energy self-sufficiency conditions. Nevertheless, the resulting products still present considerable potential for energy recovery and subsequent valorization processes.

Instituciones: Universidad César Vallejo