Abstract
In this work, we propose a process to reduce CO2 emissions through its capture and utilization (CCU) as a raw material for producing valuable products in the chemical industry. As a case study, we design and evaluate the economic and environmental performances of a direct dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis from syngas plant reusing CO2 as a raw material. The decision making is carried out including all the design variables into a flowsheet superstructure, which is simulated and optimized to maximize the process profit. The optimum production of DME is 219.95 kt/year at 99.95% purity, with a profit of $51.01 million/year and emitting 0.784 kg CO2-eq/kg DME produced. After heat integration implementation, the profit is raised to $58.68 million/year and emissions are reduced to 0.510 kg CO2-eq/kg DME, being the latter a 61.4% lower than the one associated to the classic DME production. The financial risk associated with the post heat integration process is at 15.4%, while considering a 5% risk decreases this value to $40.25 million/year.