Integrated Fermentation: Distillation and Thermodynamic Assessment of Ethanol Production from Tropical Biomass (Pineapple, Dragon Fruit, and Cupuaçu)
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The increasing demand for renewable biofuels has intensified the search for alternative feedstocks and sustainable technological routes for ethanol production, particularly from tropical biomass and agro-industrial residues. In this context, pineapple (Ananas comosus), dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), and cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) present significant fermentable potential but remain insufficiently explored through integrated thermodynamic and process engineering approaches. This study evaluates ethanol production from these tropical matrices via alcoholic fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, followed by differential and fractional distillation, liquid–vapor equilibrium (LVE) modeling, McCabe–Thiele analysis, and pilot-scale process simulation. Pineapple exhibited the highest initial sugar content (~13 g/100 g), followed by dragon fruit (~9 g/100 g) and cupuaçu (~6.5 g/100 g), directly influencing ethanol productivity. Fermentation yields ranged from 76–85% of theoretical ethanol, consistent with complex biomass systems. Fractional distillation significantly outperformed differential distillation, achieving higher ethanol enrichment, reduced water entrainment, and closer agreement with LVE predictions. McCabe–Thiele diagrams indicated an increase in effective theoretical stages from approximately one (differential) to 4–6 (fractional), demonstrating the critical role of reflux in separation efficiency. Process simulation highlighted the importance of must standardization, adequate reflux ratio, and thermal integration for industrial feasibility. Overall, the results confirm the technical potential of tropical fruits – particularly pineapple – as sustainable feedstocks for ethanol production within circular bioeconomy frameworks.
Source: Research Square
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204253140