Lactic Acid from Raw Sugar (Speculative Low pH Continuous Fermentation)

Report Abstract

This report presents the economics of Lactic Acid production from raw sugar using a speculative, continuous, low pH, fermentation process in Germany. In this process, raw sugar is fermented to produce Lactic Acid, which is recovered from the fermentation broth through microfiltration and nanofiltration steps, generating an 80 wt% Technical Grade Lactic Acid, with 95 wt% purity.

The report provides a comprehensive study of Lactic Acid production and related Lactic Acid production cost, covering three key aspects: a complete description of the Lactic Acid production process examined; an in-depth analysis of the related Lactic Acid plant capital cost (Capex); and an evaluation of the respective Lactic Acid plant operating costs (Opex).

The Lactic Acid production process description includes a block flow diagram (BFD), an overview of the industrial site installations, detailing both the process unit and the necessary infrastructure, process consumption figures and comprehensive process flow diagrams (PFD). The Lactic Acid plant capital cost analysis breaks down the Capex by plant cost (i.e., ISBL, OSBL and Contingency); owner's cost; working capital; and costs incurred during industrial plant commissioning and start-up. The Lactic Acid plant operating costs analysis covers operating expenses, including variable costs like raw materials and utilities, and fixed costs such as maintenance, labor, and depreciation.