Carrageenan Production

Report Abstract

The report provides the economics of Carrageenan production starting from seaweed, using a batch extraction process in the presence of calcium hydroxide. In this process, seaweed is chopped and washed. Then, Carrageenan is batch extracted in the presence of calcium hydroxide into an aqueous solution. Carrageenan is then recovered from the solution, while the seaweed residue is removed by filtration. This analysis considers a United States-based facility.

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

The Carrageenan 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 Carrageenan 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 Carrageenan plant operating costs analysis covers operating expenses, including variable costs like raw materials and utilities, and fixed costs such as maintenance, labor, and depreciation.