Chemical Grade Dibutyl Ketone Production

This report presents the economics of Dibutyl Ketone (DBK) production from levulinic acid. The process examined is similar to the one proposed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In this process, levulinic acid is hydrogenated over two catalytic beds, forming Fuel Grade DBK (90 wt% purity), which is then purified to Chemical Grade DBK (99.5 wt% purity). Valeric acid (86 wt% purity) is generated as by-product.

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

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