METHOD FOR REDUCING THE VOLUME OF VINASSE BY MAKING USE OF THE ENERGY POTENTIAL OF COMBUSTION GASES GENERATED FROM BIOMASS COMBUSTION IN BOILERS

摘要

The present application discloses a method for reducing the volume of vinasse, said method making use of the energy potential of combustion gases generated from biomass combustion, wherein the volume of vinasse, which is produced during sugar-to-alcohol processes, is reduced by thermally evaporating water, partially or totally, whilst enabling water contained in the vinasse to be collected by means of successive steps of evaporation and condensation. The particulate material (ashes, soot and sand) that is entrained by the combustion gases leaving the biomass boiler can be collected as a result of direct contact between said particulate material and the vinasse droplets, allowing emissions to be controlled. The removal of all the water from the vinasse and concomitant incorporation of solid particulates collected from the spray emitted from the biomass boilers makes it possible to produce powdered fertilizers. The direct contact between the vinasse and the combustion gases occurs by means of spray tower or Venturi gas scrubbers and spray dryers.