Rancang Bangun Alat Destilasi pada Proses Produksi Bioetanol dari Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit

Abstract

The demand for biofuels, including bioethanol, continues to rise rapidly in line with the need for cleaner and renewable energy sources.Bioethanol is considered a promising alternative to replace fossil fuels due to its environmentally friendly, safe, and renewable properties. However, the production of bioethanol, which is typically derived from starch- or sugar-rich plants, poses challenges, especially regarding land competition between food production and energy, as well as its impact on deforestation. As a solution, the utilization of lignocellulosic raw materials, such as palm oil empty fruit bunches (EFB), has become an attractive option. EFB, which is rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, can be hydrolyzed into glucose and fermented into bioethanol, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative. To support bioethanol production, a distillation apparatus powered by electricity was designed and built, aimed at improving the separation of ethanol from the mixture. This distillation apparatus is designed using environmentally friendly electric heating technology, which is expected to reduce overall energy consumption during the distillation process. This research shows that with the right technology, bioethanol can be produced from biomass waste such as EFB, offering economic and long-term sustainability benefits.