Heat Integration of an Avocado Oil Biorefinery Based on the Valorisation of Avocado Side Streams

Abstract

This study investigates process–energy integration in an avocado-processing system to optimize energy use and reduce environmental impacts associated with avocado-derived products. Avocado processing generates significant amounts of underutilized organic waste, presenting opportunities for energy recovery within the production chain. An algebraic pinch-based method was applied to identify energy-integration potential, followed by the design of a theoretical heat-exchange network and simulation-based refinement of the integrated process. Results demonstrate that energy integration is highly feasible, achieving reductions of 90–95% in both heating and cooling utility demands. The optimal configuration comprises eight heat exchangers above the pinch point and three below it. These findings highlight the effectiveness of process–energy integration for improving resource efficiency, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing the economic sustainability of avocado processing. Further research on emerging technologies is recommended to enable additional gains in energy efficiency.