Processo de recuperação de etanol em resíduos combustíveis

Abstract

The improper disposal of fuel residues generated from gasoline ethanol-content analyses represents a significant environmental liability, especially in laboratories handling large volumes of gasoline C and ethanol. These residues consist mainly of hydroalcoholic mixtures containing saline water, ethanol, and hydrocarbon fractions. This study aimed to evaluate the recovery of ethanol from such residues through distillation processes conducted at laboratory scale (simple distillation and Snyder column) and semi-pilot scale, assessing the quality of the recovered product according to the physicochemical specifications established by ANP Resolution nº 907/2022. The methodology included segregation and decantation of the hydroalcoholic phase, distillation under different configurations, and analytical characterization of the distillates, considering density, alcoholic strength, hydrocarbon content, color, and visual appearance. Results showed that all distillates were clear, colorless, and free of impurities. Only the Snyder column produced a distillate with density and alcoholic strength within the limits for hydrated fuel ethanol, demonstrating superior separation efficiency. Yields ranged from 11.77% to 17.77%, with no statistically significant differences among systems. It is concluded that ethanol recovery by distillation presents technical feasibility, with better performance in the Snyder column, and contributes to reducing the final volume of waste requiring treatment.