PRARANCANGAN PABRIK SORBITOL DARI GLUKOSA DENGAN KAPASITAS 15.000 TON/TAHUN

Abstract

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol with the chemical formula C6H14O6 which until now is still widely used in the fast-moving consumer goods and food industries. The production process of sorbitol requires liquid glucose and hydrogen gas as raw materials and raney-nickel catalyst as a support. The reaction of making sorbitol takes place in a trickle bed reactor with a conversion rate of 98% and non-adiabatic and non-isothermal operating conditions at a temperature of 130°C and a pressure of 70 atm. Sorbitol production is done continuously. The plan for the establishment of this factory is in Kendal, Central Java, in 2026 with a land area of 25640 m2. The factory has a production capacity of 15,000 tons/year with an operating time of 350 days in a year. The raw materials used are the same as those mentioned before. The reactor used is a trickle bed reactor. The reaction is exothermic and the temperature is regulated by using cooling water as a coolant. The utility requirements include water from the Blorong river of 354920,1578 kg/hour and electricity of 2161,02 kW. The factory is managed by a Limited Liability Company (PT) with a total workforce of 94 people. The working capital required is Rp 439.250.150.008,32. The economic analysis of the pre-design of this factory shows a Pay out Time of 1,2 years, a Rate of Investment of 85,19 %, a Breakeven of 24,71%, a Shutdown Point of 18,15%, and a Discounted Cash Flow of 22,34%. Based on the economic review, the pre-design of the Sorbitol factory with a capacity of 15,000 tons/year can be said to be feasible to be built. Keywords: Trickel Bed, Hydrogenation, Glucose, Sorbitol.