Techno-Economical Assessment of Kappaphycus alvarezii Carrageenan Extraction Plant

Abstract Kappaphycus alvarezii carrageenan extraction was optimized using a software-based process simulation. The study focused on the Indonesian seaweed industry, utilizing the advanced modeling capabilities of “SuperPro™”. The simulation involved comprehensive analysis of the extraction process, from dried seaweed transport to final carrageenan production. Furthermore, an economic sensitivity analysis was conducted, incorporating the seaweed production cost as a critical parameter. This analysis provides valuable insights into the financial viability of Kappaphycus alvarezii carrageenan extraction by considering the variations in the input costs, market prices, and other economic factors. The data show that a factory producing Kappaphycus alvarezii carrageenan is both technically and economically feasible within a 10-year lifespan. The plant processes 11.5 MT of raw Kappaphycus seaweed per batch, amounting to an annual input of 44.045 MT raw materials, and an annual output of 3.14 MTs of carrageenan, totaling the processing of 13,074 MTs of Kappaphycus alvarezii carrageenan annually with a payback period of around 8 year and a return on investment of 11.33%. The results provide information for stakeholders, including seaweed farmers, processors, and policymakers, about the potential financial benefits and challenges associated with scaling-up Kappaphycus alvarezii carrageenan extraction in Indonesia.