A Multi-Criteria Model for the Techno-Economic Evaluation of Fat Removal Technologies From Dairy Waste

This paper presents a multi-criteria model to identify the best technology for separating fat from dairy waste and evaluates economic feasibility of its implementation. Also, incorporates analysis project specificities. The methodology was structured in four steps: (i) identification criteria technologies by systematic literature review; (ii) acquisition qualitative information (linguistic variables) Brazilian international experts; (iii) application TOPSIS 2-tuple linguistic method rank technologies; (iv) evaluation viability identified using EMIM (expanded multi-index methodology). Separation centrifugal force, solvent, heating/decanting, acid hydrolysis, combined methods were separation most used and, therefore considered alternatives. validated industry that produces 3,000 m 3 /day waste, with 3% fat. performance concerning five between medium poor good both groups experts. experts indicate force as preferred technology. is economically viable, it presented high degree return low levels risks sensitivities. It estimated potential profit R$ 55 million (NPV) over project’s entire life cycle, equivalent an annual approximately 14 (ANPV). represents Additional Return on Investment—ROIA 51.17% annually. Payback discounted occurs first year Similar analyses may apply we propose other contexts involving selection.