Methods and Systems for the Production of Alcohols and/or Acids

Abstract

Methods and systems for the production of one or more products from a gas stream produced in a methanol production process. The method comprises converting at least a portion of a methane feedstock to a substrate comprising CO and H2. The substrate comprising CO and H2 is anaerobically fermented in a bioreactor to produce one or more alcohols. The method and system may further include process for the production of methanol processes for the production of acetic acid.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to systems and methods for improving overall carbon capture and / or improving overall efficiency in processes including microbial fermentation. In particular, the invention relates to improving carbon capture and / or improving efficiency in processes including microbial fermentation of a reformed substrate stream comprising CO and H2.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Ethanol is rapidly becoming a major hydrogen-rich liquid transport fuel around the world. Worldwide consumption of ethanol in 2005 was an estimated 12.2 billion gallons. The global market for the fuel ethanol industry has also been predicted to grow sharply in future, due to an increased interest in ethanol in Europe, Japan, the USA, and several developing nations.[0003]For example, in the USA, ethanol is used to produce E10, a 10% mixture of ethanol in gasoline. In E10 blends the ethanol component acts as an oxygenating agent, improving the efficiency of combustion and re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach enhances the efficiency of ethanol production, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing CO and H2 effectively, and converts waste products into valuable chemicals, thereby improving overall carbon capture and utilization.

Problems solved by technology

However, the cost of these carbohydrate feed stocks is influenced by their value as human food or animal feed, while the cultivation of starch or sucrose-producing crops for ethanol production is not economically sustainable in all geographies.

Attempts to use the hydrogen produced in the above reactions in fuel cell technology have been largely unsuccessful, due to the presence of carbon monoxide, which typically poisons fuel cell catalysts.

As some of the available carbon is typically converted into acetate / acetic acid rather than ethanol, the efficiency of production of ethanol using such fermentation processes may be less than desirable.

Also, unless the acetate / acetic acid by-product can be used for some other purpose, it may pose a waste disposal problem.

The production of CO2 represents inefficiency in overall carbon capture and if released, also has the potential to contribute to Green House Gas emissions.

Images