Method for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess

Abstract

A method for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess is disclosed. The method comprises: 2 receiving a gas stream rich in CO; 2 treating a nitrogen-rich gas stream to remove impurities therefrom; preparing an aqueous mixture for absorbing carbon dioxide, said aqueous mixture comprising at least one inorganic nitrogen compound in the range of 0.1-50% by weight of the aqueous mixture, said at least one inorganic nitrogen compound being a nitrogen source for microorganisms; and 2 and absorbing carbon dioxide from a carbon-rich gas stream into said aqueous mixture, the aqueous mixture containing the absorbed carbon dioxide forming a feed medium; and adding the feed medium to the bioprocess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to carbon dioxide capture processes. More specifically, it relates to methods and systems for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess.

Background Art

[0002] Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is a greenhouse gas that absorbs and radiates heat, causing global warming. The average global atmospheric CO 2 levels are rising in a worrying manner. Atmospheric CO 2 levels are increasing as a result of natural phenomena (such as volcanic eruptions), the combustion of fossil fuels (such as coal and oil), and CO 2 emissions (such as chlorofluorocarbons) from various industrial activities. In this regard, government agencies around the world have imposed regulations on industries to reduce CO 2 emissions into the atmosphere and encouraged CO 2 recycling for that purpose.

[0003] Generally, CO 2 recycling involves capturing carbon dioxide emitted from one process, such as an industrial by-stream (e.g., exhaust gas), providing a separate CO 2 capture process, and adding the gaseous CO 2 to another process, such as a bioprocess. Specifically, to add CO 2 as a carbon source to a bioprocess (such as microbial culture), a relatively large amount of gaseous CO 2 is required as an input to a bioreactor containing an aqueous growth medium.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional CO 2 recycling technologies are complex in terms of energy requirements and several process steps using dedicated equipment. For example, to recover CO 2 from an industrial by-stream, energy and purified CO 2Several process steps such as gas compression, decompression, absorption, desorption, and regeneration are required. Furthermore, in addition to the absorption of CO 2 from a gas stream rich in CO 2 into a solvent liquid (most commonly water, amine, salt solution, aqueous ammonia) and the desorption of CO 2 as a purified gas, the integrated process further requires an additional step of mixing CO 2 into a growth medium (i.e., a bioprocess feed medium) during its incorporation into the bioprocess. Therefore, the integrated process is energy-inefficient and time-consuming.

[0005] Therefore, considering the above discussion, it is necessary to overcome the drawbacks associated with the prior art of incorporating CO 2 from an external process into a bioprocess.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a method for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess. The present disclosure also aims to provide a system for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess. The present disclosure aims to provide a solution to the existing problems related to carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture processes and their integration into bioprocesses. The object of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that at least partially overcomes the problems encountered in the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess, the method comprising: (a) receiving a gas stream rich in CO 2 ; and (b) treating the gas stream rich in CO 2 to remove impurities therefrom; (c) Preparing an aqueous mixture for absorbing carbon dioxide, wherein the aqueous mixture contains at least one inorganic nitrogen compound in the range of 0.1 to 50% by weight of the aqueous mixture, the at least one inorganic nitrogen compound is a nitrogen source for microorganisms, and carbon dioxide is absorbed from the CO 2 rich gas stream into the aqueous mixture, and the aqueous mixture containing the absorbed carbon dioxide forms a feed medium, and (d) adding the feed medium to a bioprocess.

[0008] In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess, the system comprising - a first inlet for providing a CO 2 rich gas stream, - a prefilter for treating the CO 2 rich gas stream to remove impurities therefrom, - an absorption chamber for absorbing carbon dioxide from the CO 2 rich gas stream, and a second inlet for receiving an aqueous mixture that absorbs carbon dioxide to form a feed medium, the aqueous mixture containing at least one inorganic nitrogen compound in the range of 0.1 to 50% by weight of the aqueous mixture, the at least one inorganic nitrogen compound being a nitrogen source for microorganisms, - a third inlet for adding the feed medium to the bioprocess, and - a bioreactor for promoting the bioprocess.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, capture CO 2 from an external source, and provide an efficient method for dissolving CO 2 in a bioprocess raw material. Advantageously, the disclosed method involves multiple process steps (e.g., a CO 2 absorption step, a CO 2 desorption step, storage of gaseous CO 2 and CO2 Exclude (such as dissolution), thereby reducing the equipment required for the entire process.

[0010] Additional aspects, advantages, features, and objectives of the present disclosure will become apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, which are to be construed in conjunction with the appended claims.

[0011] It can be understood that the features of the present disclosure can be combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure defined by the appended claims.

[0012] (Summary of the Drawings) The above summary, as well as the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary configurations of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and means disclosed herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can understand that the drawings are not to scale. As much as possible, like elements are denoted by the same numbers.

[0013] In the accompanying drawings, the underlined numbers are used to represent the items above the underlined numbers, or the items adjacent to the underlined numbers. The non-underlined numbers relate to the items identified by the lines connecting the non-underlined numbers to the items. When the number is not underlined and accompanied by a relevant arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify the general item indicated by the arrow.

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the following figures, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described merely as examples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

[0016] The following detailed description shows embodiments of the present disclosure and methods for implementing them. Although several aspects of implementing the present disclosure are disclosed, those skilled in the art can recognize that other embodiments for implementing or executing the present disclosure are also possible.

[0017] In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess, the method comprising: (a) receiving a CO2-rich gas stream; (b) treating the CO2-rich gas stream to remove impurities therefrom; (c) preparing an aqueous mixture for absorbing carbon dioxide, the aqueous mixture containing at least one inorganic nitrogen compound in the range of 0.1 to 50% by weight of the aqueous mixture, the at least one inorganic nitrogen compound being a nitrogen source for microorganisms, and absorbing carbon dioxide from the CO2-rich gas stream into the aqueous mixture, such that the aqueous mixture containing the absorbed carbon dioxide forms a feed medium; and (d) adding the feed medium to the bioprocess.

[0018] In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess, the system comprising: - a first inlet for providing a CO 2 -rich gas stream; - a prefilter for treating the CO 2 -rich gas stream to remove impurities therefrom; - the CO 2An absorption chamber for absorbing carbon dioxide from a gas stream rich in , and a second inlet for receiving an aqueous mixture that absorbs carbon dioxide to form a feed medium, wherein the aqueous mixture contains at least one inorganic nitrogen compound in an amount of 0.1 to 50% by weight of the aqueous mixture, and the at least one inorganic nitrogen compound is a nitrogen source for microorganisms, - a third inlet for adding the feed medium to the bioprocess, and, - a bioreactor for promoting the bioprocess.

[0019] The present disclosure provides the above-described method and system for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess. The method of the present disclosure utilizes a feed stream from an external source as an input, absorbs CO 2 gas therefrom, and supplies the absorbed CO 2 gas as part of the bioprocess feed. Advantageously, the integration of such a CO 2 recovery process and the bioprocess saves the energy and costs required for compressing and dissolving the gas in the CO 2 recovery process before supplying the gas to the bioprocess. 2 Furthermore, the number of intermediate steps is reduced, the number of dedicated devices is reduced, thereby facilitating and safely handling the CO gas and the final product resulting from the bioprocess. 2

[0020] The present disclosure provides a method and system for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess. As used herein, the term "bioprocess" refers to a process of obtaining a target product from a bioprocess using living cells or their components (e.g., microorganisms, enzymes, etc.). The bioprocess may include culturing cells, growing microorganisms, manufacturing biomolecules, and the like. This system is equipped with a bioreactor for promoting bioprocesses. In this document, the term "bioreactor" refers to a container intended to assist and promote bioprocesses therein. Furthermore, the volume of the bioreactor is selected according to its intended use. The bioreactor can be made of a material that is inert to the contents of the bioreactor. In one example, the materials used for manufacturing may be stainless steel (e.g., type 304, 316, or 316L), other suitable metals or alloys, glass materials, fibers, ceramics, plastic materials, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the manufacturing materials typically have waterproof properties and sufficient strength to withstand the abrasive effects of various biological, biochemical, and / or mechanical processes such as microbial concentration, biomass products, agitation force, aeration force, operating pressure, temperature, etc.

[0021] Optionally, the bioreactor is configured to culture microorganisms. Microorganisms require appropriate environmental conditions such as temperature, pressure, pH, etc., and the bioreactor is equipped with means for controlling environmental conditions. Optionally, the microorganisms are selected from the group including autotrophic microorganisms, heterotrophic microorganisms, or mixotrophic microorganisms. Optionally, the bioreactor is configured to culture microorganisms selected from the group including aerobic microorganisms, anaerobic microorganisms, or facultative anaerobic microorganisms. In particular, autotrophic microorganisms can use carbon dioxide as a carbon source and convert it into organic carbon compounds. Furthermore, autotrophic microorganisms obtain energy from light or compounds (chemotrophic substances) to produce organic compounds. Heterotrophic microorganisms refer to microorganisms that utilize organic carbon as a carbon source. Mixotrophy refers to microorganisms that can function both autotrophically and heterotrophically. Furthermore, many bioprocesses such as gas fermentation processes involve the use of specific types of bacteria that utilize chemical energy to convert CO 2 into various organic compounds. Facultative anaerobic microorganisms refer to microorganisms that function under aerobic, anoxic, or anaerobic conditions and are used in various bioprocesses. In this regard, facultative anaerobic microorganisms produce adenosine triphosphate by aerobic respiration when oxygen is present, but can switch to fermentation or anaerobic respiration when oxygen is absent.

[0022] This method involves receiving a gas stream rich in CO 2 This system includes a first inlet for supplying a gas stream rich in CO 2 It should be noted that the gas stream rich in CO 2 has a CO 2 concentration higher than 400 ppm (parts per million), that is, higher than the CO 2 concentration in the atmosphere. Specifically, the gas stream rich in CO 2 may have a CO 2 concentration higher than 30 percent of the total volume of the gas stream rich in CO 2 In one embodiment, the gas stream rich in CO 2 may be a sidestream or may be obtained as a by-product from an industrial process.

[0023] In one embodiment, the gas rich in CO 2 is obtained from an external source, and the external source is a combustion plant. Optionally, the organic compounds used as fuel in the combustion plant include both fossil resources and renewable resources such as wood. It can be understood that the combustion of organic compounds is a potential source of gas rich in CO 2 In one embodiment, the gas rich in CO Optionally, the combustion plant is selected from at least one of a power facility, a central heating facility, and other coal-based facilities. In particular, power facilities such as coal-fired power plants and other combustion plants generally produce a large amount of gas containing a lot of CO 2 as a result of coal combustion. Similarly, since central heating facilities operate using fossil fuels, they generate a gas stream rich in CO 2 In addition, CO

[0024] Furthermore, CO2 The gas rich in [CO] may be obtained from other potential routes such as the microbial treatment of organic compounds. External sources may include anaerobic digestion chambers, ethanol production facilities, and bioethanol production facilities for microbial fermentation processes. The microbial fermentation process includes, for example, a higher CO 2 concentration compared to a fermentation process. In a typical power plant, a higher CO 2 absorption capacity is enabled, and the CO 2 absorption process becomes more efficient and rapid. Optionally, the gas rich in [CO] is obtained from the treatment of carbonate-containing minerals, such as limestone calcination. 2 The gas rich in [CO] may be obtained from the treatment of carbonate-containing minerals, such as limestone calcination.

[0025] Optionally, the gas stream rich in [CO] may include a recycled gas stream containing at least one selected from a plurality of insoluble gases generated when absorbing carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide, water, and gas stream rich in [CO], or carbon dioxide generated in a bioprocess. 2 The gas stream rich in [CO] may include a recycled gas stream containing at least one selected from a plurality of insoluble gases generated when absorbing carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide, water, and gas stream rich in [CO], or carbon dioxide generated in a bioprocess. 2 The gas stream rich in [CO] may include a recycled gas stream containing at least one selected from a plurality of insoluble gases generated when absorbing carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide, water, and gas stream rich in [CO], or carbon dioxide generated in a bioprocess.

[0026] It can be understood that the microbial fermentation process can be the bioprocess (or bioreactor). In particular, the bioprocess utilizes the supplied [CO] and releases a certain amount of unused [CO] as a by-product of the bioprocess. Such [CO] released as a by-product can be recycled as a gas source rich in [CO] for efficiently utilizing [CO] in an integrated [CO] recovery process. 2 It can be understood that the microbial fermentation process can be the bioprocess (or bioreactor). In particular, the bioprocess utilizes the supplied [CO] and releases a certain amount of unused [CO] as a by-product of the bioprocess. Such [CO] released as a by-product can be recycled as a gas source rich in [CO] for efficiently utilizing [CO] in an integrated [CO] recovery process. 2 It can be understood that the microbial fermentation process can be the bioprocess (or bioreactor). In particular, the bioprocess utilizes the supplied [CO] and releases a certain amount of unused [CO] as a by-product of the bioprocess. Such [CO] released as a by-product can be recycled as a gas source rich in [CO] for efficiently utilizing [CO] in an integrated [CO] recovery process. 2 It can be understood that the microbial fermentation process can be the bioprocess (or bioreactor). In particular, the bioprocess utilizes the supplied [CO] and releases a certain amount of unused [CO] as a by-product of the bioprocess. Such [CO] released as a by-product can be recycled as a gas source rich in [CO] for efficiently utilizing [CO] in an integrated [CO] recovery process. 2 It can be understood that the microbial fermentation process can be the bioprocess (or bioreactor). In particular, the bioprocess utilizes the supplied [CO] and releases a certain amount of unused [CO] as a by-product of the bioprocess. Such [CO] released as a by-product can be recycled as a gas source rich in [CO] for efficiently utilizing [CO] in an integrated [CO] recovery process. 2 It can be understood that the microbial fermentation process can be the bioprocess (or bioreactor). In particular, the bioprocess utilizes the supplied [CO] and releases a certain amount of unused [CO] as a by-product of the bioprocess. Such [CO] released as a by-product can be recycled as a gas source rich in [CO] for efficiently utilizing [CO] in an integrated [CO] recovery process. 2 It can be understood that the microbial fermentation process can be the bioprocess (or bioreactor). In particular, the bioprocess utilizes the supplied [CO] and releases a certain amount of unused [CO] as a by-product of the bioprocess. Such [CO] released as a by-product can be recycled as a gas source rich in [CO] for efficiently utilizing [CO] in an integrated [CO] recovery process.

[0027] This method includes treating the gas stream rich in [CO] to remove impurities therefrom. The treatment includes filtering the gas stream rich in [CO] and, optionally, a treatment method selected based on the impurities to be removed. 2 This method includes treating the gas stream rich in [CO] to remove impurities therefrom. The treatment includes filtering the gas stream rich in [CO] and, optionally, a treatment method selected based on the impurities to be removed. 2 This method includes treating the gas stream rich in [CO] to remove impurities therefrom. The treatment includes filtering the gas stream rich in [CO] and, optionally, a treatment method selected based on the impurities to be removed. This system is for [CO] 2It is equipped with a prefilter for treating a gas stream rich in 2 and removing impurities therefrom. In particular, impurities refer to undesirable compounds in the gas rich in 2 . If not removed, impurities may initiate undesirable reactions when the gas rich in

[0028] is absorbed into the aqueous mixture. Furthermore, impurities may also cause undesirable reactions in the bioprocess. For example, sulfur gas may have an adverse effect on the growth of microorganisms. 2 The treatment of the gas stream rich in includes at least one selected from filtration, pre-scrubbing, use of a flash tank, desulfurization, removal of hydrocarbons, oxygen, halogens, siloxanes, and filtering as a high-efficiency particulate absorption filter. In addition to filtering the gas stream rich in 2 with a prefilter, the gas stream rich in 2 may also be treated by a selected treatment method. The prefilter or the treatment method used thereby is selected based on the impurities known to be present in the gas stream rich in 2 , or may be selected based on the source of the gas stream. 2 The treatment method is selected from at least one of desulfurization, i.e., removal of sulfur gas (by adsorption or in-situ micro-aeration on-site), removal of hydrocarbons, oxygen, halogens, and siloxanes. The prefilter is selected according to the treatment method for removing impurities.

[0029] Furthermore, particulate impurities are 2It is necessary to remove them before the absorption stage. It can be understood that the amount and type of particulate impurities may affect the filtration stage, and as the concentration of particulate impurities increases, the pressure drop during the filtration stage increases, and as a result, the energy demand for gas compression may increase. Furthermore, gaseous impurities can be removed either before or after the absorption stage. Treatment of the CO 2 -rich gas stream by filtration and / or a selected treatment method, a prescrubber can also be used to remove particulate impurities before the absorption stage. Furthermore, a flash tank can be used to remove other poorly soluble gases, such as nitrogen (N 2 ). Depending on the amount and concentration of gaseous impurities, it is determined whether a prescrubber (before the absorption stage) or a flash tank (after the absorption stage) is required, and based on this, the design parameters of the prescrubber or flash tank are determined.

[0030] CO 2 Treatment of the -rich gas stream generally includes filtration by a prefilter and, optionally, may be complemented by another selected treatment method as described above. Furthermore, in addition to filtration and a selected treatment method, a prescrubber can also be used before the absorption stage to remove particulate impurities from the CO 2 -rich gas stream.

[0031] Optionally, the treatment of the CO 2 -rich gas stream includes filtration as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration. In particular, the CO 2 -rich gas is subjected to HEPA filtration to remove impurities with a predetermined diameter, for example, less than 0.3 micrometers (μm), from the CO 2 -rich gas. Furthermore, HEPA filtration removes dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and suspended particles in the absorption chamber that may cause unintended effects (such as toxic, pathogenic, fungal growth, etc.) during absorption from the CO 2Remove at least 99.97% from the gas rich in

[0032] This method includes the preparation of an aqueous mixture for absorbing carbon dioxide. The aqueous mixture contains at least one inorganic nitrogen compound in the range of 0.1 to 50% by weight of the aqueous mixture, and the at least one inorganic nitrogen compound is a nitrogen source for microorganisms. The at least one inorganic nitrogen compound can be selected from amines, ammonia, or aqueous solutions of inorganic nitrogen salts. In particular, amines, ammonia, or inorganic nitrogen salts increase the solubility of the aqueous mixture in carbon dioxide, thereby enabling a larger amount of carbon dioxide to be absorbed therein. In one example, the aqueous mixture contains, for example, an aqueous ammonia solution that forms ammonium bicarbonate or the like when absorbing carbon dioxide. CO 2 (g)+NH 3 (aq.)+H 2 O→(NH 4 )HCO 3 (aq.)

[0033] In particular, the inorganic nitrogen salts in the feed medium may form a nitrogen source for microorganisms in the bioprocess. Here, by absorbing carbon dioxide in the aqueous mixture, carbon dioxide can be separated from other gases present in the gas rich in CO 2 . As the concentration of the inorganic nitrogen compound increases, the amount of CO 2 that can be captured by this method increases. However, some inorganic nitrogen compounds such as ammonium bicarbonate tend to precipitate at high concentrations. Therefore, an optimal range of inorganic nitrogen compounds in the aqueous mixture is required. The aqueous solution can contain, for example, at least one inorganic nitrogen compound from 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 weight percent (wt%) to 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 weight percent in the aqueous mixture. Advantageously, the aqueous mixture is an efficient form of physical absorption of carbon dioxide. More advantageously, the use of the aqueous mixture obviates the need for heating or steam generation during the carbon dioxide absorption process. Furthermore, the addition of a suitable solvent to the aqueous mixture promotes the absorption of carbon dioxide, for example by using carbon dioxide as one of the reactants.

[0034] In one embodiment, the concentration of at least one inorganic nitrogen compound is in the range of 5 to 10 wt% of the aqueous mixture. For example, when the concentration of nitrogen water, such as ammonia water, exceeds 15 wt% of the aqueous mixture, a large amount of nitrogen, for example ammonia, volatilizes from the solution, and according to experiments, even lower concentrations of nitrogen result in higher removal rates. However, the inorganic nitrogen salts in the feed medium form the nitrogen source for the microorganisms in the bioprocess. Therefore, the optimal concentration of the inorganic nitrogen compound is selected in the range from 5 wt%, 6 wt%, 7 wt%, 8 wt% to 8 wt%, 9 wt%, 10 wt%.

[0035] This method involves absorbing carbon dioxide from a CO 2 -rich gas stream into the aqueous mixture, and the aqueous mixture containing the absorbed carbon dioxide forms the feed medium. This system comprises an absorption chamber for absorbing carbon dioxide from a CO 2 -rich gas stream. The absorbed carbon dioxide is combined with a second inlet for receiving the aqueous mixture that mixes with the absorbed carbon dioxide to form the feed medium. Here, the absorption chamber is an industrial device used to separate gases by absorption (or scrubbing) with a suitable liquid. Examples of absorption chambers include, but are not limited to, packed towers, plate towers, simple spray towers, bubble columns, or in-line devices such as ejector venturi scrubbers. In particular, the absorption of the CO 2 -rich gas in the aqueous medium results in CO 2The phase change of carbon dioxide in the gas rich in it becomes possible, and separation from other gases present therein becomes possible. The absorbed carbon dioxide, mixed with the aqueous mixture, forms a supply medium for microorganisms in the bioprocess. As described above, microorganisms in the bioprocess use carbon dioxide as a carbon source and convert it into organic carbon compounds. Beneficially, by absorbing carbon dioxide from a gas stream rich in CO 2 in the aqueous mixture, the supply medium can be directly added to the bioprocess without the need for a separate regeneration process or a CO 2 recovery process, reducing the complexity and cost of the process. Furthermore, adding carbon dioxide as a supply medium reduces the gas input to the bioreactor.

[0036] Optionally, the absorption of carbon dioxide is carried out at a temperature in the range of 0 to 35 °C and a pressure in the range of 1 to 200 bar. In particular, the said temperature and pressure ranges enable optimal dissolution of carbon dioxide in the aqueous mixture. In one example, the aqueous mixture includes an aqueous ammonia solution. In such an example, a temperature in the range of 25 to 35 °C and a pressure in the range of 1 to 10 bar avoid precipitation and decomposition of ammonium bicarbonate (in the absorption chamber or in-line absorber) and maximize the dissolution of carbon dioxide in the aqueous mixture. The absorption of carbon dioxide can be carried out, for example, at temperatures from 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 °C (Celsius) to 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 °C (Celsius). The absorption of carbon dioxide can be carried out, for example, at pressures from 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160 or 180 bar to 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180 or 200 bar.

[0037] Optionally, this method further includes filtering the supply medium to remove impurities selected from a plurality of solid impurities. Optionally, the system comprises a filter for filtering the supply medium by removing impurities selected from a plurality of solid impurities. In particular, impurities are removed so that they do not enter the bioreactor and affect the bioprocess in an unintended manner. The filter removes any impurities resulting from the decomposition or precipitation of the solvent in the aqueous mixture. In one example, when an aqueous ammonia solution is used in the aqueous mixture, the filter removes ammonium bicarbonate precipitated from the feed medium.

[0038] Optionally, the filtration is sterile filtration. Optionally, the filter is a sterile filter. In particular, the feed medium undergoes sterile filtration to remove impurities of a predetermined diameter, for example less than 0.2 micrometers (μm), from the feed medium. Further, sterile filtration removes microbial contaminants from the feed medium that may cause unintended effects (such as toxicity, pathogenicity, fungal growth, etc.) in the bioprocess when added to the bioreactor.

[0039] Optionally, this method further comprises recycling a recycled gas stream to receive a gas stream rich in CO 2 The recycled gas stream contains at least one selected from carbon dioxide, water, and one or more insoluble gases generated when absorbing carbon dioxide from a gas stream rich in CO 2 or carbon dioxide generated in the bioprocess. The gas stream rich in CO 2 is replenished by the recycled gas stream. This system further comprises at least one recycling unit. Optionally, this system may comprise at least one sensor element configured to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide generated in the bioreactor to determine the concentration of CO 2 required at the first inlet. At least one recycling unit can be communicably coupled to an absorption chamber and a filter configured to recycle carbon dioxide, water, and one or more insoluble gases. Here, the recycled carbon dioxide is not absorbed into the aqueous mixture and is thus recycled to the absorption chamber for reabsorption. Examples of insoluble gases include, but are not limited to, nitrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. The recycling unit removes such insoluble gases and water vapor and recycles them to the absorption chamber. Advantageously, recycling of the insoluble gases enables efficient absorption of trace amounts of carbon dioxide that were not previously absorbed by the water column. Furthermore, advantageously, recycling of the water vapor enables maintenance of the water column and eliminates the need for a continuous supply of purified water that requires a large amount of energy to absorb carbon dioxide in the absorption chamber. The recycling unit or flash tank may be at a reduced pressure compared to the absorption chamber so as to be able to release carbon dioxide, water, and one or more insoluble gases from the feed medium. In one example, the pressure of the recycling unit may be in the range of 25 to 75 percent of the pressure of the absorption chamber. At least one recycling unit may be communicably coupled to a bioreactor to recycle the CO 2 -containing product generated therein during the bioprocess as a by-product back.

[0040] The total volume of the CO 2 -rich gas stream supplemented by the recycled gas stream 2 The CO concentration is determined by the following equation (Equation 1).

[0041]

Equation

[0042] The CO supplemented by the recycled gas stream 2 when receiving the gas stream rich in CO 2 concentration, CO 2 in the gas stream rich in 2 concentration, and CO 2 depends on the flow rates of the gas stream rich in and the recycled gas stream. In this way, when receiving the gas stream rich in CO supplemented by the recycled gas stream at the first inlet, the optimal CO 2 concentration can be obtained. The gas stream rich in CO received from an external source can be supplemented by the recycled gas stream. 2 concentration. 2 The gas stream rich in CO received from an external source can be supplemented by the recycled gas stream.

[0043] This method includes adding a feed medium to the bioprocess. This system includes a third inlet for adding the feed medium to the bioprocess. The feed medium containing the absorbed carbon dioxide supplies a carbon source to the microorganisms in the bioreactor. The feed medium provides a liquid medium for the bioprocess containing the absorbed carbon dioxide and water. The bioreactor facilitates a continuous bioprocess by agitation to ensure uniform mixing of the feed medium and the contents of the bioreactor. Furthermore, the pH of the feed medium is controlled so that microorganisms can grow in the bioreactor. In one embodiment, the feed medium further includes ammonium bicarbonate that provides a nitrogen source to the microorganisms.

[0044] Optionally, this method further includes adding at least one of hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, carbon monoxide, minerals, and light to the bioprocess. This system further comprises at least one fourth inlet for adding at least one of hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, carbon monoxide, and minerals to the bioprocess, and a light source coupled to the bioreactor for illuminating the bioreactor. In particular, the addition of hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, carbon monoxide, minerals, and light to the bioprocess is carried out based on the type of bioprocess and the microorganisms involved therein. For example, hydrogen gas is generally used as an energy source for autotrophic microorganisms and can be used in processes such as gas fermentation (i.e., syngas fermentation). In particular, syngas fermentation is an anaerobic process, and the introduction of oxygen needs to be avoided for the production of ethanol or other general chemicals. Furthermore, carbon monoxide may be added as an additional carbon and energy source in bioprocesses such as syngas fermentation. In bioprocesses such as gas fermentation using aerobic microorganisms, carbon monoxide, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas may be added for the growth of autotrophic microorganisms such as hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria. In the case of bioprocesses involving heterotrophic microorganisms, photosynthetic microorganisms, or facultative anaerobic microorganisms, light from the light source further promotes the bioprocess, and the wavelength of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is considered to be 400 - 700 nm. Furthermore, nutrients and minerals are added to the bioreactor to assist in the growth and function of the microorganisms.

[0045] The bioprocess may be understood to partially utilize the supplied CO 2 and release a portion of the unused CO 2 as a by-product. In this regard, the by-product CO 2 can be recycled back to the bioprocess to make the above integrated process more efficient. Optionally, a recycling unit communicatively coupled to the bioreactor and the compressor is configured to recycle the by-product CO 2 back to the absorption chamber via the compressor and the pre-filter.

[0046] Optionally, the bioprocess includes an outlet for harvesting the grown microbial biomass from the bioreactor.

[0047] (Detailed Description of the Drawings) Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a flowchart 100 illustrating the steps of a method for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 102, a gas stream rich in CO 2 is received. In step 104, the gas stream rich in CO 2 is processed to remove impurities therefrom. In step 105, an aqueous mixture for absorbing carbon dioxide is prepared. In step 106, carbon dioxide from the gas stream rich in CO 2 is absorbed into the aqueous mixture, and the aqueous mixture containing the absorbed carbon dioxide forms a feed medium. In step 108, the feed medium is added to the bioprocess.

[0048] Steps 102, 104, 105, 106, and 108 are merely illustrative, and other alternatives can be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are deleted, or one or more steps are provided in a different order without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a schematic diagram of a system 200 for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. System 200 includes a first inlet 222 for supplying a gas stream rich in CO 2 . Here, the gas stream rich in CO 2 is supplied to a prefilter 204 via a compressor 202 for compressing the gas stream rich in CO 2 . The prefilter 204 processes the gas stream rich in CO 2 to remove impurities therefrom. System 200 includes CO 2It includes an absorption chamber 206 for absorbing carbon dioxide from a gas stream rich in [[ID=]]. The absorbed carbon dioxide is introduced into a second inlet 208 for receiving the aqueous mixture, and the absorbed carbon dioxide and the aqueous mixture form a feed medium. System 200 further includes a third inlet 224 for adding the feed medium to the bioprocess. The feed medium is added to a bioreactor 210 that facilitates the bioprocess. System 200 further includes at least one fourth inlet 212 for adding at least one of hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, carbon monoxide, and minerals to the bioprocess, and a light source coupled to the bioreactor for illuminating the bioreactor. Furthermore, system 200 further includes an outlet 214 for collecting the microbial biomass grown from the bioreactor 210.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of a system 300 for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. System 300 includes a prefilter 304, and a gas stream rich in CO 2 is supplied to the prefilter 304 via a compressor 302. System 300 includes an absorption chamber 306 for absorbing carbon dioxide from a gas stream rich in CO 2 . The absorbed carbon dioxide is introduced into a second inlet 320 for receiving the aqueous mixture, and the absorbed carbon dioxide and the aqueous mixture form a feed medium. System 300 further includes a recycle unit 310 communicably coupled to the absorption chamber 306 and the filter 312. The recycle unit 310 is configured to recycle the carbon dioxide, water, and one or more insoluble gases received via the pump 308 after the absorption of the carbon dioxide returned to the absorption chamber 306 via the compressor 302 and the prefilter 304. As shown, system 300 includes a filter 312 for filtering a feed medium by removing impurities selected from a plurality of solid impurities. Here, filter 312 is a sterilizing filter. The filtered feed medium from filter 312 is supplied to bioreactor 314. System 300 further includes at least one fourth inlet 316 for adding at least one of hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, carbon monoxide, and minerals to the bioprocess, and a light source coupled to the bioreactor for illuminating the bioreactor. Furthermore, system 300 further includes a recycle unit 318 communicatively coupled to bioreactor 314 and compressor 302. Recycle unit 318 is configured to recycle carbon dioxide received via bioreactor 314 as a byproduct back to the absorption chamber via compressor 302 and prefilter 304. Furthermore, system 300 further includes an outlet 320 for harvesting the microbial biomass grown from bioreactor 314.

[0051] Modifications to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "having", "is", etc. used to describe and claim the present disclosure are to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., are intended to allow for the presence of items, components, or elements not explicitly recited. References to the singular are also to be construed as relating to the plural.

Claims

1. A method of adding a feed medium to a bioprocess, comprising: (a) Receive a gas stream rich in CO ２ and (b) treating the gas stream rich in CO ２ therefrom to remove impurities (c) preparing an aqueous mixture for absorbing carbon dioxide, the aqueous mixture comprising at least one inorganic nitrogen compound in the range of 5 to 10% by weight of the aqueous mixture, the at least one inorganic nitrogen compound being a nitrogen source for microorganisms; and (d) absorbing carbon dioxide from the gas stream rich in ２ CO into the aqueous mixture, such that the aqueous mixture containing the absorbed carbon dioxide forms a feed medium, and (e) adding the feed medium to the bioprocess.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the absorption of carbon dioxide is carried out at a temperature in the range of 0 to 35 °C and a pressure in the range of 1 to 200 bar.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising filtering the feed medium to remove impurities selected from a plurality of solid impurities.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the filtration is sterile filtration.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising adding at least one of hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, carbon monoxide, minerals, and light to the bioprocess.

6. The CO ２ -rich gas is obtained from an external source, and the external source is a combustion plant. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

7. wherein the external source further comprises a microbial fermentation process for obtaining a gas rich in CO ２ The method according to claim 6, further comprising a microbial fermentation process for obtaining a gas rich in ２ .

8. Further comprising recycling a recycled gas stream back to step (a), wherein the recycled gas stream is selected from carbon dioxide, water, and one or more insoluble gases produced in step (d), or carbon dioxide produced in step (e). Here, the gas stream rich in CO ２ is supplemented by the recycled gas stream, the method according to claim 1.

9. The CO ２ in the total volume of the gas stream enriched with ２ is determined by the following equation, the method according to claim 8. 【Number 1】 wherein X is the concentration of CO in the total volume of the gas stream enriched with CO ２ supplemented by the recycled gas stream ２ and A is CO ２ in a gas stream rich in ２ CO concentration B is CO ２ the flow rate of the gas stream rich in C is the flow rate of the recycled gas stream. D is the concentration of CO in the recycled gas stream ２ thereof.

10. The CO ２ The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein treating the gas rich in comprises at least one selected from filtration, press scrubbing, use of a flash tank, desulfurization, removal of hydrocarbons, oxygen, halogen, siloxane, and filtering as a high-efficiency particulate absorption filtering.

11. A system (200, 300) for adding a feed medium to a bioprocess, the system (200, 300) comprising: -CO ２ a first inlet (222) for providing a gas stream rich in - said CO ２ A pre-filter (204, 304) that processes the gas stream rich in it to remove impurities therefrom, - the CO ２ an absorption chamber (206, 306) for absorbing carbon dioxide from a gas stream rich in it, and a second inlet (208, 320) for receiving an aqueous mixture that absorbs carbon dioxide to form a supply medium, wherein the aqueous mixture contains at least one inorganic nitrogen compound of 5 to 10% by weight of the aqueous mixture, and the at least one inorganic nitrogen compound is a nitrogen source for microorganisms, - a third inlet (224) for adding the feed medium to the bioprocess; and - a bioreactor (210, 314) for promoting the bioprocess.

12. The system (200, 300) according to claim 11, further comprising a filter (312) for filtering the feed medium by removing impurities selected from a plurality of solid impurities.

13. The system (200, 300) according to claim 12, wherein the filter (312) is a sterile filter.

14. - at least one fourth inlet (316) for adding at least one of hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, carbon monoxide, and minerals to the bioprocess, and The system (200, 300) according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a light source coupled to the bioreactor (210, 314) for illuminating the bioreactor (210, 314).

15. The CO ２ -rich gas is obtained from an external source, and the external source is a combustion plant, the system (200, 300) according to claim 11 or 12.

16. wherein the external source further includes a microbial fermentation process for obtaining a gas rich in CO ２ The system (200, 300) according to claim 15, further comprising a microbial fermentation process for obtaining a gas rich in ２ .

17. The system (200, 300) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the bioreactor (210, 314) is configured to culture a microorganism selected from the group comprising autotrophic microorganisms, heterotrophic microorganisms, mixotrophic microorganisms, aerobic microorganisms, anaerobic microorganisms, or facultative anaerobic microorganisms.

18. The system further comprises at least one recycling unit (310, 318) communicatively coupled between the absorption chamber (206, 306) or the bioreactor (210, 314) and the filter (312), wherein the recycling unit is configured to recycle carbon dioxide, water, and one or more insoluble gases generated inside either the absorption chamber (206, 306) or the bioreactor (210, 314) back to the first inlet (222). The system (200, 300) according to claim 12.

19. At least one concentration selected from carbon dioxide, water, and one or more insoluble gases generated within the absorption chambers (206, 306), or the concentration of carbon dioxide generated within the bioreactor (210, 314), is used to determine the required CO at the first inlet (222). ２ The system according to claim 18, further comprising at least one sensor element configured to measure the concentration of.

20. The system according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising at least one selected from a press scrubber, a flash tank, an absorber, a microaerator, and a high-efficiency particulate absorption filter.

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