Carbonate copolymer foam control agents and methods of use in fermentation process

Polyalkylene carbonates with tailored molecular weights and carbonate content address the hydrophobicity limitations of traditional defoamers, offering superior foam control in fermentation and other processes by enhancing hydrophobicity and rigidity, thereby improving operational efficiency.

WO2026135946A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-06-25DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Filing Date
2025-11-25
Publication Date
2026-06-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing defoamers like polypropylene glycols face limitations due to hydrophobicity constraints, necessitating improved foam control agents for processes such as fermentation where foam formation is a significant operational hindrance.

Method used

The use of polyalkylene carbonates with varying molecular weights and carbonate content, synthesized through methods involving carbon dioxide and alkylene oxides, enhances defoaming and antifoaming performance by incorporating carbonate units into the polymer backbone, improving hydrophobicity and rigidity.

Benefits of technology

Polyalkylene carbonates demonstrate superior foam control in fermentation and other applications, reducing foam levels effectively and outperforming traditional agents by providing enhanced hydrophobicity and rigidity, thus improving process efficiency.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling foam in a process system, particularly in fermenting broths used for bio-ethanol production. The method comprises adding a foam-control agent that contains one or more polyalkylene carbonates having a CO2 content of 1wt% - 40wt% and a weight-average molecular weight of 500Da- 100kDa. Preferred agents are polypropylene carbonates, optionally copolymerised with ethylene-oxide units in defined PO:EO ratios (99:1 to 1:10). The agent can be introduced before, at the start of, or intermittently during fermentation, at concentrations from 1ppm to 500 000ppm. The disclosed polymers provide superior defoaming performance, lower foam height, and are substantially free of 1,4-dioxane.
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