Aliphatic Alcohol Extraction Using Recyclable TOPO-Based Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting aliphatic alcohols are inefficient and costly, particularly in industrial scales, and there is a need for a method that can be integrated with biotechnological production processes to overcome end-product inhibition and improve yield.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mixture of trialkyl-phosphine-oxide, preferably trioctyl-phosphine-oxide (TOPO), and alkane with at least 12 carbon atoms to extract aliphatic alcohols from an aqueous medium, allowing for high yield and easy separation by distillation, with the extracting medium being non-toxic to microorganisms and recyclable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional organic solvent systems are used for extraction, then extraction capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost and efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extracting medium by using trialkylphosphine oxide compounds with specific molecular structures and properties. This allows for improved extraction efficiency and reduced costs compared to traditional organic solvents, as the phosphine oxide-based medium achieves better solubility and extraction capability with lower material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite extracting media that combine trialkylphosphine oxide with other compatible substances to create a synergistic extraction system. This composite approach enhances the overall extraction efficiency while maintaining cost-effectiveness, as the combination of materials provides both high performance and economic viability.
2Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used, then alcohol recovery is achieved, but end-product inhibition occurs and yield is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent continuously extracts the aliphatic alcohol from the aqueous phase into the trialkylphosphine oxide-based organic phase during the fermentation process. This continuous removal of the product prevents end-product inhibition of the microorganisms, allowing for higher alcohol yields and improved productivity by maintaining favorable conditions for microbial activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction process operates continuously throughout the fermentation, maintaining a steady-state removal of alcohol from the aqueous phase. This continuous action ensures that the microorganisms are never subjected to high concentrations of the product, thereby preventing inhibition and maximizing yield over extended periods.
3Manufacturing precision
If large amounts of extracting medium are used, then extraction completeness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration and properties of the trialkylphosphine oxide in the extracting medium to achieve maximum extraction efficiency at lower concentrations. By carefully controlling the parameters of the extracting medium, the system achieves complete extraction with reduced amounts of material, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining high extraction completeness.
4Productivity
If specialized equipment is used for extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trialkylphosphine oxide-based extracting medium has inherent properties that enable efficient extraction without requiring complex specialized equipment. The chemical characteristics of the phosphine oxide compound allow for effective mass and heat transfer, facilitating the extraction process through simpler, more conventional equipment while maintaining high efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves higher extraction efficiency with reduced amounts of extracting medium, minimizes end-product inhibition, and reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for specialized equipment, while maintaining high product yield and enabling microorganism recycling.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the aliphatic alcohol in the aqueous medium with at least one extracting medium for a time sufficient to extract the aliphatic alcohol from the aqueous medium into the extracting medium
Implementation Method 2
separating the extracting medium with the extracted aliphatic alcohols from the aqueous medium
Implementation Method 3
the aliphatic alcohols can be easily separated from the extracting medium according to any aspect of the present invention by distillation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of extracting an aliphatic alcohol, preferably containing 5 to 16 carbon atoms, from an aqueous medium, the method comprising: (a) contacting the aliphatic alcohol in the aqueous medium with at least one extracting medium for a time sufficient to extract the aliphatic alcohol from the aqueous medium into the extracting medium, (b) separating the extracting medium with the extracted aliphatic alcohol from the aqueous medium wherein the extracting medium comprises: - at least one trialkyl-phosphine-oxide, preferably trioctyl-phosphine-oxide, and optionally at least one alkane, and wherein the aliphatic alcohol is produced from a carbon source by contacting the carbon source with at least one microorganism capable of converting the carbon source to the aliphatic alcohol.