Butanol Fermentation Extractant Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for butanol production through fermentation face challenges due to low butanol toxicity thresholds in microorganisms, leading to inefficient extraction and degradation of extractants, which affects fermentation efficiency and costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of specific extractants such as C7 to C22 fatty alcohols and acids, and hydrophilic solutes to enhance phase separation and extraction efficiency, along with the removal of undissolved solids to prevent contamination and improve mass transfer, is employed in a system that includes multiple units for fermentation and extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid-liquid extraction is used to remove butanol from fermentation broth, then butanol toxicity to microorganisms is reduced and butanol yields are improved, but extractant partition coefficient degrades over time due to contamination with lipids and undissolved solids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes undissolved solids and lipids from the fermentation broth before the extraction step. This preliminary removal prevents contamination of the extractant during the liquid-liquid extraction process, maintaining the extractant's partition coefficient stability over multiple reuse cycles while still achieving effective butanol removal and high yields
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs solid-liquid separation and lipid removal as preliminary actions before the main extraction process. By preparing the fermentation broth in advance to remove contaminants that would degrade the extractant, the system ensures long-term extractant reliability without compromising the butanol extraction efficiency
2Quantity of substance
If undissolved solids are present in the fermentation broth during extraction, then fermentation substrate utilization is maintained, but mass transfer efficiency is reduced and extractant is lost due to trapping in solids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fermentation process into distinct stages: fermentation, solid-liquid separation, and extraction. By separating the fermentation step (where substrate utilization occurs) from the extraction step (where mass transfer efficiency is critical), the system maintains both substrate utilization and extraction efficiency without compromise
3Ease of manufacture
If extractant is recirculated over long periods to reduce costs, then operational expenses are reduced, but partition coefficient decreases due to accumulation of contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes contaminants (undissolved solids and lipids) from the fermentation broth before extraction. This prevents contaminant accumulation in the recirculating extractant, allowing long-term recirculation at reduced operational costs while maintaining partition coefficient reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and composition of the fermentation broth by removing solids and lipids before extraction. This parameter change ensures that the extractant maintains its extraction efficiency over multiple recirculation cycles, enabling cost-effective long-term operation without degradation
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
This approach allows for higher butanol yields by reducing microorganism toxicity and extractant degradation, improving fermentation efficiency and reducing operational costs by minimizing contamination and increasing extractant longevity.
Implementation Method 1
liquid-liquid extraction (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0305370). In general, with regard to butanol fermentation, the fermentation broth which includes the microorganism is contacted with an extractant at a time before the butanol concentration reaches, for example, a toxic level. The butanol partitions into the extractant decreasing the concentration of butanol in the fermentation broth containing the microorganism
Implementation Method 2
Production of alcohol utilizing fermentation by microorganisms is one such environmentally-friendly production method
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the fermentative production of alcohols including ethanol and butanol, and processes for improving alcohol fermentation employing in situ product removal methods.