Lignocellulosic Ethanol Fermentation With Feedback Enzyme Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of ethanol from lignocellulosic raw materials is inefficient and costly compared to methods using starch or molasses, and maintaining ethanol concentration during fermentation is a challenge.
Innovation Solution
Perform multiple parallel fermentation by continuously or intermittently adding an additional saccharification enzyme to the fermentation liquid containing lignocellulosic raw material, saccharification enzyme, and yeast, maintaining the physical properties of the fermentation liquid within a preset range to enhance ethanol production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple parallel fermentation is performed without adding additional saccharification enzymes, then the process is simpler and lower cost, but the ethanol concentration cannot be maintained above a certain level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous addition of saccharification enzymes during the fermentation process to maintain sustained hydrolysis activity. This continuous supplementation ensures that the enzymes remain effective throughout the extended fermentation period, allowing ethanol concentration to be maintained above 80% of the steady-state level throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control system where the physical property values (ethanol concentration and viscosity) of the fermentation liquid are continuously monitored. Based on these measurements, additional saccharification enzymes are added to maintain the fermentation liquid's physical property values within preset ranges, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes ethanol production.
2Productivity
If multiple parallel fermentation is performed without adding additional saccharification enzymes, then the operation is simpler, but the continuous operation time is limited and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous supplementation of saccharification enzymes enables the fermentation process to operate continuously for extended periods (192 hours or more) without significant degradation in performance. This continuous action maintains high ethanol production rates throughout the operation, significantly improving overall productivity compared to batch processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system monitors fermentation liquid properties and adjusts enzyme addition rates accordingly, optimizing productivity by maintaining optimal enzymatic activity throughout the continuous operation. This ensures high ethanol production efficiency while adapting to changing process conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the substrate to enzyme ratio is optimized for complete saccharification, then saccharification efficiency is high, but the system cannot adapt to changing fermentation conditions over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static substrate-to-enzyme ratio into a dynamic system where additional saccharification enzymes are continuously or intermittently added based on real-time monitoring of fermentation liquid physical property values. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing fermentation conditions, maintaining optimal saccharification efficiency throughout the extended operation period.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control mechanism uses measured physical property values of the fermentation liquid to dynamically adjust enzyme addition, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions such as substrate depletion, product accumulation, and viscosity changes. This feedback-driven adaptability maintains high saccharification efficiency throughout the continuous process.
4Productivity
If ethanol concentration is maintained at high levels through continuous enzyme addition, then production efficiency is high, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system optimizes the balance between productivity and cost by adding enzymes only when necessary to maintain ethanol concentration above the threshold level. This prevents unnecessary enzyme addition and associated costs while ensuring high production efficiency is maintained throughout the continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical property values (ethanol concentration, viscosity) as control parameters to determine when and how much additional enzyme to add. By monitoring these parameters and adjusting enzyme addition accordingly, the system maintains high ethanol production levels while optimizing cost efficiency through precise, needs-based enzyme supplementation.
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 method maintains high ethanol concentration and reduces manufacturing costs by extending continuous operation time and optimizing enzyme use.
Implementation Method 1
an enzymatic saccharification method that hydrolyzes using saccharification enzymes such as cellulolytic enzymes
Implementation Method 2
ethanol-fermenting microorganisms are allowed to coexist with the above saccharification enzymes, and an enzymatic saccharification reaction and ethanol fermentation are simultaneously performed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for efficiently producing ethanol from a lignocellulosic raw material. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for producing ethanol from a lignocellulosic raw material, which comprises a step of performing multiple parallel fermentation while continuously or intermittently adding an additional saccharification enzyme to a fermentation liquid comprising a lignocellulosic raw material, a saccharification enzyme and a yeast so that the physical property value of the fermentation liquid itself is maintained within a preset range.