Fermentation Alkene Production via Reactive Distillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing alkene precursors like isoprene, butadiene, and isobutene rely heavily on petrochemical feedstocks, leading to high production costs and low yields, with a need for sustainable alternatives.
Innovation Solution
Methods involving high temperature reactive distillation with steam contact, solvent extraction followed by Mulzer dehydration, solid phase adsorption and desorption into a solvent, and catalytic conversion of alkene precursors derived from fermentation to produce alkenes such as isoprene, butadiene, and isobutene, with optional steps including membrane separation and polishing distillation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If petrochemical feedstocks are used for producing alkene precursors, then production capacity is maintained, but production cost increases and yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of feedstock source from petrochemical to fermentation-based biological sources. This parameter change enables access to alternative production pathways that achieve higher yields and lower costs by utilizing renewable biological resources and enzymatic conversion processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional petrochemical mechanical/thermal processing systems with biological fermentation and enzymatic conversion systems. This substitution enables more efficient conversion of precursors to alkene products with higher yields and reduced production costs through biocatalytic pathways
2Reliability
If petrochemical feedstocks are used for producing alkene precursors, then production capacity is maintained, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the feedstock parameter from non-renewable petrochemical sources to renewable fermentation-based sources. This parameter change fundamentally improves sustainability and reduces environmental impact by utilizing biodegradable biological materials and cleaner conversion processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes petrochemical processing with biological fermentation and enzymatic conversion. This substitution reduces harmful environmental factors by replacing fossil fuel-based processes with renewable biological systems that produce fewer emissions and waste products
3Reliability
If fermentation-based alkene precursors are used, then sustainability is improved, but conversion efficiency to alkene products must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific enzymatic catalysts as intermediaries to facilitate the conversion of fermentation-based precursors to alkene products. These enzymatic mediators optimize reaction efficiency and selectivity, ensuring high conversion rates while maintaining the sustainability benefits of fermentation-based feedstocks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes conversion parameters including temperature, pH, and catalyst selection to maximize efficiency. By carefully controlling these parameters, the process achieves high conversion efficiency from fermentation precursors to alkene products while preserving environmental sustainability
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
These methods effectively convert alkene precursors from fermentation into high-purity alkene products, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional petrochemical-based production methods, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
converting 3-hydroxyacids and alcohols, derived from fermentation via dehydrative decarboxylation and dehydration respectively
Implementation Method 2
converting 3-hydroxyacids and alcohols, derived from fermentation via dehydrative decarboxylation and dehydration respectively
Implementation Method 3
high temperature reactive distillation with steam contact of the alkene precursor from the clarified fermentation broth
Implementation Method 4
solvent extraction of the alkene precursor from the clarified fermentation broth
Implementation Method 5
solid phase adsorption of the alkene precursor from the clarified fermentation broth
Implementation Method 6
catalytic conversion of alkene precursors derived from fermentation to produce alkenes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to processes for production of alkene products from their alkene precursors, such as 3-hydroxyacid and alcohols, via either (1) high temperature reactive distillation with steam contact at optimal pH, (2) solvent extraction and Mulzer dehydration, (3) solid phase adsorption, desorption into an organic solvent and catalytic reaction and (4) high temperature reactive distillation with steam contact at optimal pH followed by catalytic conversion.