Continuous Fermentation Membrane Gas Scrubbing for Clogging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional continuous fermentation methods using membrane separation technologies face challenges in maintaining high productivity due to membrane clogging and filtration efficiency issues, particularly in the presence of suspended solids and adsorbed materials, and lack effective scrubbing cleaning methods tailored for chemical production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the controlled supply of gas at a linear velocity of 0.15 cm/s to 70 cm/s from the lower portion of the membrane module or connecting pipe to reduce clogging and enhance fermentation performance, while intermittently supplying gas to the fermentor and adjusting gas supply rates, thereby stabilizing filtration and improving fermentation outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If membrane separation is used to retain microorganisms in continuous fermentation, then microorganism concentration in the fermentor is improved, but membrane clogging occurs due to suspended solids and adsorbed materials
Solution Approach 1:
A gas supply system is introduced as an intermediary between the fermentor and membrane module. Gas is supplied at controlled linear velocities (0.15-70 cm/s) to create bubbles that physically remove suspended solids and adsorbed materials from the membrane surface, preventing clogging while maintaining microorganism retention
Solution Approach 2:
Gas is supplied intermittently rather than continuously. The gas supply operates in periodic cycles, providing cleaning action at specific intervals during filtration. This periodic gas supply removes accumulated suspended solids and maintains membrane permeability without requiring continuous high gas flow that would disrupt fermentation
2Reliability
If gas is supplied to clean the membrane, then filtration efficiency is improved, but fermentation performance may be affected by excessive gas supply
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply parameters (linear velocity and supply timing) are precisely controlled within specific ranges. Gas linear velocity is maintained between 0.15-70 cm/s, and supply is intermittent rather than continuous. These parameter optimizations ensure sufficient membrane cleaning while minimizing disruption to fermentation processes
Solution Approach 2:
Gas is supplied at controlled partial levels rather than excessive amounts. The intermittent gas supply provides just enough cleaning action to maintain filtration efficiency without over-aerating the system or disrupting microbial metabolism. The gas supply rate is adjusted to match the actual clogging rate
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 stabilizes membrane filtration properties, enhances fermentation results, reduces contamination risks, and enables stable production of chemicals at a lower cost by maintaining high productivity and filtration efficiency over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
supplying gas from at least one of a lower portion of the separation membrane module and a pipe communicating between the fermentor and the separation membrane module so as to adjust a gas linear velocity in the separation membrane module to 0.15 cm/s to 70 cm/s
Implementation Method 2
conducting filtration of the culture medium by using a separation membrane module; separating a permeate containing the chemical from the culture medium while retaining a non-permeated liquid in the fermentor
Implementation Method 3
supplying gas to the fermentor intermittently and adjusting a supply rate of the gas
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for producing a chemical through continuous fermentation, the method including: (a) culturing a cell in a culture medium in a fermentor to ferment a feedstock to produce a chemical; (b) conducting filtration of the culture medium by using a separation membrane module; (c) separating a permeate containing the chemical from the culture medium while retaining a non-permeated liquid in the fermentor, and (d) supplying a gas from at least one of a lower portion of the separation membrane module and a pipe communicating between the fermentor and the separation membrane module so as to adjust a gas linear velocity in the separation membrane module to 0.15 cm/s to 70 cm/s while supplying the separation membrane module with a liquid.