Fermentation Carbon Capture via Syngas Recycling Loop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microbial fermentation processes for producing ethanol from syngas substrates face inefficiencies due to co-production of acetate and CO2, leading to reduced carbon capture and potential greenhouse gas emissions, as well as economic and environmental concerns related to crop-based feedstocks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involve gasification of a feedstock to produce syngas, which is then fermented by microorganisms to produce acids and alcohols, with unconverted syngas components like CO, CO2, and CH4 being recycled back to the gasifier to enhance carbon capture and efficiency, and products like ethanol being separated and reused, optimizing the carbon conversion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If microbial fermentation is used to produce ethanol from syngas, then ethanol production is achieved, but carbon capture efficiency deteriorates due to co-production of acetate and CO2
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by recycling the exit stream containing unconverted syngas components (CO, CO2, CH4) back to the gasifier. This closed-loop approach ensures that carbon elements that would otherwise be lost are returned to the system for重新 utilization, thereby improving overall carbon capture efficiency while maintaining continuous ethanol production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers valuable carbon-containing components (CO, CO2, CH4) from the fermentation exit stream that would otherwise be discarded or released as greenhouse gases. By separating and recycling these components to the gasifier, the system transforms waste streams into valuable feedstocks, improving carbon utilization efficiency
2Productivity
If crop-based feedstocks are used for ethanol production, then ethanol is produced, but economic sustainability and environmental concerns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs microorganisms with metabolic versatility that can utilize multiple carbon sources including CO, CO2, and CH4 from syngas. This multi-functionality allows the system to produce ethanol from non-crop-based feedstocks, eliminating dependence on agricultural resources and improving economic sustainability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the substrate parameter from traditional crop-based carbohydrates to syngas components (CO, CO2, CH4). This parameter change enables the use of industrial waste gases as feedstock, transforming an environmentally harmful waste stream into a valuable resource for sustainable ethanol production
3Loss of substance
If syngas components are recycled back to the gasifier, then carbon capture improves, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fermentation process with the gasification process by integrating the exit stream recycling loop. The gasifier and bioreactor are coupled through a feedback mechanism where the gasifier provides syngas to the bioreactor and receives back unconverted components, creating a unified integrated system that improves carbon capture without requiring entirely separate processes
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 improves overall carbon capture and fermentation efficiency by recycling syngas components, reducing the need for additional feedstock and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, while enhancing ethanol production and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
micro-organisms to produce one or more products, wherein the products are one or more acids and/or alcohols
Implementation Method 2
organisms that use the acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl CoA) biochemical pathway of autotrophic growth (also known as the Woods-Ljungdahl pathway and the carbon monoxide dehydrogenase / acetyl CoA synthase (CODH/ACS) pathway)
Implementation Method 3
Carbonaceous materials can be converted into gas products including CO, CO2, H2 and lesser amounts of CH4 by gasification using a variety of methods, including pyrolysis, tar cracking and char gasification
Implementation Method 4
A large number of anaerobic organisms including carboxydotrophic, photosynthetic, methanogenic and acetogenic organisms have been shown to metabolize CO to various end products, namely CO2, H2, methane, n-butanol, acetate and ethanol
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to improvement in efficiency in gasification for use with syngas fermentation. In particular, the invention relates to increasing the overall carbon capture efficiency of a gasification/fermentation process to produce products such as alcohols.