Lactic Acid Absorption Resin for Continuous Fermentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing D-type lactic acid are costly due to the need for a neutralization step and additional processes, and result in raw material losses and increased manufacturing costs due to protein and sugar sources remaining in the filtered liquid.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that selectively absorbs and separates lactic acid from the fermentation liquor using a lactic acid absorption resin, eliminating the need for a neutralization agent and recycling the filtered liquid without nutrient component loss, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a yeast is used for lactic acid fermentation, then fermentation can proceed, but a neutralization step is required because yeast is vulnerable to acidic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful acidic environment from the fermentation system by using a lactic acid absorption resin that selectively binds lactic acid as it is produced. This allows the fermentation to proceed without acid accumulation harming the yeast, eliminating the need for neutralization agents and the associated complex downstream processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The lactic acid absorption resin acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the lactic acid production and the yeast's sensitivity to acid. The resin absorbs the lactic acid, preventing direct contact with the yeast cells, thus protecting the yeast while enabling continuous high-yield fermentation without neutralization.
2Manufacturing precision
If lactic acid is extracted from fermentation liquor, then pure lactic acid is obtained, but nutrient components (protein and sugar) are lost in the filtered liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by selectively discarding only the lactic acid from the fermentation liquor using the absorption resin, while recovering and retaining all nutrient components (proteins and sugars) in the filtered liquid. The spent fermentation liquor containing nutrients is then recycled back to the fermenter, preventing nutrient loss and reducing the need for fresh medium supplementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption resin changes the physical-chemical parameters of the fermentation liquor by selectively binding lactic acid molecules, allowing separation based on molecular recognition rather than physical filtration. This parameter-based separation preserves macromolecular nutrients while removing the target product.
3Reliability
If a porous membrane filter is used to remove microorganisms, then filtered liquid is obtained, but additional neutralization and replacement steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the microorganism removal function and the lactic acid separation function into a single integrated step using the absorption resin. The resin simultaneously allows microorganisms to be retained in the fermenter while lactic acid is selectively absorbed from the broth, combining what were previously separate operations (filtration and neutralization/extraction) into one process.
4Productivity
If culture medium is continuously added to maintain fermentation, then lactic acid production continues, but raw material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by continuously recycling the nutrient-rich filtered liquid back to the fermenter. This maintains continuous fermentation and lactic acid production while reusing nutrients, thereby sustaining productivity without proportionally increasing raw material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by monitoring and recycling the filtered liquid containing unutilized nutrients back into the fermentation process. This feedback loop ensures that nutrients are fully utilized before being reused, optimizing raw material efficiency while maintaining continuous production.
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
The method increases lactic acid concentration by 20% per fermentation volume, saves over 15% of the fermentation medium, and simplifies the separation and purification process, reducing overall production costs and maintaining microorganism health.
Implementation Method 1
lactic acid is selectively absorbed and separated from a fermentation liquor using a lactic absorption unit (such as, a resin)
Implementation Method 2
removing microorganisms from the fermentation liquor using a porous membrane filter
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for producing lactic acid, wherein only lactic acid is selectively absorbed and separated from fermentation liquor using a lactic acid absorption resin and wherein a neutralizing agent is not used. The present invention does not include a neutralizing process and a process of converting lactate to lactic acid. The method comprises: adding and mixing a culture medium, microorganism and sugar in a fermenter; passing a fermentation liquor through a microorganism filtration unit to remove microorganisms; and selectively absorbing and separating lactic acid from filtered liquid using a lactic acid absorption resin. The apparatus includes a fermenter for lactic acid fermentation; a filtration unit for removing a microorganisms from the fermentation liquor; and a lactic acid absorption resin for selectively absorbing lactic acid from the filtered liquid.