Olefin Extractant Bioproduct Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing bioproducts like butanol and crotyl alcohol using microorganisms are energetically or economically inefficient and often require specialized reagents or microorganisms, making them difficult or expensive to implement.
Innovation Solution
A method involving mixing a carbon source and a nitrogen source to form a fermentation medium, fermenting with a microorganism to produce a bioproduct, extracting with an olefin-based extractant, separating the bioproduct, and recycling the extractant-depleted raffinate to enhance bioproduct yield and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional extraction methods are used for bioproduct recovery, then separation can be achieved, but energy consumption increases and extraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the extractant by using an olefin with a boiling point below 10°C, which fundamentally alters the extraction process characteristics. This low-boiling-point olefin enables more efficient mass transfer and reduces the energy required for subsequent separation steps, directly resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits phase transition of the olefin extractant between liquid and vapor phases. The olefin is introduced in liquid form for extraction, then transitions to vapor phase for easy separation from the bioproduct. This phase transition mechanism enables high extraction efficiency while minimizing energy input, as the separation occurs through natural vaporization rather than high-energy heating
2Productivity
If specialized reagents and microorganisms are used, then bioproduct production can be achieved, but implementation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, specialized reagents with a low-cost, readily available olefin that can be easily handled and disposed of. The olefin serves as a temporary extraction medium that is separated and can be regenerated, eliminating the need for complex specialized chemicals while maintaining effective bioproduct recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The olefin extractant serves multiple functions: it effectively extracts bioproducts from fermentation broth, provides a clear phase separation interface, and enables simple vapor-phase removal. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple specialized reagents and complex processing steps, reducing both cost and implementation difficulty
3Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction solvents are used, then bioproduct extraction can be performed, but separation difficulty and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation systems with a chemical-based solution using olefin extraction. The olefin's unique properties create spontaneous phase separation based on density and solubility differences, eliminating the need for complex centrifugal or filtration equipment while achieving effective bioproduct concentration
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 improves the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of bioproduct production by achieving high extraction yields and concentrating bioproducts, such as butanol and crotyl alcohol, while minimizing the use of expensive reagents and maintaining microorganism viability.
Implementation Method 1
extracting at least a fraction of said fermentation broth with an extractant comprising an olefin to form an extract and a raffinate
Implementation Method 2
separating said extract from said raffinate
Implementation Method 3
separating at least a fraction of the bioproduct from said extract; wherein the weight ratio between bioproduct and water in said extract is at least about 5 times greater than said ratio in said fermentation broth
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for production of a bioproduct with a microorganism and selective extraction of bioproducts from a fermentation broth. The methods may include mixing a carbon source, a nitrogen source, and an extractant-depleted raffinate to form a fermentation medium, and fermenting the medium with a microorganism to form a fermentation broth having at least one bioproduct. The bioproduct may be extracted from the fermentation broth with an extractant comprising an olefin to form an extract and a raffinate, and the extract may be further separated from the raffinate. The bioproduct may then be separated from the extract, and the extractant may be separated from the raffinate to regenerate the extract-depleted raffinate.