Peracetate Oxidant Solution for Fermentation Bacterial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling microbial contamination in fermentation processes, such as those used in bioethanol production, face challenges with the use of antibiotics leading to resistant populations and toxic byproducts, while oxidizing biocides can be corrosive and inhibit yeast activity, and non-oxidizing biocides are slow-acting and costly.
Innovation Solution
The use of a peracetate oxidant solution that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) to rapidly reduce bacterial populations without impacting yeast, with a pH range of 10 to 12 and a molar ratio of peracetate to hydrogen peroxide greater than 16:1, providing enhanced microbial control and reducing biofilm and corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antibiotics are used to control bacteria in fermentation processes, then bacterial populations are reduced, but resistant populations develop and toxic byproducts are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the oxidizing biocide by controlling pH (maintaining fermentation pH of 4.0-6.5) and oxidant concentration (5-50 ppm) to achieve effective bacterial control without the harmful effects of traditional antibiotics. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain reliability while eliminating resistant populations and toxic byproducts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of oxidizing biocides (which can inhibit yeast at high concentrations) into a benefit by using controlled, low concentrations combined with pH control. The system transforms what could be a harmful condition into an effective bacterial control method that actually protects yeast by preventing bacterial contamination without inhibiting yeast activity.
2Productivity
If oxidizing biocides are used to control bacteria, then bacterial populations are rapidly reduced, but process equipment corrosion increases and yeast activity may be inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by严格控制 pH (4.0-6.5) and oxidant concentration (5-50 ppm) to achieve rapid bacterial control while preventing equipment corrosion and yeast inhibition. The controlled parameters ensure the oxidizing biocide acts quickly on bacteria without reaching concentrations that would harm yeast or corrode equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different chemical environments: the fermentor maintains pH 4.0-6.5 to protect yeast, while the recirculation loop allows pH elevation to 7.0-9.0 for enhanced bacterial control. This spatial differentiation of chemical conditions allows rapid bacterial reduction in the recirculation path without exposing the entire fermentation system to corrosive or yeast-inhibiting conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-oxidizing biocides are used to control bacteria, then toxicity to yeast is reduced, but bacterial control speed decreases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by controlling oxidant concentration at low levels (5-50 ppm) and maintaining specific pH ranges to achieve yeast-compatible bacterial control. This transforms the oxidizing biocide into a gentle treatment that acts rapidly on bacteria without toxic effects on yeast, overcoming the speed limitation of non-oxidizing biocides while maintaining yeast safety.
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 effectively controls microbial loads, reduces oxidation byproducts, and minimizes environmental impact, maintaining yeast activity and efficiency in fermentation processes while avoiding the formation of harmful residues.
Implementation Method 1
The chemistry provides rapid reduction of bacteria populations in a fermentation process, including a grist or mash, without significant impact on the yeast population or activity
Implementation Method 2
The peracetate oxidant solution may provide enhanced separation of microbes from contaminated water
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, methods of controlling microbial contamination in fermenters, feedstocks and water, which is deleterious to fermentation, involving the use of peracetate oxidant solutions designed to generate reactive oxygen species. The methods may include providing a peracetate oxidant solution. The peracetate solution may include peracetate anions and a peracid. In some embodiments, the peracetate solution may include a pH from about pH 10 to about pH 12. In some embodiments, the peracetate solution has a molar ratio of peracetate anions to peracid ranging from about 60:1 to about 6000:1. In some embodiments, the peracetate solution has a molar ratio of peracetate to hydrogen peroxide of greater than about 16:1.