Peracid Sanitation of Ethanol Fermentation for Bacterial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The biofuel industry faces challenges in ethanol fermentation due to bacterial contamination, which reduces production yields and efficiency, and the use of antibiotics in fermentation processes leads to undesirable incidental dosing in animal feed and regulatory concerns.
Innovation Solution
Employing peracid compositions, particularly peroxyoctanoic acid, to sanitize fermentation systems and eliminate microbial populations without interfering with yeast fermentation, thereby improving ethanol yield and avoiding residual animal feed concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antibiotics are used to control yield loss bacterium in fermentation, then bacterial contamination is reduced, but antibiotic residues are incidentally dosed into animal feed supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the antimicrobial agent from antibiotics to peracid compositions (such as peracetic acid, peroxypropionic acid, or blends with organic acids). This parameter change eliminates antibiotic residues in animal feed while maintaining effectiveness against yield loss bacteria like Lactobacillus and Acetobacter species during corn ethanol fermentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs peracid compositions that decompose into harmless byproducts (water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) rather than persisting as residues. These short-living antimicrobial agents provide effective bacterial control during fermentation without creating long-term contamination issues in the food supply chain
2Reliability
If peracid compositions are used to sanitize fermentation systems, then microbial populations are reduced, but the system requires effective sanitation without interfering with yeast fermentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies peracid compositions at specific locations and concentrations tailored to different fermentation system components. The sanitation approach varies by location (fermenter surfaces, pipes, equipment) and adjusts the peracid concentration to achieve microbial reduction while maintaining yeast viability and fermentation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic sanitation cycles using peracid compositions during the fermentation process. This includes applying peracids at specific stages (such as before substrate loading or during maintenance periods) to control bacterial populations without continuously exposing the yeast to antimicrobial agents that could inhibit fermentation
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 use of peracid compositions effectively reduces microbial populations, enhancing ethanol yield and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards by eliminating antibiotic residues in animal feed.
Implementation Method 1
The use of peracid compositions, particularly peroxyoctanoic acid, to sanitize fermentation systems and eliminate microbial populations
Data Source
AI summary
A process for the use of peracid compositions to eliminate and/or control the growth of undesirable bacteria, including contaminating bacteria, in the fermentation production of alcohol is disclosed. Beneficially, the peracid compositions and methods of use of the same do not interfere or inhibit the growth or replication of yeast and have low or no adverse environmental impact.