Simulated Moving Bed Fermentation Product Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recovering biofuels like ethanol and 2,3-butanediol from microbial fermentation broths are inefficient and costly due to issues with separation, often requiring high energy consumption and chemical additions, and result in waste disposal problems from by-products like acetate.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a simulated moving bed (SMB) module with an adsorbent to separate and recover ethanol, 2,3-butanediol, and other fermentation products by adsorbing them from a treated broth stream, followed by desorption with a solvent, reducing energy requirements and minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional distillation methods are used to separate fermentation products, then separation can be achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional thermal distillation system with a simulated moving bed adsorption system. The SMB unit uses adsorbent materials to selectively adsorb fermentation products from the broth, eliminating the need for high-energy thermal separation while achieving efficient product recovery and purification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous adsorbent materials in the SMB unit that selectively adsorb fermentation products based on their pore structure and surface properties. These materials enable separation through adsorption equilibria rather than thermal differentiation, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining high separation efficiency
2Manufacturing precision
If chemical additives are used in traditional separation processes, then separation can be enhanced, but waste disposal problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SMB system uses the natural adsorption properties of the adsorbent materials to perform separation without requiring additional chemical additives. The process relies on the inherent selective affinity between the adsorbent and fermentation products, eliminating chemical waste generation while maintaining effective separation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously recovers and regenerates the adsorbent material in the SMB unit. After adsorption, the adsorbent is regenerated in situ, allowing repeated use without generating chemical waste. This closed-loop approach eliminates the need for chemical disposal while maintaining separation efficiency
3Ease of manufacture
If batch fermentation processes are used, then product recovery can be performed, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the SMB unit directly with the fermentation bioreactor, creating a continuous process where fermentation broth is continuously fed to the SMB for product recovery. This eliminates the interruption between batch fermentation and product recovery, maintaining continuous productive action and significantly increasing overall production efficiency
4Quantity of substance
If high concentration fermentation broths are processed, then product yield increases, but separation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SMB system exploits changes in adsorption equilibria parameters as the broth flows through the columns. By controlling flow rates, switch timing, and column configuration, the system maintains effective separation even at high product concentrations, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods that struggle with concentrated broths
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 SMB process effectively separates and recovers fermentation products with high yield and purity, reducing energy consumption and waste, and allows for continuous operation with minimal chemical use, overcoming the inefficiencies of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a simulated moving bed (SMB) module with an adsorbent to separate and recover ethanol, 2,3-butanediol, and other fermentation products by adsorbing them from a treated broth stream
Implementation Method 2
followed by desorption with a solvent
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an improved method for the production, separation and recovery of one or more fermentation products from a fermentation broth. Further, the invention provides a method for increasing efficiency of a fermentation reaction. In particular, the invention relates to a fermentation system which incorporates a simulated moving bed for separation of fermentation products from a fermentation broth, and a corresponding method.