Two-Stage Succinic Acid Production via Segmented Acidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing succinic acid through fermentation result in low yields and complexities in downstream processing due to the introduction of water during neutralization, leading to corrosive issues and inefficient succinic acid recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two magnesium succinate containing media with different concentrations, acidified with hydrogen chloride, to form a solution with increased succinic acid concentration, reducing water content and avoiding corrosive hydrogen chloride in the evaporation process, thereby enhancing succinic acid yield and simplifying downstream processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aqueous hydrochloric acid solution is used for neutralization in multiple steps, then the succinate solution can be gradually neutralized, but water is introduced into the solution which must be removed again before crystallization, increasing process complexity and evaporation difficulty due to corrosiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the neutralization process into two distinct stages: first neutralizing to pH 4-6 to precipitate calcium carbonate and convert most succinate to succinic acid, then performing a second neutralization to pH 2-4 to convert remaining succinate. This segmentation allows water removal to occur after the first stage rather than requiring complete water removal after all neutralization steps, reducing evaporation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary water removal by evaporation after the first neutralization step (at pH 4-6) before completing the second neutralization. This preliminary action removes the bulk of water when the solution is less corrosive, avoiding the need to evaporate water from highly acidic conditions, thereby reducing equipment corrosion and energy requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If water is removed from acidic solutions by evaporation, then water content can be reduced, but corrosive problems occur during the evaporation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary water removal by evaporation after the first neutralization step (at pH 4-6) before completing the second neutralization to final pH 2-4. This preliminary action removes the bulk of water when the solution is less corrosive, avoiding the need to evaporate water from highly acidic conditions, thereby reducing equipment corrosion and energy requirements.
3Productivity
If conventional neutralization methods are used, then succinic acid can be recovered, but the yield is only about 70% which is too low for economic feasibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes pH parameters at different stages: first neutralizing to pH 4-6 to precipitate calcium carbonate and convert most succinate, then performing second neutralization to pH 2-4 to convert remaining succinate. This two-stage pH control optimizes succinic acid recovery at each stage, achieving yields above 90% by preventing premature precipitation and maximizing conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses calcium carbonate as an intermediary neutralizing agent instead of directly adding hydrochloric acid. The calcium carbonate neutralizes succinate to form calcium succinate, which is then converted to succinic acid with hydrochloric acid. This intermediary approach allows better control over the neutralization process and reduces succinic acid loss, improving overall yield.
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 achieves a higher succinic acid yield and reduces water content in the magnesium chloride solution, making it easier to process and increasing the efficiency of succinic acid recovery, while minimizing the challenges associated with corrosive substances during evaporation.
Implementation Method 1
contacting it in a second acidification reactor with the solution of succinic acid, magnesium chloride and hydrogen chloride withdrawn from the first acidification reactor, to form an aqueous mixture comprising magnesium chloride and succinic acid
Implementation Method 2
water is evaporated from a solution which does not contain HCl
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention pertains to a method for providing a succinic acid solution, comprising the steps of - providing a first magnesium succinate containing medium with a magnesium succinate concentration of 18-23 wt.% to a first acidification reactor where it is contacted with hydrogen chloride to form a solution of succinic acid, magnesium chloride and hydrogen chloride, - providing a second magnesium succinate containing medium with a magnesium succinate concentration of 25-50 wt.%, and contacting it in a second acidification reactor with the solution of succinic acid, magnesium chloride and hydrogen chloride withdrawn from the first acidification reactor, to form an aqueous mixture comprising magnesium chloride and succinic acid with a succinic acid concentration of at least 18 wt.%. The method according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a solution comprising succinic acid and magnesium 20 chloride with an increased succinic acid concentration.