Ethanol Separation from Fermentors by Stripping and Two-Stage Adsorption

Abstract

A process for separating ethanol from dilute aqueous fermentation media has been studied experimentally in parts. Activated carbon and cellulose were used as adsorbents in a two-stage adsorption scheme suitable for use with fermentation media. The separation system involves the stripping of ethanol from a fermentor with recirculated carbon dioxide on a continuous basis. The ethanol and some water are adsorbed onto activated carbon. A carrier gas is then used for desorption of the adsorbed ethanol and water, and the desorbed vapors are then passed through a cellulose adsorbent to remove water and obtain nearly pure ethanol. The stripping with a two-stage adsorption separation process appears to be technically feasible, but further studies are needed to establish economic feasibility.

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Adsorption-applications; Carbon - Activated; Chemical Reactions - Fermentation; Yeast

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1983 Engineering Foundation Conference, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 May 1983

Link to Full Text

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