High pressure synthesis gas conversion. Final report
The purpose of this research project is to build and test a high pressure fermentation system for the production of ethanol from synthesis gas. The fermenters, pumps, controls, and analytical system were procured or fabricated and assembled in our laboratory. This system was then used to determine the effects of high pressure on growth and ethanol production by Clostridium ljungdahlii. The limits of cell concentration and mass transport relationships were found in CSTR and immobilized cell reactors (ICR). The minimum retention times and reactor volumes were found for ethanol production in these reactors. A maximum operating pressure of 150 psig has been shown to be possible for C. ljungdahlli with the medium of Phillips et al. This medium was developed for atmospheric pressure operation in the CSTR to yield maximum ethanol concentrations and thus is not best for operation at elevated pressures. It is recommended that a medium development study be performed for C. ljungdahlii at increased pressure. Cell concentration, gas conversion and product concentration profiles were presented for C. ljungdahlii as a function of gas flow rate, the variable which affects bacterium performance the most. This pressure was chosen as a representative pressure over the 0--150 psig operating pressure range for the bacterium. Increased pressure negatively affected ethanol productivity probably due to the fact that medium composition was designed for atmospheric pressure operation. Medium development at increased pressure is necessary for high pressure development of the system.
- Research Organization:
- Arkansas Univ., Fayetteville, AR (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC22-91PC91028
- OSTI ID:
- 10106459
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/PC/91028-T13; ON: DE94003738; BR: AA2560000
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: May 1993
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
SYNTHESIS GAS
BIOCONVERSION
ETHANOL
BIOSYNTHESIS
CLOSTRIDIUM
CULTURE MEDIA
BIOREACTORS
IMMOBILIZED CELLS
PRESSURE DEPENDENCE
PROGRESS REPORT
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
100200
010408
550500
550700
PRODUCTION
C1 PROCESSES
METABOLISM
MICROBIOLOGY