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U.S. Department of Energy
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Three immobilized-cell columnar bioreactors for enhanced production of commodity chemicals

Conference ·
OSTI ID:140233
; ;  [1]
  1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)

Immobilized-cell fluidized-bed bioreactors (FBRs) can be used with a variety of fermentations to increase production of fuels, solvents, organic acids, and other fermentation products. Part of the increased rates and yields are due to the immobilization of the biocatalyst at high concentrations. This FBR system with immobilized Zymomonas mobilis increased ethanol productivity more than tenfold with 99% conversion and near stoichiometric yields. FBRs also offer several additional modes of operation for simultaneous fermentation and separation to further increase production by removing the inhibitory products directly from the continuous fermentation. The production of lactic acid by immobilized Lactobacillus was augmented with the addition and removal of solid adsorbent particles to the FBR. An immiscible organic extractant also was used to extract butanol from the acetone-butanol fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum. Demonstrations with these FBR systems have already shown definite advantages by improved overall product yields (decreasing feed costs) and by increased rates (decreasing capital and operating costs). Further demonstration and scale-up continue.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
140233
Report Number(s):
NREL/CP--200-5768-Vol.2; CONF-9308106--Vol.2; ON: DE94000435
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English