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U.S. Department of Energy
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A Pilot Plant Scale Reactor/Separator for Ethanol from Cellulosics. ERIP/DOE Quarterly Reports 5 and 6, October 1, 1998 through March 30, 1999

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/760710· OSTI ID:760710
 [1];
  1. Bio-Process Innovation, Inc., W. Lafayette, IN

The objective of this project was to develop and demonstrate a continuous low energy process for the conversion of cellulosics to ethanol. BPI's process involves a proprietary low temperature pretreatment step which allows recycle of the pretreatment chemicals and recovery of a lignin stream. The pretreated biomass is then converted to glucans and xylans enzymatically and these sugars simultaneously fermented to ethanol (SSF) in BPI's Continuous Stirred Reactor Separator (CSRS). The CSRS is a multi stage bio-reactor where the glucans are first converted to ethanol using a high temperature tolerant yeast, followed by xylan SSF on the lower stages using a second xylose fermenting yeast strain. Ethanol is simultaneously removed from the bio-reactor stages, speeding the fermentation, and allowing the complete utilization of the biomass.

Research Organization:
Bio-Process Innovation, Inc., W. Lafayette, IN (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
FG01-97EE15958
OSTI ID:
760710
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English