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Title: Solar fermentation and distillation process

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6478334

A solar fermentation process and distillation system for the manufacture of ethanol product suitable for blending with motor gasoline or as a substitute fuel for gasoline. Fermentation of starches or sugars is carried out in situ in solar collector tubes. The raw beer product emanating from the solar tubes is purified into a high quality ethanol fuel product by passing the beer product through a series of distillation columns whose internal reboil vapor is generated in whole or in substantial part through direct application of solar heat energy. The use of solar energy as heating source in the fermentation and distillation steps markedly reduces the need for external utilities such as steam and fuel to run the plant thereby greatly reducing the operating costs of the plant.

Assignee:
EDB-84-164739
Patent Number(s):
US 4455374
OSTI ID:
6478334
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: Filed date 14 Jul 1982; Other Information: PAT-APPL-398210
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English