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Ester fuels and chemicals from biomass
Edwin S Olson1, Ted R Aulich, Ramesh Sharma
1Energy & Environmental Research Center, University of North Dakota, PO Box 9018, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9018, USA. eolson@undeerc.org
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology
|May 2, 2003
Summary
This study presents an efficient esterification method to produce valuable ester fuels and feedstocks from fermentation streams. The new process simplifies purification and lowers production costs, yielding promising fuel blends.
Area of Science:
- Biochemical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Polar organic acids from bacterial fermentation are challenging to extract and purify.
- Ester production from fermentation streams can yield valuable feedstocks and fuels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient esterification process for carboxylic acid fermentation streams.
- To facilitate the purification of organic acids through ester formation.
- To evaluate the fuel properties of ester-gasoline blends.
Main Methods:
- Integration of an esterification step with a carboxylic acid fermentation stream.
- Formation of ammonium salts and subsequent conversion to esters.
- Analysis of fuel characteristics for ester-gasoline blends.
Main Results:
- High yields of esters were achieved using an improved esterification procedure.
- Purification of organic acids was significantly facilitated by ester formation.
- Ester-gasoline blends showed reduced Reid vapor pressure and increased octane numbers.
Conclusions:
- The developed esterification method offers a cost-effective route to producing valuable ester feedstocks and fuels.
- This approach simplifies the purification of fermentation-derived organic acids.
- Ester-gasoline blends exhibit desirable fuel properties for potential use.