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Published on: October 24, 2016
Improvement of ethanol fermentation under hyperbaric conditions
Y L'Italien1, J Thibault, A LeDuy
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Laval University, Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada G1K 7P4.
This study explores improving ethanol production under hyperbaric pressure for integrated fermentation-extraction. Cyclic pressure operations and optimal yeast strain selection are key to overcoming inhibition and enhancing recovery using supercritical carbon dioxide.
Area of Science:
- Biochemical Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Process Engineering
Background:
- Growing interest in high-pressure extraction using supercritical gases for biochemical purification.
- Previous research explored continuous supercritical gas circulation for in situ product recovery during fermentation.
- Concerns exist regarding yeast fermentation inhibition under prolonged hyperbaric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance ethanol production under hyperbaric pressure for an integrated fermentation-extraction process.
- To investigate the use of supercritical carbon dioxide for in situ ethanol recovery during fermentation.
- To address and overcome fermentation inhibition caused by hyperbaric pressure.
Main Methods:
- Evaluating different yeast strains for optimal performance under hyperbaric conditions.
- Implementing cyclic pressure operations to mitigate fermentation inhibition.
- Developing an integrated system for simultaneous fermentation and in situ extraction of ethanol.
Main Results:
- Identification of suitable yeast strains capable of withstanding hyperbaric conditions.
- Demonstration that cyclic pressure operation can alleviate fermentation inhibition.
- Successful in situ recovery of ethanol using supercritical carbon dioxide during fermentation.
Conclusions:
- Optimized yeast strain selection and cyclic pressure strategies are crucial for successful hyperbaric fermentation.
- The integrated fermentation-extraction process using supercritical carbon dioxide offers a promising approach for efficient ethanol recovery.
- This method presents a viable pathway for improving ethanol production in biochemical processes.
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