Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Continuous Flow Chemistry: Reaction of Diphenyldiazomethane with p-Nitrobenzoic Acid
Published on: November 15, 2017
Acetone-butanol-ethanol production in a novel continuous flow system
Elsayed Elbeshbishy1, Bipro Ranjan Dhar1, Hisham Hafez2
1University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
This study demonstrates a novel biohydrogen reactor clarifier system for continuous acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) production. Recycling settled biomass achieved high concentrations, leading to sustainable ABE fermentation.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Biochemical Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation is a crucial biofuel production process.
- Maintaining high biomass concentration is essential for efficient continuous fermentation.
- Integrated systems offer potential for process intensification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel integrated biohydrogen reactor clarifier system (IBRCS) for continuous ABE production.
- To assess the impact of varying organic loading rates (OLRs) on ABE yield and productivity.
- To determine the feasibility of biomass recycling for sustained fermentation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mixed microbial culture in a continuous reactor system.
- Implemented an integrated biohydrogen reactor clarifier system (IBRCS) with biomass recycling.
- Operated the system at different organic loading rates (OLRs): 21, 64, and 128 gCOD/L/day.
Main Results:
- Achieved average ABE concentrations of 2.3, 7.0, and 14.6 gABE/L at the tested OLRs.
- Attained ABE production rates of 0.4, 1.4, and 2.8 gABE/L/h, respectively.
- Identified acetic, propionic, and butyric acids as major volatile fatty acids in the effluent, with shifts in predominance at higher OLRs.
Conclusions:
- The IBRCS with biomass recycling is a practical approach for achieving high biomass concentration and sustainable continuous ABE fermentation.
- Increasing OLR significantly enhanced ABE production rates and concentrations.
- The system demonstrates potential for efficient biofuel production from organic waste streams.
Related Concept Videos
Batch vs Continuous Culture
Fates of Pyruvate
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
Production of Organic Acids
Acid-Catalyzed Dehydration of Alcohols to Alkenes
Ethers from Alcohols: Alcohol Dehydration and Williamson Ether Synthesis
Ethers can be prepared from organic compounds by various methods. Some of them are discussed below,
Preparation of Ethers by Alcohol Dehydration
In this method, in the presence of protic acids, alcohol dehydrates to produce alkenes and ethers under different conditions. For example, in the presence of sulphuric acid, dehydration of ethanol at 413 K yields ethoxyethane, whereas it yields ethene at 443 K.
Ketones with Nonenolizable Aromatic Aldehydes: Claisen–Schmidt Condensation
As the self-condensation of ketones is generally not favored in basic conditions, the self-condensed products do not form in the reaction between ketones and benzaldehyde. The general reaction of Claisen–Schmidt...

