Simulation, Analysis and Optimization of an In Situ Gas Stripping Fermentation Process in a Laboratory Scale for Bioethanol Production

Abstract

The major problem associated with the bioconversion of ethanol for industrial fuel purposes is the ethanol inhibition in the fermentation process. One way to solve this problem is couple fermentation to a continuous product removal technique. The gas stripping in situ removal process has a number of advantages over other techniques, for example: it is simple, inexpensive to operate and do not harm the culture. In this work, the feasibility of in situ gas stripping fermentation process was studied using ASPENPLUS^® V.7.3. The process conditions were evaluated according to the existing laboratory scale design.
The main process variables were investigated in order to achieve the best conditions to carry out an experimental plant, which is the planning of further work. The results show that such technique can lower ethanol concentration in a reactor making it below of inhibitory ranges. A correct choice of the optimized variables of the process provides a larger recovery of ethanol, contributing to the improvement and intensification of the fermentation process.