A gypsum-free, energy-saving route to lactic acid

摘要

Uhde GmbH is developing a new process for producing lactic acid -- a monomer for making the biodegradable plastic polylactic acid -- that does not require a distillation step. As a result, savings in steam and electrical power are calculated to be up to E100/ton of LA, says Joachim Schulze, head of Uhde's biotechnology division. The new process uses a thermophyllic bacteria strain that is also compatible with ammonia, which is added to adjust the pH. Instead of producing low-value gypsum, the new route generates ammonium sulfate, which can be made into fertilizer granulate.