Optimization of Product Concentrations for Energy-Intensive Biochemicals

摘要

The report describes experimental work designed to improve a biochemical approach to the manufacture of a selected petrochemical, L,2,3-butanediol. If chemicals which are now derived from petroleum can be produced instead from waste or low-grade biomass, petroleum can be produced instead from waste or low-grade biomass, petroleum can be conserved and environmental burdens reduced. New York State posses the necessary raw materials in abundance in the form of low-grade hardwoods and municipal solid waste. The focus of the project was the investigation of factors influencing the production of L,2,3-butanediol by a fermentation process employing Bacillus polymyxa. The rate of oxygen utilization was found to control the distribution of several fermentation products, including butanediol. The possibility of product inhibition was indicated. A model was constructed to define the effect of oxygen limitation on product concentration in continuous culture. It was concluded that product concentrations obtainable by existing techniques are too low to permit economic feasibility.