Continuous Single Vessel Butanol Synthesis By Fermentation
OwnerEugene T. Butler, IIIinventor
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Abstract
The present invention describes a method for producing butanol by fermentation of carbohydrates using mixed populations of acidogenic-phase cells and solventogenic-phase cells of Clostridium in a solitary vessel. The present system as described does not require intermittent adjustment of pH or venting of headspace gases. The method provides a process for removal of the butanol product which does not irreversibly harm the cells and conditions are described where such cells may resume butanol synthesis in the same solitary vessel. The invention also describes compositions and biologically pure cultures which comprise the Clostridium cells as disclosed.
Claims24
A continuous process for the production of butanol comprising:
- (a) contacting a liquid culture of Clostridium cells and a buffering agent with a carbohydrate containing substrate in a first vessel;
- (b) culturing the cells at an optimum temperature for solvent production until an inhibitory concentration of butanol is attained;
- (c) decreasing the pressure in the first vessel until vigorous boiling commences;
- (d) transferring a butanol containing azeotrope from the first vessel to a second collection vessel as a condensate;
- (e) flushing the first vessel with a purging fluid;
- and
- (f) continuously repeating steps (b)-(e).
(canceled)
A continuous process for the production of butanol comprising:
- (a) contacting a liquid culture of Clostridium cells and a buffering agent with a carbohydrate containing substrate in a first vessel;
- (b) culturing the cells at an optimum temperature until an inhibitory concentration of butanol is attained;
- (c) increasing the temperature of the culture about 6° C. to 11° C. above the optimum temperature for solvent production and decreasing the pressure in the first vessel until vigorous boiling commences;
- (d) transferring a butanol containing azeotrope from the first vessel to a second collection vessel as a condensate;
- (e) flushing the first vessel with a purging fluid and cooling the culture to the optimal temperature;
- and
- (f) continuously repeating steps (b)-(e).
(canceled)
(canceled)
21-26. (canceled)
The composition of claim 25, wherein the Clostridium beijerinkii is embedded in a solid phase selected from the group consisting of natural sea sponge, cellulose sponge, luffa sponge, calcium alginate beads, and polyacrylamide sheets.
A biologically pure culture of Clostridium beijerinkii NRRL No. B-50244.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.