Process for the recovery of low-boiling point components from an ethanol stream
AssigneeBraskem S.A.
InventorsRenata PINTO DA SILVA MATOS, Thiago BEZERRA TAKETA, Felipe GALZERANI, Adler GOMES MOURA
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Abstract
The disclosure provides a process for the production of ethanol and one or more low boiling compound from a fermentable carbon source. The ethanol and the low boiling compound(s) are produced using an ethanol-producing yeast modified to further produce the one or more low boiling point compounds. In one embodiment, the low boiling compound(s) are acetone, 1-propanol, and/or 2-propanol. Additionally, the disclosure provides a process for the isolation ad purification of the one or more low boiling compounds from ethanol.
Claims21
1-70. (canceled)
A composition comprising acetone, ethanol, water, and one or more contaminants, wherein:
- (a) acetone is present in an amount of at least 95% by weight relative to the total composition;
- (b) the one or more contaminants comprise fermentation-derived impurities other than ethanol and water;
- and
- (c) the composition is substantially free of aromatic compounds and C3-C4 alcohols.
A composition comprising acetone, ethanol, water, and one or more contaminants prepared by a process comprising:
- (a) providing a low water content stream comprising ethanol and acetone;
- (b) passing the low water content stream through a first distillation column and withdrawing an ethanol-rich bottom stream from the first distillation column;
- (c) withdrawing an acetone-containing stream from a top or side outlet of the first distillation column;
- (d) passing the acetone-containing stream through a second distillation column;
- (e) withdrawing the composition comprising acetone, ethanol, water, and one or more contaminants from the second distillation column;
- and
- (f) withdrawing a contaminant stream from a top outlet of the second distillation column.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.