The bioconversion of gas feedstreams to liquid products by direct contact with a layer of microorganism obtains enhanced productivity through the regular cycling of liquid across a substrate that supports a biolayer of microorganisms while separating the gas and liquid phases. Such processes produce liquid products such as ethanol, butanol and other chemicals from syngas components by contacting CO or a mixture of COand Hwith a highly porous side of an asymmetric membrane under anaerobic conditions and transferring these components into contact with microorganisms contained within bio-pores of the membrane. A periodic laving of liquid from the liquid contact side to and away from the microorganisms can increase nutrient flow to the microorganisms while enhancing the recovery of liquid products. The process effects laving by temporarily raising the liquid phase pressure relative to the gas phase pressure to periodically surge liquid toward the microorganisms and then restoring the original pressure differential to urge liquid away from the microorgaisms.
Method For Production Of N-Propanol And Other C3-Containing Products From Syngas Using Membrane Supported Bioreactor
Rathin Datta - Chicago IL, US Michael Enzien - Lisle IL, US Jian Xu - Naperville IL, US Young Do - Naperville IL, US William Levinson - Naperville IL, US
International Classification:
C12P 7/04 C12P 7/52
US Classification:
435141, 435157
Abstract:
This invention provides methods for the production of n-propanol. Specifically, the methods and systems of the present invention use symbiotic co-cultures operating in a membrane supported bioreactor for the production of n-propanol from syngas.