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Critical Analysis of Syngas Fermentation Reactors for Biological Alcohol Production

项目名称：	Critical Analysis of Syngas Fermentation Reactors for Biological Alcohol Production
摘要：	Gasification of cellulosic biomass (e.g. perennial grasses) to produce syngas (primarily carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen) used in fermentation for the production of ethanol and other alcohols is a novel technology. Critical bottlenecks that diminish alcohol productivity, lower syngas conversion efficiency, and inhibit the movement of this process to commercial scale include low cell density and gas-liquid mass transfer limitations. This work will expand upon previous syngas fermentation studies by exploring and critically evaluating the enhancement of mass transfer and associated alcohol productivity with various types and modifications of reactor designs. In this study, the reactor designs will include a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), a trickle bed reactor (TBR), and a hollow fiber reactor (HFR) system. Unlike traditional reactors in which only one gas is usually critical for the design (such as oxygen), this study is important since carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen are all vital for the fermentation and each gas has different aqueous solubilities and diffusivities (which affect mass transfer). Clostridium strain P11, a novel bacterium in which the PIs have significant experience, will be used. Unlike previous studies which often addressed one species (usually carbon monoxide), this study will address mass transfer associated with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen and assess which, if any, of these species may limit the process. This work will focus on multiple comparison parameters including mass transfer rates, conversion efficiencies of both carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and product and cell formation rates. Successful completion of this work will provide valuable guidance towards designing large scale bioreactors with increased alcohol productivity and syngas utilization.
状态：	Completed
资金：	374999.00
资助组织：	Research and Innovative Technology Administration
项目负责人：	Johnson, Shawn
执行机构：	Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
开始时间：	20091201
实际结束时间：	20131130
主题领域：	Energy；Transportation (General)