Process for producing ethanol by continuous fermentation of polysaccharide-containing raw materials
US4376163A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 1980 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E50/10
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention relates to a process for producing ethanol by continuous fermentation of polysaccharide-containing raw materials. The fermentation is carried out in one or several fermentors, a stream of fermentation liquor being separated into a yeast concentrate stream and a yeast-free stream, and possibly one sludge stream, of which the yeast concentrate stream is recirculated to the fermentor, at least part of the yeast-free stream being fed to a simple evaporator unit, corresponding to one or a few distilling stages, wherein it is separated, partly into a first vapor stream, enriched in ethanol, which is fed to a plant for production of the desired ethanol grade, and partly into a first liquid bottom stream, which is at least in part recirculated to the fermentor. Especially characterizing for the new process is, that a raw material stream is fed to a circulation circuit, comprising said fermentor and said evaporator unit, and that the raw material stream is hydrolyzed, in the evaporator unit, to a fermentable state. It is especially advantageous to carry out this hydrolysis by enzymes, preferably by a gluco-amylase at a temperature within the range 35.degree. C. to 75.degree. …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.