Recovery of higher alcohols from dilute aqueous solutions

US8614077B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Gevo, Inc. · US

Inventors

• William A. Evanko · Golden, US
• Aharon Eyal · Jerusalem, IL
• David A. Glassner · Littleton, US
• Fudu Miao · Chester Springs, US
• Aristos Aristidou · Highlands Ranch, US
• Kent Evans · Littleton, US
• Patrick R. Gruber · Blaine, US
• Andrew Hawkins · Parker, US
• Peter Meinhold · Santa Monica, US
• Reid M. Renny Feldman · San Marino, US
• Uvini Gunawardena · Irvine, US
• Jun Urano · Irvine, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 22, 2011
• Grant date: Dec 24, 2013
• Expiry date: Nov 22, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49826
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This invention is directed to methods for recovery of C3-C6 alcohols from dilute aqueous solutions, such as fermentation broths. Such methods provide improved volumetric productivity for the fermentation and allows recovery of the alcohol. Such methods also allow for reduced energy use in the production and drying of spent fermentation broth due to increased effective concentration of the alcohol product by the simultaneous fermentation and recovery process which increases the quantity of alcohol produced and recovered per quantity of fermentation broth dried. Thus, the invention allows for production and recovery of C3-C6 alcohols at low capital and reduced operating costs.