Continuous SMB adsorption for C2-C6 acid production from bioderived streams
Innovative continuous SMB adsorption technology for producing high-purity C2-C6 acids from bioderived streams using nanoporous carbon adsorbents, achieving significant acid enrichment.
Overview
This solution offers a cutting-edge technology for the production of C2-C6 acids from complex bioderived streams. By utilizing a continuous simulated moving bed (SMB) adsorption system, this method achieves significant enrichment of acids, transforming feedstocks with 3-4 wt% acids into products with over 85 wt% purity. Utilizing chemically stable and robust nanoporous carbon adsorbents, this technology is designed for efficiency and scalability, proving its capability at bench and mini-pilot scales with production rates of 0.5-1 kg/day.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes a continuous SMB adsorption system for efficient acid recovery
- Employs nanoporous carbon adsorbents for high chemical stability and robustness
- Demonstrated capability to enrich acids from kraft black liquor
- Flexible application potential for recovery of C4 diols from fermentation broths
- Potential need for adsorbent functionalization to optimize for specific feedstock characteristics
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in laboratory environments. Future validation steps include adsorbent selection and functionalization, fundamental adsorption measurements, and experimental tuning to optimize production conditions.
About Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology is a large, technology‑focused public research university in Atlanta with a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through the Georgia Tech Research Institute for contract R&D, a Midtown innovation district with co‑located corporate labs, and a statewide manufacturing extension to support scale‑up. A long‑standing partnership with a major academic medical center enables clinical translation, and a large co‑op program delivers a steady talent pipeline. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from NSF, NIH, DOE, DoD, and NASA. Technology commercialization is managed by the Georgia Tech Research Corporation, with dedicated licensing, corporate contracting, and startup support.
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