SMART electro-membrane processes for enhanced organic acid separation

Overview

This solution leverages a hybrid electro-membrane process that combines selective nanofiltration membranes with bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) to enhance the separation of small-chain fatty acids (C2-C6) from fermentation broths. By strategically integrating these two technologies, the process improves the selectivity and energy efficiency of organic acid recovery, addressing common challenges in conventional methods. This innovative approach is particularly beneficial in the bioprocessing industry, where efficient separation and purification of organic acids are critical for product quality and cost-effectiveness.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Selective Nanofiltration (NF): Utilizes advanced supramolecular NF membranes with subnanometer pores for enhanced molecular discrimination, reducing fouling and increasing throughput.
• Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis (BMED): Combines ion transport and pH control to maximize separation efficiency and water splitting capabilities.
• Hybrid System Design: Integrates NF and BMED for improved selectivity and energy efficiency, employing computational fluid dynamics for optimized flow and pressure distribution.

Applications:

• Recovery and purification of individual short-chain organic acids from fermentation processes.
• Potential use in various bioprocessing industries requiring high purity and energy-efficient separation solutions.

Technology readiness level

This technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5, indicating that it has been validated in relevant environments and is moving towards large-scale application. Future phases will focus on further membrane development, system integration, and process optimization to enhance performance and economic feasibility.