Valorization of lactose-rich streams into medium-chain volatile fatty acids
Fluent Renewables' multi-stage fermentation process converts lactose-rich streams into high-value medium-chain volatile fatty acids (MC-VFAs), like butyric acid, for food and chemical applications. The technology is validated at TRL 4-5, leveraging microbial consortia and ISPR for efficient production.
Overview
Fluent Renewables, in collaboration with Colorado State University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, has developed an innovative multi-stage fermentation process that transforms variable lactose-rich streams into medium-chain volatile fatty acids (MC-VFAs), with a focus on butyric acid. This technology targets food and chemical markets, offering a sustainable and economically viable solution for valorizing lactose derivatives. By utilizing resilient microbial consortia, the process efficiently converts diverse input qualities without requiring sterile conditions, ensuring consistent production performance.
Technical specifications
The process involves two key stages:
- Stage 1: Microbes convert lactose and other compounds into short-chain acids, stabilizing the feedstock.
- Stage 2: Biological upgrading to MC-VFAs, particularly butyric acid, occurs.
The integration of NREL’s In-Situ Product Recovery (ISPR) system allows for energy-efficient separation and purification of MC-VFAs. This method has been validated using de-lactose permeate mixes from Leprino’s facilities, achieving high product titers and yields. Future plans include optimizing biomass content, pH control, and product concentration to improve reactor kinetics and product recovery.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 4-5, the process has been demonstrated with real-world feedstocks, showing its potential for further scale-up and commercialization. Fluent Renewables aims to continue laboratory-scale validation and improve process efficiency through targeted optimization strategies.
About Fluent Renewables Inc
Fluent Renewables Inc. is a renewable energy services company founded in 2022 and headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado. The organization focuses on activities related to anaerobic digestion, solid waste management, and natural gas extraction, with a primary objective of producing pipeline-quality renewable natural gas (RNG) from solid waste while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions.
The company functions as a specialized service provider in the renewable energy sector. Its operations are intended to support waste management and energy extraction processes, providing solutions for processing organic waste into sustainable energy sources. As a smaller enterprise, the firm operates with a compact team to manage its technical and service-oriented energy projects.
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