U-loop fermentor - process optimizing

In October/November this goal was reached and was confirmed by a 30-day-test. Earlier the fermentation was aseptic. This is seen from the annual report which also shows that by a productivity of 4 kg per m3 per hour there is an energy-saving of 25-35% which can be transformed into a higher productivity if the fermentor is put under pressure. Another goal is to obtain a satisfactory, automatic process steering/optimization. it has partly been fulfilled because the plant runs automatically. To the optimization part there are satisfactory measurement results, but it has not been possible to develop the necessary software. In the budget there was no means with which to buy the necessary equipment to the online measurements. The equipment is estimated to 1.4 million DKK which awaits a coming project. Much work has been done particularly at DTU in order to develop two substance nozzles and also to contact companies abroad. The result has been a two substance nozzle which functions satisfactorily and which in a full scale plant (100 ms fermentor) can be placed at several places in the downstream and in the beginning of the upstream pope or where it is practical. Thus the process can take place oxygen limited as natural gas or methanol is added based on the oxygen concentration in the liquid. This focussing and the optimization of the process conditions have reduced the oxygen consumption by about 10%. As to the filtration with a PAL-system this has been tested in the laboratory with fine results, but it has not been possible to borrow or rent a test plant. The next project will include buying of a PAS-system