Ethanol separation from water in a two-stage adsorption process

Abstract

A proposed ethanol separation and purification system involves stripping ethanol continuously from a fermentor with carbon dioxide, and adsorbing the ethanol and some water onto activated carbon. Desorption of the adsorbed components into a carrier gas and adsorption of water from this gas by cellulose produces a stream from which more than 95% ethanol can be condensed. Tests on fermentation with carbon dioxide stripping and adsorption studies on ethanol, water, and carrier gas with activated carbon and cellulose indicate the technical feasibility of this process. Energy calculations are favorable compared to distillation. 18 references, 11 figures.