The economics of ethanol production by extractive fermentation

Abstract

Abstract Extractive fermentation is a processing strategy in which reaction and recovery occur simultaneously in a fermentation vessel through the use of a water‐immiscible solvent which selectively removes an inhibitory product. We have developed an ethanol extractive fermentation process incorporating continuous operation, the ability to ferment concentrated feedstocks, and greatly reduced energy and water use. This article provides a detailed economic assessment of this process relative to current technology for an annual capacity of 100 million litres of ethanol. Extractive fermentation provides significant economic advantages for both grass roots and retrofitted plants. Producing anhydrous ethanol without distillation is a prospect.