Gas mass transfer in syngas fermentation broths is enhanced by ethanol

In gas fermentations (using O2, CO, H2, CH4 or CO2), gas-to-liquid mass transfer is often regarded as one of the limiting processes. However, it is widely known that components in fermentation broths (e.g., salts, biomass, proteins, antifoam, and organic products such as alcohols and acids) have tremendous impact on the volumetric mass transfer...

Membrane bioreactors for syngas permeation and fermentation

Syngas fermentation to biofuels and chemicals is an emerging technology in the biobased economy. Mass transfer is usually limiting the syngas fermentation rate, due to the low aqueous solubilities of the gaseous substrates. Membrane bioreactors, as efficient gas–liquid contactors, are a promising configuration for overcoming this gas-to...