Back extraction of lactic acid with microporous hollow fiber membrane

Abstract

In this work, back extraction was considered a promising alternative to regenerate carboxylic acids of low-volatility into appropriate aqueous solution from organic phase. Identification of an efficient back extraction system for lactic acid recovery was focused on. Screening of back extraction reagents was first carried out by employing a wide variety of inorganic compounds. From the viewpoints of high stripping power, low cost and capability of simultaneously regenerating the extractant, aqueous sodium chloride solution was selected as the most suitable one for recovery of lactic acid from lactate–TOMAC (tri- n-octylmethylammonium chloride) complex. However, TOMAC and oleyl alcohol are likely to pose the troubling emulsion problem in conventional mixer–settler system. Therefore, non-dispersive back extraction of lactic acid from organic phase was attempted in a microporous hollow fiber (MHF) membrane device by aqueous NaCl solution. A satisfactory recovery was accomplished, signifying the great potential of integrating membrane back extraction with extractive fermentation process for lactic acid production.