Energy balance of ethanol production with a gas-solid fluidized bed fermenter

Abstract

Research on gas-solid fluidized bed fermenters has been performed since the early 1980's. This new type of fermentation system is applicable in the production of volatile substances with inhibiting effects upon the bioreaction and in the production of specific metabolites in a solid-state mode. The fluidized bed fermenter system provides excellent mass and heat transfer and allows fermentation to take place under water-reduced conditions [1].