Optimized production of 1,3-propanediol, ethanol and hydrogen from crude glycerol in anaerobic fluidized-bed reactor

Abstract

The scarcity of resources from oil has induced an increase in biofuel production. One of the main biofuels currently produced is biodiesel, whose production occurs by the transesterification of vegetable oils and animal fats. With the increasing production of biodiesel, glycerol - main byproduct generated - have become an increasingly urgent problem. Despite the many applications for this substance, the current market is not large enough to consume the production of glycerol, and several alternative ways are being studied for the use of this residue. The increasing abundance and attractive pricing of glycerol, has become an attractive source to extract chemical compounds of high commercial value. The 1,3-propanediol, ethanol and hydrogen may be cited as high-value compounds formed from the fermentation of glycerol. However, the formation of a product is the result of the operating conditions such as composition of the culture medium and reaction process. Among the possible settings to be used in the microbial conversion of glycerol reactor, the Anaerobic Fluidized Bed Reactor (AFBR) appears as a viable alternative because they can hold high concentration of biomass with a good capacity for mass transfer and energy. This project is proposed to optimize the production of 1,3-propanediol, ethanol and hydrogen through changes in the composition of the culture medium using techniques of analysis and experimental design and subsequent application of anaerobic fluidized bed reactors. (AU)