METHOD OF RECYCLING CENTRATE TO GENERATE STEAM IN A STRIPPER

摘要

A method of recycling centrate in a distillation process to purify a component of a fermentation broth. The method includes segregating a portion of the fermentation broth to form a decreased solids stream and an increased solids stream, heating the decreased solids stream, and separating the component from the fermentation broth by the heat from the decreased solids stream. An apparatus for purifying the component of the fermentation broth includes a distillation column with a bottom; a liquid/solid separation device in fluid communication with the distillation column; an indirect heat exchanger in fluid communication with the distillation column and the liquid/solid separation device; and a partition within the bottom of the distillation column to form a decreased solids zone and an increased solids zone.