THE CONTINUOUS PROCESS OF REMOVING ETHANOL FROM MASH DURING ETHANOL FERMENTATION (CREM PROCESS)

摘要

A continuous process of ethanol fermentation and concurrent entrainment of ethanol from the mash has been achieved. This comprises dual fermenter vessels with continuous recycling of carbon dioxide through the first fermenter. The stream of carbon dioxyde entrains aqueous ethanol vapour which is subsequently separated from the gaseous carbon dioxide by condensation and recovered as aqueous ethanol at concentrations up to 39% v/v. In the second fermenter, the mash undergoes final intensive fermentation and is then subjected to distillation. The separated carbon dioxide can be recycled back into the first fermenter for further entrainment.