C.T.S.G. Alembic

Carboxylic acids are a class of chemicals that can act as bio-based platform chemicals from which a variety of products can by synthesized. Fermentation can be used to convert bio-based feedstocks into acids, and one of the challenges related to this strategy towards bio-based chemicals is the recovery of the acids from the fermentation broth. Among the possible options is a newly developed electrochemically assisted liquid-liquid extraction at the SPT group. Within this process we aim to use an electrochemical switch of the organic phase in order to change the distribution coefficient between the forward extraction and the back-extraction. The idea is to complex the carboxylic acid onto a metal in the forward extraction, and then remove the metal to reduce the distribution coefficient for the back-extraction. From the extraction the organic solvent will pass into an electrochemical cell to reduce the metal and grow it onto the electrode to remove the metal. Next, the organic solvent is passed into the back extraction to release the carboxylic acid. After which the cycle is closed by flowing the organic phase back into other side of the electrochemical cell to oxidize metal from the electrode into the solution, the metal loaded solvent can then be used again to extract. Although the distribution coefficients have been measured in the laboratory, the efficiency of this process when scaling up is an important factor. By experimentally studying the extraction and back-extraction processes in a KARR-column, we can make an estimate of the height equivalent of a theoretical stage (HETS), which can be used in the estimation on the required column height to reach a certain number of stages, and at which solvent to feed ratio. The aim is to also make estimates on operational expenditures OPEX, capital expenditure CAPEX and total annual costs TAC using process simulations based on the experimental results.

Assignment

This MSc-assignment is part of the PhD-project of Kim Zijderveld, and together with her, you will be working in SPT under supervision of Boelo Schuur. Starting with a drawing of a process scheme, you should identify the most important process parameters and then evaluate the process.. Summarized, the elements of the study include:

• Drawing a process scheme
• Study the extraction and back extraction experimentally in a 90 cm Karr column, and a 230cm Karr column, and use the results for simulation of the process
• Make a cost analysis of the process

Contact info:

Supervision:
​​​​​​​Prof. Dr. ir. Boelo Schuur - B.schuur@utwente.nl

Daily supervisor:
Kim Zijderveld