PRODUCTION AND PROPERTIES OF 2,3-BUTANEDIOL: XXVIII. PILOT PLANT RECOVERY OF levo-2,3-BUTANEDIOL FROM WHOLE WHEAT MASHES FERMENTED BY AEROBACILLUS POLYMYXA

Abstract

Whole wheat mash fermented by Aerobacillus polymyxa was stripped of ethanol, screened, and concentrated. The resulting syrup was passed through a steam stripping column, and the levo-2,3-butanediol in the condensate was recovered by rectification. The composition of intermediate materials and products, performance of pilot plant equipment, and data and recommendations for the design of a large scale plant are given. Corrosive conditions are indicated and possible materials of construction suggested. A quantitative flow sheet and cost estimates for a commercial plant with a capacity of 1000 bu. of wheat a day are included. The daily output of such a plant is estimated to be 8460 lb. of diol (95.5% recovery), 675 gal. of 95% ethanol, 3900 lb. of dried bran, and 25,300 lb. of dried solubles. The initial cost of such a plant is estimated at $500,000. From estimates of raw materials and energy requirements the total cost of production of diol is calculated to be 17.3 cents per lb. when wheat costing $1.10 per bu. is fermented.