Continuous Fermentation
Continuous fermentation is much like the traditional batch-style of fermentation; the big difference between these two styles is that continuous fermentation does not stop and start the process repeatedly when removing the ethanol from the fermentation process. Many industrial fermentation processes have integrated some kind of continuity in their processes: this tends to optimize the process by increasing yields and decreasing the amount of yeast needed for production goals. Utilization of continuous fermentation is usually seen with a recycling system for the yeast and some sort of extraction system that separates the ethanol from the converting mass and the yeast.
Flow Diagrams
(Source: http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/en/d/Jb23ale/6.html)
(Source: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_library/ethanol_motherearth/meCh1.html)
(Source: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_library/ethanol_motherearth/meCh1.html)
(Source: http://www.mypurchasingcenter.com/mro-indirect/industry-articles/center-ethanol-plant-finds-efficiencies/
Equipment
Distillation Column
Videos
How to set fermentation reaction in a fermenter (Part 1).MPG
continuous fermentation
References
- http://faculty.fshn.illinois.edu/~mcheryan/ethanol.htm
- http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_library/ethanol_motherearth/meCh1.html
- http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/en/d/Jb23ale/6.html