In addition to bio-production technologies, Bio-Process also specializes in the development of improved separation technologies for their recovery & purification.  Product separation & recovery represents the second largest operating cost associated with biomass processing.  Bio-Process separation technologies are designed to be robust, integrated, processes that minimize energy usage, down time, and production costs.

Background: Bio-products produced in fermentation processes are characterized by relatively low final product concentrations (1% – 15%) with final concentration requirements generally greater than 99% purity.  Separation and purification of bio-products can be accomplished through differences in product & non-product size, vapor pressures, solubility, and densities.

Technology Description: Bio-Process has developed and improved a variety of technologies for bio-product separations including: distillation, stripping, solvent extraction, filtration (RO / UF), decanting / centrifugation, evaporation, and flotation.  The most efficient and effective separation process technology is dependent upon the feedstock being processes, product / non-product characteristics, and bio-reaction conditions.  Bio-Process has developed a variety of processes and technologies for bio-separation processes integrated with the production process.

Applications:   Improved bio-separation processes and technologies have a wide variety of applications in processing of biomass materials for the production of bio-products, chemicals, and biofuels.  Bio-Process’ separation systems are designed to simplify the production process, reducing energy usage and improve reaction speeds & efficiencies.

Separation Technologies:

• Pre-Separation of Sugars & Inerts in Whole Mash Fermentations,
• Cheese Whey Separation & Recovery of Protein / Lactose,
• Separations to Increase Fermentation Speeds & Efficiencies,
• Process for Separation & Recovery of Lignin from Biomass,
• Low Energy Distillation Technology for Reduction of Steam Use,
• Separation & Recovery of Yeast Cell Mass in Fermentation,
• Simultaneous Volatile Fermentation Production and Separation,

R&D Background: Over the last 25 years, BPI has worked on the co-development of bio-production and bio-product separation technologies in a holistic approach to bio-processing technology development.  BPI’s experience in bio-separation technologies includes laboratory R&D, pilot scale demonstration & improvement, as well as commercial scale design, start-up, and operations.

Technology Maturity: Pilot – Commercial, depending upon the process being utilized, the feedstock being processed, and the products & co-products being recovered and separated.   Improved process separation processes and technologies can generally be integrated into existing processing facilities, increasing production levels and decreasing operating costs, for minimal capital costs- translating to attractive returns on investment (ROI).