| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3598 | Biochemical Engineering Journal | 2012 | 7 Pages |
Economic evaluation of a membrane-integrated bioreactor system for lactic acid production from sugarcane juice was performed. The production process consisted of sterilization, fermentation, microfiltration, nanofiltration and final concentration by vacuum evaporation. Membrane recycle fermentor operating at a cell concentration of 22 g/L resulted in a productivity of 53 g/L h with a lactic acid concentration of 106 g/L and a yield of 0.96. The membrane units (cross-flow microfiltration and nanofiltration) and pump contribute about 2% to the total fixed capital cost whereas fermentation unit along with holding tank contribute about 36% to the total fixed capital cost. The two largest cost components were raw material and yeast extract costs contributing about 6% and 87% respectively to the total operating cost. Total product cost stood at 3.15 US $/kg of 80% (w/w) concentrated and 95% pure lactic acid. The study reveals that operating cost could be reduced further by using a cheaper nitrogen source like silk worm larvae or yeast autolysate and installing the lactic acid plant in the sugarcane-growing areas or by optimizing the recycle of nanofiltration retentate to the fermentor.
► Experimental investigation on lactic acid production in membrane-integrated reactor. ► Economic evaluation of lactic acid production in the new system for scale up. ► Only 1% of the fixed capital investment is due to the pumps and membrane. ► 46% of the fixed capital investment is attributed to fermentation unit. ► Raw material and nutrient contribute 96% to the total operating cost. ► Product cost computed to 3.15 US $/kg of 95% (w/w) lactic acid.
