TechConnect Spotlight: Harnessing LLE for Efficient Recovery and Purification of Biofuels and Bioproducts

Koch Modular Extraction Technology Manager, Donald Glatz, to present “Utilizing Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) or Solvent Extraction (SX) in the Efficient Recovery and Purification of Biofuels & Bioproduct” on Monday, June 17, at 10:30 am EST at the 2024 TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Exposition.

In recent years, industrial biologists have been developing systems to produce organic chemicals from biomass using processes such as fermentation. These processes typically yield low concentrations of organic chemicals with boiling points higher than water, making distillation impractical for initial recovery and purification.

Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) is an efficient method for removing these compounds, either directly from the fermentation broth (whole broth) or from the broth after pre-treatment to remove undesirable components such as cell mass and lignin.

Choosing the appropriate extraction column is crucial for optimizing performance and cost. Many biomass feed solutions, particularly those from fermentation processes or algae ponds, tend to emulsify when mixed with an organic solvent.

The presentation will explore the application of liquid-liquid extraction technology for recovering bio-chemicals, its use across various industries and feedstocks, and considerations for pilot testing, scale-up, and commercialization.

Glatz will also present “LLE: Efficient Recovery and Purification of Biobased Chemicals” in a poster session on Tuesday, June 18, at 1:30 pm EST in Expo Hall BC.

Visit Koch Modular at booth #606 to connect with our engineers during the conference and explore more of our presentations HERE.

Donald Glatz

Extraction Technology Manager