This project documents the energy analysis of a butanol extraction process using supercritical carbon dioxide. Production of butanol as a biofuel has gained popularity in recent years but is limited by operating conditions of bacteria used for production and current extraction technologies. The project utilizes butanol production by B. megaterium and a continuous, in-situ supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and separation process as a method of reducing overall energy usage. Through energy analysis, the production and extraction process proved to be more efficient than other current methods. Recommendations include process design optimization and construction of a pilot model. These findings serve as support for increased research and commercialization of this extraction method.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Cody, Rachel Elaine
• Vandenberg, Halsey Alexander
• Sabo, Vincent Michael

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042816-040328

Advisor

• Timko, Michael T.

Year

• 2016

Date created

• 2016-04-28

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright