Title : Phase equilibria (VLE and LLE) of platform molecules for the optimization of separation processes
Abstract:
Building block molecules derived from biomass represent renewable and sustainable alternatives to fossil-based resources. These molecules can be manipulated and transformed into diverse compounds with specific functions. This versatility enables their utilization in various biotechnological processes, such as drug discovery, enzyme engineering and biofuel production. In many biotechnological processes, platform molecules derived from biomass are initially found in complex solutions containing various organic and inorganic compounds among which water. Their extraction from these solutions is often necessary to isolate, purify and concentrate them, in order to use them effectively in different applications. Several extraction methods could be used: supercritical solvent extraction, liquid-liquid extraction, or membrane extraction. The most widely used and mature extraction method is liquid-liquid extraction.
The apparatus allows pressure measurements down to 1 Pa and in the temperature range between (- 30°C to 150°C). The following platform molecules were studied: 1) VLE of pure compounds: 5-methylfurfural, 2-methylfuran or 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 2) VLE of 2 binary systems: (5-methylfurfural+ 2-methyltetrahydrofuran) and (5-methylfurfural+ 2- methylfuran) We also determined liquid-liquid equilibria (LLE) using batch method i.e jacket glass vessel with a volume of approximately 300 mL. The concentrations of the solutes are close to the conditions observed in the fermentation broth: 2 to 6 % in mass. The explored temperature range is between 10 and 60°C. We studied 3 binary systems and 2 ternary mixtures: 1) LLE (water + 5methylfurfural); 2) LLE (water + 2 methylfuran) 3) LLE (water +2 methyltetrahydrofuran) 4) LLE (water +5 methylfurfural+ 2 methylfuran 5) LLE (water +5-methylfurfural+2-methyltetrahydrofuran) Almost all experimental data are new, no comparison was found in literature but they are crucial for developing and optimizing thermodynamic models used in various processes, especially in chemical engineering and biotechnology. In a second step we fitted our binary data using the thermodynamic models UNIQUAC and NRTL. From the binary interactions, we predicted the composition of the ternary systems. Calculated and experimental data were compared.
Audience Take Away
- The reported data are essential to design separation process.
- The reported data are useful for researchers working in simulation and thermodynamic models
- For researchers, see the answers above. Students at Master level could also be interested. They could inject the data in software like Prosim or Aspen. They also could draw the binary and ternary diagrams.
- The study is essentially experimental: design of apparatus and development of analytical methodologies that could be applied for similar molecules. This last point saves time to the experimenter.
- The apparatus will be described and the delicate points and the type of pressure sensor will be given.
