Optimization of fermentation temperature and mash specific gravity for fuel alcohol production

• Published in: Cereal chemistry Vol. 76; no. 1; pp. 82 - 86
• Main Authors: Wang, S. (University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.), Ingledew, W.M, Thomas, K.C, Sosolski, K, Sosulski, F.W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: St. Paul, MN The American Association of Cereal Chemists, Inc 01-01-1999; American Association of Cereal Chemists
• Subjects: AGUA; Biofuel production; Biological and medical sciences; Biotechnology; BLE; CONCENTRATION; DENSIDAD; DENSITE; DENSITY; EAU; EFFICACITE; EFFICIENCY; EFICACIA; Energy; ETANOL; ETHANOL; ETHANOL PRODUCTION; FERMENTACION; FERMENTATION; FERMENTED PRODUCTS; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects; METHODE D'OPTIMISATION; Methods. Procedures. Technologies; METODOS DE OPTIMIZACION; Microbial engineering. Fermentation and microbial culture technology; OPTIMIZATION METHODS; PRODUCTOS FERMENTADOS; PRODUIT FERMENTE; RATIOS; TEMPERATURA; TEMPERATURE; TEMPS; TIEMPO; TIME; TRIGO; WATER; WHEATS; Culture medium; Temperature; Yeast; Ethanol; Concentration effect; Production; Microorganism culture; Environmental factor; Biofuel; Fermentation; Wheat; Optimization
• ISSN: 0009-0352; 1943-3638
• DOI: 10.1094/CCHEM.1999.76.1.82

The effects of fermentation temperature and dissolved solids concentration adjusted by changing mashing water-to-grain ratios on wheat fermentation efficiencies, fermentation times, final ethanol concentrations, and ethanol production rates were studied by using response surface methodology. Final ethanol concentrations in fermentors depended primarily on mash specific gravities. Predictably, increases in fermentation temperatures dramatically reduced fermentation times and thereby shortened fermentation cycles. The highest ethanol production rates were achieved with a high fermentation temperature of 30 degree C and a low water-to-grain ratio of 2.0. At these settings, an ethanol concentration of 13.6% (v/v) was attained with a fermentation time of 54 hr and an ethanol production rate of 2.45 mL of ethanol/L/hr. Optimization of operating conditions suggested in the current study will provide existing fuel alcohol plants with increased productivity without alteration of plant equipment or process flow