Patent ID: 6753170
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: C07C,C12P

Abstract:
An anaerobic microbial fermentation process for the production of acetic acid, said process comprising the steps of:(a) fermenting in a bioreactor at least one gas selected from the group consisting of (1) carbon monoxide, (2) carbon dioxide and hydrogen, (3) carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen, and (4) carbon monoxide and hydrogen, in the presence of an aqueous stream comprising a nutrient mixture with an anaerobic acetogenic bacteria, thereby producing a fermentation broth comprising acetic acid and dissolved hydrogen sulfide; (b) removing said hydrogen sulfide from said fermentation broth; (c) contacting said fermentation broth with a solvent comprising an amine for a time sufficient to cause the formation of a solvent phase containing acetic acid, said solvent and water and an aqueous phase; (d) continuously distilling acetic acid from said solvent phase; and (e) recycling said solvent to said contacting step (b).