Patent ID: 8283505
Filing Date: 2012-10-09
Classification: C07C,C12C,C12M,C12P,Y02E,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for producing isobutanol comprising: (a) culturing a microorganism capable of producing isobutanol in a fermentor, thereby forming a fermentation broth comprising microorganisms and isobutanol; (b) removing a portion of the fermentation broth from the fermentor; (c) distilling the portion, thereby forming an isobutanol-depleted liquid phase and an isobutanol-enriched vapor phase comprising water and isobutanol; (d) condensing the isobutanol-enriched vapor phase formed in step (c), thereby forming an isobutanol-rich liquid phase and a water-rich liquid phase; and (e) separating the isobutanol-rich phase liquid from the water-rich liquid phase using a liquid-liquid separator;