Patent ID: 8771999
Filing Date: 2014-07-08
Classification: C12P,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A process for the bioconversion of a gas feed containing gas substrate comprising carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen in an aqueous menstruum containing microorganisms suitable for converting said gas substrate to oxygenated organic compound comprising: a. providing the aqueous menstruum in at least one primary deep, bubble column reactor to a height of at least 10 meters wherein the gas feed is injected in a bottom portion of the reactor and wherein the pressure of the aqueous menstruum is at least about 100 kPa gauge at said portion, b. continuously supplying as microbubbles said gas feed by injection using a motive liquid to the bottom portion of said reactor, said gas feed: c. converting less than about 80 percent of the carbon monoxide in the gas feed supplied to the primary deep, bubble column reactor to oxygenated organic compound and providing an off-gas above the aqueous menstruum; d. optionally removing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide from the aqueous menstruum in the primary deep, bubble column reactor or from at least a portion of the off-gas from the primary deep, bubble column reactor; e. continuously supplying as microbubbles at least a portion of the off-gas by injection using a motive liquid to a lower portion of at least one sequential deep, bubble column reactor containing aqueous menstruum in which said off-gas passes upwardly through the aqueous menstruum wherein the off-gas has a mole fraction of nitrogen sufficient to avoid a mass transfer of carbon monoxide to the aqueous menstruum that results in carbon monoxide inhibition; and f. converting sufficient hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the off-gas to oxygenated organic compound such that at least about 75 percent of the total moles of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the gas feed to the primary deep, bubble column reactor is converted to oxygenated compound.