Since butanol will be produced and removed continuously, concentrated carbohydrate feed solution will be added to the reactor to replace utilized carbohydrate substrate. Environmental conditions such as temperature and pH will be controlled in the fermentation reactor. From this experiment data on butanol production rates, butanol removal rates and flux and selectivities will be collected. This information will be used to develop mass balance and energy balance equations. The mass balance and energy balance will be helpful for cost estimation.
Mathematical models are helpful in determining the effect of process variables.
Development of more efficient membranes for high flux and selectivity We will attempt to evaluate the proc e ss economics of butanol productions using our data on butanol production and recovery. The effect of higher flux and selectivity on the process economics will be evaluated. If higher flux and selectivity favour butanol economics, attempts will be made to make membranes with improved flux and selectivities. The prices of the new membrane will be a factor to influence butanol prices. The conversion of agricultural biomass to biofuels continues to receive increased attention.