Patent ID: 8293940

Claim:
A process for recovery and purification of lactic acid from a fermentation broth containing lactic acid, the process comprising, in combination, the steps of: a. subjecting the fermentation broth to ultralfiltration and/or microfiltration to form a first permeate; b. concentrating the first permeate to form concentrated broth; c. extracting the lactic acid into a separate stream by passing the concentrated broth through a supported liquid membrane, wherein the supported liquid member comprises a base polymer and an organic layer impregnated on pores of the base polymer, and the organic layer comprises a carrier, a co-extractant, a diluent and a stabilizer; d. subjecting the extracted lactic acid solution to activated carbon for removal of colour; e. subjecting the extracted lactic acid solution to cation exchange resin for deminerization; f. subjecting the extracted lactic acid solution to anion exchange resin for removal of anionic impurities; and g. concentrating the extracted lactic acid solution to desired concentration.