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SiC-Based Laser Fusion Optics

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG03-01ER83283
Agency Tracking Number: 65538S01-I
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2001
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
1901 South Franklin
Butte, MT 59701
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Hendrik van Walsem
 Senior Biochemical Engineer
 (406) 723-2222
 hjvanwalsem@aol.com
Business Contact
 Lawrence Farrar
Title: President
Phone: (406) 723-2222
Email: lefarrar@aol.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

65538 Ethanol is an environmentally friendly oxygen additive for fuel. However, during the fermentation process, the build up of ethanol negatively impacts the fermentation microorganism, thereby decreasing productivity and increasing energy consumption. Research has shown that ethanol could be continuously removed from the fermentation media with non-porous pervaporation membranes, but viscosity and fouling effects make this solution impractical. This project will use a high-flux, low-selectivity pervaporation membrane to remove ethanol from a continuously operated fermentor. The membrane will be activated with low frequency acoustic energy to eliminate mass transfer resistance and intensify the process. Phase I will demonstrate that the technology will facilitate the removal of ethanol from an active fermentation broth. The ability to maintain a high flux rate for ethanol and water without damaging yeast cells will be evaluated, and the economic feasibility will benchmarked against industry standards. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: This technology should enable existing fermentors to fully implement modern separation methods. Lower ethanol production costs and increased productivity should result.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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