You are on page 1of 31

CHAPTER 1

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION I. INTRODUCTION Faced with increasing oil prices that are likely to continue, the chemical industry is trying to find alternative sources for a number of the chemical ingredients derived from petroleum and other fossil-sources. Succinic acid is one product currently produced from crude oil by catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride to succinic anhydride and subsequent hydration or by the direct catalytic hydrogenation of maleic acid. It provides the basic four-carbon backbone for a wide range of products including pharmaceuticals, coatings, polymers and resins. Also, Succinic acid has received attention as a green feedstock for the manufacture of synthetic resins, biodegradable polymers and chemical intermediates. As for this, the production of succinic acid from sugarcane bagasse is an excellent alternative process instead of using petroleum as the raw material. Succinic acid, also known as amber acid or butanedioic acid, is a dicarboxylic acid composed of four carbon atoms with the molecular formula C4H6O4. It was discovered in the year 1550 when Dr. Agricola of Germany distilled amber. It can be found in plant and animal tissues. It can be used as a precursor for the production of many chemicals for use in the agricultural, food processing and pharmaceutical industries. Succinic acid is used as a flavoring agent for food and beverages, as an intermediate for various

industrial chemicals such as dyes, perfumes, lacquers, photographic chemicals and alkyd resins, and as plasticizers. It is also used in metal treatment chemicals, vehicle water cooling systems and coatings. Up until the early 1900s, succinic acid was used in Europe as a natural antibiotic and general curative. A typical process for the production of a bioproduct like succinic acid is by microbial fermentation consists of seed cultivation, fermentation, product recovery, concentration and purification. Considering that the downstream purification cost in the fermentation based process normally accounts for more than 60% of the total production cost, it is crucial to develop an economical purification process of succinic acid from fermentation broth. In the case of succinic acid purification, separation of byproducts including acetic, formic, lactic and pyruvic acids is the most crucial. Fermentative production of succinic acid has many advantages over chemical processes owing to its simplicity and environment friendly nature. However, the industrial scale production requires a low production cost. Although, it is reported that the production of succinic acid by fermentation has potential to become economical with improvements in process design and strain development, yet an economically viable biosynthetic process for succinic acid production is to be developed. Among the possible methods to reduce the cost of fermentation process, the use of agricultural, dairy and industrial waste products rather than refined carbohydrates

Succinic acid has been produced from glucose by various fermentative methods in the past using microorganisms such as recombinant Escherichia coli strains, Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens and Actinobacillus

succinogenes among many others, but not on a commercial scale. Carbon dioxide is intended to be provided from nearby bioethanol facilities where fermentation of sucrose with yeast produces ethanol and the waste gas CO as an atmospheric emission. The fermentation to produce succinic acid will also, it appears, be much more energy efficient, a life cycle analysis showed that it would require about 30-40 per cent less energy than a typical chemical production process and so this will again save the atmosphere from yet more carbon emissions. So it seems the process will be clean (no waste side products), environmentally friendly (capture CO2) and will use a relatively cheap feedstock for production (glucose) to provide a cheaper source of succinic acid into a growing market.

II. PRODUCT PROFILE


Succinic Acid

Succinic acid is a naturally-occurring dicarboxylic acid composed of four carbon atoms. It is a natural constituent in plant and animal tissues and plays a significant role in intermediary metabolism. The name derives from Latin succinum, meaning amber, from which the acid was traditionally obtained. It has been used in Europe as a natural antibiotic and general curative for centuries. Even before mankind knew that there were things called acids antibiotics, the people of Europe recognized that amber had magical curative powers. They used it when we today would use an antibiotic. This dicarboxylic acid is employed in numerous industries including polymers (clothing fibres), additives in food and beverages, surfactants and detergents, and as a starting material for any number of chemicals which are
4

used in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, it is also applied as intermediate for various industrial chemicals such as dyes, perfumes, lacquers, photographic chemicals and alkyd resins, and as plasticizers. A. Technical Specification

Product: Description:

Succinic Acid White crystalline powder. Odorless, characteristic acid taste

Molecular Weight Toxicity Physical Characteristics: Specific gravity: pH: Solubility in water: Melting Point Boiling Point Vapor Density NFPA Ratings

118.09 Oral rat LD50: 2260 mg/kg

1.552 2.7 Moderately soluble 187-189 C 235 C 3.04 Health : 2; Flammability: 1;

Reactivity: 0 Refractive Index Viscosity Stability Flash point Autoignition Temperature 1.405 1.46 cP (220 C) Solubility: 80 g/l @ 20C 206 C 630 C 5

pKa/pKb Partition coefficient, pKow Heat of Fusion

4.24 (pKa) -0.59 31.5 kJ/mol

B. Product Composition

Gravimetric Analysis

Succinic Acid, C4H6O4 Moisture, H2O

99 % 1.0 %

C. Product Use
Uses: Paints, Surfactants and Detergents, and Clothing Dyes, Perfumes, Lacquers, Photographic Chemicals and Used as an intermediate. Alkyd Resins, and as Plasticizers Used as an additive. Succinic Acid

D. Product Handling
Product Packaging Succinic acid crystals are packed in plastic bottles for small volume 6

packaging and in fibre carton for bulk packaging. Use protective clothing and

protective gear. Handle in ventilated area. Minimize dust generation and Handling and Storage accumulation. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible

substances

E. Product Safety Refer to Appendix 1. Material Safety and Data Sheet for Succinic Acid

III. Raw Material Profile Sugarcane Bagasse Philippines, as a tropical country, have many provinces that produce sugarcane. These number provinces contribute to the amount of by-product produced every year. Bagasse is the primary by-product of sugarcane farms. 7

Bagasse, a lignin-hemicellulose, is the fibrous biomass after crushing the sugarcane to extract the juice.

A. Technical Specification Sugarcane grows as high as 2m in tropical countries. The size of bagasse, the crushed by-product of the sugarcane, is reduced.

Physical Properties Size, cm Bulk Density (dry), kg/m3 Moisture content, % w/w <5 50-75 40-50%

B. Chemical Composition

Composition Cellulose (C6H12O6) Hemicellulose (C5H8O4) Lignin (C9H10) Waxes Others 46.00% 24.50% 19.95% 3.45% 6.10%

The cellulose content of a sugarcane bagasse is glucose, hemicellulose content is xylose and lignin content is the non-fermentable phenyl-propene unit.

C. Raw Material Use

Use

Definition The hemicellulose composition of sugarcane bagasse after hydrolysis

Substrate

will be used as the substrate for the production of succinic acid by fermentation.

D. Raw Material Handling

Handling

By sacks, boxes and trackloads. Bagasse must be decored, fine

material separated out, slightly predried, Storage controlling stacking tank. in substances a ventilated before storage added with fermentation

10

Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) Sulfuric acid is a strong mineral acid. It is soluble in water at all concentrations. Sulfuric acid has many applications, and is one of the top products of the chemical industry. Principal uses include lead-acid batteries for cars and other vehicles, ore processing, fertilizer manufacturing, oil refining, wastewater processing, and chemical synthesis. A. Technical Specification Physical Properties Appearance Odor Colorless, thick oily liquid Odorless, but has a choking odor when hot. Molecular Weight Specific gravity 98.08 1.67

11

B. Chemical Composition

Gravimetric Analysis (by weight) Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) Water (H2O) 95 98% 5-2%

C. Raw Material Use

To hydrolyze the hemicellulose Uses for fermentation production of succinate. To convert sodium succinate to succinic acid.

12

D. Raw Material Handling

Pure sulphuric acid is usually supplied by seagoing Handling tank-vessels, barges, rail-tankcars, road- tankers, tank-containers and in drums. Store in a metallic or coated fiberboard drum using a strong polyethylene inner package. Keep container Storage in a cool, well-ventilated area. Do not store above 23C (73.4F).

E. Product Safety Refer to Appendix 3. Material Safety Data Sheet for sulfuric acid.

Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4) Magnesium sulfate is often encountered as the heptahydrate epsomite

(MgSO47H2O), commonly called "Epsom salt". Another hydrate form is kieserite. 13

Anhydrous magnesium sulfate is used as a drying agent. Since the anhydrous form is hygroscopic and is therefore difficult to weigh accurately, the hydrate is often preferred when preparing solutions, for example in medical preparations. Epsom salt has been traditionally used as a component of bath salts. A. Technical Specification Physical Properties Appearance Odor Molecular Weight Specific gravity White powder, crystals Odorless 246.47 1.67

14

B. Chemical Composition

Gravimetric Analysis Magnesium Sulfate Water 99 100% 1.0 0%

C. Raw Material Use

Uses Salt which accelerates the growth of the bacteria in the preparation of the seed culture and in the fermentation.

D. Raw Material Handling

Handling

Packaged in 2000 Lb polywoven nylon semibulk sacks and 50 Lb multiwall bags. This packaging provides protection for storage at 15

moderate

temperature

and

humidity

forreasonable periods of time. Magnesium Sulfate Solutions are shipped in bulk tank trucks and tank cars. Sparger trucks for bulk shipments are

available at Utica, IL, only. To be stored in a tank made up of stainless steel or plastic. Storage Magnesium Sulfate should be stored between 680F and 900F and 54% and 87% relative humidity.

E. Product Safety Refer to Appendix 2. Material Safety Data Sheet for Magnesium Sulfate.

16

Potassium phosphate monobasic (KH2PO4) Potassium phosphate monobasic is a soluble salt which is used as a fertilizer, a food additive and a fungicide. It is a source of phosphorus and potassium. It is also a buffering agent. When used in fertilizer mixtures with urea and ammonium phosphates, it minimizes escape of ammonia by keeping the pH at a relatively low level. A. Technical Specification

Physical Properties Appearance Odor Molecular Weight Specific Gravity White powder, crystals Odorless 136.09 2.34

17

B. Chemical Composition

Gravimetric Analysis Potassium Phosphate Monobasic Water 98 100% 2.0 0%

C. Raw Material Use

Uses Salt which accelerates the growth of the bacteria in the preparation of the seed culture and in the fermentation.

D. Raw Material Handling

18

Bulk transport using tankers equipped with pneumatic Handling unloading systems. Pallets should preferably be loaded on covered trucks to protect product from rain. Storage To be stored in a tank made up of stainless steel or plastic.

E. Product Safety Refer to Appendix 3. Material Safety Data Sheet for Potassium phosphate.

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder. It has a slightly salty, alkaline taste resembling that of washing soda. It is a component of the mineral natron and is found dissolved in many mineral springs. 19

A. Technical Specification

Physical Properties

Appearance

White powder, crystals

Odor

Odorless

Molecular Weight

84.01

Specific gravity

1.67

B. Chemical Composition

20

Gravimetric Analysis Magnesium Sulfate Water A. Raw Material Use 99 100% 10 0%

Uses Salt which accelerates the growth of the bacteria in the preparation of the seed culture and in the fermentation.

B. Raw Material Handling

Bulk transport using tankers equipped with pneumatic unloading systems. Pallets should Handling preferably be loaded on covered trucks to protect product from rain or snow. Storage Stored in containers using coated stainless steel ventilated storage steel or silos at

temperatures lower than 30 C and humidity less

21

than 50%.

C. Product Safety Refer to Appendix 4. Material Safety Data Sheet for Sodium bicarbonate.

Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) Calcium Hydroxide is an inorganic compound . It is a colourless crystal or white powder and is obtained when calcium oxide is mixed, or "slaked" with water. It has many names including hydrated lime, builders lime, slack lime, cal, or pickling lime. It is of low toxicity and enjoys many applications. A. Technical Specification

Physical Properties Appearance Odor Molecular Weight Specific gravity White powder, crystals Odorless 84.01 1.67

22

B. Chemical Composition

Gravimetric Analysis Calcium Hydroxide Water 99 100% 1.0 0%

C. Raw Material Use

Uses Salt which accelerates the growth of the bacteria in the preparation of the seed culture and in the fermentation.

23

D. Raw Material Handling

Bulk transport using tankers equipped with pneumatic unloading systems. Pallets should Handling preferably be loaded on covered trucks to protect product from rain or snow. To be stored in a tank made up of mild steel, Storage titanium or plastic. Should not be stored in galvanized materials.

E. Product Safety Refer to Appendix 5. Material Safety Data Sheet for Calcium Hydroxide.

24

Yeast extract Yeast extract is the common name for various forms of processed yeast products made by extracting the cell contents; they are used as food additives or flavourings, or as nutrients for bacterial culture media. They are often used to create savory flavors and umami taste sensations. Monosodium glutamate is used for umami, but has no flavor. Yeast extract, like MSG, often contains free glutamic acid. Yeast extracts in liquid form can be dried to a light paste or a dry powder. Glutamic acid in yeast extracts are produced from an acid-base fermentation cycle, only found in some yeasts, typically ones bred for use in baking. A. Technical Specification

Physical Property Appearance Light straw, powder

B. Raw Material Use

25

Uses Nitrogen source for the fermentation of sugarcane bagasse hemicellulose hydrolysate.

C. Raw Material Handling

Transported via truck loadings and packaged Handling and delivered contained in sacks. Sacks are well closed and protected from direct Storage sunlight and moisture. Stored at room

temperature.

D. Product Safety Refer to Appendix 5. Material Safety Data Sheet for Yeast Extract.

26

Methanol
Methanol is also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or wood spirits, is a chemical with formula CH3OH. It is the simplest alcohol, and is a

light, volatile, colorless, flammable, liquid with a distinctive odor that is very similar to but slightly sweeter than ethanol (drinking alcohol). At room temperature it is a polar liquid and is used as an antifreeze, solvent, fuel, and as a denaturant for ethanol.

A. Technical Specification

Physical Property Appearance colorless, toxic, flammable liquid

27

B. Raw Material Use

Uses Succinic acid is highly soluble with methanol. The produced impure succinic acid is purified with methanol.

C. Raw Material Handling

Transported via truck loadings and packaged and delivered contained in sealed containers so Handling that the vapors will not escape.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry well-ventilated location, away from any area where the fire hazard may be

28

acute.

D. Product Safety Refer to Appendix 6. Material Safety Data Sheet for Methanol.

Sodium Hydroxide Sodium Hydroxide is It also is known in as lye and caustic many industries, soda, as is a

a caustic metallic base.

used

mostly

strong chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents and as a drain cleaner. It is hygroscopic and readily absorbs water from the air, so it should be stored in

an airtight container. It is very soluble in water with liberation of heat. It also dissolves inethanol and methanol, though it exhibits lower solubility in these 29

solvents than does potassium hydroxide. Molten sodium hydroxide is also a strong base, but the high temperature required limits applications. It is insoluble in ether and other non-polar solvents. A sodium hydroxide

solution will leave a yellow stain on fabric and paper. A. Technical Specification

Physical Property Appearance white solid available in pellets,

flakes, granules

B. Raw Material Use

Uses To control the pH in during fermentation process.

30

C. Raw Material Handling

Transported via truck loadings and packaged and delivered contained in a plastic drum with a Handling screw top lid or an approved cardboard carton generally lined with a plastic bag inner. Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from Storage sources of heat, moisture and incompatibilities.

D. Product Safety Refer to Appendix 7. Material Safety Data Sheet for Sodium Hydroxide.

31

You might also like