Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
A generalized block diagram of downstream processing of bioreactor media is shown in
Figure 5 [2]. During primary recovery, preliminary separation of solid (biomass) and aqueous
(product) phases, as well as product extraction, occur. The fermentation broth is also reduced
significantly in volume during this stage. Products are further concentrated during
intermediate recovery, which also involves, in some cases, the redissolution of materials
before further concentration is possible. In the final purification stages, a series of polishing
steps are used to raise product purity to the final specifications.
Figure 5. Overview of bioseparations [2].
