| Abstract: | A coupled fermentation/pervaporation process for reliable production of concentrated ethanol was studied using ethanol permselective silicalite membranes coated with two types of silicone rubber, KE‐45 and KE‐108, as a hydrophobic material. Ethanol recovery was greatly improved by using a membrane coated with KE‐45 silicone rubber. The recovered ethanol concentration in the permeate was 67% (w/w), and the amount of recovered ethanol from the broth was more than 10 times higher than that using a non‐coated membrane. Succinic acid and glycerol, by‐products created during fermentation, interfered with the pervaporation performance of the coated membrane when used to separate an ethanol/water solution. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry |
