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Separation Process for Biobased Succinic Acid--LEC TECH, Inc., 16647 Chandler Road, East Lansing, MI  48864; 517-332-4610

Dr. Dilum D. Dunuwila, Principal Investigator, dunuwila@yahoo.com 

Dr. Kris A. Berglund, Business Official, berglund@msu.edu 

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-00ER83034

Amount:  $700,000

This project will develop a unique separation process for biobased succinic acid that will: (1) provide significant energy savings compared to conventional separation processes; and (2) improve product yield and avoid waste generation.  Phase I sought to identify and understand the technical challenges of the separation process and to, concurrently, seek plausible solutions in anticipation of a consolidated process research, development, optimization, demonstration, and scale up effort during Phase II.  The most significant accomplishment in Phase I was the simplification of the separation process based on the data collected.  Several material processing and handling steps were eliminated leading to time and cost savings.  Further, it was indicated that the simplified process would provide a higher yield.  Phase II will demonstrate and scale up the separation process for biobased succinic acid and develop a cost estimation and economic analysis for the process in preparation for commercialization.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The purpose of the overall R&D effort is to develop a suit of generic technologies, including the separation process, that can be used to convert a low-cost fermentation product into a family of specialty chemicals with significant future markets.  These technologies would not have been feasible via conventional, fossil-based methods.  The approach is anticipated to provide new market opportunities for agricultural crops such as corn and to reduce our vulnerability in access to and supply of petroleum for industrial products.