Downstream processing of biobased succinic acid (2)

Approach II: A Combination of Electrodialysis and Water Splitting
(Glassner et al. US Patent, 5,143,834)

1. Key points for the process
–Use conventional electrodialysis to recover and concentrate the succinate salt from a whole broth containing cells and impurities
–A water-splitting electrodialysis to convert the succinate salt to succinic acid and base
–Treatment with ion-exchangers to remove charged impurities from succinic acid

2. Advantages
–Allow cell-containing whole broth to be sent directly to electrodialysis without pretreatment such as filtration and centrifuge
–Preferential recovery of desired succinate salt over acetate through the membranes

3.Disadvantages
–High cost associated with electrodialysis such as membrane costs and electrical energy costs