Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the production and recovery of chemicals, in particular hydrocarbons, from a fermentation medium, wherein solvent impregnated carriers are used. Accordingly, the invention provides a process for the production of hydrocarbon from a fermentation liquid comprising: forming said hydrocarbon from said fermentation liquid using a biocatalyst; contacting said fermentation liquid with a solvent impregnated porous carrier, which solvent impregnated porous carrier has a density that is different from said fermentation liquid, whereby said formed hydrocarbon is sorbed by said solvent impregnated carrier; regenerating said solvent impregnated carrier, whereby a stream of said hydrocarbon is obtained; and optionally, recycling said regenerated solvent impregnated carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for drying a product using a regenerative adsorbent, more in particular to such a method which can be carried out in an energy-saving manner. According to the invention, the product is dried by bringing it into contact with an adsorbent, water being taken up form the product by the adsorbent. Subsequently, the adsorbent is regenerated with superheated steam, steam being obtained, which steam comprises at least a part of the mentioned water.