Abstract: A process for converting, separating and removing conversion products from grain endosperm using a contained reaction vessel to effect conversions and extractions. The process minimizes particulate interference with equipment, thereby lowering operating and capital expense. Successive conversion and extraction processes reuse major system parts in each step.

Abstract: A method of separating an aqueous ethanol mixture from an active ethanol fermentation broth. The method comprising the steps of (a) supplying a selected fraction of the fermentation broth to a first reverse osmosis membrane separation stage to generate a dilute aqueous ethanol permeate and a reduced ethanol content fermentation broth retentate; (b) recycling the reduced ethanol retentate to the active fermentation broth; (c) supplying the aqueous ethanol permeate to a second membrane separation stage to generate a concentrated aqueous ethanol retentate and a dilute aqueous ethanol permeate; and (d) recycling the dilute aqueous ethanol permeate of step (c) to the active ethanol fermentation broth. An additional step of processing the concentrated aqueous ethanol retentate to remove water optionally follows.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a process for the recovery of an organic solvent from a mixture of an organic solvent and water. The process comprises subjecting an organic solvent/water mixture to a distillation system whereby a vapor is produced. The output from the distillation process passes through a filtration unit which comprises a hydrophilic membrane filter. The solvent/water mixture passing through the filtration unit is separated into a concentrate and a permeate. The concentrate (containing mostly organic solvent) can be collected, can be routed to the distillation system for further purification, or can be routed to a second filtration system for further purification. The permeate (containing mostly water) is routed from the filtration unit to a condenser where it is condensed and collected.

Abstract: A multi-phase separation system for liquids with dissolved solids and/or liquid/solid mixtures. The separation system can include four phases. One of the phases can include a crossflow filtration unit. The crossflow filtration unit can separate solids from the process fluid by flowing the process fluid in a crossflow orientation over a filter screen. The crossflow filtration unit can be drained of process fluid and cleaned by high pressure cleaning nozzles. The crossflow filtration unit can be configured to simplify or reduce the cost of downstream filtration phases. The phases may be used selectively and/or may be outfitted with various components to meet different system requirements.