ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

E Q U I P M E N T f O R E N G I N E E R I N G E D U C A T I O N

CE 640 Biotechnical
Production of Ethanol
Energy from renewable raw materials

c l . V ideo ts
In n d E x p e rimen
p e r a tion a E 640
O with C

2E a division of

© 2010 G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH

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 B I O E T H A N O L P R O D U C T I O N I N T H E L A B O R AT O R Y E X P E R I M E N T

Energy and environment

are essential
for a sustainable
development
“The next 10 years will be critical for the future of
our planet. Radical measures must be taken both
on climate change mitigation and adaptation
before we are locked into potentially irreversible,
catastrophic climate transformations, whose
impacts are expected to substantially change the
environment and our lives on this planet.”
Excerpt from the United Nations Development Programme
Charting A New Low-Carbon Route To Development
Yannik Glemarec

Engineers, scientists, technicians and experienced

specialists will play an important role in the transition
to sustainable development. They will need a sound
education which includes practical experience.

GUNT is a leader in the development of innovative

CE 640
education and training systems for sustainable energy
production and environmental pollution control.

Developing the
The importance of water for the protection of health
and the environment is highlighted by our complete
programme of experimental units for water treatment.

bioethanol production in
the laboratory
The experimental plant for the biotechnical production Technicians and engineers are always faced with the

CONTENTS
of ethanol is ideally suited for training students same questions: What needs to be measured,
and professionals in chemical and biochemical engi- regulated and controlled, where and how?
neering. The plant has been designed to perform a This plant is ideally suited to provide the answers.
wide range of didactic topics. Bioethanol is, and will
Energy from Biomass 3 remain, the leading biofuel worldwide. Students will The experimental plant demonstrates a functional and
get to know the entire process, starting with the raw elegant solution to equipment design. I know from
materials up to the end product. experience that trainees and students will appreciate
Biotechnical Production of Ethanol 4
the level of detail that has gone into designing the
Various processes, such as shredding, fermentation plant. The plant control via PLC will also help them to
CE 640 – Schematic Process 5 and distillation, can be studied. Conditions and learn to operate large technical systems.
possibilities for the technological, material and the
CE 640 – Plant Design 6 energetic combination of processes in a method Prof. Dr.-Ing.habil Kurt Gramlich
can be conveyed. University of Applied Sciences Anhalt
CE 640 – Technology and Components 7

CE 640 – The Automation and Measuring

Technology Plant Concept 8

CE 640 – Installation and Space

Requirements of the Plant 9

CE 640 in the Lab at Münster University

of Applied Sciences 10

CE 640 at the Agricultural Research

Institute Nicosia 11

Didactic Concept,
Installation and Training 11

2E Philosophy 12

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 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

ENERGY fROM BIOMAss

Development of bioenergy sources Classification of

Photosynthesis enables plant growth with the help of
sunlight. In this process, the plant absorbs CO2 from
ment methods are required to be able to use the
biomass as an energy source in various technical
bioenergy sources
the atmosphere, water and minerals, and converts it processes.
Energy
into more energy-rich organic compounds. source
Solid Liquid Gaseous
This includes simple physical but also more
This biomass can be seen as the product of a bio- complex thermochemical and biological methods. Biogas
chemical process during which part of the absorbed After treatment, the bioenergy sources will be avail- Wood Alcohol Fuel gas
Products
sunlight is stored as chemical energy. Special treat- able as solid, liquid or gaseous energy sources. Plant residues Vegetable oils Low-temperature
carbonisation gas

Heat and Heat and

The CO2 cycle of bioethanol Use power
Organic
fuels
power
generation generation

CO2 in the
atmosphere
CO2 absorption Bioethanol as an
through photosynthesis
alternative
to fossil fuels

CO2 The following points outline the importance of bioetha-

nol as an alternative energy source:

• Climate protection due to less

greenhouse gas emissions
Bioethanol, which is produced from renewable raw
CO2 emission materials, is CO2 neutral, apart from the energy
consumption required for production.
Organic fuels The CO2 which is released during the combustion of
bioethanol had been bound by the plants from
Source: Bundesverband
which it was produced by photosynthesis during
der deutschen Bioethanol- their growth. Up to 70% of greenhouse gas
wirtschaft (BDBe) emissions can be saved in this way.

• Protection of fossil resources

Sustainability of bioethanol Every litre of bioethanol that is produced from
renewable raw material means that one litre of
• The ecobalance is highly dependent on the chosen vegetable raw material non-renewable, fossil fuels, such as petrol or
diesel, is saved.
• During the combustion of ethanol, the CO2 that was previously bound is released
• Technology with possibilities for rural areas
The economy and public authorities benefit from
• It is important to look at all of the steps in the process chain
supporting local bioethanol producers through
value-adding and the creation of new jobs. In addi-
• Using untapped plant biomass is clearly better than cultivating tion, new markets are opened up for agriculture.
energy-optimised monocultures
• More powerful than conventional petrol
The great advantage of bioethanol in this area is

Using biomass for the generation of energy its excellent chemical properties. It has a signifi-
cantly higher octane number than petrol, is virtually
sulphur-free and is biodegradable.

Biomass

Alcoholic
Carbonisa- Pressing, Anaerobic Aerobic
Pyrolysis Gasification fermenta-
tion extraction degradation degradation
tion
Ethanol
Pyrolysis Product Biogas
gas Transesteri-
Solid oil fication
Coal fuel Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil methyl ester

Solid Gaseous
Liquid fuel
fuel fuel

Combustion (thermal or fuel cell)

Electric power Movement Heat

Source: www.salzburg.gv.at/themen/lf/bioenergie/was_ist_bioenergie.htm 2E a division of

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 BIOTECHNICAL PRODUCTION Of ETHANOL

A gigantic distillery
If you take a close look at a modern bioethanol plant, The carbohydrates in this mixture must first be con- Energy balance of an industrial bioethanol
you will find that the bioethanol production process verted into sugar using enzymes. Yeasts then convert plant (Südzucker, Zeitz plant)
is the same as that in a distillery – but in unbelievably the sugar in the mash into alcohol – the fermentation
large proportions and with completely different tech- process starts. After the end of the fermentation
nological standards. Whereas small distilleries process process, the alcohol is separated from the mash
raw material by liters, large bioethanol plants move through distillation.
thousands of tons a day.
The bioethanol is distilled in a multiple-stage distillation
But the principle is the same. If the raw materials are process and then further purified and concentrated
not already available in a liquid, sugar-containing form, through rectification. The end product is alcohol with
they need to be shredded and liquefied first. In a grain a purity of approximately 96 vol.%. However, to be
mill, the raw material is ground and mixed with water. used as fuel, pure bioethanol is required in Europe.

The ethanol production process is divided into five steps:

Shredding of the Liquefaction Saccharification Fermentation Distillation

raw materials
Each of these steps requires different process conditions to ensure an optimum yield.
Source: Presentation by Dr. Wolfgang Wach, Südzucker AG
“Bioethanol Production – Today and Tomorrow”
on the 4th May 2006, FAL Braunschweig

Structure of a bioethanol plant

Raw material: wheat

Industrial bioethanol plant under construction

(Südzucker, Zeitz/Saxony-Anhalt plant)
Source: Presentation by Dr. Wolfgang Wach, Südzucker AG
“Bioethanol Production – Today and Tomorrow”
on the 4th May 2006, FAL Braunschweig

A new generation of
biofuels
First-generation biofuels (biodiesel, bioethanol
from sugar, starch) compete with the food mar-
ket and illustrate the problems of an intensified
agriculture. The resulting disadvantages can be
resolved by a new generation of biofuels.

So-called lignocellulosic biomass is used for

second-generation biofuels. Refined enzymes
and special treatment processes enable the
conversion of the lignocellulose contained in
typical plant residues into bioethanol.

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 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

BIOTECHNICAL PRODUCTION Of ETHANOL WITH CE 640

CE 640 – Schematic Process

The CE 640 “Biotechnical Production of Ethanol”
7
trainer allows all of the important processes, from
liquefaction and saccharification of the raw materials 11 10
to the conversion of sugar into ethanol and to
distillation, to be monitored and examined.

During the mashing process the starch of the raw Starch from potatoes, wheat
and other renewable
9
materials is turned into glucose. A mash-tun raw materials 8
containing water and the raw materials is heated 6
up to 95–98°C and constantly stirred.

The addition of the enzyme alpha-amylase enables

the liquefaction of the starch slurry. This process step
takes approximately 0.5 hours and should be
2
performed at a pH value > 6.5.
To subsequently start the saccharification by adding
the enzyme glucoamylase, the tank content must have
a temperature of 55–60°C and a pH value of 4.5–5.5. 1 3 3
4
The entire liquefaction and saccharification process
of the mash, including the required resting times of
approx. 0.5 hours each, takes about 2–3 hours. 5
The preparation is now cooled down to 28–32°C 1. Steam 4. Fermentation tank 7. Condenser 10. Acid / caustic tank
and pumped into the fermentation tank. 2. Mash tank 5. Spent mash tank 8. Distillation unit with metering pumps
3. Pumps 6. Ethanol tank 9. Fermentation airlock / CO2 11. Water infeed
After the addition of yeast, the fermentation process release
takes about 68–72 hours. CO2 is produced during this
process, which can be clearly seen at the fermentation
airlock of the tank.

The distillation process utilises the different volatilities

of the components to be separated. To separate the
components, the liquid mixture is brought to the boil.
The resulting vapour phase contains mostly highly
volatile mixture components.

The vapour phase is separated from the liquid phase Liquefaction Saccharification Fermentation Distillation
and condensed (distillate). The low-volatility compo-
(0.5–1 h) (0.5-1 h) (68-72 h) (1-1.5 h)
nents remain in the liquid phase.

In principle, the ethanol content can be increased in

the CE 640 plant until an azeotropic mixture of sub- ments using the CE 640 is approximately 80%. To be
stances is achieved. In this process, the compositions able to use the produced distillate as a fuel additive
in the gaseous phase and in the liquid phase are equal. (e.g. E10, E85), further processing steps are required
The ethanol content that can be achieved in experi- that must be completed outside the CE 640 plant.

0
CE 64 nol plant
i z e b ioetha udents:
s
A lab- inees and st ing success
for tra ented learn !
e-ori anteed
Practic i s g u a r

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 BIOTECHNICAL PRODUCTION Of ETHANOL WITH CE 640

Plant Design The fermentation airlock releases the

CO2 that forms during the process and
protects the fermentation process
1. Steam pressure from unwanted germs. It also func-
control valve tions as a seal for the stirring machine
2. Mash tank
shaft.
3. Fermentation tank
4. Acid tank
5. Distillation unit
6. Spent mash tank
7. Ethanol tank
8. Process schematic CO 2
9. PLC control unit
10. pH value display

The comprehensive measurement, control and operat-

ing functions of the experimental plant are control-
led via a PLC. A touch screen (9) displays measured
values and permits
the operation of the
plant via menus.

Mash tank with stirring

machine and double wall
for cooling

Technical data
Tanks
• Mash tank, fermentation tank: 40 L each
• Ethanol tank: 10 L
• Spent mash tank (removable): 30 L
The mash tank has a stirring machine and can be T6
heated by introducing hot steam. A check valve Distillation unit
T10
prevents the ingression of mash into the steam supply • Column: Dxh: approx. 220 x 1200 mm
pipe. If required, cold water for cooling the mash can 3 T9
• Sump heater: 0...7500 W
be pumped through the double wall of the tank. The T5
tank is equipped with a pH measuring probe and inlets Pumps
for acid and caustic to enable adjustment of the pH T4 T8
2 double head diaphragm pumps
value. T3 driven by compressed air
4 • max. head (2 bar drive pressure): 20 m
• max. flow rate (2 bar drive pressure): 15 L/min
• max. solid lump size: 4 mm
The distillation unit is a modified distillation facility Metering pump (acid)
2
with a water-bath (1). It contains the still (2), bubble • max. head: 160 m
T2
tray column with dephlegmator (3), condenser (4), • max. flow rate: 2.1 L/h
heating element (5) and all valves and fittings required
for operation. The designations T1–T10 show the posi- Measuring ranges
tion of the individual temperature sensors in the plant. T7 • 9 temperature sensors: 0...120°C
T1
• Water flow rate meter: 1...25 L/min
• pH value: 1...14

Dimensions and weight

5 • l x w x h: 3189 x 800 x 1985 mm
1 • Weight: approx. 500 kg

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 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

BIOTECHNICAL PRODUCTION Of ETHANOL WITH CE 640

Technology and Components

Quality in engineer training means more than just good laboratory
equipment. Set high standards: We do!

In the mash tank, the starch is mixed with water The start of the distillation process can be directly The plant is controlled via a PLC and operated by
and gelatinised through the introduction of steam. monitored through the inspection glasses of the means of a touch screen. In addition the switch
After that, enzymes are used for liquefaction and bubble tray column. cabinet contains a pH value display, a main switch
conversion to glucose. and an emergency stop switch.

The CE 640 plant is equipped with two double The pH value is controlled via a control circuit
head diaphragm pumps driven by compressed to optimise saccharification using a metering
air to transfer the tank contents from the mash pump to transfer precise amounts of acid into the
tank into the fermentation tank and then into the mash tank as required.
distillation unit.

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 BIOTECHNICAL PRODUCTION Of ETHANOL WITH CE 640

The Automation Data acquisition

and Measuring Technology The data acquisition complements the PLC control
system. The system diagram provides an overview of

Plant Concept the most important measured values in a clearly laid

out process schematic. Another menu item allows the
recording of temperature values and other important
The main educational area is biochemical engineering. It also teaches factors over time during the production process.

the basics of modern automation technology.

This plant offers many interesting possibilities to do so.
B1 Mash tank T4 Water bath temperature in the distillation unit
B2 Fermentation tank T5 Mash temperature in the still
B3 Acid tank T6 Gas temperature after bubble tray 1
B4 Ethanol tank T7 Gas temperature after bubble tray 2
B5 Spent mash tank T8 Gas temperature after bubble tray 3
B6 Caustic tank T9 Gas temperature after the dephlegmator
D1 Distillation unit Q1 pH value B1, with display
P1 Diaphragm metering pump F1 Water flow rate to B1
P2 Double head diaphragm pump driven by PI1 Steam pressure
compressed air B1 - B2
P3 Double head diaphragm pump driven by
compressed air B2 - D1
P4 Diaphragm metering pump
M1 Stirring machine drive motor
M2 Stirring machine drive motor
M M
H1 Water bath heater B6 B3
V1 Steam pressure control
valve
V2 Cooling water control valve
P4 P1
V3-V7 Solenoid valves
V8-V25 Ball valves, manually operated
V26 Safety valve
T1 Mash temperature B1 T9
T2 Mash temperature B2
T3 Cooling water outlet temperature B2 M1 V15 M2

T8
F1
V6 V25
water B4
T7
Q1 T2 T3

T6 V18
T5
V17
T4
B1 B2 V16
D1

PI1

V21
V23 V1
T1

H1
V22 V21
V9 V12 V24
P2 P3
V19
V10 V11 V13 V14

V2 V4 V7
V3 V5
B5
compressed
air
steam V26

cooling water
V8 V20

hot water
water

Plant control via PLC with touch screen

PLC start menu Mash tank Fermentation tank Distillation unit

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 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

I N s TA L L AT I O N A N D s PA C E R E Q U I R E M E N T s O f T H E P L A N T

Installation requirements
Accessories and
80
Media:
• Cooling water 0m analysis techniques
• Hot water
m
• Compressed air Typical laboratory accessories and analysis techniques
• Steam are required for the preparation of the raw materials
and analysis of the products. We suggest that you
Electrical connection:
9 mm also consider the following information in order to
• 400 V, 50 Hz, 3 phase or
• 230 V, 60 Hz, 3 phase 318 complete your CE 640 system.
These accessories and devices are not included
in the scope of delivery.

Accessories:
Balance, beaker, pipettes, glass cylinder
1985 mm

3 4
5
2 Analysis devices:
1 Refractometer, hydrometer

1 Steam supply
2 Pressure relief line for steam
pressure control valve
3–7 Water connection

Dimensions of a suitable steam generator that

should be placed to the left of the plant. The device Required preparations:
shown is available from GUNT as an accessory Enzyme preparation for liquefaction:
6
(ET 813.01). 7 e.g. Schliessmann-VF “Kartoffel”
750 mm Enzyme preparation for saccharification:
m e.g. Schliessmann-VF
5 70 m

For operation and maintenance, the plant should be

accessible at least from the front and both sides.

The footprint of the plant incl. the steam generator is

1,650 mm

approx. 4.2 m x 1 m.

Enzyme preparation for proteolysis:
Two additional work desks are recommended for the e.g. Schliessmann-EX-Protin
PC for measured data and the preparation and analysis.
Commercially available baker's yeast can be used for
the fermentation process.

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 CE 640 – REfERENCEs

CE 640 in the Lab at

Münster University of Applied Sciences

Preparing the yeast

The laboratory for chemical engineering at

Münster University of Applied Sciences offers practical
training courses in the production of ethanol with
the CE 640. Two dates are scheduled for the course,
so that all participants can prepare the mash and
monitor the result of the fermentation and distillation
process of their own experiments.

An overall conclusion can be drawn after the comple-

tion of the experiments. The ethanol content can be
Institute of Chemical Engineering
determined using a refractometer or a hydrometer. The
in Steinfurt
actual yield can be determined from the amount of The enzymes are working
ethanol produced, compared to the theoretical yield
of a complete fermentation.

Introduction at the process schematic

Filling the tank

10

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 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

CE 640 – REfERENCEs

CE 640 at the
Agricultural Research Institute Nicosia

A very satisfied customer

Nicosia / Cyprus

Dr. Polycarpos Polycarpou

Agricultural Research
Officer Head of Soils and Water Use Department
Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural Research Institute

Didactic Concept,
Installation and Training
The CE 640 Biotechnical Production of Ethanol Experiments – plant operation and automation Educational support material
trainer has been developed by GUNT for use in The comprehensive instructions offer:
vocational schools, universities of applied sciences • Process control via PLC • Explanation of the basics
and research institutes. The plant concept clearly • Using touch screen control • Description of the unit
shows the individual steps of the production of ethanol in automation technology • Reference experiments
and enables to understand the functioning of the • Controlling the temperature in the mash tank • Original instructions by the manufacturers
required plant components. The users will get to • Controlling the pH value in the mash tank of the integrated components
know the meaning of the process parameters and • Controlling the fermentation temperature and the • Data sheets for the recommended enzymes
will be able to see the effects of system changes column head temperature during distillation
after an introduction. • Setting the control parameters Updates: GUNT will inform its customers if improve-
• Controlling the stirrer speed ments or additions are available for the CE 640
A variety of raw materials can be used as starch • Controlling the mash pump trainer – especially regarding the educational material
sources in processes that can be carried out in and fermentation tank pump and the software.
different ways, the flexible concept behind the trainer • Monitoring of all relevant measured data
allows to investigate the optimisation of process via PC Training for teachers
parameters for later large-scale applications. • Data acquisition and processing
in tables and files We recommend a multi-day training course by a
qualified GUNT engineer. This will help you to make
Learning objectives – biochemical engineering the most of your new bioethanol experimental plant
in no time at all.
Familiarisation with the necessary individual steps
and plant components for the production of Plant installation
alcohol:
Have the plant installed and commissioned by a
• Gelatinisation by steam injection qualified GUNT specialist.
• Liquefaction by use of alpha-amylase
• Saccharification by use of glucoamylase
• Fermentation: conversion of sugar into ethanol by
yeast cultures under anaerobic conditions
• Distillation in batch operation:
separation of ethanol from the mash
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 GUNT 2E – CONCEPT

ENERGY ENVIRONMENT

Limited resources and growing contamination from fossil energy One of the biggest challenges is keeping the environment clean.
sources are pushing renewable energies, in particular, into the A number of techniques exist to reduce the contamination of the
centre of the energy supply discussion. The 2E demonstration and environment.
training units enable clearly defined experiments on current energy Our training units enable trainees and students to learn these
topics for all levels of experience – from beginners to experts. techniques in a concrete and practical manner.

Training focuses in the energy field Training focuses in the environment field
• Biomass • Geothermal energy • Hydropower • Water • Ground • Waste • Air
• Solar energy • Wind • Energy efficiency

E Q U I P M E N T F O R E N G I N E E R I N G E D U C AT I O N

The 2E philosophy
Imprint
2E is a logo, an abbreviation of ENERGY and We do not represent any specific interest groups and
ENVIRONMENT. And, as always with GUNT, it is about do not favour any specific technology. We are not
Editor: technical education and training systems. engaged in any lobby work or politics; we provide
G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH basic knowledge for technicians and engineers and
Fahrenberg 14 The objective is to get trainees and students acquaint- are here to help develop and improve competence
D-22885 Barsbüttel ed with subjects they are likely to face in practice. 2E in this important field.
Phone: +49 40 / 670 854-0 expresses our integrated concept: questions regard-
ing energy (renewable energy, of course) cannot be
Internet: www.gunt.de
separated from environmental topics.

Managing Director: For example, if we produce ethanol with our CE 640 How to get in touch
Rudolf Heckmann plant, we need electric energy, steam, water and com-
pressed air for this process. We release CO2 into the Visit us on the Internet at
Expert Team: environment, and heat losses occur. Process residues www.gunt.de
Dr. K. Boedecker (spent mash, water) must be disposed or used.
Visit our plant in Hamburg
Editor-In-Chief: This integrated concept – one might also call it an
Rudolf Heckmann ecological concept – is one of the key elements of the We can visit you at your school and
2E philosophy. give you individual and competent advice
Layout: We can give a presentation on selected
k·kontor[hamburg] Another important element of the topics for you and your colleagues at your
GUNT 2E philosophy school

The use, storage, reproduction and reprinting of Through experiments and research projects with our
the contents or excerpts of the contents is not experimental plants, we want to provide trainees and
ebsit e
r w
permitted unless approved by G.U.N.T. Geräte- students with a solid foundation for the future. This
Visit o
u
u
n t . d e
ww.g
bau GmbH in writing. foundation, made of basic technological know-how

G.U.N.T. Gerätebau does not accept any liability

and facts, will give them good competence for the
future and provide a sound basis to make their own w
decisions.
for any unsolicited text and graphics materials.

06.2010

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