DefinePK

Abstract

Sugarcane is one of the main crops in Pakistan. Molasses is the byproduct of sugar industry that is further processed for ethanol production. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to produce   enhanced quality and quantity of ethanol using by product (molasses) collected from different sugar mills. Experiments were performed to optimize the quantity and quality of bioethanol produced during this study. The experiments were conducted by varying aeration levels and molasses brix during fermentation. The pH was maintained at 3.8-4.8 in pre-fermenters by the addition of Sulfuric Acid. Additionally, Urea was also introduced in pre-fermenters for the rapid cell count growth and viability. The temperature of the pre-fermenter was maintained from 29oC - 31oC, while the temperature of fermenter was controlled in the range of 29oC - 33oC. The viable cell counts at 0.45vvm was observed highest 415million/mL The viable cell count was noticed 18, 21 and 23% at 0.25, 0.35 and 0.45 vvm, respectively. The ethanol production was recorded at 8.8% at 34 ?Brix without aeration, while using aeration environment the ethanol production reached to 10.7%. The ethanol production at aeration rates 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45 vvm was increased 19, 17 and 15%, respectively as compared with non-aeration environment. The optimum production of ethanol was achieved at 29oCand 5.5 pH.