Studies on continuous ethanol fermentation of sugar cane molasses

Summary A new laboratory system for continuous fermentation is described. It is well suited for fermenting concentrated substrates such as moderately dilute molasses. A rotating microporous filter, which is annexed to the fermentor vessel, allows the free escape of metabolic products while retaining yeast in the fermentor.The slop is recirculated after removal of ethanol by distillation leading to a build-up of non-fermentables. The concentration of these and of yeast cells is checked by a controlled bleed. The described system is a useful tool for small-scale experiments on continuous ethanol fermentation.