초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Fermentative hydrogen production requires a continuous products-removal and effective upgrading steps to improve its general performance. Therefore, implementation of new technologies capable of achieving both requirements is essential. We present the operational behavior of a new process concept based on integration of membranes for gas separation and fermentation technology. This process, which we term as hydrogen extractive membrane bioreactor consists of coupling two dense polymeric membranes to a hydrogen producing culture. The process automatization of this system was essential to maintain the proper operational pressures in the membrane module and in the bioreactor-gas-phase. This system was able to extract and partially separate the hydrogen and carbon dioxide generated. The hydrogen partial pressure was reduced from 55.5 to 49 KPa, which means an increase of hydrogen yield of 16.3% (1.1–1.28 mol-H<SUB>2</SUB>/mol-glucose). Simultaneously, the implemented system generated a final hydrogen stream 13% (v/v) more concentrated than a conventional process.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A process integrating gas separation-membranes and Bio-H<SUB>2</SUB> production is presented. </LI> <LI> Membrane module was able to extract and partially separate H<SUB>2</SUB> and CO<SUB>2</SUB> generated. </LI> <LI> H<SUB>2</SUB> partial pressure was reduced 11% in the bioreactor-headspace with a membrane. </LI> <LI> Decreasing H<SUB>2</SUB> partial pressure on the mixed culture had a positive effect on H<SUB>2</SUB> yield. </LI> <LI> An extractive membrane bioreactor can generate a H<SUB>2</SUB> rich stream of 68% (v/v). </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>