Bioethanol | Cytiva

The production of bioethanol fuel relies on a sugar fermentation process, in which yeast converts sugar to ethanol, requiring filtration at different stages. Sugar cane (Brazil), molasses and corn (USA) are the main fuel crops used, as well as starchy materials such as sugar beet, wheat, barley and rye. Quality control (QC) technicians use a range of techniques to monitor and optimize the conversion of glucose to ethanol, and to prevent the potential release of product with impurities. Throughout production to release, Whatman™ filter papers, syringe filters and syringe-less devices provide efficient sample preparation solutions to help optimize product and minimize impurities in the end product.

Filtration in the bioethanol fermentation process

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is used throughout the fermentation step of bioethanol production to monitor sugar levels, to optimize the fermentation environment. Efficient filtration of the mash sample prior to HPLC is critical both to protect expensive chromatography equipment and ensure accurate test results.

Whatman™ filtration for sample preparation

Cytiva’s Whatman™ brand offers a broad range of filter options for mash sample prep prior to analytical testing.

Whatman™ Grade 4 Qualitative Filter Papers are used to check the breakdown progress of the mash.
Whatman™ brand MashPrep™ Syringe Filters are designed to filter mash samples prior to HPLC and other analytical techniques. This integrated filter reduces the number of filters needed to complete sample preparation, saving time, money, and hand strain.

Learn more about Whatman™ syringe filter options

Recycling the non-recyclable

As renewable energy sources such as bioethanol are being produced as alternatives for reducing CO2 emissions, Cytiva is piloting a program with international recycling leader, TerraCycle™, to collect our plastic filters and turn them into something new. Recycling syringe filters is complex as they contain a membrane that must be separated from the surrounding plastic prior to recycling. The initiative was designed to reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills, while contributing to our customers’ sustainability goals.

Whatman™ filtration product guide

Get your copy of the latest edition of the Whatman™ filtration product guide. You can select a printed copy to be sent to you, or a pdf for immediate download. This filtration reference tool not only covers our broad range of filter papers, membrane filters, thimbles, filtration devices and laboratory essentials; it contains selection guides by membrane and application type as well as trace element and chemical compatibility guidance.

Learn more

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Filtration for bioethanol production quality assurance

Whatman™ filtration solutions for fermented mash sample preparation prior to HPLC analysis

Filtration in the bioethanol fermentation process

Whatman™ filtration for sample preparation

Recycling the non-recyclable

Whatman™ filtration product guide

How can we help?

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