Toray Develops Energy-Saving Bioreactor Technology for Chemical Conversion
Toray Industries has developed an innovative immobilized-microorganism bioreactor technology that reduces energy consumption by 80-90% compared to traditional chemical conversion methods. Utilizing wood-based carriers with specialized microbes, it efficiently converts target chemicals, achieving over 99.5% conversion in trials. This technology significantly lowers operational costs, enhances safety for volatile substances, and minimizes environmental impact. Toray plans to commercialize this customizable solution, leveraging its extensive microbial library for sustainable chemical production and environmental remediation.
Toray Industries, Inc. has introduced a groundbreaking immobilized-microorganism bioreactor technology poised to revolutionize chemical conversion processes. This innovative system promises an 80-90% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional high-temperature, high-pressure methods, leading to substantial cuts in operational costs and a significant decrease in environmental impact. The technology operates by packing a reactor with wood-based carriers embedded with specific microorganisms. As an aqueous solution containing the target chemical flows through this packed bed, the microbial enzymes efficiently convert the substance into desired products. Internal demonstration trials showcased remarkable efficacy, achieving conversion rates exceeding 99.5% when processing acrylonitrile. The bioreactor can produce valuable chemicals such as acrylic, propionic, and acetic acids, which are then fully broken down into carbon dioxide through activated-sludge treatment, ensuring minimal ecological footprint. Designed with safety in mind, the reactor's tightly sealed structure prevents losses from volatile substances, making it ideal for chemicals prone to airborne dispersion. Toray's extensive library of approximately 500 microbial species allows for highly customizable solutions, where microorganisms and reactor designs can be optimized for a wide array of target chemicals and site-specific conditions. This versatility makes the technology suitable for both environmental remediation and the production of valuable industrial chemicals. Toray is committed to intensifying technical verification and refining operational designs with the ultimate goal of commercializing this energy-conserving bioreactor, aligning with its broader vision for environmental sustainability and process innovation.
