| Clostridium Acetobutylicum |
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''Clostridium acetobutylicum'' is a commercially valuable Bacterium , included in the genus '' Clostridium ''. It is sometimes called the "'''Weizmann Organism'''", after Chaim Weizmann (or Charles in the USA), who in 1916 helped discover how ''C. acetobutylicum'' culture could be used to produce Acetone , Butanol and Ethanol from Starch using the A.B.E. ( Acetone , Butanol , Ethanol ) process to enable industrial purposes such as Gunpowder and TNT production. The A.B.E. process was an industry standard until the 1950's when low oil costs drove more efficient processes based on Hydrocarbon cracking and Petroleum distillation techniques. ''C. acetobutylicum'' also produces Acetic Acid (vinegar), Butyric Acid (a vomitous smelling substance), Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen . Anaerobic Fermentation using ''C. acetobutylicum'' recently regained marked interest for use in vehicle Fuel production as a Gasoline and Diesel fuel replacement. This is because butanol as produced by a fibrous bed Bioreactor utilizing recent Biotechnology co-pioneered by Environmental Energy Inc. and The Ohio State University produces the alcohol Butanol as its primary output. The patented process using ''C. tyrobutyricum'' produces little acetone or ethanol instead producing butyric acid and hydrogen which is then pumped into another fibrous bed bioreactor where ''C. acetobutylicum'' converted the butyric acid into butanol, thus optimizing butanol production. Essentially, the new process obviates the A.B.E. process, making butanol production competative with other biofuels economically and energetically. 100% Butanol can be utilized in normally Gasoline powered car without any modifications, producing similar milage preformace to gasoline and is less polluting (produces less Nox pollutants), being produce from a biomass source there is no net Carbon Dioxide production. Unlike Yeast , which can only digest Sugar into Alcohol and Carbon Dioxide , ''C. acetobutylicum'' and many other Clostridium can digest Whey , Sugar , Starch , Lignin , Cellulose fiber and other Biomass directly into butanol, Propionic Acid , Ether , and Glycerin . Apart from the need for Temperature control, the ABE synthesis process is relatively simple. The Product s are formed in layers that are easy to separate. Bio Butanol , as produced by C. Acetobutylicum in the patented process pioneered by Environmental Energy Inc. has significant advantages over other Biofuel s used to fuel internal combustion based vehicles and other liquid fueled processes.
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