Development of downstream processing

Foreseen developments in biotechnology are likely to lead to a proliferation of processes for small-tonnage products and a number of large-scale operations providing alternatives to natural and petrochemical-based products. Product recovery will become increasingly important and, possibly, a dominant factor in the overall cost. The primary stages of the recovery processes must handle dilute slurries from the fermenter at a low cost per unit slurry volume if the overall processes are to be economical. Available unit processes are identified and the type of developments likely to prove economical are discussed. Subsequent recovery stages are much more closely related to established process-engineering technology and in this area the key decision is likely to be the choice of the most appropriate route from the alternatives which are available. Equipment development to bring some laboratory separation techniques to a production scale will probably be required.