Production of organic acids by bipolar electrodialysis: realizations and perspectives

Currently, the production of organic acids continues to increase significantly for traditional applications (additives for food and pharmaceutical industries) as well as for new ones (biodegradable plastics industry). This results in a growing demand for alternative process solutions such as Electrodialysis with Bipolar Membranes (EDBM). These must be simultaneously economically attractive and have a low impact on the environment. In this context, this article details the performance and economical figures related to an industrial EDBM plant operated for the production of organic acids. In addition, a complete downstream (from the fermentation) process based on combined electrodialysis steps for purification/concentration and conversion is proposed in the case of lactic acid.