The method of production and separation of propionic acid is a complex one and over the course of years, various methods have been explored, invented and commercialized. The earliest known work performed in the separation of propionic acid dates back to the early 1900’s. To make sure that the work that will be done for this particular project is in a direction that is not explored before, extensive research papers have been read-both form the past and the most recent as well, websites have been searched for possible methods of separation and purification of propionic acid, patents have also been studied. This extensive and long literature survey has given many interesting insights in the process and the conclusions that have been arrived to …show more content…
Bacteria of the genus Propionibacterium will produce propionic acid as an end-product of their anaerobic metabolism. This class of bacteria is generally found in the stomachs of ruminants and the sweat glands of humans, and their activity is partially responsible for the odor of both Swiss cheese and also sweat. It is also biosynthesized in the large intestine of humans by bacterial fermentation of the dietary …show more content…
The solvents that were used in this particular experiment included the likes of - n – hexane, Cyclohexane, cyclohexanol and Cyclohexyl acetate. Further they also reported the distribution coefficient and separation factors. When the two phase region was considered, n hexane and Cyclohexane proved to be suitable agents for establishment of equilibrium data of propionic acid-water-solvent mix. On the other hand, when distribution coefficient values were considered it was shown that Cyclohexyl acetate is most suitable. In conclusion, when all the properties were taken into consideration it could be concluded that cyclohexyl acetate is the most suitable extracting agent that was studied is this research. Another paper investigated the continuous extraction and re-extraction of propionic acid (PA) and acetic acid (AA) in a multimedia hybrid system (MHS). The system was composed of a bulk liquid membrane (BLM) and two strongly basic polymer membranes arranged as: Feed Solution Anion Exchange Membrane Hydrophobic Bulk Liquid Membrane Anion Exchange