LI-LI-BIO: Lipid separation and valorization of process water from food industry utilizing forest based biosorbent
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - Energi och Resurser |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 328 847 |
| Project duration | October 2020 - May 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme Bioinnovation |
| Call | Test your hypothesis – step 1 within BioInnovation: innovative projects of higher risk |
Important results from the project
LI-LI-BIO aimed to investigate the hypothesis of whether it is possible to separate fats from food process water with the help of a forest-based biosorbent and to carry out a clear potential study of the residual streams that arise after fat separation. Laboratory experiments confirmed that the biosorbent absorbs fat from the three food process water streams examined. The potential study showed that there are several potential avenues for valorization and final treatment after fat separation.
Expected long term effects
Laboratory tests confirmed that the biosorbent can absorb >90% fat in the food process water. This provides an opportunity for continued process development and later implementation in addition to, or compensation for, today´s fat training. The potential study showed a number of possible valorization routes for fat and fat + biosorbent. The most promising routes for biosorbent + fat include acidogenic fermentation to VFA and digestion. Valorization of separated fat can take place via commercially available techniques or, at high purity, converted to fuel such as HVO / FAME.
Approach and implementation
LI-LI-BIO performed laboratory tests of a biosorbent´s absorption capacity of fat on various process waters and a potential study for valorization of fat and possible technology implementation. The lab tests were carried out by Biosorbe with guidance from RISE on 3 different process waters. Parameters such as T, pH & weight were noted. External analysis of the process water was performed to verify the absorbency. The potential study and investigation of implementability was carried out by RISE by literature studies, interviews with participating food industries and calculations.