CALCIUM MAGNESIUM ACETATE PRODUCTION AND COST REDUCTION

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State Thruway Authority, Chevron Chemical Company, the National Corn Growers Association, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Works sponsored a research program to develop technlogy capable of producing Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA), an alternative road deicer, at a quality and cost which will allow its increased use. The objectives of this program were to determine the feasibility of: (1) producing CMA from regionally available waste and low grade organic feedstocks via biochemical engineering technologies; (2) operating the fermentation at concentrated product levels to reduce energy requirements and minimize drying process costs; (3) using this production approach to produce an environmentally acceptable CMA product; and (4) using and adapting an existing facility for a CMA commercial demonstration plant. Based upon the results of the initial laboratory assessment, waste and low grade organic feedstocks which included acid whey, whole kernel corn and wood hydrolysates were selected for additional study in the semi-continuous anaerobic digestion experimental program. From the results of a survey of various fermentation routes to acetic acid, it was determined that halophilic anaerobic bacteria offered the greatest potential for producing CMA in a concentrated solution. Acid concentrations of 3.5%, by weight, were achieved using milled whole kernel corn as a feedstock, resulting in 4.4% CMA in solution. Based upon the results of the semi-continuous operation, a minimum hydraulic 20-day retention time would sustain high conversion rates. In addition, a preliminary engineering and economic analysis was performed. The base case system gave a final product cost of $0.139/lb CMA-2H20.

• Corporate Authors:

  Dynatech Scientific, Incorporated

  99 Erie Street
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02139
• Authors:
  • Leuschner, A P
  • Laquidara, M J
  • Marino, R T
  • Daley, F A
• Publication Date: 1988-2

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Calcium magnesium acetate; Economic analysis; Feasibility analysis; Production; Productivity
• Subject Areas: Economics; Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; I35: Miscellaneous Materials; I62: Winter Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00621710
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 888-ERER-ER-86, Report 88-7
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 1992 12:00AM