Hilleroed, Denmark, FOSS announces the BioFoss, a rapid and easy-to-use analyzer that makes effective control of ethanol fermentation more accessible to ethanol producers.

The new analyzer meets a longstanding industry demand from ethanol producers for a simple, effective way to control the crucial fermentation step. The traditional anlaysis method with high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) is accurate, but time consuming, operator dependent and costly. Each analysis costs around $2.00-3.00 and many tests are required to maintain control of the fermentation tank, up to 75 tests a day for a large plant.

Unlimited tests

The easy-to-use BioFoss provides accurate results for important infection indicators within two minutes and without the use of chemical reagents. This allows anyone in the plant to make unlimited tests at no additional cost and provides a wealth of data to help optimize fermentation timing and yield. BioFoss is delivered ready to use and pre-calibrated for multiple parameters including lactic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, glucose, maltose, DP3, DP4+, glycerol and pH.

Commenting on the BioFoss concept, Martha Schlicher, Ph.D, Vice President, GTL Resources plc/Illinois River Energy LLC said: "A reliable, rapid fermentation monitoring technology will allow plants to better optimize fermentation times and yields and reduce laboratory costs."

FOSS biofuels segment manager, Johan Weimann, said: “Effective process control is becoming even more essential with the rising value of feedstock and we are proud to offer fast and easy control of the critical fermentation step. We now cover all main measurement points throughout the process.”

Right tool for the job

Ease-of-use and speed are central to all FOSS solutions and this theme continues with the BioFoss. The patent-pending technology behind the analysis method is based on Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FTIR) – an analytical technology that is ideal for testing liquid samples. FTIR can deliver accurate measurements for low level constituents, making it perfect for rapid fermentation monitoring applications.

FOSS has supported the ethanol industry from its conception. An example being the well-known Infratec™ 1241 that provides a powerful, yet simple to use tool for testing the yield potential of feedstock. Other solutions are available for analysis of coproduct quality and advanced biofuel research.

Contacts:
Biofuel Segment Manager, Johan Weimann: jw@foss.dk
Biofuels Market Manager, FOSS North America, Jeff Boedigheimer: jboedigheimer@fossnorthamerica.com International Press Contact, Richard Mills: rim@foss.dk