• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.759-765
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• 2012

As the biodiesel production is increasing rapidly, the crude glycerol, which is principal by-product of biodiesel production, has also been generated in a large amount. Many research studies on value-added utilization of glycerol are under investigation. 1,3-Propandiol is a promising chemical which can be produced from fermentation of glycerol because the application of 1,3-propanediol is mainly in the production of bio-PTT (Poly(trimethylene terephthalate). However, the cost of downstream processes in the biological production of 1,3-propanediol can make a high portion in the total production cost. This review summarizes the present state of separation processes in each step studied for the removal of impurities and the recovery of 1,3-propanediol from its fermentation broth. Furthermore, ATPE (Aqueous Two Phases Extraction) process is suggested as an attractive alternative for the primary separation process of 1,3-propanediol because ATPE is convenient for the simultaneous removal of microbial cells and impurities such as salts of organic acids and the separation of 1,3-propanediol from fermentation broth.