R. Buitrago-Tello, U. Lee, M. Menegay, J. McVay
Argonne National Laboratory,
United States
Keywords: isobutanol, pea protein, pea starch, life cycle assessment, membrane solvent extraction
Summary:
The increasing demand for plant-based diets, protein supplements, and alternative meat products has positioned pea protein as an important component in the food industry. In contrast, pea starch, a byproduct of protein extraction, holds a considerably lower market value and faces challenges in finding viable market outlets. One potential use of high-carbohydrate pea starch is the production of isobutanol (IBA), which is a valuable chemical and biofuel. In particular, its production from biobased sources can have significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based alternatives. A critical aspect of biobased IBA production is the separation process to achieve commercial-grade purity. This study aims to evaluate the carbon intensity of producing protein and starch from U.S. peas and to examine the trade-offs associated with using pea starch for IBA production. Compared to the traditional energy-intensive separation process requiring purification of low-concentration IBA from fermentation broths, membrane solvent extraction we developed offers an energy-efficient solution. By comparing the conventional separation process with the energy-efficient membrane solvent extraction system for IBA recovery, this research provides valuable insights into enhancing the sustainability of pea-based processing facilities. This study also evaluates alternative scenarios to determine the most effective strategies for reducing carbon intensity, offering pathways to optimize resource utilization and reduce environmental impacts