Novozymes launched two new enzymes for the European ethanol market. The two products (Spirizyme® 2.0 T and Spirizyme Ultra T) are part of the Spirizyme T Portfolio, an advanced suite of glucoamylase enzymes with trehalase that deliver yield enhancing activities documented to provide the highest total sugar conversion in the industry.
“Reducing residual sugar, such as trehalose, through better conversion, generates up to EUR 850,000 more ethanol revenue for the plant,” says Thomas Schrøder, Vice President, Biorefining Commercial. “Extensive plant trials of the Spirizyme T products have shown that they reduce the amount of residual DP2 sugars by up to 70 percent.”
Trehalose, a type of sugar that is normally left unfermented in a standard ethanol plant, is targeted by the trehalase enzyme to produce glucose, which is then fermented to ethanol. It makes up a significant part of the ‘DP2 peak’, which is a measure of disaccharides and contributes to the overall residual sugar in an ethanol plant. The more DP2 an ethanol plant can convert, the more ethanol it will produce.
According to the Danish biotech giant, “the Spirizyme T product portfolio is based on proven technology with low risk of process errors. The solution can be easily integrated in the production”. The portfolio is built on industry known glucoamylase blends, now with the addition of trehalase to further enhance performance.
From managing and analyzing plant data, Novozymes’ technical field scientists are equipped to understand the critical process conditions that determine which enzyme product is best suited for each individual plant. These technical teams are also a key resource in helping customers optimize product dosing for the best results.
“Apart from industry-leading conversion technology, we have a proven ability of delivering strong technical services, and of working with data-driven performance improvement,” adds Thomas Schrøder. “When our field scientists help optimize processes at the plants, alongside customers, magic happens in terms of more yields and more profits.”
IL BIOECONOMISTA 