Biochemical Conversion Technology Question Paper

Biochemical Conversion Technology

Course:Bachelor Of Science (Water Resources & Environmental Management) ()

Institution: Kenyatta University question papers

Exam Year:2009

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2009/2010
FIRST SEMESTER EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE
(TECHNOLOGY WATER RESOURCE ENGNEERING)

SET 436: BIOCHEMICAL CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY

DATE: Tuesday 22nd December, 2009

TIME: 8.00 a.m – 10.00 a.m

INSTRUCTIONS:

There are FIVE Questions in this paper.
Answer Question ONE and ANY OTHER TWO Questions.

QUESTION ONE (COMPULSORY) (30 MARKS)

There many factors that play a role in the anaerobic digestion process, as well as the gas yield in
quantity and quality

a) Name
the
five principles/ critical one and show the optimum range of each factor.

[5 marks]
b)
Discuss in details, giving the scientific principles, how each of the five factors influences

the anaerobic digestion process performance. Explain how each can be optimized.

[25 marks]
QUESTION TWO
The fermentation stage is the key step/ stage in the bio ethanol production process.
a)
Describe in detail the bio chemistry of the fermentation stage, outlining the factors that

influence the production yield and efficiency.
b)
The fermentation process can be batch or continuous. Define each mode of operation and
give
their
advantages
and
disadvantages.
[10
marks]

Page 1 of 2

QUESTION THREE
Under appropriate conditions, suitable biomass materials can be converted to a gaseous bio fuel
known as biogas, composed of a number of specific gas; through anaerobic digestion, a
biochemical
process.
[10
marks]
a)
Name the suitable raw materials ( i.e bio-materials) for biogas production , and the three

key stages of the anaerobic digestion process. Show a simplified illustration of the
anaerobic
digestion
process.

[
5
marks]
b)
Describe in details, stage- by-stage, the biochemical process of bio gas generation/

production through anaerobic digestion organic materials. Show the products of each
stage,
and
chemical
reactions.

[15
marks]

QUESTION FOUR
Suitable biomass can be converted to a liquid bio fuel through the process of alcohol
fermentation.
a)
Name the suitable biomass materials that can be used for alcohol fermentation
(bioethanol production) and factors to consider in feedstock selection.
[5 marks]
b)
Describe in details, stage-by-stage, the alcohol fermentation process up to the final

product, bioethanol (ethyl alcohol).
[15
marks]

QUESTION FIVE
a)
Name the two basic biogas digester designs in common use today and show the structural
illustration of each.
b)
Describe the engineering design and operation of each biogas – digester design. Give the
advantages and disadvantages of each
design. [14
marks]

Page 2 of 2

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