Project Activity

On July 3, 2023, Dr. Warinthorn Songkasiri (Warinthorn Songkasiri), Director of Biochemical Engineering and Systems Biology Research Group at the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC-NSTDA), and the head of the Train-the-Trainer Program under Lancang – Mekong Cooperation to Enhance Production Capacity and People’s Livelihood by Improving the Value Chain for Cassava Cultivation and Application: Clean Cassava Chips, Native Starch, Modified Starch, Ethanol and Biogas Production (TTC), held the opening ceremony for the Phase II training program at the Food Industries Research Institute (FIRI) in Vietnam. The project was honoured by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Nguyen Thanh, Director of the Food Industries Research Institute (FIRI), who delivered the opening remarks. The main objective of this Phase II training is to enhance the knowledge and skills of the participants in the field of cassava ethanol production, enabling them to become trainers. The training program has a total of 22 participants from across Vietnam, and it will take place from July 3-6, 2023. 

On the first day of the training, Dr. Kanchana Saengchan, the co-project leader, presented an overview of the project's objectives, outcomes, and expectations. Subsequently, the participants attended a lecture delivered by Mr. Teera Yimyoo from Novozymes, focusing on the topic of "Introduction of ethanol production from cassava by Simultaneous Saccharification & Fermentation (SSF) process". This was followed by practical training in the pilot-plant, focusing on the preparation of cassava chips and liquefaction. The day concluded with a lecture by Mr. Antony Weng from Novozymes, providing an "Overview of Ethanol Production and Current Status".

During the afternoon session, the participants continued their practical training, buidling upon the morning session’s activities. They received hands-on training in the preparation of active dry yeast and Simultaneous Saccharification & Fermentation (SSF) process in the prototype factory. Additionally, they conducted sample analysis in the laboratory, practicing the analysis of Brix, pH, ethanol content, total acidity and yeast cell count through titration. The project received special recognition from Mr. Teera Yimyoo and Mr. Antony Weng from Novozymes, as well as Ms. Nguyen Thu Van from the Food Industries Research Institute (FIRI). The training program in TTC Phase II emphasizes the process of producing cassava ethanol and offers intensive practical training in both the laboratory and prototype factory

Day 2 of #TTCPhaseII training in Vietnam

On the morning of July 4, 2023, a total of 22 participants attended a training session at the Bioethanol Production Unit, the Food Industries Research Institute (FIRI) in Vietnam. The training program, facilitated by qualified personnel and experts, featured lectures on the following subjects: 

- Protein enrichment of cassava residue using microorganisms (fungi), and its application in animal feed - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Nguyen Thanh - Food Industries Research Institute (FIRI) 

- Waste management of cassava ethanol production - Dr. Annop Nopharatana - King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) 

- Distillation and dehydration - Dr. Dang Viet Anh - Institute of Natural Products Chemistry (INPC) 

During the afternoon session, the participants were engaged in practical training related to sample analysis in the laboratory. The focus of this session revolved around the analysis of yeast cell count, sugar content (total sugar and reducing sugar), and starch content. Ms. Nguyen Thu Van, MSc. from the Food Industries Research Institute (FIRI) served as the lecturer for this session.

Day 3 of  #TTCPhaseIl training program in Vietnam 

On July 5, 2023, during the morning session, the participants had the opportunity to attend a lecture on “the operating instructions for ethanol production from cassava with a capacity of 50 liters per day”. The speaker for this session was Dr. Dang Viet Anh from the Institute of Natural Products Chemistry (INPC). Following the lecture, the participants engaged in practical training at the pilot plant, specifically focusing on distillation and dehydration, particularly the 1st distillation. The speakers for this session were Dr. Dang Viet Anh from INPC and Asst. Prof. Dr. Veara Loha from King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT). 

Subsequently, our invited speakers delivered lectures on two important topics: the industrial standard of ethanol production by Mr. Le Van Trong, MSc. from Food Industries Research Institute (FIRI) and safety in biofuel production by Dr. Dang Viet Anh from Institute of Natural Products Chemistry (INPC) 

During the afternoon session, participants continued their practical training at the pilot plant, focusing on the topic "Practice for distillation and dehydration at pilot plant: 2nd Distillation". Following this, there was a comprehensive summary of the training, a Q&A session, and a post-test to evaluate the knowledge acquired throughout the three-day training program. 

The organizing team was honored to have Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Nguyen Thanh, the Director of the Food Industries Research Institute (FIRI), delivered closing remarks to mark the conclusion of the second phase of the TTC project within the Bioethanol Production Unit at the Food Industries Research Institute (FIRI) in Vietnam and presented certificates to the 22 participants. Dr. Kanchana Saengchan, the co-project investigator, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the project supporters, including the Mekong - Lancang Cooperation Special Fund (MLCSF), the Food Industries Research Institute (FIRI) as the host institution for this training program, as well as the speakers, professors, and experts from Novozymes, INPC, KMUTT, and the organising committee.

Bid farewell to the #TTCPhaseII training program in Vietnam! 

On July 6, 2023, the participants had the privilege of visiting Khaxuco Limited Company. CEO Mr. Tran Van Xuan graciously welcomed them and guided them on a tour of the facility. The participants had a valuable opportunity to witness the actual ethanol production processes within the factory, engage in interactive discussions, and exchange knowledge with experts from both Thailand and Vietnam. During the visit, Mr. Tran Van Xuan discussed the company's future business plans, stating, "We plan to develop the area surrounding the factory into a resting place with restaurants and a learning center showcasing the production processes of alcohol products for future consumption.

" We would like to express our gratitude to Khaxuco Limited Company and the Food Industries Research Institute (FIRI), as well as the speakers, experts, and professors from Novozymes, KMUTT, and BIOTEC, for their contributions to the training program. We also extend our appreciation to all the participants and the project team.