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Automatic control of dissolved oxygen levels in fermentations
Author(s) -
Siegell Stuart D.,
Gaden Elmer L.
Publication year - 1962
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260040311
Subject(s) - oxygen , aeration , chemistry , partial pressure , clark electrode , fermentation , volumetric flow rate , mixing (physics) , limiting oxygen concentration , nitrogen , oxygen sensor , analytical chemistry (journal) , pulp and paper industry , environmental chemistry , electrode , thermodynamics , biochemistry , organic chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , electrolyte , engineering
Dissolved oxygen levels in fermentation systems are affected by ( a ) gas flow rate, ( b ) degree of agitation, and ( c ) oxygen partial pressure in the gas. Since the first two variables cannot easily be separated, a method for dissolved oxygen control has been devised based on the variation of oxygen partial pressure in the gas. Oxygen and nitrogen are fed to a special mixing valve capable of varying the proportions of the two gases while keeping the total flow rate constant. A dissolved oxygen electrode and control system adjust the valve setting to automatically maintain a preset oxygen level. Oxygen analyzers, monitoring the inlet and outlet gas streams, provide additional information from which oxygen absorption and uptake rates may be determined. The system provides a means for the quantitative and independent study of aeration and agitation effects. In addition, it offers a basis for routine control of oxygen levels in plant fermentation equipment.