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An automatic aeration control system for biosynthetic processes
Author(s) -
Lengyel Z. L.,
Nyiri L.
Publication year - 1965
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.260070120
Subject(s) - aeration , saturated calomel electrode , clark electrode , electrode , fermentation , chemistry , bioreactor , environmental science , reference electrode , pulp and paper industry , industrial fermentation , controller (irrigation) , oxygen , process engineering , environmental engineering , electrochemistry , engineering , biochemistry , biology , agronomy , organic chemistry , electrolyte
Abstract An automatic aeration controller was constructed to assure the optimal amount of oxygen for aerobic biosynthetic processes. A platinum electrode and a KCl bridge for the calomel electrode were inserted hermetically into the fermentor and were sterilized with the culture medium. The electrode potential developed at the surface of the Pt electrode continuously indicated the actual oxygen concentration of the medium. This served as the controlled variable of the system. The concentration of dissolved oxygen resulted from the actual demand and supply of the microorganism. The electrode potential, which was the measured variable of the process, operated a closed‐loop automatic aeration system. The controller activated an air inlet valve in order to balance the controlled variable. The automatic controller operated in fermentors of industrial scale for long periods in a satisfactory manner.