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Input and volume distributions for continuous cultures
Author(s) -
Grieves Robert B.,
Kao Richard
Publication year - 1968
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.260100409
Subject(s) - volume (thermodynamics) , constant (computer programming) , substrate (aquarium) , dilution , stage (stratigraphy) , mathematics , biological system , chemistry , growth rate , mechanics , thermodynamics , biology , physics , computer science , ecology , geometry , paleontology , programming language
Abstract An analysis is presented of the effects on substrate utilization and cell growth of varying the volume distribution of and the input distribution to a model continuous‐culture unit consisting of three stirred tanks. The model is used to establish the best volume and input distributions and to indicate the effects of mixing imperfections. The Michaelis‐Menten rate expression is utilized, including an endogenous respiration term, and results are presented on unique triaxial charts. Of the distributions considered, maximum substrate utilization is achieved with 60% of the total volume in the first stage, 20% in the second stage, and 20% in the third stage and with all of the input to the first stage. At a constant fractional input to the third stage; variation in the ratio of inputs to the first and second stages has virtually no effect, except in the case that a critical dilution is exceeded. At a constant input ratio to the first two stages, an increase in the fractional input to the third stage always decreases efficiency. Three stages, regardless of relative size, are always better than one. Except for endogenous respiration effects, cell growth parallels substrate utilization.