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A continuous, multistage tower fermentor. I. Design and performance tests
Author(s) -
Falch Edvard A.,
Gaden Elmer L.
Publication year - 1969
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.260110517
Subject(s) - agitator , impeller , fermentation , mixing (physics) , chromatography , volumetric flow rate , tower , bioreactor , tube (container) , materials science , process engineering , chemistry , mechanics , mechanical engineering , engineering , composite material , structural engineering , physics , food science , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
The design of a continuous column fermentor with a multiple staging effect is described. The column is divided into four compartments by horizontal perforated plates and is provided with a central agitator shaft driving an impeller in each compartment. A tube at the center of each plate forms a liquid seal around the shaft and also acts as a “downcomer.” The fermentor is normally operated with counter‐current flow of gas and medium. Fresh medium is added to the top stage and product is withdrawn from the bottom. The effect of plate and agitator design on fermentor performance was studied in terms of factor such as oxygen transfer rate, gas holdup, and interstage mixing. By proper choice of the design parameters, the fermentor was made to approximate a perfect four‐stage cascade in terms of reactor performance. Preliminary experiments were performed with air‐water systems, but a more realistic picture of fermentor performance was obtained in experience involving propagation of Escherichia coli. Data for business and substrate concentrations in each stage confirmed the staging effect of the apparatus. The fermentor operated in a stable manner for periods of more than two weeks.