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Dispersions in hydrocarbon fermentation. A retrospective study
Author(s) -
Bajpai R. K.,
Prokop A.,
Ramkrishna D.
Publication year - 1975
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.260170407
Subject(s) - sauter mean diameter , hexadecane , hydrocarbon , drop (telecommunication) , chemistry , fraction (chemistry) , thermodynamics , chromatography , mechanics , computer science , organic chemistry , physics , telecommunications , nozzle
A nondimensionalized plot, obtained by normalizing the drop‐size distribution in the hydrocarbon phase using the Sauter mean diameter, shows a tendency towards self‐preservation of the distribution. Changes of distribution in time during the course of fermentation, initial dispersed phase fraction, speed of rotation, and reactor size were taken into account. Using this self‐preserving property, an empirical (single parameter) equation has been proposed for drop‐size distribution. Data, available from the literature, are presented for non‐biological and biological systems (gas‐oil, n ‐hexadecane, and n ‐hexadecane dissolved in dewaxed gas oil as dispersed phases). The parameter, Sauter mean diameter, has been correlated with the operating conditions, and a critical review presented. Cell density was found to have significant effect on Sauter mean diameter. This effect has also been empirically explained. The possibilities of using generalized distribution in predicting the performance of fermenters is outlined.