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On performing experimental studies on transient states of continuous‐flow methanogenic reactors
Author(s) -
DeLorme Allan J.,
Kapuscinski Richard B.
Publication year - 1990
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.260350713
Subject(s) - transient (computer programming) , mixing (physics) , continuous reactor , limiting , flow (mathematics) , volumetric flow rate , reactor design , continuous stirred tank reactor , growth rate , substrate (aquarium) , chemistry , bioreactor , mechanics , materials science , chemical engineering , nuclear engineering , physics , biology , ecology , mathematics , computer science , engineering , biochemistry , mechanical engineering , geometry , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , operating system , catalysis
One approach to exploring the behavior of microbial cultures during transient conditions of unbalanced growth is to experimentally observe continuous‐flow biological reactors which have been subjected to perturbations in the influent flowrate and/or concentration of growth‐limiting substrate. Proper interpretation of such experiments requires that appropriate account be taken of reaction stoichiometry, the distribution and abundance of microbial populations within the reactor, and the nonideality of mixing and flow distribution in the reactor. These aspects of proper experimental design are particularly critical when the system of interest involves methanogenic consortia and is not a completely‐mixed, suspended‐growth reactor.