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Heat transfer simulation in solid substrate fermentation
Author(s) -
SaucedoCastañeda G.,
GutiérrezRojas M.,
Bacquet G.,
Raimbault M.,
ViniegraGonzález G.
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.260350808
Subject(s) - biot number , bioreactor , heat transfer , dimensionless quantity , biomass (ecology) , thermal conduction , fermentation , péclet number , mechanics , chemistry , materials science , process engineering , thermodynamics , environmental science , engineering , composite material , physics , geology , oceanography , food science , organic chemistry
A mathematical model was developed and tested to simulate the generation and transfer of heat in solid substrate fermentation (SSF). The experimental studies were realized in a 1‐L static bioreactor packed with cassava wet meal and inoculated with Aspergillus niger . A simplified pseudohomogeneous monodimensional dynamic model was used for the energy balance. Kinetic equations taking into account biomass formation (logistic), sugar consumption (with maintenance), and carbon dioxide formation were used. Model verification was achieved by comparison of calculated and experimental temperatures. Heat transfer was evaluated by the estimation of Biot and Peclet heat dimensionless numbers 5–10 and 2550–2750, respectively. It was shown that conduction through the fermentation fixed bed was the main heat transfer resistance. This model intends to reach a better understanding of transport phenomena in SSF, a fact which could be used to evaluate various alternatives for temperature control of SSF, i.e., changing air flow rates and increasing water content. Dimensionless numbers could be used as scale‐up criteria of large fermentors, since in those ratios are described the operating conditions, geometry, and size of the bioreactor. It could lead to improved solid reactor systems. The model can be used as a basis for automatic control of SSF for the production of valuable metabolites in static fermentors.