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The prediction of transport parameters in filamentous fermentation broths based on results obtained in pseudoplastic polymer solutions
Author(s) -
Allen D. Grant,
Robinson Campbell W.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
the canadian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1939-019X
pISSN - 0008-4034
DOI - 10.1002/cjce.5450690214
Subject(s) - laminar flow , impeller , turbulence , shear thinning , fermentation , polymer , pressure drop , flow (mathematics) , materials science , mechanics , chemistry , rheology , composite material , physics , food science
Transport phenomena studies on single phase “model” fluids are of limited value in biochemical engineering if they cannot be translated to the heterogeneous systems encountered in real fermentation processes. In this paper we discuss the utility of polymer solutions as models of filamentous fermentation broths for evaluation of: pipeline friction factors and impeller power numbers (turbine and helical ribbon). To a first approximation, polymer solutions can serve as suitable models for the prediction of laminar flow pressure drop in pipelines and turbulent power consumption in stirred tanks. However, results obtained on polymer solutions do not directly apply to filamentous fermentation broths for predictions of laminar flow impeller power consumption and the transition point for turbulent flow in stirred tanks. These discrepancies are believed to result from the existence of a time dependent yield stress in filamentous fermentation broths.