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Prediction of k L a in conventional stirred fermenters
Author(s) -
Moresi Mauro,
Patete Michele
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.280420304
Subject(s) - impeller , aeration , volume (thermodynamics) , continuous stirred tank reactor , scaling , mass transfer , mathematics , range (aeronautics) , work (physics) , mechanics , similarity (geometry) , thermodynamics , analytical chemistry (journal) , materials science , chemistry , physics , computer science , chromatography , geometry , organic chemistry , composite material , image (mathematics) , artificial intelligence
In this work values of the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficients ( k L a ) were determined (by means of the sulphite oxidation technique) in a series of 8‐ to 1000‐dm 3 stirred fermenters over a wide range of superficial air velocities and impeller rotational speeds. In spite of the great scale‐up ratios, very different operating conditions and geometric dissimilarity, it was possible to develop an acceptable correlation of data (the average error being 17.5%) utilising the gassed power consumption and aeration rate per unit volume as key parameters. Since such a correlation succeeded in reconstructing mass transfer rates even in 2.25‐m 3 stirred fermenters, it would seem possible to rely on it to allow approximate, but acceptable prediction of k L a values in large size multiple‐impeller fermenters even when geometric similarity in scaling‐up is not maintained.