Volumetric mass transfer coefficient in concentric-tube airlift bioreactors

Higbie's penetration theory is combined with a model of gas hold-up in order to set up an expression for the prediction of the volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient, K L a, in airlift bioreactors. The results indicate that the K L a is a strong function of the superficial gas velocity, ga...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical engineering science 1995, Vol.50 (10), p.1579-1590
Main Authors: Ayazi Shamlou, P, Pollard, D.J, Ison, A.P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Bioreactors
Biotechnology
Bubbles (in fluids)
Fermentation
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Hydrodynamics
Mass transfer
Mathematical models
Methods. Procedures. Technologies
Oxygen
Various methods and equipments
Velocity
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Summary:Higbie's penetration theory is combined with a model of gas hold-up in order to set up an expression for the prediction of the volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient, K L a, in airlift bioreactors. The results indicate that the K L a is a strong function of the superficial gas velocity, gas hold-up, liquid circulation velocity, bubble diameter and bubble rise velocity. A 2501 pilot-scale concentric cylinder airlift bioreactor having a shell diameter of 0.317 m and a draught tube diameter of 0.211 m is used to obtain local measurements of the K L a as a function of the superficial gas velocity in the riser during the fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results show that in the downcomer, K L a, increases with increasing height of the liquid from the sparger while in the riser the K L a is relatively uniform and has a value similar to that observed in the lower section of the downcomer. The K L a measurements are described and discussed using the proposed model.
ISSN:0009-2509
1873-4405
DOI:10.1016/0009-2509(94)00517-U