Liquid‐Phase mass transfer coefficients in bioreactors

TLDR

Liquid‑phase mass transfer coefficients in bioreactors have been studied to understand gas‑liquid transfer. A surface‑renewal model was developed to predict liquid‑phase mass transfer coefficients, and its predictions were compared with experimental data from a mycelial fermentation broth and model media in a bench‑scale bubble column, with coefficients calculated by dividing volumetric transfer rates by estimated specific surface area and validated against literature data from bubble column and stirred‑tank bioreactors. The model predictions agree reasonably well with experimental measurements.

Abstract

Liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient in bioreactors have been examined. A theoretical model based on the surface renewal concept has been developed. The predicted liquid-phase mass transfer coefficients are compared with the experimental data for a mycelial fermentation broth (Chaetomium cellulolyticum) and model media (carboxymethyl cellulose) in a bench-scale bubble column reactor. The liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient is evaluated by dividing the volumetric mass transfer coefficient obtained experimentally by the specific surface area estimated using the available correlations. The available literature data in bubble column and stirred tank bioreactors is also used to test the validity of the proposed model. A reasonable agreement between the model and the experimental data is found.