Effect of impeller geometry on gas-liquid mass transfer coefficients in filamentous suspensions

Volumetric gas-liquid mass transfer coefficients were measured in suspensions of cellulose fibers with concentrations ranging from 0 to 20 g/L. The mass transfer coefficients were measured using the dynamic method. Results are presented for three different combinations of impellers at a variety of gassing rates and agitation speeds. Rheological properties of the cellulose fibers were also measured using the impeller viscometer method. Tests were conducted in a 20 L stirred-tank fermentor and in 65 L tank with a height to diameter ratio of 3:1. Power consumption was measured in both vessels. At low agitation rates, two Rushton turbines gave 20% better performance than the Rushton and hydrofoil combination and 40% better performance than the Rushton and propeller combination for oxygen transfer. At higher agitation rates, the Rushton and hydrofoil combination gave 14 and 25% better performance for oxygen transfer than two Rushton turbines and the Rushton and hydrofoil combination, respectively.

     

Steady-state shear characteristics ofAspergillus niger broths

It can be difficult to obtain reliable rheological data for filamentous fermentation broths using conventional instruments. One common approach is to measure the torque drawn by an impeller rotating in the suspension (1–7). Many previous workers have assumed that the applicable shear rate in such a device is related to the impeller speed by a fluid-independent constant determined by calibration with Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids (1–9). The rheology ofAspergillus niger broths have been characterized using the impeller viscometer approach. The changes in the broth rheology were measured, and used to interpret the growth of biomass and the evolution of the microorganism morphology.     

Measurement of the steady-state shear characteristics of filamentous suspensions using turbine,vane, and helical impellers

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - The impeller viscometer technique is frequently used to characterize the rheology of filamentous suspensions in order to avoid difficulties encountered with...     

The effects of agitation and aeration on the production of gluconic acid byAspergillus niger

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - The effects of agitation and aeration in the production of gluconic acid byAspergillus niger from a glucose medium were investigated. Experiments were...