On-line monitoring during fermentation of whey based on ultrafiltration and liquid chromatography

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) system, controlled by means of a programmer, is described for monitoring the conversion of sugars and the formation of acids during fermentation processes. An on-line automatic sampling system was developed in order to achieve systematic sampling of the fermentation broth. The fermentor is connected to the HPLC system through a tangential ultrafiltration unit. This system is integrated into an automatic HPLC line for routine analysis.