Improved oxygen delivery in a continuous-roller-bottle reactor

Variations to the original aeration system in a continuous roller bottle reactor of novel design have been tested and compared for optimal oxygen (O) delivery. Reactor operating parameters that affect O transfer are rotation rate, liquid-volume level, fresh-feed rate, and supplementary-aeration rate. Design modifications to enhance gas-liquid O transfer include the addition of wall baffles and center baffles. The number and location of each of these baffles are compared for their effect on k_La values in the reaction chamber. The liquid feed into the system has been modified to improve the axial liquid mixing and O transfer.