Abstract
The influences of geometric configuration, mycelial broth rheology and superficial gas velocity (Usg) were investigated with respect to the following hydrodynamic parameters: gas holdup (ε), oxygen transfer coefficient (KLa) and mixing time (tm). Increases in Usg and height of gas separator (Ht) caused an increase in ε and KLa, and a decrease in tm. Consequently, a diameter ratio (Dd/Dr) of 0.71 and Ht 0.20 m were found to be the best geometry and operation parameters to achieve high aeration and mixing efficiency for the high viscous broth system in the cultivation of filamentous fungi. An external airlift reactor (EALR) was developed and designed for the cultivation of filamentous fungi. The EALR with two spargers excels in reliability and high aeration and mass transfer coefficiency, resulting in a fast mycelial growth and high biomass productivity in the cultivation of the fungus Rhizopus oryzae.
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Jin, B., Leeuwen, J.v., Doelle, H.W. et al. The influence of geometry on hydrodynamic and mass transfer characteristics in an external airlift reactor for the cultivation of filamentous fungi. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 15, 73–79 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008822612406
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008822612406