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Xanthan batch fermentations: compared performances of a bubble column and a stirred tank fermentor

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Abstract

Fermentations of Xanthomonas campestris, NRRL B-1459, were carried out in a bubble column fermentor (BCF) and in a stirred tank fermentor (STF) to allow comparison of representative variables measured during the microbial growth and the gum production.

The microbial growth phase was described by a logistic rate equation where maximum cell concentration was provided by nitrogenous compounds balance. The average value of the maximum specific growth rate was higher in the bubble column (μ M =0.5 h−1) than in the stirred reactor (μ M =0.4 h−1).

The upper values of xanthan yield (Y g-x =0.65 kg xanthan/kg glucose; Y O 2−x xanthan/kg oxygen) and specific production rate (q x =0.26 kg xanthan/kg biomass · h) were measured when the oxygen transfer coefficient was kept up above 80 h−1 in the STF fermentor. In the bubble column the fermentation achieved in the same culture medium lasts two times longer than in the stirred aerated tank; this was attributed to the low value of the oxygen transfer coefficient (K L a =20 h−1) at the beginning of the gum synthesis phase. The results obtained in the stirred tank were the basis to estimate the optimal biomass concentration which enables to achieve a culture in non-limiting oxygen transfer conditions.

Nevertheless, the transfer characteristics were more homogeneous in the bubble column than in the stirred tank where dead stagnant zones were observed. This is of primary importance when establishing fermentation kinetics models.

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Abbreviations

BCF:

Bubble column fermentor

C b kg/m3 :

Biomass concentration. C bo is the initial value, C b max the value in the stationary phase and C b opt the optimal value

C g kg/m3 :

Glucose concentration. C go is the initial value of the first period and C′ go the initial value of the second period

C aN kg nitrogen/m3 :

Amino acid concentration in the fermentation medium expressed as nitrogen equivalent

C pN kg nitrogen/m3 :

Protein concentration in the fermentation medium expressed as nitrogen equivalent

C N kg nitrogen/m3 :

Nitrogen concentration in the medium. C No is the initial value

C O 2 mol/m3 :

Dissolved oxygen concentration at pressure and temperature of the system

C x kg/m3 :

Xanthan concentration

C * mol/m3 :

Saturation concentration of dissolved oxygen at pressure and temperature of the system

C * o mol/m3 :

Saturation concentration of dissolved oxygen at temperature of the system under 1 atmosphere saturated air

G e mol/s:

Molar gas flow rate at orifice

G v Nm3/s:

Normal volumetric gas flow rate

K L a h−1 :

Volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient

N min−1 :

Impeller rotation speed

Q r :

Respiratory quotient

q i kg/kg biomass · h:

Specific conversion rate of i

q′ i mol/kg biomass · h:

Specific conversion rate of i

r i kg/(m3 · h):

Consumption or synthesis rate of i

r′ i mol/(m3 · h):

Consumption or synthesis rate of i

r i opt kg/(m3 · h):

Optimal consumption or synthesis rate of i

STF:

Stirred tank fermentor

t h:

Time

vvm:

Volume of gas per liquid volume per minute

y i-j kg j/kg i:

Weight yield of compound j from compound i

y is :

Molar fraction of component i in exit gas phase

μ M h −1 :

Maximum specific growth rate

Δ :

Difference

o :

Initial conditions

M :

Maximum value

e :

Fermentor entrance

s :

Fermentor exit

a :

Amino acid

b :

Biomass

g :

Glucose

N :

Nitrogen

p :

Protein

x :

Xanthan

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Génie Chimique Biologique, 63177, Aubiere Cedex, France

    A. Pons, C. G. Dussap & J. B. Gros

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  1. A. Pons
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  2. C. G. Dussap
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  3. J. B. Gros
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Pons, A., Dussap, C.G. & Gros, J.B. Xanthan batch fermentations: compared performances of a bubble column and a stirred tank fermentor. Bioprocess Engineering 5, 107–114 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00388188

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