Abstract
Axial dispersion of the liquid phase was investigated in a concentric-tube airlift bioreactor (RIMP: V L=0.70 m3) as a whole and in the separate zones (riser, downcomer, gas-separator) using the axial dispersion model. The axial dispersion number Bo and the axial dispersion coefficient, D ax were determined from the output curves to an initial Dirac pulse, using the tracer response technique. They were analyzed in relation to process and geometrical parameters, such as: gas superficial velocity, νSGR; top clearance, h S; bottom clearance, h B, and resistances at downcomer entrance expressed as A d/A R ratio. Correlations between Bodenstein numbers in the overall bioreactor and riser and downcomer sections (BoT,BoR,BoD) and the geometrical and process parameters were developed, which can allow to assess the complex influence of these parameters on liquid axial dispersion.
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Received: 3 June 1998
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Gavrilescu, M., Tudose, R. Modelling mixing parameters in concentric-tube airlift bioreactors . Bioprocess Engineering 20, 491–497 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004490050620
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004490050620