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Performance of trickle-bed bioreactors for converting synthesis gas to methane

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Abstract

Carbon monoxide, H2, and CO2 in synthesis gas can be converted to CH4 by employing a triculture ofRhodospirillum rubrum, Methanosarcina barken, andMethanobacterium formicicum. Trickle-bed reactors have been found to be effective for this conversion because of their high mass-transfer coefficients. This paper compares results obtained for the conversion of synthesis gas to CH4 in 5-cm- and 16.5-cm-diameter trickle-bed reactors. Mass-transfer and scale-up parameters are defined, and light requirements forR. rubrum are considered in bioreactor design.

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Abbreviations

G:

gas flow rate mL/h

∈l:

liquid porosity mL/mL

h :

column height cm

H :

Henry’s law constant L-atm CO/mol CO

K La :

mass-transfer coefficient h-1

P :

partial pressure or tension atm

q :

specific uptake rate mmol/gcell.h

R :

ideal gas law constant L.atm/mol.K

S:

cross-sectional area cm2

T:

temperature K

X:

cell concentration g/L

Yco :

mole fraction ratio between CO and inert mol/mol

i :

inlet conditions

o :

outlet conditions

*:

equilibrium

G:

gas phase

L:

liquid phase

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 72701, Fayetteville, AR

    D. E. Kimmel, K. T. Klasson, E. C. Clausen & J. L. Gaddy

Authors
  1. D. E. Kimmel
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  2. K. T. Klasson
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  3. E. C. Clausen
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  4. J. L. Gaddy
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Kimmel, D.E., Klasson, K.T., Clausen, E.C. et al. Performance of trickle-bed bioreactors for converting synthesis gas to methane. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 28, 457–469 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02922625

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