Session: Mixing in Aerobic Fermentation Processes

There are several mixing processes that must be accomplished to successfully operate an aerobic fermentation process. The first is to maintain the dissolved oxygen concentration that will enable the micro-organisms to grow and produce the desired product molecule and the second is the provide oxygen at a rate that will allow the organisms to produce the molecule at a rate that is economically viable. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient, or kLa, achieved by the agitator and air flow rate determine the relationship between the dissolved oxygen concentration that can be maintained and the oxygen transfer rate.