A self-regulated fed-batch reactor part I--the principle

A new fed-batch reactor was developed to conduct aerobic biodegradation studies. Its unique feature lies in the ability to self-regulate feed addition, according to the evolution of the degradation process, which is proportional to gaseous products formed, mainly CO2. The reactor is particularly well suited to evaluate intrinsic biokinetic parameters, since it allows to be reached equilibrium states (substrate-biomass). Application to kinetic studies of inhibitory or toxic compounds seems to be quite promising given that feed is made dependent on the capacity and pace of the biomass to handle the degradation of such compounds.