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Process optimization of a continuous airlift tower-loop reactor.

R Luttmann¹, M Thoma, H Buchholz

¹Institut für Regelungstechnik der Universitä Hannover, Appelstrasse 11, D-3000 Hannover, West Germany.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

|August 1, 1982

Summary

A distributed parameter model optimized cell productivity and profit in airlift reactors. Maximum cell productivity occurs under oxygen-limited growth, while maximum profit depends on substrate penalty factors.

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Area of Science:

Biochemical Engineering
Bioprocess Modeling
Microbial Cultivation

Background:

Airlift tower-loop reactors are used for microbial cultivation.
Modeling is crucial for optimizing bioprocesses.

Purpose of the Study:

Develop a distributed parameter model for airlift reactors.
Optimize cell productivity and profit.
Investigate growth limitations in large-scale reactors.

Main Methods:

Experimental investigations using H. polymorpha and Methylomonas M 15.
Development of a general distributed parameter model.
Model simplification for gas phase and loop balances.
Simulation of cultivation in bench-scale, pilot-plant, and production reactors.

Main Results:

Maximum cell productivity achieved in oxygen-transfer-limited growth range.
Maximum profit attained at the boundary of substrate and oxygen-transfer-limited growth under high substrate penalty.
Oxygen-transfer limitation observed in the lower reactor half, substrate limitation in the upper half.
Simulated dissolved oxygen profiles matched experimental data.

Conclusions:

The developed model accurately simulates microbial cultivation in airlift reactors.
Model enables optimization of cell productivity and profit by identifying growth-limiting conditions.
Understanding spatial variations in substrate and oxygen is key for scale-up.