Properties and principles of mycelial flow: experiments with a tube rheometer

The flow behavior of a penicillin mash has been investigated with a tube rheometer and compared with rotational viscometer observations. In the low-shear regions plug flow and breakdown of the plug have been studied. For turbulent flow turbulence damping was demonstrated. The Theological development during the fermentation was followed. At low deformation rates the pressure drop increased during the fermentation. In turbulent regions the opposite tendency was observed. The possible underlying flow mechanisms are discussed, and the influence of a number of physical parameters have been investigated.