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Culturing Lymphocytes in Simulated Microgravity Using a Rotary Cell Culture System

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Liquid circulation in external-loop airlift bioreactors.

¹Center for Biotechnology Research, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Nonoichi, Ishikawa, Japan 921.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

|March 5, 1990

Summary

A new model predicts liquid velocity in external-loop airlift bioreactors by analyzing gas-non-Newtonian two-phase flow friction factors. The model shows good agreement with experimental data for friction factor and liquid velocity.

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Area of Science:

Biochemical Engineering
Fluid Dynamics
Rheology

Background:

External-loop airlift bioreactors are crucial for bioprocesses.
Accurate prediction of liquid velocity is essential for optimizing bioreactor performance.
Modeling two-phase flow in non-Newtonian fluids presents significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a simple yet accurate model for predicting liquid velocity in external-loop airlift bioreactors.
To derive theoretical correlations for friction factor and liquid velocity applicable to gas-non-Newtonian two-phase flows.
To validate the proposed model against experimental data.

Main Methods:

Development of a theoretical model based on eddy diffusivity.
Derivation of correlations for friction factor in gas-non-Newtonian two-phase flows.
Comparison of model predictions with experimental data for liquid velocity and friction factor.

Main Results:

A simplified model for liquid velocity prediction in external-loop airlift bioreactors was successfully developed.
Theoretical correlations for friction factor and liquid velocity demonstrated good agreement with experimental data.
The model provides a reliable tool for estimating fluid dynamics in these bioreactors.

Conclusions:

The proposed model offers a practical approach for predicting liquid velocity in external-loop airlift bioreactors.
The derived correlations are valuable for the design and operation of bioreactors handling non-Newtonian fluids.
The study validates the effectiveness of the eddy diffusivity concept in modeling such complex flows.