An extension of the pressure-test technique for immobilized biocatalyst preparations

Based on an analysis of variables in the Ergun equation for pressure drop in granular beds, the technique of pressure-testing of immobilized biocatalyst preparations is reexamined from the point of view of evaluation of biocatalyst mechanical properties in packed bed reactors. The variation of biocatalyst particle size in the course of bioreactor performance was found to be a convenient estimate of mechanical strength for the biocatalyst particles. Based on this finding, an extension of the pressure-test technique with particle size analysis was proposed as an opportunity to carry out differential analysis of biocatalyst structure, regardless of time and position. An example of bed destruction is given to support the suggested characterization analysis.