Oxygen transfer in membrane-ceramic composite materials for immobilized-cell monolithic reactors

Area of Science:

• Biochemical Engineering
• Mass Transfer Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Efficient gas-liquid mass transfer, particularly oxygen supply, is crucial for aerobic bioprocesses.
• Traditional bioreactors often face limitations in oxygen transfer rates and power consumption.
• Novel reactor designs are needed to overcome these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel cross flow monolithic bioreactor concept.
• To assess its performance in facilitating gas-liquid mass transfer, specifically oxygen supply.
• To determine the power requirements and transfer efficiency of the proposed design.

Main Methods:

• A novel cross flow monolithic bioreactor was designed and fabricated from a single piece of ceramic.
• Liquid and gas phases were circulated in orthogonal directions through continuous flow passages.
• Oxygen transfer rates and power input were measured using a test cell and characterized.

Main Results:

• The bioreactor achieved high oxygen transfer rates (6.62g O(2) x l(-1) x hr(-1)).
• Minimal power requirements were observed (estimated below 5 x 10(-3) watts/l reactor volume).
• Transfer efficiency exceeded 1000 kg O(2)/kW . hr, significantly outperforming existing technologies.

Conclusions:

• The cross flow monolithic bioreactor offers a highly efficient solution for gas-liquid mass transfer.
• This design enables enhanced oxygen supply at low shear rates and low power input.
• The technology holds promise for applications in aerobic, immobilized-cell fermentations, reducing process power demands.