An initial investigation of bioreactor performance in batch and continuous operation.

摘要

In this thesis, a batch process for the production of ethanol thorough the use of fermentation is explored, and the results are used to design a continuous operation experiment. The goal is to produce a fermentation experiment that can be used for Cooper Union's Senior Chemical Engineering Laboratory course, or as the basis for a more extensive course studying bio-reactor systems.; Five batch runs were conducted for a starting amount of 100 grams of glucose, and five for a starting amount of 200 grams glucose. The average final production of ethanol was 1.35% by volume for the 200 gram runs, and 0.80% by volume for the 100 gram runs.; The information gathered from the batch runs provided the basis for conditions of a continuous run. The pumping rate for the continuous run, based on the residence time of the reactor for the batch runs, was determined to be 12.1 mL/minute, and the pumps were started 5.5 hours into the continuous run. The maximum percent ethanol produced from continuous operation, which was run with a starting amount of 100 grams of glucose, was 0.58% by volume. From this result, it was determined that the pumping rate was too high, meaning that the medium did not reside in the fermentor long enough before being removed.