Optimization of Continuously Stirred Tank Bioreactor Design for Cost Minimization: Effect of Microbial Species and Operating Conditions

摘要

The operation of continuously stirred tank bioreactors (CSTBs) at minimumncost is a major concern of operators. In this work, a CSTB design strategy isnpresented where impeller stirring speed and aeration rate are optimized to meetnthe oxygen demand of growing cells, simultaneously minimizing the capital andnoperating cost. The operating cost is limited to the cost of utilities. The optimizationnscheme assumes a given fermentor tank size, and that the properties of thenculture medium and the oxygen respiratory requirements of the microorganismsnbeing cultivated are known. It is possible to choose between two different turbinenimpellers during the design process. The equations, constraints, and the CSTBndesign strategy employed by the program are described. The effect of microbialnspecies, ions in the culture medium, impeller style, as well as changing CSTBnsize and biomass input density on the optimum operating conditions, is examined.nThe mass transfer coefficient, gas holdup, mixing speed, and aeration rate are allnreported at optimized cost conditions. A study of the effects of various parametersnon the CSTB design are shown.