Method and apparatus for the ad hoc measurement of the biomass present and for the ad hoc assessment of the state of fermentation in bioreactors by measurement of the sedimentation properties of a sample with the aid of ultrasound

摘要

For indirect ad hoc determination of the dry matter in biofermenters and for direct assessment of the rheological properties of the bioparticles it is possible to measure the level of sedimentation, and the sedimentation process itself, in a measurement chamber filled with the biosuspension with the aid of an ultrasonic measurement technique. The method can be employed even for biosuspensions which are opaque and/or form agglomerates. Ad hoc recognition of unfavourable operating states such as excessive shear stress or formation of excessively large agglomerates is also possible. The dimensions of the measurement chamber should be at least five times those of the largest bioagglomerates, and those of the connector, which is as free of internal fittings as possible, between the measurement chamber and fermenter should be 1.5 times.