Monitoring of volatiles in alcoholic fermentations on molasses via a gas membrane sensor

Summary Gas membrane sensors, connected to a gas chromatography, have been tested in fermentation on complex media of industrial interest. Selectivity, sensitivity and reliability have been assessed: the calibration on fermentation medium is recommended. The use of such a sensor is demonstrated in the study of the kinetics of batch and fed-batch alcoholic fermentations on beet molasses. The kinetics of acetaldehyde are especially pointed out in relation to ethanol, fusel alcohols and carbon dioxide production.Offprint requests to: M.-N. Pons