Macromixing hydrodynamic study in draft-tube airlift reactors using electrical resistance tomography |
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Authors: | Farouza Gumery Farhad Ein-Mozaffari Yaser Dahman |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Chemical Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2K3, Canada; |
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Abstract: | The present study summarizes results of mixing characteristics in a draft tube airlift bioreactor using ERT. This technique
offers the possibility for noninvasive and nonintrusive visualization of flow fields in the bioreactor and has rarely been
utilized previously to analyze operating parameters and mixing characteristics in this type of bioreactors. Several operating
parameters and geometric characteristics were examined. In general, results showed that the increase in superficial gas velocity
corresponds to an increase in energy applied and thus, to a decrease in mixing time. This generally corresponded to an increase
in liquid circulation velocity and shear rate values. Bottom clearances and draft tube diameters affected flow resistance
and frictional losses. The influence of sparger configurations on mixing time and liquid circulation velocity was significant
due to their effect on gas distribution. However, the effect of sparger configuration on shear rate was not significant, with
20% reduction in shear rates using the cross-shaped sparger. Fluid viscosity showed a marked influence on both mixing times
and circulation velocity especially in the coalescing media of sugar and xanthan gum (XG) solutions. Results from this work will help to develop a clear pattern for operation and mixing that can help to improve
several industrial processes, especially the ones related to emerging fields of technology such as the biotechnology industry. |
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