Equipment for enhanced mass transfer and in chemical and biochemical processes

摘要

A device based on rotating surfaces for promoting highly efficient molecular diffusive transfer between gases and liquids is described. Said transfer is achieved by generating a thin film of liquid which flows on a rotating surface, thereby exposing a large area of flowing liquid to the gaseous phase. This device is especially useful in promoting efficient molecular transfer of gases with low solubility in the liquid, e.g., oxygen into an aqueous phase in conventional aerobic fermentation vessels. The principle of this system can be employed in the reverse direction of transfer, for gases leaving the liquid phase, such as occurs in stripping, defoaming and deodorization. Of special value is the prevention of forming, a common problem in the operation of conventional fermentation processes which occurs as the molecular transfer takes place.