Device permitting the regulation of dissolved gas concentrations in fermentation

摘要

Dissolved gas concentrations play an important part in cell regulation mechanisms; rate of growth and production of metabolites largely depend thereon. The aim of the invention is therefore to control the gas exchanges by working in a reactor which is virtually closed for the gaseous phase. To meet this objective the gaseous phase will be: - on the one hand, recycled into the aqueous phase by virtue of a recirculating device - on the other hand, recycled wholly or partially to a device permitting the fractionation of the gaseous phase into its constituents and the optional addition of desired gases. Figure 1 shows a plant in which the process according to the invention can be implemented in the case of an aerobic fermentation where it is desired to control the dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide at the same time. <IMAGE>