Fermentative prodn. of ethanol, protein organisms, antibiotics etc. - using mechanical pulsations to improve heat and mass transfer of reaction

摘要

The process is carried out in a fermentation chamber in which the energy required to produce mass transfer, or heat transfer or to speed up the elimination of gaseous metabolites is supplied by mechanical vibrations. A vibrator imparts an oscillatory motion to the liq. in reaction, to an internal part of the reaction vessel or to the catalyst biomass. The cells in reaction can be free flating immobilised by adsorption on supports or flocculated. The process can be continuous with partial recycling of micro-organisms from the head of the fermentation chamber via a lateral pipe lee for reinjection at the base of the chamber. Used for prodn. of primary metabolites, e.g. ethanol and organic acids. Prodn. of secondary metabolites such as antibiotics. Also prodn. of unicellular protein organisms. Mass and heat transfer rates of vastly improved by pulsation.