Abstract

The operation of continuously stirred tank bioreactors (CSTBs) at minimum cost is a major concern of operators. In this work, a CSTB design strategy is presented where impeller stirring speed and aeration rate are optimized to meet the oxygen demand of growing cells, simultaneously minimizing the capital and operating cost. The operating cost is limited to the cost of utilities. The optimization scheme assumes a given fermentor tank size, and that the properties of the culture medium and the oxygen respiratory requirements of the microorganisms being cultivated are known. It is possible to choose between two different turbine impellers during the design process. The equations, constraints, and the CSTB design strategy employed by the program are described. The effect of microbial species, ions in the culture medium, impeller style, as well as changing CSTB size and biomass input density on the optimum operating conditions, is examined. The mass transfer coefficient, gas holdup, mixing speed, and aeration rate are all reported at optimized cost conditions. A study of the effects of various parameters on the CSTB design are shown.

Recommended Citation

Powell, Erin E. and Hill, Gordon A. (2008) "Optimization of Continuously Stirred Tank Bioreactor Design for Cost Minimization: Effect of Microbial Species and Operating Conditions," International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering: Vol. 6: A20.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/ijcre/vol6/A20