Influence of Liquid Level Height on Flow Characteristics and Mixing Efficiency in a Loop Bioreactor
This study systematically investigates the influence of liquid level height ([Formula: see text]) on hydrodynamic performance and mixing efficiency in loop bioreactors, a promising technology for energy-efficient single-cell protein production. Through controlled tracer experiments across varied liq...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/00219592.2025.2525541 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | This study systematically investigates the influence of liquid level height ([Formula: see text]) on hydrodynamic performance and mixing efficiency in loop bioreactors, a promising technology for energy-efficient single-cell protein production. Through controlled tracer experiments across varied liquid levels ([Formula: see text] to 3) and stirring speeds (1200–1800 rpm), we demonstrate that reduced liquid levels ([Formula: see text]) induce gas entrainment at high speeds ([Formula: see text] 1600 rpm), increasing flow resistance and reducing mean fluid velocity. Conversely, elevated liquid levels ([Formula: see text]) enhance diffusion-driven mixing, shortening mixing time by 2/3 at [Formula: see text] compared to [Formula: see text] A critical transition from convection-dominated to diffusion-dominated regimes is identified at [Formula: see text] with mixing efficiency becoming less sensitive to stirring speed at [Formula: see text] These findings provide feasible guidelines for optimizing loop scalability and advancing reactor optimization strategies for continuous bioprocessing. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0021-9592 1881-1299 |