Heterogeneous modelling of packed bed fermentor with permselective membranes

• Published in: Journal of membrane science Vol. 76; no. 2; pp. 165 - 174
• Main Authors: Abasaeed, A.E., Elnashaie, S.S.E.H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.01.1993; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; ethanol fermentation; ethanol productivity; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Mathematics in biology. Statistical analysis. Models. Metrology. Data processing in biology (general aspects); membrane fermentors; modelling; permselective membranes; ethanol productivity; modelling; membrane fermentors; permselective membranes; ethanol fermentation; Productivity; Membrane reactor; Bioreactor; Packed bed; Ethanol; Alcoholic fermentation; Fermenter; Bacteria; Membrane; Mathematical model; Entrapped microorganism; Zymomonas mobilis
• ISSN: 0376-7388; 1873-3123
• DOI: 10.1016/0376-7388(93)85214-H

A mathematical model which describes ethanol production in a membrane equipped packed bed fermentor using immobilized Zymomonas mobilis is developed. The effect of sweep liquid, flowing co-currently or counter-currently to the flow in the fermentor, on ethanol production is considered. The effect of membrane surface area on productivity is also investigated. The results are compared to a base case, with no membrane. Ethanol productivity is greatly enhanced due to the use of membranes, and productivities which are 50% higher than in the case without membrane are possible. Although the co-current mode gives a slightly higher ethanol productivity than the counter-current mode, the latter is favoured because almost all of the produced ethanol is collected in the sweep liquid. Partially blinded counter-current membrane fermentors give higher ethanol productivity and a higher ethanol concentration than all other configurations.