kLa determination: comparative study for a gas mass balance method

• Published in: Bioprocess and biosystems engineering Vol. 25; no. 6; pp. 341 - 348
• Main Authors: Poughon, L, Duchez, D, Cornet, J F, Dussap, C G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Springer Nature B.V 01.07.2003
• Subjects: Comparative studies; Gases; Oxidation
• ISSN: 1615-7591; 1615-7605
• DOI: 10.1007/s00449-003-0321-5

The determination of k(L) a by a gas balance method coupled with sulphite oxidation is compared for three kinds of processes (stirred tank, bubble column and fixed-bed column reactors) with a gassing-in and with a classical chemical sulphite oxidation method. The mathematical relations required for the determination of the k(L) a value are detailed. In coalescing gas-liquid conditions, the values calculated by the three methods are shown to be comparable. The gas balance method is more rapid than either the steady-state gassing-in or the chemical sulphite reaction rate measurement methods. It is also well adapted for three-phase systems (gas-liquid-solid) in which the non-coalescing effects of sulphite solution are reduced by solid interferences.