Prediction of kLa in yeast broths

摘要: Abstract Oxygen transfer rate, can play an important role in the scale-up and economy of many microbial processes values volumetric oxygen coefficient (kLa) for specific fermentation culture media need to be evaluated correlated obtain appropriate design tools. The purpose this work was determinate kLa yeast broths (Trigonopsis variabilis) a mechanically-stirred, sparger-aerated baffled reactor, most common fermenter type, over wide range superficial air velocities impeller rotational speeds geometric parameters. Three different mixing vessels (2, 5 15 litres) were used order consider effect on kLa. Once data are obtained, several empirical theoretical correlations fit experimental data. A new correlation is proposed k L a=3.2·10 −3 P V 0.35 U sg 0.41 based power input per unit volume liquid (P/V) gas velocity (Usg). improves prediction with respect other generic correlations, mainly because early developed strong coalescent non-coalescent fluids, whereas medium behaves as typical Newtonian, slightly non-coalescence fluid, due moderate presence mineral salts.