Intensification of multiphase systems with a jet‐loop reactor: characterization of mass transfer, mixing time, drop oil size, and biomass growth

摘要: BACKGROUND The development of processes for transforming vegetable oils into useful products has received increasing attention in the biotechnological field. The reactor used for this purpose should meet adequate mass transfer, mixing, and oil dispersion conditions. In this work, comprehensive research into the use of a jet‐loop reactor as a potential alternative to airlift and stirred tank reactors was conducted in the presence of avocado oil in a water‐air system. Additionally, the assessment of the jet‐loop for biomass growth in the presence of oil was performed. RESULTS The increase of avocado oil from 1% to 5% v/v resulted in a reduction in the performance of the three reactors. Despite the airlift reactor having the lowest power input, it exhibited the worst performance in terms of mass transfer, mixing, and oil dispersion. The estimation of the energetic oxygen transfer efficiency (Kg O2 KW−1 h−1) allowed …