How does the Kl oxygen mass transfer coefficient vary between different types of wastewater?5 answersThe oxygen mass transfer coefficient (KLa) varies between different types of wastewater based on various factors. In domestic sewage, the alpha factor α, representing the ratio of KLa in wastewater to that in clean water, has a consistent magnitude of about 0.8. For coking-plant wastewater in a moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), KLa increases with the suspended carrier stuffing rate and aeration intensity, reaching peak efficiency at specific conditions. In headspace biochemical oxygen demand (HBOD) tests, the oxygen mass-transfer coefficients for municipal wastewaters indicate that oxygen demand can be accurately measured without limiting the reaction rate. Additionally, in a rotating biological contactor (RBC) treating municipal wastewater, the KLa values varied significantly with different rotational velocities, indicating irregularities in the biofilm structure.
How does the accumulation of microcarriers in the corners of the reactor affect the bioreactor performance? Cells?5 answersThe accumulation of microcarriers in the corners of the reactor can have different effects on bioreactor performance and cells, depending on the concentration of microcarriers. At lower concentrations (0.14-0.30 g/L), the presence of microcarriers inhibits the growth of microorganisms, enhances the secretion of soluble microbial product (SMP) and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), and reduces microbial richness and diversity. However, at higher concentrations (2.34-5.00 g/L), the opposite effects are observed, with microcarriers mitigating membrane fouling and enhancing the growth of certain bacterial species. The addition of microcarriers and the mixing characteristics in the bioreactor can also impact cell viability, with local increases in particle volume fraction promoting cell death. The suspension of microcarriers in the bioreactor is associated with the flow dynamics and can be predicted using a flow scaling law.
Can artificial intelligence be used to improve the performance of bioreactors?4 answersArtificial intelligence (AI) can be used to improve the performance of bioreactors. AI-based models have been developed to predict the performance of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) in treating wastewater, allowing for the recovery of clean water from polluted sources. In the field of alcoholic fermentation, AI has been used to design multilayer neural networks that can accurately predict the state variables of the process, reducing the need for extensive measurements and increasing sensor lifecycles. Additionally, computational methods combining mechanistic models and flux balance analysis have been used to predict cell culture performance in bioreactors, allowing for better control and optimization of the process. AI techniques have also been applied to biomass-to-biofuels conversion processes, such as transesterification, alcoholic fermentation, anaerobic digestion, and dark fermentation, to predict biofuel production and optimize process parameters. Overall, AI has shown promise in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of bioreactors in various applications.
Why do we need to use Resistance Temperature Detector in bioreactor?3 answersResistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) are used in bioreactors for temperature measurement. RTDs are sensors that can accurately measure temperature and are commonly used in various industries, including biotechnology. In the context of bioreactors, temperature control is crucial for maintaining optimal conditions for biological processes. RTDs provide reliable and precise temperature measurements, allowing for effective monitoring and control of the bioreactor environment. They are particularly important in single-use bioreactors, where sensors need to be cost-effective and suitable for disposable systems. RTDs can be integrated into the bioreactor system, such as being placed in a tray or directly contacting the bioreactor surface, to ensure accurate temperature sensing. Overall, the use of RTDs in bioreactors enables efficient temperature monitoring, which is essential for successful bioprocesses.
What is the energy consumption of membrane bioreactors?5 answersMembrane bioreactors (MBRs) have been studied for their energy consumption. One study found that a novel MBR employing reciprocating motion had a specific energy demand (SED) ranging from 0.003 to 0.015 kWh/m3, resulting in up to an 85% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional MBRs. Another study developed a low energy consumption vortex wave flow MBR, which had an average energy consumption of 1.90 ± 0.55 kWh/m3, only two-thirds of conventional MBR energy consumption. A comparison between MBRs and activated sludge systems showed that MBRs can operate at similar or lower energy consumption levels, around 3 kWh/m3, while producing treated water suitable for unrestricted crop irrigation. Additionally, a study on side-stream MBRs found that the specific energy consumption varied depending on the mixed liquor suspended solids concentration and the amount of backwashes. Overall, the energy consumption of MBRs can vary depending on the specific design and operational parameters.
How to calculate kLa by oxygen balance out?5 answersThe volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) can be calculated using the oxygen balance method. This method involves measuring the oxygen consumption by the microorganism and using the integrated form of the oxygen balance equation to determine kLa. Another approach is to use a gas balance method coupled with sulphite oxidation, which is suitable for various types of reactors and can provide comparable results to other methods. Additionally, simulation studies have shown that KLa values for O2 and CO2 can be determined from gas phase measurements by applying step changes to the concentrations in the liquid phase and considering the gas phase dynamics. Overall, these methods provide ways to calculate kLa by considering the oxygen balance and gas phase dynamics.