Gas transfer characteristics of a novel membrane bioreactor.
We show the design features of a membrane bioreactor based on pulsatile flow across dimpled membranes. Results show an enhanced mass transfer of air of at least five-fold magnitude as compared with flat membranes. An increased working volume form 20 mL to 120 mL reduced the k(L)A at a given Reynolds number because of axial mixing of fluid from the deoxygenated end chamber. The bioreactor was used to supply air to a hybridoma mammalian cell line, and the calculated oxygen uptake showed that high-density cultures could be maintained in a 20 mL, single-dimpled cultures could be maintained in a 20 mL, single-dimpled membrane system. Indirect aeration of a 2 L continuous stirred tank reactor, by a double-membrane system, showed that air could be supplied to mammalian cells at cell densities of approximately 4 x 10(6) /mL.
Beeton
S
S
School of Applied Biology, Lancashire Polytechnic, Preston, Lancashire, UK.
Millward
H R
HR
Bellhouse
B J
BJ
Nicholson
A M
AM
Jenkins
N
N
Knowles
C J
CJ