Oxygen transfer in liquid-impelled loop reactors using perfluorocarbon liquids.
Oxygen transfer in the liquid-impelled loop reactor is described for a setup in which the perfluorochemical FC40 is aerated externally. Two sizes of reactors are investigated. The mass-transfer coefficient k appears to be lower with a factor of about 0.6 compared to gas liquid systems. the specific exchange area in the present experimental setup is found to be favorable when compared with gas liquid bioreactors at the same superficial dispersed-phase velocities. However, slow coalescence of the dispersed-phase drops in the phase separation section limits the dispersed-phase flow rate seriously. In Case this become crucial from the point of view of oxygen supply, special measures need to be found or alternatives such as combined sparging of air and solvent.
van Sonsbeek
H M
HM
Food and Bioprocess Engineering Group, Department of Food Science, Agricultrual University Wageningen, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
De Blank
H
H
Tramper
J
J