title: Mathematical modeling of ethanol production by immobilized Zymomonas mobilis in a packed bed fermenter.
abstract: A mathematical model which describes ethanol production in a packed bed fermenter containing. Zymomonas mobilis entrapped in small spheres of calcium alginate within a packed bed fermenter has been developed. The equations combine simultaneous diffusion and reaction as well as a complex flow pattern to calculate glucose and ethanol profiles in the column type reactor. As part of the study, diffusivity values for glucose and ethanol in cell-loaded calcium alginate were determined. Also a freecell kinetic expression for Z. mobilis at 33 degrees C and ph 6.0 was developed. Comparison of the model with actual experimental results were made showing average deviations of ca. 30-40%.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural and Chemical Engineering, Colorado State University, fort Collins, Colorado 80523.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Melick
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Karim
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Linden
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Dale
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mihaltz