Production of biomass from sulphite liquors in tower fermentor with forced circulation

Abstract

Cultivation of the yeast Candida utilis on sulphite liquors was studied in a tower fermentor with ejector-type gas distributor and additional bubble bed showering. The aim of the work was to test the fermentor applicability for the cultivation process studied and to obtain data characterizing the fermentation in the tested unit. The effect of medium composition and dilution rate on selected cultivation parameters was determined in the fermentor with active volume 0.1 m3 and the hydrodynamic and energy characteristics of the apparatus were evaluated. The experimental results proved the fermentor to be suitable for the cultivation process studied. Favourable effect of the optimized fermentation medium was observed both on the values of characteristic cultivation parameters and on the efficiency of the utilization of energy supplied to the system.