Study of Dissolved Oxygen Control Parameters in Multiturbine Fermentors

Based on a stage-wise model, simulations of the behavior of real multiturbine fermentors, of industrial type, (0.378 m³, 113 m³ and 170 m³) with a regulation of dissolved oxygen have been made. The control is based on the manipulation of the stirrer speed and/or the air flowrate. The influence of some operating parameters on the batch and fedbatch growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in these large fermentors, where concentration gradients in carbon substrate and oxygen cannot be neglected, is discussed. These simulations provide guidance rules in order to improve the control of fermentations in multiturbine bioreactors.