Presentazioni e Articoli Tecnici

This paper presents the investigation into the phenomena during batch reactor vessel mixing comparing agitation equipment; the Rushton turbine and the Marine propeller; in the production of bioethanol by yeast fermentation. The key factors addressed in selecting equipment were fluid vector flow, energy dissipation resulting in shear damage to yeast cells, agitation power consumption, critical stirring velocities for cell suspension, and capital and operating costs. These were investigated with the use of COMSOL, employing different CFD modules. Upon gaining insight into the physical phenomena within the vessel, it was found that both agitators are effective when used within the critical stirring velocity range, however, the Marine propeller was deemed a more suitable choice from a cost optimization perspective.