LIQUID-PHASE MIXING IN EXTERNAL-LOOP AIRLIFT BIOREACTORS

Mixing time, circulation time and downcomer linear liquid velocity were measured in two sizes of external-loop airlift bioreactors with Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. The mixing time increased as a result of an increase of non-Newtonian characteristics. However, the liquid circulation time was affected only slightly by non-Newtonian flow behavior. A semi-empirical correlation for circulation time in external-loop airlift bioreactors was proposed. The proposed correlation was compared with the present experimental results and those in the literature. Reasonable agreement was obtained between the predicted and experimental values of circulation times. The downcomer liquid velocity was almost independent of the downcomer-to-riser cross-sectional area ratio. The correlation based on the concept of an eddy diffusivity predicted downcomer liquid velocities in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.