OXYGEN-TRANSFER KINETICS OF RIBOFLAVIN FERMENTATION BY ASHBYA-GOSSYPII IN AGITATED FERMENTERS

Effects of agitation and aeration rates on volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient and oxygen uptake rate of a riboflavin broth containing Ashbya gossypii were investigated in three batch, sparged, and agitated fermentors having the working volumes of 0.42, 0.85, and 2.5 l. The change of oxygen uptake rate with time at 250 rev min-1 stirring and 1/4 vvm aeration rates was shown. The volumetric oxygen transfer coefficients and maximum oxygen uptake rates obtained have been correlated to mechanical power inputs per unit volume of the fermentation broth and the superficial air velocities.