12/16/2015

Rates & Kinetics of Biological

Processes

Biological reactor

Modeled as batch or flow similar with nonbiological reactors, but

more complicated.

Most of the reactor is semibatch nutrients are fed continuously.

Batch system:

Small amounts of material

Time variant reaction conditions (Slow reaction, longer residence time.)
Discontinuous production high cost of product, thus equipment cost
do not dominate process economics.
Easy to analyze (Product testing is easier)
Downtime (less time) for cleaning and filling

Rates & Kinetics of Biological

Processes

Biological Reactor

The operating characteristic of various reactor modes
Mode of
operation

Advantages
for

Disadvantages

Batch

Simple. Suitable
production

small Downtime for loading and

cleaning. Reaction conditions
change with time.

Continuous

High production. Better product Requires flow control. Culture

quality
due
to
constant maybe unstable over long
conditions. Good for kinetic periods.
studies.

Fed Batch

Control environment conditions Requires feeding strategy to

e.g. substrate concentration
obtain desired concentration.

12/16/2015

Rates & Kinetics of Biological

Processes

Biological Reactor

Kinetic considerations for reactor choice

Reaction kinetics

Batch

Continuous
Tank

Fed Batch

Zero order

OK

OK

Low conversion

First order

Best

Low conversion
only

OK

Substrate
inhibition

Low initial
concentration

Best

Best

Product inhibition

Best

Low conversion
only

Low conversion
only

Production
OK for
Not suitable
triggered by shift in temperature shift
environment

Best for
concentration
shift