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L7 (Individual)
L7 (Individual)
0 ABSTRACT
The aim of this experiment to measure the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) of
a stirred tank reactor with bubble aeration at different temperature, aeration and agitation. This
experiment was conducted by using a bioreactor. The method used to determining the kLa value
is called the unsteady-state method because the absent of cell. Nitrogen gas was purged into
the system until the value of oxygen became 0%. The calibration was done before the reading
of dissolved oxygen (DO %) was taken. The bioreactor’s monitor was made sure that it stopped
blinking to indicate the calibration was done correctly even though the value becomes negative.
When the value became negative, the value was adjusted manually until it became zero. The
bioreactor was aerated with air for 100%. The reading was taken for every 5 seconds until the
increasing DO % reaching three stable values. To investigate the effects of different
temperatures on the kLa value, the bioreactor’s parameter such as aeration and agitation were
set fixed at 2 L/m and 400 rpm respectively. On the other hand, to investigate the effects of
different aeration on the kLa value, the bioreactor’s parameter such as temperature and
agitation were set fixed at 30°C and 400 rpm respectively. Lastly, to investigate the effects of
different agitation on the kLa value, the bioreactor’s parameter such as temperature and
aeration were set fixed at 30°C and 2 L/min respectively. Based on the unsteady state method,
the graph of ln(C*-CL) versus time was plotted to estimate the value of kLa for each
manipulated variables. Next, the kLa values obtained for each temperature, aeration and
agitation were tabulated and compared by plotting graph of kLa against its manipulated
variables. For the temperature at 35°C, 40°C, 45°C and 50°C, the kLa value obtained are 148.68
h-1, 182.52 h-1, 219.24 h-1 and 236.52 h-1. For the aeration rate at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 L/min,
the kLa obtained is 36.72 h-1, 45.36 h-1, 73.44 h-1, 95.76 h-1 and 115.20 h-1 respectively. For the
agitation speed at 200 rpm, 400 rpm, 600 rpm, 800 rpm and 1000 rpm, the k La value obtained
is 51.48 h-1, 99.36 h-1, 154.08 h-1, 185.04 h-1 and 223.2 h-1 respectively. The aims of the
experiment is achieved. Hence, the experiment was conducted successfully.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
Majority of the biochemical processes require oxygen as the source to produce the
product. Fermentation is one of the examples of the processes. The organisms needs oxygen to
initiate the reaction and yield the desired product. Hence, dissolved oxygen concentration
becomes one of the important control variables in any aerobic fermentation.
Three basic reactor types for the aerobic cultivation of suspended cells are systems with
internal mechanical agitation, bubble columns, and loop reactors (Shuler & Kargi, 2002). The
traditional fermenter is the stirred-tank reactor (Figure 2.1), the prime example of a reactor with
internal mechanical agitation (Shuler & Kargi, 2002). The main virtues of such systems are
that they are highly flexible and can provide high kLa (volumetric mass-transfer coefficient)
values for gas transfer (Shuler & Kargi, 2002). Mass transfer coefficient, kLa is a function of
the mechanics of a particular reactor namely its constant dimension and its operating
parameters. Figure 2.1 below shows the design of a stirred-tank reactor.
1. To measure the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) of a stirred tank reactor with
bubble aeration.
2. To study the relationship between temperature, aeration and agitation between the
volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa).
4.0 THEORY
For industrial-scale fermenters, oxygen supply and heat removal are the key design
limitations (Shuler & Kargi, 2002). Although kLa is difficult to predict, it is a measurable
parameter (Shuler & Kargi, 2002). Four approaches are commonly used: unsteady state, steady
state, dynamic, and sulphide test (Shuler & Kargi, 2002). The way in which these methods are
applied depends on whether the test is being made on the system in the presence or absence of
cells (Shuler & Kargi, 2002).
In this experiment, the unsteady-state method, which is also called the static gassing
out method is used to determine the mass transfer coefficient (kLa). By using this method, the
oxygen transfer rate, OTR, is involved but the oxygen uptake rate, OUR, is not included due
to the absence of cells. A new reactor prior to operation can be filled with pure water or a
medium in which C* can be accurately measured. Oxygen is removed from the system by
sparging with N2 (Shuler & Kargi, 2002). With the unsteady-state method, air is then introduced
and the change in dissolved oxygen (DO) is monitored until the solution is nearly saturated.
When oxygen uptake rate, OUR = 0, the oxygen mass balance in the liquid phase can be
simplified to equation below (Moutafchieva, Popova, Dimitrova, & Tchaoushev, 2013, 48(4)).
𝑑𝐶𝐿
= 𝑘𝐿 𝑎(𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 ) = 𝑂𝑇𝑅
𝑑𝑡
−𝑑(𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 )
= 𝑘𝐿 𝑎
𝑑𝑡/(𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 )
ln(𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 ) = − 𝑘𝐿 𝑎𝑡
Where,
Hence, a plot of ln (C*˗ CL) versus time, t, should result in a straight line of slope –kLa
(Moutafchieva, Popova, Dimitrova, & Tchaoushev, 2013, 48(4)). As shown in Figure 4.2, a
plot of log (C* - CL) versus time will give an estimate of kLa (Shuler & Kargi, 2002).
Figure 4.2: Plot of log (C*˗ CL) versus time (Shuler & Kargi, 2002)
5.0 APPARATUS
1. Bioreactor
2. Distilled water
3. Stopwatch
4. Oxygen
5. Nitrogen gas
6. HI-BLOW (HP 80) linear air pump aerator
Pump
Reactor
Bioreactor
monitor
1. PO2 probe was polarized for two hours before the main experiment was started.
2. The bioreactor’s parameter such as aeration and agitation were fixed which were at 2
L/min and 400 rpm respectively.
3. The pump was switched off.
4. Temperature was first set at 30°C and prepared for two point calibration. The setting
was done before purging the nitrogen.
5. Nitrogen gas was purged into the system until the value of oxygen became 0%.
6. The bioreactor’s monitor was made sure to stop blinking to indicate the calibration
was done correctly even though the value became negative.
7. When the value was negative, the value was adjusted manually until the value was 0.
8. The nitrogen valve was closed after the value was 0 and the nitrogen wire was
disconnected from the bioreactor.
9. Pump was switched on.
10. The bioreactor was aerated with air for 100%.
11. Timer was set and reading was taken for every 5 seconds until the increasing of DO%
achieved three stable values.
12. The results were recorded and a graph of DO% versus time was plotted.
13. Step 5-12 were repeated using different temperature, which is 35°C, 40°C, 45°C and
50°C.
1. PO2 probe was polarized for two hours before the main experiment was started.
2. The bioreactor’s parameter such as temperature and agitation were fixed which were
at 30°C and 400 rpm respectively.
3. The pump was switched off.
4. Aeration was first set at 0.5 L/min and prepared for two point calibration. The setting
was done before purging the nitrogen.
5. Nitrogen gas was purged into the system until the value of oxygen became 0%.
6. The bioreactor’s monitor was made sure to stop blinking to indicate the calibration
was done correctly even though the value became negative.
7. When the value was negative, the value was adjusted manually until the value was 0.
8. The nitrogen valve was closed after the value was 0 and the nitrogen wire was
disconnected from the bioreactor.
9. Pump was switched on.
10. The bioreactor was aerated with air for 100%.
11. Timer was set and reading was taken for every 5 seconds until the increasing of DO%
achieved three stable values.
12. The results were recorded and a graph of DO% versus time was plotted.
13. Step 5-12 were repeated using different aeration, which is 1 L/min, 1.5 L/min, 2.0
L/min and 2.5 L/min.
1. PO2 probe was polarized for two hours before the main experiment was started.
2. The bioreactor’s parameter such as aeration and temperature were fixed which were
at 2 L/min and 30°C respectively.
3. The pump was switched off.
4. Agitation was first set at 200 rpm and prepared for two point calibration. The setting
was done before purging the nitrogen.
5. Nitrogen gas was purged into the system until the value of oxygen became 0%.
6. The bioreactor’s monitor was made sure to stop blinking to indicate the calibration
was done correctly even though the value became negative.
7. When the value was negative, the value was adjusted manually until the value was 0.
8. The nitrogen valve was closed after the value was 0 and the nitrogen wire was
disconnected from the bioreactor.
9. Pump was switched on.
10. The bioreactor was aerated with air for 100%.
11. Timer was set and reading was taken for every 5 seconds until the increasing of DO%
achieved three stable values.
12. The results were recorded and a graph of DO% versus time was plotted.
13. Step 5-12 were repeated using different agitation, which is 400 rpm, 600 rpm, 800
rpm, and 1000 rpm.
7.0 RESULTS
Constant variables:
Aeration = 2 L/min
Agitation = 400 rpm
Table 7.1.5: Table of kLa value for temperature at 35, 40, 45 and 50 °C
Graph 7.1.5: Graph of kLa versus temperature
Graph 7.2.2: Graph of ln (C*-CL) versus time for aeration 1.0 L/min
Graph 7.2.4: Graph of ln (C*-CL) versus time for aeration 2.0 L/min
Graph 7.2.5: Graph of ln (C*-CL) versus time for aeration 2.5 L/min
Aeration (L/min) kLa (h-1)
0.5 36.72
1.0 45.36
1.5 73.44
2.0 95.76
2.5 115.20
Table 7.2.6: Table of kLa value for aeration at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 L/min
Graph 7.3.1: Graph of ln (C*-CL) versus time for agitation 200 rpm
Time (s) Agitation = 400 rpm
PO2% CL C*˗ CL ln (C*˗ CL)
5 2.59 0.1968 7.4032 2.0019
10 6.69 0.5084 7.0916 1.9589
15 12.6 0.9576 6.6424 1.8935
20 19.0 1.4440 6.1560 1.8174
25 25.5 1.9380 5.6620 1.7338
30 32.3 2.4548 5.1452 1.6381
35 39.9 3.0324 4.5676 1.5190
40 45.1 3.4276 4.1724 1.4285
45 50.7 3.8532 3.7468 1.3209
50 57.4 4.3624 3.2376 1.1748
55 61.0 4.6360 2.9640 1.0865
60 65.3 4.9628 2.6372 0.9697
65 69.0 5.2440 2.3560 0.8570
70 73.0 5.5480 2.0520 0.7188
75 76.1 5.7836 1.8164 0.5969
80 78.0 5.9280 1.6720 0.5140
85 81.6 6.2016 1.3984 0.3353
90 83.6 6.3536 1.2464 0.2203
95 85.4 6.4904 1.1096 0.1040
100 87.1 6.6196 0.9804 -0.0198
105 88.8 6.7488 0.8512 -0.1611
110 90.1 6.8476 0.7524 -0.2845
115 91.5 6.9540 0.6460 -0.4370
120 92.6 7.0376 0.5624 -0.5755
125 93.4 7.0984 0.5016 -0.6900
130 94.3 7.1668 0.4332 -0.8366
135 95.0 7.2200 0.3800 -0.9676
140 95.6 7.2656 0.3344 -1.0954
145 96.2 7.3112 0.2888 -1.2420
150 96.6 7.3416 0.2584 -1.3532
155 97.4 7.4024 0.1976 -1.6215
160 97.8 7.4328 0.1672 -1.7886
165 98.0 7.4480 0.1520 -1.8839
170 98.2 7.4632 0.1368 -1.9892
175 98.3 7.4708 0.1292 -2.0464
180 98.5 7.4860 0.1140 -2.1716
185 98.7 7.5012 0.0988 -2.3147
190 99.0 7.5240 0.0760 -2.5770
195 99.1 7.5316 0.0684 -2.6824
200 99.2 7.5392 0.0608 -2.8002
205 99.3 7.5468 0.0532 -2.9337
210 99.4 7.5544 0.0456 -3.0878
215 99.5 7.5620 0.0380 -3.2702
220 99.6 7.5696 0.0304 -3.4933
225 99.7 7.5772 0.0228 -3.7810
230 99.8 7.5848 0.0152 -4.1865
235 99.9 7.5924 0.0076 -4.8796
240 99.9 7.5924 0.0076 -4.8796
245 100 7.6000 0.0000 -
Graph 7.3.2: Graph of ln (C*-CL) versus time for agitation 400 rpm
Time (s) Agitation = 600 rpm
PO2% CL C*˗ CL ln (C*˗ CL)
5 4.8 0.3648 7.2352 1.9790
10 15.6 1.1856 6.4144 1.8585
15 45.0 3.4200 4.1800 1.4303
20 50.5 3.8380 3.7620 1.3250
25 58.1 4.4156 3.1844 1.1583
30 65.1 4.9476 2.6524 0.9755
35 70.3 5.3428 2.2572 0.8141
40 76.1 5.7836 1.8164 0.5969
45 80.3 6.1028 1.4972 0.4036
50 83.9 6.3764 1.2236 0.2018
55 86.5 6.5740 1.0260 0.0257
60 88.9 6.7564 0.8436 -0.1701
65 91.2 6.9312 0.6688 -0.4023
70 92.9 7.0604 0.5396 -0.6169
75 93.9 7.1364 0.4636 -0.7687
80 95.1 7.2276 0.3724 -0.9878
85 96.0 7.2960 0.3040 -1.1907
90 96.7 7.3492 0.2508 -1.3831
95 97.3 7.3948 0.2052 -1.5838
100 97.8 7.4328 0.1672 -1.7886
105 98.2 7.4632 0.1368 -1.9892
110 98.5 7.4860 0.1140 -2.1716
115 98.9 7.5164 0.0836 -2.4817
120 99.1 7.5316 0.0684 -2.6824
125 99.3 7.5468 0.0532 -2.9337
130 99.4 7.5544 0.0456 -3.0878
135 99.6 7.5696 0.0304 -3.4933
140 99.7 7.5772 0.0228 -3.7810
145 99.8 7.5848 0.0152 -4.1865
150 99.9 7.5924 0.0076 -4.8796
155 100 7.6000 0.0000 -
Graph 7.3.3: Graph of ln (C*-CL) versus time for agitation 600 rpm
Graph 7.3.4: Graph of ln (C*-CL) versus time for agitation 800 rpm
Agitation = 1000 rpm
Time (s) PO2% CL C*˗ CL ln (C*˗ CL)
5 9.1 0.6916 6.9084 1.9327
10 25.0 1.9000 5.7000 1.7405
15 45.8 3.4808 4.1192 1.4157
20 57.2 4.3472 3.2528 1.1795
25 67.8 5.1528 2.4472 0.8949
30 76.7 5.8292 1.7708 0.5714
35 82.7 6.2852 1.3148 0.2737
40 87.5 6.6500 0.9500 -0.0513
45 90.5 6.8780 0.7220 -0.3257
50 93.2 7.0832 0.5168 -0.6601
55 94.8 7.2048 0.3952 -0.9284
60 95.2 7.2352 0.3648 -1.0084
65 97.0 7.3720 0.2280 -1.4784
70 97.8 7.4328 0.1672 -1.7886
75 98.2 7.4632 0.1368 -1.9892
80 98.7 7.5012 0.0988 -2.3147
85 99.1 7.5316 0.0684 -2.6824
90 99.3 7.5468 0.0532 -2.9337
95 99.6 7.5696 0.0304 -3.4933
100 99.7 7.5772 0.0228 -3.7810
105 99.9 7.5924 0.0076 -4.8796
110 100 7.6000 0.0000 -
Table 7.3.6: Table of kLa value for agitation at 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 rpm
A plot of ln (C*˗ CL) versus time, t should result in a straight line of slope –kLa (Moutafchieva,
Popova, Dimitrova, & Tchaoushev, 2013, 48(4)).
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝐶 (Equation 8.2)
Sample of calculations:
At t = 5 s,
PO2% = 0.20%
𝐷𝑂 𝑚𝑔
𝐶𝐿 = ×7
100 𝐿
0.20 𝑚𝑔
𝐶𝐿 = ×7
100 𝐿
𝑚𝑔
𝐶𝐿 (𝐷𝑂) = 0.0140
𝐿
𝑚𝑔 𝑚𝑔
𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 = 7 − 0.014 = 6.9860 𝑚𝑔/𝐿
𝐿 𝐿
ln(𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 ) = ln(6.9860)
ln(𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 ) = 1.9439
For temperature at 35°C:
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0413 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0413 𝑠 −1
0.0413 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟏𝟒𝟖. 𝟔𝟖 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0507 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0507 𝑠 −1
0.0507 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟏𝟖𝟐. 𝟓𝟐 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0609 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0609 𝑠 −1
0.0609 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟐𝟏𝟗. 𝟐𝟒 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0657 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0657 𝑠 −1
0.0657 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟐𝟑𝟔. 𝟓𝟐 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0102 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0102 𝑠 −1
0.0102 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟑𝟔. 𝟕𝟐 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0126 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0126 𝑠 −1
0.0126 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟒𝟓. 𝟑𝟔 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0204 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0204 𝑠 −1
0.0204 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟕𝟑. 𝟒𝟒 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0266 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0266 𝑠 −1
0.0266 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟗𝟓. 𝟕𝟔 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0320 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0320 𝑠 −1
0.0320 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟏𝟏𝟓. 𝟐𝟎 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0143 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0143 𝑠 −1
0.0143 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟓𝟏. 𝟒𝟖 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0276 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0276 𝑠 −1
0.0276 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟗𝟗. 𝟑𝟔 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0428 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0428 𝑠 −1
0.0428 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟏𝟓𝟒. 𝟎𝟖 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0514 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0514 𝑠 −1
0.0514 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟏𝟖𝟓. 𝟎𝟒 𝒉−𝟏
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = −0.0620 𝑠 −1
−𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = −0.0620 𝑠 −1
0.0620 60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 60 𝑠
𝑘𝐿 𝑎 = × ×
1𝑠 1ℎ 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝒌𝑳 𝒂 = 𝟐𝟐𝟑. 𝟐𝟎 𝒉−𝟏
9.0 DISCUSSION
The aims of this experiment are to measure the volumetric mass transfer coefficient,
kLa of stirred tank reactor with bubble aeration and to study the relationship between
temperature, aeration and agitation between the kLa values in bioreactor. Due to the absence of
cells, for this experiment, the method used to measure the kLa value is by using the unsteady-
state method, which is shown in equations below.
𝑑𝐶𝐿
= 𝑂𝑇𝑅 − 𝑂𝑈𝑅
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝐶𝐿
= 𝑂𝑇𝑅 = 𝑘𝐿 𝑎(𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 )
𝑑𝑡
−𝑑(𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 )
= 𝑘𝐿 𝑎
𝑑𝑡/(𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 )
ln(𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 ) = − 𝑘𝐿 𝑎𝑡
The equation obtained is similar with the linear equation y = mx + C. Hence, the graph of ln
(C*-CL) versus time, t will obtain a straight line with a slope of –kLa. Before the experiment
was conducted, the bioreactor’s probe was done with 2 points calibration to prevent errors that
can affect the results.
To study the effect of temperature towards the k La value, different temperatures were
used to conduct this experiment, which are 35°C, 40°C, 45°C and 50°C. On the other hand, the
bioreactor’s parameter such as aeration and agitation were set fixed which were at 2 L/min and
400 rpm respectively for each reading. The concentration of dissolved oxygen was recorded
for each 5 seconds until the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the bioreactor is saturated.
The graph of ln (C*-CL) versus time, was plotted to determine the kLa value. For the
temperature at 35°C, 40°C, 45°C and 50°C, the kLa value obtained are 148.68 h-1, 182.52 h-1,
219.24 h-1 and 236.52 h-1. From the graph 7.1.5, it shows that the higher temperature, the higher
the mass transfer coefficient. Besides, the time taken for the concentration of dissolve oxygen
to become saturated is shorter when high temperature is used. The concentration of the
undissolved oxygen for each temperature decreases as the time goes. However, the
concentration of the dissolve oxygen obtained was over 100%, this is due to several errors done
during the calibration.
To study the effect of aeration rate towards the kLa value, different values of aeration
were used to conduct this experiment. The aeration rate used was started with 0.5 L/min and
continued with 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 L/min. The bioreactor’s parameter such as temperature and
agitation are set fixed at 30°C and 400 rpm respectively for each reading. The value of dissolve
oxygen was recorded for every 5 seconds. To determine the kLa value, the graph of ln (C*-CL)
versus time was plotted. For the aeration rate at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 L/min, the kLa obtained
is 36.72 h-1, 45.36 h-1, 73.44 h-1, 95.76 h-1 and 115.20 h-1 respectively. From the graph 7.2.6
plotted, it shows that the higher the aeration rate, the higher the k La value. The time taken for
the concentration of dissolve oxygen to become saturated is also shorter as the rate of aeration
increases. This is because when the oxygen transfer rate is high, the movement of particles will
be faster and more efficient, so the faster the oxygen dissolve and become saturated. The mass
transfer coefficient is higher when higher aeration rate is used.
To study the effect of agitation speed towards the kLa value, five different values of
agitation rate were used, which are 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 rpm. The graph of ln (C*-CL)
versus time, was plotted to determine the kLa value. For the agitation speed at 200 rpm, 400
rpm, 600 rpm, 800 rpm and 1000 rpm, the kLa value obtained is 51.48 h-1, 99.36 h-1, 154.08 h-
1
, 185.04 h-1 and 223.2 h-1 respectively. From the graph 7.3.6 plotted, it shows that the higher
the agitation speed, the higher the mass transfer coefficient. For low agitation rates, which is
200 rpm, the turbulence is not enough to trap and hold up the air bubbles and consequently the
performance by the volumetric mass transfer rate may not increase noticeably. Therefore,
agitation rate of 400 rpm and above is suitable for the future bioprocess operations.
The manipulated variable that affects the mass transfer coefficient the most is the
temperature. However, low aeration rate and low agitation speed are not favoured in bioprocess
operations. For every manipulated variable, as the value gets higher, the time taken for the
concentration of dissolve oxygen to become saturated is shorter.
There are several errors that had been made during the experiment. Firstly, it might
cause by the conditions of the bioreactor. Although the value of 100 was set during the
calibration, the reading of the dissolve oxygen still exceeded the set point of calibration.
Therefore, this will affect the value of C* at the specific temperature and caused the result to
be less accurate. Next, there might be some impurities in the bioreactor that can affect the
results. Moreover, the transfer of oxygen from gas phase to liquid phase is complicated by
presence of cells, product formation, ionic species and anti-foaming agents. Furthermore, the
ambient temperature and the disturbances from the surrounding could be effect of the errors.
The amount of oxygen might not fully dissolved in the reaction.
There are a few ways to overcome the errors. Firstly, the bioreactor should be made
sure that it is in well condition before the experiment. Besides, the bioreactor should be cleaned
properly before it is used for the experiment because the impurities may affect the readings.
Next, the experiment should be done in a surrounding with less disturbances. Furthermore, the
calibration should be done correctly to avoid errors from happening.
There are a few precautions that should be alert in this experiment. Firstly, safety
goggles should be worn throughout the experiment to avoid any gas or explosion to get contact
with the eyes. Next, avoid pointing the nitrogen gas pipe towards the eyes because high
pressure of purging nitrogen gas into the reactor can result the nitrogen gas to burst from the
pipe. The nitrogen gas tank valve should be adjusted carefully to avoid the nitrogen gas bursting
out from the pipe to the surrounding.
10.0 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the unsteady-state method was used to measure the value of volumetric
mass transfer coefficient, kLa of a stirred tank reactor with bubble aeration. The value of kLa
are dependent with temperature, aeration and agitation. 2 points calibration was done before
purging the nitrogen gas into the system. The reading of dissolve oxygen was taken in every 5
seconds until it becomes saturated. The graph of ln (C*-CL) versus time, was plotted to
determine the kLa value and the graph of temperature, aeration and agitation versus kLa were
also plotted to observe their relationship. To study the effect of temperature towards the k La
value, different temperatures were used to conduct the experiment. For the temperature at 35°C,
40°C, 45°C and 50°C, the kLa value obtained are 148.68 h-1, 182.52 h-1, 219.24 h-1 and 236.52
h-1. From the graph 7.1.5, it shows that the higher temperature, the higher the mass transfer
coefficient. To study the effect of aeration rate towards the k La value, different values of
aeration were used to conduct this experiment. For the aeration rate at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5
L/min, the kLa obtained is 36.72 h-1, 45.36 h-1, 73.44 h-1, 95.76 h-1 and 115.20 h-1 respectively.
From the graph 7.2.6 plotted, it shows that the higher the aeration rate, the higher the kLa value.
To study the effect of agitation speed towards the kLa value, five different values of agitation
rate were used, which are 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 rpm. For the agitation speed at 200 rpm,
400 rpm, 600 rpm, 800 rpm and 1000 rpm, the kLa value obtained is 51.48 h-1, 99.36 h-1, 154.08
h-1, 185.04 h-1 and 223.2 h-1 respectively. From the graph 7.3.6 plotted, it shows that the higher
the agitation speed, the higher the mass transfer coefficient. Besides, it was observed that the
increase in temperature, aeration rate and agitation speed resulted with shorter time for the
dissolve oxygen to reach the saturated level. Hence, the aims are successfully achieved and the
experiment was conducted successfully.
11.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
There are a few of recommendations that could improve the result of this experiment.
Firstly, the experiment should be repeated for at least 3 times to obtain more accurate value of
the mass transfer coefficient. Besides, before conducting the experiment, the bioreactor’s probe
must be made sure that it has been calibrated to prevent errors that could affect the results of
the experiment. Next, the data collected has to be made sure that it is collected at every 5
seconds to ensure the correct data is taken as the value of dissolve oxygen changes. To achieve
a more accurate result, the readings should be taken until five stable values of dissolve oxygen
is achieved.
12.0 REFERENCE
Moutafchieva, D., Popova, D., Dimitrova, M., & Tchaoushev, S. (2013, 48(4)). Experimental
Determination of the Volumetric Mass Transfer Coefficient. Journal of Chemical
Technology and Metallurgy, 351-356.
Pinelli, D., Liu, Z., & Magelli, F. (2010, 8). Analysis of KLa Measurement Methods in Stirred
Vessels: The Role of Experimental Techniques and Fluid Dynamic Models.
International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering, 1-38.
Shuler, M. L., & Kargi, F. (2002). Bioprocess Engineering Basic Concepts (Second Edition).
New Jersey: Prentice Hall PTR.
Zedníková, M., Orvalho, S., Fialová, M., & Ruzicka, M. C. (2018, 2(19)). Measurement of
Volumetric Mass Transfer Coefficient in Bubble Columns. ChemEngineering, 1-14.
13.0 APPENDIX