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Modelling of batch and fed-batch ethanol fermentation

Two series of batch and fed-batch fermentations were carried out using S.cerevisiae in a semi-defined medium containing 200 gl-1 glucose as limiting substrate. Growth rates were calculated and the data used to test the applicability of eight empirical kinetic models. The form proposed by Levenspiel, combining the concept of a limiting ethanol concentration with a power-law form, gave the best results with these data. Glucose concentration was found to have a far smaller, though not negligible, effect on growth rate under these conditions. It was also observed that in fed-batch fermentations the total substrate uptake rate of the broth became constant soon after commencement of feeding, without cessation of growth. It is suggested that ethanol inhibits the synthesis of a rate-controlling enzyme in the glycolyti·c chain, but no previous work could be found to support or refute this explanation. A quasi-mechanistic model of growth under the condition of constant substrate consumption rate is formulated and discussed.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uct/oai:localhost:11427/21832
Date January 1989
CreatorsGlyn, Julian E H
ContributorsHansford, Geoffrey Spearing
PublisherUniversity of Cape Town, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Department of Chemical Engineering
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeMaster Thesis, Masters, MSc (Eng)
Formatapplication/pdf

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