Guo X, Yao L, Huang Q. Aeration and mass transfer optimization in a rectangular airlift loop photobioreactor for the production of microalgae.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2015;
190:189-195. [PMID:
25958141 DOI:
10.1016/j.biortech.2015.04.077]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Effects of superficial gas velocity and top clearance on gas holdup, liquid circulation velocity, mixing time, and mass transfer coefficient are investigated in a new airlift loop photobioreactor (PBR), and empirical models for its rational control and scale-up are proposed. In addition, the impact of top clearance on hydrodynamics, especially on the gas holdup in the internal airlift loop reactor, is clarified; a novel volume expansion technique is developed to determine the low gas holdup in the PBR. Moreover, a model strain of Chlorella vulgaris is cultivated in the PBR and the volumetric power is analyzed with a classic model, and then the aeration is optimized. It shows that the designed PBR, a cost-effective reactor, is promising for the mass cultivation of microalgae.
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