Influence of orifice type and wetting properties on bubble formation at bubble column reactors

A Simple and Efficient Device and Method for Measuring the Kinetics of Gas-Producing Reactions

We present a new device for quantifying gases or gas mixtures based on the simple principle of bubble counting. With this device, we can follow reaction kinetics down to volume step sizes of 8–12 μL. This enables the accurate determination of both time and size of these gas quanta, giving a very detailed kinetic analysis. We demonstrate this method and device using ammonia borane hydrolysis as a model reaction, obtaining Arrhenius plots with over 300 data points from a single experiment. Our device not only saves time and avoids frustration, but also offers more insight into reaction kinetics and mechanistic studies. Moreover, its simplicity and low cost open opportunities for many lab applications.

Repeated biotransformation of glycerol to 1,3-dihydroxyacetone by immobilized cells of Gluconobacter oxydans with glycerol- and urea-feeding strategy in a bubble column bioreactor

Some inorganic nitrogen sources and amino acids instead of yeast extract, which resulted in trouble of product purification, were introduced for 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA) production by biotransformation with Gluconobacter oxydans. The results showed that urea is an optimal nitrogen source. Furthermore, the effects of glycerol- and urea-feeding strategies for DHA production by immobilized cells in a home-made bubble column bioreactor were optimized. Cells immobilization was prepared by cultivation in the bioreactor packed with porous ceramics, and then the broth was removed. Then, repeated biotransformation by continuous-feeding of glycerol and urea was developed. Up to 96.4±4.1g/L of average DHA concentration with 94.8±2.2% of average conversion rate of glycerol to DHA was achieved after 12 cycles of run. Near colorless DHA solution with few impurities was obtained and the production cost could be decreased.