A novel technique to investigate the suspension of solid particles in rectangular bio-reactor

O. Chaalal, A. Y. Zekri, H. E. Mahadi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

It is well known that when mechanically agitated vessels are used, the forces applied by the agitator moving in the fluid contained in the vessel maintain flow patterns in the fluid. In the tanks under study, the flow patterns are maintained by source-line bubble plumes. The movement produced by this technique interchanges fluid between different part of the vessel, maintains particles in suspension, and promotes gentle mixing that has applications in the field of biotechnology. The experimental work carried out in this paper was mainly focused on the study of mixing and the method adopted was the investigation of the behavior of solid particles using a line-source bubble plumes as an agent of mixing. The research included the fluid motion visualized by white polystyrene beads, video recording and a new method to investigate the suspension of solid particles. The new method introduced an index of deviation from acceptable suspension and was used as a tool to select the best design of tank-aerator combination suitable for suspension. Experimentally, the suspension was found to be a function of air flow rate and the type of aerator used. Two distinct factors were identified, namely, the aerator location and the shape of the aerated tank. It was confirmed that the best location was in the middle of tank and the minimum air flow rate to keep all the particles in suspension was reached when the aerated surface was a rectangular surface in which the length is twice the width. In addition a relationship between fluid velocity, air flow rate, flow patterns and baffles disposition are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGeoengineering in arid lands. Developments in arid regions research 1.
EditorsA.M.O. Mohamed, K.I. Hosani
Pages261-268
Number of pages8
Publication statusPublished - 2000
Event40th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy -
Duration: Sept 17 2000Sept 20 2000

Publication series

NameGeoengineering in arid lands. Developments in arid regions research 1.

Other

Other40th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
Period9/17/009/20/00

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences
  • General Environmental Science

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