Optimal Reactor Configuration for Lactic Acid Production Libby Bol

Introduction Commercially produced as a commodity chemical Fermentation limitations Product inhibition Substrate inhibition pH control

Reactor Options Two-Stage cell recycle reactor with membrane separation High cell concentration High productivity Electrokinetic bioreactor Removes product as it is formed Does not rely on chemical pH control

Assumptions Normalized reactor conditions are representative of actual conditions Cell growth approximately follows Monod Kinetics

Calculations Reactor volume required to form 100g/h

Calculations Lactic Acid Balance

Comparison 1.8 0.021 204 24.8 92 18 Two-stage Cell Recycle Electrokinetic Bioreactor Volume 1.8 0.021 Expected Concentration 204 24.8 Actual Concentration 92 18

Complications Electrokinetic reactor Cell Recycle Mixing problems If voltage increase is required for larger reactor, could damage cells Cell Recycle High cell conc. could foul membrane

Conclusions Cell Recycle reactor is safest alternative for industrial use Additional testing on pilot scale equipment of electrokinetic bioreactor should be done

Questions