STIRRED TANK FERMENTER ( BIOREACTOR).

 STIRRED TANK FERMENTER :

1. Stirred tank fermenters, also known as bioreactors, are vessels that are used for large-scale production of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast.
2. These vessels are specifically designed to provide optimal conditions for the growth and proliferation of microorganisms, allowing for the production of various bioproducts, including enzymes, antibiotics, and vaccines.

 

                                         Stirred tank Bioreactor

Components of a Stirred Tank Fermenter:

The basic components of a stirred tank fermenter include:

1. Vessel: The vessel is a cylindrical container that holds the liquid medium and is made of stainless steel or glass. It is designed to withstand high pressures and temperatures and is equipped with ports for sampling, feeding, and adding chemicals.

2. Agitator: The agitator is a mechanical device that provides energy to the liquid medium to promote mixing and maintain uniformity of the culture. It consists of a shaft and impellers that rotate at different speeds to create turbulence in the medium. The impellers can be of various types, such as paddle, turbine, or Rushton.

3. Sparger: The sparger is a device that introduces oxygen into the liquid medium through small bubbles. It is typically made of porous materials such as ceramic or sintered glass and is located at the bottom of the vessel.

4. Temperature Control: Temperature control is an essential aspect of a stirred tank fermenter as microorganisms and cells have specific temperature requirements for growth. The temperature is controlled by a heating or cooling system that maintains the temperature of the medium at the desired level.

5. pH Control: The pH of the medium is also critical for the growth of microorganisms or cells. A pH controller is used to monitor the pH of the medium and add acid or base as required to maintain the desired pH level.

6. Aeration Control: Aeration is the process of adding oxygen to the medium. Aeration is controlled by the sparger and can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the microorganisms or cells being grown.

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How it works :

The working of a stirred tank fermenter is a complex process that requires careful control of various parameters, including temperature, pH, DO, and agitation rate.

The following are the key steps in the operation of a stirred tank fermenter:

1. Inoculation: The fermenter is first inoculated with a culture of microorganisms. The culture can be obtained from a laboratory culture or from a previous batch of fermentation.

2. Batch or fed-batch culture: Depending on the type of fermentation, the culture can be operated in a batch or fed-batch mode. In a batch culture, all the nutrients required for the microorganisms are added to the fermenter at the beginning of the fermentation. In a fed-batch culture, the nutrients are added gradually over time to ensure optimal conditions for the microorganisms.

3. Mixing and aeration: The agitator and sparger are used to provide optimal mixing and aeration of the culture. The agitation rate and aeration rate are controlled to ensure optimal oxygen transfer and mixing.

4. Temperature control: The heating and cooling system is used to maintain the temperature of the culture within the desired range. The temperature is critical for the growth and proliferation of microorganisms, and therefore must be carefully controlled.

5. pH and DO control: The pH and DO levels in the culture are monitored and controlled using sensors and feedback loops. The pH is typically maintained between 6.5 and 7.5, while the DO level is maintained above 20%.

6. Harvesting: Once the fermentation is complete, the microorganisms or the bioproducts are harvested from the fermenter. The harvesting process can vary depending on the type of bioproduct being produced.

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Applications of Stirred Tank Fermenters:

1. They are widely used in the biotechnology industry and offer a controlled environment for the growth of cells and microorganisms.

2. Pharmaceutical Industry: The pharmaceutical industry uses stirred tank fermenters for the production of antibiotics, vaccines, and other medicinal products.

3. Food Industry: The food industry uses stirred tank fermenters for the production of food additives, such as enzymes and flavorings.

4. Biofuel Industry: The biofuel industry uses stirred tank fermenters for the production of biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.

5. Environmental Industry: The environmental industry uses stirred tank fermenters for the production of biodegradable plastics and enzymes for waste treatment.

EXTERIOR VIEW OF BIOREACTOR :

INTERIOR VIEW OF BIOREACTOR

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