Computational Fluid Dynamics for Predicting Mixing Behavior in Bakers’ Yeast Fermenter

Abstract

The Computational Fluid Dynamics software (CFD) is used to address the understanding of mixing phenomena of Bakers’ Yeast Fermenter. This 1500 liter fermenter performed the fed-batch culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with molasses and ammonia with low yield and yeast concentration. The mixing behaviour is considered as the major defection of the amount of yield. An analysis of mixing phenomena using CFD shows the profile of liquid comparing between the current plant and the suggested configurations. The alternative configurations are reported in terms of sensitivity analysis. These parameters are: increase off bottom clearance to 0.48 meter, increase turbine diameter to 0.48 meter, lower operating liquid height to 1.38 meter and higher rotational speed to 400 rpm.