Hydrodynamic Characterization of Substrate Gradients in a Pilot Scale Fermenter Using CFD and Spatially Distributed Sensors

The prediction and understanding of mixing and oxygen mass transfer in fermenters and bioreactors is useful for bioprocess improvement as these dynamics govern production rates of the biotransformation. In particular heterogeneities occurring under process conditions is of interest as such gradients present challenges for process development and scale up [1]. Heterogeneities in substrate concentration have been identified in large scale fermenters [2] and reliable tools to identify and quantify these phenomena are required. This work utilizes the degradation of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen by catalase to illustrate and validate how substrate is distributed throughout the vessel by combining CFD and experimental data collected with spatially distributed sensors.