INSTITUTE : University Institute of Engineering
DEPARTMENT : Biotechnology Engineering
Subject Name : Bioreactor and Bioprocess Design
Presented by:
Dr. Abhishek Kr. Singh
TOPIC: Impeller DISCOVER . LEARN . EMPOWER
UIBT, CU
www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
Introduction
All bioreactors require mixing to some extent.
The mixing achieved by the impellors will be required to perform a number of
different functions.
These will include maintaining a uniform environment in the vessel in terms of
heat, nutrient, and, if present, solid particle distribution, fluid and gas mixing, and
air/oxygen dispersion.
All these things must be achieved efficiently, but without damage to the cells being
grown.
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www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
The agitator is required to achieve a number of mixing objective.
Bulk fluid and gas-phase mixing,
Air dispersion,
Oxygen transfer,
Heat transfer,
Suspension of solid particles and maintain a uniform environment
throughout the vessel contents.
Enhancement of mass transfer between dispersed phases.
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4
5
Flat blade disk turbine
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Vaned Disc Turbine Impeller
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45° Flat blade disk turbine
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Curved blade disk turbine
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Pitch-blade Open Turbine Impeller
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curved blade turbine
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Marine Propeller Impeller
The impeller used has
dimensions, diameter is 5 cm,
paddle length is 2 cm and
thickness is 2 mm, made from
stainless steel.
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Large pitch blade impeller
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Intermig
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Segment Blade Impeller
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Gate with turbine
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Maxblend
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Helical Ribbon
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To achieve these goals, several different types of impellor may be used.
The choice of impellor is dictated by the physical robustness of the cells
being grown, and the need for oxygen transfer.
A typical mammalian culture will use a marine impellor that will be half the
diameter of the vessel.
This impellor will be either scoping, which means it creates an upward
current in the vessel, or vortexing which means it creates a downward flow in
the vessel.
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Impellers are used specifically due to the low sheer forces created when they
are rotating thus minimising damage to the cells while, at the same time,
maintaining a homogeneous mix with in the vessel.
Rushton impellors are typically used in bacterial and yeast fermentations.
These impellors will be one-third of the diameter of the vessel, although for
viscous cultures (filamentous fungi or Streptomycete cultures) a 0.5 diameter
Rushton turbine might be used.
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Power Number
Power number is a value specific to mixing impellers which describes the
impeller's power consumption. The formula for calculating an impeller's power
number is
Np = P/n3D5a p
where:
NP = power number
P = impeller power in watts
ρ = density of tank liquid in kg/m3
n = shaft speed in revolutions/second
Da = impeller diameter in meters
UIBT, CU
www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
Combinations of impellors may be utilised such that a Scoping marine
impellor may be used to create a downward force.
Rushton is used at the liquid gas interface to reduce foaming but also to create
a larger surface area over which gas can be pulled into the system.
UIBT, CU
www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
Many other impellor types do exist, for example, the Lightnin range.
Regardless of type and design, the requirement for good mixing without
the creation of zones is the key consideration.
The power that turns the impellor must be relayed from the motor to the
impellor via a drive shaft.
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References
Introduction to Biochemical Engineering, D. G. Rao, Tata McGraw-Hill Education, USA.
Fermentation and Biochemical Engineering, Henry C. Vogel, Noyes Publications, NJ, USA.
Bioprocess Engineering : Systems, Equipment and Facilities, Bjorn K. Lydersen, Nancy A. D’Elia
and Kim L. Nelson, Wiley India Pvt. Limited, New Delhi.
Fermentation Microbiology and Biotechnology, E.M.T. El-Mansi, C.F.A. Bryce, A.L. Demain,
A.R. Allman. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, FL, USA.
UIBT, CU
www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
