Modelling and design of a high productivity ethanol process using Zymomonas mobilis — I

Abstract

Growth kinetics and ethanol production of Zymomonas mobilis in a bioreactor with cell recycle were modelled. High specific growth rates can be used to control excessive biomass accumulation in the system. Predicted peak productivity with a cell concentration of 80 g l −1, a dilution rate of 6.5 h −1, and a feed glucose concentration of 120 g l −1 is 350 g l −1 h −1. The design of a special recycle reactor using a filter which should permit the operating conditions required for the validation of the model is proposed.