Airlift Reactor Research Articles

Carbon dioxide fixation and lipid storage of Scenedesmus sp. ASK22: A sustainable approach for biofuel production and waste remediation

In this study, an airlift reactor (ALR) has been employed to evaluate the carbon dioxide fixation rate (Rc) and lipid yield (LY) of unicellular green microalgae Scenedesmus sp. ASK22, using dairy effluent as a biofuel feedstock. Independent process parameters (PPs) such as light intensity, CO2 concentration, and aeration rate and their effect on Rc and LY were revealed. The central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize the PPs. The best-operating conditions were measured as light intensity −6.24 Klux, CO2 concentration −14.03% (v v−1), and aeration rate −1.02 liter per minute (LPM). Under these conditions, LY and Rc were found to be 4.22 gL-1 and 1.27 gL−1d−1 which were 2.24- and 1.94-fold higher than the value obtained in the control experiment (1.88 gL-1 and 0.656 gL−1d-1) at the end of 12th day. The corresponding values for bioremediation of nitrate, phosphate, as well as chemical oxygen demand (COD), remained within 98–100%. The biochemical, CHN, thermogravimetric, and fatty acid analysis of Scenedesmus sp. ASK22 biomass and lipid confirmed their potential as a clean biofuel feedstock. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of lipid-extracted microalgae biomass (LEMB) was carried out suggesting that LEMB could be used as a high-quality cattle and fish feed, fertilizers, and a sustainable source for biogas, bioethanol, and bio-oils. In addition to improving the developed system's efficiency, a semi-continuous regime was implemented which resulted in biomass productivity of 1.89 gL−1d−1 which was 2.6-fold higher than the batch cultivation without hampering lipid productivity (0.377 gL−1d−1). The present results suggest that Scenedesmus sp. ASK22 is a potential candidate for CO2 sequestration from atmosphere/flue gas, biofuel production (biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, biobutanol, etc.), and waste remediation.

Techno-economic modeling and assessment of cultivated meat: Impact of production bioreactor scale.

Increases in global meat demands cannot be sustainably met with current methods of livestock farming, which has a substantial impact on greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water consumption, and farm animal welfare. Cultivated meat is a rapidly advancing technology that produces meat products by proliferating and differentiating animal stem cells in large bioreactors, avoiding conventional live-animal farming. While many companies are working in this area, there is a lack of existing infrastructure and experience at commercial scale, resulting in many technical bottlenecks such as scale-up of cell culture and media availability and costs. In this study, we evaluate theoretical cultivated beef production facilities with the goal of envisioning an industry with multiple facilities to produce in total 100,000,000 kg of cultured beef per year or ~0.14% of the annual global beef production. Using the computer-aided process design software, SuperPro Designer®, facilities are modeled to create a comprehensiveanalysis to highlight improvements that can lower the cost of such a production system and allow cultivated meat products to be competitive. Three facility scenarios are presented with different sized production reactors; ~42,000 L stirred tank bioreactor (STR) with a base case cost of goods sold (COGS) of $35/kg, ~211,000 L STR with a COGS of $25/kg, and ~262,000 L airlift reactor (ALR) with a COGS of $17/kg. This study outlines how advances in scaled up bioreactors, alternative bioreactor designs, and decreased media costs are necessary for commercialization of cultured meat products.

Novel multiphase loop reactor with improved aeration prevents excessive foaming in Rhamnolipid production by Pseudomonas putida

Rhamnolipids are biosurfactants that tend to cause strong foaming, making microbial production in an aerated stirred tank fermenter challenging. The continuous removal of rhamnolipids from the cultivation broth via in situ liquid-liquid extraction can remedy this foam challenge, and thereby supports long-term cultivation and production. However, for efficient processing and stable phase separation, a specialized apparatus is required. In this study, the novel multiphase loop reactor, which is a modified airlift reactor with an internal loop enabling continuous in situ liquid-liquid extraction, was designed and adapted to produce rhamnolipids with a recombinant bacterium, Pseudomonas putida KT2440. The initially designed multiphase loop reactor showed a low oxygen transfer rate, unable to meet the oxygen demand of the whole-cell biocatalyst, resulting in inefficient growth and production. A re-design of the sparger via 3D printing enabled a high oxygen supply allowing rhamnolipid production at key performance indicators that matched stirred-tank reactor cultivations. Advantageously, the multiphase loop reactor allowed stable and constant phase separation and solvent removal enabling continuous cultivation in the future. Concluding, the successful use of the multiphase loop reactor for rhamnolipid synthesis is presented, highlighting its potential to become a new platform technology for intensified bioprocessing.

Study of sparger design effects on the hydrodynamic and mass transfer characteristics of a D-shape hybrid airlift reactor

This study investigated the effect of sparger designs on a D-shape hybrid airlift reactor (DHALR) performances. The designs of airlift and torus reactors were combined to get the hybrid configuration. Experiments were carried out over a range of superficial gas velocities from 0.86 to 5.10 × 10−2 m/s, using three different spargers: single orifice (S-SO), multiple orifices (S-MO) and flexible membrane (S-FM). The findings highlighted that the S-FM sparger performed much better than the other spargers. An improvement in the gas holdup, εG, volumetric mass transfer coefficient, kLa, liquid circulation velocity, UL, and mixing time, tm, was observed and was attributed to the bubble size distribution enhancement. The S-FM sparger generates smaller and evenly distributed bubbles. However, it increases the axial dispersion coefficient and therefore the backmixing extent. It was demonstrated that even if S-FM leads to more pressure drop at the sparger level, it remains the most efficient in terms of power saving for a given mass transfer rate. The results demonstrated that the sparger has less effect at high superficial gas velocities in the DHALR. The flow inside the DHALR was modelled by the Axial Dispersion and the Tank in Series Models. The results show that the DHALR has a plug-flow-like behaviour.

Recent Developments on the Performance of Algal Bioreactors for CO2 Removal: Focusing on the Light Intensity and Photoperiods

This work presents recent developments of algal bioreactors used for CO2 removal and the factors affecting the reactor performance. The main focus of the study is on light intensity and photoperiods. The role of algae in CO2 removal, types of algal species used in bioreactors and conventional types of bioreactors including tubular bioreactor, vertical airlift reactor, bubble column reactor, flat panel or plate reactor, stirred tank reactor and specific type bioreactors such as hollow fibre membrane and disk photobioreactors etc. are discussed in details with respect to utilization of light. The effects of light intensity, light incident, photoinhibition, light provision arrangements and photoperiod on the performance of algal bioreactors for CO2 removal are also discussed. Efficient operation of algal photobioreactors cannot be achieved without the improvement in the utilization of incident light intensity and photoperiods. The readers may find this article has a much broader significance as algae is not only limited to removal or sequestration of CO2 but also it is used in a number of commercial applications including in energy (biofuel), nutritional and food sectors.

Process engineering strategy for improved methanol production in Methylosinus trichosporium through enhanced mass transfer and solubility of methane and carbon dioxide

Methanol was produced in a two-stage integrated process using Methylosinus trichosporium NCIMB 11131. The first stage involved sequestration of methane to produce methanotrophic biomass, which was utilized as biocatalyst in the second stage to convert CO2 into methanol. A combinatorial process engineering approach of design of micro-sparger, engagement of draft tube, addition of mass transfer vector and elevation of reactor operating pressure was employed to enhance production of biomass and methanol. Maximum biomass titer of 7.68 g/L and productivity of 1.46 g/L d-1 were achieved in an airlift reactor equipped with a micro-sparger of 5 µm pore size, in the presence of draft tube and 10 % v/v silicone oil, as mass transfer vector. Maximum methane fixation rate was estimated to be 0.80 g/L d-1. Maximum methanol titer of 1.98 g/L was achieved under an elevated operating pressure of 4 bar in a high-pressure stirred tank reactor.

Obtaining 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran and 3-Epilupeol from Ageratina pichinchensis (Kunth) R.King & Ho.Rob. Cell Cultures Grown in Shake Flasks under Photoperiod and Darkness, and Its Scale-Up to an Airlift Bioreactor for Enhanced Production.

Ageratina pichinchensis (Kunth) R.King & Ho.Rob. is a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine, and some biotechnological studies have shown that its calluses and cell suspension cultures can produce important anti-inflammatory compounds. In this study, we established a cell culture of A. pichinchensis in a 2 L airlift bioreactor and evaluated the production of the anti-inflammatory compounds 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (1) and 3-epilupeol (2). The maximum biomass production (11.90 ± 2.48 g/L) was reached at 11 days of culture and cell viability was between 80% and 90%. Among kinetic parameters, the specific growth rate (µ) was 0.2216 days-1 and doubling time (td) was 3.13 days. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of extracts showed the maximum production of compound 1 (903.02 ± 41.06 µg/g extract) and compound 2 (561.63 ± 10.63 µg/g extract) at 7 and 14 days, respectively. This study stands out for the significant production of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran and 3-epilupeol and by the significant reduction in production time compared to callus and cell suspension cultures, previously reported. To date, these compounds have not been found in the wild plant, i.e., its production has only been reported in cell cultures of A. pichinchensis. Therefore, plant cell cultured in an airlift reactor can be an alternative for the improved production of these anti-inflammatory compounds.

Continuous production of fructo-oligosaccharides using selectively immobilized fructosyltransferase from Aspergillus aculeatus onto Purolite® A109

Within this study, the investigation of potential selective immobilization of fructosyltransferase (FTase) derived from Aspergillus aculeatus (from commercial enzyme preparation Pectinex® Ultra SP-L) onto the polystyrenic macroporous resin Purolite® A109 and its further utilization for the synthesis of a highly valuable group of prebiotic compounds named fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), was performed. The obtained results suggest that partial purification of fructosyltransferase from complex enzyme mixture with predominant pectinase activity (ratio of activity immobilization yields around 20.0) occurred by performing a simple immobilization protocol, provided that immobilization lasted for 5 h using an enzyme concentration of 50 mg g−1 of support under slightly acidic conditions (pH 6.0). Immobilized preparation was thereafter successfully utilized for FOS synthesis (56–59 % FOS of total sugars) in both a batch and air-lift reactor system. Operational stability study proved the exceptionally high potential of immobilized preparation for reproducible and cost-effective application, since 90 % of initial activity was preserved after ten consecutive reaction cycles. Thereafter, a prospectus for continuous production of FOS in the air-lift reactor was assayed. Achieved yields, 53 % FOS of total sugars for at least 9 h, indicated the great suitability of the obtained immobilized preparation for application in large-scale systems.

USE OF CHITOSAN ADSORBENTS FOR DYE REMOVAL IN THE AIR-LIFT REACTOR

Adsorption tests in the air-lift reactor were carried out for six dyes – four anionic (RR11, RB5, RB8, and RR18) and two cationic (BV10 and BG 4) – as well as three adsorbents – chitosan flakes, chitosan in the form of beads, and modified sawdust immobilised in chitosan (adsorbent 3). The dye concentration in the inflow to the reactor in all the conducted test series was 10 mg/dm3; the amount of adsorbent was also constant at 10 g dry matter (d.m./dm3, and the flow rate was 0.1 V/h. For all tested dyes, the obtained maximum adsorption capacity was high and ranged from 3802 to 2203 mg/g d.m. for chitosan flakes, from 3312 to 2076 mg/g d.m. for chitosan beads, and from 2734 to 2148 mg/g d.m. for modified sawdust immobilised in chitosan. The immobilisation of sawdust on chitosan resulted in effective adsorption of both anionic and cationic dyes.

Integration of heterogeneous photocatalysis (TiO2/UV) and activated sludge system operated in air lift reactor for the treatment of industrial effluent red water

In the industrial production of the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), purification steps are required to ensure the quality of the product, procedures that generate wastewater of a complex nature and with eco-toxicological potential, called red water, which consists of soluble sulfonates, TNT isomers, and other typical nitro aromatic compounds. The present work aimed to study the effects of integrating heterogeneous photocatalysis based on commercial TiO2, with a biological process, based on activated sludge, for red water treatment. For the photocatalytic treatment, a 72% reduction in the typical absorption of nitro aromatic compounds (the region between 195 − 275 nm), a 36% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD), and a 68% reduction in total phenols were obtained. In the biological treatment, there was a 60% reduction in absorbance in the typical nitro aromatics region (NA), 10% reduction in COD, and 36% reduction in total phenols (FT). The integration of photocatalytic and biological treatments showed promising results compared to the individual processes. Having 94% reduction in NA absorbance, 72% reduction in FT, and 89% reduction in COD with an association of photocatalytic pretreatment followed by biological, and reductions of 88% in NA absorbance, 62% in FT, and 87% in COD for a biological pretreatment followed by the photocatalytic process. In general, when comparing the chemical and biological processes, isolated and integrated, both types of integration showed significantly superior results. They were able to remove the main nitro aromatic constituents of the Red Water effluent.

A turbulent mass diffusivity model for the simulation of the biodegradation of toluene in an internal loop airlift reactor

In this study, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model is established in Ansys Fluent to describe the biodegradation of toluene in an internal loop airlift reactor (IALR). The Euler-Euler approach is used with the standard k-ε method to predict the hydrodynamics of the reactor, and the population balance model is used to describe the bubble size distribution in the reactor. The recently developed concentration variance c2¯ and its dissipation rate εc formulations are adopted to close the turbulent mass transfer differential equations, so that the turbulent mass diffusivity can be determined without using empirical methods. There is a good agreement between the simulated dissolved oxygen concentrations obtained by the proposed model and the experimental data reported in the literature. As the predicted turbulent mass diffusivity is found to be unevenly distributed and the calculated turbulent Schmidt number Sct is not a constant but varies, it may not be appropriate to use a constant Sct or an experimentally determined dispersion coefficient. In addition, the maximal shear stress is found in the top region of the IALR and the liquid flow are very uniform in the riser and downcomer.

Computational investigation of hydrodynamics, flow regimes and bubble size distribution in an airlift reactor

Airlift reactors (ALRs) are widely used in the chemical, petrochemical biological industry. A fundamental understanding of the flow field in these airlift reactors are necessary for efficient design and scaling up. In this work, the behavior of the flow field is investigated using the Euler–Eulerian approach. The liquid phase is modeled as continuous and the gas phase is dispersed in the form of bubbles. Three dimensional (3 D) transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed to characterize flow behavior in ALR. The spatio-temporal variations in the flow field are quantified and an optimum liquid level in the ALR is determined. Various gas source locations are chosen and their effects on bubble plume motion are analyzed to find an optimum gas injection point that supports plume oscillation. Further, CFD simulations are performed to identify the prevailing flow regime in ALR for various gas source locations, and it is compared with experimental observations. The homogeneous and heterogeneous flow regimes are observed at lower and higher flow rates, respectively. The bubble size distribution is predicted using population balance equations through bubble coalescence and breakage models with interphase force formulations. This is computed through the discrete method of moments. The bubble size distribution is found to be narrow at lower gas flow rates and wider at higher gas flow rates. These predictions provide a unified description to characterize flow regimes in ALR.

Study of Gas Holdup Distribution in Cylindrical Split Airlift Reactor by Using Gamma-Ray Densitometry (GRD)

The local gas holdup details and behaviors in the cylindrical split airlift column by using an unconventional gamma-ray densitometry (GRD) measurement in non-invasive manner technique was investigated for the first time in this work for such kind of airlift column. With different gas velocities, 1, 2, and 3 cm/s, at three various axial planes (different levels) in z = 3, 60, and 110 cm were studied for local distribution in radial gas holdup profiles. The distribution in gas–liquid phases (air-water system) in the entire split reactor column, in the rising and descending sides, including their behavior in the upper and lower zones of the split plate, were investigated as well. The results of this study showed that approximately all reactor zones had exemplary gas–liquid phases and that there was a large magnitude over both the dividing ring and the top sections. The results further indicated that the distribution of which flow variable in the implementation of the cylindrical split reactor can have an important impact on its behavior, especially for cultivating applications of microorganisms. These data can be used as benchmarks results for CFD simulations and validation.

S-scheme ZIF-8/Ag2S heterojunction photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutant using batch and external loop airlift reactors

The photocatalytic degradation of Rh.B was investigated using ZIF-8/Ag2S nanocomposite photocatalyst. In the present study, Ag2S NPs were dispersed on the surface of ZIF-8 forming a kind of a new high-efficiency heterogeneous photocatalyst ZIF-8/Ag2S nanocomposite via co-precipitation method. The crystal structure, optical properties and the morphology of ZIF-8, Ag2S and ZIF-8/Ag2S synthesized photocatalysts were examined using N2 adsorption–desorption, XRD, DRS, FE-SEM and TEM techniques.The degradation of Rh.B was performed under irradiation of visible light to examine the performance of ZIF-8/Ag2S nanocomposite in batch and external loop airlift reactors. The results demonstrated that the ZIF-8/Ag2S has excellent photodegradation efficiency (100%) compared with pure ZIF-8 (51.6%) and Ag2S (39.7%) due to the good dispersion of agglomerate Ag2S on the surface area of ZIF-8.Moreover, the photodegradation efficiency of Rh.B using ZIF-8/Ag2S nanocomposite photocatalyst in the external loop airlift reactor was more efficient and rapid (100% degradation efficiency within 75 min) than batch reactor (100% degradation efficiency within 120 min). This is due to the well mixing and the effect of the air flow rate containing O2 which greatly improved the photocatalytic activity by reacting with the electrons to produce the superoxide anions O2− in the airlift reactor. Also, the obtained findings from the airlift reactor showed a significant increase in the degradation efficiency with air flow rate up to 40 LPM, after which practically, the degradation efficiency decreases.Several factors influencing the photoactivity of the composite include the pH of the Rh.B solution, initial concentration of Rh.B, ZIF-8/Ag2S photocatalyst dose, initial Rh.B concentration, and dye type. The ZIF-8/Ag2S nanocomposite showed good stability and reusability after five reuse cycles.

Evaluación hidrodinámica de un reactor airlift de recirculación interna con fluidos newtonianos y adelgazantes: Experimentación vs Simulación CFD

The hydrodynamics of an internal-loop airlift reactor was numerically and experimentally characterized. The gas holdup, liquid velocity, shear rate, flow pattern and volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) were evaluated as a function of the air velocity and medium rheology. Tap water and CMC solutions were used as Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, respectively. The standard  model was employed for modeling turbulence, and unsteady three-dimensional simulations with the Euler–Euler model were performed. Gas holdup, liquid velocity and kLa measurements were performed for validating simulations. An increase in bubble coalescence and a decrease in kLa was observed with CMC solutions. The presence of recirculation loops inside the riser for CMC solutions is reported, which was not observed with tap water. The higher the CMC concentration, the larger the recirculation region seems to be. Results show that recirculation loops play a substantial role in the reactor’s hydrodynamic performance, and it turns out that the gas holdup in the riser increases with increasing the CMC concentration.

Air-lift Reactor's Characterization via Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD): Review

Airlift reactors are seen as the most promising reactor for many valuable productions such as algae culturing. However, this kind of reactor still needs more information and data to understand its phenomena due to limited studies. Also, to reduce the time and offers obtained with sufficient reactor design, capable of achieving high productivities, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) could play an important role in optimizing the reactor design by analyzing the interaction of hydro-dynamics. This review presents the literature review on the recent CFD work for such a reactor that addressed the fluid dynamics parameters, such as bubble dynamics. Earlier researches find more reports utilizing uniform bubble diameter in CFD simulations. However, the latest research in the CFD modeling of multi-phase flow reactors showed that the description of the bubble has significant effects on the performance of the simulation. As a result, systematic research into the impact of bubble diameter on the simulation results of the CFD was performed. Finally, we present and discuss the CFD modeling approaches, a Governing equation such as Eulerian-Eulerian (E-E), and closure such as the drag force.

Characterization of packed-bed in the downcomer of a concentric internal-loop airlift bioreactor

A packed-bed basket containing corn cob powder was used for the adaptation of a concentric-tube airlift reactor for enzymatic reactions. The bed was inserted in the downcomer region of the bioreactor generating a decrease in liquid downflow. To characterize the liquid velocity through the packed-bed and calculate the residence time, the intrinsic permeability was determined using Darcy’s law, resulting in 1.275 × 10−9 m2 (40-mesh particle size), and the pressure difference was calculated using the riser gas holdup, reaching values up to 56.6% for water at 3.5 vvm. Thus, a superficial liquid velocity model was obtained to describe the liquid velocity at different airflow rates and bed lengths, covering a wide range of support masses commonly used in enzymatic reactions. The model also allows the variation of viscosity, caused by different reaction temperatures and the use of larger bed sizes for scaling. Using the dye tracer method, it was possible to visualize the flow through the bed and corroborate the residence times obtained by the model for a wide range of airflows. Therefore, it describes the use of a basket filled with potential enzyme support, contributing to the applicability of pneumatic systems as enzymatic bioreactors, particularly internal-loop airlift reactors.

Enhanced aerobic granular sludge formation by applying Phanerochaete chrysosporium pellets as induced nucleus.

The long start-up period is a major challenging issue for the widespread application of aerobic granular sludge (AGS). In this study, a novel rapid start-up strategy was developed by inoculating Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysosporium) pellets as the induced nucleus in a sequencing batch airlift reactor (SBAR) to enhance activated sludge granulation. The results demonstrated that P. chrysosporium pellets could effectively shorten the aerobic granulation time from 32 to 20days. The AGS promoted by P. chrysosporium pellets had a larger average diameter (2.60-2.74mm) than that without P. chrysosporium pellets (1.78-1.88mm) and had better biomass retention capacity and sedimentation properties; its mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and sludge volume index (SVI30) reached approximately 5.2g/L and 45mL/g, respectively. The addition of P. chrysosporium pellets promoted the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), especially protein (PN). The removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) in P. chrysosporium pellets reactor were 98.91%, 89.17%, 64.73%, and 94.42%, respectively, which were higher than those in the reactor without P. chrysosporium pellets (88.73%, 82.09%, 55.75%, and 88.92%). High throughput sequencing analysis indicated that several functional genera that were responsible for the formation of aerobic granules and the removal of pollutants, such as Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Janthinobacterium, and Enterobacter, were found to be predominant in the mature sludge granules promoted by P. chrysosporium pellets.

Influence of Sparger Type on Mass Transfer in a Pilot-Scale Internal Loop Airlift Reactor

In a pilot-scale internal loop airlift reactor with a height of 5.5 m and a main column diameter of 0.484 m, the influence of three gas sparger structures (ladder distributor, tri-nozzle sparger and perforated plate) on the volumetric mass transfer coefficient kLa was investigated. It was found that the perforated plate produces the highest gas holdup difference and circulating liquid velocity between the riser and the downcomer. The perforated plate provides the most efficient mass transfer due to the more uniform gas distribution and higher circulating liquid velocity, followed by the ladder distributor and tri-nozzle spargers. Compared with the tri-nozzle sparger, the perforated plate increases the value of kLa by up to 16% at a superficial velocity of 0.15 m/s. Interestingly, the analysis of the liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient kL and specific area a with respect to gas velocity shows that the mass transfer rate is primarily controlled by a. By comparing the predictions of different mass transfer models, the slip velocity model based on penetration theory yields a satisfactory agreement with the experimental results within ±15% error. Meanwhile, empirical correlations regarding gas holdup and kLa were developed and were found to have good consistency with experimental values.

A Detailed Hydrodynamic Study of the Split-Plate Airlift Reactor by Using Non-Invasive Gamma-Ray Techniques

This study focused on detailed investigations of selected local hydrodynamics in split airlift reactor by using an unconventional measurements facility: computed tomography (CT) and radioactive particle tracking (RPT). The local distribution in a cross-sectional manner with its radial’s profiles for gas holdup, liquid velocity flow field, shear stresses, and turbulent kinetic energy were studied under various gas velocity 1, 2 and 3 cm/s with various six axial level z = 12, 20, 40, 60, 90 and 112 cm. The distribution in gas–liquid phases in the whole split reactor column, the riser and downcomer sides, including their behavior at the top and bottom sections of the split plate was also described. The outcomes of this study displayed an exemplary gas–liquid phases dispersion approximately in all reactor’s zones and had large magnitude over the ring of the sparger as well as upper the split plate. Furthermore, the outcomes pointed out that the distribution of this flow may significantly impacts the performance of the split reactor, which may have essential influence on its performance particularly for microorganisms culturing applications. These outcomes are dependable as benchmark information to validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and other models.