Chemical Engineering Research & Design, Vol.132, 930-941, 2018
Hydrodynamic characterization of dual-impeller submerged membrane bioreactor relevant to single-use bioreactor options
The flow characteristics e.g. velocity and velocity gradients in a conventional stirred sMBR with in-line tubular membrane module for integrated production and recovery of value-added material, are studied. Considering a hybrid vessel, the flow characteristics are conflicting parameters, viz. high shear is required for membrane walls and low shear required for microbial cells. Attempt is made to find a range of parameters that are balanced against known critical values. The task is resolved by numerical solution of a theoretical model of dual flat-blade impeller Biostat (R) 5 L (T= 0.16 m, D = 6.6 cm) equipped with tubular membrane module (L = 23 cm, d =12 mm) operating in non-Newtonian biofluid (flow index range, 0.34