Case study 3 – Continuous optimization and validation at demo scale

To improve the control of the operating temperature in the yeast-based Citric acid process, the demo reactor was equipped with a cooling unit and a heat exchanger area. The cooler is designed for a maximum power of 5 kW and for the heat transfer (~2.7 m²), flexible cooling mats are installed. The air supply of the reactor has also been improved, allowing for maximum of gassing rates up to 400 L/min. These upgrades will enable an enhanced stable bio-production at demo scale.

Yeast bio-reactor (1 m³ IBC type) with installed cooling mats for heat exchange © UFZ