MM™

synergyforgrowth
fluidized bed bioreactor
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fusion of biology
and engineering
A bloom. A flower unfolds in vibrancy.
Radiating in an infinite myriad of colours and
possibilities. It represents the dynamic
interaction of biology and engineering in
fluidized bed bioreactor.
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Multiphase chemical reactions.

A fluid is passed through a granular

solid material at high velocities to
suspend the solid.

Is a combination of the two most

common, packed-bed and stirred
tank, continuous flow bioreactors.

Excellent heat and mass transfer

characteristics.
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The solid substrate material in the

fluidized bed bioreactor is typically
supported by a porous plate.
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The fluid is then forced through the

distributor up through the solid
material.
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At lower fluid velocities, the solids

remain in place.
(packed bed bioreactor)

Incipient fluidization occur as fluid

velocity increased.
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Once this minimum velocity is

surpassed, the contents of the
bioreactor bed begin to expand and
swirl around much like an agitated
tank or boiling pot of water.
(stirred bioreactor)

The bioreactor is now a fluidized bed.

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High velocity observed here.

Ideal for highly exothermic reactions

because it eliminates local hotspots.
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View the animation of fluidized bed bioreactor:

http://www.ansys.com/industries/chemical-process-fluidized-bed-ani.htm
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Fluidized bed bioreactors are a
relatively new tool in the chemical
engineering field.

In this system, care must be taken to

avoid the destruction and
decomposition of immobilized
enzymes. The particle size of
immobilized enzymes is an important
factor for the formation of a smooth
fluidized bed.
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empowering industry
and technology
Fluidized bed bioreactors are widely used in
the chemical industry and are essential to the
production of key commodity and specialty
chemicals such as petroleum, polymers, and
pigments. Fluidized bed bioreactor promising
enhanced energy efficiency and clean energy
technologies and solutions for industries.
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Fluidized bed bioreactors are also used for catalytic reactions, power
production, desulphurization of flue gases, water and waste treatment
settings, and calcinations.
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Industrially-produced polymers such as rubber, vinyl chloride, polyethylene,

and styrenes are made by using fluidized bed bioreactors .

Known for a cleaner, more efficient process than previous standard

bioreactor technologies.
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competitive
advantage
Fluidized bed bioreactors have
received increased attention in the
recent years due to their advantages
over other types of bioreactors.
COMPETITIVEADVANTAGE

Uniform particle mixing

• do not experience poor mixing as in packed beds.
• allows complete mixing.
• operated with smaller size particles without the drawbacks of clogging.

Uniform temperature gradient

local hot or cold spots within the reaction bed, often a problem in packed
beds, are avoided in a fluidized situation.

Larger surface area

…so biological process become more efficient.
COMPETITIVEADVANTAGE

Ability to operate bioreactor in continuous state

• allows continuous withdrawal of product and allows new reactants into
the vessel.
• allows manufacturers to produce their various products more efficiently.

Low shear rates

fluidized bed bioreactor suitable for shear sensitive cells such as mammalian
and plant cells.

Minimal maintenance
…compared to other biological treatment system.
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challenges
and solution
As in any design, the fluidized bed
bioreactor does have it drawbacks,
which any bioreactor designer must
take into consideration.
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Increased bioreactor vessel size and cost

• requires larger vessel than a packed bed bioreactor.
• this means that the initial capital cost is higher.

Pumping requirement and pressure drop

• for the fluid to suspend the solid material, a higher fluid velocity is
required in the bioreactor.
• this is achieved by increasing the pumping power and thus higher energy
costs are needed.
• in addition, the pressure drop associated with deep beds also requires
additional pumping power.
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Limited knowledge and understanding

• current understanding of the actual behavior of the materials in a
fluidized bed is limited.
• difficult to predict and calculate the complex mass and heat flows within
the bed.

Erosion of internal components

• the fluid-like behavior of the fine solid particles within the bed eventually
results in the wear of the bioreactor vessel.
• this can require expensive maintenance and upkeep.
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Most current research aims to quantify and explain the behavior of the phase
interactions in the bed. The aim of this research is to produce more accurate
models of the inner movements and phenomena of the bed. This will enable
scientists and engineers to design better, more efficient bioreactors that may
effectively deal with the current disadvantages of the technology and expand
the range of use.
thankyou