Bioreactors: Performance and Design

This lecture covers the definition and performance of bioreactors, including different types such as non-stirred, non-aerated systems, stirred and aerated systems, and special bioreactors. It discusses the materials used for bioreactors, focusing on stainless steel and other materials. The lecture also compares bioreactors with chemical reactors, highlighting differences in cell density and size. Criteria for selecting a bioreactor are explored, considering factors like service, spare parts, and operator skills. The importance of mass and oxygen transfer rates is emphasized, along with the impact of oxygen on cell metabolism. Various types of bioreactors, such as bubble column, airlift, and jet-loop reactors, are presented, along with factors affecting their design and selection.