5.8 Fermenter

5.8 Interpret and label a diagram of an industrial fermenter and explain the need to provide suitable conditions in the fermenter, including aseptic precautions, nutrients, optimum temp and pH, oxygenation and agitation for the growth of microorganisms.



The reaction vessel in which fermentation occurs

Such a vessel is usually built of metal (copper/steel)



To maintain optimum temp conditions:
- In between the two Steel jackets is water. It allows us to cool down the reaction.
- Steam, sterilises the fermenter between fermentations.
- In a fermenter there is a heating plate (heater) to raise the temperate

...also includes:
- So fermentation can occur, nutrients are inserted. Food for the microorganisms
- Monitor temp: Temp probe. Tells whether to deploy the heater or cooling jacket
- Microorganisms (tap to add them)
- pH probe – to try to keep at optimum.
- Turning devise. To agitate the mixture, stopping it clumping, spreading microorganisms
- Way to drain of the product -→ Which will then go on to a process call downstream processing which involved purification.

The idea of the fermenter is to create a reaction centre in which you control the optimum growth conditions for the microorganisms. So its able to produce the product we are looking or.