Mass transfer and cell growth kinetics in a bioreactor

Biotechnology, which is an important factor in the chemical process industries, is discussed. A new biotechnology experiment for Northwestern's senior laboratory course is developed. The experiment is aimed at giving the students an opportunity to become familiar with various factors involved in the implementation of bioprocesses and some of the attendant technologies. This will introduce them to the broad field while they are still at Northwestern and also enhance their attractiveness to potential employers. The experiment provides a means for studying two basic chemical engineering operations (mass transfer and cell growth kinetics) that occur in a three-liter stirred fermentation reactor.