An Improved Laboratory-Scale Fermentor for Submerged Culture Investigations

Abstract

A fermentor with an improved agitation-aeration device and a specially designed mechanical foam breaker is described. The agitation-aeration device is so designed as to pull in air for aeration at atmospheric pressure, thus eliminating the use, of air under pressure. The foam breaker utilizes a specially designed disk and cone rotated at relatively high speed, which causes the foam to break under the centrifugal force generated under these conditions. Data are presented which give results of a yeast (Torulopsis utilis) propagation run and which indicate a method by which the fermentor may be utilized in continuous operation processes after a constant yeast volume has been attained. The adaptability of the fermentor for the cultivation of Bacillus subtilis for subtilin production has been indicated.