Basic Functions of Fermenter

Basic Functions of Fermenter

A bioreactor or fermenter is basically a device or vessel in which the organisms are cultivated to form the desired products. It is a containment system designed to give right environment for optimal growth and metabolic activity of the organism so that maximum production of the desired product can be achieved. The main function of a fermenter is to provide a controlled environment for the growth of microorganisms or animal cells.

A fermenter should have the following provisions

1. The vessel should be capable of being operated aseptically for a number of days.  The vessel should be reliable during long-term operation. There should be provisions to follow containment regulations.

2. Adequate aeration and agitation should be provided to meet the metabolic requirements of the micro-organism.  However, the mixing should not cause damage to the organism.

3. Power consumption should be as low as possible.

4. A system of temperature control should be provided.

5. A system of pH control should be provided.

6. Sampling facilities should be provided. There should a sampling port which could be operated under aseptic conditions

7. Evaporation losses from the fermenter should be minimum.

8. The vessel should be designed to require the minimal use of labour in operation, harvesting, cleaning and maintenance.

9. Ideally the vessel should be suitable for a range of processes.  It would be better to use the same fermenter for different fermentations.

10. The vessel should have smooth internal surfaces, so that cleaning will be easy and contamination chances will be minimum.

11. The vessel should be of similar geometry so that scale-up will be easy.

12. The fermenter should be made using cheapest materials.

13. There should be adequate service provisions for individual plants.