On-line measurement of gas production rates

Biotechnol Prog. 2006 Sep-Oct;22(5):1456-60. doi: 10.1021/bp060101m.

Abstract

Gas evolution rates represent an important variable to track in biological and certain electrochemical processes. Accurate gas flow rate sensors exist for gas streams possessing a pressure head, such as when pressurized air or oxygen is delivered to a fermentation process. However, these devices impose pressure heads that can inhibit gas production and, therefore, yield false measurements. Examples of effected processes would include electrochemical production of a gas at the electrode (e.g., electrolysis) or anaerobic fermentation (e.g., anaerobic production of methane). In this work, we present an on-line gas measurement technique that measures on-line gas production from an anaerobic microbial process that is continuously fed simulated food waste over a 6-month period. Commentary is given on the sensor's accuracy and ease of use within the context of long-term operation, ability to measure both low and high gas production rates, as well as its potential for process control and system-health monitoring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Bacteria, Anaerobic / chemistry*
  • Bioreactors
  • Biotechnology / instrumentation
  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Calibration
  • Computers
  • Electrochemistry / methods*
  • Equipment Design
  • Fermentation
  • Gases
  • Kinetics
  • Oxygen / chemistry*
  • Pressure
  • Software
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Gases
  • Oxygen