2019-10, Pérez, Alan, Van der Bruggen, Bart, Fontalvo, Javier

The application of a liquid membrane in Taylor flow (LMTF) is a promising method that can be integrated with other separation or reactive processes in view of process intensification. In this work, a model for a hybrid LMTF – fermentation system was developed for lactic acid production using batch fermentation and LMTF experimental data. The hybrid model is compared to experimental data of the hybrid system. Through a sensitivity analysis of the main variables of the LMTF an optimum value of the overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient (0.0122 1/s) was achieved for lactic acid removal. This was further used for modeling the hybrid system. The fermentation time of the hybrid system is reduced by 7 h, the productivity and biomass concentration is increased by 2.578 g/(L·h) and 2.7016 g/L, respectively, as compared with a batch fermentation. In addition, the effect of the number of channels of the LMTF is modeled and its impact on productivity, fermentation time, and final biomass concentration is analyzed. It was concluded that lactic acid removal through the LMTF from the fermentation broth is an alternative to control the pH within fermenter.