Numerical and Experimental Biomass Separation from Fermentation Process by Minihydrocyclones

Abstract

Biomass particle separation is challenging in the pharmaceutical industry because of the smallness and lightness of such particles. Centrifugation is applied conventionally for batch separation. However, imposing multiple wash steps in order to eliminate culture residues and the high risk of extrinsic contamination hamper batch techniques. In this research, minihydrocyclones were introduced to provide a better solution for the mentioned limitations in continuous processes. Numerical separation of methylotrophic yeast from fermentation broth was carried out in three hydrocyclones with different lengths, and the most efficient one was examined experimentally. Three various feed flow rates and seven feed concentrations were evaluated. The concentration of biomass suspension in the product was raised to 20 %.

Influence of Vortex Finder Structure on Separation Performance of Double-Overflow Three-Product Hydrocyclones

“…After these rotating fluids enter the cone section of the hydrocyclone, and as the inner diameter of the cone section of the hydrocyclone gradually shrinks, the downward rotation speed of the fluid is continuously increased, resulting in unequal pressure along the radial direction. The pressure is lower close to the axis, while it is higher near the sidewall of the hydrocyclone [5]. The size and density of the particles contained in the suspension entering the hydrocyclone are different, and thus they are subjected to different centrifugal forces and centripetal buoyancy.…”

Analysis of Hydrocyclone Geometry via Rapid Optimization Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics

“…Hydrocyclones have been broadly implemented in various industries due to several advantages, such as their simple geometrical structure, low operating costs, small footprint, easy maintenance, and high separation efficiency 1–4. Industrial applications of hydrocyclones include mineral extraction 5, chemical engineering 6, 7, coal and petroleum extraction and refinement 8, 9, pulp processes 10, environmental protection and waste management 11, 12, agriculture and aquaculture 13, 14, food processing 15, biotechnology 16, material science and nanotechnology 17, 18, and thermal energy recovery 19.…”