Continuous fermentation with yeast (Shizosaccharomyces pombe) floccules for ethanol production
Feng, P.S.; Xu, G.L.; Zhao, Y.; Huang, Y.H.
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 5(1): 55-63
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 1042-749X PMID: 2491312 Document Number: 338284
This paper describes an experimental study of continuous fermentation of saccharified starch solution to produce ethanol with yeast particles of a highly flocculent strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, which were treated as immobilized microbial cells. Observations were initially made on yeast floccule characteristics during fermentation. An aeration-type fluidized-bed bioreactor that retained virtually all the yeast particles was built and operated continuously for 3 months. Bioreactor operation was found to be quite favorable for this fermentation system. The yeast concentration exceeded 40 g (dry mass)/liter; delivery of a limited amount of supplementary oxygen enhanced throughput to give levels as high as 20-24 g/liter.hr. The kinetic equations were also determined.