Chillers and heaters for fermentation and purification processes

Requirements in fermentation processes

Fermentation Temperature: Fermentation temperature is essential for the growth and metabolic activity of microorganisms. Generally speaking, the fermentation temperature is controlled within the optimal growth temperature range of microorganisms, which varies depending on the type of microorganism. For example, the fermentation temperature of brewer’s yeast is usually controlled between 10℃~20°C, while the fermentation of some industrial microorganisms may require 30℃~37°C. During the fermentation process, the temperature is maintained or increased by the heater, and the chiller is used to cool it down to ensure stable temperature.

Thermal Management: A large amount of biological heat is generated during the fermentation process. If the heat is not dissipated in time, it will cause the temperature to get out of control, affecting the activity of the microorganism or even death. The chiller effectively removes the reaction heat and keeps the fermentation conditions stable by circulating cooling water or medium. For example, in alcohol fermentation or antibiotic production, the chiller can prevent the fermentation process from overheating and maintain the reaction rate and product purity.

Typically, the fermenter is equipped with a jacket cooling system or a coil cooling system, and the cooling water temperature may be controlled at a few to more than ten degrees lower than the fermentation temperature to maintain an ideal fermentation environment.

Requirements in the purification process

Temperature Control Accuracy: In the purification process, such as crystallization, chromatography, filtration and other steps, accurate temperature control is essential for product purity and recovery. The combined use of chillers and heaters can achieve rapid temperature rise and fall and precise control to optimize crystallization rate, solubility or separation efficiency.

Heat Exchange Efficiency: The purification process is often accompanied by a large amount of heat exchange requirements. Chillers and heaters accelerate the cooling or heating process of materials through efficient heat exchange systems, improve production efficiency and energy utilization efficiency.

Safety and Stability: Some purification steps, such as vacuum evaporation and solvent recovery, may involve flammable or hazardous substances. Accurate temperature control of chillers and heaters helps ensure safe operation and avoid risks caused by excessive temperature.

Temperature control in fermentation processes focuses more on maintaining a constant temperature suitable for microbial growth and metabolism, while temperature control in purification processes focuses on optimizing separation and purification conditions through precise heating and cooling operations to improve product purity and recovery. The temperature requirements for each step need to be carefully adjusted according to the specific process and product characteristics.