Method for evaluating an optimal dosage of defoamers in a fermentation process
AssigneeCognis France S.A.
InventorsBenoit Abribat, Jean-Pierre Molitor, Christian De Haut, Stephanie Merlet, Peter Claessens
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Abstract
Methods suitable for selecting optimal defoamers for use in fermentation processes are described wherein the methods comprise: (a) determining an amount of each of two or more defoamers which provides a requisite dynamic surface tension of at most 50 mN/m at a particular frequency in a fermentation medium; and (b) selecting the defoamer which provides the requisite dynamic surface tension at the lowest amount. Methods for controlling foam by determining and adjusting dynamic surface tension are also described.
Claims21
A method comprising:
- (a) determining an amount of each of two or more defoamers which provides a requisite dynamic surface tension of at most 50 mN/m at a particular frequency in a fermentation medium;
- and
- (b) selecting the defoamer which provides the requisite dynamic surface tension at the lowest amount.
A method comprising:
- (a) determining an amount of each of two or more defoamers which provides a requisite dynamic surface tension of at most 50 mN/m at 10 Hz in an aqueous fermentation medium by measurement with a dynamic tensiometer;
- (b) selecting the defoamer which provides the requisite dynamic surface tension at the lowest amount.
A method for controlling foam in a fermentation process, said method comprising:
- (a) providing a fermentation broth;
- (b) determining the dynamic surface tension of the fermentation broth during fermentation;
- and
- (c) if the dynamic surface tension of the fermentation broth equals or exceeds 50 mN/m at 10 Hz, adding an amount of defoamer sufficient to reduce the dynamic surface tension to below 50 mN/m at 10 Hz.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.