Heat transfer simulation of solid state fermentation in a packed-bed bioreactor

A dynamic two-dimensional mathematical model was developed to simulate the heat transfer in solid state fermentation of rice bran inoculated with Aspergillus niger. Two bioreactors of 47 mm diameter and 300 mm height were used. Forced aeration conditions were simulated and saturated air with 60 ml/g h flow at 30°C and a bed porosity equal to 0.3 were determined as being the optimum operating conditions for the used packed-bed bioreactor. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998