1.

0 ABSTRACT

The objective for this experiment is to measure the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa)
of a stirred tank reactor with bubble aeration at different aeration, agitation and temperature.
This experiment is conducted by using a bioreactor and the result is taken every 5 seconds until
the value constant or close to 100 which indicates the concentration of oxygen in the bioreactor
is saturated. The method used in this study in determining the kLa value is dynamic gassing out
method. Nitrogen gas is purged into the system until the value of oxygen becomes 0%. The
calibration is done by making sure the bioreactor’s monitor stop blinking to indicate the
calibration is done correctly even though the value becomes negative. If the value is negative,
the value is adjusted manually until the value is 0. The nitrogen valve is closed when reaching
0 and the nitrogen wire is disconnected from the bioreactor. The bioreactor is aerated with air
for 100%. The reading is taken for every 5 seconds until the increasing DO % reaching three
stable values. The results are recorded and a graph of DO% versus time is plotted. It was shown
that the increase of aeration rate, agitation speed and temperature will result in increase of the
kLa value.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

Most of the biochemical processes require oxygen as the source to yield the output. One of the
examples is fermentation. Fermentation is defined as a process of producing chemicals from
substrates by using organisms. The presence of organisms necessitates the oxygen supply to
initiate the reaction and yield the desired product. Hence, dissolved oxygen concentration
becomes one of the important control variables in any aerobic fermentation. It is very important
to thoroughly understand the oxygen transfer to cells in a reactor. During an aerobic
fermentation, oxygen has to be supplied continuously to the reaction liquid in order to maintain
the design concentration while oxygen is consumed by the organism. The oxygen is transferred
from air bubbles and then sparged into the reaction solution and broken up and mixed by
mechanical stirring. There are two factors that affect the capability of a reactor’s oxygen mass
transfer namely air flow rate and the level of agitation. These two parameters give a significant
effect on mass transfer coefficient, kLa in aerobic bioreactors. Mass transfer coefficient, kLa is
a function of the mechanics of a particular reactor namely its constant dimension and its
operating parameters.

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 1

Among numerous methods of determining the mass transfer coefficient, kLA are:
1. The static or gassing out method
2. The dynamic method with growing culture

3.0 OBJECTIVES
The objective for this experiment is to measure the volumetric mass transfer coefficient
(kLa) of a stirred tank reactor with bubble aeration at different aeration, agitation and
temperature.

4.0 THEORY

The objective for this experiment is to measure the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa)
of a stirred tank reactor with bubble aeration at different aeration, agitation and temperature.
This experiment is conducted by using a bioreactor and the result is taken every 5 seconds until
the value constant or close to 100 which indicates the concentration of oxygen in the bioreactor
is saturated

There are several models which can be used to determine kLa. All models used to evaluate kLa
assume ideal mixing of the two phases in the bioreactor and a negligible resistance of the gas
phase to oxygen transfer across the interface. This experiment uses the dynamic gassing out
method, which gives the following oxygen mass transfer model:

𝑑𝐶𝐿
= 𝑘𝐿 𝑎(𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 ) (1)
𝑑𝑡

where CL is the dissolved oxygen concentration and C* is the saturated dissolved oxygen
concentration in the solution. Aeration to an active culture is briefly turned off and the
unsteady-state mass balance of oxygen was tracked.

The volumetric mass transfer coefficient, KLa, indicates the rate of oxygen used for
fermentation, taking into account all oxygen-consuming variables in the bioreactor. KLa values
are used in scaling up from laboratory scale to pilot scale or production scale bioreactors. The
determination of the KLa value for fermentation is important in order to maintain adequate
transfer of oxygen in a bioreactor, for laboratory scale use or when scaling up to a larger
process. [1]

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 2

Figure 4.1: Relationship between dissolved oxygen concentration and time in dynamic gassing
out method: Point A shows level of DO before it was consumed (air supply off); Point B
represent air is pumped into the culture and the dissolved oxygen concentration increases as
a function of time; Point C represent steady-state value. [2]

Estimation of the KLa of a fermentation system by using dynamic gassing-out techniques

depends upon monitoring the increase in dissolved oxygen concentration of a solution during
aeration and agitation. The oxygen concentration of the solution is lowered by gassing the
liquid out with nitrogen gas. Aeration is then initiated at a constant air flow rate and the increase
in dissolved oxygen tension (DOT) is monitored using dissolved oxygen probe. The profile of
DOT during deaeration and aeration is shown in Figure 1. Increased in DOT during aeration
can be expressed by Eq. 1

dC L
 K L a(C * C L )  Qd (2)
dt

where CL is dissolved oxygen conc., CE is saturated dissolve oxygen conc. and Qd is spesific
respiration rate.

Mass balance for the system:

Rate of change in O2 conc. = Rate of O2 in – Rate of O2 out – Rate of usage Qd

If microorganism is not present in the solution, Qd = 0, Eq 2 becomes eq 1 mentioned earlier.

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 3

 dC L
 K L a(C * C L ) (1)
dt

Can be written as,

dC L
  K L a.C L  K L a.C *
dt

dC L
Plot of dt against different value of CL will give a slope as –KLa. However determining

dC L
dt values may be a problem. There are two methods in determination of KLa. First, the
difference method and second, integral method.

5.0 APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

1) Bioreactor
2) Distilled water
3) Stopwatch
4) Oxygen
5) Nitrogen Gas
6) HI-BLOW (HP 80) linear air pump aerator

Figure 5.1: Bioreactor

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 4

6.0 PROCEDURE

Manipulated variable: Temperature

1. Set up the apparatus by making sure all the apparatus are present and in well condition.
2. PO2 probe is polarized for two hours before the main experiment is started.
3. The bioreactor’s parameter such as aeration and agitation are set fixed which are at
2L/m and 400 RPM respectively.
4. The pump is switched off.
5. Temperature is first set at 30˚C and prepared for 2 point calibration. The setting must
be done before purging the nitrogen.
6. Nitrogen gas is purged into the system until the value of oxygen becomes 0%
7. Make sure that the bioreactor’s monitor stop blinking to indicate the calibration is done
correctly even though the value becomes negative.
8. If the value is negative, the value is adjusted manually until the value is 0
9. The nitrogen valve is closed when reaching 0 and the nitrogen wire is disconnected
from the bioreactor.
10. Pump is switched on.
11. The bioreactor is aerated with air for 100%.
12. Timer is set and reading is taken for every 5 seconds until the increasing DO % reaching
three stable values.
13. The results are recorded and a graph of DO% versus time is plotted.
14. Step is repeated using different temperature which is 35˚C, 40˚C, 45˚C, and 50˚C.

Manipulated variable: aeration

1. Set up the apparatus by making sure all the apparatus are present and in well condition.
2. PO2 probe is polarized for two hours before the main experiment is started.
3. The bioreactor’s parameter such as temperature and agitation are set fixed which are at
30˚C and 400 RPM respectively.
4. The pump is switched off.
5. Aeration is first set at 1L/m and prepared for 2 point calibration. The setting must be
done before purging the nitrogen.
6. Nitrogen gas is purged into the system until the value of oxygen becomes 0%
7. Make sure that the bioreactor’s monitor stop blinking to indicate the calibration is done
correctly even though the value becomes negative.

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 5

 8. If the value is negative, the value is adjusted manually until the value is 0
9. The nitrogen valve is closed when reaching 0 and the nitrogen wire is disconnected
from the bioreactor.
10. Pump is switched on.
11. The bioreactor is aerated with air for 100%.
12. Timer is set and reading is taken for every 5 seconds until the increasing DO % reaching
three stable values.
13. The results are recorded and a graph of DO% versus time is plotted.
14. Step is repeated using different aeration which is 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0.

Manipulated variable: agitation

1. Set up the apparatus by making sure all the apparatus are present and in well condition.
2. PO2 probe is polarized for two hours before the main experiment is started.
3. The bioreactor’s parameter such as aeration and temperature are set fixed which are at
2L/m and 30˚C respectively.
4. The pump is switched off.
5. Agitation is first set at 200rpm and prepared for 2 point calibration. The setting must
be done before purging the nitrogen.
6. Nitrogen gas is purged into the system until the value of oxygen becomes 0%
7. Make sure that the bioreactor’s monitor stop blinking to indicate the calibration is done
correctly even though the value becomes negative.
8. If the value is negative, the value is adjusted manually until the value is 0
9. The nitrogen valve is closed when reaching 0 and the nitrogen wire is disconnected
from the bioreactor.
10. Pump is switched on.
11. The bioreactor is aerated with air for 100%.
12. Timer is set and reading is taken for every 5 seconds until the increasing DO % reaching
three stable values.
13. The results are recorded and a graph of DO% versus time is plotted.
14. Step is repeated using different agitation which is 400, 600, 800, 1000 rpm.

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 6

7.0 RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS
7.1 AERATION

Temperature: 30°C

Agitation : 400 rpm

Table 7.1: Table for aeration at 0.5 L/min at each 5 seconds

Aeration (0.5 L/min)

Time (s)
DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 0 100 4.60517
10 0 100 4.60517
15 0.81 99.19 4.597037
20 3.42 96.58 4.570372
25 7.34 92.66 4.528937
30 11.1 88.9 4.487512
35 15.4 84.6 4.437934
40 19.9 80.1 4.383276
45 24.8 75.2 4.320151
50 28.5 71.5 4.269697
55 32.6 67.4 4.210645
60 36.5 63.5 4.15104
65 40.1 59.9 4.092677
70 43.6 56.4 4.032469
75 46.6 53.4 3.977811
80 50.0 50 3.912023
85 52.9 47.1 3.852273
90 55.6 44.4 3.793239
95 58.3 41.7 3.730501
100 60.5 39.5 3.676301
105 62.8 37.2 3.616309
110 64.8 35.2 3.561046
115 66.8 33.2 3.50255
120 68.7 31.3 3.443618
125 70.3 29.7 3.391147
130 71.8 28.2 3.339322
135 73.2 26.8 3.288402
140 74.8 25.2 3.226844
145 76.0 24 3.178054
150 77.2 22.8 3.126761
155 78.3 21.7 3.077312
160 79.3 20.7 3.030134
165 80.4 19.6 2.97553
170 81.2 18.8 2.933857
175 82.0 18 2.890372

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 7

180 82.9 17.1 2.839078
185 83.6 16.4 2.797281
190 84.3 15.7 2.753661
195 85.1 14.9 2.701361
200 85.6 14.4 2.667228
205 86.1 13.9 2.631889
210 86.8 13.2 2.580217
215 87.2 12.8 2.549445
220 87.7 12.3 2.509599
225 88.1 11.9 2.476538
230 88.6 11.4 2.433613
235 89.0 11 2.397895
240 89.3 10.7 2.370244
245 89.7 10.3 2.332144
250 90.1 9.9 2.292535
255 90.5 9.5 2.251292
260 90.5 9.5 2.251292
265 90.8 9.2 2.219203
270 91.2 8.8 2.174752
275 91.4 8.6 2.151762
280 91.5 8.5 2.140066
285 91.8 8.2 2.104134
290 92.0 8 2.079442
295 92.2 7.8 2.054124
300 92.4 7.6 2.028148
305 92.5 7.5 2.014903
310 92.8 7.2 1.974081
315 92.9 7.1 1.960095
320 93.0 7 1.94591
325 93.2 6.8 1.916923
330 93.2 6.8 1.916923
335 93.4 6.6 1.88707
340 93.5 6.5 1.871802
345 93.6 6.4 1.856298
350 93.7 6.3 1.84055
355 93.9 6.1 1.808289
360 93.9 6.1 1.808289
365 94.1 5.9 1.774952
370 94.2 5.8 1.757858
375 94.2 5.8 1.757858
380 94.2 5.8 1.757858

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 8

 LN(C*-CL) vs Time
5
4.5
4
3.5
y = -0.0082x + 4.5108
LN(C*-CL)

3
R² = 0.9687
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Time (s)

Figure 7.1: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for aeration of 0.5L/min where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0082x + 4.5108

Since -m = k L a and m = -0.0082

0.0082 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 29.52 h−1
s h

Table 7.2: Table of kLa value for aeration at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 L/min

Aeration (L/min) kLa (h-1)

0.5 29.52
1.0 34.92
1.5 82.08
2.0 100.80
2.5 123.48

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 9

 kLa versus aeration
140

120

100
kLa (h-1)

80

60

40

20

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Aeration (L/min)

Figure 7.2: Graph of kLa versus aeration

7.2 AGITATION

Temperature: 30°C

Aeration : 2 L/min

Table 7.3:Table for agitation at 200 rpm at each 5 seconds

Agitation (200 rpm)

Time (s)
DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 2.97 97.03 4.57502
10 7.02 92.98 4.53238
15 9.27 90.73 4.50789
20 12.9 87.1 4.46706
25 16.3 83.7 4.42724
30 20.2 79.8 4.37952
35 24.6 75.4 4.32281
40 27.8 72.2 4.27944
45 31.5 68.5 4.22683
50 35.6 64.4 4.16511
55 39.2 60.8 4.10759
60 42.5 57.5 4.05178
65 46.2 53.8 3.98527
70 48.9 51.1 3.93378
75 51.9 48.1 3.87328
80 55.4 44.6 3.79773
85 57.7 42.3 3.74479
90 60.7 39.3 3.67122
95 63.3 36.7 3.60278
100 65.7 34.3 3.53515

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 10

105 67.9 32.1 3.46886
110 69.9 30.1 3.40453
115 71.7 28.3 3.34286
120 73.7 26.3 3.26957
125 75.6 24.4 3.19458
130 77.0 23 3.13549
135 78.6 21.4 3.06339
140 80.0 20 2.99573
145 81.6 18.4 2.91235
150 82.8 17.2 2.84491
155 84.0 16 2.77259
160 85.0 15 2.70805
165 85.9 14.1 2.64617
170 87.1 12.9 2.55723
175 88.0 12 2.48491
180 88.7 11.3 2.4248
185 89.7 10.3 2.33214
190 90.3 9.7 2.27213
195 91.1 8.9 2.18605
200 91.7 8.3 2.11626
205 92.3 7.7 2.04122
210 92.9 7.1 1.96009
215 93.5 6.5 1.8718
220 93.9 6.1 1.80829
225 94.4 5.6 1.72277
230 94.9 5.1 1.62924
235 95.4 4.6 1.52606
240 95.7 4.3 1.45862
245 96.1 3.9 1.36098
250 96.4 3.6 1.28093
255 96.6 3.4 1.22378
260 97.0 3 1.09861
265 97.3 2.7 0.99325
270 97.6 2.4 0.87547
275 97.9 2.1 0.74194
280 98.1 1.9 0.64185
285 98.3 1.7 0.53063
290 98.5 1.5 0.40547
295 98.8 1.2 0.18232
300 98.9 1.1 0.09531
305 99.1 0.9 -0.1054
310 99.3 0.7 -0.3567
315 99.4 0.6 -0.5108
320 99.5 0.5 -0.6931
325 99.6 0.4 -0.9163
330 99.6 0.4 -0.9163
335 99.8 0.2 -1.6094
340 100.0 0 -

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 11

 LN(C*-CL) vs Time
6

4
LN(C*-CL)

2 y = -0.0163x + 5.1084
R² = 0.9659
1

0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
-1

-2
Time (s)

Figure 7.3: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for agitation of 200 rpm where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0163x + 5.1084

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0163

0.0163 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 58.68 h−1
s h

Table 7.4: Table of kLa value for agitation at 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 rpm

Agitation (rpm) kLa (h-1)

200 58.68
400 109.08
600 171.72
800 232.20
1000 263.52

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 12

 kLa versus Agitation
300

250

200
kLa (h-1)

150

100

50

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
Agitation (rpm)

Figure 7.4: Graph of kLa versus agitation

7.3 TEMPERATURE

Aeration : 2 L/min

Agitation : 400 rpm

Table 7.5: Table for temperature at 30oC at each 5 seconds

Temperature (300C)
Time (s)
DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 5.8 94.2 4.54542
10 11.4 88.6 4.484132
15 18.6 81.4 4.399375
20 26.6 73.4 4.295924
25 32.8 67.2 4.207673
30 46.8 53.2 3.974058
35 51.4 48.6 3.883624
40 55.6 44.4 3.793239
45 59.9 40.1 3.691376
50 64.2 35.8 3.577948
55 67.1 32.9 3.493473
60 70.3 29.7 3.391147
65 73.2 26.8 3.288402
70 75.8 24.2 3.186353
75 77.7 22.3 3.104587

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 13

 80 79.7 20.3 3.010621
85 81.4 18.6 2.923162
90 83 17 2.833213
95 84.2 15.8 2.76001
100 84.6 15.4 2.734368
105 85.4 14.6 2.681022
110 85.7 14.3 2.66026
115 86.2 13.8 2.624669
120 86.7 13.3 2.587764
125 87.6 12.4 2.517696
130 88.6 11.4 2.433613
135 89.3 10.7 2.370244
140 90.1 9.9 2.292535
145 90.7 9.3 2.230014
150 91.2 8.8 2.174752
155 91.9 8.1 2.091864
160 92.4 7.6 2.028148
165 92.8 7.2 1.9740810
170 93.1 6.9 1.931521
175 93.6 6.4 1.856298
180 93.7 6.3 1.84055
185 94.3 5.7 1.740466
190 94.4 5.6 1.722767
195 95.1 4.9 1.589235
200 95.3 4.7 1.547563
205 95.5 4.5 1.504077
210 95.7 4.3 1.458615
215 95.8 4.2 1.4350845
220 95.9 4.1 1.410987
225 96 4 1.386294
230 96.2 3.8 1.335001
235 96.3 3.7 1.308333
240 96.5 3.5 1.252763
245 96.5 3.5 1.252763
250 96.5 3.5 1.252763

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 14

 LN(C*-CL) vs Time
5
4.5
4
3.5
LN(C*-CL)

3
2.5 y = -0.0134x + 4.2711
2 R² = 0.9732
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Time (s)

Figure 7.5: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for temperature at 30oC where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0134x + 4.2711

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0134

0.0134 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 48.24 h−1
s h

Table 7.6: Table of kLa value for temperature at 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50oC

Temperature (oC) kLa (h-1)

30 48.24
35 43.92
40 36.72
45 64.44
50 47.88

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 15

 kLa versus Temperature
70

60

50
kLa (h-1)

40

30

20

10

0
30 35 40 45 50
Temperature (oC)

Figure 7.6: Graph of kLa versus temperature

8.0 DISCUSSION

The objective for this experiment is to measure the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa)
of a stirred tank reactor with bubble aeration at different aeration, agitation and temperature.
This experiment is conducted by using a bioreactor and the result is taken every 5 seconds until
the value constant or close to 100 which indicates the concentration of oxygen in the bioreactor
is saturated

There are several models which can be used to determine kLa. All models used to evaluate kLa
assume ideal mixing of the two phases in the bioreactor and a negligible resistance of the gas
phase to oxygen transfer across the interface. This experiment uses the dynamic gassing out
method, which gives the following oxygen mass transfer model:

𝑑𝐶𝐿
= 𝑘𝐿 𝑎(𝐶 ∗ − 𝐶𝐿 )
𝑑𝑡

where CL is the dissolved oxygen concentration and C* is the saturated dissolved oxygen
concentration in the solution. Aeration to an active culture is briefly turned off and the
unsteady-state mass balance of oxygen was tracked.

The volumetric mass transfer coefficient, KLa, indicates the rate of oxygen used for
fermentation, taking into account all oxygen-consuming variables in the bioreactor. KLa values
DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 16
are used in scaling up from laboratory scale to pilot scale or production scale bioreactors. The
determination of the KLa value for fermentation is important in order to maintain adequate
transfer of oxygen in a bioreactor, for laboratory scale use or when scaling up to a larger
process.

Relationship between different aeration rate to dissolved oxygen concentration and mass
transfer coefficient value

To study the effect of aeration on mass transfer coefficient, kLa value, we have conducted this
experiment at different values of aeration which are 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 L/min and the
value of dissolved oxygen is recorded every 5 seconds. A graph of ln(C*-CL) against time is
plotted and the straight line is achieved. The negative slope or gradients of the straight line
indicates the kLa value.

For 0.5 L/min, the kLa value that we obtained is 29.52 h-1. At 1.0 L/min, 1.5 L/min, 2.0 L/min
and 2.5 L/min the kLa value obtained from the negative slope of the straight-line graph is 34.92
h-1, 82.08 h-1, 100.8 h-1 and 123.48 h-1 respectively.

For graph of ln(C*-CL) against time, some of this graph will deviate from negative value of
kLa to zero (refer Figure 13.2). This is because the concentration of oxygen has reached the
saturated dissolved oxygen concentration which is 100. This shows that all the oxygen in the
bioreactor has fully dissolved. Graph of kLa against aeration is plotted (refer to Figure 7.2).

From the graph plotted, we can see an increase trend in the kLa value with respect to aeration
rate. On the other hand, from Figure 7.1, 13.1 until 13.4, it seems that the time taken to reach
the saturated level of dissolved oxygen concentration is decreasing with the increasing of
aeration rates. Thus, conclusion that can be made based on the graph is the increase of aeration
volumetric flowrate will increase the mass transfer coefficient, kLa value.

Relationship between different agitation speed to dissolved oxygen concentration and mass
transfer coefficient value.

The second experiment is to study the effect of different agitation speed on mass transfer
coefficient, kLa. To achieved this, an experiment is conducted with different values of agitation
which are 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 rpm. The value of dissolved oxygen is recorded every
5 seconds until the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the bioreactor is saturated. A graph of

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 17

ln(C*-CL) against time is plotted and it should give a straight line. The negative slope or
gradients of the straight line indicates the mass transfer coefficient, kLa value.

From the graphs (refer Figure 7.2, Figure 13,5-13.8), the value of kLa obtained for 200, 400,
600, 800 and 1000 rpm is 58.68 h-1, 109.08h-1, 171.72h-1, 232.2h-1 and 263.52h-1
correspondingly. Graph of kLa against agitation speed is plotted (refer to Figure 7.4). From
Figure 7.4, it can be seen the increment trends of the k La value with respect to the agitation
speed. The increment of kLa value from 400rpm to 800 rm increase linearly. It seems that the
most efficient mixing is obtained in agitation speeds more than 400 and lower than 800 rpm.
On the other hand, from Figure 7.3, 13.5 until 13.8, it seems that the time taken to reach the
saturated level of dissolved oxygen concentration is decreasing with the increasing of aeration
rates

Based on the graph that has been plotted, we can conclude that the increase in agitation speed
will increase the mass transfer coefficient, kLa. There is only a significant enhancement on kLa
values for the medium agitation rate (400 rpm to 800rpm) that could be resulted from the higher
breakage and residence time of the air bubbles in the bioreactor media. For low agitation rates
(200 rpm) the turbulence is not enough to trap and hold up the air bubbles and consequently
performance of volumetric mass transfer may not increase noticeably [3]. Therefore, based on
the results obtained, agitation speed of 400 to 800 rpm would be beneficial for all the future
bioprocess operations that may lead to a higher productive biomass system.

Relationship between different temperature to dissolved oxygen concentration and mass

transfer coefficient value

The last experiment is to study the effect of different temperatures to mass transfer coefficient,
kLa value. Different temperatures are used to conduct this experiment which are 30oC, 35oC,
40oC, 45oC and 50oC. the concentration of dissolved oxygen is recorded for each 5 second until
the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the bioreactor is saturated. A graph of ln(C*-CL)
against time is plotted and it should give a straight line where the negative of the straight line
indicates the mass transfer coefficient, kLa value.

From Figure 7.3,13.9 until 13.12, the value of kLa obtained is 48.24h-1, 43.92-1, 36.72h-1,
64.44h-1 and 47.88h-1 respectively. From these values, a graph of kLa against temperature is
plotted. From the graph plotted in Figure 7.6, it seems that the kLa unsteady trends in different
temperature ranging from 30oC to 50oC begins from a decrement in temperature of 30oC to

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 18

40oC and continues with a noticeable enhancement that can be seen from 40oC to 45oC; then
this trend approaches a decreasing trend in 50oC. On the other hand, from Figure 7.5, 13.9 until
13.12 it seems that the time taken to reach the saturated level of dissolved oxygen concentration
is decreasing with the increasing of aeration rates

Therefore, from the results obtained, the most efficient temperature to conduct this experiment
is from 40oC to 45oC. From literature, it is noted that the mass transfer coefficient will increase
with the increase of temperature. So, there may be some error occurred during conducting this
experiment which effect the mass transfer coefficient value.

Possible cause of error in determination of KLa by using dynamic gassing out technique

There are two possible cause of error in this method. First, when the air supply is turned off,
the dissolved oxygen concentration at point B has to be above the critical dissolved oxygen
concentration (Ccritical). If the dissolved oxygen concentration is below Ccritical, anaerobic
metabolism will occur rather than the aerobic metabolism. Second, this method requires an
oxygen probe with fast response time; neglecting these facts will result in less accurate
outcome.

Transfer of oxygen from a gas phase to a liquid phase is complicated by presence of cells,
product formation, ionic species, and antifoaming agents. These can alter bubble size and liquid
film resistance, which affect oxygen solubility. Resulting KLa values are different from those
predicted from correlations for oxygen absorption into water. Therefore, it is important to have
a reliable method for measuring KLa in fermentation systems.

9.0 CONCLUSION

The objective for this experiment is to measure the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa)
of a stirred tank reactor with bubble aeration at different aeration, agitation and temperature.
This experiment is conducted by using a bioreactor and the result is taken every 5 seconds until
the value constant or close to 100 which indicates the concentration of oxygen in the bioreactor
is saturated. Evaluation of the experimental data shows that kLa values are affected by process
variables such as aeration rate, agitation speed and temperature. From the above discussions, it
was observed that with an increase of aeration rate, agitation speed and temperature, the mass
transfer coefficient values increased. Also, it was found that agitation speeds of 400 to 800

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 19

rpm would be beneficial for all the future bioprocess operations that may lead to a higher
productive biomass system. Also, it was observed that the increase in aeration rates, agitation
speed and temperature will shorten the time to reach the saturated level of dissolved oxygen
concentration.

10.0 RECOMMENDATION

There are some recommendations in order to improve this experiment to obtained more
accurate results. Some of the recommendations are:

1. Make sure before conducting this experiment, consultation and discussion with lecturer and
lab assistant has been made to ensure the right procedure and technique is used.
2. Make sure the bioreactor’s probe has been calibrated to prevent error when taking the data.
3. Make sure the data collected at every 5 second to ensure the correct data is taken as the
value of dissolved oxygen is changing fast.

11.0 REFERENCES
1. Parakulsuksatid, P. 2000. Utilization of Microbubble Dispersion to Increase Oxygen
Transfer in Pilot-Scale Baker’s Yeast Fermentation Unit. Master Thesis. Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA.
2. http://prizedwriting.ucdavis.edu/past/1997-1998/determination-of-volumetric-
masstransfer-coefficient-in-a-stirred-sparged-bioreactor (240309)
3. Ali Karimi, Farideh Golbabaei, Momammad Reza Mehrnia, Masoud Neghab, Kazem
Mohammad, Ahmad Nikpey, Mohammad Reza Pourmand, Iranian J Environ Health Sci
Eng. 2013; 10(1): 6. Published online 2013 Jan 7. doi: 10.1186/1735-2746-10-6

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 20

12.0 APPENDIX

AERATION

Aeration : 1.0 L/min

Aeration (1.0 L/min)

Time (s)
DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 0.05 99.95 4.60467
10 2.58 97.42 4.579032
15 6.65 93.35 4.536356
20 11.5 88.5 4.483003
25 17.1 82.9 4.417635
30 22.6 77.4 4.348987
35 27.6 72.4 4.282206
40 33.0 67 4.204693
45 37.1 62.9 4.141546
50 42.3 57.7 4.055257
55 46.4 53.6 3.981549
60 50.7 49.3 3.897924
65 57.8 42.2 3.74242
70 61.0 39 3.663562
75 63.7 36.3 3.591818
80 66.4 33.6 3.514526
85 68.6 31.4 3.446808
90 71.0 29 3.367296
95 73.0 27 3.295837
100 74.8 25.2 3.226844
105 76.6 23.4 3.152736
110 78.3 21.7 3.077312
115 79.8 20.2 3.005683
120 81.0 19 2.944439
125 82.2 17.8 2.879198
130 83.3 16.7 2.815409
135 84.3 15.7 2.753661
140 85.3 14.7 2.687847
145 86.1 13.9 2.631889
150 87.0 13 2.564949
155 87.7 12.3 2.509599
160 88.3 11.7 2.459589
165 88.9 11.1 2.406945
170 89.5 10.5 2.351375
175 90.0 10 2.302585
180 90.5 9.5 2.251292
185 90.9 9.1 2.208274
190 91.1 8.9 2.186051
195 91.7 8.3 2.116256
200 92.0 8 2.079442

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 21

 205 92.3 7.7 2.04122
210 92.6 7.4 2.00148
215 92.9 7.1 1.960095
220 93.1 6.9 1.931521
225 93.4 6.6 1.88707
230 93.6 6.4 1.856298
235 93.7 6.3 1.84055
240 93.9 6.1 1.808289
245 94.1 5.9 1.774952
250 94.2 5.8 1.757858
255 94.2 5.8 1.757858
260 94.4 5.6 1.722767
265 94.5 5.5 1.704748
270 94.6 5.4 1.686399
275 94.8 5.2 1.648659
280 94.9 5.1 1.629241
285 95.0 5 1.609438
290 95.1 4.9 1.589235
295 95.1 4.9 1.589235
300 95.2 4.8 1.568616
305 95.3 4.7 1.547563
310 95.3 4.7 1.547563
315 95.4 4.6 1.526056
320 95.4 4.6 1.526056
325 95.5 4.5 1.504077
330 95.5 4.5 1.504077
335 95.6 4.4 1.481605
340 95.6 4.4 1.481605
345 95.6 4.4 1.481605

Ln (C*-CL) VS Time
5
4.5
4
3.5
Ln (C*-CL)

3
y = -0.0097x + 4.3
2.5 R² = 0.9363
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Time (s)

Figure 13.1: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for aeration of 1.0 L/min where the slope of the graph is the k La value

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 22

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0097x + 4.3

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0097

0.0097 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 34.92 h−1
s h

Aeration : 1.5 L/min

Aeration (1.5 L/min)

Time (s)
DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 3.57 96.43 4.56882
10 7.57 92.43 4.52645
15 11.9 88.1 4.47847
20 16.7 83.3 4.42245
25 21.4 78.6 4.36437
30 26.0 74 4.30407
35 31.5 68.5 4.22683
40 36.3 63.7 4.15418
45 40.8 59.2 4.08092
50 45.0 55 4.00733
55 50.0 50 3.91202
60 54.4 45.6 3.81991
65 58.6 41.4 3.72328
70 62.2 37.8 3.63231
75 65.4 34.6 3.54385
80 68.6 31.4 3.44681
85 71.4 28.6 3.35341
90 73.8 26.2 3.26576
95 76.3 23.7 3.16548
100 78.5 21.5 3.06805
105 80.8 19.2 2.95491
110 82.3 17.7 2.87356
115 84.4 15.6 2.74727
120 85.7 14.3 2.66026
125 87.1 12.9 2.55723
130 88.4 11.6 2.45101
135 89.6 10.4 2.34181
140 90.6 9.4 2.24071
145 91.5 8.5 2.14007
150 92.5 7.5 2.0149
155 93.2 6.8 1.91692
160 93.8 6.2 1.82455
165 94.5 5.5 1.70475
170 95.1 4.9 1.58924
175 95.7 4.3 1.45862
180 96.1 3.9 1.36098

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 23

 185 96.6 3.4 1.22378
190 97.0 3 1.09861
195 97.4 2.6 0.95551
200 97.7 2.3 0.83291
205 97.9 2.1 0.74194
210 98.3 1.7 0.53063
215 98.6 1.4 0.33647
220 98.8 1.2 0.18232
225 99.1 0.9 -0.1054
230 99.3 0.7 -0.3567
235 99.5 0.5 -0.6931
240 99.6 0.4 -0.9163
245 99.7 0.3 -1.204
250 99.9 0.1 -2.3026
255 100.0 0 -

Ln (C*-CL) VS Time
6
5
4
3
Ln (C*-CL)

2 y = -0.0228x + 5.1861
R² = 0.9525
1
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
-1
-2
-3
Time (s)

Figure 13.2: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for aeration of 1.5 L/min where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0228x + 5.1861

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0228

0.0228 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 82.08 h−1
s h

Aeration : 2.0 L/min

Aeration (2.0 L/min)

Time (s)
DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 3.58 96.42 4.56871

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 24

10 3.78 96.22 4.56664
15 12.8 87.2 4.4682
20 18.9 81.1 4.39568
25 25.4 74.6 4.31214
30 31.6 68.4 4.22537
35 37.3 62.7 4.13836
40 43.0 57 4.04305
45 48.8 51.2 3.93574
50 54.0 46 3.82864
55 59.2 40.8 3.70868
60 63.2 36.8 3.6055
65 67.2 32.8 3.49043
70 70.7 29.3 3.37759
75 74.0 26 3.2581
80 77.1 22.9 3.13114
85 79.6 20.4 3.01553
90 81.9 18.1 2.89591
95 84.0 16 2.77259
100 86.0 14 2.63906
105 87.8 12.2 2.50144
110 89.1 10.9 2.38876
115 90.6 9.4 2.24071
120 91.8 8.2 2.10413
125 93.2 6.8 1.91692
130 93.9 6.1 1.80829
135 94.8 5.2 1.64866
140 95.3 4.7 1.54756
145 96.1 3.9 1.36098
150 96.6 3.4 1.22378
155 97.2 2.8 1.02962
160 97.7 2.3 0.83291
165 98.0 2 0.69315
170 98.4 1.6 0.47
175 98.8 1.2 0.18232
180 99.1 0.9 -0.1054
185 99.4 0.6 -0.5108
190 99.5 0.5 -0.6931
195 99.8 0.2 -1.6094
200 100.0 0 -

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 25

 Ln (C*-CL) VS Time
6

3
Ln (C*-CL)

2
y = -0.028x + 5.2029
1 R² = 0.9612

0
0 50 100 150 200 250
-1

-2
Time (s)

Figure 13.3: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for aeration of 2.0 L/min where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.028x + 5.2029

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.028

0.028 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 100.8 h−1
s h

Aeration : 2.5 L/min

Aeration (2.5 L/min)

Time (s)
DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 2.5 97.5 4.57985
10 4.78 95.22 4.55619
15 27.9 72.1 4.27805
20 33.4 66.6 4.1987
25 39.8 60.2 4.09767
30 47.0 53 3.97029
35 52.8 47.2 3.85439
40 58.0 42 3.73767
45 63.4 36.6 3.60005
50 67.8 32.2 3.47197
55 71.8 28.2 3.33932
60 75.2 24.8 3.21084
65 78.6 21.4 3.06339
70 81.4 18.6 2.92316
75 83.7 16.3 2.79117
80 85.9 14.1 2.64617

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 26

 85 88.0 12 2.48491
90 89.6 10.4 2.34181
95 91.1 8.9 2.18605
100 92.5 7.5 2.0149
105 93.6 6.4 1.8563
110 94.6 5.4 1.6864
115 95.5 4.5 1.50408
120 96.3 3.7 1.30833
125 96.9 3.1 1.1314
130 97.5 2.5 0.91629
135 98.0 2 0.69315
140 98.5 1.5 0.40547
145 98.8 1.2 0.18232
150 99.2 0.8 -0.2231
155 99.5 0.5 -0.6931
160 99.6 0.4 -0.9163
165 99.9 0.1 -2.3026
170 100.0 0 -

Ln (C*-CL) VS Time
6
5
4
3 y = -0.0343x + 5.1468
Ln (C*-CL)

2 R² = 0.9429

1
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
-1
-2
-3
Time (s)

Figure 13.4: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for aeration of 2.5 L/min where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0343x + 5.1468

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0343

0.0343 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = s
x h
= 123.48 h−1

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 27

AGITATION

Agitation : 400rpm

Agitation (400 rpm)

Time (s)
DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 4.50 95.5 4.55913
10 7.25 92.75 4.52991
15 15.3 84.7 4.43912
20 21.8 78.2 4.35927
25 27.6 72.4 4.28221
30 33.4 66.6 4.1987
35 39.5 60.5 4.10264
40 45.5 54.5 3.9982
45 51.1 48.9 3.88978
50 55.4 44.6 3.79773
55 60.8 39.2 3.66868
60 64.6 35.4 3.56671
65 68.5 31.5 3.44999
70 71.1 28.9 3.36384
75 74.9 25.1 3.22287
80 78.0 22 3.09104
85 80.7 19.3 2.96011
90 83.8 16.2 2.78501
95 85.1 14.9 2.70136
100 86.8 13.2 2.58022
105 88.5 11.5 2.44235
110 90.0 10 2.30259
115 91.1 8.9 2.18605
120 92.3 7.7 2.04122
125 94.5 5.5 1.70475
130 95.4 4.6 1.52606
135 96.0 4 1.38629
140 96.6 3.4 1.22378
145 97.2 2.8 1.02962
150 97.7 2.3 0.83291
155 98.0 2 0.69315
160 98.5 1.5 0.40547
165 98.9 1.1 0.09531
170 99.3 0.7 -0.3567
175 99.5 0.5 -0.6931
180 99.6 0.4 -0.9163
185 99.8 0.2 -1.6094
190 100.0 0 -

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 28

 Ln (C*-CL) VS Time
6

3
Ln (C*-CL)

y = -0.0303x + 5.2698
2 R² = 0.9523
1

0
0 50 100 150 200
-1

-2
Time (s)

Figure 13.5: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for agitation of 400 rpm where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0303x + 5.2698

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0303

0.0303 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 109.08 h−1
s h

Agitation: 600rpm

Agitation (600 rpm)

Time (s)
DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 5.8 94.2 4.54542
10 14.4 85.6 4.44969
15 24.4 75.6 4.32546
20 33.7 66.3 4.19419
25 42.3 57.7 4.05526
30 50.8 49.2 3.89589
35 58.3 41.7 3.7305
40 65.5 34.5 3.54096
45 71.4 28.6 3.35341
50 76.4 23.6 3.16125
55 80.7 19.3 2.96011
60 84.2 15.8 2.76001
65 87.0 13 2.56495
70 89.6 10.4 2.34181
75 91.8 8.2 2.10413
80 93.5 6.5 1.8718

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 29

 85 94.9 5.1 1.62924
90 95.9 4.1 1.41099
95 97.0 3 1.09861
100 98.0 2 0.69315
105 98.6 1.4 0.33647
110 99.2 0.8 -0.2231
115 99.5 0.5 -0.6931
120 99.9 0.1 -2.3026
125 100.0 0 #NUM!

Ln (C*-CL) VS Time
6
5
4
3
y = -0.0477x + 5.3349
Ln (C*-CL)

2 R² = 0.9237
1
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
-1
-2
-3
Time (s)

Figure 13.6: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for agitation of 600 rpm where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0477x + 5.3349

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0477

0.0477 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = s
x h
= 171.72 h−1

Agitaton: 800rpm

Agitation (800 rpm)

Time (s)
DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 18.7 81.3 4.39815
10 22.5 77.5 4.35028
15 32.8 67.2 4.20767
20 45.7 54.3 3.99452
25 57.3 42.7 3.7542

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 30

 30 66.7 33.3 3.50556
35 74.8 25.2 3.22684
40 80.2 19.8 2.98568
45 84.9 15.1 2.71469
50 88.7 11.3 2.4248
55 91.8 8.2 2.10413
60 94.1 5.9 1.77495
65 95.8 4.2 1.43508
70 97.0 3 1.09861
75 98.0 2 0.69315
80 98.9 1.1 0.09531
85 99.5 0.5 -0.6931
90 99.9 0.1 -2.3026
95 100.0 0 -

Ln (C*-CL) VS Time
6
5
4
3
Ln (C*-CL)

2 y = -0.0645x + 5.3184
R² = 0.9155
1
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
-1
-2
-3
Time (s)

Figure 13.7: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for agitation of 800 rpm where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0645x + 5.3184

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0645

0.0645 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 232.2 h−1
s h

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 31

Agitation: 1000rpm

Agitation (1000 rpm)

Time (s)
DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 11.4 88.6 4.48413
10 24.9 75.1 4.31882
15 42.5 57.5 4.05178
20 58.9 41.1 3.71601
25 69.2 30.8 3.42751
30 77.9 22.1 3.09558
35 84.1 15.9 2.76632
40 88.8 11.2 2.41591
45 91.9 8.1 2.09186
50 94.5 5.5 1.70475
55 96.5 3.5 1.25276
60 97.8 2.2 0.78846
65 98.8 1.2 0.18232
70 99.5 0.5 -0.6931
75 100.0 0 -

Ln (C*-CL) VS Time
6

4
Ln (C*-CL)

2
y = -0.0732x + 5.1687
R² = 0.9742
1

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
-1
Time (s)

Figure 13.8: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for agitation of 1000 rpm where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0732x + 5.1687

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0732

0.0732 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 263.52 h−1
s h

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 32

TEMPERATURE

Temperature: 35oC

Time (s) Temperature (350C)

DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 1.98 98.02 4.585172
10 6.71 93.29 4.535713
15 14.00 86 4.454347
20 22.20 77.8 4.354141
25 30.10 69.9 4.247066
30 38.10 61.9 4.12552
35 44.10 55.9 4.023564
40 49.40 50.6 3.923952
45 55.80 44.2 3.788725
50 59.50 40.5 3.701302
55 64.80 35.2 3.561046
60 68.30 31.7 3.456317
65 71.50 28.5 3.349904
70 74.10 25.9 3.254243
75 76.40 23.6 3.161247
80 78.50 21.5 3.068053
85 80.30 19.7 2.980619
90 81.90 18.1 2.895912
95 83.70 16.3 2.791165
100 85.20 14.8 2.694627
105 86.20 13.8 2.624669
110 87.10 12.9 2.557227
115 87.90 12.1 2.493205
120 88.60 11.4 2.433613
125 89.30 10.7 2.370244
130 89.90 10.1 2.312535
135 90.40 9.6 2.261763
140 90.70 9.3 2.230014
145 91.00 9 2.197225
150 91.30 8.7 2.163323
155 91.80 8.2 2.104134
160 92.10 7.9 2.066863
165 92.30 7.7 2.04122
170 92.50 7.5 2.014903
175 92.90 7.1 1.960095
180 93.00 7 1.94591
185 93.20 6.8 1.916923
190 93.30 6.7 1.902108
195 93.50 6.5 1.871802
200 93.70 6.3 1.84055
205 93.80 6.2 1.824549
210 93.90 6.1 1.808289

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 33

 215 94.00 6 1.791759
220 94.10 5.9 1.774952
225 94.20 5.8 1.757858
230 94.40 5.6 1.722767
235 94.50 5.5 1.704748
240 94.50 5.5 1.704748
245 94.50 5.5 1.704748

Ln (C*-CL) VS Time
5
4.5
4
3.5
Ln (C*-CL)

3 y = -0.0122x + 4.2262
2.5 R² = 0.9196
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Time (s)

Figure 13.9: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for temperature at 350C where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0122x + 4.2262

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0122

0.0122 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 43.92 h−1
s h

Temperature: 40oC

Time (s) Temperature (400C)

DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 2.80 97.2 4.576771
10 2.91 97.09 4.575638
15 3.09 96.91 4.573783
20 3.36 96.64 4.570993
25 6.18 93.82 4.541378
30 11.70 88.3 4.48074
35 19.90 80.1 4.383276

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 34

 40 28.20 71.8 4.273884
45 36.70 63.3 4.147885
50 43.40 56.6 4.036009
55 49.00 51 3.931826
60 54.70 45.3 3.813307
65 59.50 40.5 3.701302
70 63.50 36.5 3.597312
75 67.60 32.4 3.478158
80 70.80 29.2 3.374169
85 73.30 26.7 3.284664
90 75.60 24.4 3.194583
95 77.70 22.3 3.104587
100 79.60 20.4 3.015535
105 81.30 18.7 2.928524
110 82.70 17.3 2.850707
115 83.90 16.1 2.778819
120 84.80 15.2 2.721295
125 85.50 14.5 2.674149
130 86.20 13.8 2.624669
135 86.90 13.1 2.572612
140 87.50 12.5 2.525729
145 88.00 12 2.484907
150 88.50 11.5 2.442347
155 89.00 11 2.397895
160 89.30 10.7 2.370244
165 89.60 10.4 2.341806
170 89.80 10.2 2.322388
175 90.10 9.9 2.292535
180 90.40 9.6 2.261763
185 90.50 9.5 2.251292
190 90.60 9.4 2.24071
195 90.80 9.2 2.219203
200 91.00 9 2.197225
205 91.20 8.8 2.174752
210 91.20 8.8 2.174752
215 91.60 8.4 2.128232
220 91.70 8.3 2.116256
225 91.80 8.2 2.104134
230 91.80 8.2 2.104134
235 91.90 8.1 2.091864
240 92.00 8 2.079442
245 92.10 7.9 2.066863
250 92.10 7.9 2.066863
255 92.20 7.8 2.054124
260 92.30 7.7 2.04122
265 92.40 7.6 2.028148
270 93.00 7 1.94591
275 93.00 7 1.94591

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 35

 280 93.00 7 1.94591

Ln (C*-CL) VS Time
5
4.5
4
3.5
Ln (C*-CL)

3 y = -0.0102x + 4.3339
2.5 R² = 0.8876
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Time (s)

Figure 13.10: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for temperature at 400C where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0102x + 4.3339

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0102

0.0102 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 36.72 h−1
s h

Temperature: 45oC

Time (s) Temperature (45OC)

DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 1.37 98.63 4.591375
10 2.30 97.7 4.581902
15 3.90 96.1 4.565389
20 4.87 95.13 4.555244
25 5.10 94.9 4.552824
30 5.67 94.33 4.546799
35 7.30 92.7 4.529368
40 10.50 89.5 4.494239
45 12.80 87.2 4.468204
50 15.20 84.8 4.440296
55 21.00 79 4.369448
60 23.10 76.9 4.342506
65 27.50 72.5 4.283587

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 36

 70 30.60 69.4 4.239887
75 35.70 64.3 4.16356
80 39.70 60.3 4.099332
85 42.70 57.3 4.048301
90 48.20 51.8 3.94739
95 56.20 43.8 3.779634
100 63.40 36.6 3.600048
105 70.40 29.6 3.387774
110 75.70 24.3 3.190476
115 81.00 19 2.944439
120 83.50 16.5 2.80336
125 85.90 14.1 2.646175
130 85.90 14.1 2.646175
135 86.70 13.3 2.587764
140 87.30 12.7 2.541602
145 88.50 11.5 2.442347
150 89.00 11 2.397895
155 89.50 10.5 2.351375
160 92.40 7.6 2.028148
165 92.40 7.6 2.028148
170 92.50 7.5 2.014903
175 92.70 7.3 1.987874
180 92.70 7.3 1.987874
185 92.70 7.3 1.987874

Ln (C*-CL) VS Time
6

4
Ln (C*-CL)

2
y = -0.0179x + 5.1639
1 R² = 0.9426

0
0 50 100 150 200
Time (s)

Figure 13.11: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) vs time for temperature at 450C where the slope of the
graph is the kLa value

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 37

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0179x + 5.1639

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0179

0.0179 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 64.44 h−1
s h

Temperature: 50oC

Time (s) Temperature (50OC)

DO C*- CL Ln(C*-CL)
5 22.20 77.8 4.354141
10 28.40 71.6 4.271095
15 32.10 67.9 4.218036
20 38.50 61.5 4.119037
25 45.20 54.8 4.00369
30 51.80 48.2 3.875359
35 57.00 43 3.7612
40 62.40 37.6 3.627004
45 67.20 32.8 3.490429
50 70.20 29.8 3.394508
55 73.40 26.6 3.280911
60 75.90 24.1 3.182212
65 80.20 19.8 2.985682
70 81.50 18.5 2.917771
75 82.90 17.1 2.839078
80 84.00 16 2.772589
85 85.00 15 2.70805
90 86.00 14 2.639057
95 86.70 13.3 2.587764
100 87.20 12.8 2.549445
105 88.00 12 2.484907
110 88.40 11.6 2.451005
115 89.00 11 2.397895
120 89.40 10.6 2.360854
125 89.80 10.2 2.322388
130 90.20 9.8 2.282382
135 90.50 9.5 2.251292
140 90.60 9.4 2.24071
145 90.70 9.3 2.230014
150 90.90 9.1 2.208274
155 91.10 8.9 2.186051
160 91.20 8.8 2.174752
165 91.50 8.5 2.140066
170 91.80 8.2 2.104134

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 38

 175 91.80 8.2 2.104134
180 91.80 8.2 2.104134

Ln (C*-CL) VS Time
5
4.5
4
3.5
Ln (C*-CL)

3
2.5
2
1.5 y = -0.0133x + 4.1055
1 R² = 0.9123
0.5
0
0 50 100 150 200
Time (s)

Figure 13.12: Graph of Ln(C*-CL) against time for temperature at 500C where the slope of
the graph is the kLa value

Based on the graph plotted above, the linear equation obtain is y = −0.0133x + 4.1055

Since -m= k L a and m=-0.0133

0.0133 3600 s
Therefore, k L a = x = 47.88 h−1
s h

DETERMINATION OF KLa VALUE| 39