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Pilot-scale verification of a computer-based simulation for the centrifugal recovery of biological particles

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Abstract

The development of a model for simulating the recoveries by pilot-scale disc-stack centrifugation of whole yeast cells, yeast cell debris and protein precipitates prepared by ammonium sulphate salting-out is presented. The model is based on the grade efficiency concept and incorporates the effects of hindered settling at high biomass concentrations and the breakage of shear-sensitive material within the centrifuge feed-zone to give an accurate prediction of solid/liquid separation. The simulations have been proven by comparison with data from pilot-scale verification trials. The trials have highlighted where improvements to the models were required to increase their accuracy. The value of verification trials in proving the validity of models is commented upon.

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Abbreviations

C v :

volume concentration of solids in suspension (−)

D :

dilution factor (−)

d :

particle diameter (μm)

d c :

critical particle diameter (μm)

E :

enzyme activity (U mL−1)

E T :

centrifuge mass yield (−)

g :

acceleration due to gravity (9.81 ms−2)

k :

constant (−)

k B :

breakage constant (−)

n :

constant (−)

Q :

volumetric flowrate (m3 s−1)

R :

total protein concentration (mg mL−1)

R o :

outer disc radius (m)

R i :

inner disc radius (m)

(T(d) :

grade efficiency (−)

V :

volume (L)

Z :

number of discs (−)

Δϱ :

solid-liquid density difference (Kg m−3)

Δt :

change in time (s)

ΔF :

representation for particle size distributions (−)

θ :

disc conical half-angle (rads)

μ :

suspension dynamic viscosity (N s m−2)

ρ L :

liquid phase density (Kg m−3)

ρ A :

aggregate phase density (Kg m−3)

Σ:

area of a simple gravity settling tank of equivalent sedimentation characteristics to that of the centrifuge (m2)

σ :

particle geometric factor (−)

ω :

centrifuge angular velocity (rad s−1)

R :

Total protein

E :

Enzyme

PPT :

Precipitant

s :

Sheared

f :

Feed

sup :

Supernatant

sed :

Sediment

ppt :

Precipitate phase

sol :

Soluble phase

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Author notes

  1. A. I. Clarkson

    Present address: Costain Life Sciences Ltd., Costain House, Styal Road, M22 5WN, Manchester

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Advanced Centre For Biochemical Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, WC1E 7JE, London

    A. I. Clarkson, M. Bulmer & N. J. Titchener-Hooker

Authors
  1. A. I. Clarkson
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  2. M. Bulmer
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  3. N. J. Titchener-Hooker
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UCL is the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council's Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Biochemical Engineering and the Council's support to the participating UCL departments is gratefully acknowledged.

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Clarkson, A.I., Bulmer, M. & Titchener-Hooker, N.J. Pilot-scale verification of a computer-based simulation for the centrifugal recovery of biological particles. Bioprocess Engineering 14, 81–89 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00387961

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