Development of a predictive description of an immobilized‐cell, three‐phase, fluidized‐bed bioreactor

A fully predictive mathematical description of a three‐phase, tapered, fluidized‐bed bioreactor is developed. This mathematical model includes the effects of the tapered bed, variable dispersion coefficient, and variable solid holdup upon the concentration profiles developed in the bed. In addition, the effect of the concentration profile which is developed inside the biocatalyst bead is included by means of an effectiveness factor calculation. Using accepted correlations for the dispersion coefficient and for the liquid, gas, and solid holdup in the bed, the model is fully predictive. The model was found to adequately predict experimental obtained concentration profiles. Then, the model was used to examine the various phase holdups through the bed and the degree to which the dispersion coefficient varied through the bed. The effect of changes in these calculated variables upon the reaction rate is discussed. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.