PROCESS DESIGN OF A SOLID STATE FERMENTATION SYSTEM WITH COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS ANALYSIS

Abstract

The cultivation process of Trichoderma ressei is crucial for various industrial applications, including enzyme production and biocontrol agents. Understanding the influence of the bioreactor type on the cultivation parameters is essential for optimizing the production process. Biomass estimation is conducted through quantitative analysis of microbial growth, comparing the tray bioreactor's and Solid State Fermenter (SSF) reactor's efficiency in supporting Trichoderma ressi proliferation. Moisture content is measured to assess the water availability in the substrate and its impact on fungal growth. Humidity and temperature profiles are monitored to evaluate the environmental conditions within the reactors. The study aims to identify the reactor that provides the most conducive environment for Trichoderma ressei growth, considering the interplay of these critical factors. Furthermore, CFD analysis is employed to simulate the fluid dynamics within the SSF reactor. This computational approach allows for a detailed examination of the airflow patterns, heat distribution, and mass transfer, providing insights into the reactor's efficiency and performance. This study has found the Solid Sate Fermenter bioreactor to be more efficient than the tray bioreactor with more biomass yield at starting from 72hr. The SSF Bioreactor also has more enzyme activity with steady moisture content.