KINETIC-MODEL FOR GROWTH OF ACETOBACTER-ACETI IN SUBMERGED CULTURE

This paper proposes a kinetic model for growth, in low alcohol media, of Acetobacter aceti in submerged culture. The model combines the infl uence of substrate (ethanol) concentration, product (acetic acid) conc entration and dissolved oxygen on the specific microorganism growth ra te. Experimental data were obtained, both in the laboratory and indust rially, using a variety of discontinuous fermentation apparatus with a utomatic control, and either open or closed gas recirculation systems. The operation conditions applied were those typical of acetic ferment ation processes in the food industry. Examination of the results obtai ned makes it possible to determine the characteristic influence of eac h of the variables indicated, and to calculate the values of the diffe rent parameters of the proposed growth equation.