APPLICATION OF A GAS RECIRCULATION SYSTEM TO INDUSTRIAL ACETIC FERMENTATION PROCESSES

This paper describes a gas recirculation system for the exhaust gases from the aerobic fermenters normally used in acetic fermentation proce sses. With the application of this procedure, it is possible to operat e in a closed system, so preventing the large losses of fermentation y ield due to evaporation which occur in open systems. In addition, this system reduces losses of volatile organoleptic compounds (ethanol, ac etic acid and ethyl acetate, among others) so enabling the product to be incorporated into processes for the manufacture of high quality vin egars.