Mixing intensity studies in a pilot plant stirred bioreactor with an electromagnetic drive

The design and methodology of a stirring intensity measuring device, SIMD-f 3, are described. A low noise action electromagnetic drive is developed and applied. Measurements in water demonstrate the fundamental validity of the device. Measurements in air-water and different solutions of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) do not contradict the physical interpretation. Potential a pplications could embrace optimization of mixers design and mixing regimes, control of technological processes, scale-up and scale-down. The low noise action electromagnetic drive provides a possibility of earring out correct mixing measurements and elimination of contamination when cultivating micr oorganisms. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.