KINETICS OF SUBSTRATE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCT FORMATION IN CLOSED ACETIC FERMENTATION SYSTEMS

This paper proposes a kinetic model for substrate consumption and prod uct formation, in low alcohol media, of Acetobacter aceti in submerged culture. The model considers ethanol consumption for growth of biomas s and formation of secondary products by a chemical route. Experimenta l data were obtained in the laboratory using a variety of discontinuou s fermentation apparatus with automatic control, and either open or cl osed gas recirculation systems. Operating conditions applied were thos e typical of acetic fermentation process in the food industry. The fit of equations to the experimental data gives high theoretical-experime ntal determination coefficients.