Er. Gouveia et al., Studies on the rheology and oxygen mass transfer in the clavulanic acid production by Streptomyces clavuligerus, BRAZ J CH E, 17(4-7), 2000, pp. 827-834
In the present work rheological characteristics and volumetric oxygen trans
fer coefficient (k(L)a) were investigated during batch cultivations of Stre
ptomyces clavuligerus NRRL 3585 for production of clavulanic acid. The expe
rimental rheological data could be adequately described in terms of the pow
er law model and logistic equation. Significant changes in the rheological
parameters consistency index (K) and flow behavior index (n) were observed
with the fermentation evolution. Interesting correlations between the consi
stency index (K)/biomass concentration (C-X) and the flow behavior index (n
)/biomass concentration were proposed. Volumetric oxygen mass transfer coef
ficient (k(L)a) was determined by the gas balance method. Classical correla
tion relating the volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient to the operat
ing conditions, physical and to transport properties, including apparent vi
scosity (.(ap)), could be applied to the experimental results.