Question

1)

In a batch culture, formic acid (HCOOH) is produced using bacteria. For each mole of glucose (C6H12O6) utilized by the bacteria, 2.40 moles of cells (CH1.80O0.51N0.26), 1.70 moles of formic acid, 1.90 moles of gaseous CO2, and some H2O are formed. Oxygen (O2) and ammonia (NH3) were consumed.

Glucose, ammonia and 18,350 kg of water were fed to the reactor and inoculated with the bacteria. Air is pumped into the reactor and during the entire process 6000 kg of off-gas was recovered. The final formic acid concentration should not exceed 3 wt%.

For the above described set-up, when the bacteria is grown at 37oC, estimate the cooling requirements.

2)

a. How much glucose and ammonia are required?

b. What is the percentage of gases in the off-gas?

Answer 1