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A batch bioreactor is to be scaled up from 10 to 10,000 liters. The diameter of the large bioreactor is 10 times that of the small bioreactor. The agitator speed in the small bioreactor is 450 rpm. Determine the agitator speed (rpm) of the large bioreactor with same impeller tip speed as that of the small bioreactor. ______
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- 45
- 60
- 75
- 90
Correct Option: A
Let the agitator speed in the large bioreactorbe VL
Now, we have for scale up : VL × DL = VS × DS
Where, DL = diameter of the large bioreactor,
VS = agitator speed of the small bioreactor = 450 rpm,
DS = diameter of the small bioreactor,
n = scale up ratio = 10,000 / 10 = 1000
Now, DL = 10 DS
Therefore, VL × 10 DS = 450 × DS
⇒ VL = 45
Hence the agitator speed of the large bioreactor is 45 rpm.
