Which of the following components prevents vortex formation in a fermenter ?
MH SET - 2018, SET Exam - 2018,
Answer: C
Vortex formation is prevented by the baffle (spelt Bafle in the paper).
Baffles are vertical metal strips fixed to the inner wall of a stirred fermenter, usually four of them. Without them the impeller would set the whole broth spinning, forming a central vortex that reduces mixing and oxygen transfer and can draw air down to the impeller. The baffles break up this swirling flow and turn it into the turbulent mixing that keeps cells, nutrients and air bubbles evenly spread.
The sparger introduces air at the bottom of the vessel. The impeller (and a propeller, one kind of impeller) does the stirring, and is in fact what creates the vortex the baffles prevent.
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