PUMPS AND FERMENTATION

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The fermentor or the bioreactor has always been referred as the heart of the fermentation process. It refers to the central position and function of the fermentor where all the microbiological and biochemical reactions take place. However, the fermentor is just the vessel to support the growth of the high concentration of microorganisms and its success depends a lot on the input of various components such as nutrients, oxygen and the removal of products such as spent broth and gases among others

The dynamic flux which occur between the fermentor environment and the external environment are crucially maintained by the various pumps that serviced the fermentor . The pumps are the heart of the fermentor itself as much as the fermentor is the heart of the fermentation process

The pumps deliver,removes and maintain the fermentor environment through its control of fluids in and out of the fermentor. The success of the pumps in doing its function depends on other factors such as tubings and pipes in servicing the fermentors.

There are various types of pumps to carry out the different function in the fermentor. But important in the choice of the pumps to be selected are the:

1 The nature of fluid that is being pumped
2 The degree of contact or sterility required of the fluid



THE NATURE OF FLUID BEING PUMPED
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The rheology or viscosity of fluid being pumped is important. If the liquid is too viscous it might require a more powerful pump to pump the fluid. A liquid which contain high amount of solids could be a problem in pumping as if the velocity is too low then it might result in the solids settling down due to gravity and creating problems of pumping

DEGREE OF CONTACT AND ASEPTICITY
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This will be a major problem in aseptic fermentation where sterility demand is very stringent. Only pumps which are not in contact with the fluid or are in high sanitary conditions are permissible

In small scale fermentations, the most ideal mode of pumping will be by using peristaltic pumps. Fluids are moved through the tube by peristalsis action of rollers acting in pulses on the tube. The fluid is never in contact with the pump