Enhanced rhamnolipids production via efficient foam-control using stop valve as a foam breaker. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Long, Xuwei; Shen, Chong; He, Ni; Zhang, Guoliang; Meng, Qin
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 224(2017)
• Page Start: 536
• Page End: 543
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Stop valve -- Rhamnolipid -- Foam-control -- Foam breaker; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.10.072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Stop valve at its tiny opening can readily break foams in rhamnolipid fermentation. Efficient foam-control by stop valve improved rhamnolipid fermentation efficiency. High shear force and fast air separation could explain foam-breaking by stop valve. Abstract: In this study, a stop valve was used as a foam breaker for dealing with the massive overflowing foam in rhamnolipid fermentation. As found, a stop valve at its tiny opening could break over 90% of the extremely stable rhamnolipid foam into enriched liquid when foam flows through the sharp gap in valve. The efficient foam-control by the stop valve considerably improved the rhamnolipid fermentation and significantly enhanced the rhamnolipid productivity by 83% compared to the regular fermentation. This efficient foam breaking was mainly achieved by a high shear rate in combination with fast separation of air from the collapsed foam. Altogether, the stop valve possessed a great activity in breaking rhamnolipid foam, and the involving mechanism holds the potential for developing efficient foam breakers for industrial rhamnolipid fermentation.