Solid State Fermentation plant for R & D and scale up to Delhi University

Project Overview

Different types of solid sate fermenters namely Koji fermenter, aseptic solid state  fermenter, Rotating drum fermenter for R&D and scale-up were designed, fabricated and supplied.

Koji Fermenter:

A 25 kg capacity SSF Koji fermenter plant with accessories was supplied. The equipment included were:

a. Koji Chamber suitable for handling 24 trays for 2 kg material each with temperature, relative humidity, air flow monitoring and controllers was supplied.  the unit had a built–in humidifier, strip heater and  built in cooling system.

b. Koji dryer-for drying fermented mass using controlled hot air

c. Extraction system for extracting the bio product,

d. Plate and frame filter.

 
Aseptic Solid State Fermenter:

Automatic stainless steel aseptic solid state fermenter f-system for carrying out aseptic fermentation on solid support like wheat bran, rice husk, and other material supplied. The plant consisted:

a. A horizontal SS in-situ sterilizable jacketed vessel with temperature and humidity and air flow controllers. A suitable variable controlled mixing was the main competent. Provision for mixing mass continuously/ periodically (timed cycles) was the special feature. Agitation system is able to provide very low agitation up to 30 RPM . Aseptic inoculation was possible. The inlet air was sterilized using suitable sterilizable filters . Air out let was equipped with filters  to prevent laboratory contamination.

 
Rotating Drum  Solid State Fermenter:

SS jacketed horizontal vessel with provision to rotate the fermenter vessel from 1-30 Rpm for gentle mixing to avoid damage of delicate fungal mass was supplied.  Suitable PID controllers for  temperature, relative humidity and air flow rate were integrated with the system. In-situ sterilization of all the connected parts for aseptic operations was specially designed and included.

 
Rotating biological contactor reactor:

In this type of fermenter, a number of convex discs mounted on a rotating shaft  is used to support the growing biomass. A portion of the discs is submerged in the liquid in the fermenter. Biomass growing on the discs take the nutrients from the liquid and oxygen from the air above the liquid level. Rotations from 3 to 300 rpm were possible. The system was in-situ sterilizable. Monitoring, data logging of the events and control of temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and RPM were included. Suitable peristaltic pumps were supplied.