An industrial fermenter is used to grow microorganisms under controlled conditions to produce useful substances on a large scale.
Explain why the temperature within the fermenter must be kept tightly regulated around an optimum level.
State two design features of an industrial fermenter that are used to monitor and maintain this optimal temperature.
An agitator (paddles or stirrer) is continuously operated inside the fermenter. Suggest two reasons why agitation is necessary to achieve a high yield of the product.
Before starting a new fermentation culture, superheated steam is blown through the empty fermenter. Explain the importance of this cleaning process before inoculation.
