Question

Escherichia coli (E.coli) is a type of bacteria that, depending on the strain, either lives in the human digestive tract without any adverse effect or causes severe illness in humans. A researcher wishes to grow a particular strain of E. coli (overall formula CH1.77O0.49N0.24, molar mass 25gm/mol) in a bioreactor for protein production (see reaction below). At 5 kg/hr, liquid glycerol (C3H8O3) is the limiting reactant. Reaction products are constantly being removed to keep reactor conditions constant. C3H8O3 + a NH3 + b O2 --> p CH1.77O0.49N0.24 + q CO2 + r H2O How much heat needs to be removed from the bioreactor to keep it at a constant temperature? Assume that the heat of combustion of E.coli is -22.83 kJ/g and the respiratory quotient is 0.44. Assume that the enthalpy changes required to raise and lower the temperature of the compounds are negligible relative to deltaHr (standard conditions).

Answer 1