Chapter 9, Problem 9.19P

A CSTR is being operated at steady state. The cell growth follows the Monod growth law without inhibition. The exiting substrate and cell concentrations are measured as a function of the volumetric flow rate (represented as the dilution rate), and the results are shown below. Of course, measurements are not taken until steady state is achieved after each change in the flow rate. Neglect substrate consumption for maintenance and the death rate, and assume that Y_p/c is zero. For run 4, the entering substrate concentration was 50 g/dm³ and the volumetric flow rate of the substrate was 2 dm³/h.

1. (a) Determine the Monod growth parameters μ_max and K_S.
2. (b) Estimate the stoichiometric coefficients, Y_c/s and Y_s/c.
3. (c) Apply one or more of the six ideas in Preface Table P-4, page xxviii, to this problem.
4. (d) How could you make this problem more difficult?