Particle Image Velocimetry for Bioreactor Flows
In a food processing container, during the mixing of ingredients or cleaning of surfaces, the hydrodynamic shear stress directly correlates with the growth or removal of biofilms. Depending on flow conditions, the equipment surface properties also affect the shear force near the wall. However, the shear stress level has not been directly quantified in a food processing container under specific flow conditions. Current theoretical approximations do not capture the relevant flow dynamics. Thus, experimental shear stress quantification is critical to developing predictive models for biofilm mitigation.
The research objective is to experimentally characterize hydrodynamic shear stress on equipment surfaces to better predict and model surface biofilm mitigation. We perform Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements to non-invasively quantify rotational flows inside a CDC bioreactor, as well as a channel flow for an inline bioreactor.
The research objective is to experimentally characterize hydrodynamic shear stress on equipment surfaces to better predict and model surface biofilm mitigation. We perform Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements to non-invasively quantify rotational flows inside a CDC bioreactor, as well as a channel flow for an inline bioreactor.