Question

I have a biothermodynamics question I need help with. It's less complex thermodynamics and more chemistry-based. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it! Posted below.

Answer 1

An industrial fermenter uses Aspergillus niger bacteria to manufacture citric acid at 30 degrees Celsius according to the stoichiometry:

C6H12O6(s)+aNH3(g)+bO2(g)→cC1.79N0.2O0.5(s)+dCO2(g)+eH2O(l)+fC6H8O7(s)


The respiratory coefficient (ratio of carbon dioxide produced to oxygen gas consumed) in the fermenter is 0.45. The yield of citric acid per mole of glucose consumed is 0.70. Inlet flow rates of glucose, ammonia and oxygen are 20, 0.4 and 7.5 kg/hr, respectively.

What is the composition of the outlet stream if the fractional glucose conservation is 0.91?