What is an airlift reactor?

An airlift reactor is a type of bioreactor that uses air bubbles to mix and circulate the contents of the reactor. The air bubbles rise through the liquid, creating a flow of liquid that helps to mix the contents and keep the cells in suspension. Airlift reactors are often used for large-scale cell culture applications, as they can provide a high degree of mixing and aeration without the need for mechanical agitation.

Airlift reactors are typically made of glass or plastic, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common type of airlift reactor is the cylindrical airlift reactor, which consists of a vertical column with a draft tube in the center. The air bubbles are introduced at the bottom of the draft tube, and they rise through the liquid and out the top of the reactor.

The rate of mixing in an airlift reactor is determined by the flow rate of the air bubbles. The higher the flow rate, the more vigorous the mixing will be. The flow rate of the air bubbles can be controlled by adjusting the pressure of the air supply.

Airlift reactors are a versatile type of bioreactor that can be used for a variety of applications. They are particularly well-suited for large-scale cell culture applications, as they can provide a high degree of mixing and aeration without the need for mechanical agitation.