Question

What is the change of using antifoaming agents on KLa?

(a) KLa increases

(b) KLa decreases

(c) KLa becomes constant

(d) No effect

I have been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

This interesting question is from Aeration and Agitation topic in chapter Aeration and Agitation of Fermentation Technology

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) KLa increases

For explanation: The antifoaming agents reduce or prevent the formation of foam. It prevents the coalescence of smaller bubbles into larger bubbles. This increases the interfacial area and hence the volumetric mass transfer increases.