Question

The unit of KLa is __________

(a) cm^2

(b) h^-1

(c) cm^3

(d) cm h^-1

The question was asked during an interview.

This is a very interesting question from Aeration and Agitation in section Aeration and Agitation of Fermentation Technology

Answer 1

Correct answer is (b) h^-1

The best I can explain: The unit of the volumetric mass-transfer coefficient is h^-1. It is very difficult to determine the value of KL and a alone, that is why it is also measured together. The unit of KL is cm h^-1 and that of a is cm^2 cm^-3. Therefore, the unit of KLa is h^-1.