Optimization of the enzyme harvesting

Motivation

Enzymes produced by Trichoderma fungi are harvested by precipitation or flash crystallization from the filtrated enzyme solution. Precipitation is based on adjusting the isoelectric point of the solution so that solidification takes place with optimal particle size distribution to the separation phase.

Implementation

A Pixact Particle Monitoring (PPM) system is used to measure the particle size distribution in the enzyme precipitation. A Pixscope probe is installed to the precipitation vessel. In addition to the mean particle size, the fractions of micro-particles and conglomerates is reported in real time.

Benefits

Real-time monitoring of the precipitated particle population allows accurate adjustment of the solution isoelectric level to optimize precipitation process conditions. Optimal particle size distribution guarantees efficient separation in the next process step.

Process parameters