Evaluation of a new bioreactor for solid state fermentation of fibrous residues

A rectangular fermentor for solid state with a capacity for 8 kg of humid solid was evaluated by fermentation with Aspergillus niger fungi. Sugar cane bagasse was used as solid support. The results showed the efficiency of this design for maintaining the homogeneity of the variables controlled, humidity percentage and culture temperature during the fermentation period. The homogeneity of the other conditions was characterized by the mean and the variance of the variables measured in 15 areas of the equipment. The results of the variables in the two fermentations were pH (5.98 and 6.54), humidity (70.54 and 67.23%), Pfase cellulase enzymatic activity in IU/g DM (2.78 and 3.16, respectively), all for 95% confidence. In the fermentation a product with 6.1% TP was obtained at 48 h. The results allowed to compared the efficiency of this equipment in respect to a similar model reported in the literature.