To begin, integrate the bioreactor and liquid-liquid extraction system. Turn on the stripping solution peristaltic pump, or backward extraction membrane, and set the pump speed to achieve a constant flow rate between 25 to 250 milliliters per minute. Slowly close the needle valve at the shell-side outlet of the backward extraction membrane to establish a back pressure.
Then, turn on the first hydrophobic hollow-fiber membrane module peristaltic pump, and set the pump speed to achieve a constant flow rate between 25 to 250 milliliters per minute. Afterward, slowly close the needle valve at the shell-side outlet of the first hydrophobic hollow-fiber membrane module to establish a back pressure of approximately five pounds per square inch gauge. Now, turn on the organic phase extraction solution diaphragm pump, and set the pump speed to achieve a constant flow rate between five to 50 milliliters per minute.
Lastly, check the system for continuous flow. A steady accumulation of short and medium-chain fatty-acid products was observed in the alkaline aqueous phase stripping solution. A reduction in pump speed lowered the extraction efficiency.
After restoring adequate pump speed, efficiency may take several days to recover.
