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This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

The value of Henry’s law constant increases with increasing temperature?(a) True(b) FalseI got this question in homework.My question is based upon Estimating Oxygen Solubility topic in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) True

To EXPLAIN I would say: The VALUE of the Henry’s law constant is FOUND to be temperature dependent. The value generally increases with increasing temperature. As a consequence, the solubility of gases generally decreases with increasing temperature. The decrease in solubility of gases with increasing temperature is an example of the operation of Le Chatelier’s PRINCIPLE. The heat or enthalpy change of the dissolution reaction of most gases is negative, which is to say the reaction is exothermic. As a consequence, increasing the temperature LEADS to gas evolution.

2.

Refer to Q14 and, Calculate the solubility of oxygen in units of grams of oxygen per liter of water.(a) 0.0080 g/L(b) 0.0082 g/L(c) 0.0083 g/L(d) 0.0085 g/LI have been asked this question in class test.The doubt is from Estimating Oxygen Solubility in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (d) 0.0085 g/L

For explanation I would say: The solubility of OXYGEN in UNITS of grams of oxygen PER liter of WATER is:

3.

Bubble column reactor cannot be used for?(a) Low viscous medium(b) High viscous medium(c) Liquid state medium(d) Solid state mediumI got this question in a job interview.My question is from Oxygen Transfer in Fermenters topic in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (b) High viscous medium

To explain: Bubble column reactor cannot be used for highly viscous medium. Pattern of GAS bubbles in a bubble column reactor is dependent on the gas superficial velocity. Gas velocity should be 1-4 CM PER second for uniform bubbles throughout medium which will provide proper mixing. If gas velocity is higher or lower than uniform bubbles will not be produced, THUS when bubbles coalesce PRODUCES differences in fluid density which will disturb air flow rate.

4.

Beer may be produced by ________________(a) Fermentation of rice(b) Germination of rice(c) Germination of barley(d) Fermentation of grapesThis question was posed to me during an internship interview.The above asked question is from Oxygen Uptake in Cell Cultures in chapter Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (c) GERMINATION of barley

The best I can explain: Malt extract is FREQUENTLY used in the brewing of beer. Its production begins by GERMINATING barley grain in a PROCESS known as malting, immersing barley in WATER to encourage the grain to sprout, then drying the barley to halt the progress when the sprouting begins.

5.

The lowest yield of ATP is in ____________(a) Aerobic respiration(b) Aerobic fermentation(c) Anaerobic respiration(d) FermentationThe question was asked by my college professor while I was bunking the class.This key question is from Oxygen Uptake in Cell Cultures in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (d) Fermentation

Easiest explanation: Fermentation and cellular respiration begin the same way, with GLYCOLYSIS. In fermentation, however, the pyruvate made in glycolysis does not CONTINUE through oxidation and the citric acid cycle, and the ELECTRON transport CHAIN does not run. Because the electron transport chain isn’t functional, the NADH made in glycolysis cannot drop its electrons off there to TURN back into NAD^+.

6.

In the two-phase aqueous systems, in ordinary situations the bulk phases are not in equilibrium?(a) True(b) FalseThis question was posed to me during an online interview.I need to ask this question from Convective Mass Transfer topic in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (a) True

Explanation: Normally, it can be assumed that there is negligible resistance to mass transfer at the actual interface, i.e. WITHIN DISTANCES corresponding to molecular free paths on either side of the phase boundary. This is equivalent to assuming that the phases are in equilibrium at the interface; therefore, CA1i and CA2i are equilibrium CONCENTRATIONS. As a RESULT it is known that there are special situations, such as when there is adsorption of material at the interface, where the assumption is invalid. However, in ordinary situations, the evidence is that equilibrium does exist at the interface between phases. If the BULK liquids were in equilibrium, no net mass transfer would take place.

7.

In the below equation, what does “D” represents?(a) Length of the membrane(b) Distance(c) Diffusion(d) Thickness of the membraneThe question was posed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.My query is from Role of Diffusion in Bioprocessing topic in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer» CORRECT option is (d) Thickness of the membrane

The explanation is: It states that the rate of diffusion of a gas across a membrane is:

▪ Constant for a GIVEN gas at a given temperature by an EXPERIMENTALLY determined factor, K.

▪ Proportional to the surface area over which diffusion is taking place, A.

▪ Proportional to the difference in PARTIAL pressures of the gas across the membrane, P2 – P1.

▪ Inversely proportional to the distance over which diffusion must take place, or in other words the thickness of the membrane, D.
8.

Diffusion maintains the concentration difference between high and low concentrations.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question in my homework.Question is taken from Role of Diffusion in Bioprocessing topic in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Right answer is (b) False

Explanation: Molecular diffusion is the movement of component MOLECULES in a mixture under the INFLUENCE of a concentration difference in the system. It occurs in the direction required to destroy the concentration difference. If the GRADIENT is maintained by constantly supplying material to the REGION of high concentration and removing it from region of low concentration, diffusion will CONTINUE.

9.

Speed is the factor affecting the value of kLa.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.I want to ask this question from Measurement of KLa topic in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) True

The best explanation: Because kLa measurements involve monitoring LEVELS of DO following a system perturbation, the results can be INFLUENCED by the RESPONSE time (or “SPEED”) of a sensor making those determinations. Sensors with response times (τr) on the order of the first-order time constant of the mass transfer (1 / kLa) require special treatment of their data to correct for the time lag in readings introduced by the oxygen sensor.

10.

The pH of water sample collected from a river was found to be acidic in the range of 3.5 – 4.5. On the banks of the river were several factories that were discharging effluents into the river. The effluents of which one of the following factories is the most likely cause for lowering the pH of river water?(a) Soap factory(b) Detergent factory(c) Alcohol distillery(d) Plastic cup manufacturing factoryThe question was posed to me during an internship interview.My question is taken from Oxygen Transfer in Fermenters topic in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT answer is (c) ALCOHOL distillery

The BEST explanation: Fermentation is the chemical procedure which is utilized in alcohol INDUSTRY. We KNOW that fermentation produces lactic acid and ethanol. Ethanol changes into ethanoic acid on oxidation.

11.

Which size of bubbles is relevant for mass transfer?(a) Small(b) Very small(c) Large(d) Very largeI got this question in a job interview.My question is taken from Oxygen Transfer in Fermenters in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) Small

To explain I WOULD say: The most important property of air BUBBLES in fermenters is their size. Small bubbles have correspondingly slow bubble-rise velocities; consequently they stay in the liquid longer, allowing more time for the oxygen to dissolve. While it is desirable to have small bubbles, there are practical limits. Bubbles << 1 MM diameter can BECOME a nuisance in bioreactors. Oxygen concentration in these bubbles equilibrates with that in the medium within seconds, so that the gas hold-up no longer reflects the capacity of the system for mass transfer.

12.

Which type of columns are used for liquid dispersion in a continuous gas phase?(a) Packed(b) Bubble cap(c) Sieve – plate(d) Fluidized bedI have been asked this question during an interview.My question is taken from Convective Mass Transfer topic in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) Packed

To elaborate: Packed Beds. Although packed bed columns are used most often for ABSORPTION, they are also used for the distillation of vapor-liquid mixtures. The packing provides a LARGE SURFACE area for vapor-liquid contact, which increases the column’s EFFECTIVENESS.

13.

Fick’s second law is applicable to steady –state diffusion?(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me in a national level competition.This interesting question is from Role of Diffusion in Bioprocessing topic in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (b) False

For explanation: Non- steady state DIFFUSIONCONCENTRATION of SOLUTE atoms at any point in metal CHANGES with time in this case. And the Fick’s SECOND law states that rate of compositional change is equal to diffusivity times the rate of change of concentration gradient.

14.

Molecular diffusion is which type of motion?(a) Thermal motion(b) Linear motion(c) Non- turbulent motion(d) Rectilinear motionThe question was asked in homework.This interesting question is from Molecular Diffusion in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (a) Thermal motion

Easy EXPLANATION: Molecular diffusion, OFTEN simply called diffusion, is the thermal motion of all (liquid or gas) particles at temperatures above absolute zero. The rate of this movement is a function of temperature, viscosity of the fluid and the SIZE (MASS) of the particles.

15.

Refer to Q12 and, calculate OTR. (Given: kLa = 169 mmol O2/ 1 hr atm, P* = 0.0263 atm and PO2 = 0.21 atm).(a) 30.05 mmoles O2 / liter hr(b) 31.05 mmoles O2 / liter hr(c) 20.05 mmoles O2 / liter hr(d) 21.05 mmoles O2 / liter hrThis question was addressed to me during an interview.This interesting question is from Measurement of KLa in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (b) 31.05 mmoles O2 / liter HR

To EXPLAIN I would say: OTR = KLA(PO2 – P*)

= 169 mmol O2 / 1 hr ATM(0.21- 0.0263) atm

= 31.05 mmoles O2 / liter hr.

16.

Which of the following is the efficient value for oxygen concentration?(a) Equal to Ccrit(b) Below Ccrit(c) Above Ccrit(d) CcritThe question was asked in unit test.Question is taken from Measurement of KLa in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (c) Above Ccrit

The explanation: It is important that the oxygen concentration REMAINS above Ccrit so that the RATE of oxygen UPTAKE by the cells is independent of oxygen level.

17.

Which part of fermenter is used for mixing process?(a) Impeller(b) Shaft(c) Sparger(d) HeadspaceThe question was posed to me in unit test.My enquiry is from Oxygen Transfer in Fermenters topic in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) IMPELLER

The EXPLANATION is: An impeller is a rotating component of a centrifugal pump which transfers energy from the motor that drives the pump to the fluid being pumped by accelerating the fluid OUTWARDS from the center of rotation. This is how MIXING is ACCOMPLISHED.

18.

Which of the following is not an antifoam agent?(a) Surfactants(b) Silicone oil(c) Fluorosilicone(d) Fatty alcoholThis question was posed to me in semester exam.Asked question is from Oxygen Transfer in Fermenters topic in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer» RIGHT ANSWER is (a) Surfactants

To elaborate: A foaming agent is a material that FACILITATES formation of foam such as a surfactant or a blowing agent. A surfactant, when present in small amounts, reduces SURFACE tension of a liquid (reduces the work needed to create the foam) or increases its colloidal stability by inhibiting coalescence of bubbles.
19.

The diffusion of gas is ____________(a) Linear process(b) Slow process(c) Spontaneous process(d) Non- spontaneous processThe question was asked during an interview.My doubt is from Molecular Diffusion topic in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»
20.

Which of the following does not affect KLa value?(a) Air flow rate(b) Presence of enzymes(c) Presence of antifoam agents(d) Degree of agitationThis question was addressed to me in class test.This is a very interesting question from Measurement of KLa in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (b) Presence of enzymes

To elaborate: The mass transfer COEFFICIENT is strongly affected by agitation speed and AIR flow rate. The mass transfer coefficient increases with agitation speed and air flow rate. Since fermentation is USUALLY conducted at constant TEMPERATURE and PRESSURE so thermodynamically antifoam agents make the foam unstable causing ΔG < va ΔA (where ΔG is the free energy change, va is the surface tension and ΔA is the change in area).

21.

A 10,000 liter (of liquid) bioreactor contains 5 g / L of growing cells qO2 = 20 mmoles O2 / (g cells hr) DT = 2 m, DI = 1 m, (6 – blade turbine agitator) x 3 blades and CL = 1 mg O2/L. Calculate OUR.(a) 200 mmoles O2 / (g cells hr)(b) 250 mmoles O2 / (g cells hr)(c) 100 mmoles O2 / (g cells hr)(d) 150 mmoles O2 / (g cells hr)The question was asked during an interview.My enquiry is from Measurement of KLa in chapter Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (c) 100 mmoles O2 / (g cells hr)

EXPLANATION: OUR = X QO2 = (5 g / L) (20 mmoles O2 / (g cells hr)) = 100 moles O2 / (g cells hr).

22.

The atmospheric pressure is 1.0 atm and Henry’s law constant for O2 is 1.66 x 10^−6 M/mm Hg at 25 °C. Assume air contains 21% oxygen. Calculate the partial pressure of oxygen. (21% of air is oxygen and the mole fraction of O2 is 0.21).(a) 180 mm Hg(b) 130 mm Hg(c) 120 mm Hg(d) 160 mm HgThis question was posed to me in an interview for internship.My question comes from Estimating Oxygen Solubility topic in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (d) 160 MM HG

Easiest explanation: The partial PRESSURE of oxygen is:

P (O2) = (1.0 atm) ((760 mm Hg)/(1 atm)) (0.21) = 160 mm Hg.

23.

Henry Law’s Constants at a system temperature of 25°C (77°F) of nitrogen is 1600 atm/(mol/litre). Molar weight of N2 is 28.0134 g/mol and partial fraction in air is ~ 0.79. Calculate the Nitrogen dissolved in the Water at atmospheric pressure.(a) 0.0138 g/liter(b) 0.0130 g/liter(c) 0.0132 g/liter(d) 0.0134 g/literI have been asked this question in a job interview.I need to ask this question from Estimating Oxygen Solubility in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»
24.

What is the unit of oxygen solubility “C*AL”?(a) mgl^-1(b) mg^-1l^-1(c) m^-1g^-1l^-1(d) mglI have been asked this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.Query is from Estimating Oxygen Solubility topic in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (a) mgl^-1

Explanation: Respiration is expressed in molar units RELATED to BIOCHEMICAL stoichiometries. C*AL is OXYGEN solubility in units of MG l^-1.

25.

Mixing in an anaerobic sludge blanket reactor is due to?(a) Rapid change in water temperatures throughout the reactor(b) Release of gases by the microbial populations(c) Rapid change in medium temperature throughout the reactor(d) Due to viscous mediumI had been asked this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.This interesting question is from Oxygen Transfer in Fermenters topic in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (b) Release of GASES by the microbial populations

The best explanation: The upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASB) is a single tank process in an anaerobic centralised or decentralised industrial WASTEWATER or blackwater treatment SYSTEM achieving high removal of organic POLLUTANTS. Bacteria living in the sludge break down organic matter by anaerobic digestion, transforming it into biogas. Solids are also retained by a filtration effect of the blanket. The upflow regime and the motion of the gas bubbles allow MIXING without mechanical assistance.

26.

From Q12 and Q13, which of the following condition is relevant?(a) OTR>OUR(b) OTR

Answer»

Correct option is (B) OTR
Easy explanation: Since OUR > OTR, we must MODIFY the BIOREACTOR operation in order to BRING them into balance:

INCREASE N

• use pure O2 rather than air.

27.

Heat transfer by molecular collision in ____________________(a) Conduction(b) Convection(c) Scattering(d) RadiationThis question was addressed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.The question is from Convective Mass Transfer topic in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (b) Convection

To explain I would say: Flow of heat through currents within a fluid (liquid or gas). Convection is the displacement of volumes of a substance in a liquid or gaseous PHASE. When a mass of a fluid is heated up, for example when it is in contact with a warmer surface, its molecules are carried away and scattered CAUSING that the mass of that fluid becomes less dense. For this REASON, the warmed mass will be displaced vertically and/or horizontally, while the colder and denser mass of fluid goes down (the low-kinetic-energy molecules displace the molecules in high-kinetic-energy states). Through this PROCESS, the molecules of the hot fluid TRANSFER heat continuously toward the volumes of the colder fluid.

28.

Psychrometry deals with between which type of phases?(a) Gas-liquid(b) Gas-solid(c) Gas-Vapour(d) Vapour-SolidThe question was asked in unit test.My doubt stems from Convective Mass Transfer in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (c) Gas-Vapour

Best explanation: Psychrometry is concerned with the physical and thermodynamic properties of gas-vapor mixtures. Although the principles of psychrometry APPLY to any physical system consisting of gas-vapor mixtures, the most common system of interest is the mixture of water vapor and air, because of its application in heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning and meteorology. In human TERMS, our thermal comfort is in large PART a consequence of not just the TEMPERATURE of the surrounding air, but (because we cool ourselves via PERSPIRATION) the extent to which that air is saturated with water vapor.

29.

In the following equation, what does y signifies?(a) Dispersion(b) Displacement(c) Diffusion(d) DistanceThis question was addressed to me during a job interview.Question is from Molecular Diffusion topic in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Correct choice is (d) DISTANCE

The explanation: In single-phase systems, the rate of mass transfer due to molecular diffusion is GIVEN by Fick’s LAW of diffusion, which states that mass flux is proportional to the concentration gradient. JA is the mass flux of component A, NA is the rate of mass transfer of component A, a is the area across which mass transfer OCCURS, DAB is the binary diffusion coefficient or DIFFUSIVITY of component A in a mixture of A and B, CA is the concentration of component A, and y is distance, \(\frac{dC_A}{dy}\) is the concentration gradient, or change in concentration of A with distance.

30.

Maximum rate of oxygen transfer occurs when?(a) CAL = 0(b) CAL < 0(c) CAL >= 1(d) CAL > 1This question was posed to me in class test.I would like to ask this question from Oxygen Uptake in Cell Cultures topic in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (a) CAL = 0

Easiest explanation: First, let us estimate the maximum CELL CONCENTRATION that can be supported by the fermenter’s oxygen-transfer system. For a GIVEN set of operating conditions, the maximum rate of oxygen transfer occurs when the concentration-difference DRIVING force (C*AL – CAL) is highest, i.e. when the concentration of DISSOLVED oxygen CAL is zero.

31.

KLa is measured in the absence of microorganisms?(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me in an international level competition.This is a very interesting question from Measurement of KLa topic in chapter Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (a) True

To explain I would say: The methods to measuring the KLA in a microbial bioprocess can be classified into the absence of MICROORGANISMS or with dead cells and in the presence of biomass that consumes oxygen at the time of measurement.

32.

Which of the following technique does not require the measurement of dissolved oxygen concentrations?(a) Dynamic gassing out method(b) Static gassing out method(c) Oxygen-Balance method(d) Sulphite oxidation methodThe question was posed to me during an interview for a job.My question comes from Measurement of KLa topic in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The CORRECT option is (d) Sulphite oxidation method

To explain: The oxygen-transfer rate is determined by the oxidation of sodium sulphite solution. This technique does not require the MEASUREMENT of dissolved oxygen concentrations.

As oxygen enters solution it is immediately consumed in the oxidation of sulphite, so that the sulphite oxidation rate is EQUIVALENT to the oxygen-transfer rate. Since the dissolved oxygen concentration, is ZERO then the kLa may then be calculated from the equation:

kLa = OTR / C*

where OTR is the oxygen transfer rate.

33.

What is the proper concentration unit of kLa?(a) h^-1(b) ml/h(c) mmol/h(d) ml/secI had been asked this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.My doubt is from Measurement of KLa in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Right option is (a) h^-1

For EXPLANATION I would say: In this relation, the volumetric oxygen transfer COEFFICIENT, kLa, has the UNITS of mmol, of O2/ml. h. unit concentration GRADIENT. Using the proper concentration units, kLa has the unit of reciprocal of time (i.e., time^-1).

34.

The addition of ions and sugars added to the fermentation increases the oxygen solubility?(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in an interview for job.Question is from Estimating Oxygen Solubility topic in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (b) False

Best explanation: Oxygen solubility is decreased by the ions and sugars normally ADDED to fermentation media. In a typical fermentation medium, oxygen solubility is between 5% and 25% LOWER than in water as a result of solute effects. In simple systems, with all the components being dissolved, C0 represents the oxygen solubility and linearly decreases with INCREASING solute concentrations. In complex solutions with multi-phase structure an increase in C0 can be detected. It suggests that C0 consists of two components — one being oxygen solubility, the other being determined by the amount of oxygen adsorbed on the interphase and bound by macromolecules. The PRESENCE of biomass leads to a DECREASE in C0.

35.

In anaerobic condition sugar in dough is converted into?(a) Alcohol(b) Water(c) Glucose(d) SucroseThis question was posed to me in examination.This question is from Oxygen Uptake in Cell Cultures in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer» RIGHT OPTION is (a) Alcohol

The explanation is: Fermentation is nothing but an anaerobic respiration process in which the substrate is any organic material other than glucose like alcohol. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) produces an enzyme named zymogenwhich ferment the alcohol. It is an anaerobic process and substrate is not glucose. The ENERGY PRODUCTION is MUCH less in fermentation process.
36.

Refer to Q8 and, calculate the rate of loss of naphthalene from the surface per unit width.(a) 0.100 gmol/m.hr(b) 0.102 gmol/m.hr(c) 0.101 gmol/m.hr(d) 0.103 gmol/m.hrThis question was posed to me by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.The query is from Convective Mass Transfer in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (C) 0.101 gmol/m.hr

To EXPLAIN: Rate of loss of NAPHTHALENE = k (CAi – CA∞)

= 0.014 (1 * 10^–5 – 0) = 1.4024 * 10^–7 kmol/m^2 sec

Rate of loss per meter WIDTH = (1.4024 * 10 ^–7) (0.2) = 2.8048 * 10 ^–8 kmol/m.sec

= 0.101 gmol/m.hr.

37.

In a wetted-wall tower, an air-H2S mixture is flowing by a film of water which is flowing as a thin film down a vertical plate. The H2S is being absorbed from the air to the water at a total pressure of 1.50 atm abs and 30^oC. The value of kc of 9.567×10^-4 m/s has been predicted for the gas-phase mass-transfer coefficient. At a given point the mole fraction of H2S in the liquid at the liquid-gas interface is 2.0×10^-5 and pA of H2S in the gas is 0.05 atm. The Henry’s law equilibrium relation is pA(atm) = 609xA (mole fraction in liquid). Calculate the rate of absorption of H2S.(a) 1.480×10^-3 kmol/m^2.s(b) 1.486×10^-3 kmol/m^2.s(c) 1.485×10^-3 kmol/m^2.s(d) 1.487×10^-3 kmol/m^2.sThis question was posed to me in unit test.My question is from Convective Mass Transfer in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer» RIGHT answer is (b) 1.486×10^-3 kmol/m^2.s

Explanation: The rate of absorption of H2S per UNIT area of the THIN film is given by:

The partial pressure of H2S in the gas PHASE at the interface is DETERMINED from Henry’s law and the mole fraction of H2S in the liquid at the liquid-gas interface.

pAi = 609xAi = 609×2.0×10^-5 = 1.218×10^-2 atm

The mole fraction of H2S in the gas phase at the interface is then
38.

If the rain drop drags and enter into the atmosphere, which type of diffusion will it experience?(a) Energy(b) Osmosis(c) Momentum(d) MassI have been asked this question in quiz.This key question is from Role of Diffusion in Bioprocessing topic in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Correct option is (c) MOMENTUM

For explanation I would say: The drag experienced by a rain drop as it FALLS in the atmosphere is an example of momentum DIFFUSION (the rain drop LOSES momentum to the surrounding AIR through viscous stresses and decelerates).

39.

“The kLa value will depend upon the design and operating conditions of the fermenter”, is this statement true or false?(a) True(b) FalseI had been asked this question in an online interview.The query is from Measurement of KLa topic in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

Right choice is (a) True

The best I can explain: The value of kLa is unique to both the size and configuration of a reactor vessel. Although some empirically derived expressions have been PUBLISHED for predicting kLa VALUES in non-Newtonian fluids, there is no agreed upon set of equations that account for all of the variables that can affect the results. Accordingly, predicting kLa is not possible, and kLa studies NEED to be performed for bioreactors individually. The kLa value will depend upon the design and operating conditions of the fermenter and will be affected by the variables such as

AERATION rate,

– agitation rate and

– impeller design.

40.

What do you mean by “Impeller flooding”?(a) The flooding of an impeller(b) Gas handling is greater than the amount introduced(c) Gas handling is smaller than the amount introduced(d) Leakage of the BrothThe question was asked in quiz.My query is from Oxygen Transfer in Fermenters in chapter Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (c) Gas handling is smaller than the amount introduced

The explanation: IMPELLER flooding is said to occur; this means that the gas-handling capacity of the stirrer is smaller than the amount introduced. Flooding should be avoided because an impeller surrounded by gas no LONGER contacts the liquid properly, RESULTING in POOR mixing and gas dispersion.

41.

The most influencing factor of diffusivity of molecules is _______________(a) Lattice structure(b) Temperature(c) Presence of defects(d) Diffusing speciesI had been asked this question during an online exam.I would like to ask this question from Role of Diffusion in Bioprocessing topic in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»
42.

A bioreactor of working volume 50 m^3 produces a metabolite (X) in batch culture under given operation conditions form a substrate (S). The final concentration of metabolite at the end of each run was 1.1kg m^-3. The bioreactor was operated to complete 60 runs in each year. What will be the annual output of the system (production of metabolite (X)) in Kg per year?(a) 70(b) 66(c) 77(d) 60I got this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.My doubt stems from Role of Diffusion in Bioprocessing in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»
43.

The solubility of oxygen in water is temperature and pressure dependent?(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.My question comes from Estimating Oxygen Solubility topic in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»
44.

The partial pressure of oxygen at 1atm is ________________(a) 0.2000 atm(b) 0.2098 atm(c) 0.2099 atm(d) 0.2096 atmI have been asked this question in a national level competition.This is a very interesting question from Estimating Oxygen Solubility in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (C) 0.2099 ATM

For EXPLANATION: The MOLE fraction of oxygen in air is 0.2099, so the partial pressure of oxygen at 1 atm air pressure is 0.2099 atm.

45.

Which type of fermenter is used in laboratory scale?(a) Stirred tanks(b) Shake-flask(c) Bubble columns(d) Air-lift fermenterI have been asked this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.I need to ask this question from Oxygen Transfer in Fermenters topic in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer» CORRECT answer is (B) Shake-flask

Best explanation: At laboratory-scale CULTURES may be aerated by means of the shake-flask technique where the CULTURE is GROWN in a conical flask shaken on a platform contained in a controlled environment of chamber.
46.

What is the unit of “Qo”, the oxygen uptake rate per volume of broth?(a) gl s^-1(b) g^-1l s(c) g^-1l^-1 s(d) g l^-1s^-1I got this question in quiz.Query is from Oxygen Uptake in Cell Cultures topic in chapter Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct answer is (d) g l^-1s^-1

Easy explanation: From the FOLLOWING equation:

Qo = qox

where X is CELL concentration. Typical UNITS for qo are g g^-1 s^-l, and for Qo, g 1^-1 s^-1.

47.

The population of microbes is maintained in which phase for long time using continuous culture system?(a) Lag(b) Log(c) Exponential(d) StationaryThis question was posed to me during an internship interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of Oxygen Uptake in Cell Cultures in chapter Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct option is (b) LOG

Best explanation: The log phase is a period characterized by cell doubling. The number of NEW BACTERIA appearing per unit time is proportional to the present population. If growth is not LIMITED, doubling will continue at a constant rate so both the number of CELLS and the rate of population increase doubles with each consecutive time period.

48.

Rate of mass transfer is inversely proportional to the rate of reaction at solid surface?(a) True(b) FalseThe question was asked in an interview.My question comes from Convective Mass Transfer in division Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

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The correct answer is (b) False

To explain I would say: Estimation of the interfacial concentration CAi is more difficult; measuring compositions at phase BOUNDARIES is not easy experimentally. To overcome this problem, we must CONSIDER the processes in the SYSTEM which are linked to MASS transfer of A. Transport of A is linked to reaction at the surface of the solid, so that the value of CAi will depend on the rate of consumption of A at the interface. In practical terms, we can therefore CALCULATE the rate of mass transfer of A only if we have information about the rate of reaction at the solid surface. Simultaneous reaction and mass transfer occurs in many bioprocesses.

49.

For which type of mass transfer does Oxygen-Balance method is used?(a) Gas- Gas(b) Gas-Solid(c) Gas-liquid(d) Liquid-LiquidI have been asked this question during an online interview.Enquiry is from Measurement of KLa topic in section Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

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50.

The dissolved oxygen decreases when?(a) The temperature is increased(b) The pressure is increased(c) The salinity is decreased(d) The salinity is increasedI had been asked this question in a job interview.My enquiry is from Estimating Oxygen Solubility in portion Mass Transfer of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer»

The correct choice is (d) The salinity is increased

Explanation: Dissolved OXYGEN DECREASES exponentially as SALT levels increase. That is why, at the same pressure and temperature, saltwater holds about 20% LESS dissolved oxygen than freshwater.