The monitoring of fermentation processes is of interest to a large number of process industries. In a fermentation process, CO2 bubbles are formed as a result of the basic equation as follows:

The Jonas, Inc. Fermentation Monitor is an inline, online instrument which monitors the rate of CO2 bubble generation in the fermenting liquid. The major groups of industries where the Monitor has application are:

Microbial metabolite production, e.g. Ethanol, Citric Acid, Acetone, Butanol, Glutamic Acid, Lysine, Nucleotides, Polysaccharides, and Vitamins

Transformation processes, e.g. Ethanol to Vinegar, Steroids, Antibiotics and Prostglandins production

The Jonas, Inc. Fermentation Monitor uses a solid probe made from a suitable material which is inserted into the liquid. The CO2 bubbles rise and impact on the probe. These impacts are measured by a transducer attached to the probe, and converted to an electrical signal. The signal is amplified and can be output in several optional forms as described below.

In certain installations, it is possible to install the probe on the outside wall of the tank and follow the progress of the fermentation process inside the tank (for example when the fermenting liquid is contained in metal tanks). For installations where the process condition at different locations in a tank needs to be determined, a traversing probe can be used.

Alarm: Gives two levels of alarm signals at predetermined rates of fermentation. One alarm system can monitor eight locations up to 500 ft. away. For longer distances, a repeater amplifier can be installed.

Outputs available: Two levels of alarm relays and 0-10 VDC strip chart outputs for each location.

Monitor: Measures the number of bubbles and the total energy of impact to give an estimate of the number and size of the bubbles in the stream. Can process signals from four locations up to 500 ft. away. For longer distances, a repeater amplifier can be installed.

Outputs available: Are analog 0 - 5 VDC for the number of bubbles and total impact energy for each location, and an RS232 serial port. Options include analog 4-20 mA and a Graph output serial port for a printer plotter which plots a 24 hour trend for all locations.

Installation and Introductory Testing of an Alarm/Monitor (3 days on-site and a report)