Multiposition sensor application in brewing fermenters

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Anaerobic processes are often characterized by laminar flow.  Hence, gradients in the liquid phase occur. However, the knowledge of their impact on process performance is poor. The traditional sampling spots are usually mounted at the bottom of brewing tanks. Samples or values, which have been taken without the consideration of gradients, might therefore not reflect the conditions of the core of the liquid phase. Therefore, mobile sampling systems and miniaturized multiposition sensors have been developed and are applied for identifying gradients and relate them to the operating conditions and tank geometry in cooperation with the VLB Berlin [3]. It has been shown that the on line monitoring of gradients is achievable with microsensors for the pH-value, the redox potential, O₂- and CO₂-concentration, and temperature, respectively.