Question

Cheaper grades of stainless steel is not preferred in the construction of the fermenter.

(a) True

(b) False

This question was posed to me in examination.

My question is from Practical Considerations For Bioreactor Construction topic in division Reactor Engineering of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(a) True

Cheaper grades of stainless steel are generally not preferred for the construction of fermenters in bioprocess engineering due to several critical reasons:

1. Corrosion Resistance: Fermenters are exposed to harsh conditions, including the presence of corrosive substances like acids, solvents, and various chemicals. Higher grades of stainless steel (like 316L) are preferred because they offer superior corrosion resistance compared to cheaper grades like 304, which might not withstand these conditions over time.

2. Sterility and Cleanability: Bioreactors need to be easily sterilized to avoid contamination. Higher-grade stainless steel has better surface quality and is easier to clean and sterilize, which is essential for maintaining sterile conditions during fermentation.

3. Durability: The strength and durability of the material are critical for ensuring the long-term functionality of the fermenter, especially under the pressure and temperature conditions often encountered in industrial fermentation processes.

For these reasons, high-quality stainless steel grades (like 316L) are typically chosen despite their higher cost, as they ensure greater reliability, safety, and longevity for bioreactor construction.

So, the correct choice is (a) True.