Question

The boundary layer is necessary for the analysis of data.

(a) True

(b) False

I have been asked this question during an interview for a job.

This question is from Minimising Mass Transfer Effects in division Heterogenous Reactions of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

The correct choice is (b) False

The best explanation: In large-scale reactors, external mass-transfer problems may be unavoidable if sufficiently high liquid velocities cannot be achieved. However, when evaluating biocatalyst kinetics in the laboratory, it is advisable to eliminate fluid boundary layers to simplify analysis of the data. Several laboratory reactor configurations allow almost complete elimination of interparticle and interphase concentration gradients. Operation with high liquid velocity through the bed reduces boundary-layer effects.