Experimental study of the topological flow transformations in an aerial vortex bioreactor with a floating washer.

Background: Research into the flow structure in an aerial vortex bioreactor is relevant for developing the methods for growing cell cultures. Determining the optimal cultivation condition for a certain process is especially important in the case when such parameters of the medium as density and viscosity significantly change with the culture growth in the bioreactor.

Methods And Results: The research of the flow dynamic was carried out in an 8.

Dual vortex breakdown in a two-fluid whirlpool.

Looking for an optimal flow shape for culture growth in vortex bioreactors, an intriguing and impressive structure has been observed that mimics the strong swirling flows in the atmosphere (tornado) and ocean (waterspout). To better understand the flow nature and topology, this experimental study explores the development of vortex breakdown (VB) in a lab-scale swirling flow of two immiscible fluids filling a vertical cylindrical container. The rotating bottom disk drives the circulation of both fluids while the sidewall is stationary.