Airlift reactors create separate riser and downcomer zones, delivering controlled circulation and residence times. This stable, predictable flow supports consistent product quality and simplifies process optimization. Gas rate, loop geometry, and draft-tube design are engineered to balance mixing intensity, gas holdup, and shear conditions for your specific organisms and media.

By using gas-driven circulation instead of impellers, airlift reactors maintain a low-shear environment while still achieving effective mixing and oxygen transfer. Gas distribution systems are tailored for uniform bubble formation, efficient gas utilization, and robust mass transfer. This makes airlift reactors well-suited for medium-viscosity systems and sensitive, filamentous, or shear-sensitive cultures.

Bühler offers internal or external loop airlift concepts to fit your building layout and process constraints. Materials and surface finishes are selected for food and industrial biotech applications, with higher hygiene levels available on request. Integrated CIP/SIP designs ensure cleaning of all internal sections and draft tubes, while comprehensive instrumentation and Bühler automation platforms enable precise control and seamless integration with upstream and downstream operations.