Concept:
Bioreactors are operated in different modes to control the environment for microbial growth.
• Batch systems are closed; nothing is added or removed during the process.
• Continuous systems allow for a constant exchange of media and products.
Step 1: Mechanism of a Chemostat.
A chemostat is a bioreactor to which fresh medium is continuously added.
Simultaneously, culture liquid containing left-over nutrients, metabolic end products, and microorganisms is continuously removed.
Step 2: Achieving Steady State.
By keeping the rate of addition and removal the same, the culture volume remains constant.
This allows the population to reach a "steady state," where cell density and nutrient levels stay uniform over time.
Because of this ongoing flow, it is a classic example of a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) or Continuous reactor.
Final Answer:
A chemostat is a type of Continuous reactor.