Batch Fermentation Networks Model for Optimal Synthesis, Design, and Operation

GABRIELA CORSANO; PÍO AGUIRRE; OSCAR IRIBARREN; JORGE MONTAGNA

INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMICAL RESEARCH

American Chemical Society

Año: 2004 vol. 43 p. 4211 - 4219

0888-5885

Fermentation processes are widely used in biochemical, pharmaceutical and process industries. Both product yield and substrate assimilation efficiency will depend on the performance of this stage. This paper is concerned with an integral optimisation of fermentation processes. The behaviour of the fermentors is described by a set of algebraic and differential equations written as finite difference equations in an equation oriented environment. In this way, non conventional constraints related to the number and connections among batch items, detailed kinetic models and the operation costs corresponding to inoculums and different available substrates can be included in the model. The optimal number of equipments to be used in the process, their optimal operation policy (i.e. connected in series or in parallel working out of phase), as well as the optimal design and operation of each unit are determined simultaneously. The model was formulated as a sequence of Non Linear Programming (NLP) problems.