Online computer control and modelling of process parameters in a bioreactor system

Abstract

A continuous fermentation process requires control over the state variables such as biomass and substrate concentration and on the process variables, such as temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen activity The first part of the project presents methods which were applied to obtain measurements of the process variables and suggests methods of obtaining online measurements of the state variables. The second part presents several control strategies which were applied to the control of dissolved oxygen activity within the bioreactor, together with suggestions of applying these methods successfully to the other process variables. The last part of the project is aimed at obtaining a dynamic model of the fermentation process. Such a model is required for use in an adaptive control system through which superior control can be achieved.