Simulation and Optimization of a Continuous Biochemical Reactor

Abstract

The present work focused on the dynamic and optimization of a continuous biochemical reactor using the glucose as a substrate. Simulated model provides the development of the process and reducing the risk of experimental runs. The selected process variables are; dilution rate (D), feed substrate concentration (Si), pH and temperature (T).The  major effect of D was observed at Si below 20 g/L. pH and T are affecting within Si of 60 g/L.Si is the effective process variable on the dynamic characteristics of the reactor. Reasonable agreement has found when compared the simulated results with that obtained by the previous work .Optimization technique guides the decision maker to select the best operating conditions.Stochastic genetic algorithm has found suitable for the nonlinear reactor.Optimal results indicate that the maximum biomass concentration (X) is 80.57 g/L at Si of 197.56 g/L and low D of 0.1(1/hr).Si was the sensitive variable for changing of the objective X.

Keywords: Biochemical reactor; Dynamic model; Optimization; Simulation.