Simulated dynamics and control of an extractive alcoholic fermentation

Area of Science:

• Biochemical Engineering
• Process Control

Background:

• Continuous alcoholic fermentation is crucial for industrial ethanol production.
• Maintaining optimal alcohol concentration is key for fermentation efficiency.
• Extractive distillation offers a method for in-situ product removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamics of a continuous alcoholic fermentation process coupled with vacuum extractive distillation.
• To evaluate the performance of dynamic matrix control (DMC) algorithms for process control.
• To determine the most effective control structures for this integrated process using factorial design.

Main Methods:

• Development of a mathematical model for industrial fermentation dynamics, incorporating temperature effects on kinetics.
• Simulation of a continuous fermentation process integrated with a vacuum flash column for alcohol extraction.
• Application of single-input single-output (SISO) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) dynamic matrix control algorithms.
• Utilizing factorial design concepts within simulations to compare control strategies.

Main Results:

• The study successfully simulated the coupled fermentation and extractive distillation process.
• Performance analysis of DMC algorithms indicated their suitability for controlling alcohol concentration.
• Factorial design simulations identified optimal control structures for the extractive fermentation process.
• The alcohol concentration was effectively maintained around 40 kg/m³ in the fermentor.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic matrix control is effective for managing continuous alcoholic fermentation with vacuum extractive distillation.
• Optimized control structures can enhance the efficiency and stability of industrial fermentation processes.
• The developed mathematical model provides a valuable tool for simulating and optimizing such integrated bioprocesses.