Optimal design of upstream processes in biotransformation technologies

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Process Optimization

Background:

• Biotechnological process design requires efficient optimization of bioreaction sections.
• Accurate cost estimation is crucial for economic viability at both lab and industrial scales.
• Early-stage economic evaluation influences project success in biotechnology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mathematical programming model for the optimal design of bioreaction sections in biotechnological processes.
• To integrate equipment cost estimation equations from the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
• To enable quantification of lab-scale decisions' impact on industrial-scale process economics.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of a mathematical programming model for bioreactor design and operation scheduling.
• Utilization of NREL-derived equations for equipment cost estimation.
• Implementation of the model in user-friendly software.

Main Results:

• The model provides cost-optimal designs for process units and operation schedules.
• It allows for the quantification of scale-up effects on process economics.
• Two case studies demonstrate the methodology's practical utility.

Conclusions:

• The proposed optimization model is valuable for early-stage biotechnological project development.
• It facilitates informed decision-making by linking lab-scale choices to industrial-scale economics.
• The software implementation enhances accessibility and application of the methodology.