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Bioprocess / Bioreactor In Aspen Plus

aspen plus

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#1 NavidJon9

NavidJon9

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Posted 26 September 2024 - 05:05 AM

Hello,

 

I have some initial questions regarding the modeling of a bioprocess for an upcoming university project. The task involves designing a production plant that utilizes a newer, more sustainable process. In preparation, I've done some research and discovered methods that incorporate bioreactors.

 

First, is it feasible to implement such methods, and if so, how would I go about it?
Second, are there specific details I should know in advance about the bacterial strain I'll be using?

 

Thank you very much,
Navid



#2 Pilesar

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Posted 26 September 2024 - 07:13 AM

Since you have researched your topic, you have an idea of the resources available to you. You are probably expected to make reasonable assumptions in developing your design since you will not have complete ready-made formulas and guidelines.

   I own, operate, and maintain a continuous bioreactor system (500 gallons per day capacity) on my personal property under government license. The control system is automated with audible alarms for high tank level and low air flow. Other than that, there is little process instrumentation. My bioreactor system is oversized which allows a high tolerance for variations of feed flow and feed composition... it usually just works as intended without operator intervention. If I were to build a computer model for this process, the main difficulties would be in measuring the parameters that affect performance and developing mathematical correlations. In my operation, I monitor effluent quality sporadically. I am cautious to maintain the health of my bio organisms by limiting the incompatible impurities in the reactor feed and not interrupting air flow for long periods. I no longer follow a strict preventive maintenance routine so equipment failures can occur at inconvenient times. I keep some spare parts on hand and try to monitor the equipment for unusual noises, odors, flow patterns, etc and was able to replace my linear air pump earlier this month after recognizing signs of imminent failure.  My system was designed by others -- probably based on empirical testing instead of first-principles computer models. Because my bioreactor system feed includes liquid and solid biological hazardous waste, my primary concern is the potential environmental impact to my neighbors caused by maloperaton. 



#3 NavidJon9

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Posted 27 September 2024 - 06:48 AM

I’ve been focusing my research on PETase and the bacteria that produce it, aiming to design a bioreactor in Aspen Plus that simulates the breakdown of PET plastic waste into MHET (https://www.ncbi.nlm...les/PMC5948967/). My approach hinges on understanding the specific reaction kinetics involved in this biodegradation process.

 

However, from the papers I’ve reviewed so far, I haven’t found any clear reference to the specific kinetics required for the reaction. I suspect this could be a key challenge in accurately modelling the process. Given your experience, do you have any advice on how I might estimate or source these kinetics, or alternative ways to approach this in the absence of concrete data?
 

Thanks again for your guidance!

Best regards,
Navid



#4 Pilesar

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Posted 27 September 2024 - 08:25 AM

Without data, accurate specific reaction kinetics cannot be derived. Suggestions: 1) Contact the authors of relevant academic papers. The paper you linked has 21 authors. Perhaps their research already determined kinetics. Or maybe their collected data would allow you to derive equations. Or maybe they did further study in this field after their paper was written. 2) Literature search. Find other relevant researchers to contact. 3) If this process is commercialized, contact the vendor for help.






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