Description
Objectives
The students should learn which type of information is needed, or obtained on a laboratory scale, about the stoichiometry and the kinetics of bioprocesses (e.g., microbial or cellular), as well as about the rheology of the fermentation medium and metabolic flow analysis to obtain data for: (a) Selecting the type of fermenter or combination of fermenters to be used and their mode of operation, and (b) to scale-up to the pilot scale, and subsequently to the production scale, the vessel and its mixing, aeration and cooling systems. The students should be able to prescribe appropriate monitoring and control systems for bioprocesses at the end of the course.
Syllabus
Stoichiometry and kinetics of microbial growth. Elementary balance sheets. Performance factors. Substrate and product inhibition. Modeling of fermentation processes. Ferments with ideal mixing and without oxygen limitation. CSTR with biomass recirculation and in series. Industrial scale operation modes and strategies - batch, fed-batch and continuous. Standard geometries of mechanically and pneumatically agitated tanks. Oxygen transfer and consumption. Stirring power in aerated tanks. Energy balances. Methods for determining metabolic enthalpy. Scale-up and scale-down criteria and experimental installations for simulation. Thermal sterilization of culture media, in batch and continuous mode. Computational analysis and simulation of processes. Monitoring and control of bioprocesses.
Prerequisites
It is recommended that, prior to the beginning of this UC, the students have acquired knowledge of the courses "Computing and Programming", "Cell Biochemistry and Molecular Biology", "Thermodynamics", "Transfer Phenomena" and "Biological Engineering Processes" of 1st cycle of studies, or related UCs from another 1st cycle with scientific coherence.
Cross Competence Component
During group work and laboratory classes, students should develop inter- and intrapersonal skills related to teamwork, such as: ability to communicate, division of tasks, self-motivation and self-control, discipline, and perseverance. In addition, students must develop critical and innovative thinking for creative problem solving. The assessment percentage associated with these skills should be ca. of 20%.
Laboratorial Component
Students are expected to learn how to set up a fermenter and calibrate sensors, to prepare culture media, to inoculate a fermentation and to take samples aseptically, and to monitor a microbial growth curve.
Programming And Computing Component
To carry out the simulation / modeling work, the students will use software such as Matlab. Programming knowledge will be provided, including on procedural and data abstraction, and on basic programming operations. Students should develop computational and algorithmic reasoning skills in order to solve mathematical problems related to biological reactors.
Ethical Principles
All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be alble to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.