BIOREACT - Process Modes for a Bioreactor

5 Simulation Tools and Examples of Chemical Engineering Processes 

Simple batch fermentation system is simulated within the program by setting the values of the input and outlet flow rates to zero. 

For fed-batch fermentation, the model equations need to include the continuous feeding of sterile substrate to the fermenter, but zero outflow. The increase in volume (total accumulation of mass) that occurs in the fermenter due to the feeding is represented by a total mass balance relationship. 

A continuous fermenter with sterile feed is referred to as a chemostat. For constant volume operation, the inlet volumetric flow rate is equal to that at the output. With this model chemostat startup, resultant steady state-behaviour and cell washout phenomena are easily investigated by simulation. 

The generalised material balances for a well-stirred tank fermentation can be represented as  

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