CHAPTER THREE
NEW METHODOLOGIES FOR
MULTIPHASE BIOREACTORS 3: DATA
ACQUISITION, MODELLING AND
CONTROL
SEBASTIÃO FEYO DE AZEVEDO^1 , RUI OLIVEIRA^1 AND
BERNHARD SONNLEITNER^2
(^1) Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,
Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberta Frias, 4200–465, Porto,
Portugal
2Department of Chemistry, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, P.O.
Box 805, CH-8401 Winterthur, Switzerland
ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses several research topics concerning multiphase
bioreactor operation, related to process monitoring, modelling and control.
Latest advances in measurement and estimation techniques are reported,
namely concerning non-invasive techniques, biosensors and on-line
inferential methods for biological properties. Modelling methodologies
are reviewed, focusing on hybrid modular solutions for knowledge
integration. Issues concerning aspects of bioprocess automation and
control are finally addressed. From classical and optimal open loop
control to recent trends towards on-line optimising control, some solutions
are discussed in terms of their potential industrial utilisation. Globally the
paper emphasises the need for an integrated modular approach for process
operation, requiring a co-operative work between all factors producing
knowledge, i.e. scientists, process operators and technologists.
Keywords: bioreactors, instrumentation, monitoring, modelling, control
INTRODUCTION
Bioreactors are sterile containers in which biological reactions are performed under well
monitored and controlled conditions. They are stepping-stones to achieve bioengineering
objectives, namely 1) for the preparative production of products and 2) as a powerful tool
for scientific research in many biological disciplines.
The domain of bioengineering, generally regarded as a central stage in a production
process, is today playing an increasingly important role in the in vivo investigation of
living systems (mono-and, hopefully in the future, more and more mixed cultures). The