Optimum Design of N Continuous Stirred-Tank Bioreactors in Series for Fermentation Processes Based on Simultaneous Substrate and Product Inhibition

Optimization of the continuous fermentation process is important for increasing efficiency and decreasing cost, especially complicated biochemical processes described by substrate product inhibition. The optimum design (minimum volume) CSTRs in series assuming inhibition was determined this study. effect operating parameters on investigated. concentration feed to first reactor N reactors series. nonlinear, constrained optimization problem solved using MATLAB function “fmincon”. It found that more beneficial at high conversion a medium level concentration. best number two three arrangements equal-size arrangements. presence biomass reduces volume, while slightly increases required total volume. percentage reduction volume compared equal-volume (R%) as reactor. obtained R% values agree with experimental data available literature ethanol fermentation.