EXPERT-SYSTEM FOR THE DESIGN OF AN INDUSTRIAL FERMENTATION PLANT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ALCOHOL

A user-friendly expert system was developed for the design of large sc ale continuous fermentation units for alcohol production. This expert system utilized an intensive rule-based program, with a knowledge base structured using both expert knowledge data and industrial practices, as well as computer simulations. The simulation algorithm was develop ed from mass and energy conservation of continuous multi-staged plants and kinetic equations representing the fermentation process by Saccha romyces cerevisiae. The kinetic parameters were adapted from industria l data, leading to a reliable mathematical model that represented the industrial process reasonably well. Since the system was designed for continuous processes with several stirred tanks connected in series, t he optimal volume profile and number of stages were previously optimiz ed. The system developed could be utilized either for the design of in dustrial plants or for the improvement and modernization of existing p lants. This system was shown to be reliable since the difference betwe en theoretical calculations and practical results was minimal.