Challenges and perspectives in reactor scale modeling of biofilm processes

Eberl, Hermann J.; Wade, Matthew J.

doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-819497-3.00016-7

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…The underlying assumption of a completely mixed system is not correct in practice, as biofilms are subject to diffusive mass transfer limitation, requiring consideration of spatial heterogeneity. Describing biofilm processes at higher dimensions, using Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) to solve the diffusion-limited mass transfer of biomass, gas and liquid (i.e., using the second-order Navier-Stokes equations or via the simpler boundary layer approximation), is non-trivial and significantly increases the computational requirements to find solutions [81]. A trade-off between model complexity and empirical uncertainty, which is the extent and accuracy of data to support model parameterisation, is one of the fundamental challenges that limits anaerobic digestion modelling [82].…”

Section: Reduced-order Models Unlock the Power Of Mathematicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Not Just Numbers: Mathematical Modelling and Its Contribution to Anaerobic Digestion Processes

Wade

2020

Processes

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Mathematical modelling of bioprocesses has a long and notable history, with eminent contributions from fields including microbiology, ecology, biophysics, chemistry, statistics, control theory and mathematical theory. This richness of ideas and breadth of concepts provide great motivation for inquisitive engineers and intrepid scientists to try their hand at modelling, and this collaboration of disciplines has also delivered significant milestones in the quality and application of models for both theoretical and practical interrogation of engineered biological systems. The focus of this review is the anaerobic digestion process, which, as a technology that has come in and out of fashion, remains a fundamental process for addressing the global climate emergency. Whether with conventional anaerobic digestion systems, biorefineries, or other anaerobic technologies, mathematical models are important tools that are used to design, monitor, control and optimise the process. Both highly structured, mechanistic models and data-driven approaches have been used extensively over half a decade, but recent advances in computational capacity, scientific understanding and diversity and quality of process data, presents an opportunity for the development of new modelling paradigms, augmentation of existing methods, or even incorporation of tools from other disciplines, to ensure that anaerobic digestion research can remain resilient and relevant in the face of emerging and future challenges.

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Section: Reduced-order Models Unlock the Power Of Mathematicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Not Just Numbers: Mathematical Modelling and Its Contribution to Anaerobic Digestion Processes

Wade

2020

Processes

Self Cite

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show abstract

“…Describing biofilm processes at higher dimensions, using Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) to solve the diffusion-limited mass transfer of biomass, gas and liquid (i.e. using the second-order Navier-Stokes equations or via the simpler boundary layer approximation), is non-trivial and significantly increases the computational requirements to find solutions [78]. A trade-off between model complexity and empirical uncertainty, that is the extent and accuracy of data to support model parameterisation, is one of the fundamental challenges that limits anaerobic digestion modelling [79].…”

Section: Reduced Order Models Unlock the Power Of Mathematicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Not Just Numbers: Mathematical Modelling and its Contribution to Anaerobic Digestion Processes

Wade¹

2020

Preprint

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Mathematical modelling of bioprocesses has a long and notable history, with eminent contributions from fields including microbiology, ecology, biophysics, chemistry, statistics, control theory and mathematical theory. This richness of ideas and breadth of concepts provide great motivation for inquisitive engineers and intrepid scientists to try their hand at modelling, and this collaboration of disciplines has also delivered significant milestones in the quality and application of models for both theoretical and practical interrogation of engineered biological systems. The focus of this review is the anaerobic digestion process, which, as a technology that has come in and out of fashion, still remains a fundamental process for addressing the global climate emergency. Whether with conventional anaerobic digestion systems, biorefineries, or other anaerobic technologies, mathematical models are important tools that are used to design, monitor, control and optimise the process. Both highly structured, mechanistic models and data-driven approaches have been used extensively over half a decade, but recent advances in computational capacity, scientific understanding and diversity and quality of process data, presents an opportunity for the development of new modelling paradigms, augmentation of existing methods, or even incorporation of tools from other disciplines, to ensure that anaerobic digestion research can remain resilient and relevant in the face of emerging and future challenges.

show abstract