title: Application of a variable structure model in observation and control of an anaerobic digestor.
abstract: In this work, a variable structure model (VSM) of an anaerobic digestion process was developed. The anaerobic biodegradation process was described by four nonlinear submodels representing methanogenic, chemical oxygen demand overload, acidogenic, and hydrogen-inhibited states of the anaerobic process. At any instant, process dynamics was modeled only by one of the submodels, while the others were considered trailing. The choice of a leading submodel was handled by a knowledge-based system, which analyzed available process variables, such as off-gas composition and reactor pH. The feasibility of the proposed method was demonstrated both by using the VSM to predict the outputs of a comprehensive process model, and the experimental results obtained in a pilot scale anaerobic fixed-bed bioreactor.
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Council, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4P 2A2.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tartakovsky
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Morel
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Steyer
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Guiot
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000693:Anaerobiosis; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D019149:Bioreactors; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005285:Fermentation; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007220:Industrial Waste; D007700:Kinetics; D008697:Methane / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism; D018508:Water Purification; D014920:Wine
chemical_list: D007220:Industrial Waste; D014873:Water Pollutants; D006859:Hydrogen; D008697:Methane