Abstract

In this lecture, an overview will be given of some specific issues of theory for the analysis and operation of chemical and biochemical processes. Essentially we shall speak of methodologies for the understanding and the running of process operation, i.e.: (i) capturing, interpreting and making direct use of different knowledge of the process state along the operation; and (ii) overcoming difficulties concerning process monitoring, through the use of software sensors.

A framework supported on knowledge engineering concepts will be presented, pointing out the state of the art, advantages and limitations. Some case-studies concerning bioprocesses and an industrial problem of monitoring sugar crystallization will be provided.

From the applications point of view there is an integrated development of theory and technology, which should be stressed. The job for the future, and we are already assisting to that, will be to incorporate new methodologies, some already existing and some still emerging, into the available industrial equipment and thus to bring such methodologies into process operation.

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