Challenges in Optimization and Control of Biobased Process Systems: An Industrial-Academic Perspective

Abstract

Biobased slurry processes and large-scale continuous chemical production share many similarities. These concern not only process technologies and equipment but also staffing (positions/ educations) and plant operations, including methods and technologies for planning, scheduling, and control. Process Systems Engineering (PSE) approaches have been applied successfully in large-scale chemical production to optimize processes of high complexity. By replacing rules-of-thumb and oversimplified calculations with rigorous quantification and automation, PSE increases the profitability of a wide range of processes. Such improvement potential also exists in the bioindustry, which traditionally comprises many small-scale and batch plants deployed in food or pharmaceutical production. The article elucidates the most important operational challenges of such processes. It brings together academic research and industrial perspectives by contrasting a careful revision of literature with a survey of personnel working in industrial biobased production settings in Denmark. This analysis allows showing the existence of a gap between academic research focus and industrial need, for instance, concerning production processes with humans-in-the-loop. Furthermore, differences between chemical and biobased processes are pointed out, highlighting some limitations of applying PSE to biobased processes. A deeper understanding of these limitations is fundamental to assessing risks when identifying process improvement potential. Finally, the article suggests a possible roadmap for the development of frameworks for the optimization of industrial biobased processes based on existing works in chemical processing.

A Review Delving into the Factors Influencing Mycelium-Based Green Composites (MBCs) Production and Their Properties for Long-Term Sustainability Targets

“…Physics examines MBCs' mechanical properties, while materials science focuses on improving them [3,[41][42][43]. Engineering plans and controls production processes for efficiency [44] and environmental science assesses their impact and sustainability [45]. Architecture explores and designs MBCs' applications [46][47][48][49], and business management develops models and strategies [50].…”

Understanding Fouling in an Industrial Biorefinery Membrane Separation Process by Feature-Oriented Data-Driven Modeling

“…1,13 Pressure-driven operations, such as microfiltration and ultrafiltration, are the most common choice. 15 However, despite the lower energy demand of membrane separation with respect to thermal separation, the downstream process of biorefineries still implies the largest share of processing costs, 16 ranging between 40 and 60%. Membrane operations might even be the major cost component in the downstream.…”

“…In biorefineries based on biochemical conversion, membranes are typically used downstream to the bioreactor to separate cells from the mixture containing the main products, and to remove high-molecular-weight compounds. , Pressure-driven operations, such as microfiltration and ultrafiltration, are the most common choice . However, despite the lower energy demand of membrane separation with respect to thermal separation, the downstream process of biorefineries still implies the largest share of processing costs, ranging between 40 and 60%. Membrane operations might even be the major cost component in the downstream .…”

Biomass and organic waste conversion for sustainable bioenergy: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of current research trends and future directions

“…Additionally, synergistic process optimization reduces waste and enhances the production of superior final products. Continuous advancements in process control, materials handling, and conversion techniques are crucial for successful integration and optimization (Bähner et al, 2021). These advancements encompass reactor design, thermal process management, and catalyst development.…”