On-line identification of parameters in a fermentation process

In a fermentation process, the establishment of gas mass balances provides valuable information and allows both measurements concerning the characteristics of the biomass itself and the monitoring of a cultivation process. If the quantity and oxidation level of substances excreted into the fermentation broth are known or constant, the yield factor and the dry cell-weight production are stoichiometrically related to the quantity of CO₂ evolved and to the quantity of O₂ consumed. Where frequent measurements of both yield factor and dry cell-weight production are desirable or where rapid adjustment of the parameters is necessary, on-line identification of these parameters is required, An algorithm allowing the identification of the specific growth rate is presented. Moreover, this technique allows one to estimate the percent protein in the biomass during continuous culture.