Multivariable advanced nonlinear controller for bioethanol production in a non-isothermal fermentation bioreactor.

Design for fermentation bioreactor controllers is challenged by the nonlinear process kinetics and the lack of online measurements for key variables. This work developed a multi-input, multi-output advanced nonlinear control structure for a continuous, non-isothermal, constant volume fermentation bioreactor. Utilizing feedback linearization control for the bioreactor feed to regulate glucose concentration, and backstepping control for the cooling jacket feed to regulate reactor temperature.

Transition of municipal sludge anaerobic digestion from mesophilic to thermophilic and long-term performance evaluation.

Strategies for the transition of municipal sludge anaerobic digestion from mesophilic to thermophilic were assessed and the long-term stability and performance of thermophilic digesters operated at a solids retention time of 30days were evaluated. Transition from 36°C to 53.3°C at a rate of 3°C/day resulted in fluctuation of the daily gas and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production.

Modeling the fate and effect of benzalkonium chlorides in a continuous-flow biological nitrogen removal system treating poultry processing wastewater.

The fate and effect of the antimicrobial compounds benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) on the biological nitrogen removal (BNR) processes for a continuous-flow, three-stage laboratory-scale BNR system were modeled. Three kinetic sub-models, corresponding to each reactor, were developed and then combined in a comprehensive ASM1-based model. Kinetic parameters for the three sub-models were evaluated using experimental data obtained from independent batch assays.

Fate and effect of benzalkonium chlorides in a continuous-flow biological nitrogen removal system treating poultry processing wastewater.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are used for sanitation in many poultry processing facilities. This work investigated the fate and effect of a mixture of benzalkonium chlorides (BACs), a class of QACs widely used in commercial antimicrobial formulations, on the biological nitrogen removal (BNR) processes. A laboratory-scale BNR system was operated continuously for 670 days, fed with poultry processing wastewater amended with a mixture of BACs.

Nitrate reduction in a simulated free-water surface wetland system.

The feasibility of using a constructed wetland for treatment of nitrate-contaminated groundwater resulting from the land application of biosolids was investigated for a site in the southeastern United States. Biosolids degradation led to the release of ammonia, which upon oxidation resulted in nitrate concentrations in the upper aquifer in the range of 65-400 mg N/L. A laboratory-scale system was constructed in support of a pilot-scale project to investigate the effect of temperature, hydraulic retention time (HRT) and nitrate and carbon loading on denitrification using soil and groundwater from the biosolids application site.

Effect of temperature and benzalkonium chloride on nitrate reduction.

The effect of temperature and benzalkonium chloride (BAC) on nitrate reduction was investigated in batch assays using a mixed nitrate reducing culture. Nitrate was transformed completely, mainly through denitrification, to dinitrogen at 5, 10, 15 and 22 °C. In the absence of BAC, reduction of individual nitrogen oxides had different susceptibility to temperature and transient nitrite accumulation was observed at low temperatures.