Random walk model of dispersion in bioreactors and its application to modelling of microbial growth

 

V. Štumbauer, Š. Papáček, D. Štys

 

Institute of Physical Biology, University of South Bohemia, Academic and University Center, Zámek 136, 373 33 Nové Hrady, Czech Republic

stumbav@gmail.com

 

Keywords: Random walk, CFD, microbial growth modelling

 

Abstract

The paper deals with microbial growth modelling in the bioreactor. Our approach is based on random walk models of turbulent dispersion instead of much more common approach based on raw CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) based on finite volume method. Biochemical reactions are described using the stochastic approach. Finally, the simulation of photosynthetic organisms growth in a Couette-Taylor photobioreactor is presented.

References

1.  Bezzo, F., Macchietto, S. & Pantelides, C.C. (2003) General Hybrid Multizonal/CFD Approach for Bioreactor Modelling, AIChE Journal, 49, pp 2133-2148.

 2.   Eilers, P.H.C. & Peeters, J.C.H. (1993) Dynamic behaviour of a model for photosynthesis and photoinhibition. Ecological Modelling, 69, pp. 113-133.

3.     Saxton, M.J. (2007) Modeling 2D and 3D Diffusion, Methods in Molecular Biology, 400, pp. 295-321.