Neural Networks in Bioprocessing and Chemical Engineering

This dissertation introduces the fundamental principles and practical aspects of neural networks, focusing on their applications in bioprocessing and chemical engineering. This study introduces neural networks and provides an overview of their structures, strengths, and limitations, together with a survey of their potential and commercial applications (Chapter 1). In addition to covering both the fundamental and practical aspects of neural computing (Chapter 2), this dissertation demonstrates, by numerous illustrative examples, practice problems, and detailed case studies, how to develop, train and apply neural networks in bioprocessing and chemical engineering. This study includes the neural network applications of interest to the biotechnologists and chemical engineers in four main groups: (1) fault classification and feature categorization (Chapter 3); (2) prediction and optimization (Chapter 4); (3) process forecasting, modeling, and control of time-dependent systems (Chapter 5); and (4) preliminary design of complex processes using a hybrid combination of expert systems and neural networks (Chapter 6).

This dissertation is also unique in that it includes the following ten detailed case studies of neural network applications in bioprocessing and chemical engineering:

· Process fault-diagnosis of a chemical reactor. · Leonard-Kramer fault-classification problem. · Process fault-diagnosis for an unsteady-state continuous stirred-tank reactor system. · Classification of protein secondary-structure categories. · Quantitative prediction and regression analysis of complex chemical kinetics. · Software-based sensors for quantitative predictions of product compositions from fluorescent spectra in bioprocessing. · Quality control and optimization of an autoclave curing process for manufacturing composite materials. · Predictive modeling of an experimental batch fermentation process. · Supervisory control of the Tennessee Eastman plant-wide control problem · Predictive modeling and optimal design of extractive bioseparation in aqueous two-phase systems

This dissertation also includes a glossary, which explains the terminology used in neural network applications in science and engineering.