Endogenous estimation of safety coefficient for optimal design of biochemical reactors at industrial level

This work deals with the endogenous estimation of the Safety Coefficient G_e = V_d/V_m, where V_d is the design volume and V_m is the mean volume of liquid of a biochemical reactor operating at industrial level. The V_d-value is estimated through Monte Carlo simulation while V_m-value is obtained by means of material balances and biochemical kinetics. A case example on waste water biological treatment is presented, referring to a well-mixed bioreactor followed by a clarifier. The G_e-values finally estimated are in the lower part of the (exogenously determined) region as suggested in the relevant technical literature, implying a significant saving of investment capital, which forms the principle component of fixed cost. Similar applications are also mentioned in brief.