MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF CONTINUOUS ETHANOL FERMENTATION IN A MEMBRANE BIOREACTOR BY PERVAPORATION COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL SYSTEM.

Mathematical models of ethanol fermentation in continuous conventional bioreactor (CCBR) and continuous membrane bioreactor (CMBR) are discussed theoretically. Each of these models is a system of nonlinear equations containing nonlinear terms related to Monod model for each retention time at non-steady condition. Analytical expressions of cell growth, glucose consumption, and ethanol production are obtained using a new approach of the homotopy perturbation method. A detailed study of the parameters effects on each of the governing systems is also presented. The obtained analytical solution is shown to be in strong agreement with most reliable numerical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]