Bioprocess techniques

Subject description

In the introductory chapter, process technology is presented within the framework of thermal, mechanical, biochemical, chemical and environmental segments of process engineering. Thermodynamic fundamentals of separation processes based on presentation of mixtures and solutions, vapor-liquid equilibrium, Gibbs free energy, binary systems, Rault’s law of ideal solutions, Henri’s law and fundamental characteristics of ternary systems and azeotropic mixtures. Within the framework of mass transfer, the starting points are Fick’s law, diffusion, convective mass transfer and numerical methods of solving problems of mass transfer. These are followed by the basic processes of process technology: evaporation, distillation, rectification, sorbic processes, crystallization and drying with detailed consideration of moist air, h-x diagram and exergy diagram of moist air, multi-level drying, types of dryers and selection of the drying process depending on the type of goods in the pharmaceutical, food and process industries, liofilisation. Mixing, membrane technologies, micro-, ultra- and nanofiltration, reversible osmosis and ionic exchange follow. Within the framework of bioreactors the types and their application are considered, together with process management and control.

The subject is taught in programs

Objectives and competences

The course aims to acquaint students with the fundamentals of bioprocess technology and qualify them for application of engineering tools, while revising the engineering approach in order to solve problems from bioprocess technology. Students are familiarised with basic matter operations, based on mass and energy flows and phase equilibrium phenomena. They are familiarised with principles and methods for working in the field of application of methods, systems and processes of preparation, separation and purification of impure substances in order to obtain pure products. The subject develops the ability to apply engineering, technical, mathematical and scientific tools for solving engineering problems in nature.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, seminars, consultations.

Expected study results

The acquired competences qualify the participants to be leaders and leading members of the development-research sector in creative, communicative team work in the field of biotechnology. The competences specific to the subject qualify the participants to identify the problems and engineering approach to solve problems while considering engineering codes and professional, ethical and environmental responsibility.

Basic sources and literature

Seader J.D., Henley E.J, Separation Process Principles, John Wiley and Sons, 2nd Edition, New York, 2006.
Basmadjian D., Mass Transfer and Separation Processes, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2007.
Vogel, G.H., Process Development, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2005.
Schwister, K., Taschenbuch der Verfahrenstechnik, Fachbuchverlag, Leipzig, 2000.
Mersmann, A., Kind M., Slichlmair, J., Thermische Verfahrenstechnik, Grundlagen und Methoden, München, 2005.