Simulation of a novel biochemical process

Centrifugation is the most capital intensive stage in the porcine growth hormone production process. A simulation package is used to study the behaviour of this unit and the optimal processing conditions are determined using viscosity and size distribution data collected from three different fermentations. An equation-oriented simulator has been used which permits model development, and will solve design, optimisation and non-steady state problems. The simulation is used to study three aspects: the optimal dilution of the homogenate fed to the centrifuge, the separation obtained by the centrifuge, and an alternative configuration in which the product is recycled. The processing time depends strongly on the homogenate viscosity dilution characteristic: For example, an inlet temperature to the centrifuge of 25 degreesC halves the batch processing time of a 45 degreesC feed. We show that to obtain the best set of centrifuge conditions it is necessary to take into account upstream processing stages since they dictate the viscosity and size distributions.