Structural properties and reduced order modeling of a class of bioprocesses

This paper deals with the analysis of a nonlinear dynamical model of a class of bioprocesses. Some structural properties are widely discussed, such as the partition of the model in a linear part and a nonlinear term, the decoupling of the kinetics, the positivity of the model. Also, the singular perturbations method and quasi-steady state assumption are used in order to obtain reduced order models, practical for control design. The obtained results are tested by using a complex anaerobic bioprocess, utilized for wastewater treatment, which takes place into a Continuous Stirred Tank Bioreactor.