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Virginia Tech

Neural Networks in Bioprocessing and Chemical Engineering

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

This dissertation introduces the fundamental principles and practical aspects of neural networks, focusing on their applications in bioprocessing and chemical engineering. This study introduces neural networks and provides an overview of their structures, strengths, and limitations, together with a survey of their potential and commercial applications (Chapter 1). In addition to covering both the fundamental and practical aspects of neural computing (Chapter 2), this dissertation demonstrates, by numerous illustrative examples, practice problems, and detailed case studies, how to develop, train and apply neural networks in bioprocessing and chemical engineering. This study includes the neural network applications of interest to the biotechnologists and chemical engineers in four main groups: (1) fault classification and feature categorization (Chapter 3); (2) prediction and optimization (Chapter 4); (3) process forecasting, modeling, and control of time-dependent systems (Chapter 5); and (4) preliminary design of complex processes using a hybrid combination of expert systems and neural networks (Chapter 6). This dissertation is also unique in that it includes the following ten detailed case studies of neural network applications in bioprocessing and chemical engineering: · Process fault-diagnosis of a chemical reactor. · Leonard-Kramer fault-classification problem. · Process fault-diagnosis for an unsteady-state continuous stirred-tank reactor system. · Classification of protein secondary-structure categories. · Quantitative prediction and regression analysis of complex chemical kinetics. · Software-based sensors for quantitative predictions of product compositions from fluorescent spectra in bioprocessing. · Quality control and optimization of an autoclave curing process for manufacturing composite materials. · Predictive modeling of an experimental batch fermentation process. · Supervisory control of the Tennessee Eastman plant-wide control problem · Predictive modeling and optimal design of extractive bioseparation in aqueous two-phase systems This dissertation also includes a glossary, which explains the terminology used in neural network applications in science and engineering.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Ph. D.
Level thesis:degree_level
doctoral
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Chemical Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Chemical Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1995

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Baughman, D. Richard
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Liu, Y. A.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Conger, William L.
  • McGee, Henry A. Jr.
  • Davis, Richey M.
  • Rony, Peter R.

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-09222008-135734
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/29061

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Baughman, D. Richard. Neural Networks in Bioprocessing and Chemical Engineering. doctoral thesis, Virginia Tech, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/29061