A hybrid supervisory knowledge-based system for monitoring penicillin fermentation

Batch and fed-batch bioprocesses generally exhibit batch-to-batch variation. Multivariate statistical monitoring of these processes based on the use of empirical models developed from the multiway principal component analysis was performed by using contribution, T/sup 2/ and square prediction error plots. To cope with uncertainties in the fermentation process and to provide more effective supervision, a knowledge-based system was developed allowing the coupling of quantitative statistical information with the qualitative domain expertise (heuristic knowledge). This hybrid system (PenExpert) aims to perform old-of-batch process monitoring as well as online process monitoring and fault diagnosis.