Simulación de un proceso de producción de polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA) a nivel industrial

Abstract

This paper addresses the simulation of the production of polyhydroxyalka noates (PHA) on an industrial scale as a sustainable alternative to petroleum based plastics. It begins with a comprehensive review of PHA’s, highlighting their benefits and potential to reduce the use of traditional plastics, and delves into existing information on their types, production methods and the bacteria involved in their synthesis. Using data from pilot-scale investigations, a simulation model of the PHA production process was developed, evaluating several simulation programs such as Python, MATLAB, SuperPro Designer, R and COMSOL Physics, and selecting Python and MATLAB as the most suita ble, although the need for more complete data to achieve accurate simulations is emphasized. The results of these models were validated with SuperPro Designer, designing a complete industrial plant and obtaining three final models with promising results, although with significant differences due to the lack of accurate data. The conclusions confirm the feasibility of PHA production at industrial level, the effectiveness of the models used and the importance of having more complete data to improve the accuracy of the simulations, , laying the groundwork for future research.