Abstract: A method for determining performance characteristics of a fermenter batch in a biofuel production plant based on stoichiometry of fermentation reactions, comprising determining a cell mass of a sample of the fermenter batch; a glucose equivalent total (GET) based at least on the cell mass of the sample of the fermenter batch, and a starch to glucose conversion factor (SGCF) based at least on the GET; a total amount of glucose based at least on the SGCF, a volume of ethanol based at least on the total amount of glucose and the GET; at least one of a fermenter yield based at least on the volume of ethanol, and a fermenter efficiency based on the fermenter yield or the volume of ethanol; and generating an output based on the fermenter yield and/or the fermenter efficiency.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fermentation process includes injecting a mash into a fermenter and injecting a liquid ammonia additive into the fermenter. The liquid ammonia additive is injected in a closed-loop manner. The method may be used to control the fermentation processes of one or more fermenters operating in parallel.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fermentation process includes injecting a mash into a fermenter and injecting an enzymatic additive into the fermenter on a continuous basis. The enzymatic additive is injected on a continuous basis during at least two time periods: during a batch fill and after the batch fill. The method may be used to control the fermentation processes of one or more fermenters operating in parallel.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fermentation process includes injecting a mash into a fermenter and injecting an enzymatic additive into the fermenter on a continuous basis. The enzymatic additive is injected on a continuous basis during at least two time periods: during a batch fill and after the batch fill. The method may be used to control the fermentation processes of one or more fermenters operating in parallel.

Abstract: A system includes a biodiesel production system and an advanced process controller configured to implement a model predictive control algorithm to control one or more aspects of the biodiesel production system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fermentation process includes injecting a mash into a fermenter and injecting a liquid yeast additive into the fermenter. The liquid yeast additive is injected in a closed-loop manner. The method may be used to control the fermentation processes of one or more fermenters operating in parallel.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fermentation process includes injecting a mash into a fermenter and injecting a liquid ammonia additive into the fermenter. The liquid ammonia additive is injected in a closed-loop manner. The method may be used to control the fermentation processes of one or more fermenters operating in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling flow rates through parallel distribution paths of centrifuges and dryers using model predictive control. In particular, the present techniques are presented in the context of biofuel production, wherein control of whole stillage flow rates through parallel distribution paths of centrifuges and dryers may be optimized. However, the present techniques may also be applied to other suitable applications, such as the production of agricultural products, where parallel distribution paths of centrifuges and dryers may be used to separate solids from liquids as well as to remove water from the solids and liquids.

Abstract: A method for determining performance characteristics of a fermenter batch in a biofuel production plant based on stoichiometry of fermentation reactions, comprising determining a cell mass of a sample of the fermenter batch; a glucose equivalent total (GET) based at least on the cell mass of the sample of the fermenter batch, and a starch to glucose conversion factor (SGCF) based at least on the GET; a total amount of glucose based at least on the SGCF, a volume of ethanol based at least on the total amount of glucose and the GET; at least one of a fermenter yield based at least on the volume of ethanol, and a fermenter efficiency based on the fermenter yield or the volume of ethanol; and generating an output based on the fermenter yield and/or the fermenter efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling biofuel production processes. In particular, estimated yeast activity values are determined by yeast activity sensors. These estimated yeast activity values are used to bias predicted yeast activity values from an inferential dynamic predictive model. The biased predicted yeast activity values are in turn used to control a fermentation sub-process of the biofuel production process, while also be used to update the inferential dynamic predictive model, to maximize yeast activity in the fermentation sub-process. Maximizing yeast activity and yeast growth in the fermentation sub-process leads to the maximization of biofuel production in the biofuel production process.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling flow rates through parallel distribution paths of centrifuges and dryers using model predictive control. In particular, the present techniques are presented in the context of biofuel production, wherein control of whole stillage flow rates through parallel distribution paths of centrifuges and dryers may be optimized. However, the present techniques may also be applied to other suitable applications, such as the production of agricultural products, where parallel distribution paths of centrifuges and dryers may be used to separate solids from liquids as well as to remove water from the solids and liquids.