

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) provides a first principles approach to gain insight into the hydrodynamics and mass transfer. The scope of traditional CFD methods can be extended to explore the engineering design space of the mixing process by coupling to statistical tools. In this talk, the authors summarize the results of a multivariate study of a prototypical fermentation process. And while a direct link to product quality cannot be provided by CFD alone, the authors hope to illustrate how CFD coupled with statistical methods can lower the risk of this unit operation having an adverse impact on product quality.