Dynamic modelling for operational design of a respirometer

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how dynamic modelling and simulation can effectively be used to assess the operation of an on-site respirometer. A dynamic model of the respirometer was developed using the General Purpose Simulator (GPS-X). The approach is appropriate for operational design of the respirometer in allowing the user to experiment with the instrument, through simulation, before it is actually operated. The model was able to replicate the operational modes of the respirometer. The dynamic model was found to be particularly useful in assessing difficulties associated with multiple respiration rate calculations, the effect of temperature on the respiration rate, and the detection of the endogenous respiration rate.