Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Nafion Modified Titanium Nitride Ph Sensor For Future Biomedical Applications, Shimrith Paul Shylendra, Magdalena Wajrak, Kamal Alameh, James Jin Kang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

pH sensors are increasingly being utilized in the biomedical field and have been implicated in health applications that aim to improve the monitoring and treatment of patients. In this work, a previously developed Titanium Nitride (TiN) solid-state pH sensor is further enhanced, with the potential to be used for pH regulation inside the human body and for other biomedical, industrial, and environmental applications. One of the main limitations of existing solid-state pH sensors is their reduced performance in high redox mediums. The potential shift E⁰ value of the previously developed TiN pH electrode in the presence of oxidizing or …

Engineering At-Home Dilution And Filtration Methods To Enable Paper-Based Colorimetric Biosensing In Human Blood With Cell-Free Protein Synthesis, Tyler J. Free, Ryan W. Tucker, Katelyn M. Simonson, Sydney A. Smith, Caleb M. Lindgren, William G. Pitt, Bradley C. Bundy

Faculty Publications

Diagnostic blood tests can guide the administration of healthcare to save and improve lives. Most clinical biosensing blood tests require a trained technician and specialized equipment to process samples and interpret results, which greatly limits test accessibility. Colorimetric paper-based diagnostics have an equipment-free readout, but raw blood obscures a colorimetric response which has motivated diverse efforts to develop blood sample processing techniques. This work uses inexpensive readily-available materials to engineer user-friendly dilution and filtration methods for blood sample collection and processing to enable a proof-of-concept colorimetric biosensor that is responsive to glutamine in 50 µL blood drop samples in less …

Using Computational Fluid Dynamics And Optical Sensor Technology To Scale Cell Culture Platforms, Mandar Makwana

KGI Theses and Dissertations

Different cell culture vessels ranging from micro scale to laboratory scale to commercial scale play critical role in upstream process development for biologics manufacturing. Based on the mode of operation, cell culture vessels have different hydrodynamic environments, making it challenging to scale. Integrated approaches using computational tools supported by experimental studies can overcome these challenges. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is one such tool that can simulate hydrodynamics within the cell culture vessels and can provide insights at macro and micro-scale. Accuracy of a CFD model significantly depends on the fluid model and assumptions. Traditionally, simple two-equation fluid models were developed …

Concentration Field Based Micropore Flow Rate Measurements, Matia P. Edwards, Samuel F. D. J. Gómez, Michael S. H. Boutilier

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Publications

Demand is growing for a larger catalogue of experimental techniques to measure flow rates through micro-/nanoscale systems for both fundamental research and device development. Flow emerging from a hole in a plane wall is a common system of interest in such work for its relevance to membrane separation. In this paper, we consider the possibility of measuring volume flow rates through small scale orifice plates from images of dye dispersions downstream. Based on approximate analytical solutions to the advection–diffusion equation, we show that, at low Reynolds numbers, the concentration in the nearly hemispherical plume that forms increases linearly with inverse …

Comparative Analysis Of Artificial Intelligence And Numerical Reservoir Simulation In Marcellus Shale Wells, Arya Maher Sattari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This dissertation addresses the limitations of conventional numerical reservoir simulation techniques in the context of unconventional shale plays and proposes the use of data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) models as a promising alternative. Traditional methods, while providing valuable insights, often rely on simplifying assumptions and are constrained by time, resources, and data quality. The research leverages AI models to handle the complexities of shale behavior more effectively, facilitating accurate predictions and optimizations with less resource expenditure.

Two specific methodologies are investigated for this purpose: traditional numerical reservoir simulations using Computer Modelling Group's GEM reservoir simulation software, and an AI-based Shale Analytics …

Recovery Of Valuable Metals From Electronic Waste Using A Novel Ammonia-Based Hydrometallurgical Process, Peijia Lin

Theses and Dissertations--Mining Engineering

The growing quantity of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), also known as electronic waste (E-waste), has been an area of growing public concern. The abundance of valuable metals contained in waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) has made it a promising secondary resource, especially for Cu and Au. Although the recovery of metals from WPCBs via hydrometallurgical routes has been studied extensively over the past 20 years, most of the research has been limited in the laboratory. In current hydrometallurgical processes, strong acids and expensive oxidizers are often used to ensure a high recovery of metals without considering the sustainability …

A Process Intensification Approach To Improve Volatile Fatty Acids Production, Extraction, And Valorization, Can Liu

Theses and Dissertations--Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a widely used biowaste conversion method. Recent studies have explored arrested methanogenesis as an alternative approach to leverage existing AD facilities and produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs) instead of biogas. VFAs have been recognized as precursors for a range of value-added chemicals and bioproducts. Arrested methanogenesis involves inducing acidic fermentation by halting the AD process before methanogenesis. It has been found that higher organic loading and thermophilic conditions enhance VFA accumulation and stabilize the acidic fermentation (AF) system.

Brewer's spent grain (BSG), a significant by-product of the brewing industry, was employed as the feedstock for VFA …

Cyberphysical Systems And Energy: A Discussion With Reference To An Enhanced Geothermal Process, Keshav Kasturi Rangan, Henrique Oyama, Ilham Azali Assoumani, Helen Durand, K.Y. Simon Ng

Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Faculty Research Publications

As cyberphysical systems research advances, energy systems will be able to benefit from the developments. In this section, we discuss several points in two newer areas for cyberphysical systems research in chemical engineering: 1) cybersecurity of process control systems; and 2) quantum computation of control actions. The discussion is presented in a general manner, with relevance to flow systems or under traditional control laws (e.g., proportional control). However, to showcase energy systems relevance, we will provide links, at intervals, between the developments discussed and enhanced geothermal systems with energy production through the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC).

Investigation Of Recrosslinkable Preformed Particle Gels For Natural Gas Conformance Control, Ali Abdulmohsen Al Brahim

Doctoral Dissertations

"Recross linkable Preformed Particle Gel (RPPG) is a novel type of preformed particle gel in which particles can bond together to form a strong bulk gel system after being placed in the target formation. In this research, I systematically evaluated the feasibility of using this product to improve gas flooding conformance for mature reservoirs with conduits or fractures. Two RPPG systems were used for the experiment: a CO₂- resistant RPPG (CR-RPPG) synthesized using acrylamide (AM) and 2-acrylamide-2- methylpropane sulfonate acid (AMPS), designed for CO2 flooding; and an acrylamide-co-acrylic acid-based RPPG (LT-RPPG), designed for water flooding. Different experimental apparatuses …

Co2-Assisted Ethylene Production And Subsequent Purification: A Materials Development, Kinetic Assessment, And Process Performance Investigation, Khaled Baamran

Doctoral Dissertations

"This research focuses on the In-Situ CO₂ capture and utilization in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ODHE) for ethylene production, and a subsequent ethylene purification through adsorptive separation process. In particular, several dual-function materials (DFMs) were developed, formulated into 3D-structure, and investigated for ODHE reaction to ethylene under various process conditions using CO₂ as a mild oxidant. The DFMs materials were consisted of CaO and metal oxides (e.g., Cr₂O₃ and V₂O₅) supporting H-ZSM-5. The results indicated that higher cell densities lead to better performance due to kinetic enhancement, and the optimum …

Experimental Study On The Mechanical Controlling Factors Of Fracture Plugging Strength For Lost Circulation Control In Shale Gas Reservoir, Chengyuan Xu, Lingmao Zhu, Feng Xu, Yili Kang, Haoran Jing, Zhenjiang You

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The geological conditions of shale reservoir present several unique challenges. These include the extensive development of multi-scale fractures, frequent losses during horizontal drilling, low success rates in plugging, and a tendency for the fracture plugging zone to experience repeated failures. Extensive analysis suggests that the weakening of the mechanical properties of shale fracture surfaces is the primary factor responsible for reducing the bearing capacity of the fracture plugging zone. To assess the influence of oil-based environments on the degradation of mechanical properties in shale fracture surfaces, rigorous mechanical property tests were conducted on shale samples subsequent to their exposure to …

Shale Wettability Characteristics Via Air/Brines And Air/Oil Contact Angles And Influence Of Controlling Factors: A Case Study Of Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan, Darya Khan Bhutto, Abdul Majeed Shar, Ghazanfer Raza Abbasi, Ubedullah Ansari

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Wettability is the fundamental parameter that influences the productivity of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The knowledge of this regarding shale formation is yet inadequate; thus, detailed analysis is essential for successful development of such reservoirs. The Early Cretaceous Sembar formations in the Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan, is considered as the key target for energy exploration; however, it exhibits large uncertainties due to the lack of data availability. Sembar shales hold significant hydrocarbon volumes rich in organic content; however, prior to this, no comprehensive research has been conducted to quantify the wetting behavior of these shales. Thus, precise information about the wetting behavior …

Using Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles In A Magnetic Field To Enhance Oil Production From Oil-Wet Carbonate Reservoirs, F. Amrouche, M. J. Blunt, Stefan Iglauer, M. Short, T. Crosbie, E. Cordero, D. Xu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Enhanced oil production can maximise yield from depleted reservoirs, and in the face of dwindling global oil reserves can reduce the need for exploratory drilling during the transition away from fossil fuels. A hybrid technique, merging a magnetic field (MF) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles (NPs), was investigated as a potential method of enhancing oil production from oil-wet carbonate reservoirs. The impact of this hybrid technique on rock wettability, zeta potential, and interfacial tension was also investigated. Displacement experiments were carried out on oil-wet Austin chalk – a laboratory carbonate rock analogue – using MgO NPs in deionized water (DW) …

Size Distribution, Elemental Composition And Morphology Of Nanoparticles Separated From Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Shoeleh Assemi, Lei Pan, Xuming Wang, Titilayo Akinseye, Jan D. Miller

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Nanoparticles, defined as particles with one dimension below 100 nm, contribute little to the total mass concentration in respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) toxicological studies, but they could have a considerable part in the adverse health effects by RCMD inhalation. It has been shown that inhaled nanoparticles can penetrate deep into the lung and could plausibly contribute to acute and chronic pulmonary diseases by triggering oxidative stress formation and inducing inflammation. RCMD nanoparticles from samples collected in an underground mine in the United States were analyzed by a particle separation technique, field-flow fractionation (FFF), for size, morphology, and elemental composition. …

Comparative Static And Dynamic Analyses Of Solvents For Removal Of Asphaltene And Wax Deposits Above- And Below-Surface At An Iranian Carbonate Oil Field, Milad Norouzpour, Amin Azdarpour, Rafael M. Santos, Ali Esfandiarian, Moein Nabipour, Erfan Mohammadian, Abbas K. Manshad, Alireza Keshavarz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

During production from oil wells, the deposition of asphaltene and wax at surface facilities and porous media is one of the major operational challenges. The crude oil production rate is significantly reduced due to asphaltene deposition inside the reservoir. In addition, the deposition of these solids inside the surface facilities is costly to oil companies. In this study, the efficiency of different solvents in dissolving asphaltene and wax was investigated through static and dynamic tests. The analysis of solid deposits from the surface choke of one of the Iranian carbonate oil fields showed that they consisted of 41.3 wt % …

Splitting Tensile Strength Of Recycled Tire Steel Fiber-Reinforced Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete Designed By Taguchi Method, Milad Eskandarinia, Mina Esmailzade, Farhad Aslani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Despite offering several benefits in terms of environment and economics, few studies were conducted on the ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) based alkali-activated concrete reinforced with recycled tire steel fibers (RTSFs). Therefore, this paper employed the Taguchi method to investigate and optimize the influence of GGBFS content, the alkaline solution to GGBFS content ratio, sodium hydroxide solution concentration, and RTSF volume fraction on splitting tensile strength (STS) of recycled tire steel fiber-reinforced alkali-activated slag concrete (RTSFR-AASC). The microstructural evaluation was done through scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. The results indicated that the fiber content, …

Repeatability Of Alkanolamines In Carbon Dioxide Capture After Mineralization, Titiwut Sirima

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The mineralization reaction between alkanolamines solution loaded with CO2 and calcium ions (Ca2+) produced calcium carbonate precipitate under an ambient condition, which reduced energy for thermal regeneration of alkanolamines solution. This work represented alkanolamines as monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA). In addition, calcium chloride (CaCl2), calcium sulphate (CaSO4) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) were used as calcium sources. Utilization of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) as a calcium source in the mineralization reaction resulted in the supernatant retaining its ability to capture carbon dioxide over 89%, which is similar to thermal regeneration. The mineral regeneration and the thermal regeneration can regenerate …

Utility Optimization Via Multi-Section Heat Integration Approach For Multi-Period Operations, Ariyachai Silprasert

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) optimization is essential for achieving utility conservation and minimizing the Total Annual Cost (TAC) by maximizing heat recovery between process streams. This study investigates on single and multi-section heat integration within a caprolactam (CPL) plant, conducted in collaboration with a petrochemical company. The investigation comprehensively addresses multi-period operations, considering production rate variability at 60%, 80%, and 100% loads. This variability is due to fluctuating operating conditions influenced by economic factors, as well as start-up and shut-down schedules. This work utilizes process simulation namely Aspen Plus and establishes HEN solutions using Aspen Energy Analyzer (AEA) and conventional …

Techno-Economic Analysis Of Dimethyl Ether Production Via Direct Hydrogenation Of Co2, Boonyasit Farkham

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, alternative and sustainable fuels are receiving significant attention. One of the interesting options is dimethyl ether (DME), which can be synthesized from CO2. This research aimed to simulate DME production from CO2 by comparing indirect synthesis (two-step process) and direct synthesis (one-step process) methods. This study found that the one-step process had negative net CO2 emissions, with values of -1.16 tons CO2 per ton of DME. It also consumed less energy compared to that of the two-step process. This was because the amount of methanol generated in the two-step process was higher than in …

วัสดุผสมขั้นสูงของไบโอชาร์และโครงสร้างโลหะอินทรีย์ (Mofs) สำหรับการเก็บไฮโดรเจน, แซมสัน บามิเดเล อาคินโดเย

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

การพึ่งพาเชื้อเพลิงฟอสซิลในยุคอุตสาหกรรม โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งสำหรับการขนส่ง ส่งผลให้การปล่อยก๊าซเรือนกระจก (GHG) เพิ่มขึ้นอย่างมาก ซึ่งมีส่วนทำให้เกิดการเปลี่ยนแปลงสภาพภูมิอากาศ การจัดการกับปัญหาสิ่งแวดล้อมนี้จำเป็นต้องมีแนวทางแก้ไขที่เป็นนวัตกรรมเพื่อลดการพึ่งพาเชื้อเพลิงแบบเดิมๆ การศึกษานี้มุ่งเน้นไปที่การพัฒนาวัสดุคอมโพสิตขั้นสูงที่ประกอบด้วยถ่านชีวภาพและกรอบโลหะ-อินทรีย์ (MOF) เพื่อการจัดเก็บไฮโดรเจนอย่างมีประสิทธิภาพ เพื่อลดการใช้เชื้อเพลิงฟอสซิลและผลกระทบต่อสิ่งแวดล้อม เราประเมินวัสดุแต่ละชนิด (ถ่านชีวภาพและ MOF) และส่วนประกอบของวัสดุเหล่านี้เกี่ยวกับความสมบูรณ์ของโครงสร้าง สัณฐานวิทยาของพื้นผิว ความพรุน การกระจายขนาดรูพรุน กลุ่มฟังก์ชันของพื้นผิว และความสามารถในการกักเก็บไฮโดรเจน ผลการศึกษาครั้งนี้สามารถปูทางไปสู่ความก้าวหน้าใหม่ๆ ในด้านวัสดุคอมโพสิตและกระทรวงการคลังเฉพาะทางสำหรับการจัดเก็บไฮโดรเจน ซึ่งส่งผลกระทบอย่างมีนัยสำคัญต่อความยั่งยืนและผลกระทบต่อสิ่งแวดล้อมของการขนส่งในอนาคต