Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Smart Technologies For Oil Production With Rod Pumping, Brigham Wheeler Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

This work enables accelerated fluid recovery in oil and gas reservoirs by automatically controlling fluid height and bottomhole pressure in wells. Several literature studies show significant increase in recovered oil by determining a target bottomhole pressure but rarely consider how to control to that value. This work enables those benefits by maintaining bottomhole pressure or fluid height. Moving Horizon Estimation (MHE) determines uncertain well parameters using only common surface measurements. A Model Predictive Controller (MPC) adjusts the stroking speed of a sucker rod pump to maintain fluid height. Pump boundary conditions are simulated with Mathematical Programs with Complementarity Constraints (MPCCs) …

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis Of Palladium Nanoparticles Supported On Copper Oxide In Aqueous Medium As An Efficient Catalyst For Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reaction, Hany A. Elazab, M. A. Sadek, Tamer T. El-Idreesy

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We report here a reliable green method for the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles supported on copper oxide as a highly active and efficient catalyst for Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. The experimental synthetic approach is based on microwave-assisted chemical reduction of an aqueous mixture of palladium and copper salt simultaneously using hydrazine hydrate as reducing agent. The catalyst was fully characterized using various techniques showing well-dispersed palladium nanoparticles. The catalytic activity and recyclability of the prepared catalyst were experimentally explored in the ligand-free Suzuki cross-coupling reaction with a diverse series of functionalized substrates. The synthesized Pd/CuO catalyst shows many advantages beside its …

Significant Improvement In Tio₂ Photocatalytic Activity Through Controllable Zro₂ Deposition, Xiaofeng Wang, Rajankumar L. Patel, Xinhua Liang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

ZrO₂ was deposited on anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles using 5-80 cycles of atomic layer deposition (ALD). The photocatalytic activity of all samples was evaluated based on the degradation of methylene blue (MB) solution under UV light. The TiO₂ sample with 45 cycles of ZrO₂ deposition (45c-Zr/TiO₂, 1.1 wt% ZrO₂) was proved to be the most efficient catalyst with a degradation kinetic constant 10 times larger than that of the pure TiO₂ sample. All samples were characterized using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), nitrogen adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy …

Arrhenius Rate Chemistry-Informed Inter-Phase Source Terms (Arciist), Matthew J. Schwaab, Robert B. Greendyke, Bryan J. Steward

Faculty Publications

Currently, in macro-scale hydrocodes designed to simulate explosive material undergoing shock-induced ignition, the state of the art is to use one of numerous reaction burn rate models. These burn models are designed to estimate the bulk chemical reaction rate. Unfortunately, these burn rate models are largely based on empirical data and must be recalibrated for every new material being simulated. We propose that the use of Arrhenius Rate Chemistry-Informed Interphase Source Terms (ARCIIST) in place of empirically derived burn models will improve the accuracy for these computational codes. A reacting chemistry model of this form was developed for the cyclic …

Integrated Scheduling And Control In Discrete-Time With Dynamic Parameters And Constraints, Logan Beal, Damon Petersen, David R. Grimsman, Sean Warnick, John Hedengren

Faculty Publications

Integrated scheduling and control (SC) seeks to unify the objectives of the various layers of optimization in manufacturing. This work investigates combining scheduling and control using a nonlinear discrete-time formulation, utilizing the full nonlinear process model throughout the entire horizon. This discrete-time form lends itself to optimization with time-dependent constraints and costs. An approach to combined SC is presented, along with sample pseudo-binary variable functions to ease the computational burden of this approach. An initialization strategy using feedback linearization, nonlinear model predictive control, and continuous-time scheduling optimization is presented. The formulation is applied with a generic continuous stirred tank reactor …

Comparative Study Of Different Sensor Array Designs Involving Plasticized Polymer Coatings For Btex Detection In Water, Nicholas Post

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Detection and quantification of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) in liquid phase is of interest because of the significant public health hazards posed by these compounds. BTEX are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly used as additives in gasoline. Shear horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) devices have shown promise in liquid phase sensing applications and is used to address this problem. SH-SAW devices can be made chemically sensitive by depositing a polymer coating on the device surface. SH-SAW devices coated with commercially available polymers have shown modest sensitivity to BTEX compounds. However, there are few polymers which exhibit the properties …

Software For Peak Finding And Elemental Composition Assignment For Glycosaminoglycan Tandem Mass Spectra, John D. Hogan, Joshua A. Klein, Jiandong Wu, Pradeep Chopra, Geert Jan Boons, Luis Carvalho, Cheng Lin, Joseph Zaia

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) Covalently Linked to Proteoglycans (PGs) Are Characterized by Repeating Disaccharide Units and Variable Sulfation Patterns Along the Chain. GAG Length and Sulfation Patterns Impact Disease Etiology, Cellular Signaling, and Structural Support for Cells. We and Others Have Demonstrated the Usefulness of Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS 2 ) for Assigning the Structures of GAG Saccharides; However, Manual Interpretation of Tandem Mass Spectra is Time-Consuming, So Computational Methods Must Be Employed. in the Proteomics Domain, the Identification of Monoisotopic Peaks and Charge States Relies on Algorithms that Use Averagine, or the Average Building Block of the Compound Class Being Analyzed. …

Aerothermodynamic Analysis Of A Mars Sample Return Earth-Entry Vehicle, Daniel A. Boyd

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Because of the severe quarantine constraints that must be imposed on any returned extraterrestrial samples, the Mars sample return Earth-entry vehicle must remain intact through sample recovery. Vehicles returning on a Mars-Earth trajectory will attain velocities exceeding any that have been experienced by prior space exploration missions, with velocities approaching 14 km/s. Velocities as high as these will encounter significant heating during atmospheric re-entry to Earth.

The purpose of this study has been to systematically investigate the aerothermodynamic challenges that will result from a Mars sample return, Earth-entry vehicle design. The goal was to enable efficient estimation of maximum stagnation …

Isru Thermal-Driven Processes On Interplanetary Surfaces And Characteristics On Production Of Commodities, Jesus A. Dominguez

Theses and Dissertations

Extraterrestrial In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is a primary area of interest to enable successful exploration, mining, and human settling in space missions. Native extraterrestrial conditions, such as vacuum conditions and low gravity are challenging as their effects on workable-scale ISRU operations are basically unknown. This dissertation research work studied three thermal-driven properties on JSC-lA lunar regolith simulant at pilot-plant-­scale under vacuum (a native ambient condition on the moon and asteroids): (1) gasification and decomposition of regolith's components that have the potential of generating gaseous oxygen, metals, and alloys without the necessity of terrestrial precursors, (2) vacuum void formation during the …

Synthesis Of Double Network Hydrogels Which Can Be Shaped Freely, Natsuki Morimoto, Norie Kato

The International Student Science Fair 2018

Double network (DN) hydrogels have specific characters such as flexibility and high mechanical strength. They are expected to use biomaterials such as artificial cartilages and meniscuses. The purpose of this study is to synthesize DN gels which can be shaped freely. DN gels were synthesized by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a mold, 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) as a first monomer, N,N’-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBAA) as a crosslinker, 2-oxoglutalic acid (OGA) as an initiator and acrylamide (AAm) as a second monomer. First, PVA (polymerization degree; 2000) was dissolved in the water and prepared to 15 % of aqueous solution. It was poured in …

An Entirely New Molecular Glue For Mof Using Unusual Structural Transformation Of A Coordination Polymer, Sukwoo Jung, Hangyeol Kim, Junseok Ahn

The International Student Science Fair 2018

In this research, an entirely new molecular glue is reported. This ‘coordination polymer glue’ is synthesized from zinc metal and BDC-NPE(2,5-bis{4-[1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethylamino]butoxy}terephthalic acid). Molecular glue transforms from 1D coordination polymer to a 3D cross-linked framework, resulting in a phase change of solution to solid. The carboxylate group of this glue makes the preformed MOF bind to its framework. Therefore, when the solution of molecular glue is mixed with preformed MOF powder and heated, homogeneous and thin MOF film – MOF/ZnNPE film – is fabricated. The film is irrelevant to the kind of its substrate, and its thermal stability was enhanced in …

The Fate Of Nitrogen And Faecal Coliform In The Lubigi Wetland In Uganda, Aloyce Mayo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The capacity of the Lubigi wetland to reduce nitrogen and faecal coliform pollution entering Lake Kyoga in Uganda was investigated. Three transects with 5 sampling points in each, were established in the wetland. Wetland plants samples were collected from the specific locations along the transects, and laboratory tests and analyses were carried out for plants biomass and nitrogen contents determination. Samples of wetland sediments were also collected, and laboratory tests and analyses were done for determination of nitrogen content in the sediments. Wetland water samples were taken from the main wetland inlet and the main outlet from the wetland main …

Effects Of Methyl-Blue Addition In Sewage Substrate On The Performance Of Microbial Fuel Cell, Joseph H. Kihedu Dr.

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Experimental study was undertaken to evaluate performance of microbial fuel cell. Without addition of methyl blue, the cell generated 1.265 V, 0.403 mA and 56.12 mW/m2 after three hours of operation. With 300 µM methyl blue in sewage anolyte, 6.7% increase in voltage, 20.5% increase in current and 28.6% increase in power density was observed. By using ash water catholyte, addition of methyl blue in anolyte led to increase of 9.0% in voltage, 38.5% in current and 50.9% for power density. Between three and twenty four hours of continuous operation of the cell with phosphate buffer catholyte, the average voltage …

Defect Laden Metal Oxides And Oxynitrides For Sustainable Low Temperature Carbon Dioxide Conversion To Fuel Feedstocks, Debtanu Maiti

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The current energy and environmental scenario in the world demands acute attention on sustainable repurposing of waste CO2 to high value hydrocarbons that not only addresses the CO2 mitigation problem, but also provides pathways for a closed loop synthetic carbon cycle. Difference in the scales of global CO2 emissions (about 40 Gtpa, 2017) and the carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) facilities (estimated cumulative 40 Mtpa, 2018) provokes active research on this topic. Solar thermochemical (STC) and visible light photocatalysis are two of the most promising routes that have garnered attention for this purpose. While STC has the advantages of high …

Chemical Stability Investigations Of Catalyst Layer In Pemfc, Yan-Yan Gao, Ming Hou, Yong-Yi Jiang, Dong Liang, Jun Ai, Li-Min Zheng

Journal of Electrochemistry

This work was intended to study the effect of free radicals on the chemical stability of catalyst layer via ex situ accelerated stress test (AST). Fenton reagent was used as the free radical provider in this research. Apart from the decomposition of Nafion in catalyst layer, the agglomerated Pt nanoparticles and the corroded carbon support were also observed after being treated in Fenton reagent for 100 h. Firstly, the existence of fluoride (F) ions evidenced the chemical decomposation of Nafion after being attacked by trace radical species, which was supported by the intensity decrease in the C-F stretching and vibration …

Recent Progress For Fe-N-C Electrocatalysts In Alkaline Fuel Cells, Xin Deng, Heng-Quan Chen, Ye Hu, Qing-Gang He

Journal of Electrochemistry

Fuel cells are highly recommended nowadays due to their intrinsic advantages such as high energy conversion efficiency, nearly no pollution, and convenient operation. With the development of anion exchange membrane, alkaline fuel cells have gone through a renaissance thanks to their superiorities such as faster reaction kinetics, wider choices for both fuels and electrocatalysts. It is essential to find an appropriate electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to improve the performance of alkaline fuel cells. Further commercialization of the widely used Pt-based materials has suffered from disadvantages such as scarcity and high cost. As alternatives to largely investigated Pt-based materials, …

Pt/G-C3N4 Nanosheet For Visible Light-Induced Enhancement Of The Activity For Formic Acid Electro-Oxidation, Yong-Rong Sun, Chun-Yu Du, Guo-Kang Han, Ya-Jing Wang, Yun-Zhi Gao, Ge-Ping Yin

Journal of Electrochemistry

By using graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet (g-C₃N₄ nanosheet) as a support,Pt/g-C₃N₄ nanosheet catalyst was fabricated by microwave assisted polylol process. The nanoparticles size,composition,structure and optical properties of Pt/g-C₃N₄ nanosheet were characterized by TEM,XRD,XPS and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Comparing with the catalytic activities toward formic acid electro-oxidation under dark and visible light illumination,the superior activity of Pt/g-C₃N₄ nanosheet catalyst was achieved under visible light illumination. This visible light-driven enhancement in the formic acid performance could be attributed to the plasmon-induced electron-hole separation on g-C₃N₄ with …

Carbon Composite Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Based Electrochemical Sensor For Hydrogen Peroxide Detection, Si-Yu Zhang, Hui-Juan Wang, Shu-Fang Li, Jian-Ying Qu

Journal of Electrochemistry

In this work, a novel hydrogen peroxide electrochemical sensor was constructed with ferroferric oxide (Fe₃O₄) magnetic nanoparticles, which demonstrated good electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen peroxide. There existed a good linear relationship between the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and the oxidation peak current in the range of 1.00 × 10^-6 ~ 1.00 × 10^-3 mol·L^-1 (R = 0.9980) with the detection limit of 6.60 × 10-7 mol·L^-1. The sensor exhibited good anti-interference ability, high reproducibility and stability.

Lead Modified Nanoporous Platinum Electro-Catalysts For Formic Acid Oxidation, Yuan-Yuan Zhang, Qing-Feng Yi, Ge-Kun-Kun Zuo, Tao Zou, Xiao-Ping Liu, Xiu-Lin Zhou

Journal of Electrochemistry

Platinum (Pt) catalysts modified by other suitable metals significantly enhance their electrochemical activities for formic acid oxidation. In this work, a titanium-supported nanoporous network platinum (nanoPt/Ti) electrode was prepared using a hydrothermal method. The as-prepared nanoPt/Ti electrode was modified with a certain amount of lead by using cyclic voltammetry for different scan cycle numbers (n), namely, n = 10, 15, 20 and 30, to synthesize the novel lead-modified nanoporous Pt (nanoPb_(n)-Pt/Ti) electrodes. Electro-oxidation of formic acid on these electrodes was studied with cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry and chronopotentiometry in sulfuric acid solution. CV curves showed that both nanoPt/Ti …

Synthesis Of Cr, Cu, Ni, And Y-Doped 3d-Printed Zsm-5 Monoliths And Their Catalytic Performance For N-Hexane Cracking, Xin Li, Abdo Alslam Alwakwak, Fateme Rezaei, Ali A. Rownaghi

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this work, chromium, copper, nickel, and yttrium-doped 3D-printed ZSM-5 monoliths were synthesized by doping the ZSM-5 zeolite paste with corresponding metal precursors. The physical and acid properties of the metal-doped 3D-printed ZSM-5 monoliths were systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), N₂ adsorption, temperature programmed reduction of H₂(H₂-TPR), and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH₃-TPD) techniques. The characterization of bare and metal-doped monoliths confirmed the presence of metal promoters within the zeolite matrix while their MFI frameworks were retained after doping and printing. It …