Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Method Of Inhibiting Nitrosation Of An Aqueous Amine Solution Used In A Process Of Removing Carbon Dioxide From A Flue Gas, Joseph Eugene Remias, Payal Chandan, Kunlei Liu

Center for Applied Energy Research Faculty Patents

A method is provided for inhibiting nitrosation of an aqueous amine solution used in a process of removing carbon dioxide from a flue gas. That method includes a step of adding an effective amount of an antioxidant to the aqueous amine solution being circulated between an absorber and a stripper of a carbon dioxide capture system.

Acetone Production, Ali Ibrahim Neamah

The Hilltop Review

Iraq struggles with a lack of acetone production. This overall deficiency impacts the economy of countries like Iraq. Inasmuch, acetone is a vital chemical component for many items imported into this country such as nail polish remover. Therefore, a process of acetone production is proposed in this study.

The ideal process of producing acetone with 90.0% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) decomposition method is proposed within this study. The feed of the process is 100000 ton/ day. This amount of feed is suggested due to the demographic need of acetone for the Iraqi population as well as the surrounding Middle Eastern region. …

Selective Depolymerization Of Industrial Hemp And Its Effects On Thermal Resistivity, Tanner J. Jolly

Materials Engineering

There is a growing shift within the construction materials industry towards green and sustainable building products. Spending in this area has increased 5 fold since 2011 to a total revenue of $70 billion. An area of particular interest has been aimed at replacing fiberglass batt insulation with cellulose. Cellulose is the most abundant polymer on earth, and has potential to replace petroleum derived insulations. This project explores the potential of selectively isolating cellulose by depolymerizing the support structures found in lignocellulosic materials – specifically lignin and hemicellulose. The current focus is on isolating cellulose from Cannibas sativa, but more …

Comparison Of Intrusive And Non-Intrusive Methods For Corrosion Monitoring Of Fuel Processing Systems, Armando Jacob Espinoza, Thomas Conner Field

Materials Engineering

This presentation contains an assessment of the best overall corrosion monitoring device, intrusive or non-intrusive, for use in the petrochemical industry. Corrosion in the petrochemical industry is a large issue because it causes a deterioration of pipe integrity in fuel processing systems. A reduction of pipe wall integrity due to corrosion could result in a leak or an explosion of fuel processing lines since those systems function at high pressures. The use of corrosion monitoring systems in the petrochemical industry helps to detect early signs of corrosion prior to failure so that proper maintenance can be performed to prevent catastrophe. …

Multi-Fidelity Model Predictive Control Of Upstream Energy Production Processes, Ammon Nephi Eaton

Theses and Dissertations

Increasing worldwide demand for petroleum motivates greater efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility in upstream oil and gas processes. The objective of this research is to improve these areas with advanced control methods. This work develops the integration of optimal control methods including model predictive control, moving horizon estimation, high fidelity simulators, and switched control techniques applied to subsea riser slugging and managed pressure drilling. A subsea riser slugging model predictive controller eliminates persistent offset and decreases settling time by 5% compared to a traditional PID controller. A sensitivity analysis shows the effect of riser base pressure sensor location on controller …

Improving Quality Of Patient Care Through Automated Nerve Segmentation, Madisen D. Phillips

Maseeh Summer Undergraduate Research Experience

A continuous peripheral nerve block cPNB is most commonly used in patients during the post-operative period, with documented benefits that include a decrease in reported pain, a decrease of opioid related side effects, and an increase in patient satisfaction. Accurately identifying nerve structures for cPNB placement is a critical step for proper insertion. The aim of this research is to use supervised learning techniques (least squares regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis) to build a model that can segment and annotate a bundle of nerves known as the brachial plexus (BP) while minimizing segmentation error. Dependent on large …

The Effects Of Tether Placement On Antibody Stability On Surfaces, Thomas A. Knotts, Rebecca W. Grawe

Faculty Publications

Despite their potential benefits, antibody microarrays have fallen short of performing reliably and have not found widespread use outside of the research setting. Experimental techniques have been unable to determine what is occurring on the surface of an atomic level, so molecular simulation has emerged as the primary method of investigating protein/surface interactions. Simulations of small proteins have indicated that the stability of the protein is a function of the residue on the protein where a tether is placed. The purpose of this research is to see whether these findings also apply to antibodies, with their greater size and complexity. …

Drawing And Twisting Of Graphene Fibers, Gregory T. Lane, Robert J. Sekerak, Isaias Diaz

Mechanical Engineering

The aim of this project was to develop a more automated process for drawing and twisting of graphene fibers than was currently in place. This was implemented by having two chemical baths with variable speed rollers at either end, and intermediate roller to spool fiber between stages, and a twisting cylinder with integral spool to twist the fiber as it is collected. The goal was to have this first iteration deliver a working prototype, however due to manufacturing delays and timing constraints, that will be missed. A second follow-on project would be able to continue the work presented here and …

The Effect Of Graphene On Catalytic Performance Of Palladium Nanoparticles Decorated With Fe3o4, Co3o4, And Ni (Oh)2: Potential Efficient Catalysts Used For Suzuki Cross—Coupling, Hany A. Elazab, Sherif Moussa, Ali R. Siamaki, B. Frank Gupton, M. Samy El-Shall

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Abstract: In this research, we report a scientific investigation of an efficient method used for the synthesis of highly active Palladium Nanoparticles decorated with Fe₃O₄, Co₃O₄, and Ni (OH)2 Supported on Graphene as Potential Efficient Catalysts for Suzuki Cross—Coupling. Pd/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles supported on graphene nanosheets (Pd/Fe₃O₄/G) showed an excellent catalytic activity for Suzuki coupling reactions and recycled for up to four times without loss of catalytic activity. An efficient magnetic catalyst has been successfully synthesized using a simple, reproducible fast and reliable method using microwave …

Heteromer Nanostars By Spontaneous Self-Assembly, Caitlin Brocker, Hannah Kim, Daniel Smith, Sutapa Barua

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Heteromer star-shaped nanoparticles have the potential to carry out therapeutic agents, improve intracellular uptake, and safely release drugs after prolonged periods of residence at the diseased site. A one-step seed mediation process was employed using polylactide-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), silver nitrate, and tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (THPC). Mixing these reagents followed by UV irradiation successfully produced heteromer nanostars containing a number of arm chains attached to a single core with a high yield. The release of THPC from heteromer nanostars was tested for its potential use for breast cancer treatment. The nanostars present a unique geometrical design exhibiting a significant …

A Comparison Study Of Two Synthesis Methods For Polymer Of Intrinsic Microporosity 1 (Pim-1), Conor S. Perry

Materials Engineering

Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIMs) are an emerging polymeric material class for molecular sieving applications. This study focuses on PIM-1, an alternating copolymer of 5,5’,6,6’-tetrahydroxy-3,3’,3,3’-tetramethyl-1,1’-spirobisindane and tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile synthesized via nucleophilic aromatic substitution. PIM-1 been widely studied as a gas separating material and filtering membrane, but in this case, it is studied as a battery separator material. PIM-1’s microporous (pore diameters less than 2 nm) structure allows smaller favorable ions to transport while preventing larger ions and compounds from transporting. Two synthesis methods, round bottom flask synthesis and ball mill synthesis, of PIM-1 are compared to see any improved characteristics. The …

Influence Of Activated Carbon Surface Oxygen Functionality On Elemental Mercury Adsorption From Aqueous Solution, Emily K. Faulconer, David W. Mazyck

Publications

Mercury (Hg), though naturally occurring, is a toxic element. Exposure to various forms of mercury can be harmful for humans and ecosystems. Mercury-contaminated wastewater can be treated using activated carbon to adsorb the mercury, allowing for safe discharge. Wet chemical oxidation of activated carbon was performed to enhanced surface oxygen functionality, with the objective of enhancing aqueous ionic (Hg(II)) and elemental (Hg(0)) mercury adsorption. Characterization of the modified carbons included nitrogen adsorption-desorption, elemental analysis, point of zero charge, and total acidity titration. The concentration and identity of the modifying reagent influenced the characteristics of the carbons, including the surface oxygen …

Raman Spectral Variation For Human Fingernails Of Postmenopausal Women Is Dependent On Fracture Risk And Osteoporosis Status, J. R. Beattie, M. C. Caraher, N. M. Cummins, O. M. O'Driscoll, R. Eastell, S. H. Ralston, Mark R. Towler

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Patients diagnosed with osteoporosis have reported loss of fingernail resilience as the disease progresses. Keratin is the predominant protein in human nail tissue, and its structure has been postulated to be different in fingernails clipped from subjects who have sustained fragility fractures and those who have not, which may offer a window into the donor's bone health. This study was designed to qualify these differences, which may lead to the development of a novel screening tool for fracture risk. Raman spectroscopy was used to measure the fingernails of 633 postmenopausal women who presented at six fracture clinics located across the …

Metallization Of Self-Assembled Dna Templates For Electronic Circuit Fabrication, Bibek Uprety

Theses and Dissertations

This work examines the deposition of metallic and semiconductor elements onto self-assembled DNA templates for the fabrication of nanodevices. Biological molecules like DNA can self-assemble into a variety of complex 2-D and 3-D architectures without the need for expensive patterning tools. In addition, self-assembled DNA templates can be designed to controllably place functional nanomaterials with molecular precision. These characteristics make DNA an attractive template for fabricating electronic circuits from biological molecules. However, electrically conductive structures are required for electronic applications. While metallized DNA nanostructures have been demonstrated, the ability to make thin, continuous wires that are electrically conductive still represents …

Nanocomposite Thermite Powders With Improved Flowability Prepared By Mechanical Milling, Ci Huang

Theses

Nanocomposite thermite powders are of interest to develop varieties of reactive parts and components. Manufacturing these components requires tailoring properties of the thermite powders such as their particle size distributions, particle shapes, and powder flowability. For example, an improved flowability is desired to use these powders as feedstock in additive manufacturing. Arrested reactive milling (ARM) offers a versatile and practical approach for preparing various nanocomposite thermites with fully dense particles, which will retain their structures and mixedness between reactive components while being stored, handled, and processed. However, ARM products usually have broad particle size distributions, rock-like particle shapes, and poor …

Thermal Swing Membrane Based Method For Co2 Capture From Flue Gas, Mukesh Kumar Kamad

Theses

Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas and a major contributor to global warming, is released in large amounts by flue gases. To limit climate change, such CO₂ emissions have to be reduced, CO₂ captured and sequestered. Conventional monoethanolamine (MEA)-based absorption techniques are costly due to high capital cost and high energy consumption since the absorbent has to be regenerated at a high temperature ~ 120°C. A temperature swing membrane absorption (TSMAB) process was described by Mulukutla et al. (2015) using a novel membrane contactor, novel absorbents and a cyclic process. In this device, the absorbent is on the shell …

Investigation Of Nh3 And No Adsorption Over Cu/Sapo-34 And Cu/Aloo3 Catalysts For Nh3–Scr System, Basil Rawah

Theses

In this study, Copper supported on SAPO-34 molecular sieves or alumina is prepared via an incipient wetness impregnation method for ammonia selective catalytic reduction (NH₃-SCR). These NH₃-SCR catalysts are characterized by pulse chemisorption, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) with three different conditions (NH₃, NO, combined NH₃-NO) to evaluate the adsorption of ammonia and nitric oxide. Cu/SAPO-34 catalyst has shown higher ammonia adsorption capacity compared to Cu/Al₂O₃ catalyst. The Cu/SAPO-34 adsorption is enhanced due to the strong acidity and high surface area of SAPO-34 molecular sieves. NO adsorption …

Power Dissipation And Power Correlations For A Retreatblade Impeller Under Different Baffling Conditions, Chadakarn Sirasitthichoke

Theses

Glass-lined stirred reactors and tanks are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry because of their corrosion resistance, ease of cleanliness and minimization of product contamination. Most industrial glass-lined tank reactors are provided with a torispherical tank bottom and a retreat curve impeller with low impeller clearance from the vessel bottom. The power, P, dissipated by the impeller is a critical process parameter to mixing processes to achieve the desired mixing effect, especially since the power per unit volume, P/V, directly controls mass transfer processes and other mixing phenomena. However, little information has been published about the power dissipation and the …

Cell Attachment To Alginate Hydrogel Structures, Sarah Livingston, Dr. Alonzo Cook

Journal of Undergraduate Research

One of the most pressing needs within the medical community is the demand for transplantable organs. On average, 22 people per day on average die waiting for a transplant. Even if a patient receives an organ, the risks associated with the transplant are high, from the immunosuppressant drugs required to the risk of Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). If organs could be engineered using a patient’s own cellular material, transplants could take place without the risk of GvHD or the need for immunosuppressants. One of the keys to creating any organ is first building a vascular network that could provide vital nutrients …

High Performance Lattice Boltzmann Method Yield-Stress Calculations Based On Intravital Images Of Clot Formation In Live Mice, Vishnu Deep Chandran

Theses

Thrombo-embolic infarction is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States, causing over 1 million strokes, heart attacks and other life-threatening thrombotic events each year in the United States. Conversely, deficiencies in these processes result in severe bleeding risks. The ability to access hydrodynamics stresses at which thrombus structure is likely to embolize can provide insight into the thrombogenesis process. Interestingly, the viscoelastic behavior exhibited by the thrombus resembles that of a Bingham fluid - a material that behaves as a rigid body at low stresses but flows as a viscous fluid when the stress exceeds critical …