Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Process Optimization Of An Ethylbenzene Production Facility Through Integrated Process Simulation And Economic Analysis Methods, Veronica Cunitz

Honors Theses

The following thesis consists of an investigation into the optimization of an ethylbenzene production facility. Aspen Plus software was used to model the production facility and Excel was used to price the facility using Aspen simulation data. This integrated technique was used to optimize the facility based on the Net Present Value (NPV) of the project. The NPV was improved from a base case value of -$23.5 million to a final value of $51.5 million. After this optimization based on NPV, the potential of operating the reactors as isothermal packed bed reactors was investigated. The reactor inlet feed pressure, inlet …

Valorisation Of Water Hyacinth For Different Engineering Applications, Nessren Farrag, Zeinab Elbhnsawi, Omar Aboelazayem

Chemical Engineering

Nature has many elements that can be beneficial or harmful. One of these elements is water hyacinth (WH) which is an aquatic weed found in water bodies such as rivers and lakes and it has an invasive nature due to its rapid growth rate. On the contrary, water hyacinth, despite its classification as an invasive plant species, possesses a multitude of industrial and engineering applications, demonstrating substantial potential for valorisation into various products. Its versatile attributes and widespread availability render water hyacinth a viable resource for deployment across several sectors, including wastewater treatment, bioenergy generation, bioremediation, and sustainable agriculture. The …

The Design And Optimization Of An Ethylbenzene Production Process, Alexander Koons

Honors Theses

Ethylbenzene is a foundational organic compound used as a reactant in styrene production. The objective of this thesis is to present the optimization of the in-house production process of ethylbenzene, aiming to avoid external procurement for the downstream styrene manufacturing facility. The process underlines a strategic approach to enhance the yield and cost efficiency of the production of ethylbenzene. An economic analysis revealed a promising net present value of approximately $57.6 million. This thesis not only proposes a viable route for internal ethylbenzene generation but also discusses optimizing the chemical production processes for enhanced efficiency and sustainability.

Acoustofluidic Scanning Fluorescence Nanoscopy With A Large Field Of View, Geonsoo Jin, Neil Upreti, Joseph Rich, Jianping Xia, Chenglong Zhao, Tony Jun Huang

Faculty Publications

Large-field nanoscale fluorescence imaging is invaluable for many applications, such as imaging subcellular structures, visualizing protein interactions, and high-resolution tissue imaging. Unfortunately, conventional fluorescence microscopy requires a trade-off between resolution and field of view due to the nature of the optics used to form the image. To overcome this barrier, we developed an acoustofluidic scanning fluorescence nanoscope that simultaneously achieves superior resolution, a large field of view, and strong fluorescent signals. The acoustofluidic scanning fluorescence nanoscope utilizes the superresolution capabilities of microspheres that are controlled by a programmable acoustofluidic device for rapid fluorescence enhancement and imaging. The acoustofluidic scanning fluorescence …

A Comprehensive Review Of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Processes To Produce Sustainable Diesel And Aviation Fuel, Joseph C. Steinagel

Honors College Theses

The greatest threat known to humankind today is global warming. It affects every nation on the planet and the natural order of all living things. Consequently, this ongoing crisis necessitates action to scientifically revolutionize important areas of society, including researching modern adaptations of the transportation industry. In that regard, it has been determined that an effective short-term answer to eliminating carbon emissions is to produce sustainable fuels that run cooperatively with the well-established machines of today. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is one such topic of interest, and the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process is an effective way of producing SAF. To that …

Synthesis And Analysis Of A Novel Magnetic Surfactant, Donovan Turpin

Honors Theses

Researchers in the University of Mississippi Chemical Engineering Department have suggested that chelation of a large magnetic transition metal, namely dysprosium, into the large polar head group of a surfactant could result in a magnetic surfactant. This project was aimed at synthesizing a surfactant with a large enough head group and negative charge (specifically EDTA) to support this ion and demonstrating that the chelation process was successful. If so, the molecule would ideally be capable of forming micelles which could extract oily substances from water using a strong magnet—possibly applicable to environmental crises like oil spills.

NMR analysis has suggested, …

Liquid-Phase Adsorption Of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate On Poly(Ether Imide) And Its Metal Hydroxide-Integrated Composites, Sukanta K. Mondal, Peter O. Aina, Ali A. Rownaghi, Fateme Rezaei

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Understanding the Adsorption Behavior of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate (DMMP), a Key Simulant for Some Nerve Agents, is Crucial for Developing Effective Protective Measures and Ensuring Environmental Safety Against Harmful Chemical Warfare Agents. This Study Systematically Explores the Liquid-Phase Adsorption of DMMP over Branched Poly (Ether Imide) (Ultem) and its Ce (OH)4/Zr (OH)4 Metal Hydroxide Composites. Utilizing UV-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy, the Adsorption Process Was Monitored over Time to Analyze the Interplay between Various Ultem-Based Composites and DMMP Molecules. Nonreactive Ultem Materials Were Experimentally Identified as Suitable Adsorbents for Liquid-Phase DMMP Capture, Providing a Novel Avenue for Protective Filtration Technologies. It Was Found …

Ionic Conductivity, Li+ Transference Number, And Diffusion Coefficient Of A Solid-State Electrolyte Composite, Lizbeth Zurita

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

The design of solid-state electrolyte (SSE) composites involves the fundamental study of transport properties, such as ionic conductivity. This transport property is influenced by the transport mechanisms of the charge species inside the composite, such as diffusion and migration. In this work, we perform the measurement of these three parameters through defined techniques. The resulting parameters were: ionic conductivity, the diffusion coefficient, and the Li+ transference number.

Model To Demonstrate Effects Of Mass Transfer And Applied Current In An Electrolytic Cell, George Ankrah

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

This study investigates the relationship between applied current and resulting cell potential in an electrolytic system, considering the transport of electroactive species. By applying Michael Faraday's laws of electrolysis and the Nernst-Planck equation, the behavior of electroactive species in diffusion-controlled systems with and without stirring is modeled. The plots demonstrate how stirring enhances ion transport and establishes a stable Nernst diffusion layer, affecting the kinetics of electrochemical reactions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for optimizing electrolysis processes.

Review Of Cyclic Voltammetry Measurements For Uranium In Flinak Molten Salt, Jackson Ivory

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

The electrochemical behavior of uranium FLiNaK molten salts is explored, focusing on cyclic voltammetry (CV) as a powerful tool for redox characterization and diffusion studies. Through a comprehensive review of recent research, the study highlights the significance of CV in understanding electrode kinetics, material compatibility, and process optimization in molten salt environments. The findings underscore the potential of FLiNaK molten salt reactors in advancing nuclear energy technologies, fuel processing, and waste management strategies. Collaborative interdisciplinary efforts are emphasized to address challenges and accelerate innovation in electrochemical methods for nuclear applications.

Model Of The Effect Of Voltage On Contact Angle In An Electrolytic Cell Reaction, Aaron Essilfie

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

This paper investigates the hypothesis that the contact angle at the meniscus of an electrode-electrolyte can be altered during a redox reaction through the coupled understanding of electrowetting and capillarity rise. Recent studies in electrowetting have focused on dielectric surfaces but research on contact angle at the electrode-electrolyte surface is lacking. The study employs a basic electrolytic cell. By applying principles of electrowetting and capillary rise the research aims to understand the relationship between applied voltage and contact angle, to advancements in electrochemistry and microfluidics.

An Overview Of How To Measure The Kinetic Properties Of An Anode Material For The Chlorine Evolution Reaction, Cameron Vann

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

The process of generating chlorine gas using electrolysis in aqueous systems is well established. However, a new process requires chlorine to be generated at high temperatures using molten salt. This harsh environment requires a new study of anode materials for the chlorine evolution reaction. Anode materials can be compared by their kinetic parameters, the transfer coefficient α and the exchange current i0. The basic theory of these properties as they relate to the chlorine evolution reaction has been detailed and an analysis method for finding these effective parameters has been shown and demonstrated.

Optimization Of Ethylbenzene Production Facility, Chance Ferrell

Honors Theses

Ethylbenzene is a foundational organic compound used as a reactant in styrene production. The objective of this thesis is to present the optimization of the in-house production process of ethylbenzene, aiming to avoid external procurement for the downstream styrene manufacturing facility. The process underlines a strategic approach to enhance the yield and cost efficiency of the production of ethylbenzene. An economic analysis revealed a promising net present value of approximately $57.6 million. This thesis not only proposes a viable route for internal ethylbenzene generation but also discusses optimizing the chemical production processes for enhanced efficiency and sustainability.

A Computational Investigation Into Thermo-Kinetic Parameters Governing The Decomposition Of Bio-Oil Model Compounds, Ali Huseein Aljefri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Among notable products from thermal degradation of biomass are simple oxygen-containing aromatics. These compounds typically appear in high loads in collected bio-oil derived from biomass. As such, it is important to comprehend the decomposition chemistry of this category of compounds. This thesis takes on board a general approach to report thermo-kinetic parameters that govern decomposition of a selected set of bio-oil model compounds in two distinct systems: firstly radical-derived pathways in the gas phase and secondly thermal degradation in their condensed media. The first is attained through accurate density functional calculations while the second is accomplished through the use of …

Enhancing Curcumin’S Therapeutic Potential In Cancer Treatment Through Ultrasound Mediated Liposomal Delivery, Remya Radha, Vinod Paul, Shabana Anjum, Ayache Bouakaz, William G. Pitt, Ghaleb A. Husseini

Faculty Publications

Improving the efficacy of chemotherapy remains a key challenge in cancer treatment, considering the low bioavailability, high cytotoxicity, and undesirable side effects of some clinical drugs. Targeted delivery and sustained release of therapeutic drugs to cancer cells can reduce the whole-body cytotoxicity of the agent and deliver a safe localized treatment to the patient. There is growing interest in herbal drugs, such as curcumin, which is highly noted as a promising anti-tumor drug, considering its wide range of bioactivities and therapeutic properties against various tumors. Conversely, the clinical efficacy of curcumin is limited because of poor oral bioavailability, low water …

Investigating The Impact Of Secondary Activation Time On The Adsorption Properties Of Activated Biochar For Arsenic Removal From Wastewater, Achyuth Bharadwaj Rayarao

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Biochar, a naturally occurring and renewable carbon material, becomes porous through activation. Activated biochar is an ideal candidate for use as an adsorbent. The objective of this study is to investigate whether activated biochar derived from Colorado soft pine serves as a better adsorbent and demonstrates enhanced adsorption capabilities after undergoing secondary physical activation at various activation times. The effect of secondary action time on physical adsorption properties drawn from the analysis of isotherm plots, surface areas and pore size patterns were examined by using a physisorption analyzer. Chemical structures were identified using both ultimate and proximate analyses, while porosity …

Synthesis Of Acetylene Diols With The Participation Of The Bu4noh/Dmso/H2o Catalytic Systems, Muyassar K. Salieva, Odiljon E. Ziyadullayev, Guzal K. Otamukhamedova, Rifkat F. Talipov, Lochin K. Ablakulov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of this work in this study, acetylene alcohols containing heteroatomic substituents in their molecular composition- 2-(-thiophen-2-yl)but-3-yn-2-ol, 2-(3-methylthiophen-2-yl)but-3-yn-2-ol, 2-(furan-2-yl)but-3yn-2-ol, 2-(pyridin-4-yl)but-3-yn-2-ol, 2-(5-chlorothiophen-2-yl)but-3-yn-2-ol, 2-(5-bromothiophen-2yl)but-3-yn-2-ol acetylene diols were synthesized based on the reaction with acetone in a dimethyl sulfoxide solvent in the presence of the Bu₄NOH/DMSO/H₂O catalytic system. The influence of the molar ratio of starting materials, reaction duration, temperature, nature of the catalyst and solvents on the product yield was systematically studied. The composition, purity and structure of the new generation of synthesized acetylenediols have been confirmed by modern physicochemical methods. The mechanism of the reaction process …

Synthesis Of High Molecular Mass Resins Based On Furfuryl Alcohol, Boysayid U. Sayidov, Latif E. Jumanov, Muzaffar G. Alimukhamedov, Sherali A. Umarov, Farhod A. Magrupov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of the work is to study the process of synthesis of furfuryl oligomers with high molecular weight at various ratios of furfuryl alcohol and hydroxyl-containing polyether polyol. The influence of the process method on the yield of high-molecular furfuryl oligomer is shown - with a one-step synthesis method with an increase in the amount of furfuryl alcohol from 20 to 50 moles per 1 mole of polyether polyol, the yield of the final product decreases from 75% to 56%, apparently due to high exothermic effects, causing gelation systems. In contrast to the one-time introduction of the catalyst, its …

Synthesis And Technology Of Vinyl Esters Of Aromatic Carboxylic Acids Based On Vinyl Acetate, Askar B. Parmanov, Suvonkul E. Nurmanov, Saida S. Abdurakhmanova, Sarvinoz I. Tirkasheva, Begzod F. Adashev

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

In this work the vinylation reactions of aromatic carboxylic acids with vinyl acetate, which contain various substituents, in the presence of 2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine were studied for the first time. The influence of the nature of the starting materials, temperature, reaction duration, solvent and reagents - zinc triflate (Zn(OTf)₂, 3,3-diphenylbinaphthol (3,3'-Ph₂BINOL-2Li), tertiary potassium butylate (KO^trBu), butyllithium (BuLi) for the synthesis of vinyl esters. The synthesis of vinyl esters of aromatic carboxylic acids was carried out: benzoiс, 2-phenylacetic, 4-methylbenzoic, 4-methoxybenzoic, 3,4-dimethoxybenzoic, 2-brombenzoic, 4-brombenzoic, 4-fluorobenzoic, 3-nitrobenzoic, 4-nitrobenzoic, 4-tertiary butylbenzoic, 2-chlorobenzoic, 4-chlorobenzoic, 3-hydroxybenzoic and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids has been studied. …

Synthesis Of Internal Acetylene Alcohols Based On The Sonogashira Reaction Of Terminal Acetylene Alcohols And Benzolchloride, Guzal K. Otamukhamedova, Odiljon E. Ziyadullayev, Abduvahob Ikramov, Sarvinoz I. Tirkasheva

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of the study is to develop a new catalytic system for the synthesis of internal acetylene alcohols from the Sonogastric coupling reaction of terminal acetylene alcohols and benzolchloride. For the first time in this work, internal acetylene alcohols have been synthesized based on reactions of some terminal acetylene alcohols – 3,4-dimethylpentin-1-ol-3, 3,4,4-trimethylpentin-1-ol-3, 1-ethynylcyclohexanol-1, 2-ethynyladamantanol-2, 2-phenylbutin-3-ol-2, 2-(naphthyl-2)butyn-3-ol-2, 2-(furanyl-2)butyn-3-ol-2 and 2-(pyridinyl-4)butyn-3-ol-2 with chloridebenzene. In order to achieve high product productivity in the Sonogashira reaction, alternative conditions have been identified by studying the molar ratios, spatial structure, induction effects of substituents, solvent and catalyst nature, as well as temperature, reaction duration …