Thermodynamics Commons^™

Sorption Mechanism Of Anionic Dyes On Pecan Nut Shells (Carya Illinoinensis) Using Batch And Continuous Systems, Ismael A. Aguayo-Villarreal, Luis A. Ramírez-Montoya, Virginia Hernández-Montoya, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Miguel A. Montes-Morán, Elsa M. Ramírez-López

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

The biomass derived from pecan nut processing (Carya illinoinensis) fro alimentary purpose, specifically the pecan shells were used in this work as a biosorbent of acid blue 74 (AB74), acid blue 25 (AB25) and reactive blue 4 (RB4). This biomass was characterized by ultimate and proximate analysis. FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and SEM/EDX. Adsorption studies were performed in batch and continuous systems and adsorption kinetics, isotherms and breakthrough curves were experimentally determined. Results obtained suggest that the calcium compounds occurring in pecan shells are responsible of the favorable adsorption of anionic dyes, specifically for the removal of AB74. Biosorption results …

Assessment Of Capabilities And Limitations Of Stochastic Global Optimization Methods For Modeling Mean Activity Coefficients Of Ionic Liquids, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Seif-Eddeen K. Fateen, Gade Pandu Rangaiah

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

In this paper, we have studied and analyzed the capabilities and limitations of seven stochastic global optimization methods to model mean activity coefficients of ammonium aqueous electrolytes using the electrolyte NRTL model. These stochastic methods are: simulated annealing (SA), genetic algorithm (GA), differential evolution (DE), particle swarm optimization (PSO), DE with tabu list (DETL), harmony search (HS) and bare bones PSO (BBPSO). Convergence characteristics and performances of these optimization methods have been tested and compared using different stopping conditions. Overall, our results indicate that SA, DETL and BBPSO offer better performance and promising convergence characteristics for solving parameter estimation problems …

An Improved Ant Colony Optimization Method And Its Application For The Thermodynamic Modeling Of Phase Equilibrium, Jorge A. Fernández-Vargas, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Juan Gabriel Segovia-Hernández

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is a stochastic optimization method that emulates the indirect communication among the individuals of an ant colony. This multi-agent strategy has been used to solve optimization problems from engineering applications, especially for combinatorial problems. Although ACO seems to be effective for global optimization, only few ACO algorithms have been reported for solving engineering applications problems with continuous decision variables. In this study, a new continuous ACO algorithm, with feasible region selection, has been implemented and applied to perform thermodynamic calculations related to the modeling of phase equilibrium. In particular, the numerical capabilities of this ACO algorithm …

Semi-Empirical Correlation For Binary Interaction Parameters Of The Peng-Robinson Equation Of State With The Van-Der-Waals Mixing Rules For The Prediction Of High-Pressure Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium, Seif-Eddeen K. Fateen, Menna Khalil, Ahmed O. Elnabawy

Seif-Eddeen K Fateen

Peng-Robinson Equation of State is widely used with the classical van der Waals mixing rules to predict vapor liquid equilibria for system containing hydrocarbons and related compounds. This model requires good values of the binary interaction parameter kij. In this work, we developed a semi-empirical correlation for kij partly based on the Huron-Vidal mixing rules. We obtained values for the adjustable parameters of the developed formula for over sixty binary systems and over ten categories of components. The predictions of the new equation system were slightly better than the constant-kij model in most cases, except for ten systems whose predictions …

Assessment Of Capabilities And Limitations Of Stochastic Global Optimization Methods For Modeling Mean Activity Coefficients Of Ionic Liquids, Adrián Bonilla-Petriciolet, Seif-Eddeen K. Fateen, Gade P. Rangaiah

Seif-Eddeen K Fateen

In this paper, we have studied and analyzed the capabilities and limitations of seven stochastic global optimization methods to model mean activity coefficients of ammonium aqueous electrolytes using the electrolyte NRTL model. These stochastic methods are: simulated annealing (SA), genetic algorithm (GA), differential evolution (DE), particle swarm optimization (PSO), DE with tabu list (DETL), harmony search (HS) and bare bones PSO (BBPSO). Convergence characteristics and performances of these optimization methods have been tested and compared using different stopping conditions. Overall, our results indicate that SA, DETL and BBPSO offer better performance and promising convergence characteristics for solving parameter estimation problems …

Mechaniczny Rozdział Faz Proj., Wojciech M. Budzianowski

Wojciech Budzianowski

No abstract provided.

Challenges And Prospects Of Processes Utilising Carbonic Anhydrase For Co2 Separation, Patrycja Szeligiewicz, Wojciech M. Budzianowski

Wojciech Budzianowski

This article provides an analysis of processes for separation CO2 by using carbonic anhydrase enzyme with particular emphasis on reactive-membrane solutions. Three available processes are characterised. Main challenges and prospects are given. It is found that in view of numerous challenges practical applications of these processes will be difficult in near future. Further research is therefore needed for improving existing processes through finding methods for eliminating their main drawbacks such as short lifetime of carbonic anhydrase or low resistance of reactive membrane systems to impurities contained in flue gases from power plants.

Chme 223: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I—A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio, Hossein Noureddini

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This portfolio was intended to provide a broad overview of the course. Initially, when I decided to write this portfolio my intention was for it to help me in the student's outcome assessment of teaching for the course and in a broader scope, for my department's effort in establishing a systematic student outcome assessment process. However, as I became more familiar with the program I realized other aspects of the course could also benefit from this portfolio. My goal for this portfolio is to be broad with emphasis on course objectives, delivery methods and their assessment. I like for this …

Thermodynamic Analysis, Yasar Demirel

YASAR DEMIREL

This review mainly summarizes some of the developments on the various aspects of thermodynamic analysis within the past 15 years. Therefore, it is limited and will omit some valuable work unintentionally, mainly because of the vast number of publications in the field. The thermodynamic analyses mainly aim at assessing the thermodynamic imperfections and suggest possibleways of improving these imperfections. In this review, thermodynamic analyses have been summarized under thesemethodologies: (i) second law analysis, (ii) exergy analysis, (iii) pinch analysis, (iv) equipartition principle, (v) Gibbs free energy minimization, (vi) thermoeconomics, (vii) exergoeconomics, and (viii) extended exergy analysis. The exergy analysis, which …

Sustainable Operations For Distillation Columns, Yasar Demirel

YASAR DEMIREL

Distillation process consumes about 40% of the total energy used to operate the plants in petrochemical and chemical process industries in North America. Therefore, sustainable distillation column operation requires responsible use of energy and reduction of harmful emission such as CO2. The Aspen Plus ‘Column Targeting Tool’ (CTT) options in a simulation environment can help reduce the use of energy and hence CO2 emission. The Aspen plus ‘Carbon Tracking’ (CT) together with the ‘Global Warming Potential’ options can quantify the reduction in CO2 emission. The CTT is based on the practical near-minimum thermodynamic condition approximation and exploits the capabilities for …

Cuckoo Search: A New Nature-Inspired Optimization Method For Phase Equilibrium Calculations, V Bhargava, Seif-Eddeen K. Fateen, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

Seif-Eddeen K Fateen

In this work, Cuckoo Search is introduced for performing phase equilibrium and stability calculations for the first time. Cuckoo Search is a population-based method that mimics the reproduction strategy of cuckoos. This meta-heuristics have been successfully used for solving some engineering design and optimization problems with promising results. However, this emerging optimization method has not been applied in chemical engineering problems including thermodynamic calculations. This study reports the application of Cuckoo Search and its modified version for phase equilibrium and stability calculations in both reactive and non-reactive systems. Performance of this nature-inspired optimization method has been analyzed using several phase …

Determination Of Kinetic Parameters From The Thermogravimetric Data Set Of Biomass Samples, Karol Postawa, Wojciech M. Budzianowski

Wojciech Budzianowski

This article describes methods of the determination of kinetic parameters from the thermogravimetric data set of biomass samples. It presents the methodology of the research, description of the needed equipment, and the method of analysis of thermogravimetric data. It describes both methodology of obtaining quantitative data such as kinetic parameters as well as of obtaining qualitative data like the composition of biomass. The study is focused mainly on plant biomass because it is easy in harvesting and preparation. Methodology is shown on the sample containing corn stover which is subsequently pyrolysed. The investigated sample show the kinetic of first order …

The Impact Of Controlled Solvent Exposure On The Morphology, Structure And Function Of Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells, Raghavendra R. Hegde Dr

Raghavendra R Hegde Dr

Films of poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT):[6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were controllably exposed to CS2 vapor in a column with a linear solvent vapor pressure gradient. Changes in the morphology of the P3HT:PCBM thin film were monitored and correlated to the ability of this thin film to act as the active layer in an organic solar cell. The results show that the crystallinity and crystal size of the P3HT increase initially with solvent vapor pressure and annealing time, but longer exposure to solvent decreases P3HT crystallinity and photovoltaic efficiency. Neutron reflectivity indicates that the PCBM segregates to the Si substrate …

Optimization Of Biodiesel Production Plants, Nghi T. Nguyen

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Theses and Student Research

A conventional biodiesel plant utilizing two distillation columns to purify unreacted reactants and products is considered in this study. Thermodynamic analyses are used to assess the performance of the existing distillation columns, and reduce the costs of operation by appropriate retrofits in a biodiesel production plant. After the retrofits, the overall exergy loss for the two columns has decreased from 2430.87 kW to 1674.12 kW.

A reactive distillation is developed for esterification of lauric acid with methanol using equilibrium and nonequilibrium models. Equilibrium modeling dominated during last few decades due to their straightforward mathematical modeling. In reality, separation depends on …

Plasmonic Pervaporation Via Gold Nanoparticle-Functionalized Nanocomposite Membranes, Aaron Russell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Butanol derived from biological feedstocks has significant potential as a liquid fuel source, but the separation methods used in its production can be prohibitively expensive and are therefore currently the subject of extensive research. Pervaporation is a promising membrane process that is effective in butanol separations, but involves a large energy demand. This study examines the possibility of increasing flux and energy efficiency in pervaporation via plasmonic heating of gold nanoparticle-functionalized, polymer nanocomposite membranes (AuNCMs) in lieu of conventional feed heating. An economic analysis demonstrated that plasmonic pervaporation could achieve significant reductions in energy usage and utility cost in butanol …

Order-Disorder Transition Of Aragonite Nanoparticles In Nacre, Zaiwang Huang, Xiaodong Li

Faculty Publications

Understanding nacre’s bottom-up biomineralization mechanism, particularly, how individual aragonite platelets are formed, has long remained elusive due to its crystallographic peculiarity and structural complexity. Here we report that crystallographic order-disorder transition can be triggered within individual aragonite platelets in pristine nacre by means of heat treatment and/or inelastic deformation, offering a unique opportunity to discriminate mysterious aragonite nanoparticles in transmission electron microscopy. Our findings unambiguously uncover why aragonite nanoparticles in pristine nacre have long been inaccessible under TEM observation, which is attributed to the monocrystal-polycrystal duality of the aragonite platelet. The underlying physical mechanism for why an individual aragonite platelet …

Carbon Nanotubes Grown On Glass Fiber As A Strain Sensor For Real Time Structural Health Monitoring, Matthew Boehle, Qiong Jiang, Lingchuan Li, Alexandre Lagounov, Khalid Lafdi

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

In order to more effectively monitor the health of composite structures, a fuzzy fiber sensor has been developed. The fuzzy fiber is a bundle of glass fibers with carbon nanotubes or nanofibers (CNTs or CNFs) grown on the surface. The nanotube coating makes the fiber bundle conductive while the small conductive path increases sensitivity. The fuzzy fiber sensor can replace conventional metal foil strain gauges in composite applications. The electrical response of the sensor is monitored in real time to measure strain, vibration, cracking and delamination. Continuous monitoring provides instant notification of any problems. Implementation of this sensor network in …

An Examination Of The Thermodynamics Of Fusion, Vaporization, And Sublimation Of (R,S)- And (R)-Flurbiprofen By Correlation Gas Chromatography, Patamaporn Umnahanant, Darrell Hasty, James Chickos

James Chickos

No abstract provided.

High Speed Flow Simulation In Fuel Injector Nozzles, Sukanta Rakshit

Masters Theses 1911 - February 2014

Atomization of fuel is essential in controlling combustion inside a direct injection engine. Controlling combustion helps in reducing emissions and boosting efficiency. Cavitation is one of the factors that significantly affect the nature of spray in a combustion chamber. Typical fuel injector nozzles are small and operate at a very high pressure, which limit the study of internal nozzle behavior. The time and length scales further limit the experimental study of a fuel injector nozzle. Simulating cavitation in a fuel injector will help in understanding the phenomenon and will assist in further development.

The construction of any simulation of cavitating …

Synergic Adsorption In The Simultaneous Removal Of Acid Blue 25 And Heavy Metals From Water Using A Ca(Po3)2-Modified Carbon, Rigoberto Tovar-Gomez, Dulce Rivera-Ramirez, Virginia Hernandez-Montoya, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, Carlos Duran-Valle, Miguel A. Montes-Moran

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

We report the simultaneous adsorption of acid blue 25 dye (AB25) and heavy metals (Zn2+, Ni2+ and Cd2+) on a low-cost activated carbon, whose adsorption properties have been improved via a surface chemistry modification using a calcium solution extracted from egg shell wastes. Specifically, we have studied the removal performance of this adsorbent using the binary aqueous systems: AB25 - Cd2+, AB25 - Ni2+ and AB25 - Zn2+. Multi-component kinetic and equilibrium experiments have been performed and used to identify and characterize the synergic adsorption in the simultaneous removal of these pollutants. Our results show that the presence of AB25 …