Engineering Commons^™

Fundamental Chemistry Of U And Pu In The Tbp-Dodecane-Nitric Acid System: Quaterly Report January - March, 2005, Kenneth Czerwinski, Cynthia-May Gong, Amber Wright

Separations Campaign (TRP)

The speciation of hexavalent U and tetravalent Pu will be examined in the TBP-dodecane-nitric acid systems. This topic is chosen based on data needs for separation modeling identified by the AFCI. Emphasis will be placed on studying the influence of nitrate and acetohydroxamic acid on U and Pu speciation as well as conditions where a third phase forms in the organic phase. The organic phase will be 30% TBP in dodecane. Equal volumes of aqueous and organic phase will be used. The speciation of the actinides in the aqueous and organic phase will be determined by a number of different …

Research On Phenol Wastewater Treatment By Electrochemical Oxidation, Tian-Cheng Li, Shen-Lin Zhu

Journal of Electrochemistry

Electrochemical oxidation is an effective technology for the phenol wastewater treatment, and the anode properties are important to the electrochemical oxidationefficiency. The over-potentials of oxygen evolution have been measured for thestainless steel, feasible graphite and SnO₂/Ti anode respectively. Moreover, the synthetic phenol wastewater was treated by the electrochemical oxidation with the stainless steel or feasible graphite anodes. The experimental results showed that the order of the over-potential is SnO₂/Ti > graphite > stainless steel; meanwhile, the COD values of purified water were approaching to or less than 100 mg·L^-1, and the phenol concentrations in the purified …

Influence Of Rare Earth Oxide On The Performance Of Secondary Zinc Electrodes, Xian-Ling Meng, Hua-Bin Yang, Jun-Hong Wang, Zuo-Xiang Zhou

Journal of Electrochemistry

Influence of La(OH)₃ or Ce(OH)₃ in secondary zinc electrode was investigated by the cyclic voltammetry, potentiodynamic polarizationand potentiostatic polarization tests and influence of La₂O₃ or CeO₂ in the charge/discharge performance of Zn/Ni battery was studied by galvanostatic charge/discharge experiment. The results showed that the film of rare earth hydroxide prevented the zincate species from transferring toward solution, enhanced hydrogen overpotential and decreased thecorrosion current density (i_corr), and therefore inhibited zinc corrosion. The potentiostatic polarization results at100mV overpotential showed that La(OH)₃ or Ce(OH)₃ oated on the zinc electrode effectively suppressed the …

Solid-Phase Oxygen Control System, Jian Ma, Mohamed Trabia, Yingtao Jiang, Samir Moujaes

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

Liquid lead and lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) are good candidates for the nuclear coolant in accelerator-driven systems or advanced reactors [1]. Corrosion of containment and structural materials presents a critical challenge in the use of these materials as a nuclear coolant in accelerator-driven systems or advanced reactors [2]. One way to reduce the corrosion in liquid lead and LBE and in the whole circuit is to protect the structural materials with a stable oxide layer, and that layer can be sustained, provided a certain level of oxygen concentration in the LBE. This sets a lower limit on the oxygen concentration in …

A Macroscopic Kinetic Model For Dna Polymerase Elongation And High-Fidelity Nucleotide Election, Steve Viljoen, Mark A. Griep, Michael Nelson, Hendrik J. Viljoen

Papers in Enzyme Kinetics

The enzymatically catalyzed template-directed extension of ssDNA/primer complex is an impor-tant reaction of extraordinary complexity. The DNA polymerase does not merely facilitate the insertion of dNMP, but it also performs rapid screening of substrates to ensure a high degree of fidelity. Several kinetic studies have determined rate constants and equilibrium constants for the elementary steps that make up the overall pathway. The information is used to develop a macro-scopic kinetic model, using an approach described by Ninio [Ninio J., 1987. Alternative to the steady-state method: derivation of reaction rates from first-passage times and pathway probabili-ties. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. …

Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation Of Phenol In Concurrent Downflow And Upflow Packed-Bed Reactors Over Pillared Clay Catalyst, Jing Guo, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An Experimental Study is Presented for Comparing the Behavior of a Packed Bed Reactor in the Catalytic Liquid-Phase Oxidation of Aqueous Phenol with Two Modes of Operation, Downflow and Upflow. the Operating Parameters Investigated Included Temperature, Reactor Pressure, Gas Flowrate, Liquid Hourly Space Velocity and Feed Concentration. Because of the Completely Wetted Catalyst, the Upflow Reactor Generally Performs Better for High Pressures and Low Feed Concentrations When the Liquid Reactant Limitation Controls the Rate. the Interaction between the Reactor Hydrodynamics, Mass Transfer, and Reaction Kinetics is Discussed. for Both Operation Modes, Complete Phenol Removal and Significant Total Organic Carbon (TOC) …

Crystalization Studies In Hollow Fiber Devices, Dimitrios Zarkadas

Dissertations

Crystallization was examined under a new perspective and in a flow environment much different from that available in currently used industrial devices. Three crystallization techniques were tested in the unique flow environment offered by hollow fiber devices. In addition, a new type of heat exchanger based on hollow fibers was tested as well as the potential use of porous hollow fiber devices as mixing devices. Hollow fiber devices are compact, extremely efficient on a volumetric basis, easy to scale up and control and their inherent characteristics promote the creation of homogeneous temperature and concentration conditions on a scale considerably smaller …

Fractionation Of Cell Mixtures Using Acoustic And Laminar Flow Fields, Manoj Kumar, Donald L. Feke, Joanne M. Belovich

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

A fractionation method applicable to different populations of cells in a suspension is reported. The separation was accomplished by subjecting the suspension to a resonant ultrasonic field and a laminar flow field propagating in orthogonal directions within a thin, rectangular chamber. Steady, laminar flow transports the cell suspension along the chamber, while the ultrasonic field causes the suspended cells to migrate to the mid-plane of the chamber at rates related to their size and physical properties. A thin flow splitter positioned near the outlet divides the effluent cell suspension into two product streams, thereby allowing cells that respond faster to …

Comprehensive Black Liquor Droplet Combustion Studies, Leong-Teng Ip

Theses and Dissertations

Black liquor, a byproduct from pulp production, is burned in a recovery boiler to generate electricity and recover inorganic materials. Black-liquor-droplet combustion is fundamental to understanding and potentially improving recovery boiler performance. This investigation reports comprehensive experimental data collected for a suite of five liquors. All the data were collected with newly-designed laboratory equipment, several aspects of which are unique. Single droplets were suspended on a thermocouple and heated in a furnace. Simultaneous diameter (size and shape), internal and surface temperatures, surface emissivity, and mass were measured under various furnace temperatures and gas compositions. The images recorded by the cameras …

Secretion Of Recombinant Human Fibrinogen By The Murine Mammary Gland, William H. Velander

Papers in Biotechnology

Transgenic animals secreting individual chains and assembled fibrinogen were produced to evaluate the capacity of the mammary gland for maximizing assembly, glycosylation and secretion of recombinant human fibrinogen (rhfib). Transgenes were constructed from the 4.1 kbp murine Whey Acidic Protein promoter (mWAP) and the three cDNAs coding for the Aα,Bβ and γ fibrinogen chains. Transgenic mice secreted fully assembled fibrinogen into milk at concentrations between 10 and 200 μg/ml, with total secretion of subunits approaching 700 μ g/ml in milk. Partially purified fibrinogen was shown to form a visible and stable clot after treatment with human thrombin and factor XIII. …

Secretion Of Recombinant Human Fibrinogen By The Murine Mammary Gland, William H. Velander

Papers in Biotechnology

Transgenic animals secreting individual chains and assembled fibrinogen were produced to evaluate the capacity of the mammary gland for maximizing assembly, glycosylation and secretion of recombinant human fibrinogen (rhfib). Transgenes were constructed from the 4.1 kbp murine Whey Acidic Protein promoter (mWAP) and the three cDNAs coding for the Aα,Bβ and γ fibrinogen chains. Transgenic mice secreted fully assembled fibrinogen into milk at concentrations between 10 and 200 μg/ml, with total secretion of subunits approaching 700 μ g/ml in milk. Partially purified fibrinogen was shown to form a visible and stable clot after treatment with human thrombin and factor XIII. …

The Grain Size And Microstructure Of Jet-Electroplated Damascene Copper Films, Stacy H. Gleixner, Andrew Tzanavaras, Gregory Young

Faculty Publications

Electroplated damascene copper is rapidly replacing aluminum-copper alloys for on-chip interconnect metallization in advanced ultralarge scale integrated (ULSI) semiconductor devices. In addition to a high degree of (111) crystallographic texture, large defect-free grains are desired to enhance the performance and reliability of copper interconnects in such devices. The brightening additive level and dc current density of electroplating baths are two parameters that affect the process gap-filling capability and the degree of additive incorporation in these copper films. Additive incorporation can inhibit grain growth during the room-temperature recrystallization process and therefore affect the final grain size in electroplated copper films. This …

Use Of Calcium Hypochlorite As A Sanitizer For Seeds Used For Sprouting: Task #2; Impact: Improved Alfalfa Decontamination Technologies, Emily Damron, Carrie Klein, Melissa Leach, Jordan Mourot, Tom Murphy, Amy Seamans, Ryan Wilson

Inquiry: The University of Arkansas Undergraduate Research Journal

Consumption of raw or lightly cooked alfalfa sprouts has been a concern of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in recent years due to connections between sprouts and foodborne illnesses. Researchers have identified, contaminated seeds as the primary source of alfalfa sprouts contamination. Contamination of alfalfa seeds can originate in the field, harvesting, storing, or sprouting. Two pathogens of particular concern on alfalfa seeds are Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. coli) and Salmonella. These pathogens are capable of producing biofilms that provide protection for individual cells and allow for survival in otherwise hostile environments, including some disinfectant washes. Other factors …

Preparation And Evaluation Of The Electrospun Chitosan/Peo Fibers For Potential Applications In Cartilage Tissue Engineering, Anuradha Subramanian, David Vu, Gustavo F. Larsen, Hsin Yii Lin

Papers in Biotechnology

Fibrous materials have morphological similarities to natural cartilage extracellular matrix and have been considered as candidate for bone tissue engineering scaffolds. In this study, we have evaluated a novel electrospun chitosan mat composed of oriented sub-micron fibers for its tensile property and biocompatibility with chondrocytes (cell attachment, proliferation and viability). Scanning electronic microscope images showed the fibers in the electrospun chitosan mats were indeed aligned and there was a slight cross-linking between the parent fibers. The electrospun mats have significantly higher elastic modulus (2.25 MPa) than the cast films (1.19 MPa). Viability of cells on the electrospun mat was 69% …

A Simple Extrusion Method For The Synthesis Of Aligned Silica Nanowires Using The Template Of A Rigid Surface Mesophase, Limin Liu, Grace Tan, Vivek Agarwal, Arijit Bose, Jibao He, Gary L. Mcpherson, Vijay T. John

Chemical, Biomolecular, and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Long range alignment of silica nanowires has been accomplished by extrusion of a novel surfactant mesophase prior to silica synthesis.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics Of European Pulverized Coal Combustion Fly Ashes, N. Moreno, X. Querol, J. M. Andrés, K. Stanton, Mark R. Towler, H. Nugteren, M. Janssen-Jurkovicová, R. Jones

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Fly ashes sourced from European pulverized coal burning power plants (from Spain, The Netherlands, Italy and Greece) were characterized in terms of their chemical composition, mineralogy and physical properties. The amount and composition of the glass present in the ashes were also determined. The materials analyzed have very different compositions and were selected with a view to determining their suitability for different applications and for further studies on applications. The results were compared to the literature to determine their similarities to UK coal fly ashes. Chemical analysis has enabled the categorization of the ashes based on their oxide contents. Devitrification …

Flow Distribution Characteristics Of A Gas-Liquid Monolith Reactor Using Computed Tomography, Shaibal Roy, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Flow Distribution Characteristics Were Investigated and Quantified in a 0.05 M Diameter Monolith Reactor, Operated Co-Current Downward in the Taylor Flow Regime, using Gamma Ray Computed Tomography (CT). the Flow Conditions Were Selected to Operate the Reactor in the Taylor Flow Regime and to Bracket Some Commercially Viable Operating Conditions for Such Reactors. Various Operating Parameters Were Evaluated for their Effect on the Degree of Flow Non-Uniformity in the Monolith Crosssection. the Results Show that within the Range of Gas and Liquid Superficial Velocities Investigated, There Exists a Window of Operating Conditions (Intermediate Gas and Liquid Velocities) Which Corresponds to …

Phase Distribution In A High Pressure Slurry Bubble Column Via A Single Source Computed Tomography, Novica Rados, Ashfaq Shaikh, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Due to their Numerous Advantages, Slurry Bubble Column Reactors (SBCR) Are Gaining Wide Importance in the Petroleum, Petrochemical, Chemical, and Biochemical Industries. Most Previous Literature Studies on the Fluid Dynamics and the Phase Holdup Distribution in SBCR Are Limited to Low Superficial Gas Velocity, Low Solids Loading, and the Atmospheric Pressure. Moreover, the Presence of a Solids Phase Poses Difficulties in Probe Measurement Techniques Such as Pitot Tube and Optical Probe and See through Measurement Techniques Such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV). Single Source Γ-Ray Computed Tomography (CT) Has Been Used to Measure Cross-Sectional Phase Holdup …

Electrodeposition Of Auco Alloys And Multilayers, Maoshi Guan

LSU Master's Theses

Electrodeposited AuCo and Au/Co multilayers are of interest as potential materials for MEMS components. AuCo alloys have been fabricated by the electrodeposition technique, but from cyanide-containing electrolyte. In this study, we explored the electrodeposition of AuCo and Au/Co multilayer thin films, and nanowires, from a non-cyanide electrolyte. Two variables were considered: the concentration of citric acid and pH. The changes in composition were described by the differences in the partial current densities. The effect of pH and citric acid concentration on the deposit composition and current efficiency was investigated. Results showed that a lower citric acid concentration was favored for …

Relationship Between The Extent Of Non-Viable Myocardium And Regional Left Ventricular Function In Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease, Arunark Kolipaka, George P. Chatzimavroudis, Richard D. White, Michael L. Lieber, Randolph M. Setser

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Purpose. To define the relationship between left ventricular (LV) regional contractile function and the extent of myocardial scar in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease and multi-vessel coronary artery disease. Methods. Twenty-three patients with chronic ischemic heart disease and 5 healthy volunteers underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In patients, the relative area ( Percent Scar) and transmural extent (Transmurality) of myocardial infarction were computed from short-axis delayed enhancement images. In each image, myocardial segments were categorized based on the extent of infarction they contained, with 6 categories each for Percent Scar and Transmurality: normal, from healthy volunteers; and 0%; 1–25%, …

Pervaporation Of Water From Solvent Solutions, Richard Manning

Theses

Pervaporation is an emerging membrane technology which has found acceptance as a method for the dehydration of organic solvents.

An existing pervaporation apparatus was modified to accommodate a new type of pervaporation membrane. The instrumentation used with the pervaporation apparatus was upgraded to include a Keithley Data Logger. A HAZOP was carried out on the modified pervaporation apparatus to ensure the apparatus was safe to operate after the modifications were completed.

The pervaporation apparatus was initially tested using screening experiments to verify that changing the operating parameters produced a measurable response which could be recorded. The pervaporation apparatus was successfully …

Anisotropic Diffusion Of N-Butane And N-Decane On A Stepped Surface, Shrijay Subramaniyan, Jee-Ching Wang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The diffusion of single n-butane and n-decane molecules on a model stepped surface, Pt(655), and on a corresponding flat surface, Pt(111), is investigated using molecular-dynamics simulations and anisotropic united atom model. The surface step on Pt(655) causes the alkane molecules to adsorb on the lower terrace in all-trans conformations with their long molecular axes adjacent and parallel to the step edge, and to diffuse anisotropically along the surface step via a constant wiggly motion without rotation or marked deviation from the parallel adsorption configuration. At relatively high temperatures, the alkane molecules can temporarily break away from the step edge but …

Data Management And Visualization Of X-Ray Diffraction Spectra From Thin Film Ternary Composition Spreads, I. Takeuchi, C. J. Long, O. O. Famodu, M. Murakami, Jason R. Hattrick-Simpers, G. W. Rubloff, M. Stukowski, K. Rajan

Faculty Publications

We discuss techniques for managing and visualizing x-ray diffraction spectrum data for thin film composition spreads which map large fractions of ternary compositional phase diagrams. An in-house x-ray microdiffractometer is used to obtain spectra from over 500 different compositions on an individual spread. The MATLAB software is used to quickly organize the data and create various plots from which one can quickly grasp different information regarding structural and phase changes across the composition spreads. Such exercises are valuable in rapidly assessing the “overall” picture of the structural evolution across phase diagrams before focusing in on specific composition regions for detailed …

Interphase Exchange Coupling In Fe/Sm-Co Bilayers With Gradient Fe Thickness, Ming-Hui Yu, Jason R. Hattrick-Simpers, Ichiro Takeuchi, Jing Li, Z. L. Wang, J. P. Liu, S. E. Lofland, Somdev Tyagi, J. W. Freeland, D. Giubertoni, M. Bersani, M. Anderle

Faculty Publications

We have fabricated Fe∕Sm–Co bilayers with gradient Fe thicknesses in order to systematically study the dependence of exchange coupling on the thickness of the Fe layer. The Fe layer was deposited at two different temperatures (150 and 300°C) to study the effect of deposition temperature on the exchange coupling. Magneto-optical Kerr effect and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) have been employed as nondestructive rapid characterization tools to map the magnetic properties of the gradient samples. Systematic enhancement in exchange coupling between the soft layer and the hard layer is observed as the soft layer thickness is decreased. Separate exchange couplings …

Modeling Of Chemical Fate And Transport In The Environment, Andre Marquette

LSU Master's Theses

The Environmental Engineering discipline remains on the forefront of discovery due to advancements in computer technology, advancements in experimental methods and an ever increasing public interest in mitigating the harmful effects of the chemical process industry. Experimental methods have a critical role in defining environmental processes and effects but are limited in their ability to predict future environmental conditions. Conceptual and mathematical models are needed in order to evaluate the effect of environmental conditions far into the future as well as to extend and apply the knowledge gained from experimentation. Models can be used to predict chemical exposure levels, design …

An In-Situ Capping Design For The Remediation Of Petroleum Contaminated Sediments, Melanie Krystle Harris

LSU Master's Theses

Historical disposal practices used by oil companies have caused the accumulation of contaminated sediments in their nearby lakes and ponds. These companies are now faced with the challenge of remediating the bodies of water that contain these contaminated sediments. The contaminants that remain in the sediment continue to pose a threat to human health and the environment. For example, high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are still present in the bottom sediments can have toxic effects on aquatic life. One form of remediation for this problem is In-Situ Capping (ISC), which is defined as a method whereby material …

Mathematical Models For Estimating Volatile Chemical Emissions From Dredging Operations, Kenneth Alexander Fountain

LSU Master's Theses

Dredging operations have been a common remediation for contaminated sediment in an effort to reduce the harmful impact on the environment. The objective of this research was to create models used for estimating chemical release to air from remediating the Indiana Harbor and Canal (IHC) as three separate dredging operations; the Dredge Site, Exposed DM CDF, and Ponded CDF. The evaporative flux estimations are based on a two-resistance mass transport path inclusive of both the molecular diffusion in porous media and interfacial airside mass transport resistances. Several chemodynamic algorithms were used in calculating key transport parameters. Laboratory tests were performed …

Relative Permeability And Wettability Implications Of Dilute Surfactants At Reservoir Conditions, Ayodeji Adebola Abe

LSU Master's Theses

The improvement or increase of oil recoverable from discovered reservoirs has always been a very important issue as this helps to meet ever growing energy demand. Several methods have been put forward as means of achieving this objective. Chemical flooding, using surfactants has been considered in enhanced oil recovery processes. Surfactants are used primarily to lower oil-water interfacial tension (IFT) and thus improve production. However, surfactants possess the ability to alter rock wettability and hence increase oil production. Previous investigations were performed at ambient conditions using stocktank oil. Extrapolation of the findings from the ambient conditions testing to reservoir conditions …

Electrodeposition Of Magnetic Nanowires And Nanotubes, Despina Mehedintu Davis

LSU Master's Theses

The current perpendicular to the plane giant magneto-resistance (CPP)-(GMR) effect makes multilayered nanowires of huge interest as magnetic sensor materials. GMR showing multilayer nanostructures are composed of alternating ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic nanometric layers. The giant magnetoresistance (GMR) property is described as a change in electrical resistance when an external magnetic field is introduced. Electrodeposition is the most efficient method for fabricating magnetic nanowires. In addition to the cost-effectiveness, electrodeposition is one of the few methods that can overcome the geometrical restrictions of inserting metals into very deep nanometric recesses, making it the favored method for nanowire and nanotube fabrication. In …

Development And Model Formulation Of Scalable Carbon Nanotube Processes: Hipco And Comocat Process Models, Adedeji Ebenezer Agboola

LSU Master's Theses

Carbon nanotubes are seamless cylindrical tubes, consisting of carbon atoms arranged in a regular hexagonal structure. It is considered as the ultimate engineering material because of its unique and distinct electronic, mechanical and material characteristics. The discovery of these materials pioneered the nanotechnology revolution, which encompasses a broad and multidisciplinary spectrum, including nanomaterials, nanobiotechnology, and nanoelectronics. Hundreds of published articles of laboratory scale and pilot plant processes were reviewed that describe potential synthesis and post–synthesis purification methods for large scale production of carbon nanotubes. The main production technologies include electric arc discharge, laser vaporization, and catalytic chemical vapor deposition. These …