Engineering Commons^™

Engineering A Primary Waste Treatment Plant, Edwin O. Onwawoma

Theses

This thesis deals with the design and construction of a primary waste treatment plant. The scope of work covered here, includes waste sampling and characterization, process design data gathering, process and mechanical design, cost estimate, and a general discussion of the construction and start-up.

In the development of this work, it is assumed that a decision has been made to build the waste treatment plant, using a known process. Therefore, economic evaluations designed to determine return on investment and selection of a process, will not be discussed. The impact the capital investment associated with the waste treatment facility has on …

The Interpretation Of Infrared And Raman Spectra Using Pattern Recognition, John Martin Comerford

Dissertations

An automatic classification of chemical compounds by computer processing of digitized spectral data is presented. The classification system is based on a branch of artificial intelligence known as supervised learning, and used binary linear classifiers to identify compounds as alcohols, esters, ethers, ketones or compounds containing double bonds.

Each of the 1117 spectra in volume one of Sadtler's Standard Raman Spectra was coded using a scale from 0 to 9 in the range from 4000 to 200 cm^-1. One hundred and twelve readings were taken on each spectrum. These data were then examined using pattern recognition techniques, and …

Effect Of Mixing On Polymerizations In Batch Reactors, John Guy Steenrod

Theses

The effects of mixing on polymerizations in batch reactors are examined theoretically for initiations by thermal decomposition of catalyst and by absorption of ionizing radiation. Mathematical expressions for predicting the first three moments of the dead polymer size distribution are presented. Two extreme mixing states. perfect and no mixing. are considered. It is shown that in batch reactors mixing in any direction in which nonuniform initiations exist increases the polymerization reaction rate and the number average molecular weight, and decreases the weight average and the polydispersity.

Experimentally, the effects of mixing were studied in a solution polymerization system, in a …

Evaluation Of Herington General Integral Test For Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium Data, Raja Gopal Nori

Theses

A new set of general integral tests for the thermodynamic consistency of isothermal and isobaric equilibrium data of binary systems was proposed by E.F.G. Herington.

The systems Benzene-Cyclohexane and Benzene-n-Propanol were examined using Herington integral test-. The data used included sets of data known to be in error. One set was, in effect, at true vapor-liquid equilibrium (the data of literature) but the other data was obtained when the system was inadequately insulated and heated.

Heringtan test showed significantly different estimates for heats of mixing for the cases involved. The best data showed heats of mixing near the theoratical values. …

Sidewise Force Exerted On Slowly Falling Spheres Inside A Circular Cylinder, Gary Mark Greenstein

Theses

Numerical values are provided for the forces that must be applied to a reference sphere to prevent its sidewise motion when two equal-sized spheres settle through a viscous liquid bounded by a cylindrical tube. These values are presented for two independent set of circumstances:

1. - the spheres are translating but not rotating
2. - the spheres are rotating but not translating

Forces have been calculated assuming various distances between the sphere centers and with the line of centers at various angles to the horizontal. The results are discussed for the case where the spheres are both translating and rotating and compared …

Rheo-Optical Properties Of Polyisobutylene, Russell B. Biss

Theses

This study presents quantitative experimental data on the various stress-optical characteristics of polymer liquids, specifically, polyisobutylene. Through the use of a concentric cylinder rheogoniometer and a rotational viscometer, the temperature effects of a newtonian polyisobutylene liquid. was studied and was found to have a stress-optical coefficient independent of shear stress and minor temperature changes. The experiments confirm that the birefringence is a known function of the extinction angle and the shear stress. Various polyisobutylene liquids were used in a simple flow device to observe the birefringence in the 1-3 plane and the 2-3 plane. The results indicate that the 1-3 …

A Study Of An Adiabatic Tubular Reactor For The Multiple Chlorination Of Methane, Richard L. Braun

Theses

A computer program has been developed which simulates the multiple chlorination of methane in an adiabatic, tubular reactor. Euler's method is used to approximate the solutions of the programs differential equations.

The program is designed to determine the amount of an inert diluent required in the feed stream to attain some specified conversion of methane in a safe and efficient temperature range. Particular emphasis is put on determining the amount of diluent required to attain 98% conversion of methane at an outlet temperature of 723°K. The program also determines the reactor volume necessary to achieve the specified conversion, and the …

The Study On The Soot Formation Of Hydrocarbon Flames, Yih-Jian Wu

Theses

Carbon formation during the quenching of low-pressure premixed hydrocarbon flames was studied using rapid-scanning optical and mass spectroscopy. Experimental techniques were developed and it was found that the tendency to form soot was a function of the hydrocarbon chain length. These results are relevant to the design of restartable space engines in which the use of hydrocarbon fuels is contemplated because the formation of soot in space will result in the formation of a shroud around the spacecraft which will adversely affect sensing by optical means.

Solvents Screening For Hydrocarbons Separation Of Close Molar Volumes, Dilip K. Kapasi

Theses

The approximate physical model for solute-solvent inter?actions presented by J, M, Prausnitz and R, Anderson¹ is briefly discussed, Applicability of Weimer, Prausnitz³ and Helpinstill, Van Winkle⁷ models is investigated using experimental values of activity coefficients for C₅ hydrocarbons in 13 solvents including one nonpolar and 12 polar solvents. Independent correlations, based on our experimental values at 45°C for normal and isopentane have been developed. Although the required thermodynamic properties are obtained through a comparative analysis of all the available and estimated methods, dependable values of activity coefficients for Isopentane and 1-Pentene could not be obtained through …

Optimal Performance Of Equilibrium Parametric Pumps, Joseph A. Manganaro

Theses

An examination of the conditions required to obtain the optimal performance of semicontinuous and continuous parametric pumps, defined by the achieving of the maximum possible solute free product for a given column height, was undertaken. The model system sodium nitrate ? water on an ion retardation resin adsorbate was employed. Equations defining maximum values of certain important parameters such as the bottom product flow rate and reservoir displacement rate were developed by extending previous theories of parametric pumping. Experimental runs were carried out using parameters whose values were both less than and greater than the maximum values predicted for optimal …

The Steady State Heat And Temperature Distribution Of A Hot Sphere Within An Infinite Wedge, David W. Horwat

Theses

This thesis presents a mathematical model of the steady state heat and temperature distributions of a hot sphere located along the midplane of an infinitely long wedge of any arbitrary central angle. The heat and temperature distributions of this geometric configuration are of immense value, since through the use of this model as a wedge shaped unit cell the description of any number of hot spheres, arranged in a regular planar array can be immediately determined.

The method of reflections is used to solve Laplace's equation , V²T=O , analytically using the sphere and the wedge walls as …

The Effect Of Dry-Blending High Density Polyethylene On Final Product Properties, Charles H. Klestadt

Theses

The incentives for Dry-Blending Polyethylenes of varying property type may be economic gain, improved product quality, or both. The manufacturers' latest mode of operation involves seeking to meet their customers' needs with a product line made by using one catalyst system and operating at maximum capacity, while varying the fewest possible control parameters. Off-spec materials and on-spec materials not fitting customers' requirements are two prime targets for additional profits with proper dry blending techniques. The approach used in solving the problem involved starting with an existing product line and converting these products into a number of experimental blends. The blends …

The Determination Of An Optimum Plant Capacity In A Dynamic Economy, Frederick Louis Monesmith

Theses

A. Monte Carlo computer program has been developed in which the optimum plant capacity is determined by comparing calculated profitability criterions for various plant capacities. The estimates for input variables are developed into probability distributions. This data is then used to calculate a probability distribution for a-profitability criterion. In this thesis approximately thirty input variables are developed into beta distributions. Each variable must be estimated with a ninety percent probability estimate, a most likely probability estimate and a ten percent probability estimate. The three level estimates for each variable completely describe the beta distribution. Approximately half of the beta distributions …

The Thermal Degradation Of Polyvinyl Alcohol, Carlos Eduardo Ortiz

Theses

The thermal degradation of polyvinyl alcohol has been investigated using mass spectrometry, differential thermal analysis, and infrared spectroscopy unlike previous investigators, formaldehyde and acrolein were not observed volatiles. In addition, acetic acid was observed, a product not reported previously.

A Nonlinear Viscoelastic Model, Yon-Li Shangkuan

Dissertations

A nonlinear viscoelastic model has been developed to describe the non-Newtonian viscosities and the primary normal stress differences of high polymers at steady-state shearing flow.

It has been demonstrated that the Huang-Shangkuan model gives the best representation of the experimental data for a wide range of shear rates. In the high shear rate region the Huang-Shangkuan model is distinguished among other models by its capability to predict the nonNewtonian viscosities and the primary normal stress differences Which the other models fail to predict.

Continuum mechanics, Lodge's network theory and Rouse's theory provide specific information in developing our model. The theoretical …

Effect Of Gas Temperature Gradients And Radiant Heat Transmission On Kinetic Model Behavior, Richard W. J. Robertson

Dissertations

Satisfactory methods to predict radiant heat transmission in enclosures containing a radiating gas at uniform temperature are available. These methods have been traditionally used in solutions of kinetic models.

Kinetic models are strongly temperature dependent with a difference of 10°K able to double the reaction rate. In the present investigation, calculation techniques which make allowance for the non-uniformity of gas temperatures in an enclosure are applied to the kinetic models. The furnace problem considers only the radiation section with the assumption that detailed knowledge of combustion and fluid flow pattern within the enclosure is available.

If the gas space in …

Design Of Multipass Fractionating Trays, Paul W. Becker

Theses

Multipass fractionating trays are vapor-liquid contacting devices with high liquid handling capabilities which can be economically used in large fractionating towers. However, process design engineers in the chemical and petroleum industries seem to have an aversion to specifying multipass trays for their tower designs. This thesis presents the case for using multipass trays as well as methods for their design.

Because multipass trays are not symmetrical, as one and two pass trays are, the liquid and vapor need not split equally between the three or four passes. Equations are developed which enable the vapor and liquid flowrate for each pass …

Solvent Recovery From A Complex Process Solvent Stream, John Budavari

Theses

This work deals with the recovery of solvents from a complex process waste stream containing methylene chloride chloroform, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, heptane and butyl acetate. In addition to the above-mentioned solvents, the mixture is saturated with water (ca. 1%), hydrochloric acid, and contains organic and inorganic process impurities. The objective was to develop the simplest economical recovery process utilizing vapor-liquid equilibrium data, distillation and extraction procedures. Considerable effort was expended to develop precise and reliable assay methods. A process which met the necessary requirements of maximum solvent recovery with minimum waste disposal, was developed.

Reactions Of Perchloro-1,2-Dimethylene Cyclobutane With Amines, Robert James Smith

Theses

Perchloro-1,2-dimethylene cyclobutane was reacted with primary amines forming cyclic amidinium salts. Their structures were elucidated by the performance of various spectral analyses.

An Experimental Study Of The Separation Of Multicomponent Mixtures Via Thermal Parametric Pumping, Wayne Weywen Lin

Theses

A thermal continuous parametric pump for separating multi-component mixtures was experimentally investigated using the model system toluene-aniline-n-heptane on silica gel adsorbent. A simple method for predicting separations is presented and is found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. The method, based on an equilibrium theory, is under the assumption that a multicomponent mixture contains a series of pseudo-binary systems, each system consisting of one of the solutes as one component and the common inert solvent as the other component.

Absorption Of Methoxyflurane By Conductive Rubber And Polyethylene Anesthetic Hose, Edward A. Kippel

Theses

This thesis presents the results of an investigation into the absorption of methoxyflurane by conductive rubber and polyethylene anesthetic hose. Previous studies are reviewed and theoretical considerations governing the diffusion process are discussed.

Diffusion coefficients are calculated for commercially available hose materials using different anesthetic concentrations and oxygen flow rates.

Data obtained is compared with the results of previous investigations (primarily concerned with sorption into rubber hose) and similar results are presented for polyethylene hose.

Graphical data is used to demonstrate the effect of hose material on inspired anesthetic concentration.

The advantage of disposable conductive polyethylene hose over reusable rubber …

Densities Of Polar And Non-Polar Compounds And Their Mixtures, Peter Norman Notwick

Theses

Two principal studies were conducted as part of this thesis: evaluation of existing correlations for predicting densities of polar and non-polar liquids and their mixtures and experimentally measuring the densities of certain liquid systems.

Utilizing a modification of the simple picnometer experimental method, data were obtained for both pure compounds and liquid mixtures. Comparison of the pure compound data with available literature sources established the reliability of the technique.

The results of the correlation comparison indicate that the Riedel equation, is the most generally reliable for predicting the densities of pure "normal" compounds. Lydersen, et al., prepared tables for the …

Conference Keynote Address, John B. Rigg

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

No abstract provided.

Prospects For Conversion Of Solar Energy Into Electrical Power, William R. Cherry

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

In 1972, the Solar Energy Panel took a broad look at solar energy across the whole field to see just what could be done with this energy source. Maybe the era of acquiring energy without regard to cost and without regard to consequences of using it is beginning to come to a close and maybe we ought to start looking at the newer sources of energy, even though we need every bit of energy we can get from every source. I am not trying to say we don't need gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy. We are not going to …

The U. S. Wind Power Program, Joseph M. Savino

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Today I would like to talk about wind energy in, basically, two parts. I would like to bring to your attention some of the developments that have occurred in the 20th century. Many of us who have gone through school in the last 25-30 years don't recall anywhere in our engineering education much information dealing with wind energy, and that may come as a surprise to you as it did to me, to learn how much has actually been done in the 20th century to develop large scale wind-driven machines. After I get through with that introduction I would like …

Alternate Energy Removal Modes For Nuclear Power Reactors, Robert L. Carter

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Attention is focussed upon the unique qualities of high energy fission particles, and upon the fundamental limits to the direct removal of their kinetic energy by electrostatic means and by cyclotron resonance deceleration. Efficiencies of secondary and tertiary product ionization and excitation produced by fission particles are examined. The potential for delivery of power through various non-thermal modes is discussed, and the significant unknowns relating thereto are identified.

Locating Nuclear Power Plants Underground, Frank M. Scott

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper reviews some of the questions that have been asked by experts and others as to why nuclear power plants are not located or placed underground. While the safeguards and present designs make such installations unnecessary, there are some definite advantages that warrant the additional cost involved. First of all, such an arrangement does satisfy the psychological concern of a number of people and, in so doing, might gain the acceptance of the public so that such plants could be constructed in urban areas of load centers. The results of these studies are presented and some of the requirements …

Prospects For Nuclear Fusion Power, William C. Gough

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The prospects for fusion power are discussed including the need for fusion, its environmental advantages, and the research results that form the basis for present confidence that the program will succeed. The steps remaining before commercial fusion power will be available are outlined. Exploratory ideas for second generation fusion electric power plants, and non electrical applications of fusion technology and reactors are briefly covered.

Are Nuclear Shipments Really Safe?, William A. Brobst

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The transportation of nuclear materials is on the increase. Although nuclear shipments are only a very small fraction of the Nation’s hazardous materials shipments, they attract a great deal of public attention. Shipments of spent nuclear fuel and nuclear wastes are a particular concern.

One of the many fears that people have about nuclear energy is the possibility that a nuclear shipment might somehow go awry and cause a serious public hazard. Primarily, they are worried that a shipment of spent reactor fuel or highly radioactive waste could be involved in a serious rail or highway accident and dump its …

The Energy Problem -- Crude Oil, J. A. Marshall

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper discusses the national energy problem as it affects the demand for and availability of crude oil. Forecasts of energy demands to 1990 have been made based on population trends and changing life styles in the USA. Projections of energy supplies show a rapidly increasing gap between supply of crude oil and demand for crude oil from the early 1970's through 1990. The need for imported crude oil to supply the forecast deficit is discussed. The political and economic implications of these imports are also discussed. The need for refineries, port facilities, tankers, and pipelines are presented. Finally, recommendations …