Engineering Commons^™

Rice Hull Bioreactor For Recirculating Aquaculture, Marlon A. Greensword

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The engineering of floating media biofilters has been optimized over the years. The backwashing process has made them more energy and water efficient. Likewise, moving bed bioreactors (MBBR) are gaining interest and popularity because they are relatively affordable to build. Yet, developing countries’ aquaculture production remains largely excluded from the advances made in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). This discrepancy is partially driven by the high costs of media such plastic beads and Kaldnes (KMT) media, commonly used in MBBR.

This dissertation evaluates the usability and profitability of rice hulls (RH), an abundant by-product in many developing nations, as a sinking …

Development And Test Of A Sweet Sorghum Feedstock Separation Technology And The Effect Of Trash On Fermentable Sugar Yield In Juice And Syrup, Edgar Jose Tobias Corado

LSU Master's Theses

In the recent years, processing sweet sorghum feedstock to obtain syrup for biofuels production is an option that has gained attention, especially where sugar cane milling infrastructure is already available; however, the leafy matter and panicles (trash) in the feedstock could negatively impact the process. Therefore, it seems sensible to reduce the trash level in the feedstock prior to milling and expand the current knowledge on the effect of trash in the juice and syrup. In this project, a pneumatic system to separate the leaves from sweet sorghum harvested with a sugar cane billet harvester was tested and a panicles …

Development Of Single-Well Gas Assisted Gravity Drainage Process For Enhanced Oil Recovery, Bikash Deep Saikia

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

EOR application in prolific deepwater Gulf of Mexico (DGOM) reservoirs has remained a challenge. Exorbitant well cost (>200M$) precludes having extensive injection patterns and very characteristics of the reservoirs themselves are partly to blame for negligible EOR activity in DGOM. We have been able to develop and demonstrate a novel design in the form of Single Well – Gas Assisted Gravity Drainage (SW-GAGD) process, which is potentially cost effective, at the same time ensuring very high oil recoveries. In this design, a single well acts as an injector as well as a producer, thereby minimizing well cost. The efficacy …

Modelling Of Channelization In Unconsolidated Formations Due To Liquid Injection, Juan Felipe Bautista Barake

LSU Master's Theses

Fluid injection has been increasingly implemented in oil and gas producing fields to optimize hydrocarbon production in both young and mature oil fields across the globe. This situation arises from the realization that early planning of second and tertiary recovery methods may improve project economics significantly. Injectors are then intended to perform at high injection rates with low bottomhole flowing pressures for as long as possible. In the case of injectors drilled in unconsolidated formations, deficient performance often times seems to be the norm. With a majority of these fields being offshore developments in which capital expenditures are high, a …

Impact Of Algae On Sugar Mill Effluents: Water Treatment And Added Value Assessment, Jacob Stephen Foy

LSU Master's Theses

Installations similar to Louisiana sugar mills have been proposed as potential biorefineries for sugarcane, energy cane, and sweet sorghum. The nutrient-rich wastewater generated from the milling process can be used as an algal growth medium. Simultaneously, algae can serve as a water treatment strategy to deplete these effluents of excess nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic carbon. In this research the effluents of a sugar mill were characterized for water quality and nutrient characteristics; the effluents were determined to be suitable for growth of a native Louisiana co-culture of microalgae and cyanobacteria (Chlorella vulgaris/Leptolyngbya sp.); growth rate, biomass productivity and nutrient uptake …

A Comparative Analysis Of Roundabouts And Traffic Signals Through A Corridor, Melissa Arrigo Lebas

LSU Master's Theses

This thesis presents a case study on an urban arterial corridor consisting of four intersections located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The research evaluates alternative roundabout designs in order to improve traffic flow through a currently congested corridor. The objectives of the research were to evaluate the effect of roundabouts in an urban arterial corridor, select the best alternative for the given corridor characteristics, and test the capacity of the alternative roundabout corridors. The three alternatives that were considered as part of this study were the existing signalized corridor, a partial two-lane roundabout corridor, and a partial three-lane roundabout corridor. Field …

Product Parameters Optimization For Double Purge Of C-Magma Integrated With Conventional Three-Boiling Crystallization Scheme To Improve Raw Sugar Whole Color, Luz Stella Polanco

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Efficient crystallization in raw sugar production is the result of a combination of factors and responses that meet specific criteria. Matching a sugar quality standard, maximizing sugar yield, maximizing crystallization equipment capacity and minimizing heat requirement are all necessary optimization criteria. A double centrifugation or purge of C-magma is intended to improve raw sugar whole color by the reduction of color recirculation with the sugar crystal. Combining a three boiling crystallization scheme with a second centrifugation after the last crystallization stage required optimizing the input/output product parameters (purities) and the location of the liquid recycle component (double purge molasses) for …

Effects Of Different Preparation Methods On Structure And Catalytic Behavior Of Iron-Based Catalyst Via Fischer Trospch Synthesis Of Biomass-Derived Syngas, Khietlethanh Mai

LSU Master's Theses

Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising feedstock for producing liquid fuels via synthetic gas (syngas) and Fischer Tropsch Synthesis (FTS). Syngas produced from biomass has low H2/CO ratio (~0.7/1) and high concentration of CO2. In order to produce liquid hydrocarbons from this syngas, a catalyst must be used to increase the H2/CO ratio to 2 or higher. This catalyst must also have reasonable reverse water-gas-shift (R-WGS) activity in a CO2 rich environment. In this study, two 100Fe/4Cu/4K/6Zn were prepared using coprecipitation (Cat_C) and impregnation (Cat_I) methods. The effects of these preparation methods on the catalyst structure and FTS performance in biomass …

Coastal Plants For Biofuel Production And Coastal Preservation, Chester Charles Malveaux

LSU Master's Theses

ABSTRACT Sustainable and renewable biofuels as well as coastal preservation are important to the State of Louisiana which is losing its coastline at the rate of up to 100 square kilometers per year. This has important implications for other coastal areas worldwide. By managing water hyacinth in canals and lakes in coastal Louisiana the biomass of this fast growing aquatic plant can reduce coastal erosion by absorbing wave energy, and remediate waste water through bioabsorption of contaminants, while also providing a source of biofuel. This research has shown that coastal vegetation can play a part in lessening the impact of …

Catalytic Conversion Of Biomass Derived Syngas To Liquid Fuels Using Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis, Pratibha Sharma

LSU Master's Theses

Biomass gasification and subsequent conversion to liquid hydrocarbons using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is a promising source of energy in today’s scenario when the focus has shifted from conventional fuels to alternate sources of energy. Biomass derived syngas is different from other sources of syngas such as steam reforming of methane followed by water gas shift, in terms of H2/CO ratio. Biomass syngas is usually hydrogen deficient and contains various impurities which need to be removed prior to Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis. Syngas derived from biomass also differs significantly with the different sources of biomass, gasification process and the cleanup conditions it is subjected …

Analytical Modeling And Diagnosis Of Penetration Rate Performance Of Pdc Bits, Reza Rahmani

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The high cost of drilling deep (15000+ ft) wells, due to slow rate of penetration (ROP) at depth, has severely limited the utilization and economic significance of deep hydrocarbon resources. The overall objective of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the major cause(s) of slow ROP in deep drilling. An analysis of field data demonstrated the impact of the problem and identified shale and limestone as the primary lithologies where slow ROP occurs at depth. Previous researchers have concluded that interactions between rock, drilling fluid, cuttings, and the bit control ROP. More specifically, several researchers have concluded …

Quantification Of The Environmental Impact Of Titanium Dioxide Photocatalytic Pavements For Air Pollution Remediation, Heather Lee Dylla

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Photocatalytic concrete pavements are a promising technology for mobile source air pollution remediation, however before widespread application of this technology is realized many unanswered questions remain regarding its overall environmental impact. In response to these questions, the goal of this study was to increase the understanding of the environmental impact of photocatalytic concrete pavement highways. To achieve this goal, the objectives of this study were to (A) construct a model that evaluates the nitrogen oxides (NOx) reduction from photocatalytic pavements, (B) quantify the nitrates released from the photocatalytic degradation of NOx, and (C) identify and characterize pathways for TiO2 nanoparticle …

Experimental Investigations In Co2 Sequestration And Shale Caprock Integrity, Abiola Olukola Olabode

LSU Master's Theses

More than sixty percent (60%) of conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs which are potential CO2 repositories are sealed by tight shale caprock. The geochemical reactivity of shale caprock during CO2 diffusive transport needs to be included in the reservoir characterization of potential CO2 sequestration sites as slow reactive transport processes can either strengthen or degrade seal integrity over the long term. Several simulation results had predicted that influx-induced mineral dissolution/precipitation reactions within shale caprocks can continuously reduce micro-fracture networks, while pressure and effective-stress transformation first rapidly increase then progressively constrict them. This experimental work applied specific analytical techniques in investigating changes in …

Modeling The Response Of A Beach Restoration Project In Louisiana To Two Consecutive Hurricanes, Naveen Khammampati

LSU Master's Theses

The current study is concentrated in modeling the cross-shore beach profile evolution and severe erosion of the dune (overwash) of a restored barrier island due to Hurricanes Gustav (2008) and Ike (2008) in coastal Louisiana. Pre-storm and post-storm survey data sets of Chaland Headland located in Plaquemines Parish, LA, were analyzed and categorized based on the overwash processes, and numerically modeled using SBEACH (Storm-induced BEAch CHange). The model results were compared with the measured topographic data. A total of 10 survey profiles were used in this study. SBEACH simulates cross-shore beach, berm and dune erosion produced by storm waves and …

X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy Applied To Mixed-Metal Iron-Based Fischer-Tropsch Catalysts, Andrew Allen Campos

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Synthetic fuels derived from methane, coal or biomass are essential in addressing future transportation fuel demands which are expected to exceed petroleum-derived capacities. The Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is the most studied technique for the conversion of coal or biomass-derived syngas into transportation fuels. Fe-based catalysts are typically used for the FTS of biomass and/or coal-derived syngas due to: the relatively low cost of iron, water-gas shift activity, and low methane selectivity at industrial FTS conditions. Fe/Cu/SiO2 Fischer-Tropsch catalysts promoted with Cr, Mn, Mo, W, or Zr were studied in-situ, using Fe K-edge TPR XANES (temperature programmed reduction X-ray absorption near-edge …

Impedance Spectroscopy Of Zebrafish Sperm, Robert Egnatchik

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Target Purity Difference For A Louisiana Sugar Mill, Luz Stella Polanco

LSU Master's Theses

The main goals of a “raw” sugarcane factory are to have an efficient profitable operation with the required sugar quality and maximum sugar recovery. The loss of sugar to final molasses accounts for 45 to 47% of the total sugar losses. An estimation of the average cost of the manufacturing losses for the 2007 harvest season was approximately $9 million – the sugar lost to the final molasses accounts for approximately 50% of this cost (Salassi, 2008). For final molasses, the “Target Purity” (or equilibrium purity) refers to the minimum level of sucrose that theoretically remains in solution for a …

Investigation Into The Hydrothermal Treatment Of Sugarcane Bagasse Under Near- And Supercritical Conditions, John E. White

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Processing biomass in near- and supercritical water has garnered increasing attention because of its ability to accept a variety of wet feedstocks, energy efficiency, and ability to regulate the solubility and separation of components. Very few studies of biomass hydrothermal conversion provide a comprehensive evaluation of multiple process parameters and various additives and their effects on a single product phase. This research examined the influence of temperature, residence time, biomass concentration, and particle size on volatiles production from the hydrothermal conversion of sugarcane bagasse. Temperature had the greatest impact on volatile yields with the largest increase (23 wt %) occurring …

Aconitic Acid From Sugarcane: Production And Industrial Application, Nicolas Javier Gil Zapata

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Trans aconitic acid (TAA) is the predominant organic acid in cane leaf matter (CLM) juice. Its concentration is three to six times higher than the level found in sugarcane stalks. The variation of composition in terms of total fermentable sugars (TFS), anions, and cations of the LCP85-384 sugarcane variety during 2003-2006 seasons, as well as the ripener (Polado-L®) effect were analyzed. TAA content ranged between 2.1-3.1 kg / t CLM. The TFS in CLM juice yielded a fermentation efficiency of 92%, four points lower than with sugar molasses. Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), solid-liquid extraction and ion exchange were evaluated for the …

The Bioturbation Transport Of Chemicals In Surface Soils, Maria D. Rodriguez

LSU Master's Theses

Large quantities of chemicals, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial wastes, have been found throughout the environment raising concerns due to their ecological impacts and implications to human health. Soil is the most important repository of many organic chemicals in the environment. The objective of the present study was to determine the importance of the soil solid phase in the transport of chemicals in soils, and yield quantitative information to better describe bioturbation and its role in the movement of soil particles. Vertical movement of chemicals in the soil solid phase occurs by mixing mechanisms, such as bioturbation, cryoturbation, and …

Analysis Of Alternative Well Control Methods For Dual Density Deepwater Drilling, Mikolaj Stanislawek

LSU Master's Theses

The recent push into deepwater is currently limited by high drilling costs resulting from conventional well designs. As a result, dual gradient drilling methods have been proposed. This research investigates riser gas-lift as a potential means to implement a dual gradient system. A primary concern is well control in a system containing so many different density fluids and different flow paths. The specific concerns addressed in this study were kick detection, cessation of formation feed-in, removal of kick fluids, and re-establishing hydrostatic control with a constant bottom hole pressure method. These concerns were studied using a transient, multiphase simulator whose …

Geostatistical Integration Of Geophysical, Well Bore And Outcrop Data For Flow Modeling Of A Deltaic Reservoir Analogue, Hong Tang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Significant world oil and gas reserves occur in deltaic reservoirs. Characterization of deltaic reservoirs requires understanding sedimentary and diagenetic heterogeneity at the submeter scale in three dimensions. However, deltaic facies architecture is complex and poorly understood. Moreover, precipitation of extensive calcite cement during diagenesis can modify the depositional permeability of sandstone reservoir and affect fluid flow. Heterogeneity contributes to trapping a significant portion of mobile oil in deltaic reservoirs analogous of Cretaceous Frontier Formation, Powder River Basin, Wyoming. This dissertation focuses on 3D characterization of an ancient deltaic lobe. The Turonian Wall Creek Member in central Wyoming has been selected …

Long Term Pressure Behavior In Turbidite Reservoirs, Feng Wang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

In this study, we investigated several possible mechanisms that would give rise to the anomalous pressure behavior (early concave-up on Horner plot or upward drift on the derivative curve of the log-log plot and asymmetry between the pressure drawdown and buildup behavior) sometimes encountered in the turbidite reservoirs in GOM primarily using numerical simulation and 2-level experimental designs. We ascertained the most influential parameters to the pressure behavior and identified that multilayer commingled system and the leaky compartment model are the most probable mechanisms to cause the anomalous behavior due to layer or zone property contrast to a certain degree. …

Modeling Of Cane Sugar Colorant Removal In Packed-Bed Ion Exchange Columns And An Investigation Into Pretreatment Methods, Bruce Malcolm Ellis

LSU Master's Theses

Cane sugar colorants have been extensively researched but still little is known about their exact compositions. Rather than distinct compounds, they are a mixture of many compounds. Some it is assumed can be classified into the pseudo components that have been defined using gel permeation chromatography, based on molecular weight. The defining of these components has allowed the colorants to be modeled independently, instead of as one lumped color parameter. The measured colored components were modeled using a linear driving force adsorption model, which could be applied in the design process for optimizing the decolorizing capacity of the resins. The …

Development And Integration Of New Processes Consuming Carbon Dioxide In Multi-Plant Chemical Production Complexes, Sudheer Indala

LSU Master's Theses

New, energy-efficient and environmentally acceptable, catalytic processes have been identified that can use excess high purity CO₂ as a raw material from the sources available in a chemical production complex. The chemical complex in the lower Mississippi River Corridor has been used to show how these new plants can be integrated into this existing infrastructure using the Chemical Complex and Cogeneration Analysis System. Eighty six published articles of laboratory and pilot plant experiments were reviewed that describe new methods and catalysts to use CO₂ for producing commercially important products. Reactions have been categorized as hydrogenation reactions; hydrocarbon synthesis …

Online Heat Transfer Measurement And Analysis For Sugar Mill Evaporators, David Timothy Solberg

LSU Master's Theses

Fouling and scaling in evaporators has been an area of great interest to raw sugar mills for a number of years and many of the mechanisms causing the scale and the rates of scaling are unknown. In an attempt to quantify the scaling rates and measure the scaling, an online model has been developed to model a system of evaporators. Monitoring the heat transfer coefficient as a function of time enabled measurement of the scaling rate by monitoring the heat transfer coefficient as it decreased with time. It is assumed that the scaling on the juice side of the evaporators …

Dynamic Performance Of Bridges And Vehicles Under Strong Wind, Suren Chen

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The record of span length for flexible bridges has been broken with the development of modern materials and construction techniques. With the increase of bridge span, the dynamic response of the bridge becomes more significant under external wind action and traffic loads. The present research targets specifically on dynamic performance of bridges as well as the transportation under strong wind. The dissertation studied the coupled vibration features of bridges under strong wind. The current research proposed the modal coupling assessment technique for bridges. A closed-form spectral solution and a practical methodology are provided to predict coupled multimode vibration without actually …

Development Of Resilient Modulus Prediction Models For Base And Subgrade Pavement Layers From In Situ Devices Test Results, Ravindra Gudishala

LSU Master's Theses

Currently, the design of flexible pavements is generally conducted based on static properties such as California Bearing Ratio and soil support value. These properties do not represent the actual response of the pavement layers under traffic loadings. Recognizing this deficiency, the current and the 2002 mechanistic –empirical guide for design of pavement structures recommended the use of resilient modulus for characterizing the base and subgrade soil and for the design of flexible pavements. The objective of this study was to develop models to estimate the resilient modulus of base and subgrade soils from in situ test devices. Two types of …

Evolution Of Base Substitution Gradients In Primate Mitochondrial Genomes, Sameer Raina

LSU Master's Theses

The availability of large amounts of genetic data from the mitochondrial DNA of species has created an unprecedented opportunity for the study of evolutionary processes. Being our closest relatives on the evolutionary tree the primates are a prime candidate for the study of evolutionary processes. The availability of large amounts of genetic data from the primates allows us to study and compare results from different phylogenetic reconstruction methods and to study and trace rudimentary evolutionary processes within the primate lineage. The evolutionary process studied here is the response of the nucleotide frequency ratios to single-strandedness of sites during mitochondrial DNA …

Chemical Production Complex Optimization, Pollution Reduction And Sustainable Development, Aimin Xu

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The objective of this research is to propose, develop and demonstrate chemical production complex optimization to determine the optimal configuration of chemical plants in a superstructure of possible plants. The Chemical Complex Analysis System is a new methodology that has been developed to determine the best configuration of plants in a chemical production complex based on the AIChE Total Cost Assessment (TCA) for economic, energy, environmental and sustainable costs. All new, energy-efficient, and environmentally acceptable plants using greenhouse gases that can produce potentially commercial products designed with HYSYS were integrated into the chemical complex using the System. The optimum configuration …