Engineering Commons^™

The Biodegradation Of Phenol And O-Chlorophenol Using Activated Sludge Bacteria, Jeffery Colish

Theses

The biological degradation of phenol up to 500 ppm and 0-chlorophenol up to 40 ppm was studied in an aerated 4.0 liter hatch reactor using activated sludge bacteria from the Livingston, N.J. wastewater treatment plant. From the concentration versus time data, kinetic rate constants were determined for phenol (@ 100 ppm) and o-chlorophenol (@ 20 ppm and 40 ppm). Air stripping was determined to be an insignificant removal mechanism for the compounds studied.

It was noted that the acclimation times decreased with repeated exposure to a particular concentration of phenol or o-chlorophenol, and that the activated sludge bacteria first had …

Synthesis Of Trimethylpropane-Tolylene-2,4-Diisocyanate Adduct And Its Blocked Monomers, Farhad Forohar

Theses

A trimethylolpropane adduct of tolylene-2,4-diisocyanate (TMP-TDI) was prepared by reaction in a heterogeneous solvent system. The isocyanate functional groups of the TMP-TDI adduct were blocked with the following blocking agents: p-cresol, eugenol, o-chlorophenol, and one to one mole ratio of mixtures of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and each of the three preceding blocking agents. A sample of TMP-TDI adduct blocked with only HEMA was also prepared. The products were characterized by melting point, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Monomers of TMP-TDI blocked with 50% HEMA and 50% blocking agents may be very useful as dental restorative materials.

Microbial Characteristics Of An Activated Sludge And Three Commercial Preparations After Exposure To Phenolics, Laurie Gneiding

Theses

The biological characteristics of four microbial mixtures were examined after successive exposure to phenol and 2-chlorophenol at room temperature. One of the microbial mixtures was an activated sludge from the Livingston, NJ municipal wastewater treatment plant. The other three mixtures were commercial preparations sold by Polybac Corp.(Hydrobac), Sybron Corp. (BI-CHEM DC 1006/1007), and General Environmental Sciences(LLMO).

The characteristics examined were relative counts and species of gram negative/gram positive bacteria, yeast and fungi, protozoa, and higher organisms. For the gram negative bacteria and yeasts, culturing techniques and diagnostic tubes were used to determine the predominant species. Biochemical tests were done on …

Homogenous Reaction Kinetics Of Reduction Of Sulfur Dioxide, Satyanarayana Manthani

Theses

Homogeneous reduction of sulfur dioxide by carbon monoxide was investigated in the temperature range between 700 and 1000°C, initial sulfur dioxide concentration of about 3000 ppm, typical of a flue gas from coal fired power plants, and excess carbon monoxide concentration, in a 12 mm O.D. quartz tubular reactor. Over ninty percent reduction of sulfur dioxide was obtained at temperatures above 900°C and space times of the order of about 3.5 seconds. Substantial carbonyl sulfide was also produced.

A Comparison Of The Biodegradation Of Nitrobenzene, 1-Butanol, And 2,4-Dichlorphenoxyacetic Acid Using A Municipal Mixed Liquor And Three Commercial Bacterial Preparations, Salvatore P. Salerno

Theses

The biological degradation of nitrobenzene, 1-butanol, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was studied in aerated 6 liter batch reactors using activated sludge from the Livingston, NJ wastewater treatment plant-- by itself and in a 10:1 by volume mixture with each of three commercial bacterial preparations: Hydrobac, BI-CHEM DC-1006/7, and Liquid Live Microorganisms (LLMO). Air stripping and adsorption were determined to be insignificant removal mechanisms for the three compounds studied. None of the bacterial mixtures were able to degrade 10 ppm nitrobenzene to any significant extent. A small but noticeable improvement in degradation rates occurred when the Livingston sludge was mixed with …

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopic Analysis Of Coal Ash, George Patrick Watson

Theses

Several coal ashes and prepared mixtures were analyzed by x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Various techniques were studied to determine the most reliable procedure for quantitatively estimating, from fluorescent peak intensities, the concentrations of seven major oxides typically present in the ash. These ashes were analyzed with only minimal sample preparation. In order to determine the self-consistency of the procedure, several mixtures of known composition were prepared containing the major elements present in an ash.

Because of inter-element absorption and enhancement effects, several computational techniques were used to calculate composition from spectrum peak intensities. The method that yielded the most accurate estimates …

Management Concept For Consumer Services Via Microprocessor Systems, Thomas William Bradshaw

Theses

With the proliferation of home computers and the subsequent ability to communicate with retail establishments, an opportunity exists for alternative delivery of goods and products to residential consumers. This paper explores the establishment, management, and problems associated with these burgeoning enterprizes.

Presently, there are several technologies and market strategies under devlopment which stress the convenience of making purchases. In addition to home computers there are other communication networks using different protocols such as videotext which consists of several arrangements of text and graphical protocols. In addition there are several mediums like cable and videotext by which product information can be …

Correlation Of Dissolved Oxygen With Flowrate And Water Temperature In The Passaic River Basin, Shan-Pei Fanchiang

Theses

Passaic River water is utilized by a number of major water purveyors in New Jersey. They are the North Jersey Water Supply District Commission, the city of Jersey City, the city of Newark, the Commonwealth Water Company, and the Passaic Valley Water Commission (i.e. PVWC).

Since all are interrelated in that the demands and releases of each affect the other, there is an interest in insuring sufficient water to maintain adequate water quality for the last user on the line (i.e. PVWC) who draws water close to Little Falls.

Having daily data of flowrate, water temperature and dissolved oxygen in …

Prefeasibility Study Of Flexible Manufacturing System, Patrice Gerault

Theses

Most major companies over the world are or intend to go into Flexible Manufacturing System. But, FMS is not as easy to implement as most cf the other equipments. It affects the whole company and careful studies must be done before parchasing it.

After a description of this new system, this paper reviews the effects introduced by FMS and the alements of savings or surcosts in comparison to conventional systems ; but no numerical evaluations are stated.

This paper gives a frame to any company which wants to undertake a prefeasibility study.

Modeling And Analysis Of Switching Dc-To-Dc Converters, Suresh Hariharan

Theses

Modeling and analysis of switching dc-to-dc converters has been achieved through several techniques. The state space averaging technique is valid only for disturbances which are less than one-tenth the switching frequency. The discrete technique does not yield accurate results. In this thesis a new approach to the stability analysis of switching regulators has been discussed and the model is far more accurate than the state space averaging technique or the discrete technique. It can be easily programmed into any computer and the results compare well with the experimental results. It also gives a good insight into the design of the …

Development Of A Computer Model To Track Water Droplet Trajectories As Related To Aircraft Icing, Satyen G. Harve

Theses

In order to be able to predict the local ice accretion rate, or the icing profile on any surface it is neccessary that a model be available, which helps in determining the local impingement values of water droplets on the object. Two models have been developed. One model determines the potential and the velocity field around any arbitrary object. The second model determines the trajectory of the water droplets in the presence of a potential field. The two models have been combined to form a general trajectory model capable of tracking water droplet trajectories around any arbitrary object. The object …

Enhancement Of The Integrated Mechanisms Program (Imp) By Addition Of Graphic Output, Anil Parsaram Hingorani

Theses

The Integrated Mechanisms Program (IMP) is enhanced to include the capability of graphic output of simple mechanisms. The subroutines available in the graphics package GP-10 are used. The output consists of a drawing of the mechanism at its initial position and for every position for which the analysis is done. In addition, a graph of velocity and/or acceleration against the angle of the driving link may be plotted. There are limitations. The output of the mechanism represents only prismatic joints by a different symbol. It is represented by a rectangle and the symbol of the fixed link. All the other …

Optimization Of The Sputtering Technology For Preparation Of Hg1-[Subscript X] Cd[Subscript X] Te Heterojunction Diodes, Kyriacos Kokkinos

Theses

The deposition of (Hg_1-xCd_x)Te onto Si and (Hg_1-yCd_y)Te (x>y) substrates by rf triode sputtering was studied. Ionized mercury vapor, in the 0.6 to 1.2 micron pressure range, was used to bombard pressed-powder targets, consisting of HgTe and CdTe particles, with effective target x value of 0.3, 0.35, and 0.4. The sputtering procedure, parameters, and system were modified to optimize film characteristics. Higher substrate temperature (270°C) was required to obtain metallic gray films with x>0.3. With substrate temperatures less than 270°C and deposition rates 0.5-1.0 micron per hour the films were …

A Method For The Identification Of Parameters In Nonlinear Time-Varying Discrete Systems, Somo Coulibaly

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to present a new technique for estimating the unknown parameters of nonlinear discrete time-varying systems.

The method is based on the model-reference control system where the model and the plant are controlled to exhibit the same output trajectory. The model is chosen to be linear and stationary. To develop the procedure of identification we assume that the structure of the nonlinear system is known and all the measurements are free of noise. A feedback input is adapted to improve the scheme. This scheme can be used to simultaneously identify the parameters when the control …

Computer Aided Design Of Optimum Structures, Sanjay M. Alexander

Theses

Techniques for the improvement of procedures for large scale structural synthesis are investigated. Considerable amount of research has been devoted to structural optimization. Yet as developments continue in this area, constant improvements in structural analysis methods, most of which are computationally demanding, tax the ability of existing optimization procedures to use the most powerful of the new analysis techniques effectively. This thesis presents optimization of structures modeled by classical discretized finite elements using the direct stiffness approach. The technioue presented here utilizes a Mathematical Programming (MP) method, which is based on Zoutendijk's feasible Direction Finding Problem (DFP). Modifications on Zoutendijk's …

Stability Of Bicomponet Polymeric Liquids In Poiseuille Flow, Chin-Chang Jeng

Theses

Polymer processing, involving two or more components, has become more popular recently in industrial plants. However, product Quality is affected very much by the fluid stability. Some theoretical and experimental results concerning Newtonian and non-Newtonian flow in rectangular coordinates, have been published, and the fluid-fluid interfaces were observed to be unstable by some researchers.

In this paper, the linear stability of bicomponent non-Newtonian fluids flowing in a cylindrical tube was investigated by using the Ellis model. Only the very long wave and the axisymmetric disturbances were considered. The Ellis zero-shear-rate viscosity ratio, m( = η02 / η01 )destabilizing. The half-zero-shear-rate-viscosity …

Mixing Effect On Chemical Reaction In Liquid Phase, Ming-Teh Hsu

Dissertations

Mathematical models for the mixing phenomenon are proposed in this study. First model deals Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid without chemical reaction. The new terminology " degree of mixing " is define in this model for the time-dependency of mixing toward its completeness. The velocity profile and boundary conditions are given, then the degree of mixing can be calculated by the mathematical model. The degree of mixing is influenced by fluid motion and it is function of time.

Second model deals with first-order reaction effected by mixing. A mean fractional conversion is defined to investigate the rate of bhemical reaction. Results …

Simulation Of Particle Size Distribution In Continuous Emulsion Polymerization Through A Modified Population Balance Approach, Ying-Yuh Lu

Theses

A detailed mathematical model for particle size distribution in continuous emulsion polymerization of styrene and vinyl acetate is proposed on the basis of the population balance in the presence of several kinetic and mass transfer processes. This study is limited to the Smith-Ewart case II, which assumes instantaneous free radical termination within polymer particles. Radical desorption mechanism from polymer particles is included in the model and the desorption rate is formulated from the diffusion theory which suggests that the rate coefficient should be inversely proportional to the surface area of polymer particles.

Mathematical Modeling Of Unsteady State Photo-Polymerization, Rong-Fa Liang

Dissertations

Mathematical modeling of unsteady state photopolymerization in an isothermal batch reactor has been investigated. An analytical solution of the distribution of active polymers as a function of reaction time has been determined. It is verified that the quasi-stationary state approximation is valid in the photopolymerization process.

The free radical polymerization of styrene is forced periodically by on-off UV light regulation to the reactor. The effect of operating condition, the ratio of light-off period to light on/off period, on the polydispersity and molecular weight distribution are theoretically and numerically investigated. Significant broadening on molecular weight distribution can be obtained during the …

The Effects Of Pressure On The Kinetics And Mechanisms Of The Bod Reaction, Peter Sereico

Dissertations

The research was concerned with the kinetics and mechanisms of BOD reduction due to pressurization. The initial investigations involved attempts to reproduce and interpret the results of previous investigators. Thereafter, actual wastewater samples were pressurized and changes in the wastewater characteristics were analyzed and recorded. Based on the findings, possible mechanisms for creating the changes noted were proposed.

To test the mechanisms considered, samples of pure compounds were prepared and pressurized. The results of this analysis eliminated all of the mechanisms but the actual one. The mechanism responsible for changes in BOD profile under pressure conditions is the hydrolysis of …

Mathematical Modeling Of Distillation Operation From Non-Equilibrium Approach, Wen-Dow Pan

Dissertations

A new method for mathematical modeling of a distillation operation from non-equilibrium approach has been studied. The primary purpose of the study was to develop a model to simulate the mechanism of mass transfer between a continuous phase and the bubbles of a dispersed phase in a distillation column. The second major purpose of this work was to utilize and test the model of estimating the tray efficiency.

Distillation was considered to be purely a mass transfer process, where the less volatile component is transferred from vapor to liquid phase, and the more volatile component from liquid to vapor phase. …

Use Of An Optical Probe To Measure Bubble Characteristics In Gas Fluidized Beds, Thomas Tai-Pai Chu

Dissertations

A novel optical probe has been developed and used for on-line monitoring of the bubble characteristics in a three-dimensional gas fluidized bed. The probe sensor has a major dimension of 1.8 cm, and contains an LED and a photo-cell separated by a gap of 2.5 mm. Coupled with a non-inverting comparator circuit with hysteresis as a noise filter, the probe has been very effective in characterizing the size distribution, shape and velocity of gas bubbles.

A 96 liter rectangular fluidized bed was used, containing glass beads with a size fraction of 355μ to 250μ. Air was the fluidizing medium, with …

Finite Element Modeling Of A Femoral Stem In A Total Hip Prosthesis, Robert C. Cohen

Theses

A three-dimensional model was produced to study of effects of stress on a femoral stem in a total hip prosthesis. Using the ANSYS General Purpose Finite Element Computer Program, a reproduction of the system was constructed for the loads acting on the hip joint at intervals of a walking cycle. With isotropic properties for cortical bone, cancellous bone, cement, and selected alloys, the model was generated using three-dimensional, isoparametric, eight-node, solid elements (STIF45). The model consists of over 700 nodes and 442 elements. This model can be used to produce computer calculated stress data, if disc storage space allows.

On Analysis Of Small Bore Piping Vibrations, Nitinkumar Shroff

Theses

This thesis investigates the natural frequency and vibration induced stress of small bore power plant piping. Straight piping and piping with concentrated load, such as a valve, located anywhere along the span are studied. Four different boundary conditions of fixed-free, simple-fixed, fixed-fixed and simple-simple are investigated, as any single span piping may be approximated by one of these boundary conditions.

The results otained [sic] for frequency and stress coefficients in the case of straight piping are plotted. Plots of frequency factor and stress ratio for the piping with concentrated load are also presented.

The results obtained for the natural frequencies …

The Manhattan Project Legacy : Low Level Radioactive Waste Health Effects, An Epidemiological Study, Lisa Fetterman Voyce

Theses

An epidemiological survey was performed that included the area surrounding a former Department of Energy thorium processing and disposal facility. This facility processed monazite sands to obtain thorium under Federal Government contracts from 1941-1973.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection radiological surveys had shown elevated radiation levels at the Site and in the vicinity of the plant. The area was divided into sections according to distance from the site and from Sheffield Brook, which is also contaminated. Questionnaires were mailed to 400 families, with 112 responses. These represent 362 people.

Statistical analysis of the accumulated data regarding lifestyle, occupation, reproductive …

Reliability Studies On Solid Tantalum Electrolytic Capacitors, Hamed Nassar

Theses

The primary objective of this thesis is to determine and analyze the failure mechanisms of solid tantalum capacitors, pinpoint the causes, and suggest the precautionary measures that prevent the occurrence of these failures. To achieve this goal, the study went in two directions, theoretical and experimental. The theoretical part-is a comprehensive review of the work -done on tantalum capacitors since 1960 up to date.

The experimental part of the study is a life test (1000 hours) of solid tantalum capacitors under humidity and high temperature. To avoid the misconception that could happen by investigating a particular manufacturer's product, units from …

Behavior Of Thin-Walled Channel Shaped Reinforced Concrete Columns Under Combined Biaxial Bending And Compression, Subash Yalamarthy

Theses

Next to rectangular, circular and L shapes, Channel section may be the most frequently encountered reinforced concrete columns since they can be used as box wall for elevators. Nevertheless, information about the load deformation behavior is not generally available to structural engineers. Most of the investigations have been emphasized on the ultimate strength of column sections under combined biaxial bending and axial compression and the resulting interaction surface. No attention is paid to load deformation behavior.

Current code provisions do not provide adequate guidelines for assessing the strength and ductility of biaxially-loaded reinforced concrete columns. Therefore, this investigation is aimed …

Analysis Of Selected Volatile Organic Substances Associated With Residential Kerosene Heater Use And The Health Implications, Catherine Coombs Bobenhausen

Theses

Volatile organic species (aliphatic hydrocarbons from hexane to dodecane, cyclohexane and aromatic species including benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, m,p, and o—xylenes, nitrobenzene, styrene and naphthalene) associated with residential kerosene heater emissions were measured at two sites. One was a small room having a total volume of 23.66 cubic meters and an air change rate of 2.71 air changes per hour, and the other, a living/dining room area having a combined volume of 79.30 cubic meters and an estimated air change rate of .7 air changes per hour. The analytical procedure involved collection of a series of air samples in stainless …

Prediction Of Enthalpies Of Mixing With A Unifac Model, Dinh Dang

Theses

A modified UNIFAC model is used in the correlation and prediction of enthalpies of mixing. The model requires two interaction parameters per group pair and values for 172 such pairs are presented here. Excellent prediction results are obtained with typical errors, in the temperature range of 273°K to 400°K, below 15%. For systems containing cyclic compounds, somewhat poorer results may be encountered.

Three Studies On Airborne Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Carol Sophia Eveleens

Theses

Three studies have been conducted on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found on airborne particulate matter. The first investigation involves the determination of fly ash "activity" in the reaction of two PAHs adsorbed on its surface. Mass spectrometry is used to monitor the exchange of hydrogen and deuterium atoms between anthracene and anthracene-d10. The results indicate that some fly ashes exhibit "activity" in the reactions of PAHs adsorbed on its surface. The second investigation involves the determination of cyclopenta[cd]pyrene (CcdP) and benzo[ghi]flouranthene (BghiF) on samples of airborne particulate material collected from two automobile traffic tunnels. Glass capillary gas chromatography with a precolumn …