Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Galvanic And Pitting Corrosion Of A Fastener Assembly, Julie Shallman

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research focuses on coupled galvanic/pitting corrosion of AA7075 when combined with stainless steel in a fastener assembly. A one-dimensional mathematical model of a well-mixed thin film electrolyte is developed to predict the damage profile of the AA7075 surface when its protective coating is damaged. The damage exposes the galvanic couple. A time dependent system of partial differential equations for potential, chloride concentration, aluminum ion concentration, and damage is developed and solved numerically. Two approaches to calculate the current density within aluminum pits are discussed. The first is a current balance between the cathodic, anodic and passive portions of the …

Artificial Olfactory System For Multi-Component Analysis Of Gas Mixtures., Alexander Aleksandrovich Larin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Gas analysis is an important part of our world and gas sensing technology is becoming more essential for various aspects of our life. A novel approach for gas mixture analysis by using portable gas chromatography in combination with an array of highly integrated and selective metal oxide (MOX) sensors has been studied. We developed a system with small size (7 x 13 x 16 inches), low power consumption (~10 W) and absence of special carrier gases designed for portable field analysis (assuming apriori calibration). Low ppb and even sub-ppb level of detection for some VOCs was achieved during the analysis …

Acetone Production, Ali Ibrahim Neamah

The Hilltop Review

Iraq struggles with a lack of acetone production. This overall deficiency impacts the economy of countries like Iraq. Inasmuch, acetone is a vital chemical component for many items imported into this country such as nail polish remover. Therefore, a process of acetone production is proposed in this study.

The ideal process of producing acetone with 90.0% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) decomposition method is proposed within this study. The feed of the process is 100000 ton/ day. This amount of feed is suggested due to the demographic need of acetone for the Iraqi population as well as the surrounding Middle Eastern region. …

Comparison Of Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic And Direct Bonded Copper For Single Ended Primary Inductance Topology, Kristopher Cody Johnson

Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This work examines the thermal dissipation characteristics of Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) and Direct Bonded Copper (DBC) with the implementation of a Single Ended Primary Inductance Converter (SEPIC) topology. The advantages and disadvantages of the two substrates will be explored in addition to a description of the design and control of the SEPIC. It will be shown that the DBC implementation is superior with regards to thermal dissipation, but that LTCC has advantages in high- density packaging, RF applications, and embedded components. These substrates and converters provide many advantages in industrial applications that include automotive and grid level implementations. Additional …

Chemical Storage Of Wind Energy By Renewable Methanol Production: Feasibility Analysis Using A Multi-Criteria Decision Matrix, Michael J. Matzen, Mahdi H. Alhajji, Yaşar Demirel

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

This study is for the technoeconomic analysis of an integral facility consisting of wind energy-based electrolytic hydrogen production, bioethanol-based carbon dioxide capture and compression, and direct methanol synthesis. ASPEN Plus was used to simulate the facility producing 97.01 mt (metric tons) methanol/day using 138.37 mt CO₂/day and 18.56 mt H₂/day. A discounted cash flow diagram for the integral facility is used for the economic analysis at various hydrogen production costs and methanol selling prices. The feasibility analysis is based on a multi-criteria decision matrix consisting of economic and sustainability indicators comparing renewable and non-renewable methanol productions. …

Solvent System Selection For Xylooligosaccharides Separation By Centrifugal Partition Chromatography Using Conductor-Like Screening Model For Real Solvents, He Zhang

Open Access Theses

The production of value-added, bio-based industrial commodity chemicals is an important area in science right now and this study provides an initial step in the recovery of bio-based chemicals from hemicellulose. Hemicellulose is a long chain polymer mostly consisting of xylose, which is a five-carbon sugar, and a variety of other compounds that are ubiquitous in plant life. The hemicellulose polymer chain can be depolymerized into smaller components, called xylooligosaccharides (XOS) with different chain lengths of xylose linked by beta-1-4 glycosidic bonds, using either hot water, or dilute sulfuric acid. The xylooligosaccharides can then be purified from one another from …

An Integrated Approach To Developing Technical Communication Skills In Engineering Students, Ronald S. Harichandran, David J. Adams, Michael Collura, Nadiye O. Erdil, David Harding, Jean Nocito-Gobel, Amy Thompson

Engineering and Applied Science Education Faculty Publications

The Project to Integrate Technical Communication Habits (PITCH) is being implemented across seven engineering and computer science undergraduate programs. The overarching goal of PITCH is to develop written, oral and visual communication skills and professional habits in engineering students. PITCH activities begin in the very first semester and are reinforced and extended through all four years of each program. Senior design becomes the culminating experience in which students demonstrate the skills and habits acquired through PITCH courses. Student outcomes for the project were established based on an extensive survey of employers, alumni and faculty. Communication instruments include technical memoranda, poster …

A Multidisciplinary Techno-Economic Decision Support Tool For Validating Long-Term Economic Viability Of Biorefining Processes, Sumesh Sukumara

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

Increasing demand for energy and transportation fuel has motivated researchers all around the world to explore alternatives for a long-term sustainable source of energy. Biomass is one such renewable resource that can be converted into various marketable products by the process of biorefining. Currently, research is taking strides in developing conversion techniques for producing biofuels from multiple bio-based feedstocks. However, the greatest concern with emerging processes is the long-term viability as a sustainable source of energy. Hence, a framework is required that can incorporate novel and existing processes to validate their economic, environmental and social potential in satisfying present energy …

Low Volume Dispensing With High Speed Dispensers, Sunny Agarwal

Graduate Dissertations and Theses

With the high pace of innovation in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, there has been an increasing demand for more energy efficient and environmental friendly products. This research relates to a complex process of fluid dispensing at low volumes on a printed circuit board. Currently, a more refined non-contact dispensing terminology named “Streaming” is widely used to stream out material at low volumes for various applications. The key solution is to frame a dispensing method that lends itself most closely to the requirements of a specific production process.

This study represents a detailed approach of dispensing low volumes of materials in …

Materials Education And Research In Art And Design: A New Role For Libraries (Survey Stats), Mark Pompelia

Materials Education and Research in Art and Design: A New Role for Libraries

No abstract provided.

Materials Education And Research In Art And Design: A New Role For Libraries (Program Sheet), Mark Pompelia

Materials Education and Research in Art and Design: A New Role for Libraries

No abstract provided.

Materials Education And Research In Art And Design: A New Role For Libraries (Program Booklet), Mark Pompelia

Materials Education and Research in Art and Design: A New Role for Libraries

No abstract provided.

Materials Education And Research In Art And Design: A New Role For Libraries (Website), Mark Pompelia

Materials Education and Research in Art and Design: A New Role for Libraries

No abstract provided.

Materials Collection Creation And Administration: A New Role For Libraries (White Paper), Mark Pompelia

Materials Education and Research in Art and Design: A New Role for Libraries

The Problem/Opportunity: To define, identify, and guide design-based materials collections in academic settings and foster community among those with existing collections and/or those considering creating and supporting one.

Contents and topics:

1. What is a materials collection?
2. Why have a materials collection?
3. Acquisition strategies
4. Organizational approaches
5. Programming possibilities
6. Symposium summary
7. Resources

S-Stem Scholars, A Second Generation: Support For At-Risk Upper Division And Transfer Students In Ceas, Andrew A. Kline, Betsy M. Aller

Academic Leadership Academy

Begun in 2010, the S-STEM Scholar Program increases opportunities for financially needy but academically talented students. These students:

•Are first-time, first year students •Demonstrate financial need through FAFSA applications

•Will enter a major in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

•Have a math ACT of 24 or above

Student awardees receive up to $3,000 per semester, and continue to receive this amount for up to eight semesters with continued academic success and progress to degree.

Developing And Assessing Leadership In Engineering Students, W. Vincent Wilding, Thomas A. Knotts, William G. Pitt, Morris D. Argyle

Faculty Publications

Developing and Assessing Leadership in Engineering Students W. Vincent Wilding, Thomas A. Knotts IV, William G. Pitt, and Morris D. Argyle Department of Chemical Engineering, Brigham Young University The Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology at Brigham Young University is focusing on five initiatives: Leadership, Innovation, Global Awareness, Character, Technical Excellence. Efforts in the realm of leadership include freshmen leadership seminars and a required sophomore course entitled Global Leadership in a Technological World. Departments within the college are expected to build on this foundation in the junior and senior years. The Chemical Engineering Department has developed an effective …

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Analysis: Lessons Learned From Stationary Power Generation Final Report, Scott E. Grasman, John W. Sheffield, Fatih Dogan, Sunggyu Lee, Umit O. Koylu, Angie Rolufs

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study considered opportunities for hydrogen in stationary applications in order to make recommendations related to RD&D strategies that incorporate lessons learned and best practices from relevant national and international stationary power efforts, as well as cost and environmental modeling of pathways. The study analyzed the different strategies utilized in power generation systems and identified the different challenges and opportunities for producing and using hydrogen as an energy carrier. Specific objectives included both a synopsis/critical analysis of lessons learned from previous stationary power programs and recommendations for a strategy for hydrogen infrastructure deployment. This strategy incorporates all hydrogen pathways and …

A Systemic Framework For Implementation Of Tqm Programmes, Emanuel Mjema

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The purpose of this paper is to present a systemic framework for implementation of TQM program in a manufacturing organisation that produces motor vehicle components in Port Elizabeth - South Africa. The approach used included conceptualisation of the systemic framework and then involvement of the stakeholders in adding scenarios to be considered in the design and implementing the framework in the real field. The findings obtained during the implementation of the systemic framework established that reduction of scrap rate, reduction of production costs, reduction of cycle time and employee motivation could be achieved through the implementation of a Systemic Framework …

Calibration Of Hdm-4 For Use In Pavement Management Systems (Pms), Nurdin Mushule

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

One of major problems of road management in developing countries is the lack of decision making tools for preparing road maintenance programmes. This results in poor resource allocation and poor utilisation of existing assets. Pavement management systems (PMS) have been developed around the world in order to assist with the pavement management process in a co-ordinated and systematic manner. Some developed countries have derived pavement performance models that are suited to local conditions by setting up long term pavement performance studies. Conversely, most developing countries do not have the resources required to set up similar large-scale field experiments. However, validation …

The Effect Of Rotation And Temperature On The Inhibition Performance Of Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale L.) Nut Shell Liquid On Co2 Corrosion Of Carbon Steel, J Mutasingwa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A natural extract of cashew nut shells, Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) was investigated as a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in 3% NaCl solutions saturated with CO2 gas using electrochemical techniques (i.e. potentiodynamic polarization and ac-impedance). The investigation was performed at different temperatures under static and dynamic conditions using a Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE). It was found that CNSL reduces the electrochemical processes taking place on carbon steel undergoing corrosion. The percentage inhibitor efficiency increases with increase in CNSL concentration and decreases with rise in temperature. Better performance at low CNSL concentration was registered under dynamic conditions and room …

Investigation Of The Effect Of Particle Size On Groundnut-Oil Solvent Extraction, S Manyele

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

An investigation of the effect of particle size on the performance of vegetable oil recovery by solvent extraction is reported. Experiments were conducted using soxhlet extractor, groundnuts and n-hexane. Samples were grouped into mean particle sizes of 0.25, 0.75, 1.3, 3.3, and 7.5 mm using standard sieves. The effect of particle size was studied for extraction time intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 hours. The oil yield, oil recovered per kg solvent used, kg solvent lost per unit time, and the rate of extraction (kg oil recovered per hour) decreased with increasing particle size. Meanwhile, the percent …

How Accurate Is Students’ Self Assessment Of Computer Skills?, Michael A. Collura, Samuel Bogan Daniels

Engineering and Applied Science Education Faculty Publications

Self-evaluation by students is commonly used as a key element in program and course assessment plans. Such instruments are intended to provide crucial feedback for program improvement and thus play a significant role in closing our assessment loop. For many of the program outcomes, self-assessment by current students and graduates augments other, more objective measures. However, for some outcomes there are no practical means of obtaining objective assessment and we must rely on self-assessment. The heavy reliance on this metric begs the question “How accurate is student self-assessment?” This paper provides data from a second-semester engineering course in which students …

The Current Generation Of Integrated Engineering Curriculum, Michael A. Collura, Samuel Bogan Daniels, Jean Nocito-Gobel, David Harding

Engineering and Applied Science Education Faculty Publications

In September of 2004 our university adopted the Multidisciplinary Engineering Foundation Spiral Curriculum as the basis for disciplinary engineering programs in Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and General Engineering. The curriculum includes a sequence of first and second year engineering courses, matched closely with the development of students’ mathematical sophistication and analytical capabilities and integrated with course work in the sciences. Students develop a conceptual understanding of engineering basics in this series of courses which stress practical applications of these principles. The new curriculum was designed to provide students with a multidisciplinary perspective while developing basic engineering skills and fostering an …

Civil And Mechanical Engineering Students Learning Mechanics In A Multidisciplinary Engineering Foundation Spiral, Jean Nocito-Gobel, Gregory Broderick, Samuel Bogan Daniels, Michael Collura, Richard Stanley

Engineering and Applied Science Education Faculty Publications

This paper describes how mechanical and civil engineering students are introduced to and develop an understanding of mechanics concepts through a sequence of integrated courses as part of a new curriculum taken during the freshman and sophomore years. The Multi- Disciplinary Engineering Foundation Spiral is a four-semester sequence of engineering courses, matched closely with the development of students’ mathematical sophistication and analytical capabilities and integrated with course work in the sciences. Students develop a conceptual understanding of engineering basics in this series of courses, which stress practical applications of these principles. Mechanics concepts are introduced in a pair of first …

Performance Of Aerobic Bioreactors During Treatment Of Tanning Industry Wastewater, Samwel V. Manyele

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The performance of aerobic bioreactors loaded with novel biomass support (the KMT® support particles) during the treatment of tanning industry wastewater is presented in this paper. The wastewater samples were collected from TANWAT Company in Njombe, which extracts tannins from barks of the wattle tree. The wastewater generated from T ANWAT is very acidic with high loading of organic compounds, which are very complex and difficult to biodegrade using conventional methods. The paper introduces a new technology for treatment of heavily loaded industrial wastewater, like tannins, that is the Three-Phase Fluidized Bed Bioreactor (TPFBB) which utilizes the KM'f® support particles. …

Geometric Programming As A General Method For Phase And Reaction Equilibrium Calculations, Godwill Mrema

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Geometric programming has been used to calculate a large mtmber ofdifferent ideal and non-ideal equilibria, including, for reaction and For non-ideal Systems the primal program is solved a number Of times With the nan-ideal terms fixed each time. After each primal solution, the nan-ideal terms are "'hdated using the corresponding dun! solution. This iteration generally converges. We have included one counter-example, where the failure is caused by the equation Of state, which Cannot giu• correct roots.

Socio-Economic Impacts Of Computer Viruses In Tanzania, M Victor

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper reports on a research project conducted with an objective of identifying and assessing various approaches used by different computer users (Management, System Administrators and end users) in Tanzania to combat computer viruses (CVs), and to assess users' awareness level on CVs. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing the awareness level on CVs to the Tanzanian business community; analyze the socio -economic impact caused by CVs in Tanzania and; assess existing methods, capacity and limitations on controlling CVs in Tanzania. Data was collected using both questionnaires and interview from financial institutions such as NBC and BOT, and telecommunications sector …

The Decomposition Kinetics Of Solids Thermodynamic Evidence For The Enthalpy Driven Cooling Of Reaction Environment Part 2, Akwilapo D

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The analysis of non-isothermal kinetic data for the decomposition of calcium carbonate, CaC03 (s) ~ CaO (s) + C02 (g) in flowing nitrogen, shows that the decomposition of solids is accompanied by self-cooling/heating of the reaction environment depending on the sample mass and heating rate. The correctness of the kinetic model is established by the calculation of the enthalpy change of the reaction. This is the thermodynamic evidence of endothermic enthalpy driven cooling of the reaction environment. The enthalpy change LJH = 179.33 kJmol-1 estimated from this work for the dissociation of CaC03 is in agreement with LJH = 179.17 …

Gasification Kinetics Of Ultrafine Coal Char Oxidation In Flame Reactions, G John

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Pulverized coal combustion is exceedingly complex with a  vast number of variables. In order to avoid the complications associated with the burning of coal char, a controlled study has been made of the oxidation of fine graphite in laminar methane-air flame as a contribution to the understanding of the more complex phenomena of the gasification kinetics of the char. The burning of methane is equivalent to the burning of volatiles and graphite oxidation is similar to that of coal char. Aspects of this have been simulated in experimental and computational studies of 4pm diameter graphite particle burning in methane -air …

Effectiveness Of Hot Isostatic Pressing On Healing Oxide Film Defects In Cast Aluminium Alloys, C Nyahumwa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Hot isostatic pressing (hipping) of cast aluminium alloys is recognized as a means of providing improved internal soundness and mechanical properties of the castings. However, little is known about the limitations and potential benefit of the hipping process to produce reliable aluminium alloy castings containing oxide film defects due to turbulently filling of moulds. In this study, oxide film defects and fatigue lives of turbule''Zt filled unfiltered AI-7Si-Mg alloy castings have been characterised in as-cast and hipped. conditions to quantify the effectiveness of hot isostatic pressing on healing oxide film defects in the castings. The average fatigue life and fatigue …