Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Purification And Concentration Of Model Viruses Using Single-Pass Tangential Flow Filtration, Luis Alberto Mejía-Manzano, Lynn M. Manchester, Grace Wallis, Kan Wang, Bruce Lee, Michael Betenbaugh, Caryn Heldt

Michigan Tech Publications

The vaccine and viral vector industry is growing at an accelerated rate. To improve harvest and purification processes, the development of continuous membrane-based operations, such as normal flow filtration (NFF) and single pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF) for concentration were explored. This work was conducted using two model viruses, non-enveloped porcine parvovirus (PPV) and enveloped Suid herpesvirus (SuHV). The viruses are in the same family as the gene therapy vectors adeno associated virus and herpes simplex virus, respectively. SPTFF design started with batch TFF for membrane selection. Hollow fiber membranes with a 100 and 300 kDa molecular weight cut off …

Integrated Decision-Support Framework For Enhancing Coastal Community Resilience Against Hurricane-Induced Hazards, Kooshan Amini, Tanmoy Palit, Abigail L. Beck, Jayant Patil, Tao Lu, Himadri Sen Gupta, Yousef Darestani, Et. Al

Michigan Tech Publications

Coastal communities face escalating threats from hurricanes, necessitating a shift from descriptive risk assessment to prescriptive, optimized portfolio planning to enhance resilience. This study introduces an integrated decision-support framework that couples high-fidelity, multi-hazard socio-physical system modeling with a multi-objective optimization model. The framework quantifies the cascading impacts of hurricane-induced wind, storm surge, and waves on a community’s interdependent buildings, transportation network, and detailed distribution-level electric power network (EPN), along with the resulting population dislocation and long-term recovery. It then identifies Pareto-optimal portfolios of mitigation strategies by simultaneously minimizing three conflicting objectives—economic loss, population dislocation, and recovery time—under various budget constraints. …

S-[2-(Hydroxyamino)-2-Oxoethyl]-O-Octyl-Dithiocarbonate Ester (Ehaox): Performance And Adsorption Mechanism, Yue Zhou, Jiaxiang Li, Hongli Fan, Zhilong Li, Yuesheng Gao, Tian Lin, Haiyan Tang, Tingting Wang, Wei Sun

Michigan Tech Publications

This study explores the interfacial interactions between a novel collector, S-[2-(hydroxyamino)-2-oxoethyl]-O-octyl-dithiocarbonate ester (EHAOX), and bastnaesite mineral surfaces during selective flotation. Compared to conventional octylhydroxamic acid (OHA), EHAOX demonstrated superior recovery, achieving an over 40% absolute increase in recovery compared to octylhydroxamic acid (OHA) at the same collector concentration (1 × 10⁻⁵ mol/L) and pH 8.0, and selectivity for bastnaesite, attributed to its optimized hydrophobicity (supported by CLogP calculations). Mechanistic studies via zeta potential, UV/vis spectroscopy, and FTIR revealed the formation of a complex composite via chemisorption between EHAOX and Ce³⁺ sites on the bastnaesite surface, with coordination occurring …

How Fe(Ii)/2-Oxoglutarate Oxygenase Chooses Chlorination Over Hydroxylation: Electric Field-Driven Ligand Exchange Governs C-Cl Formation, Simahudeen Bathir Jaber Sathik Rifayee, Midhun George Thomas, Anandhu Krishnan, Kritika Gupta, Carter Davis, Tatyana Karabencheva-Christova, Christo Z. Christov

Michigan Tech Publications

Non-heme Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-dependent halogenases catalyze highly selective C-H halogenation. BesD is a non-heme Fe(II)/2OG halogenase that performs regio- and stereoselective chlorination of the l-lysine (l-Lys) substrate. Understanding the mechanism by which halogenation is favored over canonical hydroxylation is essential for guiding enzyme engineering efforts aimed at converting hydroxylases into halogenases. Here, we combine molecular dynamics (MD) and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations to elucidate the origin of chlorination selectivity in BesD and variants derived from a homologous hydroxylase. Our results indicate that, although the initial inline Cl-Fe(III)-OH intermediate is inherently predisposed toward hydroxylation, it undergoes a two-step isomerization in …

A Continuous Viral Vaccine Biomanufacturing Platform Utilizing Multiple Bioreactor Configurations, Justin Sargunas, Bradley Priem, Dylan Carman, Taravat Sarvari, Natalie Nold, Vaishali Sharma, Andrew Pekosz, Caryn Heldt, Michael Betenbaugh

Michigan Tech Publications

Scalable, continuous biomanufacturing processes have grown in importance to meet demand for smaller bioreactor sizes, lowered production costs, and improved quality attribute consistency. The Sf9/recombinant baculovirus (rBV) expression system demonstrates promise for virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine and gene therapy production. Here, we present a continuous rBV platform integrating an infection plug flow reactor (PFR) between stirred tank growth (gCSTR) and production (pCSTR) bioreactors. Cell expansion in the gCSTR included a ramp-up stage followed by continuous growth, reaching a steady state of 5×10 cells/mL and >90% viability. Péclet number-fit tracer studies confirmed near-ideal plug flow in the PFR, yielding a 10 …

Iron Ore Tailings Reprocessing By Electrostatic Separation Plus Two-Stage Froth Flotation, Vincent Bailey Arohunmolase, Akintunde Stephen Samakinde, Palas Kamlakar Borkar, Daniel Amponsah-Berko, Timothy Eisele

Michigan Tech Publications

The reprocessing of tailings is crucial for recovering valuable iron and reducing the environmental impact associated with tailings disposal. The raw iron ore tailings used in this study had an initial iron oxide content of 24.05 wt% Fe2O3, as determined by ICP-OES analysis. This study investigates the practicality of tailings reprocessing to enhance iron oxide content by integrating electrostatic separation with a two-stage froth flotation process consisting of direct anionic flotation using oleic acid followed by reverse cationic flotation using amine collectors. The primary goal is to efficiently recover valuable iron from tailings, thereby reducing waste and promoting sustainable resource …

Biomass Demineralization: A Critical Need For Future Biorefineries, Leoncio Santiago-Martínez, Styliani Avraamidou, Alejandro Ayala-Cortés, Ruth Azike, Santanu Bakshi, Chumki Banik, Ezra Bar Ziv, Fei Long, Rebecca Ong, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

Biomass contains up to 14 essential elements that serve as nutrients for plant growth and development, including photosynthesis and enzyme functionalities. These elements in different chemical forms (e.g., minerals) constitute the inorganic fraction of biomass and can cause operational issues in thermal and biochemical biomass conversion technologies. In biomass gasification and pyrolysis processes, for instance, inorganics can cause fouling, tar formation, and corrosion. In catalytic and biochemical processes, inorganics can poison catalysts, alter biochemical pathways, and modify product yields and selectivity. This review provides an overview of the inorganic content in biomass feedstocks, the critical role inorganics play in plant …

Electronic Trap-State Modulation In Sm-Doped Sno Nanofibers Enables Ultrasensitive Hydrogen Sensing, Asky Fungura, Shan Hu, Shuang Gu, Yixin Liu

Michigan Tech Publications

The demand for sub-ppm hydrogen (H) sensing is growing across emerging applications such as environmental monitoring, breath-based disease diagnostics, and early-stage battery failure detection. However, achieving reliable ppb-level detection with chemiresistive metal oxide sensors remains challenging. At trace gas concentrations, resistance modulation is often insufficient, particularly in the absence of noble metal catalysts. Here, we report samarium-doped tin dioxide (Sm-SnO) nanofibers in which electronic trap-state modulation is exploited to enable ultrasensitive hydrogen sensing. The 2 at% Sm-doped SnO nanofibers exhibited markedly enhanced H sensitivity, achieving clear detection down to 25 ppb H at 200 °C, with a theoretical limit of …

Interfacial Chemistry Involved In Selective Separation Of Nmc/Lmo And Lco/Lmo Binary Cathode Materials By Froth Flotation Using Oleic Acid, Richard Kofi Oboh, Kaiwu Huang, Seoung Bum Son, Lei Pan

Michigan Tech Publications

The variability in cathode compositions within recycled lithium-ion battery (LIB) feedstocks poses a significant challenge to efficient downstream refining processes. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using froth flotation with oleic acid as a collector to selectively separate lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) from lithium manganese oxide (LMO) materials. Laboratory-scale flotation tests achieved an 80% separation efficiency in a single stage, producing a froth product with >90% purity of NMC/LCO at approximately 90% yield. Concurrently, the LMO materials were enriched in the sink product with ∼90% purity and ∼90% yield. This approach was further validated using …

Leaching Of Manganese Using Bio-Solubilized Iron Reductant To Prevent Manganese Carbonate Formation, Palas Kamlakar Borkar, Neha Sharma, Atharva Rane, Kwabena Boafo, Timothy Eisele

Michigan Tech Publications

A mixed culture of metal-reducing microorganisms was used to dissolve iron, which was then utilized as a reductant to extract manganese in a 250 mL two-stage bioleaching system. In this two-stage configuration, CO2 generation associated with microbial metabolism occurs in the iron-reduction stage, while MnO2 reduction is confined to a separate manganese-leaching stage, thereby minimizing manganese carbonate formation. The results demonstrated that the two-stage system effectively maintained Fe²⁺ availability, enhancing manganese dissolution while mitigating loss of manganese through manganese carbonate (MnCO3) formation. In contrast, a single-stage bioleaching approach, where microorganisms directly reduced manganese oxides, led to significant MnCO3 precipitation, …

Challenges And Opportunities In Lentivirus Viral Vector Manufacturing For In Vivo Applications, Eduardo Barbieri, Caryn Heldt

Michigan Tech Publications

The clinical success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies has revolutionized oncology, yet the high costs and logistical complexities of ex vivo manufacturing remain significant barriers to global patient access. In vivo cell therapy, which involves the direct injection of lentiviral vectors (LVVs) to engineer cells within the patient’s body, offers a promising, cost-effective alternative. However, transitioning from ex vivo to in vivo applications necessitates a fundamental shift in LVV biomanufacturing to ensure safety and efficacy. This paper examines the critical bottlenecks in the current LVV production landscape. In upstream processing, we explore LVV particle assembly and maturation mechanisms, …

Aqueous Iron Electrowinning: From Electrolyte Engineering To The Unexplored Potential Of Acetate Systems, Chodwell N. Verenga

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Iron electrowinning and electrodeposition sit at the intersection of classical metallurgy and developing sustainable manufacturing. With the iron and steel industry responsible for 7 - 9% of global CO₂ emissions, low-temperature electrochemical pathways for iron production have garnered significant research interest. This review examines the fundamental electrochemical principles governing iron deposition, the thermodynamic constraints imposed by the iron-water system, and the kinetic challenges posed by the parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The three key electrolyte systems are objectively evaluated: acidic sulfate and chloride electrolytes, alkaline suspension electrolytes and water-in-salt electrolytes. Their operating parameters, faradaic efficiencies, energy consumption and deposit characteristics …

Numerical And Experimental Evaluation Of A Simple, Low-Energy Lunar Volatile Separation Technology, Eleanor L. Zimmermann

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is the practice of finding, extracting, and using the local resources found on extraterrestrial bodies, such as the Moon and Mars. ISRU enables in-situ production of mission consumables—such as rocket fuel and potable water—which will be critical for establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon, a goal NASA intends to accomplish by 2028 with the Artemis missions. The separation and liquefaction of locally extracted volatiles—such as water, CO₂, and Methane—is an essential component in lunar surface sustainability, but there are very few technologies being developed for this purpose. This report introduces the Radiative …

Mechanical Fractionation Of Wheat Middlings For Application In Pyrolysis And Animal Feed, Okwudili I. Obiakor

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Wheat middlings are grain byproducts that are underused for bioenergy production despite having a high lignocellulose content. Its use as a feedstock for catalytic pyrolysis depends on effective and sustainable fractionation to enhance efficiency and product yield. This study tested mechanical pre-fractionation (sieving and air classification) to reduce ash content of certain fractions to < 1% for catalytic pyrolysis and enrich nutrient levels of other fractions for feed applications. Wheat middlings were separated into 11 fractions using screen sizes from 106 µm to 1651 µm, and the composition of each fraction was characterized (ash, protein, structural carbohydrates, lignin, starch, and simple sugars). For cyclone separation, a full factorial design was used to study the effect of air velocity (15,18, 20 m/s) and feed rate (33, 35, 38 kg/h) on the amount of material collected in the underflow and overflow, and the composition of these fractions was characterized. Sieving showed a pronounced segregation of ash content, from 4.5% to 6.5% in wheat middlings fractions, with 5.7% being the lowest for coarse fractions which has higher lignocellulose content, and 4.5% in the fine fraction (150-212 µm). The same defined enrichment was observed in all nutrients except for protein. Starch enrichment zone were defined in the fine fractions (212 µm and below), for structural carbohydrates and lignin in the coarse fractions (600 µm and above), and for ash in coarse fractions (1180-1651 µm). In contrast, protein content was not significantly different between various fractions (p value=0.787). The fiber rich fraction (> 600 µm), suitable for pyrolysis, which have a composite ash value of 6.0% can be sorted and mixed with intermediate fractions to reduce ash to 5.3% and the remaining fractions rich in digestible nutrients used for animal feed formulation. Compared to sieving, cyclone separations did not …

Treating Low-Concentration Methane Emissions Via A Methanotroph-Based Biotrickling Filter: Techno-Economic And Life Cycle Assessment, Waaseyaaban Landgren, Robert Handler, David Shonnard, Mary E. Lidstrom

Michigan Tech Publications

Methane, a greenhouse gas which has a global warming potential 80 times greater than carbon dioxide on a 20-year time scale, greatly contributes to global warming. Removing 1 Gt of atmospheric methane by 2050 would limit global temperature increase from reaching 1.5 °C. Currently, biotrickling filter systems for removing atmospheric methane via methanotrophs exist, but not for very low methane concentrations (< 1 v%). Recent work at the University of Washington to isolate and improve a microbial strain which thrives at 500 ppmv CH4 has removed one obstacle in making this technology feasible. In this study, techno-economic and environmental life cycle assessment analyses conducted on this process have assessed its economic feasibility, greenhouse gas reduction potential, and possible areas of improvement. Study results show that at 500 ppmv CH4, this process could remove atmospheric methane at a cost of USD 3992–5224/tCH4. The best-performing case also produces annual net reductions in warming potential by 276–311 tCO2e/120 m3 process unit deployed. Many opportunities exist to improve the outcomes of the baseline analysis even further, especially related to reducing the transport distance of media and harvested biomass.

Exploring The Effects Of Excipients On Complex Coacervation, Xianci Zeng, Pratik U. Joshi, Alexander Lawton, Lynn M. Manchester, Caryn Heldt, Sarah L. Perry

Michigan Tech Publications

Complex coacervation is an associative liquid–liquid phase separation phenomenon that takes place due to the electrostatic complexation of oppositely-charged polyelectrolytes and the entropic gains associated with the release of bound counterions and rearrangement of solvent. The aqueous nature of coacervation has resulted in its broad use in systems requiring high biocompatibility. The significance of electrostatic interactions in coacervates has meant that studies investigating the phase behaviors of these systems have tended to focus on parameters such as the charge stoichiometry of the polyions, the solution pH, and the ionic strength. However, the equilibrium that exists between the polymer-rich coacervate phase …

Class A Biosolids Production Using Conventional And Low-Cost, Low-Tech Processes At Small Water Resource Recovery Facilities: A Multidimensional Sustainability Assessment, Janna Brown, Robert Handler, Eric Seagren, Jennifer Becker

Michigan Tech Publications

Producing Class A biosolids is a beneficial way to reuse wastewater treatment solids, but most conventional processes are energy-intensive and expensive. There is growing interest in the use of low-cost, low-tech (LCLT) Class A biosolids treatment processes, especially at small water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). This study used a holistic sustainability assessment to examine the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of conventional and LCLT processes at small WRRFs. The technologies studied were Direct Heat Drying, Composting, Lagoon Storage, Air Drying, and Temperature-Phased Anaerobic Digestion (TPAD). Environmental impacts were determined by conducting life-cycle assessments for all technologies, which is described in …

Economic And Environmental Impact Of Recovering And Upgrading Lignin Via The Alpha Process On An Ethanol Biorefinery, Daniel G. Kulas, Robert Handler, Graham Tindall, Bronson Lynn, Mark Thies, David Shonnard

Michigan Tech Publications

Lignin valorization is limited by both impurities and broad molecular weight (MW) distributions. The Aqueous Lignin Purification using Hot Agents (ALPHA) process exploits the novel liquid–liquid equilibrium that exists between lignin and hot, one-phase solutions of aqueous renewable solvents to simultaneously purify and fractionate raw bulk lignins. Our analysis considered the valorization of lignin recovered from two ethanol biorefinery waste streams, black liquor and lignin cake. By applying sequential ALPHA stages, distinct lignin fractions of controlled MW and purity were isolated suitable for producing carbon fibers, polyurethane foams (PUF), and activated carbons (ACs). Surprisingly, only a single extraction stage was …

Minimum Ghg Emissions And Energy Consumption Of U.S. Pet And Polyolefin Packaging Supply Chains In A Circular Economy, Utkarsh S. Chaudhari, Abhishek Patil, Tasmin Hossain, David Watkins, Damon S. Hartley, Barbara K. Reck, Robert Handler, Anne T. Johnson, Vicki S. Thompson, David Shonnard

Michigan Tech Publications

There is a wide agreement on the urgency of transforming linear management of plastics towards a circular economy model. However, no clear pathways exist as to required recycling technologies involved and system-wide environmental impacts. This study explores such pathways in the U.S. for the most commonly used packaging plastics through a combination of mechanical and emerging advanced recycling technologies. A system optimization model aimed at minimizing environmental impacts was developed to determine optimal end-of-life (EOL) management and locations of existing and emerging U.S. recycling infrastructures. Our study includes material flows from virgin resin production through semi-manufacturing processes to existing EOL …

Reference Correlations For The Density And Viscosity Of Molten Alkali And Alkaline Earth Fluoride Salts, A. Birri, R. Chesser, N. Termini, J. C. Numbers, Kevin Garland, M. A. Rose

Michigan Tech Publications

While there is a significant body of literature pertaining to thermophysical property measurements of molten salts, there is often a wide degree of variability among independent measurements of the same compounds. As such, the scientific community benefits greatly from an unbiased, independent assessment of duplicate datasets, so that reference correlations which describe these thermophysical properties as functions of temperature can be determined and then commonly used by researchers, scientists, and engineers. With regard to molten fluoride compounds, a significant time has elapsed since density and viscosity reference correlations have been determined; Janz conducted the most recent effort, in 1988, to …

Continuous Purification Of A Parvovirus Using Two Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction Steps, Natalie Nold, Sheridan Waldack, Grace James, Trisha Colling, Lynn M. Manchester, Taravat Sarvari, Amanda P. Bekkala, Seth Kriz, Madison Baldwin, Emily Agustin-Mazariegos, Michael J. Betenbaugh, Caryn Heldt

Michigan Tech Publications

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) are a liquid–liquid extraction method that offers low-cost, continuous-adaptable virus purification. A two-step ATPS using polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium citrate that recovered 66% of infectious porcine parvovirus with 2.0 logs of protein removal and 1.0 logs of DNA removal in batch has now been run continuously. The continuous system output of < 10 ng/mL DNA regardless of starting DNA titer agreed with batch studies. However, the continuous system had a five-fold higher contaminating protein titer than batch studies, likely because of incomplete mixing or settling. Turbidity was tested as a measure of mixing and settling efficiency. Monitoring in-line absorbance at 880 nm directly after mixing and before collection in the settling reservoir could track both mixing and settling during operation. Settling time was reduced by changing the settling line material from PVC to PTFE, which is more hydrophobic. A flow-through AEX filter tested to make impurity removal more robust recovered 90% of PPV and removed an additional 87% of host cell DNA. The filter did not add any additional protein removal. In the future, in-line absorbance sensors could be implemented along with conductivity sensors to measure salt concentration, refractive index sensors to track the PEG-citrate interface, and scales to track mixer and reservoir volumes to enable automated, continuous ATPS. Our vision is to integrate continuous ATPS into a fully continuous end-to-end production for viral vectors.

Flipping Out: Role Of Arginine In Hydrophobic Interactions And Biological Formulation Design, Jonathan W.P. Zajac, Praveen Muralikrishnan, Idris Tohidian, Xianci Zeng, Caryn L. Heldt, Sarah L. Perry, Et. Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

Arginine has been a mainstay in biological formulation development for decades. To date, the way arginine modulates protein stability has been widely studied and debated. Here, we employed a hydrophobic polymer to decouple hydrophobic effects from other interactions relevant to protein folding. While existing hypotheses for the effects of arginine can generally be categorized as either direct or indirect, our results indicate that direct and indirect mechanisms of arginine co-exist and oppose each other. At low concentrations, arginine was observed to stabilize hydrophobic polymer folding via a sidechain-dominated direct mechanism, while at high concentrations, arginine stabilized polymer folding via a …

Environmental Life Cycle Assessment Of Class A Biosolids Production Using Conventional And Low-Cost, Low-Tech Processes At Small Water Resource Recovery Facilities, Janna Brown, Robert Handler, Jennifer G. Becker, Eric Seagren

Michigan Tech Publications

Producing Class A biosolids that can be distributed or land-applied without restriction is a beneficial way to reuse wastewater treatment solids. For small water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) in particular, low-cost, low-tech (LCLT) processes may be an appealing alternative to conventional technologies for producing Class A biosolids, such as processes to further reduce pathogens (PFRPs). Conventional Class A biosolids treatment processes tend to be energy-intensive and involve complex equipment and operations. However, a systematic comparison of the overall sustainability of conventional processes and LCLT alternatives for producing Class A biosolids to aid decision makers in selecting treatment processes is not …

Artificial Intelligence And Internet Of Things Integration In Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: A Smart Synergy, Reshma Kodumuru, Soumavo Sarkar, Varun Parepally, Jignesh Chandarana

Michigan Tech Publications

Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with the internet of things (IoTs) represents a significant advancement in pharmaceutical manufacturing and effectively bridges the gap between digital and physical worlds. With AI algorithms integrated into IoTs sensors, there is an improvement in the production process and quality control for better overall efficiency. This integration facilitates enabling machine learning and deep learning for real-time analysis, predictive maintenance, and automation—continuously monitoring key manufacturing parameters. Objective: This paper reviews the current applications and potential impacts of integrating AI and the IoTs in concert with key enabling technologies like cloud computing and data analytics, …

Microbial Inactivation And Spray Drying For The Recovery Of Single-Cell Protein From Chemically Deconstructed Polyethylene Terephthalate, Reeba Elizabeth Reji

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used polymers in plastics packaging. However, the increasing demand for PET has created challenges in waste disposal. Previous research has shown that PET can be deconstructed using ammonium hydroxide (CDPET). Microorganisms capable of utilizing the product as a sole carbon source can be converted to single-cell protein (SCP). A custom microbial inactivation unit was developed to ensure the safety and stability of generated SCP. Our study evaluated the effect of exposure time (45–60 minutes) at 140 °C with the goal of maximizing microbial inactivation. Our findings suggest that microbial inactivation can …

Community Diversity And Makeup Affect The Capacity For Bioconversion Of Chemically Deconstructed Pet Plastic Waste Into Biomass, Hunter Stoddard

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Plastic waste management is an issue worldwide, particularly for locations with challenging logistics, such as remote locations, those impacted by natural disasters, and regions with armed conflict. These locations also struggle with food logistics and malnutrition. It is possible to tackle both issues by combining chemical deconstruction to depolymerize plastic waste with microbial conversion of the liquid product into biomass that can be used as an edible protein powder. The focus of this work is on the bioconversion of products from the chemical deconstruction of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using ammonium hydroxide. Microbial communities have previously been shown to utilize the …

Triboelectrostatic Separation Of Lunar Regolith, Hannah Peterson

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Lunar regolith as a source of raw materials for a long-term human presence on the moon would need to be separated into single mineral fractions. To do this, triboelectric properties can be utilized to separate minerals without needing to add a working fluid, such as air and water, or expensive, consumable chemicals. A lightweight machine can be created to do this, one that also requires minimal electricity. A series of three prototypes for this machine were created and tested to determine if this concept would work, and what properties the machine would need. A mixture of magnetite and silica were …

Life Cycle Assessment And Techno-Economic Analysis Of Mine Tailings As A Sustainable Raw Material For Mineral Carbonation And Recovery Of Critical Minerals, Vida Amankwaa

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This study assesses the feasibility of using mine tailings for mineral carbonation and nickel recovery through a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA). The LCA quantifies greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and resource consumption, while the TEA evaluates capital investment, operational costs, and process efficiency. The conventional beneficiation process at Eagle Mine serves as a baseline, highlighting its environmental footprint and operational costs. Results indicate that tailings reprocessing incurs higher costs ($34.76 per tonne of tailings processed) compared to conventional ore processing ($25.90 per tonne) due to increased energy consumption and material handling requirements. Additionally, several mineral …

Life Cycle Assessment Of Renewable Hydrocarbon Fuels Produced By The New Cool Gas To Liquid (Cool Gtl) Process, Elochukwu Okoye

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The Cool Gas-to-Liquid (Cool GTL) process converts biogas and captured CO₂ into renewable hydrocarbon fuels, contributing to GHG emissions reduction in transportation. This report explains a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study that was completed to evaluate the environmental impact of different feedstocks, hydrogen sources, and electricity inputs. The analysis considers biogas from food waste, manure, and landfill sources, as well as biogenic, fossil, and direct air capture (DAC) CO₂ feedstocks. Results show that biogas pathways provide the greatest GHG reductions, with the best case (food and manure biogas + solar hydrogen + solar electricity) achieving a net-negative GWP …

Iron Ore Tailings Reprocessing By Electrostatic Separation Plus Two Stages Froth Flotation, Vincent Bailey Arohunmolase

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The reprocessing of tailings is crucial for recovering valuable iron and reducing the environmental impact associated with tailings disposal. This study investigates the practicality of reprocessing tailings to enhance iron oxide content, combining electrostatic separation with a two-stage froth flotation process using oleic acid (direct flotation) and amine (reverse flotation). The primary goal is to efficiently recover valuable iron from tailings, thereby reducing waste and promoting sustainable resource utilization. The process aims to upgrade the iron oxide content to around 93-99% Fe₂O₃, making the recovered material suitable for the production of direct-reduced iron.

Electrostatic separation was …