Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Optimal Process Overdesign With A Flowsheet Simulator, Frank Joseph Doering

Doctoral Dissertations

"Overdesign is applied to chemical processes to include additional equipment for improved process reliability or to account for deviations from average conditions. An efficient method to optimize the overdesign of a complex chemical process is developed for use on a flowsheet simulation program. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by simulating the sulfuric acid process with metallurgical feed gas on the flowsheet program PROPS. The process is optimized for reliable and variable performance by the adaptive random search algorithm"-- Abstract, p. xi

Sample Design For Electricity Pricing Experiments: Anticipated Precision For A Time-Of-Day Pricing Experiment, Dennis J. Aigner

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

The primary goal of a pricing experiment is basically the same as that for an experiment in direct load control: To discover the effects of time-of-day pricing on the shape of the daily load curve for a particular customer or class of customers. For the pricing experiment, it is also of interest to know how those effects are related to the pricing structure itself.

In this paper, we consider two alternative models of kwh consumption for residential customers as the basis for calculating an optimal experimental design, and compare them in terms of the levels of precision of estimation (for …

Transition Boiling Of Normal Pentane From A Horizontal Flat Gold Surface At One Atmosphere Pressure, R. M. Canon, Efton Park

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

An Examination Of The Adaptive Random Search Technique, M. W. Heuckroth, J. L. Gaddy, L. D. Gaines

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Random search procedures have recently been successfully applied to the optimization of a variety of chemical engineering problems, including optimization of chemical processes by flow sheet simulation. These procedures represent the independent variables as random variables described by probability distributions. The adaptive random search procedure centers the distribution for each variable about the best search point found and examines this region for a better point. Thus, this technique has the ability of continuously moving the search region toward the optimum, which is particularly advantageous in following constraints. This study examines the efficiency of the adaptive random search technique as applied …

Mass Transfer To Drops Moving Through Power Law Fluids In The Intermediate Reynolds Number Region, Robert M. Wellek, Türker Gürkan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The mass transfer rate to fluid spheres is calculated for power law and Newtonian fluids by using the intermediate Reynolds number stream functions of Nakano and Tien (1970) and Yamaguchi et al. (1974), respectively. The Sh increases with increases in Re and Pe and decreases in n. Better results are obtained with Nakano and Tien's functions when Re > 10 and with Yamaguchi's functions when Re < 10. Copyright © 1976 American Institute of Chemical Engineers

Mass Transfer In Dispersed And Continous Phases For Creeping Flow Of Fluid Spheres Through Power Law Fluids, Türker Gürkan, Robert M. Wellek

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The diffusion equation was numerically solved by an implicit finite-difference method for the purpose of calculating the continuous phase Sherwood number, Sh, for mass transfer from an internally circulating Newtonian droplet traveling through a non-Newtonian power-law-type continuous phase in the creeping flow regime. The Mohan stream functions were used in the calculations in order to approximate the velocity profile inside and outside the droplet. The calculated Sh is presented as a function of the Peclet number, Pe, power-law index, n, and a viscosity ratio parameter, X. Sh increases as n decreases in the pseudoplastic region. The dependence of Sh on …

Generalized Correlations For Molecular Weight And Concentration Dependence Of Zero-Shear Viscosity Of High Polymer Solutions., J. L. Zakin, R. Wu, H. Luh, Kenneth G. Mayhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Results of a study are presented which show that two correlations of viscosity-concentration data are useful representations for data over wide ranges of mol. wt and up to at least moderately high concentrations for both good and fair solvents. Low mol. wt polymer solutions (below the critical entanglement mol. wt M//c) generally have higher viscosities than predicted by the correlations. One correlation is eta //s//p/c left bracket eta right bracket versus k prime left bracket eta right bracket c, where eta //s//p is specific viscosity, c is polymer concentration, left bracket eta right bracket is intrinsic viscosity, and k prime …

On Energy Strategies And Pecuniary Calculation, Herman E. Daly

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

No abstract provided.

Feasibility Of Integrated Ocean Thermal Gradient-Nuclear Plants For The Production Of Electrical Power, Frank Ferrer, Donald Sasscer

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

A study was made of the feasibility of integrating an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) electrical power plant with a nuclear power plant. The integration was such that the waste heat of the nuclear plant was used to augment the thermal efficiency of the OTEC plant. The study was performed for three shore line sites of Puerto Rico where deep cold water is found between 2 and 10 miles from shore.

Energy - Minerals - Environment: How Now Brown Cow?, Bobby G. Wixson

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

Energy, technical, social, political, economic, and environmental problems are all people related problems which will continue to increase along with the world's population. With the growing demands for more energy and minerals along with the constraints of protecting the environment, new approaches must be considered to these complex problems.

Energy sources, modifications, alternatives, and new developments must be considered for the present as short term resources (next 25- 30 years) and in the future as long range research necessary to develop and implement new technology (25 years on). Major energy sources and their environmental considerations are generally classified as:

I. …

3rd Annual Umr-Mec Conference On Energy -- Entire Proceedings, University Of Missouri--Rolla

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

No abstract provided.

Process Optimization By Flow Sheet Simulation, L. D. Gaines, J. L. Gaddy

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Optimization of large or complex chemical processes often requires simplifying the system to reduce the mathematics to a form manageable by available algorithms or to reduce the time required to perform the computations. In many cases, such simplification alters the solution of the problem. Flow sheet simulation programs are ideally suited to the study of chemical processes, although the computational time is generally considered excessive for detailed optimization of complex systems by the usual procedures. This paper discusses the modifications needed to apply flow sheet simulation programs to the optimization of chemical processes. The advantages and disadvantages of the use …

The Energy Conservation Implications Of Master Metering Of Electric Service In Apartments, Gordon Gross

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

A study has been made of the difference in electricity usage between residents of "Electricity included" apartments and those tenants who pay individual "light bills." The factors which influence owners' and builders' choices of metering service are discussed in detail.

Data taken from over 100 apartment buildings or complexes in 10 major U.S. metropolitan areas and from over 50 major electric power companies are used as the basis for the reported results. Contractors estimates of the costs to convert building service from master to individual meter and some bases for these costs are presented.

The energy conservation potential which might …

A Vehicle For Improving Energy Management For Business And Industry, Herbert M. Eckerlin, Albert S. Boyers

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

A new technical assistance program focusing on the area of energy management has been developed by North Carolina State University for business and industry. This paper describes the operation of the program and presents some typical recommendations made to industry. The impact of the energy crisis on small industry is discussed and future plans for addressing this problem are presented.

Ways To Reduce Peak Electrical Demand In South Louisiana, S. J. Gold, M. D. Bakewell, G. E. Guidry, E. F. Lewis, L. J. Naquin, B. P. Whitney

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

This study analyses alternatives for coping with the peak electrical demand of hot summer afternoons. Economic and Political aspects, as well as technical feasibility, are included. It is concluded that South Louisiana may indeed be able to trim peak demand to 5% below what is anticipated by 1980 , thus making one of the coal fired stations scheduled then unnecessary. However, the contingencies (Natural Gas Shortage, Another Oil Embargo) would make a coal-fired station very desirable.

The Impact Of Direct Coupling Of Solar Cell Arrays To Electric Power Networks, Adel H. Eltimsahy, Fernando L. Alvarado, Thomas W. Boyd

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

This paper has to do with a preliminary investigation of the economic impact of solar cells when directly coupled to a conventional three-phase power network in the Toledo area.

A correlation is established between power system demand curves and solar insolation data in the Toledo area using computer simulation. The correlation studies determine how successfully solar cell/inverter systems can alleviate the power system demand during peak hours. They also show how much solar cell area will be needed to cause a significant impact on the power generating system.

Using computer simulation the initial cost of the solar cell/inverter is compared …

Choosing Alternative Energy Systems Under Conditions Of Uncertainty, Dennis Costello

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

A methodology for simulating the decision process of an investor deciding between alternative energy systems is presented. The approach assumes the investor bases his decision on cost (or rate of return) and risk. Risk is treated directly in the model and not reduced to a certainty equivalent. The rate of return-risk characteristics of many system combinations allows them to be eliminated as viable choices to the investor without reference to his personal attitude toward risk.

Energy Conservation At Monsanto, Ray E. Doerr

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

We at Monsanto want to thank you for the opportunity to tell you about our energy conservation program. We are proud of our accomplishments to date, and are very optimistic regarding plans for the future in energy conservation.

Through our five operating companies and supported by corporate departments, Monsanto directs the conservation efforts at 50 locations in the United States.

We also have a very active conservation program in Canada and Europe.

Storage Of Spent Fuel From Light Water Reactors, W. C. Wolkenhauer

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

The effects of possible inadequate nuclear fuel reprocessing capability upon a public utility, Washington Public Power Supply System, are studied. The possible alternatives for storing spent fuel are reviewed.

The Design And Application Of Induction Motors For Efficient Energy Utilization, Paul K. Lindhorst

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

The various means for increasing electric motor efficiency and power factor are presented from the design and application points of view. Various design options are explored using computer aided design procedures. Motor characteristics are reviewed with the intent of maximizing efficiency through proper application. A thorough study of the economics of higher efficiency motors is presented showing payback to the user in terms of energy cost savings and payback of the increased energy required to produce the higher efficiency motors.

Natural Resource Pricing And Economic Development, Vaman Rao

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

In a competitive equilibrium the price of a natural resource will be increasing at a rate equal to the social time preference rate, but in a monopoly market, the price will be increasing at less than social time preference rate. If the producer countries utilise their monopoly of production and sale of a natural resource for the purpose of developing their economies, the price of the natural resource will be growing at the rate at which the producer countries' economies are growing, whether or not the sales proceeds are used to finance their investment programmes, fully or partly.

An Engineering, Geological And Hydrological Environmental Assessment Of A 250 Mmscfd Dry Ash Lurgi Coal Gasification Facility, Mason H. Somerville, James L. Elder, Stephen R. Moran

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

A preliminary engineering, geological, and hydrological environmental assessment of a proposed 250 MMSCFD dry ash Lurgi coal gasification facility is discussed.

The facility's emission spectrum is examined on the basis of the proposed design and empirical data. This system utilizes approximately 13 million tons of lignite and 17,000 acre feet of water per year and consumes 6500 tons of oxygen per day. The results of the study indicate that the major gaseous effluent is CO₂, that the federal limits on SO₂ effluent may be met, and that the atmospheric degradation criterion will be the most difficult one …

Solar Assisted Power Systems, A. G. Potter

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

Except for hydroelectric power, solar electric generation has not been widely used in the past to assist power system generation because of its relatively high cost. This situation has now started to change with the advent of the energy crisis as exemplified by decreasing natural gas supplies and increasing fossil fuel prices. One possible response to this situation which appears to have a relatively good chance for economic success is the utilization of wind and solar thermal energy for space and water heating loads served by natural gas or electric power. Unfortunately, a large portion of the energy collected in …

Wind Energy Concentrators, John L. Loth

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

This paper presents two alternatives to the shrouded propeller wind energy concentrator. Their operation is based on generating a low pressure area, with high local wind velocity, around the windmill rotor.

The two types of wind energy concentrators considered are: (1) the "obstruction type" concentrator where a vertical cylinder or vertical flat surface is used to produce high local velocities around two counter-rotating vertical axis rotors, and (2) the "vortex type" concentrator where a horizontal vortex is generated by a vertical high lift wing of finite span. The high local wind kinetic energy inside the vortex is harnessed by a …

Energy From Agriculture, E. C. Clausen, D. L. Million, Efton Park, J. L. Gaddy

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

During the past few years, the demand for energy and petrochemicals has grown at a pace so rapid that our reserves of fossil fuels, once considered inexhaustible, are now being quickly depleted. To help lessen this impending problem, alternative sources of energy must be rapidly developed.

Of the many new sources of energy being studied, solar energy, undisputedly, is the most inexhaustible. Energy from the sun, incident upon the earth's surface, exceeds by nearly three orders of magnitude the total energy consumption today. Furthermore, it is not subject to nationalistic boundaries and its use would be compatible with our environmental …

Planned Reduction In Electrical Energy Use In Nashville - Davidson County, Tennessee: A Preliminary Assessment, Barry D. Lichter, William F. Flanagan, Robert S. Goodrich, James K. Sebenius, C. Paul Beach

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

An assessment was carried out of the impacts of the various alternative strategies designed to reduce the rate of electrical energy use in the Nashville-Davidson County area, in the light of a potential crisis in supply. Seven strategies were identified among the major categories of voluntary reduction, price regulation, and mandatory reduction. Thirty-three sub-sectors were identified among residential, commercial and industrial users, and the consequences of imposing the strategies were assessed using a cross-impact matrix. The value of the methodology as an aid to public policy formulation lies in its possible extension to allow direct participation of various affected publics.

Front Matter, University Of Missouri--Rolla

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

No abstract provided.

Opening Remarks, Raymond L. Bisplinghoff

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

You are all extended the very warmest welcome to the University of Missouri-Rolla. This four day conference on energy, the second of its kind, is filled with papers and activities that should find some interest for almost everyone involved in energy activities. All of us on this campus want you to have a rewarding four days and to enjoy yourselves as well. It goes without saying that we stand ready to aid you in every way that is possible. I want to commend the organizers, particularly Dr. Derald Morgan, for his hard and dedicated work in putting the conference together.

Energy Conversion And Resource Management, M. J. Hanshaw, J. L. Gaddy

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

The United States has 5 percent of the world's population, yet consumes 35 percent of the total energy. This statistic reflects the availability of unlimited and cheap energy that has been enjoyed in this country. Unfortunately, this energy has been provided without much regard for the future, so that plentiful and cheap energy may not be possible much longer. A carefully formulated energy policy will be required to manage our remaining natural resources wisely and extend their longevity until other sources of energy can be developed.

There are five basic forms of energy: chemical, thermal, electrical, mechanical and radiant. Energy …

2nd Annual Umr-Mec Conference On Energy -- Entire Proceedings, University Of Missouri--Rolla

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

No abstract provided.