Chemical Engineering Commons^™

A Study Of Product Inhibition In The Reaction Of P-Nitrophenyl- Α - D - Glucoside Catalyzed By The Enzyme Glucoamylase I., Mark L. Dickhaus

Masters Theses

"The entire time course of the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl-a-D-glucoside by the enzyme glucoamylase I was followed spectrophotometrically. Using time versus absorbance data the constants in the Michaelis-Menten equation were determined. The effect of the addition of product to the initial reaction mixture and the effect of solvent and temperature were determined. It was found that product produced during the reaction did not have the same effect upon the rate as did product added initially to the reaction mixture. The presence of substrate caused the enzyme to acquire protection against inhibition by the product"-- Abstract, p. ii

A Seismic Investigation Over A Near-Surface Cavern, Richard D. Rechtien, David M. Stewart

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A field experiment was conducted over a near-surface cavern with the principal objective of obtaining a spatial definition of the associated Cavity Resonance phenomenon, as reported by Watkins et. al. (1967) and by Godson and Watkins (1968). The results of the experiment were inconsistent with those of the earlier investigators in that all seismic events recorded in the vicinity of the cavity, having vertical velocity components, could be readily identified as standard modes of seismic wave transmission. A persistence of strong horizontal motion was observed for late record times. This horizontal motion was consistently oriented parallel to the cavity boundary, …

An Examination Of The Adaptive Random Search Technique., Mark William Heuckroth

Masters Theses

"Random search procedures have recently been successfully applied to the optimization o f 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 …

Vapor Pressures For The Ternary System 1-Butene, Isobutane, And 1, 3-Butadiene., Kevin Steele

Masters Theses

"An innovative apparatus suitable for the rapid but accurate measurement of vapor pressures of liquid solutions is described. Liquid solutions of known composition are prepared in a test cell by volumetric metering of degassed liquids. The operation of the apparatus is feasible over a wide range of temperature and pressure, producing data with an estimated probable error of ± 0.05 percent. Experimental P-X data for a system of C₄ hydrocarbons (1-Butene, Isobutane, and 1,3- Butadiene) are reported from 40-160 degrees Fahrenheit. The data are in agreement with the literature, and vapor pressures are expressed as a function of temperature …

Centralized Solar Wind Home Heating, Russell Peterson, Duane Cromack

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

In the immediacy of national goals for energy independence, the need emerges to use dialectic methods to diminish the energy consumptive characteristics of the typical home.

At the cutting edge of resourceful progress are the residential developments which embrace alternative and conservative energy techniques. In conjunction with such a planned, low impact community, this paper proposes a cluster-centralized system which utilizes wind energy in combination with solar thermal energy for space and domestic water heating.

A description of the random solar-wind resource embodies a matching problem that in turn reveals the benefits of the combined mode of energy collection. Though …

Direct Ac Generation From Solar Cell Arrays, Fernando L. Alvarado, Adel H. Eltimsahy

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

Results of the investigation of the performance of solar cells when directly coupled to a conventional three-phase power network are presented. This approach dissociates the electricity production problem from the electric energy storage problem. Extensive studies of the required power inverter are performed. Preliminary simulation results indicate that ac power outputs of better than 90% of the optimum cell power output can be easily achieved by means of a suitably controlled inverter, thereby justifying the elimination of dc loads or local dc electric energy storage devices. It is also shown that the controlling policy for the inverter must depend on …

Status Report On The Callaway Nuclear Power Plant, A. E. Bolan, D. F. Schnell

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

The progress to date of the first nuclear-powered, electric generating plant proposed to be constructed in the state of Missouri is described.

Dynamic Simulation For Regional Energy Studies, B. W. Jones, P. M. Moretti, J. H. Mize

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

A series of models has been developed for regional studies of energy supply- demand systems. The models are based on dynamic simulation of components of the system using equations derived from the technical details of the system. The models contain sufficient detail to make in-depth studies and specific recommendations. The final goal is to include all aspects of regional energy systems from native supplies of energy resources to the economic activities of the region.

To develop a comprehensive model, the system has been partitioned into subsystems, so that a detailed model can be made for each subsystem. The detailed model …

Alcohol Assisted Hydrocarbon Fuels: A Comparison Of Exhaust Emissions And Fuel Consumption Using Steady-State And Dynamic Engine Test Facilities, D. J. Bushnell, J. M. Simonsen

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

This paper presents experimental data which exemplifies the differences in emission level testing on internal combustion engines when dynamic engine tests are used instead of steady-state engine tests. A comparison of the two test methods is made using hydrocarbon fuels with varying amounts of methanol. Emissions measured include the nitric oxides, unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Emission levels and fuel consumption are reported for the various volumetric percentages of methanol in the fuel.

Of special significance are the different trends the emission levels establish when subjected to a dynamic engine test as compared to the results for the steady-state tests. …

Energy, Environment And Incremental Decision Making, Jeff V. Conopask, Robert R. Reynolds Jr.

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

During the late 1960's and early 70's a variety of environmental/energy oriented legislation was enacted by the Congress. The most important of these acts, the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), required that environmental impact statements be filed when various private and public activities have a potential for impacting man and his environment. (17) Impact statement requirements go beyond the currently practiced cost/benefit analysis, which is often just a production (direct) impact assessment. Heretofore, indirect or second round economic and social effects of consequence affecting other national goals were seldom counted.

Drag Reduction In Solid‐Fluid Systems, I. Radin, J. L. Zakin, Gary Kent Patterson

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Pressure drop measurements were made on a variety of dilute solid‐liquid suspension systems in order to study the effects of particle shape and size, concentration, fluid viscosity, and tube diameter on friction factor. The central objective was to determine under what conditions drag reduction would occur. Copyright © 1975 American Institute of Chemical Engineers

Split-Film Anemometry In A Drag-Reducing Solution, Jack Chosnek

Doctoral Dissertations

"Turbulence measurements were made in the tube flow of mineral oil and a 0.2% solution of polyisobutylene in the same oil. Velocity profiles, axial and radial turbulence intensities, and axial and radial energy spectra were obtained in both fluids using a split-film anemometer probe. In addition, velocity profiles and axial turbulence intensities were obtained in oil using a 0.001-in. cylinder probe, a cone probe and a parabolic-wedge probe. The measurements were made in a one-inch tube at a constant fluid temperature of 30.0°C, in the Reynolds-number range of 4,800 to 50,000.

Four factors influenced the results in a greater manner …

The U. S. Wind Power Program, Joseph M. Savino

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

Today I would like to talk about wind energy in, basically, two parts. I would like to bring to your attention some of the developments that have occurred in the 20th century. Many of us who have gone through school in the last 25-30 years don't recall anywhere in our engineering education much information dealing with wind energy, and that may come as a surprise to you as it did to me, to learn how much has actually been done in the 20th century to develop large scale wind-driven machines. After I get through with that introduction I would like …

Alternate Energy Removal Modes For Nuclear Power Reactors, Robert L. Carter

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

Attention is focussed upon the unique qualities of high energy fission particles, and upon the fundamental limits to the direct removal of their kinetic energy by electrostatic means and by cyclotron resonance deceleration. Efficiencies of secondary and tertiary product ionization and excitation produced by fission particles are examined. The potential for delivery of power through various non-thermal modes is discussed, and the significant unknowns relating thereto are identified.

Prospects For Nuclear Fusion Power, William C. Gough

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

The prospects for fusion power are discussed including the need for fusion, its environmental advantages, and the research results that form the basis for present confidence that the program will succeed. The steps remaining before commercial fusion power will be available are outlined. Exploratory ideas for second generation fusion electric power plants, and non electrical applications of fusion technology and reactors are briefly covered.

The Energy Problem -- Crude Oil, J. A. Marshall

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

This paper discusses the national energy problem as it affects the demand for and availability of crude oil. Forecasts of energy demands to 1990 have been made based on population trends and changing life styles in the USA. Projections of energy supplies show a rapidly increasing gap between supply of crude oil and demand for crude oil from the early 1970's through 1990. The need for imported crude oil to supply the forecast deficit is discussed. The political and economic implications of these imports are also discussed. The need for refineries, port facilities, tankers, and pipelines are presented. Finally, recommendations …

Coal Gasification And Liquefaction, Sam Friedman

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

The current major processes being developed for coal gasification and liquefaction will be reviewed briefly. The Bureau of Mines Hydrane process for converting coal to pipeline quality gas directly by reaction with hydrogen will be discussed in more detail. The featured topic will be the Bureau's Synthoil process which converts coal in one step into a low-sulfur, low-ash fuel oil. Coal suspended in recycled oil is propelled through a packed-bed reactor by rapid turbulent flow of hydrogen. A 1/2 TPD plant is in operation producing over 1 bbl of oil per day.

Coal And Its Derivatives As An Energy Resource, W. G. Stockton

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

April 25, 1974

Events of the last few months, it seems, have somewhat altered the public countenance of the coal industry. These events, I am sure, are the generating factors focusing interest on our industry currently, and I suspect they account for my invitation to address this distinguished group of engineering students today on the subject of coal in this nation's energy outlook.

Coal Mining is not a new industry - - it has been around a long, long time. A surprising number of people, though, have never seen any coal; they are not aware of the existence of the …

Status And Outlook For Energy Conversion Via Fuel Cells, John P. Ackerman

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

Fuel cells have the potential of providing good solutions to a variety of energy-related problems. As our supplies of conventional fossil fuels are depleted, their cost will rise, and there will be increasing difficulty in obtaining certain premium fuels at any price. It behooves us, then, to use our remaining reserves of fuels as efficiently as possible. Energy conversion via fuel cells represents one of the best ways to achieve this goal, because it is possible, simultaneously, to obtain more work and less pollution from a dollar's worth of fuel with a fuel cell than with any other device.

An Overview Of Natural Gas Supply And Availability, D. E. Gibbs

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

Natural gas presently supplies almost one-third of the total U.S. energy supply--and like oil, has had its proven reserves reduced by ever-increasing production. The potential gas reserves of the United States are sufficient to maintain our present demand for a considerable period of time, if these reserves can be found. The exploration necessary has to be financed by increased gas cost. Additional technology will be necessary to increase the amounts of gas that can be produced from our present and future supplies. Several methods of obtaining the capital necessary to perform the additional drilling and areas of technical improvement are …

Bellamy Field Tests: Recovery Of Medium Gravity Crude Oil From Missouri Tar Sands By Counterflow Underground Burning, J. C. Trantham

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

In the current energy shortage, the heavy oil and tar sands of the United States are assuming critical importance. This is true for at least two reasons: first, they constitute a major resource, amounting to some 150 billion barrels in place; and second, their where-abouts is known -- exploration will not contribute to the lead time required for bringing these resources into the national energy picture. Moreover, many of the technological problems have been solved. The delay in producing these heavy oil and tar deposits is due primarily to economics.

A Proposed Coal Slurry Pipe Line, R. W. Toler

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

Investigation is underway to determine the feasibility of building a slurry pipe line over 1000 miles long to deliver coal from Wyoming to the Arkansas-Louisiana-Mississippi area. This paper describes some of the featur's of this project.

Clean Fuel From Coal For Electric Power Generation, J. Agosta

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

Several strategies have been studied and applied for the reduction of sulfur-dioxide emissions from power generation sites. These include switching to low sulfur fuels, stack gas processing, and a greater reliance upon nuclear power. One area of interest is the processing of fuel prior to combustion through the total gasification of coal to produce a fuel gas suitable for combustion in utility boilers and gas turbines. Specifically, this paper will deal with need for coal as a fuel in the generation of electric power, the production from coal of a clean power fuel gas of-approximately 150 to 200 Btu and …

Power Transmission Technology For The 1980-1990 Time Period, T. H. Lee

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

It is a great pleasure for me to have this opportunity to present to you a subject that is very close to my heart - future transmission systems. Electrical demand in the U.S. is doubling every ten years. While the electric growth capacity characteristics are being questioned for the future, the best estimates are that this will continue at least through the 1990’s.

Load tends to be concentrated in cities and historically generating plants were located in cities. Environmental considerations for fossil plants are tending to locate them away from cities and the trend is expected to continue. Reluctance to …

Solar-Thermal Energy Conversion, E. R. G. Eckert

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

The fact that our conventional fuel resources are finite and will be exhausted some time in the future gives impetus to a consideration of solar radiation for conversion into heat or electric power. The characteristics of the solar radiation - that the enrgy flux density is small and that it arrives intermittently on the ground of our glove has to be considered in any system utilizing this energy source. For home heating parts of the roof offer a sufficiently large area, for electric power production areas of some km² are required to collect a sufficient amount of energy. Optical …

An Advanced Supervisory Indication, Control & Data Acquisition System, George W. Fox

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

Electric Utility systems in the United States double in growth every ten years. This growth necessitates the construction of substations in new areas and expansion of substations in existing areas.

Troubles quite often cannot be quickly and accurately diagnosed until a sufficient number of calls have been received from customers to establish a pattern.

This paper will describe an advanced supervisory system utilizing latest state-of-the-art electronic equipment interfaced with digital computers to provide the trouble dispatcher with a rapid update as to the status of his system at all times. He will also be able to remotely control his system …

Development Of Industrial Energy Management Programs, Michael C. Noland

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

Energy management is a term which has only recently been entered in the business management lexicon. Until recently business managers, even the most successful ones, devoted only casual thought to the need to manage their use of fuels and electricity. Energy was cheap and plentiful. Economic sense dictated that if labor could be replaced by more energy-intense processes or equipment, the smart manager did so. Local and national policy, industrial process design, consumer habits--all these and more encouraged massive energy consumption.

Prospects For Conversion Of Solar Energy Into Electrical Power, William R. Cherry

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

In 1972, the Solar Energy Panel took a broad look at solar energy across the whole field to see just what could be done with this energy source. Maybe the era of acquiring energy without regard to cost and without regard to consequences of using it is beginning to come to a close and maybe we ought to start looking at the newer sources of energy, even though we need every bit of energy we can get from every source. I am not trying to say we don't need gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy. We are not going to …

Introductory Remarks, Joseph T. Zung

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

No abstract provided.

Conference Keynote Address, John B. Rigg

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

No abstract provided.