Chemical Engineering Commons^™

An Experimental Study Of Photopolymerization In A Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor, Songvit Setthachayanon

Theses

An experimental study was carried out on the control of CSTR by on-off regulation of light intensity for the photo-sensitized polymerization of styrene. The controllability of the reaction temperature, the advantages of operating at metastable states, and the molecular weights of the polymer formed were discussed. The influence of feed temperatures, sensitizer concentrations, and residence times on the reactor performance characteristics were also discussed. Experimental results showed that polymer formed at the metastable state had a higher average chain length and narrower molecular weight distribution than that formed at the low stable state. While increasing the residence time shifted the …

Continuous Fractionation Of Protein Mixtures By Ph-Parametric Pumping, Yuk-Wei Wong

Theses

Continuous pH-parametric pumping separations of a haemoglobin - albumin - CM Separose system were experimentally investigated. The parapump system has a feed, containing the protein mixture to be separated, introduced alternately to the top and bottom of the chromatographic column. The top and bottom products are withdrawn from the apparatus during the bottom and top feed respectively. It is shown that under certain conditions the pH-driven parametric pump has the capacity for removal of a protein component from one product fraction and large enrichment in the other fraction. Moreover, the continuous process can be operated with a large feed throughput.

A Study On The Growth And Asparaginase Production Of Vibrio Succinogenes In A Chemostat, Preston David Krautheim

Theses

A continuous fermentation assembly was constructed and studies on the growth of the organism, Vibrio succinogenes, and its production of asparaginase was conducted. Results were compared with that already performed on a batch system and showed that a continuous fermentation produced 31.83 I.U. enzymes/mM ammonium formate compared to 17.4 I.U. enzyme/mM formate for batch.

Some of the runs performed indicated that the organism was washing out or giving very low specific growth rates. It was decided that this was not due to operational parameters of the chemostat, but possible chemical contamination in the medium. With all things considered, a continuous …

Calculations Of Isobaric Phase Enthalpy Differences For Binary Systems From Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium Data, Steven Merrill Harvey

Theses

Equations relating isobaric vapor-liquid equilibrium data to heats of vaporization are useful in testing the thermodynamic consistency of experimental VLE data and in the design of distillation equipment. Several researchers have proposed such equations based on the Gibbs-Duhem equation. At low pressures, simplified versions of these equations were successfully used to test the consistency of published VLE and enthalpy data. At high pressures, equilibrium phase enthalpy differences were calculated from rigorous equations using a modified form of the Redlich-Kwong equation to calculate fugacity coefficients. As expected, the relative error of using the simplified equations was found to increase with increasing …

The Preparation, Spectra, And Conformations Of Cis, Cis-, Cis, Trans-, And Trans, Trans- Dipropenyl Ethers, Helen C. Hollein

Theses

Cis,cis-dipropenyl ether was prepared by potassium t-butoxide catalyzed rearrangement of diallyl ether in diglyme solution. Pyrolysis was used in an attempt to produce an isomeric dipropenyl ether mixture with a high percentage of the less stable trans,trans isomer; 21.6% trans,trans-dipropenyl ether was produced by pyrolysis at 395°C, but formation of an azeotropic byproduct in significant quantities negated the feasibility of this synthesis. A mixture of 45.7% cis,cis-, 43.6% cis,trans-, and 10.7% trans,trans-dipropenyl ether was produced by mercuric acetate catalyzed isomerization at 80°C, and the mixture was separated on a Nester/Faust spinning band column of two hundred theoretical plates.

Physical properties, …

An Equilibrium Theory Of The Ph-Parametric Pump, Charles Omotayo Kerobo

Theses

Parametric pumping, both batch and continuous, and cycling zone adsorption are theoretically scrutinized for various operating conditions by using the concept of equilibrium stages. The model system is Haemoglobin-Albumin-CM sepharose, a physical system in which a local equilibrium between liquid and sorbent in the layers of the separating medium in the column is characterized. For the batch process, the steady-state concentrations in both top and bottom reservoirs are found to be independent of the number of equilibrium stages, provided that a = 1 (i.e., number of transfer steps/number of stages).. For continuous parapump process, separation is enhanced with decreasing top …

Effect Of Concentration And Ph On Parametric Pumping Separations, Tsu-Kun S. Hsieh

Theses

The technique of parametric pumping represents a new and valuable development in the separation science of proteins. Many conventional protein separation are often processed batchwise. However, parametric pumping offers the possibility of continuous processing; the continuous process provides both the advantages of decreasing the processing time and of minimizing degradation.

Preliminary step testing experiments were conducted to study the equilibrium of protein between the stationary and mobile phase of the sephadex ion exchanger.

It was the purpose of this research to study the feasibility of operating a semi-continuous parametric pump with a sephadex ion exchanger for the separation of a …

The Continuous Non-Equilibrium Parametric Pump: A Theoretical And Experimental Study, John Lawrence Rak

Dissertations

A continuous parametric pump in which the feed and product streams flow steadily both in upflow and downflow (hot and cold temperatures, respectively) is examined theoretically and experimentally. The model system is Sodium Chloride-Water-Bio Rad AG11A8 Ion Retardation Resin, a physical system characterized by relatively slow interphase mass transfer rates. For short half-cycle times, where interphase equilibrium is not approached, separation of the salt from water is found to be enhanced by longer half-cycle times, smaller reservoir displacements, and longer adsorbant columns. In most cases, separation improves with increasing number of cycles. However, steadily degrading separation is found to exist …

The Countercurrent Multistage Desorption Of The Acetic Acid/Water Solution With An Inert Vapor, Michael John Danko

Theses

The desorption of a acetic acid and water solution with an inert gas was experimentally investigated using a perforated plate distillation column having 17 actual trays. An inert air stream flowing countercurrent was used to strip the water from the acetic acid and water solution.

The feed composition was 0.2509 mole fraction acetic acid. The experimental results showed the best obtainable separation to be 0.16118 and 0.3965 mole fraction acetic acid in the overhead condensate and bottoms respectively, at an average column operating temperature of 56.0 degrees centigrade. The concentration of acetic acid predicted by calculation is 0.003917 and 0.9860 …

Semicontinous Ph-Parametric Pump : Experimental Study, Hsien-Chih Lee

Theses

Voidage of SP Sephadex (C-50) ion exchanger at different aqueous buffer concentration and the pH have been estimated from draining the interstitial aqueous. Experimental results of the SP Sephadex (C-50) voidage at pH cycling zone are in quantitative agreement with previous test method, so the voidage estimated from draining the interstital aqueous can be used in pH-parametric pumping. The optional displacement volume in semicontinuous pH-parametric pump of different buffer concentration can be predicted from voidage. A semicontinuous pH-parametric pump for separating proteins has been experimentally investigated using the model system haemoglobin and albumin on a. SP Sephadex (C-50) ion exchanger. …

A Kinetic Study Of The Reactions Of Poly-L-Lysine With 1-Halo-2, 4-Dinitrobenzenes, Raymond K. Rakowitz

Theses

The kinetics of the reactions of poly-L-lysine with 1-Fluoro, 1-Chloro, 1-Bromo, and 1-Iodo-2,4-Dinitrobenzenes have been studied. The investigation was done at 25°C as a function of pH and concentration. In all cases the rate of reaction increased as pH increased. In the reactions of Chloro, Bromo, and Iododinitrobenzenes with Polylysine the reaction rate is the composite of two rates; one associated with the random coil and one associated with the helical conformation. For the reaction of Fluorodinitrobenzene with Polylysine the reaction rate is the composite of four rates; two associated with the random coil and two associated with the helical …

Possible Efficiency Improvements In Residential, Gas Fired Furnances, Philip Louis Rinaldi

Theses

This project examines the problem of how to improve energy utilization in a residential space heating environment. Techniques for lowering unit energy consumption are developed and the feasibility of their implementation is discussed.

The project development first establishes the magnitude of the energy wastage problem for the individual consumer and its impact on the national scale. It must be emphasized that these represent two, sometimes distinctly different justifications for reducing energy use in the home. What may be considered only a small personal waste of $50 to $100 per year may indeed--when viewed in aggregate--represent a significant burden on the …

The Slow Settling Of A Sphere In A Viscous Fluid In The Proximity Of A Corner, Joseph Kisutcza

Theses

Experimental settling velocities for three different sizes of Delrin spheres in Ucon lubricant were determined at 20.2 degrees Celsius in order to confirm the validity of a theoretically derived equation for the settling of a sphere in the proximity of a corner. The experiments were conducted in a wedge shaped column with a circular sector base, filled with the viscous fluid, where the angle of the wedge was varied for experimental purposes. The distance from the wedge apex to the particle was also changed for the different runs.

The experimental data gave a good approximation of the values evaluated by …

So2-Scrubber Technology : Double Alkali Mode, Krishna K. Rao

Theses

Double alkali (D/A) processes for the desulfurization of flue gases occupy an increasingly important role in applied technology.

D/A processes involve two steps, namely, scrubbing and regeneration. In the scrubbing step, the alkali (Na₂SO₃) reacts with SO₂. In the regeneration step the acid formed, NaHSO₃, reacts with an alkali to regenerate Na₂SO₃.

This study was focused on the regeneration step. Regenerants investigated were slurries of lime and limestone. The major factors studied were reactor configuration and mixing patterns.

These systems were investigated in a batch, backmix, and plug-flow …

Municipal Point Source Pollution In The Hackensack Meadowlands Estuary, Alfonso Augustine Hernandez

Theses

A study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of various sewage treatment facilities in the Hackensack Meadowlands District. The study dealt with overall plant efficiencies based on percent removals of suspended solids and Biochemical Oxygen Demand although other parameters were also included.

Samples for this study were obtained from the inlet and outlet channels of the individual plants. The parameters studied were: Suspended Solids, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total Nitrogen, Nitrate-Nitrite Compounds, Total Organic Carbon, Orthophosphate-P, Total Oxygen Demand and Fecal Coliform. Results obtained were averaged so as to collectively represent wet and dry weather conditions.

The results indicate that most …

The Separation Of Proteins Via Parametric Pumping And Ion Exchange, Paul Albert Falcon

Theses

A pH parametric pump, coupled with ion exchange, was used in an experimental investigation to separate a protein-water binary mixture. The model system consisted of a hemoglobin-water binary mixture. A pH gradient throughout the parametric pumping column was sustained with the use of hollow fiber devices incorporating phosphate buffer circulation.

Data is presented for both batch and semi-continuous recuperative mode pH parametric pumping. Continuous pH parametric pumping for protein isolation has also been envisioned.

No attempt has been made to optimize this newly devel-oped process; however, certain parameters are suspected of controlling separation, including buffer concentration, half cycle time, packed …

The Settling Of Particles In A Square Contained Medium, Richard S. Matyas

Theses

Stokes' Law, has been standardly utilized to calculate the terminal velocity of falling particles. However, the limitation of Stokes' Law is that it does not take into account the container walls and their resulting drag forces. Extensive work with additional drag due to cylindrical container walls has been examined by many investigators. The classical and earliest is the well know Ladenburg Correction which cannot be utilized with non-cylindrical containers. This experimental thesis examines the analog of the Ladenburg relationship for a square container. This experimental thesis was undertaken to experimentally determine the value of the constant K₁ for a …

Flow Of Polymer Melt Blends Through Porous Media, James Atwood Parker

Dissertations

The flow of molten polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate) and three blends of these polymers has been studied in a rheogoniometer and in packed beds of unconsolidated spherical glass beads. One primary purpose of the study was to determine the behavior of polymer melt blends in porous media flow. The second major purpose of the work was to develop and test a new and powerful model for packed bed flow based upon the Huang generalized rheological constitutive equations.

Rheological characterization of the pure polymers and blends was obtained using a Roberts-Weissenberg rheogoniometer. Shear and normal stresses were measured at shear rates from …

The Effect Of Ultrasonic Vibrations And Catalyst Particle Size On The Decomposition Of Cumene, John F. Pietranski

Theses

The effect of ultrasonic vibrations on the vapor phase decomposition of cumene to benzene and proplyene was investigated using silica-aluminum as the cracking catalyst.

The system consists of a tubular reactor with a 4 inch long catalyst chamber made from 1 cm. diameter stainless steel tubing. The catalyst bed was irradiated from above by means of an ultrasonic horn.

The reactor was run at temperatures of 850 to 950°F., frequencies of 26,000 and 39,000 Hz, with a power innut of 0.30 watts/cm.² . Feed rates of 100 to 300 gms./hr. and catalyst particle sizes of 0.0209 to 0.358 cm. …

Non-Equilibrium Parametric Pumps For Separating Liquids Or Gases, Anil Krishna Rastogi

Theses

An experimental and theoretical study has been done of Non-Equilibrium parametric pumps. Mathematical models and computer programmes are developed for both thermal and heatless parametric pumps based on non-equilibrium conditions and linear isotherms. A mathematical study was done for thermal parametric pumps whereas both experimental and theoretical studies were made for a heatless parametric pump. The effect of different operating conditions has been investigated on the separation of NaCl-H₂O via a thermal parametric pump and He-CO₂ and He-C₃H₆ gas mixtures via a heatless parametric pump.

The experimental study of heatless parametric pumps was extended …

Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium At Low Pressures : Correlation Of Binary And Prediction Of Multicomponent Data, Norman I. Silverman

Theses

The Wilson equation is chosen as typical of the new correlations for activity coefficients gaining wide distribution for use in the correlation and prediction of vapor-liquid equilibria today. Vapor liquid equilibrium data for 247 binary systems have been regressed against each of ten (10) objective functions and values of the Wilson energy parameters obtained. For the typical binary system, a wide variation of the Wilson energy parameters are observed when different objective functions are used with the given set of binary data. These are each examined with respect to their capability to correlate multicomponent vapor-liquid equilibrium data for seventy-three (73) …

An Experimental Study Of Separation Of Binary And Ternary Gas Mixtures By Parametric Pumping, Stephen E. Belsky

Theses

An experimental study of gas parametric pumping is presented which examines the purification of helium using silica gel to remove the impurity carbon dioxide. Low gas flow rates are used to allow adequate time for equilibrium to be approached, assuming intraparticle diffusion is the controlling mass transfer step. By varying the cycle time, at long cycle times, the effect of penetration length (a function of dynamic capacity) is indicated. Also, at low cycle time, the effects during pressure changes become more significant.

Using low flow rate improves separation effectiveness if evaluated at equal dynamic capacity. When using low flow rate …

Air Control In A Newark City Subway Station, Robert H. Burch

Theses

During the period from June, 1974 to January, 1976, 103 24-hr samples of the air at the Broad Street station of the Newark City Subway were collected by cascade impactor. The size distributions (based on Stoke's equivalent diameters) of the total suspended particulate matter were determined gravimetrically. Samples were also analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry to obtain information on the concentration of iron, manganese, lead, copper, zinc, and cadmium in each size fraction. The geometric mean particulate level was found to be more than twice the Federal Ambient Air Quality Standard and triple that of ambient Newark air sampled nearby. …

An Experimental Study Of Semi-Continuous Ph-Parametric Pumping With A Center Feed, John S. Dell'osso

Theses

Parametric pumping represents a new development in separation science. It has attracted considerable attention both because of its novelty and because it permits continuous operation in small equipment with very high separation factors. The basic principle of parametric pumping is to utilize the coupling of periodic changes in equilibrium conditions caused by periodic changes in some intensive variables (temperature, pH, electric field, etc.), and periodic changes in flow direction to separate the components of fluid which flows past a solid adsorbent. Applications of parametric pumping involving the separation of valuable materials such as proteins would be very attractive and profitable …

Distributed Parameter Sensitivity Theory To Solve Certain Reliability Problems, Moses Nee Buernor Ayiku

Dissertations

It is well known that in actual control systems there are uncontrolled parameter changes caused by aging of elements, temperature, pressure and effects of externalmedium, among others, which may impair the performance ofthe system. Hence, there is the need to develop systems that weakly react to these parameter fluctuations. Sensitivity theory has been developed to study some of these problems. Most of the investigations in this area, however, deal with problems in continuous systems modeled by ordinary differential equations. Even the recent publications on sensitivity problems in distributed parameter control systems are largely concerned with systems modeled by first order …

Preparation And Magnetic Properties Of Rare Earth Garnets And Apatites, Rostam Mondegarian

Dissertations

It has been found possible to prepare garnets with magnetic trivalent rare earth ions filling all or most dodecahedral sites while nonmagnetic Sc³⁺ ions fill all octahedral sites and magnetic Fe³⁺ ions fill all or most tetrahedral sites. Phase-pure garnets found include {RE_3-ySc_y}[Sc₂](Fe₃)O₁₂, where RE is Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb or Dy and y can be zero with Sm and Eu; {Nd₃}[Sc₂](Fe_zGa_3-z)O₁₂; and other Nd-Sc-Fe garnets of the type {Nd_3-(w+y)M_wS_cy}[Sc₂](Fe …

Separations Of Multicomponent Mixtures Via Thermal Parametric Pumping, John Daniel Stokes

Dissertations

This dissertation covers the separation of solutes from multicomponent solutions via direct mode thermal parametric pumping.

Dilute solution separations were predicted from existing binary equations by assuming the existence of pseudo binary systems, each system consisting of one solute and the common solvent. Two systems, toluene-aniline-n-heptane and toluene-acetophenone-n-heptane with a silica gel adsorbent were used to experimentally demonstrate the separation. Experimental results were in good agreement with the mathematical predictions.

For concentrated multicomponent solutions, the separation was demonstrated by the system, toluene-acetophenone-n-heptane on silica gel. The effects of mass transfer and nonlinear adsorption isotherms became significant and a numerical solution …

Prediction And Correlation Of The Salt-Effect In Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium, Enrique M. Bekerman

Theses

The feasibility of developing a method of correlation and prediction, for mixtures of two solvents containing a dissolved salt has been studied. The procedure consisted of arriving at the interaction parameters for the three binary systems (solvent 1-solvent 2, solvent 1-salt, solvent 2-salt) and using these to calculate the ternary results. Attempts to generate interaction parameters for the solvent-salt binaries by means of the Wilson equation were unsuccessful, whereas, use of the NRTL equation resulted in a very good fit of the binary data.

In correlating the ternary results, it became necessary to redefine the liquid phase mole fractions and …

The Recovery Of Methanol From The Mother Liquor Of A Pharmaceutical Active Ingredient, Richard Lawrence Eichholtz

Theses

The company has been sending to the sewer the filtrate from one of our chemical processes. This filtrate contains 63 vol. % methanol. The recovery of this methanol would reduce the amount of purchased methanol. The recovery would also reduce the Biological Oxygen Demand of the plant effluent. In the near future the local sewer authority will be billing the company for BOD.

The goal of the recovery process is to obtain methanol of satisfactory quality for reuse in the process from which it came. A literature search and a laboratory study verified the non-ideality of the system. Preliminary calculations …

Reaction Kinetics For The Synthesis Of Benzyl Benzoate From Benzyl Chloride And The Triethylamine Salt Of Benzoic Acid, Michael A. Kolakowski

Theses

The reaction kinetics for the synthesis of benzyl benzoate from benzyl chloride and the triethylamine salt of benzoic acid has been studied over the temperature range of 70-105°C and a mole ratio of benzyl chloride to triethylamine of 0.5 - 10.0.

A reaction mechanism which is consistent with the experimental data has been derived. The experimental data was analyzed by means of the integral method of analysis. The temperature dependency of the reaction was determined from Arrhenius' Law and the activation energy was calculated to be 15,064 cal/g-mole. An empirical equation which explains the effects of the reactant mole ratio …