Enhancing the aggressive intensity of hydrodynamic cavitation through a Venturi tube by increasing the pressure in the region where the bubbles collapse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soyama, H.; Hoshino, J.

2016-04-01

In this paper, we used a Venturi tube for generating hydrodynamic cavitation, and in order to obtain the optimum conditions for this to be used in chemical processes, the relationship between the aggressive intensity of the cavitation and the downstream pressure where the cavitation bubbles collapse was investigated. The acoustic power and the luminescence induced by the bubbles collapsing were investigated under various cavitating conditions, and the relationships between these and the cavitation number, which depends on the upstream pressure, the downstream pressure at the throat of the tube and the vapor pressure of the test water, was found. It was shown that the optimum downstream pressure, i.e., the pressure in the region where the bubbles collapse, increased the aggressive intensity by a factor of about 100 compared to atmospheric pressure without the need to increase the input power. Although the optimum downstream pressure varied with the upstream pressure, the cavitation number giving the optimum conditions was constant for all upstream pressures.

Treatment of oilfield wastewater by combined process of micro-electrolysis, Fenton oxidation and coagulation.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhenchao

2017-12-01

In this study, a combined process was developed that included micro-electrolysis, Fenton oxidation and coagulation to treat oilfield fracturing wastewater. Micro-electrolysis and Fenton oxidation were applied to reduce chemical oxygen demand (COD) organic load and to enhance organic components gradability, respectively. Orthogonal experiment were employed to investigate the influence factors of micro-electrolysis and Fenton oxidation on COD removal efficiency. For micro-electrolysis, the optimum conditions were: pH, 3; iron-carbon dosage, 50 mg/L; mass ratio of iron-carbon, 2:3; reaction time, 60 min. For Fenton oxidation, a total reaction time of 90 min, a H 2 O 2 dosage of 12 mg/L, with a H 2 O 2 /Fe 2+ mole ratio of 30, pH of 3 were selected to achieve optimum oxidation. The optimum conditions in coagulation process: pH, cationic polyacrylamide dosage, mixing speed and time is 4.3, 2 mg/L, 150 rpm and 30 s, respectively. In the continuous treatment process under optimized conditions, the COD of oily wastewater fell 56.95%, 46.23%, 30.67%, respectively, from last stage and the total COD removal efficiency reached 83.94% (from 4,314 to 693 mg/L). In the overall treatment process under optimized conditions, the COD of oily wastewater was reduced from 4,314 to 637 mg/L, and the COD removal efficiency reached 85.23%. The contribution of each stage is 68.45% (micro-electrolysis), 24.07% (Fenton oxidation), 7.48% (coagulation), respectively. Micro-electrolysis is the uppermost influencing process on COD removal. Compared with the COD removal efficiency of three processes on raw wastewater under optimized conditions: the COD removal efficiency of single micro-electrolysis, single Fenton oxidation, single coagulation is 58.34%, 44.88% and 39.72%, respectively. Experiments proved the effect of combined process is marvelous and the overall water quality of the final effluent could meet the class III national wastewater discharge standard of petrochemical industry of China (GB8978-1996).

Optimisation of low temperature extraction of banana juice using commercial pectinase.

PubMed

Sagu, Sorel Tchewonpi; Nso, Emmanuel Jong; Karmakar, Sankha; De, Sirshendu

2014-05-15

The objective of this work was to develop a process with optimum conditions for banana juice. The procedure involves hydrolyzing the banana pulp by commercial pectinase followed by cloth filtration. Response surface methodology with Doehlert design was utilised to optimize the process parameters. The temperature of incubation (30-60 °C), time of reaction (20-120 min) and concentration of pectinase (0.01-0.05% v/w) were the independent variables and viscosity, clarity, alcohol insoluble solids (AIS), total polyphenol and protein concentration were the responses. Total soluble sugar, pH, conductivity, calcium, sodium and potassium concentration in the juice were also evaluated. The results showed reduction of AIS and viscosity with reaction time and pectinase concentration and reduction of polyphenol and protein concentration with temperature. Using numerical optimization, the optimum conditions for the enzymatic extraction of banana juice were estimated. Depectinization kinetics was also studied at optimum temperature and variation of kinetic constants with enzyme dose was evaluated. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study on extraction process and activity of plant polysaccharides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xiaogen; Wang, Xiaojing; Fan, Shuangli; Chen, Jiezhong

2017-10-01

Recent studies have shown that plant polysaccharides have many pharmacological activities, such as hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory and tumor inhibition. The pharmacological activities of plant polysaccharides were summarized. The extraction methods of plant polysaccharides were discussed. Finally, the extraction process of Herba Taraxaci polysaccharides was optimized by ultrasonic assisted extraction. Through single factor experiments and orthogonal experiment to optimize the optimum extraction process from dandelion polysaccharide, optimum conditions of dandelion root polysaccharide by ultrasonic assisted extraction method for ultrasonic power 320W, temperature 80°C, extraction time 40min, can get higher dandelion polysaccharide extract.

[Technological process of cell disruption for extracting astaxanthin from Phaffia rhodozyma by acid method under autoclave conditions].

PubMed

Lu, Baoju; Xiao, Anfeng; Lil, Lijun; Ni, Hui; Cai, Huinong; Su, Wenjin

2008-07-01

Phaffia rhodozyma is one of the organisms for production of astaxanthin, and the key process for extracting intracellular astaxanthin is cell disruption. In this work, cell disruption for extracting astaxanthin from Phaffia rhodozyma was studied with autoclave method at low acid concentration. The optimum disrupting conditions were: autoclave pressure 0.1 MPa, 121 degrees C; hydrochloric acid concentration 0.5 mol/L; liquid to material ratio (V/W) 30 mL/g dry cell weight and disruption time 2 min. Under the optimum conditions, medium scale experiment showed that astaxanthin and total carotenoids recovery from Phaffia rhodozyma were (84.8 +/- 3.2)% and (93.3 +/- 2)%, respectively. This new method can lead to no poisonous residues and get high extraction yield, which have good prospects to be put into industrial production.

Effect of complexation conditions on microcapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus in xanthan-chitosan polyelectrolyte complex gels.

PubMed

Chen, He; Song, Yajuan; Liu, Nina; Wan, Hongchang; Shu, Guowei; Liao, Na

2015-01-01

Lactobacillus acidophilus has become increasingly popular because of their beneficial effects on health of their host, and are called proboscis. In order to exert beneficial effects for probiotics, they must be able to tolerate the acidic conditions of the stomach environment and the bile in the small intestine. Microencapsulated form has received reasonable attention, since it can protect probiotic organisms against an unfavourable environment, and to allow their release in a viable and metabolically active state in the intestine. The aim of this study was to investigate some factores, such as chitosan solution pH and concentration, xanthan concentration, cell suspension-xanthan ratio, mixed bacteria glue liquid-chitosan ratio, which impacted the process of microencapsulation of L. acidophilus. In this study, L. acidophilus was immobilized with xanthan⁄chitosan gel using extrusion method. The viable counts and encapsulation yield of L. acidophilus encapsulated in different chitosan solution pH (4.5, 5, 5.5 and 6), in different chitosan concentration (0.5%, 0.7%, 0.9% and 1.1%), in different xanthan concentration (0.5%, 0.7%, 0.9% and 1.1%), in different cell suspension-xanthan ratios (1:5, 1:10, 1:15 and 1:20), in different mixed bacteria glue liquid-chitosan ratios (1:3, 1:4, 1:5 and 1:6), have been investigated by single factor experiment method. The optimum conditions of microencapsulated L. acidophilus have been observed. The optimum chitosan solution pH for L. acidophilus was 5.5; the optimum chitosan concentration was 0.9%; the optimum xanthan concentration was 0.7%; the optimum cell suspension-xanthan ratio was 1:10; the optimum mixed bacteria glue liquid-chitosan ratio was 1:3. These results will be helpful to further optimize the process of L. acidophilus microencapsulation, and provide reference for obtaining higher viable counts and entrapped yield of L. acidophilus microcapsules.

Study on the optimal moisture adding rate of brown rice during germination by using segmented moisture conditioning method.

PubMed

Cao, Yinping; Jia, Fuguo; Han, Yanlong; Liu, Yang; Zhang, Qiang

2015-10-01

The aim of this study was to find out the optimal moisture adding rate of brown rice during the process of germination. The process of water addition in brown rice could be divided into three stages according to different water absorption speeds in soaking process. Water was added with three different speeds in three stages to get the optimal water adding rate in the whole process of germination. Thus, the technology of segmented moisture conditioning which is a method of adding water gradually was put forward. Germinated brown rice was produced by using segmented moisture conditioning method to reduce the loss of water-soluble nutrients and was beneficial to the accumulation of gamma aminobutyric acid. The effects of once moisture adding amount in three stages on the gamma aminobutyric acid content in germinated brown rice and germination rate of brown rice were investigated by using response surface methodology. The optimum process parameters were obtained as follows: once moisture adding amount of stage I with 1.06 %/h, once moisture adding amount of stage II with 1.42 %/h and once moisture adding amount of stage III with 1.31 %/h. The germination rate under the optimum parameters was 91.33 %, which was 7.45 % higher than that of germinated brown rice produced by soaking method (84.97 %). The content of gamma aminobutyric acid in germinated brown rice under the optimum parameters was 29.03 mg/100 g, which was more than two times higher than that of germinated brown rice produced by soaking method (12.81 mg/100 g). The technology of segmented moisture conditioning has potential applications for studying many other cereals.

Determination of effect factor for effective parameter on saccharification of lignocellulosic material by concentrated acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aghili, Sina; Nodeh, Ali Arasteh

2015-12-01

Tamarisk usage as a new group of lignocelluloses material to produce fermentable sugars in bio ethanol process was studied. The overall aim of this work was to establish the optimum condition for acid hydrolysis of this new material and a mathematical model predicting glucose release as a function of operation variable. Sulfuric acid concentration in the range of 20 to 60%(w/w), process temperature between 60 to 95oC, hydrolysis time from 120 to 240 min and solid content 5,10,15%(w/w) were used as hydrolysis conditions. HPLC was used to analysis of the product. This analysis indicated that glucose was the main fermentable sugar and was increase with time, temperature and solid content and acid concentration was a parabola influence in glucose production. The process was modeled by a quadratic equation. Curve study and model were found that 42% acid concentration, 15 % solid content and 90oC were optimum condition.

Further Development and Assessment of a Broadband Liner Optimization Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nark, Douglas M.; Jones, Michael G.; Sutliff, Daniel L.

2016-01-01

The utilization of advanced fan designs (including higher bypass ratios) and shorter engine nacelles has highlighted a need for increased fan noise reduction over a broader frequency range. Thus, improved broadband liner designs must account for these constraints and, where applicable, take advantage of advanced manufacturing techniques that have opened new possibilities for novel configurations. This work focuses on the use of an established broadband acoustic liner optimization process to design a variable-depth, multi-degree of freedom liner for a high speed fan. Specifically, in-duct attenuation predictions with a statistical source model are used to obtain optimum impedance spectra over the conditions of interest. The predicted optimum impedance information is then used with acoustic liner modeling tools to design a liner aimed at producing impedance spectra that most closely match the predicted optimum values. The multi-degree of freedom design is carried through design, fabrication, and testing. In-duct attenuation predictions compare well with measured data and the multi-degree of freedom liner is shown to outperform a more conventional liner over a range of flow conditions. These promising results provide further confidence in the design tool, as well as the enhancements made to the overall design process.

Asymptotically optimum multialternative sequential procedures for discernment of processes minimizing average length of observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fishman, M. M.

1985-01-01

The problem of multialternative sequential discernment of processes is formulated in terms of conditionally optimum procedures minimizing the average length of observations, without any probabilistic assumptions about any one occurring process, rather than in terms of Bayes procedures minimizing the average risk. The problem is to find the procedure that will transform inequalities into equalities. The problem is formulated for various models of signal observation and data processing: (1) discernment of signals from background interference by a multichannel system; (2) discernment of pulse sequences with unknown time delay; (3) discernment of harmonic signals with unknown frequency. An asymptotically optimum sequential procedure is constructed which compares the statistics of the likelihood ratio with the mean-weighted likelihood ratio and estimates the upper bound for conditional average lengths of observations. This procedure is shown to remain valid as the upper bound for the probability of erroneous partial solutions decreases approaching zero and the number of hypotheses increases approaching infinity. It also remains valid under certain special constraints on the probability such as a threshold. A comparison with a fixed-length procedure reveals that this sequential procedure decreases the length of observations to one quarter, on the average, when the probability of erroneous partial solutions is low.

Recovery of cyanide in gold leach waste solution by volatilization and absorption.

PubMed

Gönen, N; Kabasakal, O S; Ozdil, G

2004-09-10

In this study, the effects of pH, time and temperature in regeneration of cyanide in the leaching waste solution of gold production from disseminated gold ore by cyanidation process were investigated and the optimum conditions, consumptions and cyanide recovery values were determined. The sample of waste solution containing 156 mg/l free CN- and 358 mg/l total CN-, that was obtained from Gümüşhane-Mastra/Turkey disseminated gold ores by cyanidation and carbon-in-pulp (CIP) process under laboratory conditions was used in the experiments. Acidification with H2SO4, volatilization of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) with air stripping and absorption of HCN in a basic solution stages were applied and under optimum conditions, 100% of free cyanide and 48% of complex cyanide and consequently 70% of the total cyanide in the liquid phase of gold leach effluent are recovered.

Evaluating photo-degradation of COD and TOC in petroleum refinery wastewater by using TiO2/ZnO photo-catalyst.

PubMed

Aljuboury, Dheeaa Al Deen Atallah; Palaniandy, Puganeshwary; Abdul Aziz, Hamidi Bin; Feroz, Shaik; Abu Amr, Salem S

2016-09-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of combined solar photo-catalyst of titanium oxide/zinc oxide (TiO 2 /ZnO) with aeration processes to treat petroleum wastewater. Central composite design with response surface methodology was used to evaluate the relationships between operating variables for TiO 2 dosage, ZnO dosage, air flow, pH, and reaction time to identify the optimum operating conditions. Quadratic models for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) removals prove to be significant with low probabilities (<0.0001). The obtained optimum conditions included a reaction time of 170 min, TiO 2 dosage (0.5 g/L), ZnO dosage (0.54 g/L), air flow (4.3 L/min), and pH 6.8 COD and TOC removal rates of 99% and 74%, respectively. The TOC and COD removal rates correspond well with the predicted models. The maximum removal rate for TOC and COD was 99.3% and 76%, respectively at optimum operational conditions of TiO 2 dosage (0.5 g/L), ZnO dosage (0.54 g/L), air flow (4.3 L/min), reaction time (170 min) and pH (6.8). The new treatment process achieved higher degradation efficiencies for TOC and COD and reduced the treatment time comparing with other related processes.

Comparison of Fenton process and adsorption method for treatment of industrial container and drum cleaning industry wastewater.

PubMed

Güneş, Elçin; Çifçi, Deniz İzlen; Çelik, Suna Özden

2018-04-01

The present study aims to explore the characterization of industrial container and drum cleaning (ICDC) industry wastewater and treatment alternatives of this wastewater using Fenton and adsorption processes. Wastewater derived from ICDC industry is usually treated by chemical coagulation and biological treatment in Turkey and then discharged in a centralized wastewater treatment facility. It is required that the wastewater COD is below 1500 mg/L to treat in a centralized wastewater treatment facility. The wastewater samples were characterized for parameters of pH, conductivity, COD, BOD 5 , TSS, NH 3 -N, TN, TOC, TP, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Hg. Initial COD values were in the range of 11,300-14,200 mg/L. The optimum conditions for Fenton treatment were 35-40 g/L for H 2 O 2 , 2-5 g/L for Fe 2+ , and 13-36 for H 2 O 2 /Fe 2+ molar ratio. The optimum conditions of PAC doses and contact times in adsorption studies were 20-30 g/L and 5-12 h, respectively. Removal efficiencies of characterized parameters for the three samples were compared for both Fenton and adsorption processes under optimum conditions. The results suggest that these wastewaters are suitable for discharge to a centralized wastewater treatment plant.

Evaluation and simultaneous optimization of bio-hydrogen production using 3 2 factorial design and the desirability function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuetos, M. J.; Gómez, X.; Escapa, A.; Morán, A.

Various mixtures incorporating a simulated organic fraction of municipal solid wastes and blood from a poultry slaughterhouse were used as substrate in a dark fermentation process for the production of hydrogen. The individual and interactive effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT), solid content in the feed (%TS) and proportion of residues (%Blood) on bio-hydrogen production were studied in this work. A central composite design and response surface methodology were employed to determine the optimum conditions for the hydrogen production process. Experimental results were approximated to a second-order model with the principal effects of the three factors considered being statistically significant (P < 0.05). The production of hydrogen obtained from the experimental point at conditions close to best operability was 0.97 L Lr -1 day -1. Moreover, a desirability function was employed in order to optimize the process when a second, methanogenic, phase is coupled with it. In this last case, the optimum conditions lead to a reduction in the production of hydrogen when the optimization process involves the maximization of intermediary products.

Encapsulation Processing and Manufacturing Yield Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Willis, P. B.

1984-01-01

The development of encapsulation processing and a manufacturing productivity analysis for photovoltaic cells are discussed. The goals were: (1) to understand the relationships between both formulation variables and process variables; (2) to define conditions required for optimum performance; (3) to predict manufacturing yield; and (4) to provide documentation to industry.

Encapsulation processing and manufacturing yield analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willis, P. B.

1984-10-01

The development of encapsulation processing and a manufacturing productivity analysis for photovoltaic cells are discussed. The goals were: (1) to understand the relationships between both formulation variables and process variables; (2) to define conditions required for optimum performance; (3) to predict manufacturing yield; and (4) to provide documentation to industry.

Removal of Acid Yellow 17 Dye by Fenton Oxidation Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Jehangeer; Sayed, Murtaza; Ali, Fayaz; Khan, Hasan Mahmood

2018-05-01

In the present research work the degradation of acid yellow 17 (AY 17) by H2O2/Fe2+ was investigated. The effect of various conditions such as pH value, temperature, conc. of H2O2, Fe2+, conc. of AY 17 were studied. Additionally the scavenging effects of various anions such as Cl-, SO42-, CO32- and HCO3-, on percent degradation of AY 17 were examined. It was found that these anions decrease percent degradation as well as rate of degradation reaction. The optimum conditions were determined as [AY 17]=[Fe2+]=0.06 mM [H2O2]=0.9 mM, and pH 3.0 for 60 min of reaction time. It was found that at optimum conditions 89% degradation of AY17 was achieved. The degradation kinetics of AY17 followed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. Thermodynamic studies under natural conditions showed positive value of ΔH (enthalpy) which indicates the degradation process is endothermic.

Research on the Treatment of Aluminum Alloy Chemical Milling Wastewater with Fenton Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zong-liang, Huang; Ru, Li; Peng, Luo; Jun-li, Gu

2018-03-01

The aluminum alloy chemical milling wastewater was treated by Fenton method. The effect of pH value, reaction time, rotational speed, H2O2 dosage, Fe2+ dosage and the molar ratio between H2O2 and Fe2+ on the COD removal rate of aluminum alloy chemical milling wastewater were investigated by single factor experiment and orthogonal experiment. The results showed that the optimum operating conditions for Fenton oxidation were as follows: the initial pH value was 3, the rotational speed was 250r/min, the molar ratio of H2O2 and Fe2+ was 8, the reaction time was 90 min. Under the optimum conditions, the removal rate of the wastewater’s COD is about 72.36%. In the reaction kinetics that aluminum alloy chemical milling wastewater was oxidized and degraded by Fenton method under the optimum conditions, the reaction sequence of the initial COD was 0.8204.

A new approach to synthesis of benzyl cinnamate: Optimization by response surface methodology.

PubMed

Zhang, Dong-Hao; Zhang, Jiang-Yan; Che, Wen-Cai; Wang, Yun

2016-09-01

In this work, the new approach to synthesis of benzyl cinnamate by enzymatic esterification of cinnamic acid with benzyl alcohol is optimized by response surface methodology. The effects of various reaction conditions, including temperature, enzyme loading, substrate molar ratio of benzyl alcohol to cinnamic acid, and reaction time, are investigated. A 5-level-4-factor central composite design is employed to search for the optimal yield of benzyl cinnamate. A quadratic polynomial regression model is used to analyze the experimental data at a 95% confidence level (P<0.05). The coefficient of determination of this model is found to be 0.9851. Three sets of optimum reaction conditions are established, and the verified experimental trials are performed for validating the optimum points. Under the optimum conditions (40°C, 31mg/mL enzyme loading, 2.6:1 molar ratio, 27h), the yield reaches 97.7%, which provides an efficient processes for industrial production of benzyl cinnamate. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of thermodynamically favourable operating conditions for production of hydrogen in three different reforming technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Y.-S.; Shirley, A.; Kolaczkowski, S. T.

With the aid of thermodynamic analysis using AspenPlus™, the characteristics of three different types of reforming process are investigated. These include: steam-methane reforming (SMR), partial oxidation (POX) and autothermal reforming (ATR). Thereby, favourable operating conditions are identified for each process. The optimum steam-to-carbon (S:C) ratio of the SMR reactor is found to be 1.9. The optimum air ratio of the POX reactor is 0.3 at a preheat temperature of 312 °C. The optimum air ratio and S:C ratio of the ATR reactor are 0.29 and 0.35, respectively at a preheat temperature of 400 °C. Simulated material and energy balances show that the CH 4 flow rates required to generate 1 mol s -1 of hydrogen are 0.364 mol s -1 for POX, 0.367 mol s -1 for ATR and 0.385 mol s -1 for the SMR. These results demonstrate that the POX reforming system has the lowest energy cost to produce the same amount of hydrogen from CH 4.

Extraction of bioactives from Orthosiphon stamineus using microwave and ultrasound-assisted techniques: Process optimization and scale up.

PubMed

Chan, Chung-Hung; See, Tiam-You; Yusoff, Rozita; Ngoh, Gek-Cheng; Kow, Kien-Woh

2017-04-15

This work demonstrated the optimization and scale up of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds from Orthosiphon stamineus using energy-based parameters such as absorbed power density and absorbed energy density (APD-AED) and response surface methodology (RSM). The intensive optimum conditions of MAE obtained at 80% EtOH, 50mL/g, APD of 0.35W/mL, AED of 250J/mL can be used to determine the optimum conditions of the scale-dependent parameters i.e. microwave power and treatment time at various extraction scales (100-300mL solvent loading). The yields of the up scaled conditions were consistent with less than 8% discrepancy and they were about 91-98% of the Soxhlet extraction yield. By adapting APD-AED method in the case of UAE, the intensive optimum conditions of the extraction, i.e. 70% EtOH, 30mL/g, APD of 0.22W/mL, AED of 450J/mL are able to achieve similar scale up results. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of RSM for the multivariate, simultaneous multiobjective optimization of the operating conditions of aliphatic carboxylic acids ion-exclusion chromatography column: Quantitative study of hydrodynamic, isotherm, and thermodynamic behavior.

PubMed

Shojaeimehr, Tahereh; Rahimpour, Farshad; Schwarze, Michael; Repke, Jens-Uwe; Godini, Hamid Reza; Wozny, Günter

2018-04-15

The present study evaluates the capability of ion exclusion chromatography (IEC) of short chain aliphatic carboxylic acids using a cation exchange column (8% sulfonated cross-linked styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer) in different experimental conditions. Since one of the prerequisites to the development of an efficient carboxylic acid separation process is to obtain the optimum operational conditions, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to develop an approach to evaluate carboxylic acids separation process in IEC columns. The effect of the operating conditions such as column temperature, sulfuric acid concentration as the mobile phase, and the flow rate was studied using Central Composite Face (CCF) design. The optimum operating conditions for the separate injection of lactic acid and acetic acid is temperature of 75 °C, sulfuric acid concentration of 0.003 N for both acids and flow rate of 0.916 (0.886) mL/min for acetic acid (lactic acid). Likewise, the optimum conditions for the simultaneous injection of acetic and lactic acid mixture are the column temperature of 68 °C, sulfuric acid concentration of 0.0003 N, and flow rate of 0.777 mL/min. In the next step, the adsorption equilibria of acetic acid and lactic acid on the stationary phase were investigated through a series of Frontal Analysis (FA), Frontal Analysis by Characteristic Points (FACP), and using Langmuir isotherm model. The results showed an excellent agreement between the model and experimental data. Finally, the results of thermodynamic studies proved that the IEC process for separation of acetic and lactic acid is a spontaneous, feasible, exothermic, and random process with a physical adsorption mechanism. The results of the current paper can be a valuable information in the stages of designing IEC columns for separation of aliphatic carboxylic acids. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chitosan as a novel clarifying agent on clear apple juice production: Optimization of process conditions and changes on quality characteristics.

PubMed

Taştan, Özge; Baysal, Taner

2017-12-15

In this study, the use of chitosan as a clarification agent in the production of clear apple juice (AJ) was investigated, the optimum conditions were determined using RSM, and the effects on the quality of AJ were analyzed during storage at 4°C and 20°C for 4months. Optimum conditions for clarifying the AJ were chitosan concentration of 191.6mg/100ml juice, the process temperature of 20°C and process time of 30min. Changes in quality characteristics such as turbidity, pH, acidity, color, total monomeric anthocyanin, total phenolic, and protein contents were evaluated and compared to traditional clarification. Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris causes significant safety issues in fruit juice industry; therefore also the antimicrobial effect of chitosan on A. acidoterrestris during the clarification process was examined. The results showed that clear AJ production can be achieved by the clarification step with direct chitosan addition, without the need for enzymatic treatment. However, the microbial reduction of A. acidoterrestris during the clarification process was not found to be significant. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chlorophyll extraction from suji leaf (Pleomele angustifolia Roxb.) with ZnCl2 stabilizer.

PubMed

Rahayuningsih, Edia; Pamungkas, Mukmin Sapto; Olvianas, Muhammad; Putera, Andreas Diga Pratama

2018-03-01

Suji ( Pleomele angustifolia Roxb .) leaves are a prominent source of chlorophyll and well-known for their ability to produce green color for food ingredients. However, chlorophyll is suspectible to color degradation at high temperature. Color degradation occurred because porphyrin loses magnesium in its ring and it can be avoided by adding zinc. The aim of this work was to investigate the combined effect of independent variables on chlorophyll extraction process using ZnCl 2 as a stabilizer. Suji leaves were blanched with boiling water for 2 min, Zn-chlorophyll synthesis was done by varying concentration of ZnCl 2 , Zn-chlorophyll extraction with ethanol, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry analysis of the final extracted solutions. A full three-level factorial design under response surface methodology was used to obtain the optimum condition of extraction process. The experimental data were analyzed by analysis of variance and fitted with second order polynomial equation. The coefficient of determination (R 2 ) was found to be 81.99%. The optimum operating conditions were obtained at pH 7, ZnCl 2 concentration of 700 ppm and temperature of 85 °C with desirability value of 1.0000. At the optimum conditions, the total chlorophyll content (TCC) was found to be 47.2975 mg/100 g fresh weight.

Production and Characterization of Ethyl Ester from Crude Jatropha curcas Oil having High Free Fatty Acid Content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Rajneesh; Dixit, Anoop; Singh, Shashi Kumar; Singh, Gursahib; Sachdeva, Monica

2015-09-01

The two step process was carried out to produce biodiesel from crude Jatropha curcas oil. The pretreatment process was carried out to reduce the free fatty acid content by (≤2 %) acid catalyzed esterification. The optimum reaction conditions for esterification were reported to be 5 % H2SO4, 20 % ethanol and 1 h reaction time at temperature of 65 °C. The pretreatment process reduced the free fatty acid of oil from 7 to 1.85 %. In second process, alkali catalysed transesterification of pretreated oil was carried and the effects of the varying concentrations of KOH and ethanol: oil ratios on percent ester recovery were investigated. The optimum reaction conditions for transesterification were reported to be 3 % KOH (w/v of oil) and 30 % (v/v) ethanol: oil ratio and reaction time 2 h at 65 °C. The maximum percent recovery of ethyl ester was reported to be 60.33 %.

The catalytic oxidation of malachite green by the microwave-Fenton processes.

PubMed

Zheng, Huaili; Zhang, Huiqin; Sun, Xiaonan; Zhang, Peng; Tshukudu, Tiroyaone; Zhu, Guocheng

2010-01-01

Catalytic oxidation of malachite green using the microwave-Fenton process was investigated. 0% of malachite green de-colorization using the microwave process and 23.5% of malachite green de-colorization using the Fenton process were observed within 5 minutes. In contrast 95.4% of malachite green de-colorization using the microwave-Fenton was observed in 5 minutes. During the microwave-Fenton process, the optimum operating conditions for malachite green de-colorization were found to be 3.40 of initial pH, 0.08 mmol/L of Fe2+ concentration and 12.5 mmol/L of H2O2 concentration. Confirmatory tests were carried out under the optimum conditions and the COD removal rate of 82.0% and the de-colorization rate of 99.0% were observed in 5 minutes. The apparent kinetics equation of -dC/dt=0.0337 [malachite green]0.9860[Fe2+)]0.8234[H2O2]0.1663 for malachite green de-colorization was calculated, which implied that malachite green was the dominant factor in determining the removal efficiency of malachite green based on microwave-Fenton process.

Broadband Liner Optimization for the Source Diagnostic Test Fan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nark, Douglas M.; Jones, Michael G.

2012-01-01

The broadband component of fan noise has grown in relevance with the utilization of increased bypass ratio and advanced fan designs. Thus, while the attenuation of fan tones remains paramount, the ability to simultaneously reduce broadband fan noise levels has become more appealing. This paper describes a broadband acoustic liner optimization study for the scale model Source Diagnostic Test fan. Specifically, in-duct attenuation predictions with a statistical fan source model are used to obtain optimum impedance spectra over a number of flow conditions for three liner locations in the bypass duct. The predicted optimum impedance information is then used with acoustic liner modeling tools to design liners aimed at producing impedance spectra that most closely match the predicted optimum values. Design selection is based on an acceptance criterion that provides the ability to apply increased weighting to specific frequencies and/or operating conditions. Typical tonal liner designs targeting single frequencies at one operating condition are first produced to provide baseline performance information. These are followed by multiple broadband design approaches culminating in a broadband liner targeting the full range of frequencies and operating conditions. The broadband liner is found to satisfy the optimum impedance objectives much better than the tonal liner designs. In addition, the broadband liner is found to provide better attenuation than the tonal designs over the full range of frequencies and operating conditions considered. Thus, the current study successfully establishes a process for the initial design and evaluation of novel broadband liner concepts for complex engine configurations.

Removal of Heavy Metals from Solid Wastes Leachates Coagulation-Flocculation Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yousefi, Z.; Zazouli, M. A.

The main objectives of present research were to determine heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Cr, Zn and Cu) and COD concentration in raw leachate in Esfahan (Iran) composting plant and to examine the application of coagulation-flocculation process for the treatment of raw leachates. Jar-test experiments were employed in order to determine the optimum conditions (effective dosage and optimum pH) for the removal of COD and heavy metals. Alum (aluminum sulphate) and Ferric chloride were tested as conventional coagulants. Ten times had taken sampling from leachates as standard methods in the composting plant prior to composting process. The results showed that Leachate pH was 4.3-5.9 and the average was 4.98±0.62. The concentration of Leachate pollutants were more than effluent standard limits (Environment protection Agency). And also the results indicated, Cd and Zn with concentration 0.46±0.41 and 5.81±3.69 mg L-1, had minimum and maximum levels, respectively. The results of coagulation and flocculation tests showed that in optimum conditions, the removal efficiency of heavy metals and COD by using alum were 77-91 and 21%, respectively. While removal of heavy metals and COD by ferric chloride were 68-85.5% and 28%, respectively. Also the residues of heavy metals after treatment get to under of standard limits of Iran EPA. The results have indicated optimum pH of two coagulants for leachate treatment was 6.5 and 10 and also effective coagulant dosages were 1400 and 1000 mg L-1 for alum and ferric chloride, respectively. In view of economical, ferric chloride is cost benefit. The physico-chemical process may be used as a useful pretreatment step, especially for fresh leachates.

Determination of optimum process parameters for peroxidase-catalysed treatment of bisphenol A and application to the removal of bisphenol derivatives.

PubMed

Yamada, Kazunori; Ikeda, Naoya; Takano, Yoko; Kashiwada, Ayumi; Matsuda, Kiyomi; Hirata, Mitsuo

2010-03-01

Systematic investigations were carried out to determine the optimum process parameters such as the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, concentration and molar mass of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as an additive, pH value, temperature and enzyme dose for treatment of bisphenol A (BPA) with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The HRP-catalysed treatment of BPA was effectively enhanced by adding PEG, and BPA was completely converted into phenoxy radicals by HRP dose of 0.10 U/cm3. The optimum conditions for HRP-catalysed treatment of BPA at 0.3 mM was determined to be 0.3 mM for H2O2 and 0.10 mg/cm3 for PEG with a molar mass of 1.0 x 10(4) in a pH 6.0 buffer at 30 degrees C. Different kinds of bisphenol derivatives were completely or effectively treated by HRP under the optimum conditions determined for treatment of BPA, although the HRP dose was further increased as necessary for some of them. The aggregation of water-insoluble oligomers generated by the enzymatic radicalization and radical coupling reaction was enhanced by decreasing the pH values to 4.0 with HCl after the enzymatic treatment, and BPA and bisphenol derivatives were removed from aqueous solutions by filtering out the oligomer precipitates.

Adsorptive removal of aniline by granular activated carbon from aqueous solutions with catechol and resorcinol.

PubMed

Suresh, S; Srivastava, V C; Mishrab, I M

2012-01-01

In the present paper, the removal of aniline by adsorption process onto granular activated carbon (GAC) is reported from aqueous solutions containing catechol and resorcinol separately. The Taguchi experimental design was applied to study the effect of such parameters as the initial component concentrations (C(0,i)) of two solutes (aniline and catechol or aniline and resorcinol) in the solution, temperature (T), adsorbent dosage (m) and contact time (t). The L27 orthogonal array consisting of five parameters each with three levels was used to determine the total amount of solutes adsorbed on GAC (q(tot), mmol/g) and the signal-to-noise ratio. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the optimum conditions. Under these conditions, the ANOVA shows that m is the most important parameter in the adsorption process. The most favourable levels of process parameters were T = 303 K, m = 10 g/l and t = 660 min for both the systems, qtot values in the confirmation experiments carried out at optimum conditions were 0.73 and 0.95 mmol/g for aniline-catechol and aniline-resorcinol systems, respectively.

Investigation on microwave heating for direct leaching of chalcopyrite ores and concentrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onol, Kubra; Saridede, Muhlis Nezihi

2013-03-01

The use of microwave energy in materials processing is a relatively new development presenting numerous advantages because of the rapid heating feature. Microwave technology has great potential to improve the extraction efficiency of metals in terms of both a reduction in required leaching time and an increase in the recovery of valuable metals. This method is especially pertinent in view of the increased demand for environment-friendly processes. In the present study, the influence of microwave heating on the direct leaching of chalcopyrite ores and concentrates were investigated. The results of microwave leaching experiments were compared with those obtained under conventional conditions. During these processes, parameters such as leaching media, temperature, and time have been worked to determine the optimum conditions for proper copper dissolution. Experimental results show that microwave leaching is more efficient than conventional leaching. The optimum leaching conditions for microwave leaching are the solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:100 g/mL, the temperature of 140°C, the solution of 0.5 M H2SO4 + 0.05 M Fe2(SO4)3, and the time of 1 h.

Effect of Applied Current Density on Cavitation-Erosion Characteristics for Anodized Al Alloy.

PubMed

Lee, Seung-Jun; Kim, Seong-Jong

2018-02-01

Surface finishing is as important as selection of material to achieve durability. Surface finishing is a process to provide surface with the desired performance and features by applying external forces such as thermal energy or stress. This study investigated the optimum supply current density for preventing from cavitation damages by applying to an anodizing technique that artificially forms on the surface an oxide coating that has excellent mechanical characteristics, such as hardness, wear resistance. Result of hardness test, the greater hardness was associated with greater brittleness, resulting in deleterious characteristics. Consequently, under conditions such as the electrolyte concentration of 10 vol.%, the processing time of 40 min, the electrolyte temperature of 10 °C, and the current density of 20 mA/cm2 were considered to be the optimum anodizing conditions for improvement of durability in seawater.

Treatment of slaughter wastewater by coagulation sedimentation-anaerobic biological filter and biological contact oxidation process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, M.; Yu, P. F.; Fu, J. X.; Ji, X. Q.; Jiang, T.

2017-08-01

The optimal process parameters and conditions for the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater by coagulation sedimentation-AF - biological contact oxidation process were studied to solve the problem of high concentration organic wastewater treatment in the production of small and medium sized slaughter plants. The suitable water temperature and the optimum reaction time are determined by the experiment of precipitation to study the effect of filtration rate and reflux ratio on COD and SS in anaerobic biological filter and the effect of biofilm thickness and gas water ratio on NH3-N and COD in biological contact oxidation tank, and results show that the optimum temperature is 16-24°C, reaction time is 20 min in coagulating sedimentation, the optimum filtration rate is 0.6 m/h, and the optimum reflux ratio is 300% in anaerobic biological filter reactor. The most suitable biological film thickness range of 1.8-2.2 mm and the most suitable gas water ratio is 12:1-14:1 in biological contact oxidation pool. In the coupling process of continuous operation for 80 days, the average effluent’s mass concentrations of COD, TP and TN were 15.57 mg/L, 40 mg/L and 0.63 mg/L, the average removal rates were 98.93%, 86.10%, 88.95%, respectively. The coupling process has stable operation effect and good effluent quality, and is suitable for the industrial application.

[Study on the extraction process and macroporous resin for purification of Timosaponin B II].

PubMed

Liu, Yan-Ping; Ding, Yue; Zhang, Tong; Wang, Bing; Cai, Zhen-Zhen; Tao, Jian-Sheng

2013-06-01

To optimize the extraction process and macroporous resin for purification of Timosaponin B II from Anemarrhena asphodeloides. Orthogonal design L9 (34) was employed to optimize the circumfluence extraction conditions by taking the extraction yield of Timosaponin B II as index. The absorption-desorption characteristics of eight kinds of macroporous resins were evaluated, then the best resin was chosen to optimize the purification process conditions. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: the herb was extracted for 2 times (2 hours each time) with 8.5-fold 50% ethanol at the first time and 6-fold 50% ethanol at the second time. HPD100 resin showed a good property for the absorption-desorption of Timosaponin B II. The optimum technological conditions of HPD100 resin were as follows:the solution concentration was 0.23 mg/mL, the amount of saturated adsorption at 4/5 body volumn (BV) resin, the HPD100 resin was washed with 3 BV water and 6 BV 20% ethanol solution to remove the impurity, then the Timosaponin B II was desorbed by 5 BV ethanol solution. The purity of Timosaponin B II was about 50%. The optimized extraction process and purification is stable, efficient and suitable for industrial production.

Optimum conditions for producing Cs2 molecular condensates by stimulated Raman adiabatic passage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Zhifang; Li, Weidong; Wang, Lirong; Xiao, Liantuan; Jia, Suotang

2009-10-01

The optimum conditions for producing Cs2 molecular condensates from Cs atomic condensates with high transfer efficiency by stimulated Raman adiabatic passage are presented. Under the extended “two-photon” resonance condition, including the two-photon process, the mean-field correction, and the tunneling coupling between two upper excited molecular levels, a high and stable conversion efficiency is realized. The high conversion efficiency could be achieved by following two methods under experimentally less demanding conditions (relatively small effective Rabi frequency for pump laser pulse). One is adjusting the detuning difference between two laser pulses for same effective Rabi frequencies with up to 87.2% transfer efficiency. Another one is adjusting the effective Rabi frequency, the detuning of dump laser for given effective Rabi frequency, and the detuning of pump laser with up to 80.7% transfer efficiency.

Optimization of extraction process by response surface methodology and preliminary structural analysis of polysaccharides from defatted peanut (Arachis hypogaea) cakes.

PubMed

Song, Yi; Du, Bingjian; Zhou, Ting; Han, Bing; Yu, Fei; Yang, Rui; Hu, Xiaosong; Ni, Yuanying; Li, Quanhong

2011-02-01

In this work, response surface methodology was used to determine optimum conditions for extraction of polysaccharides from defatted peanut cake. A central composite design including independent variables, such as extraction temperature (x(1)), extraction time (x(2)), and ethanol concentration (x(3)) was used. Selected response which evaluates the extraction process was polysaccharide yield, and the second-order model obtained for polysaccharide yield revealed coefficient of determination of 97.81%. The independent variable with the largest effect on response was ethanol concentration (x(3)). The optimum extraction conditions were found to be extraction temperature 48.7°C, extraction time 1.52 h, and ethanol concentration of 61.9% (v/v), respectively. Under these conditions, the extraction efficiency of polysaccharide can increase to 25.89%. The results of structural analysis showed that the main composition of defatted peanut cake polysaccharide was α-galactose. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Numerical and experimental analysis of a ducted propeller designed by a fully automated optimization process under open water condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Long; Druckenbrod, Markus; Greve, Martin; Wang, Ke-qi; Abdel-Maksoud, Moustafa

2015-10-01

A fully automated optimization process is provided for the design of ducted propellers under open water conditions, including 3D geometry modeling, meshing, optimization algorithm and CFD analysis techniques. The developed process allows the direct integration of a RANSE solver in the design stage. A practical ducted propeller design case study is carried out for validation. Numerical simulations and open water tests are fulfilled and proved that the optimum ducted propeller improves hydrodynamic performance as predicted.

Selection, Evaluation, and Rating of Compact Heat Exchangers v. 1.006

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carlson, Matthew D.

2016-11-09

SEARCH determines and optimizes the design of a compact heat exchanger for specified process conditions. The user specifies process boundary conditions including the fluid state and flow rate and SEARCH will determine the optimum flow arrangement, channel geometry, and mechanical design for the unit. Fluids are modeled using NIST Refprop or tabulated values. A variety of thermal-hydraulic correlations are available including user-defined equations to accurately capture the heat transfer and pressure drop behavior of the process flows.

Experimental investigation of bioethanol liquid phase dehydration using natural clinoptilolite.

PubMed

Karimi, Samira; Ghobadian, Barat; Omidkhah, Mohammad-Reza; Towfighi, Jafar; Tavakkoli Yaraki, Mohammad

2016-05-01

An experimental study of bioethanol adsorption on natural Iranian clinoptilolite was carried out. Dynamic breakthrough curves were used to investigate the best adsorption conditions in bioethanol liquid phase. A laboratory setup was designed and fabricated for this purpose. In order to find the best operating conditions, the effect of liquid pressure, temperature and flow rate on breakthrough curves and consequently, maximum ethanol uptake by adsorbent were studied. The effects of different variables on final bioethanol concentration were investigated using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results showed that by working at optimum condition, feed with 96% (v/v) initial ethanol concentration could be purified up to 99.9% (v/v). In addition, the process was modeled using Box-Behnken model and optimum operational conditions to reach 99.9% for final ethanol concentration were found equal to 10.7 °C, 4.9 bar and 8 mL/min for liquid temperature, pressure and flow rate, respectively. Therefore, the selected natural Iranian clinoptilolite was found to be a promising adsorbent material for bioethanol dehydration process.

Experimental investigation of bioethanol liquid phase dehydration using natural clinoptilolite

PubMed Central

Karimi, Samira; Ghobadian, Barat; Omidkhah, Mohammad-Reza; Towfighi, Jafar; Tavakkoli Yaraki, Mohammad

2016-01-01

An experimental study of bioethanol adsorption on natural Iranian clinoptilolite was carried out. Dynamic breakthrough curves were used to investigate the best adsorption conditions in bioethanol liquid phase. A laboratory setup was designed and fabricated for this purpose. In order to find the best operating conditions, the effect of liquid pressure, temperature and flow rate on breakthrough curves and consequently, maximum ethanol uptake by adsorbent were studied. The effects of different variables on final bioethanol concentration were investigated using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results showed that by working at optimum condition, feed with 96% (v/v) initial ethanol concentration could be purified up to 99.9% (v/v). In addition, the process was modeled using Box–Behnken model and optimum operational conditions to reach 99.9% for final ethanol concentration were found equal to 10.7 °C, 4.9 bar and 8 mL/min for liquid temperature, pressure and flow rate, respectively. Therefore, the selected natural Iranian clinoptilolite was found to be a promising adsorbent material for bioethanol dehydration process. PMID:27222748

Optimization of rotational speed and hydraulic retention time of a rotational sponge reactor for sewage treatment.

PubMed

Hewawasam, Choolaka; Matsuura, Norihisa; Takimoto, Yuya; Hatamoto, Masashi; Yamaguchi, Takashi

2018-05-26

A rotational sponge (RS) reactor was proposed as an alternative sewage treatment process. Prior to the application of an RS reactor for sewage treatment, this study evaluated reactor performance with regard to organic removal, nitrification, and nitrogen removal and sought to optimize the rotational speed and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the system. RS reactor obtained highest COD removal, nitrification, and nitrogen removal efficiencies of 91%, 97%, and 65%, respectively. For the optimization, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed and optimum conditions of rotational speed and HRT were 18 rounds per hour and 4.8 h, respectively. COD removal, nitrification, and nitrogen removal efficiencies at the optimum conditions were 85%, 85%, and 65%, respectively. Corresponding removal rates at optimum conditions were 1.6 kg-COD m -3 d -1 , 0.3 kg-NH 4 + -N m -3 d -1 , and 0.12 kg-N m -3 d -1 . Microbial community analysis revealed an abundance of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria in the reactor, which contributed to nitrification and nitrogen removal. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Municipal solid waste landfill leachate treatment by fenton, photo-fenton and fenton-like processes: Effect of some variables

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Advanced oxidation processes like Fenton and photo-Fenton have been effectively applied to oxidize the persistent organic compounds in solid waste leachate and convert them to unharmful materials and products. However, there are limited data about application of Fenton-like process in leachate treatment. Therefore, this study was designed with the objective of treating municipal landfill leachate by Fenton, Fenton-like and photo–Fenton processes to determine the effect of different variables, by setting up a pilot system. The used leachate was collected from a municipal unsanitary landfill in Qaem-Shahr in the north of Iran. Fenton and Fenton-like processes were conducted by Jar-test method. Photo-Fenton process was performed in a glass photo-reactor. In all processes, H2O2 was used as the oxidant. FeSO4.7H2O and FeCl3.6H2O were used as reagents. All parameters were measured based on standard methods. The results showed that the optimum concentration of H2O2 was equal to 5 g/L for the Fenton-like process and 3 g/L for the Fenton and photo-Fenton processes. The optimum ratio of H2O2: Fe+2/Fe+3 were equal to 8:1 in all processes. At optimum conditions, the amount of COD removal was 69.6%, 65.9% and 83.2% in Fenton, Fenton-like and photo–Fenton processes, respectively. In addition, optimum pH were 3, 5 and 3 and the optimum contact time were 150, 90 and 120 minutes, for Fenton, Fenton-like and photo–Fenton processes, respectively. After all processes, the biodegradability (BOD5/COD ratio) of the treated leachate was increased compared to that of the raw leachate and the highest increase in BOD5/COD ratio was observed in the photo-Fenton process. The efficiency of the Fenton-like process was overally less than Fenton and photo-Fenton processes, meanwhile the Fenton-like process was at higher pH and did not show problems. PMID:23369204

A determination of the optimum time of year for remotely classifying marsh vegetation from LANDSAT multispectral scanner data. [Louisiana

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butera, M. K. (Principal Investigator)

1978-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. A technique was used to determine the optimum time for classifying marsh vegetation from computer-processed LANDSAT MSS data. The technique depended on the analysis of data derived from supervised pattern recognition by maximum likelihood theory. A dispersion index, created by the ratio of separability among the class spectral means to variability within the classes, defined the optimum classification time. Data compared from seven LANDSAT passes acquired over the same area of Louisiana marsh indicated that June and September were optimum marsh mapping times to collectively classify Baccharis halimifolia, Spartina patens, Spartina alterniflora, Juncus roemericanus, and Distichlis spicata. The same technique was used to determine the optimum classification time for individual species. April appeared to be the best month to map Juncus roemericanus; May, Spartina alterniflora; June, Baccharis halimifolia; and September, Spartina patens and Distichlis spicata. This information is important, for instance, when a single species is recognized to indicate a particular environmental condition.

Preparation of Curcumin Loaded Egg Albumin Nanoparticles Using Acetone and Optimization of Desolvation Process.

PubMed

Aniesrani Delfiya, D S; Thangavel, K; Amirtham, D

2016-04-01

In this study, acetone was used as a desolvating agent to prepare the curcumin-loaded egg albumin nanoparticles. Response surface methodology was employed to analyze the influence of process parameters namely concentration (5-15%w/v) and pH (5-7) of egg albumin solution on solubility, curcumin loading and entrapment efficiency, nanoparticles yield and particle size. Optimum processing conditions obtained from response surface analysis were found to be the egg albumin solution concentration of 8.85%w/v and pH of 5. At this optimum condition, the solubility of 33.57%, curcumin loading of 4.125%, curcumin entrapment efficiency of 55.23%, yield of 72.85% and particles size of 232.6 nm were obtained and these values were related to the values which are predicted using polynomial model equations. Thus, the model equations generated for each response was validated and it can be used to predict the response values at any concentration and pH.

Simulation and optimization of continuous extractive fermentation with recycle system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widjaja, Tri; Altway, Ali; Rofiqah, Umi; Airlangga, Bramantyo

2017-05-01

Extractive fermentation is continuous fermentation method which is believed to be able to substitute conventional fermentation method (batch). The recovery system and ethanol refinery will be easier. Continuous process of fermentation will make the productivity increase although the unconverted sugar in continuous fermentation is still in high concentration. In order to make this process more efficient, the recycle process was used. Increasing recycle flow will enhance the probability of sugar to be re-fermented. However, this will make ethanol enter fermentation column. As a result, the accumulated ethanol will inhibit the growth of microorganism. This research aims to find optimum conditions of solvent to broth ratio (S:B) and recycle flow to fresh feed ratio in order to produce the best yield and productivity. This study employed optimization by Hooke Jeeves method using Matlab 7.8 software. The result indicated that optimum condition occured in S: B=2.615 and R: F=1.495 with yield = 50.2439 %.

Induced calcium carbonate precipitation using Bacillus species.

PubMed

Seifan, Mostafa; Samani, Ali Khajeh; Berenjian, Aydin

2016-12-01

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation is an emerging process for the production of self-healing concrete. This study was aimed to investigate the effects and optimum conditions on calcium carbonate biosynthesis. Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus sphaericus, yeast extract, urea, calcium chloride and aeration were found to be the most significant factors affecting the biomineralization of calcium carbonate. It was noticed that the morphology of microbial calcium carbonate was mainly affected by the genera of bacteria (cell surface properties), the viscosity of the media and the type of electron acceptors (Ca 2+ ). The maximum calcium carbonate concentration of 33.78 g/L was achieved at the optimum conditions This value is the highest concentration reported in the literature.

Bioleaching of heavy metals from sewage sludge using Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Ye-Ming; Lin, Hong-Yan; Wang, Qing-Ping; Chen, Zu-Liang

2010-11-01

Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans was isolated from sewage sludge using the incubation in the Waksman liquor medium and the inoculation in Waksman solid plate. It was found that the optimum conditions of the bioleaching included solid concentration 2%, sulfur concentration 5 gṡL-1 and cell concentration 10%. The removal efficiency of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zh in sewage sludge, which was obtained from waste treatment plant, Jinshan, Fuzhou, was 43.65%, 96.24%, 41.61% and 96.50% in the period of 4˜10 days under the optimum conditions, respectively. After processing using the proposed techniques, the heavy metals in sewage sludge did meet the requirement the standards of nation.

Combination of novel coalescing oil water separator and electrocoagulation technique for treatment of petroleum compound contaminated groundwater.

PubMed

Oladzad, Sepideh; Fallah, Narges; Nasernejad, Bahram

2017-07-01

In the present study a combination of a novel coalescing oil water separator (COWS) and electrocoagulation (EC) technique was used for treatment of petroleum product contaminated groundwater. In the first phase, COWS was used as the primary treatment. Two different types of coalescing media and two levels of flow rates were examined in order to find the optimum conditions. The effluent of COWS was collected in optimum conditions and was treated using an EC process in the second phase of the research. In this phase, preliminary experiments were conducted in order to investigate the effect of EC reaction time and sedimentation time on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency. Best conditions for EC reaction time and sedimentation time were obtained to be 5 min and 30 min, respectively. Response surface methodology was applied to evaluate the effect of initial pH, current density and aeration rate on settling velocity (V s ) and effluent COD. The optimum conditions, for achieving maximum values of V s as well as the values of effluent COD, in the range of results were obtained at conditions of 7, 34 mA·cm -2 and 1.5 L·min -1 for initial pH, current density and aeration rate, respectively.

Simulation of Water Gas Shift Zeolite Membrane Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makertiharta, I. G. B. N.; Rizki, Z.; Zunita, Megawati; Dharmawijaya, P. T.

2017-07-01

The search of alternative energy sources keeps growing from time to time. Various alternatives have been introduced to reduce the use of fossil fuel, including hydrogen. Many pathways can be used to produce hydrogen. Among all of those, the Water Gas Shift (WGS) reaction is the most common pathway to produce high purity hydrogen. The WGS technique faces a downstream processing challenge due to the removal hydrogen from the product stream itself since it contains a mixture of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and also the excess reactants. An integrated process using zeolite membrane reactor has been introduced to improve the performance of the process by selectively separate the hydrogen whilst boosting the conversion. Furthermore, the zeolite membrane reactor can be further improved via optimizing the process condition. This paper discusses the simulation of Zeolite Membrane Water Gas Shift Reactor (ZMWGSR) with variation of process condition to achieve an optimum performance. The simulation can be simulated into two consecutive mechanisms, the reaction prior to the permeation of gases through the zeolite membrane. This paper is focused on the optimization of the process parameters (e.g. temperature, initial concentration) and also membrane properties (e.g. pore size) to achieve an optimum product specification (concentration, purity).

Effects of raw material extrusion and steam conditioning on feed pellet quality and nutrient digestibility of growing meat rabbits.

PubMed

Liao, Kuoyao; Cai, Jingyi; Shi, Zhujun; Tian, Gang; Yan, Dong; Chen, Delin

2017-06-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of raw material extrusion and steam conditioning on feed pellet quality and nutrient digestibility of growing meat rabbits, in order to determine appropriate rabbit feed processing methods and processing parameters. In Exp. 1, an orthogonal design was adopted. Barrel temperature, material moisture content and feed rate were selected as test factors, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content was selected as an evaluation index to research the optimum extrusion parameters. In Exp. 2, a two-factor design was adopted. Four kinds of rabbit feeds were processed and raw material extrusion adopted optimum extrusion parameters of Exp. 1. A total of 40 healthy and 42-day-old rabbits with similar weight were used in a randomized design, which consisted of 4 groups and 10 replicates in each group (1 rabbits in each replicate). The adaptation period lasted for 7 d, and the digestion trial lasted for 4 d. The results showed as follows: 1) ADF was significantly affected by barrel temperature ( P  < 0.05); the optimum extrusion parameters were barrel temperature 125 °C, moisture content 16% and feed rate 9 Hz. 2) Raw material extrusion and steam conditioning both significantly decreased powder percentage, pulverization ratio and protein solubility ( P  < 0.05), significantly improved hardness and starch gelatinization degree of rabbit feed ( P  < 0.05). They both had significant interaction effects on the processing quality of rabbit feed ( P  < 0.05). 3) Extrusion significantly improved the apparent digestibility of dry matter and total energy ( P  < 0.05). Extrusion and steam conditioning both significantly improved the apparent digestibility of crude fiber (CF), ADF and NDF ( P  < 0.05), but they had no interaction effects on the apparent digestibility of rabbit feed. Thus, using extrusion and steam conditioning technology at the same time in the weaning rabbits feed processing can improve the pellet quality and nutrient apparent digestibility of rabbit feed.

Optimization and performance evaluation for nutrient removal from palm oil mill effluent wastewater using microalgae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim, Raheek I.; Wong, Z. H.; Mohammad, A. W.

2015-04-01

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) wastewater was produced in huge amounts in Malaysia, and if it discharged into the environment, it causes a serious problem regarding its high content of nutrients. This study was devoted to POME wastewater treatment with microalgae. The main objective was to find the optimum conditions (retention time, and pH) in the microalgae treatment of POME wastewater considering retention time as a most important parameter in algae treatment, since after the optimum conditions there is a diverse effect of time and pH and so, the process becomes costly. According to our knowledge, there is no existing study optimized the retention time and pH with % removal of nutrients (ammonia nitrogen NH3-N, and orthophosphorous PO43-) for microalgae treatment of POME wastewater. In order to achieve with optimization, a central composite rotatable design with a second order polynomial model was used, regression coefficients and goodness of fit results in removal percentages of nutrients (NH3-N, and PO43-) were estimated.WinQSB technique was used to optimize the surface response objective functionfor the developed model. Also experiments were done to validate the model results.The optimum conditions were found to be 18 day retention time for ammonia nitrogen, and pH of 9.22, while for orthophosphorous, 15 days were indicated as the optimum retention time with a pH value of 9.2.

Improved Broadband Liner Optimization Applied to the Advanced Noise Control Fan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nark, Douglas M.; Jones, Michael G.; Sutliff, Daniel L.; Ayle, Earl; Ichihashi, Fumitaka

2014-01-01

The broadband component of fan noise has grown in relevance with the utilization of increased bypass ratio and advanced fan designs. Thus, while the attenuation of fan tones remains paramount, the ability to simultaneously reduce broadband fan noise levels has become more desirable. This paper describes improvements to a previously established broadband acoustic liner optimization process using the Advanced Noise Control Fan rig as a demonstrator. Specifically, in-duct attenuation predictions with a statistical source model are used to obtain optimum impedance spectra over the conditions of interest. The predicted optimum impedance information is then used with acoustic liner modeling tools to design liners aimed at producing impedance spectra that most closely match the predicted optimum values. Design selection is based on an acceptance criterion that provides the ability to apply increased weighting to specific frequencies and/or operating conditions. Constant-depth, double-degree of freedom and variable-depth, multi-degree of freedom designs are carried through design, fabrication, and testing to validate the efficacy of the design process. Results illustrate the value of the design process in concurrently evaluating the relative costs/benefits of these liner designs. This study also provides an application for demonstrating the integrated use of duct acoustic propagation/radiation and liner modeling tools in the design and evaluation of novel broadband liner concepts for complex engine configurations.

Investigation of mitomycin-C-treated fibroblasts in 3-D collagen gel and conditioned medium for keratinocyte proliferation.

PubMed

Huang, Yi-Chau; Wang, Tzu-Wei; Sun, Jui-Sheng; Lin, Feng-Huei

2006-03-01

Fibroblasts produce a spectrum of necessary growth factors essential for growth and proliferation of a variety of cell types. In this study, the paracrine effect of mitomycin-C-treated fibroblasts with various densities in collagen gel for keratinocyte proliferation was investigated from which an optimum cell density and optimum conditioned medium would be determined to expand keratinocyte without further differentiation for skin equivalent tissue engineering. The optimum cell density in collagen feeder gel for optimum collected medium preparation will be determined by checking the level of keratinocyte growth factor and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor in conventional medium. The results showed that the cell density of 1 x 10(5) cells/gel in the feeder gel is better to produce optimum collected medium. The conditioned medium is prepared by mixing together the optimum collected medium and molecular cellular and developmental biology (MCDB) 153 medium in different ratios for keratinocyte growth. The keratinocyte viability will be measured by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to determine the optimum conditioned medium. From the study, 67% conditioned medium was supposed as the better medium for keratinocyte proliferation. In this experiment, the optimum cell density in feeder gel to coculture with keratinocytes is also determined as 1 x 10(5) cells/gel. Keratin 10 (K10) and Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling stain will be used to check the cell differentiation and apoptosis, respectively. The results suggest that keratinocytes should not be cultured in postconfluent conditions due to undesired apoptosis and differentiation. The result of cell viability from passages to passages shows that the optimum feeder gel plays a more important role to the keratinocyte proliferation than that of optimum conditioned medium. Keratinocytes cultured with optimum feeder gel in 67% conditioned medium could effectively promote proliferation, inhibit apoptosis, and prevent differentiation. The combination of conditioned media and feeder gel to culture keratinocytes without external supplements can provide an inexpensive way for keratinocyte proliferation and construct an environment for real-time communication between the two cells. The results conclude that keratinocyte cultivation in feeder gel with modified medium should be feasible in the production of high quality keratinocytes for skin equivalents preparation.

Optimization of maltodextrin production from avocado seed starch by response surface methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Thanh Viet; Ma, Tuyen-Hoang Nguyen; Nguyen, Tha Thi; Ho, Vinh-Nghi Kim; Vo, Hau Tan

2018-04-01

A process for maltodextrin production from avocado seed starch was reported in this study. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effects of three independent variables for hydrolysis of the starch using a commercial food-grade α-amylase, Termamyl SC. These variables included enzyme concentration (0.05 - 0.15% starch), pH (5.0 - 6.0) and hydrolysis time (1.0 - 3.0 h), while the temperature fixed at 95°C. The result showed that the optimum conditions were using enzyme concentration at 0.12%, pH at 5.5 and 2.75 h of the incubation time. Under the optimum conditions, the recovered starch yield was 79.8% and the maltodextrin powder had 15.8 of dextrose equivalent.

Optimization of process parameters for pilot-scale liquid-state bioconversion of sewage sludge by mixed fungal inoculation.

PubMed

Rahman, Roshanida A; Molla, Abul Hossain; Barghash, Hind F A; Fakhru'l-Razi, Ahmadun

2016-01-01

Liquid-state bioconversion (LSB) technique has great potential for application in bioremediation of sewage sludge. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimum level of LSB process of sewage sludge treatment by mixed fungal (Aspergillus niger and Penicillium corylophilum) inoculation in a pilot-scale bioreactor. The optimization of process factors was investigated using response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken design considering hydraulic retention time (HRT) and substrate influent concentration (S0) on nine responses for optimizing and fitted to the regression model. The optimum region was successfully depicted by optimized conditions, which was identified as the best fit for convenient multiple responses. The results from process verification were in close agreement with those obtained through predictions. Considering five runs of different conditions of HRT (low, medium and high 3.62, 6.13 and 8.27 days, respectively) with the range of S0 value (the highest 12.56 and the lowest 7.85 g L(-1)), it was monitored as the lower HRT was considered as the best option because it required minimum days of treatment than the others with influent concentration around 10 g L(-1). Therefore, optimum process factors of 3.62 days for HRT and 10.12 g L(-1) for S0 were identified as the best fit for LSB process and its performance was deviated by less than 5% in most of the cases compared to the predicted values. The recorded optimized results address a dynamic development in commercial-scale biological treatment of wastewater for safe and environment-friendly disposal in near future.

The determination of optimum condition in water hyacinth drying process by mixed adsorption drying method and modified fly ash as an adsorbent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saputra, Asep Handaya; Putri, Rizky Anggreini

2017-05-01

Water hyacinth is an aquatic weed that has a very fast growth which makes it becomes a problem to the ecosystem. On the other hand, water hyacinth has a high fiber content (up to 20% by weight) which makes it potential to become raw material for composites and textile industries. As an aquatic plant, water hyacinth has a high initial moisture content that reaches more than 90%. Meanwhile the moisture content of fiber as a raw material for composite and textile industry should not be more than 10% to maintain the good quality of the products. Mixed adsorption drying method is one of the innovative method that can replace conventional drying process. Fluidization method which has been commonly used in agricultural and pharmaceutical products drying, can be enhanced by combining it with the adsorption method as performed in this study. In mixed fluidization-adsorption drying method, fly ash as adsorbent and water hyacinth fiber were put together into the fluidization column where the drying air evaporate the moisture content in water hyacinth fiber. In addition, the adsorbent adsorb the moisture content in the drying air to make the moisture content of the drying air remain low. The drying process is performed in various temperature and composition of water hyacinth and adsorbent in order to obtain the optimum drying condition. In addition, the effect of fly ash pellet and fly ash powder to the drying process was also performed. The result shows that the higher temperature and the more amount of adsorbent results in the faster drying rate. Fly ash pellet shows a better adsorption since it has a smaller pore diameter and wider surface area. The optimum temperature obtained from this study is 60°C and the optimum ratio of water hyacinth and fly ash is 50:50.

CFD-Based Design Optimization Tool Developed for Subsonic Inlet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

The traditional approach to the design of engine inlets for commercial transport aircraft is a tedious process that ends with a less-than-optimum design. With the advent of high-speed computers and the availability of more accurate and reliable computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers, numerical optimization processes can effectively be used to design an aerodynamic inlet lip that enhances engine performance. The designers' experience at Boeing Corporation showed that for a peak Mach number on the inlet surface beyond some upper limit, the performance of the engine degrades excessively. Thus, our objective was to optimize efficiency (minimize the peak Mach number) at maximum cruise without compromising performance at other operating conditions. Using a CFD code NPARC, the NASA Lewis Research Center, in collaboration with Boeing, developed an integrated procedure at Lewis to find the optimum shape of a subsonic inlet lip and a numerical optimization code, ADS. We used a GRAPE-based three-dimensional grid generator to help automate the optimization procedure. The inlet lip shape at the crown and the keel was described as a superellipse, and the superellipse exponents and radii ratios were considered as design variables. Three operating conditions: cruise, takeoff, and rolling takeoff, were considered in this study. Three-dimensional Euler computations were carried out to obtain the flow field. At the initial design, the peak Mach numbers for maximum cruise, takeoff, and rolling takeoff conditions were 0.88, 1.772, and 1.61, respectively. The acceptable upper limits on the takeoff and rolling takeoff Mach numbers were 1.55 and 1.45. Since the initial design provided by Boeing was found to be optimum with respect to the maximum cruise condition, the sum of the peak Mach numbers at takeoff and rolling takeoff were minimized in the current study while the maximum cruise Mach number was constrained to be close to that at the existing design. With this objective, the optimum design satisfied the upper limits at takeoff and rolling takeoff while retaining the desirable cruise performance. Further studies are being conducted to include static and cross-wind operating conditions in the design optimization procedure. This work was carried out in collaboration with Dr. E.S. Reddy of NYMA, Inc.

Optimum Design of Aerospace Structural Components Using Neural Networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berke, L.; Patnaik, S. N.; Murthy, P. L. N.

1993-01-01

The application of artificial neural networks to capture structural design expertise is demonstrated. The principal advantage of a trained neural network is that it requires a trivial computational effort to produce an acceptable new design. For the class of problems addressed, the development of a conventional expert system would be extremely difficult. In the present effort, a structural optimization code with multiple nonlinear programming algorithms and an artificial neural network code NETS were used. A set of optimum designs for a ring and two aircraft wings for static and dynamic constraints were generated using the optimization codes. The optimum design data were processed to obtain input and output pairs, which were used to develop a trained artificial neural network using the code NETS. Optimum designs for new design conditions were predicted using the trained network. Neural net prediction of optimum designs was found to be satisfactory for the majority of the output design parameters. However, results from the present study indicate that caution must be exercised to ensure that all design variables are within selected error bounds.

Preparation of the Iron Oxide Red from the Converter Dust by the Magnetic Separation and Roasting Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Z. J.; Li, S. Q.; Yang, C. Q.

2017-05-01

Preparation of iron oxide red (α-Fe2O3) from the converter dust by the superconductivity high gradient magnetic separation (S-HGMS) and roasting process was investigated in the paper. The basic properties of the dust were studied by the X Ray Fluorescence, the chemical analysis and the X Ray Diffraction methods. The results showed that the raw dust mainly contained elements of Fe‵O‵Si‵Ca, the iron content of the raw dust was 61.80%, and there were ferrous phases of Fe3O4, α-Fe2O3, Fe2(SiO4) and CaFe(Si2O6) in the raw dust. Under the optimum conditions of magnetic field intensity of 1.8T, the dispersion agent of 30mg/L and velocity of 500mL/min, the powders absorbed by the magnetic medium mainly contained Fe3O4 and α-Fe2O3, and the iron content of powders absorbed was up to 65.90%. The Fe2+ content of the powders absorbed under the optimum magnetic conditions dropped to 0.25% from 19.10% after roasting of fifty minutes, and the iron content of powders absorbed under the optimum magnetic conditions fell to 64% due to oxidation, and the Fe3O4 was removed. Finally the α-Fe2O3 content was up to 91.07% in the iron oxide red.

[Studies on extraction process optimization of Panax notogingseng saponins].

PubMed

Qu, Lin-hai; Zheng, Ming; Lou, Yi-jia

2006-06-01

To optimize the conditions for the extraction of panax notogingseng saponins (PNS). After selected extraction solvent and suitable particle, we employed orthogonal experimental design to examine the conditions for the extraction by determination of PNS. Significant effect was observed only in extraction times. The optimum condition for extraction of PNS was to extract panax notogingseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen with 10 times 70% ethanol for 1.5 hours for 3 times.

Modelling and analysis of the wetting characteristics of ink for display applications with the surface evolution technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Dong-Youn; Brakke, Kenneth A.

2009-06-01

Piezo drop-on-demand inkjet printing technology has attracted the attention of display industries for the production of colour filters for thin film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT LCD) because of the opportunity of reducing manufacturing cost. Colourant ink droplets ejected from inkjet nozzles selectively fill subpixels surrounded with black matrix (BM). Surface energy differences between the glass substrate and the BM generally guide this ink filling process. This colourant ink filling process, however, results from the complex hydrodynamic interaction of ink with the substrate and the BM. Neither computationally expensive numerical methods nor time and cost expensive experiments are suitable for the derivation of optimum surface conditions at the early development stage. In this study, a more concise surface evolution technique is proposed and ways to find the optimum surface conditions for the fabrication of TFT LCD colour filters and polymer light emitting devices are discussed, which might be useful for chemists and developers of ink and BM material, as well as for process engineers in display industries.

Enhanced compositing of radiation disinfected sewage sludge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawakami, W.; Hashimoto, S.

Studies on isothermal composting of radiation disinfected sewage sludge and liquid chromatography of water extracts of the products were carried out. The optimum temperature and pH were around 50 °C and 7-8, respectively. The repeated use of products as seeds increased the rate of CO 2 evolution. The rate reached a maximum within 10 hours and decreased rapidly, and the CO 2 evolution ceased after about 3 days. The conversion of organic carbon to carbon dioxide attained to about 40% for the repeated use of products as seeds at the optimum conditions. As long as seeds in available were used, no remarkable difference was found in the composting of unirradiated and irradiated sludges. The composting process using radiation, however, can be carried out at the optimum conditions and is expected to shorten the composting period, because it is not necessary to keep fermentation temperature higher to reduce pathogen in sludge. Liquid chromatographic studies of the products showed that low molecular components decreased and higher molecular ones increased with fermentation. An index expressing the degree of reduction of easily decomposable organics was presented. The index also showed that the optimum temperature for fermentation was 50 °C, and that the easily decomposable organics disappeared above 30% of the conversion of organic carbon.

Extraction of uranium from tailings by sulfuric acid leaching with oxidants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jing; Li, Mi; Zhang, Xiaowen; Huang, Chunmei; Wu, Xiaoyan

2017-06-01

Recovery of uranium have been performed by leaching uranium-containing tailings in sulfuric acid system with the assistance of HF, HClO4, H2O2 and MnO2. The effect of reagent dosage, sulfuric acid concentration, Liquid/solid ratio, reaction temperature and particle size on the leaching of uranium were investigated. The results show that addiction of HF, HClO4, H2O2 and MnO2 significantly increased the extraction of uranium under 1M sulphuric acid condition and under the optimum reaction conditions a dissolution fraction of 85% by HClO4, 90% by HF, 95% by H2O2 can be reached respectively. The variation of technological mineralogy properites of tailings during leaching process show that the assistants can break gangue effectively. These observations suggest that optimum oxidants could potentially influence the extraction of uranium from tailings even under dilute acid condition.

[Optimal extraction of effective constituents from Aralia elata by central composite design and response surface methodology].

PubMed

Lv, Shao-Wa; Liu, Dong; Hu, Pan-Pan; Ye, Xu-Yan; Xiao, Hong-Bin; Kuang, Hai-Xue

2010-03-01

To optimize the process of extracting effective constituents from Aralia elata by response surface methodology. The independent variables were ethanol concentration, reflux time and solvent fold, the dependent variable was extraction rate of total saponins in Aralia elata. Linear or no-linear mathematic models were used to estimate the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the process of extraction. The prediction was carried out through comparing the observed and predicted values. Regression coefficient of binomial fitting complex model was as high as 0.9617, the optimum conditions of extraction process were 70% ethanol, 2.5 hours for reflux, 20-fold solvent and 3 times for extraction. The bias between observed and predicted values was -2.41%. It shows the optimum model is highly predictive.

Optimization of the degumming process for camellia oil by the use of phospholipase C in pilot-scale system.

PubMed

Jiang, Xiaofei; Chang, Ming; Jin, Qingzhe; Wang, Xingguo

2015-06-01

In present study, phospholipase C (PLC) was applied in camellia oil degumming and the response surface method (RSM) was used to determine the optimum degumming conditions (reaction time, reaction temperature and enzyme dosage) for this enzyme. The optimum conditions for the minimum residual phosphorus content (15.14 mg/kg) and maximum yield of camellia oil (98.2 %) were obtained at reaction temperature 53 ºC, reaction time 2.2 h, PLC dosage 400 mg/kg and pH 5.4. The application of phospholipase A (PLA) - assisted degumming process could further reduce the residual phosphorus content of camellia oil (6.84 mg/kg) to make the oil suitable for physical refining while maintaining the maximal oil yield (98.2 %). These results indicate that PLC degumming process in combination with PLA treatment can be a commercially viable alternative for traditional degumming process. Study on the quality changes of degummed oils showed that the oxidative stability of camellia oil was slightly deceased after the enzymatic treatment, thus more attention should be paid to the oxidative stability in the further application.

Heavy metal recovery from electric arc furnace steel slag by using hydrochloric acid leaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Lim Jin; Haan, Ong Teng; Shean Yaw, Thomas Choong; Chuah Abdullah, Luqman; Razak, Mus'ab Abdul; Cionita, Tezara; Toudehdehghan, Abdolreza

2018-03-01

Electric Arc Furnace steel slag (EAFS) is the waste produced in steelmaking industry. Environmental problem such as pollution will occur when dumping the steel slag waste into the landfill. These steel slags have properties that are suitable for various applications such as water treatment and wastewater. The objective of this study is to develop efficient and economical chlorination route for EAFS extraction by using leaching process. Various parameters such as concentration of hydrochloric acid, particle size of steel slag, reaction time and reaction temperature are investigated to determine the optimum conditions. As a result, the dissolution rate can be determined by changing the parameters, such as concentration of hydrochloric acid, particle size of steel slag, reaction time and reaction temperature. The optimum conditions for dissolution rates for the leaching process is at 3.0 M hydrochloric acid, particle size of 1.18 mm, reaction time of 2.5 hour and the temperature of 90°C.

Adsorption of Ni(II) onto Chemically Modified Spent Grated Coconut (Cocos Nucifera)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamzah, F. I.; Khalid, K.; Hanafiah, M. A. K. M.

2017-06-01

A new adsorbent of plant waste origin from coconut processing food factory was explored for removing Ni(II) from aqueous solutions. Several parameters such as pH, dosage, concentration and contact time were studied to obtain optimum conditions for treatment of Ni(II) contaminated wastewater. Spent grated coconut (Cocos nucifera) treated with sulfuric acid (SSGC) showed good adsorption capacity for Ni(II) ion. The amount adsorbed was affected by solution pH with the highest value achieved at pH 5. Other optimum conditions found were; dosage of 0.02 g, and 60 min of equilibrium time. Ni(II) adsorption obeyed the pseudo-second order kinetic model which suggested that chemisorption mechanism occurred in the adsorption process. The equilibrium data presented a better fitting to the Langmuir isotherm model, an indication that monolayer adsorption occurred onto a homogeneous surface. The maximum adsorption capacity, qmax was 97.09 mg g-1, thus SSGC can be classified as good and comparable with other plant waste adsorbents.

Statistical optimization of process parameters for the production of tannase by Aspergillus flavus under submerged fermentation.

PubMed

Mohan, S K; Viruthagiri, T; Arunkumar, C

2014-04-01

Production of tannase by Aspergillus flavus (MTCC 3783) using tamarind seed powder as substrate was studied in submerged fermentation. Plackett-Burman design was applied for the screening of 12 medium nutrients. From the results, the significant nutrients were identified as tannic acid, magnesium sulfate, ferrous sulfate and ammonium sulfate. Further the optimization of process parameters was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM). RSM has been applied for designing of experiments to evaluate the interactive effects through a full 31 factorial design. The optimum conditions were tannic acid concentration, 3.22 %; fermentation period, 96 h; temperature, 35.1 °C; and pH 5.4. Higher value of the regression coefficient (R 2  = 0.9638) indicates excellent evaluation of experimental data by second-order polynomial regression model. The RSM revealed that a maximum tannase production of 139.3 U/ml was obtained at the optimum conditions.

[Technology of composting].

PubMed

Jäger, B

1983-09-01

The technology of composting must guarantee the material-chemical, biological and physical-technical reaction conditions essential for the rotting process. In this, the constituents of the input material and the C/N ratio play an important role. Maintaining optimum decomposition conditions is rendered difficult by the fact that the physical-technical reaction parameters partly exclude each other. These are: optimum humidity, adequate air/oxygen supply, large active surface, loose structure with sufficient decomposition volume. The processing of the raw refuse required to maintain the physical-technical reaction parameters can be carried out either by the conventional method of preliminary fragmentizing, sieving and mixing or else in conjunction with separating recycling in adapted systems. The latter procedure obviates some drawbacks which mainly result from the high expenditure required for preliminary fragmentation of the raw refuse. Moreover, presorting affords the possibility of reducing the heavy-metal content of the organic composing fraction and this approaches a solution to the noxa disposal problem which at present stands in the way of being accepted as an ecological waste disposal method.

[Treatment of ANAMMOX technique on treating high concentration poultry wastewater].

PubMed

Zhu, Jie; Huang, Tao; Fan, Xing-Jian; Zhang, Cheng-Fu

2009-05-15

Taking the effluent of the UASB-shortcut nitrification technique of typical high concentration poultry wastewater as the object, it is discussed that the ANAMMOX is applicable as a treatment of denitrification. Firstly, it successfully starts ANAMMOX reactor by the denitrifying activated sludge, on this basis, finding the optimal ammonia loading is about 0.2 kg/(m3 x d) and the HRT of system is 2 d. Moreover, after studyingon the operating conditions, the optimum is that pH is about 7.50; temperature is 30 degrees C without adding organic carbon. Under optimum conditions, the removal efficiencies of ammonia and nitrite nitrogen could be above 85% and 95%, the system is running well and has reproducibility. Finally, it reaches that the reaction rates of ammonia and nitrite nitrogen are 0.0126 d(-1) and 0.0131 d(-1) through dynamic analysis. So it can make the theory basis for spreading and application of after/continuous process, neural network simulation and "UASB + SBR shortcut nitrification + ANAMMOX + land treating system" newly combined process.

Preparation and Physicochemical Properties of 10-Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) Nanoparticles by Supercritical Antisolvent (SAS) Process

PubMed Central

Zhao, Xiuhua; Zu, Yuangang; Jiang, Ru; Wang, Ying; Li, Yong; Li, Qingyong; Zhao, Dongmei; Zu, Baishi; Zhang, Baoyou; Sun, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Xiaonan

2011-01-01

The goal of the present work was to study the feasibility of 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) nanoparticle preparation using supercritical antisolvent (SAS) precipitation. The influences of various experimental factors on the mean particle size (MPS) of HCPT nanoparticles were investigated. The optimum micronization conditions are determined as follows: HCPT solution concentration 0.5 mg/mL, the flow rate ratio of CO2 and HCPT solution 19.55, precipitation temperature 35 °C and precipitation pressure 20 MPa. Under the optimum conditions, HCPT nanoparticles with a MPS of 180 ± 20.3 nm were obtained. Moreover, the HCPT nanoparticles obtained were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy, Dynamic light scattering, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and Differential scanning calorimetry analyses. The physicochemical characterization results showed that the SAS process had not induced degradation of HCPT. Finally, the dissolution rates of HCPT nanoparticles were investigated and the results proved that there is a significant increase in dissolution rate compared to unprocessed HCPT. PMID:21731466

Decolorization of distillery spent wash effluent by electro oxidation (EC and EF) and Fenton processes: A comparative study.

PubMed

David, Charles; Arivazhagan, M; Tuvakara, Fazaludeen

2015-11-01

In this study, laboratory scale experiments were performed to degrade highly concentrated organic matter in the form of color in the distillery spent wash through batch oxidative methods such as electrocoagulation (EC), electrofenton (EF) and Fenton process. The effect of corresponding operating parameters, namely initial pH: 2-10; current intensity: 1-5A; electrolysis time: 0.5-4h; agitation speed: 100-500rpm; inter-electrode distance: 0.5-4cm and Fenton's reagent dosage: 5-40mg/L was employed for optimizing the process of spent wash color removal. The performance of all the three processes was compared and assessed in terms of percentage color removal. For EC, 79% color removal was achieved using iron electrodes arranged with 0.5cm of inter-electrode space and at optimum conditions of pH 7, 5A current intensity, 300rpm agitation speed and in 2h of electrolysis time. In EF, 44% spent wash decolorization was observed using carbon (graphite) electrodes with an optimum conditions of 0.5cm inter-electrode distance, pH 3, 4A current intensity, 20mg/L FeSO4 and agitation speed of 400rpm for 3h of electrolysis time. By Fenton process, 66% decolorization was attained by Fenton process at optimized conditions of pH 3, 40mg/L of Fenton's reagent and at 500rpm of agitation speed for 4h of treatment time. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical Oxidation of Resorcinol in Aqueous Medium Using Boron-Doped Diamond Anode: Reaction Kinetics and Process Optimization with Response Surface Methodology

PubMed Central

Körbahti, Bahadır K.; Demirbüken, Pelin

2017-01-01

Electrochemical oxidation of resorcinol in aqueous medium using boron-doped diamond anode (BDD) was investigated in a batch electrochemical reactor in the presence of Na2SO4 supporting electrolyte. The effect of process parameters such as resorcinol concentration (100–500 g/L), current density (2–10 mA/cm2), Na2SO4 concentration (0–20 g/L), and reaction temperature (25–45°C) was analyzed on electrochemical oxidation using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum operating conditions were determined as 300 mg/L resorcinol concentration, 8 mA/cm2 current density, 12 g/L Na2SO4 concentration, and 34°C reaction temperature. One hundred percent of resorcinol removal and 89% COD removal were obtained in 120 min reaction time at response surface optimized conditions. These results confirmed that the electrochemical mineralization of resorcinol was successfully accomplished using BDD anode depending on the process conditions, however the formation of intermediates and by-products were further oxidized at much lower rate. The reaction kinetics were evaluated at optimum conditions and the reaction order of electrochemical oxidation of resorcinol in aqueous medium using BDD anode was determined as 1 based on COD concentration with the activation energy of 5.32 kJ/mol that was supported a diffusion-controlled reaction. PMID:29082225

Third generation snacks manufactured from orange by-products: physicochemical and nutritional characterization.

PubMed

Tovar-Jiménez, Xochitl; Caro-Corrales, José; Gómez-Aldapa, Carlos A; Zazueta-Morales, José; Limón-Valenzuela, Víctor; Castro-Rosas, Javier; Hernández-Ávila, Juan; Aguilar-Palazuelos, Ernesto

2015-10-01

A mixture of orange vesicle flour, commercial nixtamalized corn flour and potato starch was extruded using a Brabender Laboratory single screw extruder (2:1 L/D). The resulting pellets were expanded by microwaves. Expansion index, bulk density, penetration force, carotenoid content, and dietary fiber were measured for this third-generation snack and optimum production conditions were estimated. Response surface methodology was applied using a central composite rotatable experimental design to evaluate the effect of moisture content and extrusion temperature. Temperature mainly affected the expansion index, bulk density and penetration force, while carotenoids content was affected by moisture content. Surface overlap was used to identify optimum processing conditions: temperature: 128-130 °C; moisture content: 22-24 %. Insoluble dietary fiber decreased and soluble dietary fiber increased after extrusion.

Removal Efficiency of Electrocoagulation Treatment Using Aluminium Electrode for Stabilized Leachate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamad Zailani, L. W.; Amdan, N. S. Mohd; Zin, N. S. M.

2018-04-01

This research was conducted to investigate the performance of aluminium electrode in electrocoagulation process removing chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, turbidity, colour and suspended solid (SS) from Simpang Renggam landfill leachate. Effects of current density, electrolysis duration and pH were observed in this study. From the data obtained, optimum condition at current density was recorded at 200 A/m2with the electrolysis duration of 20-minutes and optimum pH value at 4. The removal recorded at this condition for COD, ammonia, colour, turbidity and suspended solid were 60%, 37%, 94%, 88% and 89% respectively. Electrocoagulation treatment give a better result and can be applied for leachate treatment in future. Thus, electrocoagulation treatment has the potential to be used in treatment of leachate.

Effect of preparation conditions on the characteristics and photocatalytic activity of TiO2/purified diatomite composite photocatalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Zhiming; Hu, Zhibo; Yan, Yang; Zheng, Shuilin

2014-09-01

TiO2/purified diatomite composite materials were prepared through a modified hydrolysis-deposition method under low temperature using titanium tetrachloride as precursor combined with a calcination crystallization process. The microstructure and crystalline phases of the obtained composites prepared under different preparation conditions were characterized by high resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The photocatalytic performance of TiO2/purified diatomite composites was evaluated by Rhodamine B as the target pollutant under UV irradiation, and the optimum preparation conditions of composites were obtained. The TiO2 crystal form in composites prepared under optimum conditions was anatase, the grain size of which was 34.12 nm. The relationships between structure and property of composite materials were analyzed and discussed. It is indicated that the TiO2 nanoparticles uniformly dispersed on the surface of diatoms, and the photocatalytic performance of the composite materials was mainly determined by the dispersity and grain size of loaded TiO2 nanoparticles.

Application of Theodorsen's Theory to Propeller Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crigler, John L

1948-01-01

A theoretical analysis is presented for obtaining by use of Theodorsen's propeller theory the load distribution along a propeller radius to give the optimum propeller efficiency for any design condition.The efficiencies realized by designing for the optimum load distribution are given in graphs, and the optimum efficiency for any design condition may be read directly from the graph without any laborious calculations. Examples are included to illustrate the method of obtaining the optimum load distributions for both single-rotating and dual-rotating propellers.

Application of Theodorsen's theory to propeller design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crigler, John L

1949-01-01

A theoretical analysis is presented for obtaining, by use of Theodorsen's propeller theory, the load distribution along a propeller radius to give the optimum propeller efficiency for any design condition. The efficiencies realized by designing for the optimum load distribution are given in graphs, and the optimum efficiency for any design condition may be read directly from the graph without any laborious calculations. Examples are included to illustrate the method of obtaining the optimum load distributions for both single-rotating and dual-rotating propellers.

Production of Furfural from Process-Relevant Biomass-Derived Pentoses in a Biphasic Reaction System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mittal, Ashutosh; Black, Stuart K.; Vinzant, Todd B.

Furfural is an important fuel precursor which can be converted to hydrocarbon fuels and fuel intermediates. In this work, the production of furfural by dehydration of process-relevant pentose rich corn stover hydrolyzate using a biphasic batch reaction system has been investigated. Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) and toluene have been used to extract furfural and enhance overall furfural yield by limiting its degradation to humins. The effects of reaction time, temperature, and acid concentration (H 2SO 4) on pentose conversion and furfural yield were investigated. For the dehydration of 8 wt % pentose-rich corn stover hydrolyzate under optimum reaction conditions, 0.05more » M H 2SO 4, 170 degrees C for 20 min with MIBK as the solvent, complete conversion of xylose (98-100%) and a furfural yield of 80% were obtained. Under these same conditions, except with toluene as the solvent, the furfural yield was 77%. Additionally, dehydration of process-relevant pentose rich corn stover hydrolyzate using solid acid ion-exchange resins under optimum reaction conditions has shown that Purolite CT275 is as effective as H 2SO 4 for obtaining furfural yields approaching 80% using a biphasic batch reaction system. In conclusion, this work has demonstrated that a biphasic reaction system can be used to process biomass-derived pentose rich sugar hydrolyzates to furfural in yields approaching 80%.« less

Production of Furfural from Process-Relevant Biomass-Derived Pentoses in a Biphasic Reaction System

DOE PAGES

Mittal, Ashutosh; Black, Stuart K.; Vinzant, Todd B.; ...

2017-05-16

Furfural is an important fuel precursor which can be converted to hydrocarbon fuels and fuel intermediates. In this work, the production of furfural by dehydration of process-relevant pentose rich corn stover hydrolyzate using a biphasic batch reaction system has been investigated. Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) and toluene have been used to extract furfural and enhance overall furfural yield by limiting its degradation to humins. The effects of reaction time, temperature, and acid concentration (H 2SO 4) on pentose conversion and furfural yield were investigated. For the dehydration of 8 wt % pentose-rich corn stover hydrolyzate under optimum reaction conditions, 0.05more » M H 2SO 4, 170 degrees C for 20 min with MIBK as the solvent, complete conversion of xylose (98-100%) and a furfural yield of 80% were obtained. Under these same conditions, except with toluene as the solvent, the furfural yield was 77%. Additionally, dehydration of process-relevant pentose rich corn stover hydrolyzate using solid acid ion-exchange resins under optimum reaction conditions has shown that Purolite CT275 is as effective as H 2SO 4 for obtaining furfural yields approaching 80% using a biphasic batch reaction system. In conclusion, this work has demonstrated that a biphasic reaction system can be used to process biomass-derived pentose rich sugar hydrolyzates to furfural in yields approaching 80%.« less

Prediction of the optimum hybridization conditions of dot-blot-SNP analysis using estimated melting temperature of oligonucleotide probes.

PubMed

Shiokai, Sachiko; Kitashiba, Hiroyasu; Nishio, Takeshi

2010-08-01

Although the dot-blot-SNP technique is a simple cost-saving technique suitable for genotyping of many plant individuals, optimization of hybridization and washing conditions for each SNP marker requires much time and labor. For prediction of the optimum hybridization conditions for each probe, we compared T (m) values estimated from nucleotide sequences using the DINAMelt web server, measured T (m) values, and hybridization conditions yielding allele-specific signals. The estimated T (m) values were comparable to the measured T (m) values with small differences of less than 3 degrees C for most of the probes. There were differences of approximately 14 degrees C between the specific signal detection conditions and estimated T (m) values. Change of one level of SSC concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0x SSC corresponded to a difference of approximately 5 degrees C in optimum signal detection temperature. Increasing the sensitivity of signal detection by shortening the exposure time to X-ray film changed the optimum hybridization condition for specific signal detection. Addition of competitive oligonucleotides to the hybridization mixture increased the suitable hybridization conditions by 1.8. Based on these results, optimum hybridization conditions for newly produced dot-blot-SNP markers will become predictable.

The handicap process favors exaggerated, rather than reduced, sexual ornaments.

PubMed

Tazzyman, Samuel J; Iwasa, Yoh; Pomiankowski, Andrew

2014-09-01

Why are traits that function as secondary sexual ornaments generally exaggerated in size compared to the naturally selected optimum, and not reduced? Because they deviate from the naturally selected optimum, traits that are reduced in size will handicap their bearer, and could thus provide an honest signal of quality to a potential mate. Thus if secondary sexual ornaments evolve via the handicap process, current theory suggests that reduced ornamentation should be as frequent as exaggerated ornamentation, but this is not the case. To try to explain this discrepancy, we analyze a simple model of the handicap process. Our analysis shows that asymmetries in costs of preference or ornament with regard to exaggeration and reduction cannot fully explain the imbalance. Rather, the bias toward exaggeration can be best explained if either the signaling efficacy or the condition dependence of a trait increases with size. Under these circumstances, evolution always leads to more extreme exaggeration than reduction: although the two should occur just as frequently, exaggerated secondary sexual ornaments are likely to be further removed from the naturally selected optimum than reduced ornaments. © 2014 The Authors. Evolution published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Society for the Study of Evolution.

[Study on extraction process of Radix Bupleuri].

PubMed

Zhao, Lei; Liu, Benliang; Wu, Fuxiang; Tao, Lanping; Liu, Jian

2004-10-01

The orthogonal design was used to optimize extraction process of Radix Bupleuri with content of total saponin and yield of the extract as markers. Factors that have been chosen were ethanol concentration, ethanol consumption, extraction times and extraction time. Each factor had three levels. The result showed that the optimum extraction condition was 80% ethanol, 4 times the amount of material, refluxing for 4 times, 60 minutes each time. The optimized process was stable and workable.

Tool life and cutting speed for the maximum productivity at the drilling of the stainless steel X22CrMoV12-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vlase, A.; Blăjină, O.; Iacob, M.; Darie, V.

2015-11-01

Two addressed issues in the research regarding the cutting machinability, establishing of the optimum cutting processing conditions and the optimum cutting regime, do not yet have sufficient data for solving. For this reason, in the paper it is proposed the optimization of the tool life and the cutting speed at the drilling of a certain stainless steel in terms of the maximum productivity. For this purpose, a nonlinear programming mathematical model to maximize the productivity at the drilling of the steel is developed in the paper. The optimum cutting tool life and the associated cutting tool speed are obtained by solving the numerical mathematical model. Using this proposed model allows increasing the accuracy in the prediction of the productivity for the drilling of a certain stainless steel and getting the optimum tool life and the optimum cutting speed for the maximum productivity. The results presented in this paper can be used in the production activity, in order to increase the productivity of the stainless steels machining. Also new research directions for the specialists in this interested field may come off from this paper.

Production of Biodiesel from Acid Oil via a Two-Step Enzymatic Transesterification.

PubMed

Choi, Nakyung; Lee, Jeom-Sig; Kwak, Jieun; Lee, Junsoo; Kim, In-Hwan

2016-11-01

A two-step enzymatic transesterification process in a solvent-free system has been developed as a novel approach to the production of biodiesel using acid oil from rice bran oil soapstock. The acid oil consisted of 53.7 wt% fatty acids, 2.4 wt% monoacylglycerols, 9.1 wt% diacylglycerols, 28.8 wt% triacylglycerols, and 6.0 wt% others. Three immobilized lipases were evaluated as potential biocatalysts, including Novozym 435 from Candida antarctica, Lipozyme RM IM from Rhizomucor miehei, and Lipozyme TL IM from Thermomyces lanuginosus. The effects of molar ratio of acid oil to ethanol, temperature, and enzyme loading were investigated to determine the optimum conditions for the transesterification with the three immobilized lipases. The optimum conditions of the three immobilized lipases were a molar ratio of 1:5 (acid oil to ethanol), the temperature range of 30-40°C, and the enzyme loading range of 5-10%. The two-step transesterification was then conducted under the optimum conditions of each lipase. The stepwise use of Novozym 435 and Lipozyme TL IM or Lipozyme RM IM and Lipozyme TL IM resulted in similar or higher levels of yield to the individual lipases. The maximum yields obtained in both stepwise uses were ca. 92%.

Sodium hypochlorite as an alternative to hydrogen peroxide in Fenton process for industrial scale.

PubMed

Behin, Jamshid; Akbari, Abbas; Mahmoudi, Mohsen; Khajeh, Mehdi

2017-09-15

In present work, the treatment of aromatic compounds of simulated wastewater was performed by Fenton and NaOCl/Fe 2+ processes. The model solution was prepared based on the wastewater composition of Diisocyanate unit of Karoon Petrochemical Company/Iran containing Diamino-toluenes, Nitro-phenol, Mononitro-toluene, Nitro-cresol, and Dinitro-toluene. Experiments were conducted in a batch mode to examine the effects of operating variables such as pH, oxidant dosages, ferrous ion concentration and numbers of feeding on COD removal. Taguchi experimental design was used to determine the optimum conditions. The COD removal efficiency under optimum conditions (suggested by Taguchi design) in Fenton and NaOCl/Fe 2+ processes was 88.7% and 83.4%, respectively. The highest contribution factor in Fenton process belongs to pH (47.47%) and in NaOCl/Fe 2+ process belongs to NaOCl/pollutants (50.26%). High regression coefficient (R 2 : 0.98) obtained for Taguchi method, indicates that models are statistically significant and are in well agreement with each other. The NaOCl/Fe 2+ process utilizing a conventional oxidant, in comparison to hydrogen peroxide, is an efficient cost effective process for COD removal from real wastewater, although the removal efficiency is not as high as in Fenton process; however it is a suitable process to replace Fenton process in industrial scale for wastewater involved aromatic compounds with high COD. This process was successfully applied in Karoon Petrochemical Company/Iran. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of ultrasonic-assisted and regular leaching of germanium from by-product of zinc metallurgy.

PubMed

Zhang, Libo; Guo, Wenqian; Peng, Jinhui; Li, Jing; Lin, Guo; Yu, Xia

2016-07-01

A major source of germanium recovery and also the source of this research is the by-product of lead and zinc metallurgical process. The primary purpose of the research is to investigate the effects of ultrasonic assisted and regular methods on the leaching yield of germanium from roasted slag containing germanium. In the study, the HCl-CaCl2 mixed solution is adopted as the reacting system and the Ca(ClO)2 used as the oxidant. Through six single factor (leaching time, temperature, amount of Ca(ClO)2, acid concentration, concentration of CaCl2 solution, ultrasonic power) experiments and the comparison of the two methods, it is found the optimum collective of germanium for ultrasonic-assisted method is obtained at temperature 80 °C for a leaching duration of 40 min. The optimum concentration for hydrochloric acid, CaCl2 and oxidizing agent are identified to be 3.5 mol/L, 150 g/L and 58.33 g/L, respectively. In addition, 700 W is the best ultrasonic power and an over-high power is adverse in the leaching process. Under the optimum condition, the recovery of germanium could reach up to 92.7%. While, the optimum leaching condition for regular leaching method is same to ultrasonic-assisted method, except regular method consume 100 min and the leaching rate of Ge 88.35% is lower about 4.35%. All in all, the experiment manifests that the leaching time can be reduced by as much as 60% and the leaching rate of Ge can be increased by 3-5% with the application of ultrasonic tool, which is mainly thanks to the mechanical action of ultrasonic. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of composite coagulant made from polyferric chloride and tapioca starch in landfill leachate treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaylinda, M. Z. N.; Hamidi, A. A.; Mohd, N. A.; Ariffin, A.; Irvan, D.; Hazreek, Z. A. M.; Nizam, Z. M.

2018-04-01

In this research, the performance of polyferric chloride and tapioca flour as composite coagulants for partially stabilized leachate was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the coagulation and flocculation process of partially stabilized leachate. Central composite design a standard design tool in RSM was applied to evaluate the interactions and effects of dose and pH. Dose 0.2 g/L Fe and pH 4.71 were the optimum value suggested by RSM. Experimental test based on the optimum condition, resulted in 95.9%, 94.6% and 50.4% of SS, color and COD removals, respectively. The percentage difference recorded between experimental and model responses was <5%. Therefore, it can be concluded that RSM was an appropriate optimization tool for coagulation and flocculation process.

[Investigation on Spray Drying Technology of Auricularia auricular Extract].

PubMed

Zhou, Rong; Chen, Hui; Xie, Yuan; Chen, Peng; Wang, Luo-lin

2015-07-01

To investigate the feasibility of spray drying technology of Auricularia auricular extract and its optimum process. On the basis of single factor test, with the yield of dry extract and the content of polysaccharide as indexes, orthogonal test method was used to optimize the spray drying technology on the inlet air temperature, injection speed and crude drug content. Using ultraviolet spectrophotometry, thin layer chromatography(TLC) and pharmacodynamics as indicators, extracts prepared by traditional alcohol precipitation drying process and spray drying process were compared. Compared with the traditional preparation method, the extract prepared by spray drying had little differences from the polysaccharide content, TLC and the function of reducing TG and TC, and its optimum technology condition were as follows: The inlet air temperature was 180 °C, injection speed was 10 ml/min and crude drugs content was 0. 4 g/mL. Auricularia auricular extract by spray drying technology is stable and feasible with high economic benefit.

Synthesis of multifilament silicon carbide fibers by chemical vapor deposition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Revankar, Vithal; Hlavacek, Vladimir

1991-01-01

A process for development of clean silicon carbide fiber with a small diameter and high reliability is presented. An experimental evaluation of operating conditions for SiC fibers of good mechanical properties and devising an efficient technique which will prevent welding together of individual filaments are discussed. The thermodynamic analysis of a different precursor system was analyzed vigorously. Thermodynamically optimum conditions for stoichiometric SiC deposit were obtained.

Study on the NO removal efficiency of the lignite pyrolysis coke catalyst by selective catalytic oxidation method

PubMed Central

Wen, Xin; Ma, Zhenhua; Zhang, Lei; Sha, Xiangling; He, Huibin; Zeng, Tianyou; Wang, Yusu; Chen, Jihao

2017-01-01

Selective catalytic oxidation (SCO) method is commonly used in wet denitration technology; NO after the catalytic oxidation can be removed with SO2 together by wet method. Among the SCO denitration catalysts, pyrolysis coke is favored by the advantages of low cost and high catalytic activity. In this paper, SCO method combined with pyrolysis coke catalyst was used to remove NO from flue gas. The effects of different SCO operating conditions and different pyrolysis coke catalyst made under different process conditions were studied. Besides, the specific surface area of the catalyst and functional groups were analyzed with surface area analyzer and Beohm titration. The results are: (1) The optimum operating conditions of SCO is as follows: the reaction temperature is 150°C and the oxygen content is 6%. (2) The optimum pyrolysis coke catalyst preparation processes are as follows: the pyrolysis final temperature is 750°C, and the heating rate is 44°C / min. (3) The characterization analysis can be obtained: In the denitration reaction, the basic functional groups and the phenolic hydroxyl groups of the catalyst play a major role while the specific surface area not. PMID:28793346

Optimization of process condition for the preparation of amine-impregnated activated carbon developed for CO2 capture and applied to methylene blue adsorption by response surface methodology.

PubMed

Das, Dipa; Meikap, Bhim C

2017-10-15

The present research describes the optimal adsorption condition for methylene blue (MB). The adsorbent used here was monoethanol amine-impregnated activated carbon (MEA-AC) prepared from green coconut shell. Response surface methodology (RSM) is the multivariate statistical technique used for the optimization of the process variables. The central composite design is used to determine the effect of activation temperature, activation time and impregnation ratio on the MB removal. The percentage (%) MB adsorption by MEA-AC is evaluated as a response of the system. A quadratic model was developed for response. From the analysis of variance, the factor which was the most influential on the experimental design response has been identified. The optimum condition for the preparation of MEA-AC from green coconut shells is the temperature of activation 545.6°C, activation time of 41.64 min and impregnation ratio of 0.33 to achieve the maximum removal efficiency of 98.21%. At the same optimum parameter, the % MB removal from the textile-effluent industry was examined and found to be 96.44%.

The decolorization and mineralization of acid orange 6 azo dye in aqueous solution by advanced oxidation processes: a comparative study.

PubMed

Hsing, Hao-Jan; Chiang, Pen-Chi; Chang, E-E; Chen, Mei-Yin

2007-03-06

The comparison of different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), i.e. ultraviolet (UV)/TiO(2), O(3), O(3)/UV, O(3)/UV/TiO(2), Fenton and electrocoagulation (EC), is of interest to determine the best removal performance for the destruction of the target compound in an Acid Orange 6 (AO6) solution, exploring the most efficient experimental conditions as well; on the other hand, the results may provide baseline information of the combination of different AOPs in treating industrial wastewater. The following conclusions can be drawn: (1) in the effects of individual and combined ozonation and photocatalytic UV irradiation, both O(3)/UV and O(3)/UV/TiO(2) processes exhibit remarkable TOC removal capability that can achieve a 65% removal efficiency at pH 7 and O(3) dose=45mg/L; (2) the optimum pH and ratio of [H(2)O(2)]/[Fe(2+)] found for the Fenton process, are pH 4 and [H(2)O(2)]/[Fe(2+)]=6.58. The optimum [H(2)O(2)] and [Fe(2+)] under the same HF value are 58.82 and 8.93mM, respectively; (3) the optimum applied voltage found in the EC experiment is 80V, and the initial pH will affect the AO6 and TOC removal rates in that acidic conditions may be favorable for a higher removal rate; (4) the AO6 decolorization rate ranking was obtained in the order of O(3)

Optimization of parameters affecting signal intensity in an LTQ-orbitrap in negative ion mode: A design of experiments approach.

PubMed

Lemonakis, Nikolaos; Skaltsounis, Alexios-Leandros; Tsarbopoulos, Anthony; Gikas, Evagelos

2016-01-15

A multistage optimization of all the parameters affecting detection/response in an LTQ-orbitrap analyzer was performed, using a design of experiments methodology. The signal intensity, a critical issue for mass analysis, was investigated and the optimization process was completed in three successive steps, taking into account the three main regions of an orbitrap, the ion generation, the ion transmission and the ion detection regions. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol were selected as the model compounds. Overall, applying this methodology the sensitivity was increased more than 24%, the resolution more than 6.5%, whereas the elapsed scan time was reduced nearly to its half. A high-resolution LTQ Orbitrap Discovery mass spectrometer was used for the determination of the analytes of interest. Thus, oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol were infused via the instruments syringe pump and they were analyzed employing electrospray ionization (ESI) in the negative high-resolution full-scan ion mode. The parameters of the three main regions of the LTQ-orbitrap were independently optimized in terms of maximum sensitivity. In this context, factorial design, response surface model and Plackett-Burman experiments were performed and analysis of variance was carried out to evaluate the validity of the statistical model and to determine the most significant parameters for signal intensity. The optimum MS conditions for each analyte were summarized and the method optimum condition was achieved by maximizing the desirability function. Our observation showed good agreement between the predicted optimum response and the responses collected at the predicted optimum conditions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A study of the parameters affecting the effectiveness of Moringa oleifera in drinking water purification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pritchard, M.; Craven, T.; Mkandawire, T.; Edmondson, A. S.; O'Neill, J. G.

The powder obtained from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree has been shown to be an effective primary coagulant for water treatment. When the seeds are dried, dehusked, crushed and added to water, the powder acts as a coagulant binding colloidal particles and bacteria to form agglomerated particles (flocs), which settle allowing the clarified supernatant to be poured off. Very little research has been undertaken on the parameters affecting the effectiveness of M. oleifera, especially in Malawi, for purification of drinking water and there is a great need for further testing in this area. Conclusive data needs to be compiled to demonstrate the effects of various water parameters have on the efficiency of the seeds. A parametric study was undertaken at Leeds Metropolitan University, UK, with the aim to establish the most appropriate dosing method; the optimum dosage for removal of turbidity; the influence of pH and temperature; together with the shelf life of the M. oleifera seeds. The study revealed that the most suitable dosing method was to mix the powder into a concentrated paste, hence forming a stock suspension. The optimum M. oleifera dose, for turbidity values between 40 and 200 NTU, ranged between 30 and 55 mg/l. With turbidity set at 130 NTU and a M. oleifera dose within the optimum range at 50 mg/l, pH levels were varied between 4 and 9. It was discovered that the coagulant performance was not too sensitive to pH fluctuations when conditions were within the optimum range. The most efficient coagulation, determined by the greatest reduction in turbidity, occurred at pH 6.5. Alkaline conditions were overall more favourable than acidic conditions; pH 9 had an efficiency of 65% of optimum, whilst at pH 5 the efficiency dropped to around 55%. The efficiency further dropped at pH 4, where the powder only produced results of around 10% of optimum conditions. A temperature range of 4-60 °C was studied in this research. Colder waters (<15 °C) were found to hinder the effectiveness of the coagulation process. The higher the temperature the more effective was the coagulation. It was also found that the age of the seeds, up to 18 months, did not have any noticeable effect on dose level and percentage reduction in turbidity, although at 18 months the seeds had a narrower dosing range to produce near-optimum reduction. Seeds aged 24 months showed a significant decline in coagulant efficiency.

Biodiesel production from castor oil using heterogeneous Ni doped ZnO nanocatalyst.

PubMed

Baskar, G; Aberna Ebenezer Selvakumari, I; Aiswarya, R

2018-02-01

In the present study, castor oil with high free fatty acid was used for biodiesel production using heterogeneous Ni doped ZnO nanocatalyst. Ni doped ZnO nanocomposite calcinated at 800 °C has shown better catalytic activity. Process parameters on heterogeneous catalysis of castor oil into biodiesel were optimized using conventional and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). RSM was found more accurate in estimating the optimum conditions with higher biodiesel yield (95.20%). The optimum conditions for transesterification was found to be oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:8, catalyst loading 11% (w/w), reaction temperature of 55 °C for 60 min of reaction time by response surface method. The reusability studies showed that the nanocatalyst can be reused efficiently for 3 cycles. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimization of volatile fatty acid production with co-substrate of food wastes and dewatered excess sludge using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Hong, Chen; Haiyun, Wu

2010-07-01

Central-composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to optimize the parameters of volatile fatty acid (VFA) production from food wastes and dewatered excess sludge in a semi-continuous process. The effects of four variables (food wastes composition in the co-substrate of food wastes and excess sludge, hydraulic retention time (HRT), organic loading rate (OLR), and pH) on acidogenesis were evaluated individually and interactively. The optimum condition derived via RSM was food wastes composition, 88.03%; HRT, 8.92 days; OLR, 8.31 g VSS/ld; and pH 6.99. The experimental VFA concentration was 29,099 mg/l under this optimum condition, which was well in agreement with the predicted value of 28,000 mg/l. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Studies on extraction process of Radix Platycodi].

PubMed

Wu, Biyuan; Sun, Jun; Jiang, Hongfang

2002-06-01

The orthogonal design was used to optimize the extraction process of Radix Platycodi with content of total saponin and yield of the extract as markers. Factors that have been chosen were alcohol concentration, alcohol consumption, extraction times and extraction time. Each factor has three levels. The result showed that the optimum extraction condition obtained was 70% alcohol, 3 times the amount of material, refluxing for 5 times, 60 minutes each time, the optimized process was stable and workable.

Microwave-Hydrothermal Treated Grape Peel as an Efficient Biosorbent for Methylene Blue Removal

PubMed Central

Ma, Lin; Jiang, Chunhai; Lin, Zhenyu; Zou, Zhimin

2018-01-01

Biosorption using agricultural wastes has been proven as a low cost and efficient way for wastewater treatment. Herein, grape peel treated by microwave- and conventional-hydrothermal processes was used as low cost biosorbent to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption parameters including the initial pH value, dosage of biosorbents, contact time, and initial MB concentration were investigated to find the optimum adsorption conditions. The biosorbent obtained by microwave-hydrothermal treatment only for 3 min at 180 °C (microwave-hydrothermal treated grape peel, MGP) showed faster kinetics and higher adsorption capability than that produced by a conventional-hydrothermal process (hydrothermal treated grape peel, HGP) with a duration time of 16 h. The maximum adsorption capability of MGP under the optimum conditions (pH = 11, a dosage of 2.50 g/L) as determined with the Langmuir model reached 215.7 mg/g, which was among the best values achieved so far on biosorbents. These results demonstrated that the grape peel treated by a quick microwave-hydrothermal process can be a very promising low cost and efficient biosorbent for organic dye removal from aqueous solutions. PMID:29385041

Biocatalytic and chemical leaching of a low-grade nickel laterite ore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciftci, Hasan; Atik, Suleyman; Gurbuz, Fatma

2018-04-01

Nickel and cobalt recovery from a low-grade nickel laterite ore, supplied from Çaldağ deposit (Manisa, Turkey) were investigated by bio and chemical leaching processes. The fungus, Aspergillus niger was used for biocatalytic leaching experiments. The effects of parameters (solid ratio and sucrose concentration) on the biocatalytic leaching of the ore were initially tested in flasks to obtain the optimum conditions for the A. niger. Then chemical leaching was applied as a comparison to bioleaching, using organic acids (citric, oxalic, acetic and gluconic acids) as well as a mixture of acids. According the results, the maximum dissolution yield of nickel, cobalt and iron were detected respectively as 95.3%, 74.3% and 50.0% by biocatalytic processes which containing 25% (w/v) sucrose and 1% (w/v) solids. The increase in the solid ratio adversely influenced the biocatalytic activity of A. niger. Finally, further tests in reactors (v = 1 and 10 L) were performed using the optimum conditions from the flask tests. The difference in metals recovery between biocatalytic and chemical leaching was significantly important. Bioleaching produced higher Ni and Co extractions (34.3-75.6%) than chemical process.

Combined UV-C/H2O2-VUV processes for the treatment of an actual slaughterhouse wastewater.

PubMed

Naderi, Kambiz Vaezzadeh; Bustillo-Lecompte, Ciro Fernando; Mehrvar, Mehrab; Abdekhodaie, Mohammad Jafar

2017-05-04

In this study, a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design with response surface methodology were used to maximize the TOC removal and minimize the H 2 O 2 residual in the effluent of the combined UV-C/H 2 O 2 -VUV system for the treatment of an actual slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW) collected from one of the meat processing plants in Ontario, Canada. The irradiation time and the initial concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC o ) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2o ) were the three predictors, as independent variables, studied in the design of experiments. The multiple response approach was used to obtain desirability response surfaces at the optimum factor settings. Subsequently, the optimum conditions to achieve the maximum percentage TOC removal of 46.19% and minimum H 2 O 2 residual of 1.05% were TOC o of 213 mg L -1 , H 2 O 2o of 450 mg L -1 , and irradiation time of 9 min. The attained optimal operating conditions were validated with a complementary test. Consequently, the TOC removal of 45.68% and H 2 O 2 residual of 1.03% were achieved experimentally, confirming the statistical model reliability. Three individual processes, VUV alone, VUV/H 2 O 2 , and UV-C/H 2 O 2 , were also evaluated to compare their performance for the treatment of the actual SWW using the optimum parameters obtained in combined UV-C/H 2 O 2 -VUV processes. Results confirmed that an adequate combination of the UV-C/H 2 O 2 -VUV processes is essential for an optimized TOC removal and H 2 O 2 residual. Finally, respirometry analyses were also performed to evaluate the biodegradability of the SWW and the BOD removal efficiency of the combined UV-C/H 2 O 2 -VUV processes.

Optimization of Biomass Gasification Process for F-T Bio-Diesel Synthesys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Jae Hun; Sung, Yeon Kyung; Yu, Tae U.; Choi, Young Tae; Lee, Uen Do

The characteristics of biomass steam gasification were investigated to make an optimum syngas for Fischer Tropsch (F-T) synthesis of bio-diesel. Korean pine wood chip was used as a fuel and the experiment was conducted in a lab scale bubbling fluidized bed (0.1m LD. x 3.Omheight). Gas composition was evaluated by changing operating parameters such as gasifier temperature, and steam to fuel ratio. Major syngas was monitored by on-line gas analyzer (ND-IR spectroscopy) and gas chromatography (GC). As the temperature of gasifier increases hydrogen in the syngas increases while CO in the product gas decreases. The low concentration of sulfur compound and nitrogen in the product gas shows the potential advantages in the purification process of the syngas for F-T process. Optimum operating condition of the gasifier was found concerning the following gas cleaning and F-T process; H2-CO ratio and total gas yield increase while decreasing methane and CO2 concentrations in the syngas.

Kinetic degradation of guar gum in oilfield wastewater by photo-Fenton process.

PubMed

Wang, Shunwu; Li, Ziwang; Yu, Qinglong

2017-01-01

Guar gum is considered as a main component of oilfield wastewater. This work is intended to optimize the experimental conditions (H 2 O 2 dosage, Fe 2+ dosage, initial concentration of organics, initial pH and temperature) for the maximum oxidative degradation of guar gum by Fenton's reagent. The kinetics of guar gum removal were evaluated by means of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the absorbance measurements. The batch experiment results showed that the optimum conditions were: H 2 O 2 dosage, 10,000 mg/L; Fe 2+ dosage, 2,000 mg/L; initial concentration of organics, 413 mg/L; pH, 3 and temperature, 35 °C, under which the COD removal could reach 61.07% and fairly good stability could be obtained. Under the optimum experimental conditions, using UV irradiation to treat the wastewater, the photo-Fenton systems can successfully eliminate COD from guar gum solution. The COD removal always obeyed a pseudo-first-order kinetics and the degradation rate (k app ) was increased by 25.7% in the photo-Fenton process compared to the Fenton process. The photo-Fenton system needed less time and consequently less quantity of H 2 O 2 to obtain the same results as the Fenton process. The photo-Fenton process needs a dose of H 2 O 2 20.46% lower than that used in the Fenton process to remove 79.54% of COD. The cost of the photo/Fenton process amounted to RMB9.43/m 3 , which was lower than that of the classic Fenton process alone (RMB10.58/m 3 ) and the overall water quality of the final effluent could meet the class Ι national wastewater discharge standard for the petrochemical industry of China.

Transesterification process to manufacture ethyl ester of rape oil

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Korus, R.A.; Hoffman, D.S.; Bam, N.

1993-12-31

A process for the production of the ethyl ester of winter rape [EEWR] for use as a biodiesel fuel has been studied. The essential part of the process is the transesterification of rape oil with ethanol, in the presence of a catalyst, to yield the ethyl ester of rape oil as a product and glycerin as a by-product. Experiments have been performed to determine the optimum conditions for the preparation of EEWR. The process variables were: (1) temperature, (2) catalyst, (3) rate of agitation, (4) water content of the alcohol used, and (5) the amount of excess alcohol used. Themore » optimum conditions were: (1) room temperature, (2) 0.5% sodium methoxide or 1% potassium hydroxide catalyst by weight of rapeseed oil, (3) extremely vigorous agitation with some splashing during the initial phase of the reaction and agitation was not necessary after the reaction mixture became homogeneous, (4) absolute ethanol was necessary for high conversion, and (5) 50% excess ethanol with NaOCH{sub 3} or 100% excess with KOH gave a maximum conversion. Viscosity, cloud point and pour point of the EEWR were measured. A preliminary break-even cost for the commercial production of EEWR was found to be $0.55/liter [$2.08/US gallon].« less

Influence of annealing temperature on the Dy diffusion process in NdFeB magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Sheng-qing; Peng, Kun; Chen, Hong

2017-03-01

Sintered NdFeB magnets were coated with a layer of Dy metal using electron beam evaporation method and then annealed at various temperatures to investigate the temperature dependence of Dy diffusion process in NdFeB magnets. A Dy-rich phase was observed along the grain boundaries after the grain boundary diffusion process, the diffusion coefficients of various temperatures were obtained, the diffusion coefficients of Dy along the grain boundaries at 800 °C and 900 °C were determined to be 9.8×10-8 cm2 s-1 and 2.4×10-7 cm2 s-1, respectively. The diffusion length depended on the annealing temperature and the maximum diffusion length of approximately 1.8 mm and 3.0 mm can be obtained after annealing at 800 °C and 900 °C for 8 h. Higher diffusion temperature results in the diffusion not only along the grain boundaries but also into grains and then decrease in magnetic properties. The optimum annealing conditions can be determined as 900 °C for 8 h. The coercivity was improved from 1040 kA/m to 1450 kA/m and its magnetization has no significant reduction after the grain boundary diffusion process at the optimum annealing conditions.

Recovery of Ni Metal from Spent Catalyst with Emulsion Liquid Membrane Using Cyanex 272 as Extractant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuliusman; Huda, M.; Ramadhan, I. T.; Farry, A. R.; Wulandari, P. T.; Alfia, R.

2018-03-01

In this study was conducted to recover nickel metal from spent nickel catalyst resulting from hydrotreating process in petroleum industry. The nickel extraction study with the emulsion liquid membrane using Cyanex 272 as an extractant to extract and separate nickel from the feed phase solution. Feed phase solution was preapred from spent catalyst using sulphuric acid. Liquid membrane consists of a kerosene as diluent, a Span 80 as surfactant, a Cyanex 272 as carrier and sulphuric acid solutions have been used as the stripping solution. The important parameters governing the permeation of nickel and their effect on the separation process have been studied. These parameters are surfactant concentration, extractant concentration feed phase pH. The optimum conditions of the emulsion membrane making process is using 0.06 M Cyanex 272, 8% w/v SPAN 80, 0.05 M H2SO4, internal phase extractant / phase volume ratio: 1/1, and stirring speed 1150 rpm for 60 Minute that can produce emulsion membrane with stability level above 90% after 4 hours. In the extraction process with optimum condition pH 6 for feed phase, ratio of phase emulsion/phase of feed: 1/2, and stirring speed 175 rpm for 15 minutes with result 81.51% nickel was extracted.

Factors influencing the Zn and Mn extraction from pyrometallurgical sludge in the steel manufacturing industry.

PubMed

Mocellin, J; Mercier, G; Morel, J L; Blais, J F; Simonnot, M O

2015-08-01

In this laboratory study, a process has been developed for selectively leaching zinc and manganese from pyrometallurgical sludge produced in the steel manufacturing industry. In the first part, the yield of Zn extraction was studied using four factors and four levels of the Box-Behnken response surface design. The optimum conditions for the step of Zn leaching were determined to be a sulfuric acid concentration of 0.25 mol/L, a pulp density of 10%, an extraction temperature of 20 °C, and three stages of leaching. Under such conditions, 75% of the Zn should be leached. For Mn leaching, the optimum conditions were determined to be a sulfuric acid concentration of 0.25 mol/L, a Na2S2O5/Mn stoichiometry of 1, a leaching time of 120 min and two leaching steps. In this case, 100% of the Mn should be leached. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A portable anaerobic microbioreactor reveals optimum growth conditions for the methanogen Methanosaeta concilii.

PubMed

Steinhaus, Benjamin; Garcia, Marcelo L; Shen, Amy Q; Angenent, Largus T

2007-03-01

Conventional studies of the optimum growth conditions for methanogens (methane-producing, obligate anaerobic archaea) are typically conducted with serum bottles or bioreactors. The use of microfluidics to culture methanogens allows direct microscopic observations of the time-integrated response of growth. Here, we developed a microbioreactor (microBR) with approximately 1-microl microchannels to study some optimum growth conditions for the methanogen Methanosaeta concilii. The microBR is contained in an anaerobic chamber specifically designed to place it directly onto an inverted light microscope stage while maintaining a N2-CO2 environment. The methanogen was cultured for months inside microchannels of different widths. Channel width was manipulated to create various fluid velocities, allowing the direct study of the behavior and responses of M. concilii to various shear stresses and revealing an optimum shear level of approximately 20 to 35 microPa. Gradients in a single microchannel were then used to find an optimum pH level of 7.6 and an optimum total NH4-N concentration of less than 1,100 mg/liter (<47 mg/liter as free NH3-N) for M. concilii under conditions of the previously determined ideal shear stress and pH and at a temperature of 35 degrees C.

Optimization Recovery of Yttrium Oxide in Precipitation, Extraction, and Stripping Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perwira, N. I.; Basuki, K. T.; Biyantoro, D.; Effendy, N.

2018-04-01

Yttrium oxide can be used as a dopant control rod of nuclear reactors in YSH material and superconductors. Yttrium oxide is obtained in the Xenotime mineral derived from byproduct of tin mining PT Timah Bangka which contain rare earth elements (REE) dominant Y, Dy, and Gd whose content respectively about 29.53%, 7.76%, and 2.58%. Both usage in the field of nuclear and non-nuclear science and technology is need to pure from the impurities. The presence of impurities in the yttrium oxide may affect the characteristic of the material and the efficiency of its use. Thus it needs to be separated by precipitation and extraction-stripping and calcination in the making of the oxide. However, to obtain higher levels of Yttrium oxide, it is necessary to determine the optimum conditions for its separation. The purpose of this research was to determine the optimum pH of precipitation, determine acid media and concentration optimum in extraction and stripping process and determine the efficiency of the separation of Y from REE concentrate. This research was conducted with pH variation in the precipitation process that pHs were 4 - 8, the difference of acid media for the extraction process, i.e., HNO3, HCl and H2SO4 with each concentration of 0,5 M; 1 M; 1,5 M; and 2 M and for stripping process were HNO3, HCl, and H2SO4 with each concentration of 1 M; 2M; and 3 M. Based on the result, the optimum pH of precipitation process was 6,5, the optimumacid media was HNO3 0,5 M, and for stripping process media was HNO3 3 M. The efficiency of precipitation process at pH 6,5 was 69,53 %, extraction process was 96.39% and stripping process was 4,50%. The separation process from precipitation to extraction had increased the purity and the highest efficiency recovery of Y was in the extraction process and obtained Y2O3 purer compared to the feed with the Y2O3 content of 92.87%.

Application of artificial neural networks to the design optimization of aerospace structural components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berke, Laszlo; Patnaik, Surya N.; Murthy, Pappu L. N.

1993-01-01

The application of artificial neural networks to capture structural design expertise is demonstrated. The principal advantage of a trained neural network is that it requires trivial computational effort to produce an acceptable new design. For the class of problems addressed, the development of a conventional expert system would be extremely difficult. In the present effort, a structural optimization code with multiple nonlinear programming algorithms and an artificial neural network code NETS were used. A set of optimum designs for a ring and two aircraft wings for static and dynamic constraints were generated by using the optimization codes. The optimum design data were processed to obtain input and output pairs, which were used to develop a trained artificial neural network with the code NETS. Optimum designs for new design conditions were predicted by using the trained network. Neural net prediction of optimum designs was found to be satisfactory for most of the output design parameters. However, results from the present study indicate that caution must be exercised to ensure that all design variables are within selected error bounds.

[Optimization of extraction process for tannins from Geranium orientali-tibeticum by supercritical CO2 method].

PubMed

Xie, Song; Tong, Zhi-Ping; Tan, Rui; Liu, Xiao-Zhen

2014-08-01

In order to optimize extraction process conditions of tannins from Geranium orientali-tibeticum by supercritical CO2, the content of tannins was determined by phosphomolybdium tungsten acid-casein reaction, with extraction pressure, extraction temper- ature and extraction time as factors, the content of tannins from extract of G. orientali-tibeticum as index, technology conditions were optimized by orthogonal test. Optimum technology conditions were as follows: extraction pressure was 25 MPa, extraction temperature was 50 °C, extracted 1.5 h. The content of tannins in extract was 12.91 mg x g(-1), extract rate was 3.67%. The method established could be used for assay the contents of tannin in G. orientali-tibeticum. The circulated extraction was an effective extraction process that was stable and feasible, and that provides a way of the extraction process conditions of tannin from G. orientali-tibeticum.

Biosorption of Congo Red from aqueous solution onto burned root of Eichhornia crassipes biomass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Tapas Kumar; Mondal, Naba Kumar

2017-07-01

Biosorption is becoming a promising alternative to replace or supplement the present dye removal processes from dye containing waste water. In this work, adsorption of Congo Red (CR) from aqueous solution on burned root of Eichhornia crassipes ( BREC) biomass was investigated. A series of batch experiments were performed utilizing BREC biomass to remove CR dye from aqueous systems. Under optimized batch conditions, the BREC could remove up to 94.35 % of CR from waste water. The effects of operating parameters such as initial concentration, pH, adsorbent dose and contact time on the adsorption of CR were analyzed using response surface methodology. The proposed quadratic model for central composite design fitted very well to the experimental data. Response surface plots were used to determine the interaction effects of main factors and optimum conditions of the process. The optimum adsorption conditions were found to be initial CR concentration = 5 mg/L-1, pH = 7, adsorbent dose = 0.125 g and contact time = 45 min. The experimental isotherms data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm equations and the results indicated that the Freundlich isotherm showed a better fit for CR adsorption. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated from Van't Hoff plot, confirming that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. The high CR adsorptive removal ability and regeneration efficiency of this adsorbent suggest its applicability in industrial/household systems and data generated would help in further upscaling of the adsorption process.

[Studies on technology optimization for extracting triterpenoid saponins from Picria felterrae by multi-target grading method].

PubMed

Fang, Hong; Ning, De-sheng; Liang, Xiao-yan

2009-12-01

To study the optimum extraction conditions of triterpenoid saponins from Picria felterrae. The optimum extraction conditions were investigated by the contents of the total glycosides and picfeltarraenine I A and I B, using orthogonal test. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: using 70% alcohol of 19 times than the amount of original material soaking 3 hours, extracting twice with hot reflux method at 80 degrees C, 3h the first time, 1 h the second time. The selected extraction conditions are convenient and practical with high accuracy, and could be used as a reference for industrial production.

Transesterification of waste vegetable oil under pulse sonication using ethanol, methanol and ethanol-methanol mixtures.

PubMed

Martinez-Guerra, Edith; Gude, Veera Gnaneswar

2014-12-01

This study reports on the effects of direct pulse sonication and the type of alcohol (methanol and ethanol) on the transesterification reaction of waste vegetable oil without any external heating or mechanical mixing. Biodiesel yields and optimum process conditions for the transesterification reaction involving ethanol, methanol, and ethanol-methanol mixtures were evaluated. The effects of ultrasonic power densities (by varying sample volumes), power output rates (in W), and ultrasonic intensities (by varying the reactor size) were studied for transesterification reaction with ethanol, methanol and ethanol-methanol (50%-50%) mixtures. The optimum process conditions for ethanol or methanol based transesterification reaction of waste vegetable oil were determined as: 9:1 alcohol to oil ratio, 1% wt. catalyst amount, 1-2 min reaction time at a power output rate between 75 and 150 W. It was shown that the transesterification reactions using ethanol-methanol mixtures resulted in biodiesel yields as high as >99% at lower power density and ultrasound intensity when compared to ethanol or methanol based transesterification reactions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of optimum conditions and costs estimation for degradation of phenol by solar photo-Fenton process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gar Alalm, Mohamed; Tawfik, Ahmed; Ookawara, Shinichi

2017-03-01

In this study, solar photo-Fenton reaction using compound parabolic collectors reactor was assessed for removal of phenol from aqueous solution. The effect of irradiation time, initial concentration, initial pH, and dosage of Fenton reagent were investigated. H2O2 and aromatic intermediates (catechol, benzoquinone, and hydroquinone) were quantified during the reaction to study the pathways of the oxidation process. Complete degradation of phenol was achieved after 45 min of irradiation when the initial concentration was 100 mg/L. However, increasing the initial concentration up to 500 mg/L inhibited the degradation efficiency. The dosage of H2O2 and Fe+2 significantly affected the degradation efficiency of phenol. The observed optimum pH for the reaction was 3.1. Phenol degradation at different concentration was fitted to the pseudo-first order kinetic according to Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. Costs estimation for a large scale reactor based was performed. The total costs of the best economic condition with maximum degradation of phenol are 2.54 €/m3.

Synthesis of a novel alginate-rubber joint immobilization strains H-1 and its application in removal of Pb (II) from aqueous solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Huidong; Huo, Kaili; Li, Xiaolei; Zhang, Lin; Yun, Yueqing; Song, Lei; Bai, Runying; Liu, Yuhong

2018-02-01

In this study, a novel alginate-rubber-strains immobilized beads (ARSIBs) was synthesized at the optimum conditions that the concentration of sodium alginate was 4%; the volume of bacterial suspension was 75%; the quality of rubber powder was 3.2%; the crosslinking time was 24 h by the orthogonal experiments. The optimum conditions for Pb (II) adsorption were 1.2% ARSIBs, 100 mg L-1 initial concentrations, pH 5 and 3 h contact time. The equilibrium data were well fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model. The biosorption process was nearly consistent with the pseudo-second-order model. Meanwhile, the biosorption mechanism could be that Pb (II) was adsorbed by the hydroxyl and carboxyl, finally precipitated with phosphate in the form of NaPb4(PO4)3, Pb5(PO4)3(OH) and Pb(H2PO4)2 based on the spectra of FTIR and XRD, respectively. In addition, the stability of ARSIBs was enhanced due to the addition to the rubber powder in the process of wastewater treatment.

The effect of recycled Natural Rubber Glove (rRG) Plasticizers to Deflection and Flexural Strength Properties of PP/MMt/rRG Smart Composites and Its Inflammability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suharty, N. S.; Ismail, H.; Diharjo, K.; Handayani, D. S.; Saputri, L. N. M. Z.; Ariesta, N.

2018-03-01

Had been synthesized PP/rRG/MMt+ZB smart material composite in solution reactive processes with various rRG concentration. The addition of rRG plasticizers will improve the deflection properties and increase the filler capacity MMt loading to reach the optimum concentration. The addition of 3% rRG is capable of loading filler capacity MMt to 23% as the optimum condition. At the optimum conditions it can increase the deflection (Defl) and flexural strength (FS) up to 16% and 15% respectively compared to that of the composites without rRG. The rRG plasticizer serves as a bio-compatibilizer that can reduce surface tension of the mixture and leads to decrease the Defl., follow by the increase of loading filler capacity and well interaction finally can increase the FS properties. The increase of loading filler MMt up to 23% can also improve the inflammability of the composites. Time to Ignition (TTI) increase by 5% and Burning Rate (BR) decrease by 4.5% compared to that of the composites which is containing MMt 20% without rRG.

Anaerobic treatment of complex chemical wastewater in a sequencing batch biofilm reactor: process optimization and evaluation of factor interactions using the Taguchi dynamic DOE methodology.

PubMed

Venkata Mohan, S; Chandrasekhara Rao, N; Krishna Prasad, K; Murali Krishna, P; Sreenivas Rao, R; Sarma, P N

2005-06-20

The Taguchi robust experimental design (DOE) methodology has been applied on a dynamic anaerobic process treating complex wastewater by an anaerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor (AnSBBR). For optimizing the process as well as to evaluate the influence of different factors on the process, the uncontrollable (noise) factors have been considered. The Taguchi methodology adopting dynamic approach is the first of its kind for studying anaerobic process evaluation and process optimization. The designed experimental methodology consisted of four phases--planning, conducting, analysis, and validation connected sequence-wise to achieve the overall optimization. In the experimental design, five controllable factors, i.e., organic loading rate (OLR), inlet pH, biodegradability (BOD/COD ratio), temperature, and sulfate concentration, along with the two uncontrollable (noise) factors, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and alkalinity at two levels were considered for optimization of the anae robic system. Thirty-two anaerobic experiments were conducted with a different combination of factors and the results obtained in terms of substrate degradation rates were processed in Qualitek-4 software to study the main effect of individual factors, interaction between the individual factors, and signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio analysis. Attempts were also made to achieve optimum conditions. Studies on the influence of individual factors on process performance revealed the intensive effect of OLR. In multiple factor interaction studies, biodegradability with other factors, such as temperature, pH, and sulfate have shown maximum influence over the process performance. The optimum conditions for the efficient performance of the anaerobic system in treating complex wastewater by considering dynamic (noise) factors obtained are higher organic loading rate of 3.5 Kg COD/m3 day, neutral pH with high biodegradability (BOD/COD ratio of 0.5), along with mesophilic temperature range (40 degrees C), and low sulfate concentration (700 mg/L). The optimization resulted in enhanced anaerobic performance (56.7%) from a substrate degradation rate (SDR) of 1.99 to 3.13 Kg COD/m3 day. Considering the obtained optimum factors, further validation experiments were carried out, which showed enhanced process performance (3.04 Kg COD/m3-day from 1.99 Kg COD/m3 day) accounting for 52.13% improvement with the optimized process conditions. The proposed method facilitated a systematic mathematical approach to understand the complex multi-species manifested anaerobic process treating complex chemical wastewater by considering the uncontrollable factors. Copyright (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Development and characterization of couscous-like product using bulgur flour as by-product.

PubMed

Yuksel, Ayse Nur; Öner, Mehmet Durdu; Bayram, Mustafa

2017-12-01

Couscous is produced traditionally by agglomeration of Triticum durum semolina with water. The aims of this study were: to produce couscous-like product by substitution of semolina with bulgur by-product (undersize bulgur); to find optimum quantity of bulgur flour and processing conditions. In order to determine the optimum processing parameters and recipes; 0, 25 and 50% of bulgur containing couscous-like samples were prepared. The color, yield, sensory properties, total phenol and flavonoid contents, bulk density, protein and ash content, texture properties were determined. Two different types of dryer e.g. packed bed and microwave were used. Optimum parameters were predicted as 50% of bulgur flour for packed bed (60 °C) and microwave (180 W) drying with 50% (w/w) of water according to yields, color (L*, a*, b*) values and sensory properties (color, odor, general appearance). For packed bed drying at 60 °C yields were 54.28 ± 3.78, 47.70 ± 1.73 and 52.57 ± 7.04% for 0, 25 and 50% bulgur flour containing samples, respectively. Lightness (L*) values of couscous-like samples were decreased with increasing the quantity of bulgur flour after both drying processes. Results of sensory analysis revealed that couscous-like bulgur were more preferable for consumers.

Polypropylene Production Optimization in Fluidized Bed Catalytic Reactor (FBCR): Statistical Modeling and Pilot Scale Experimental Validation

PubMed Central

Khan, Mohammad Jakir Hossain; Hussain, Mohd Azlan; Mujtaba, Iqbal Mohammed

2014-01-01

Propylene is one type of plastic that is widely used in our everyday life. This study focuses on the identification and justification of the optimum process parameters for polypropylene production in a novel pilot plant based fluidized bed reactor. This first-of-its-kind statistical modeling with experimental validation for the process parameters of polypropylene production was conducted by applying ANNOVA (Analysis of variance) method to Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Three important process variables i.e., reaction temperature, system pressure and hydrogen percentage were considered as the important input factors for the polypropylene production in the analysis performed. In order to examine the effect of process parameters and their interactions, the ANOVA method was utilized among a range of other statistical diagnostic tools such as the correlation between actual and predicted values, the residuals and predicted response, outlier t plot, 3D response surface and contour analysis plots. The statistical analysis showed that the proposed quadratic model had a good fit with the experimental results. At optimum conditions with temperature of 75°C, system pressure of 25 bar and hydrogen percentage of 2%, the highest polypropylene production obtained is 5.82% per pass. Hence it is concluded that the developed experimental design and proposed model can be successfully employed with over a 95% confidence level for optimum polypropylene production in a fluidized bed catalytic reactor (FBCR). PMID:28788576

Factors affecting degradation of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) by fluidized-bed Fenton process.

PubMed

Bellotindos, Luzvisminda M; Lu, Meng-Hsuan; Methatham, Thanakorn; Lu, Ming-Chun

2014-12-01

In this study, the target compound is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is used as a photoresist stripping solvent in the semiconductor and thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) manufacturing processes. The effects of the operating parameters (pH, Fe(2+) and H2O2 concentrations) on the degradation of DMSO in the fluidized-bed Fenton process were examined. This study used the Box-Behnken design (BBD) to investigate the optimum conditions of DMSO degradation. The highest DMSO removal was 98 % for pH 3, when the H2O2 to Fe(2+) molar ratio was 12. At pH 2 and 4, the highest DMSO removal was 82 %, when the H2O2 to Fe(2+) molar ratio was 6.5. The correlation of DMSO removal showed that the effect of the parameters on DMSO removal followed the order Fe(2+) > H2O2 > pH. From the BBD prediction, the optimum conditions were pH 3, 5 mM of Fe(2+), and 60 mM of H2O2. The difference between the experimental value (98 %) and the predicted value (96 %) was not significant. The removal efficiencies of DMSO, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), and iron in the fluidized-bed Fenton process were higher than those in the traditional Fenton process.

Comparison of phthalic acid removal from aqueous solution by electrochemical methods: Optimization, kinetic and sludge study.

PubMed

Sandhwar, Vishal Kumar; Prasad, Basheshwar

2017-12-01

In this work, comparative study between electrochemical processes such as electrocoagulation (EC), peroxi-coagulation (PC) and peroxi-electrocoagulation (PEC) was performed for the removal of phthalic acid (PA) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from aqueous medium. Initially, acid treatment was studied at various pH (1-3) and temperature (10-55 °C). Subsequently, the supernatant was re-treated by electrochemical processes such as EC, PC and PEC separately. Independent parameters viz. pH, current density (CD), electrolyte concentration (m), electrode gap (g), H 2 O 2 concentration and electrolysis time (t) were optimized by Central Composite Design (CCD) for these electrochemical processes. All three processes were compared based on removal, energy consumption, kinetic analysis, operating cost and sludge characteristics. In this study, PEC process was found more efficient among EC, PC and PEC processes in order to get maximum removal, minimum energy consumption and minimum operating cost. Maximum removal of PA- 68.21%, 74.36%, 82.25% & COD- 64.79%, 68.15%, 75.21% with energy consumption - 120.95, 97.51, 65.68 (kWh/kg COD removed) were attained through EC, PC and PEC processes respectively at their corresponding optimum conditions. Results indicated that PA and COD removals are in order of PEC > PC > EC under optimum conditions. First order kinetic model was found able to describe the degradation kinetics and provided best correlation for the removal rate within the acceptable error range. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Valorization of GaN based metal-organic chemical vapor deposition dust a semiconductor power device industry waste through mechanochemical oxidation and leaching: A sustainable green process.

PubMed

Swain, Basudev; Mishra, Chinmayee; Lee, Chan Gi; Park, Kyung-Soo; Lee, Kun-Jae

2015-07-01

Dust generated during metal organic vapor deposition (MOCVD) process of GaN based semiconductor power device industry contains significant amounts of gallium and indium. These semiconductor power device industry wastes contain gallium as GaN and Ga0.97N0.9O0.09 is a concern for the environment which can add value through recycling. In the present study, this waste is recycled through mechanochemical oxidation and leaching. For quantitative recovery of gallium, two different mechanochemical oxidation leaching process flow sheets are proposed. In one process, first the Ga0.97N0.9O0.09 of the MOCVD dust is leached at the optimum condition. Subsequently, the leach residue is mechanochemically treated, followed by oxidative annealing and finally re-leached. In the second process, the MOCVD waste dust is mechanochemically treated, followed by oxidative annealing and finally leached. Both of these treatment processes are competitive with each other, appropriate for gallium leaching and treatment of the waste MOCVD dust. Without mechanochemical oxidation, 40.11 and 1.86 w/w% of gallium and Indium are leached using 4M HCl, 100°C and pulp density of 100 kg/m(3,) respectively. After mechanochemical oxidation, both these processes achieved 90 w/w% of gallium and 1.86 w/w% of indium leaching at their optimum condition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Food Quality Improvement of Soy Milk Made from Short-Time Germinated Soybeans

PubMed Central

Jiang, Susu; Cai, Weixi; Xu, Baojun

2013-01-01

The objectives of this study were to develop soy milk with improved food quality and to enhance the functional attributes by incorporating short-time germination into the processing. Changes in trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA), phytic acid content and total phenolic content (TPC) in soy milk produced from soybeans germinated within 72 h were investigated to determine the optimum germination condition. Results from the present research showed significant (p < 0.05) improvement of TPC in cooked germinated soybean milk, while both the TIA and phytic acid content were decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In the subsequent evaluation on the quality attributes under the optimum germination condition, soy milk made from 28 h-germinated soybeans presented enhanced nutritional value and comparable physicochemical properties to conventional soy milk. The current approach provides a feasible and convenient way for soy-based product innovation in both household and industrial settings. PMID:28239109

Nickel solvent extraction from cold purification filter cakes of Angouran mine concentrate using LIX984N

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balesini, A. A.; Zakeri, A.; Razavizadeh, H.; Khani, A.

2013-11-01

Cold purification filter cakes generated in the hydrometallurgical processing of Angouran mine zinc concentrate commonly contain significant amounts of Zn, Cd, and Ni ions and thus are valuable resources for metal recovery. In this research, a nickel containing solution that was obtained from sulfuric acid leaching of the filter cake following cadmium and zinc removal was subjected to solvent extraction experiments using 10vol% LIX984N diluted in kerosene. Under optimum experimental conditions (pH 5.3, volume ratio of organic/aqueous (O:A) = 2:1, and contact time = 5 min), more than 97.1% of nickel was extracted. Nickel was stripped from the loaded organic by contacting with a 200 g/L sulfuric acid solution, from which 77.7% of nickel was recovered in a single contact at the optimum conditions (pH 1-1.5, O:A = 5:1, and contact time = 15 min).

Dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator-based reconfigurable and transparent spectral conversion for dense wavelength division multiplexing transmissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Mingzhi; Qian, Chen; Cao, Bingyao; Zhang, Qianwu; Song, Yingxiong; Wang, Min

2017-09-01

A digital signal process enabled dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulator (DD-MZM)-based spectral converter is proposed and extensively investigated to realize dynamically reconfigurable and high transparent spectral conversion. As another important innovation point of the paper, to optimize the converter performance, the optimum operation conditions of the proposed converter are deduced, statistically simulated, and experimentally verified. The optimum conditions supported-converter performances are verified by detail numerical simulations and experiments in intensity-modulation and direct-detection-based network in terms of frequency detuning range-dependent conversion efficiency, strict operation transparency for user signal characteristics, impact of parasitic components on the conversion performance, as well as the converted component waveform are almost nondistortion. It is also found that the converter has the high robustness to the input signal power, optical signal-to-noise ratio variations, extinction ratio, and driving signal frequency.

Production of Sterilizing Agents from Calendula officinalis Extracts Optimized by Response Surface Methodology

PubMed Central

Goktas, Fatih Mehmet; Sahin, Bilgesu; Yigitarslan, Sibel

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to produce hand sterilizing liquid and wet wipes with the extracts of Calendula officinalis. Since this plant has well known antimicrobial activity due to its phytochemical constituents, the increase in the extraction yield was chosen as the principle part of the production process. To achieve the maximum yield, parameters of solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction temperature, and time were studied. The optimum conditions were determined by response surface methodology as 41°C, 7 h, and 3.3 g/200 mL for temperature, time, and solid-to-liquid ratio, respectively. The yield achieved at those conditions was found to be 90 percent. The highest amounts of flavonoids were detected at optimum, whereas the highest triterpene and saponin constituents were determined at different design points. The microbial efficiencies of extracts were determined by the inhibition of the growth of selected microorganisms. Different dilution rates and interaction times were used as parameters of inhibition. Not any of the constituent but symbiotic relation in-between reached the highest inhibition of 90 percent. The pH values of the extracts were 5.1 to 5.4. As a result, the extraction of Calendula officinalis at the optimum conditions can be used effectively in the production of wet wipes and hand sterilizing liquid. PMID:26064122

Cloning and high-level expression of β-xylosidase from Selenomonas ruminantium in Pichia pastoris by optimizing of pH, methanol concentration and temperature conditions.

PubMed

Dehnavi, Ehsan; Ranaei Siadat, Seyed Omid; Fathi Roudsari, Mehrnoosh; Khajeh, Khosro

2016-08-01

β-xylosidase and several other glycoside hydrolase family members, including xylanase, cooperate together to degrade hemicelluloses, a commonly found xylan polymer of plant-cell wall. β-d-xylosidase/α-l-arabinofuranosidase from the ruminal anaerobic bacterium Selenomonas ruminantium (SXA) has potential utility in industrial processes such as production of fuel ethanol and other bioproducts. The optimized synthetic SXA gene was overexpressed in methylotrophic Pichia pastoris under the control of alcohol oxidase I (AOX1) promoter and secreted into the medium. Recombinant protein showed an optimum pH 4.8 and optimum temperature 50 °C. Furthermore, optimization of growth and induction conditions in shake flask was carried out. Using the optimum expression condition (pH 6, temperature 20 °C and 1% methanol induction), protein production was increased by about three times in comparison to the control. The recombinant SXA we have expressed here showed higher turnover frequency using ρ-nitrophenyl β-xylopyranoside (PNPX) substrate, in contrast to most xylosidase experiments reported previously. This is the first report on the cloning and expression of a β-xylosidase gene from glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 43 in Pichia pastoris. Our results confirm that P. pastoris is an appropriate host for high level expression and production of SXA for industrial applications. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Study on optimum technological conditions of ore sintering flue gas desulfurization by using poor manganese

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, H. Y.; Li, S. E.; Long, Z. G.; Wu, F. Z.; Cui, T. M.; Zhou, X. Z.

2017-11-01

Orthogonal experiments were conducted to study the effect of each single factor on the desulfurization rate and leaching rate of Mn2+ to obtain improved process parameters. The results showed that the use of pyrolusite flue gas and the process method of by-product MnSO4 can not only effectively remove the sulfur in the gas, thereby controlling environmental pollution, but can also recover sulfur.

Electrocoagulation treatment of raw landfill leachate using iron-based electrodes: Effects of process parameters and optimization.

PubMed

Huda, N; Raman, A A A; Bello, M M; Ramesh, S

2017-12-15

The main problem of landfill leachate is its diverse composition comprising many persistent organic pollutants which must be removed before being discharge into the environment. This study investigated the treatment of raw landfill leachate using electrocoagulation process. An electrocoagulation system was designed with iron as both the anode and cathode. The effects of inter-electrode distance, initial pH and electrolyte concentration on colour and COD removals were investigated. All these factors were found to have significant effects on the colour removal. On the other hand, electrolyte concentration was the most significant parameter affecting the COD removal. Numerical optimization was also conducted to obtain the optimum process performance. Under optimum conditions (initial pH: 7.73, inter-electrode distance: 1.16 cm, and electrolyte concentration (NaCl): 2.00 g/L), the process could remove up to 82.7% colour and 45.1% COD. The process can be applied as a pre-treatment for raw leachates before applying other appropriate treatment technologies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biogas production from oil palm empty fruit bunches of post mushroom cultivation media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purnomo, Agus; Suprihatin; Romli, M.; Hasanudin, Udin

2018-03-01

The Empty fruit bunches are one of the palm oil industry wastes, which can be used for mushroom cultivation. Post-cultivation of mushroom from former EFB-mushroom media (EFBMM) has the potential to be processed into biogas. The purpose of this research was to examine optimum co-digestion conditions for biogas production of EFBMM.The research was carried out in an anaerobic digester with three different conditions - dry fermentation (Water content (WC)/Total Solid (TS) ratio 1.5 - 3.5), semi-wet fermentation (WC/TS ratio = 4.0 - 5.7) and wet fermentation (WC/TS ratio> 9.0) conditions. Digester of capacity 50L was used. Fermentation was done using 20% cow feces as inoculum which then added with circulation system for 70 days. The results showed that optimum biogas production were produced in semi-wet fermentation conditions (WC/TS ratio = 4). It was produced 37.462 liters (2.420 liters CH4/Kg Volatile Solid (VS)) of biogas with methane contain about 26.231%. Total volume of inoculum during process was 19.6 liters (1: 4 w/v) with absorbed TS inoculum ratio, TS/I = 0.4 (1:2.5 w/v). The result of research also showed that biogas which was produced from control about 2.865 liters (0.041 liters CH4/KgVS), with TS absorbed inoculum ratio, TS/I = 0.5 (1: 5w/v).

Solvent-Free Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenols from Olive Tree Leaves: Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties.

PubMed

Şahin, Selin; Samli, Ruya; Tan, Ayşe Seher Birteksöz; Barba, Francisco J; Chemat, Farid; Cravotto, Giancarlo; Lorenzo, José M

2017-06-24

Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN) were evaluated and compared in order to decide which method was the most appropriate to predict and optimize total phenolic content (TPC) and oleuropein yields in olive tree leaf ( Olea europaea ) extracts, obtained after solvent-free microwave-assisted extraction (SFMAE). The SFMAE processing conditions were: microwave irradiation power 250-350 W, extraction time 2-3 min, and the amount of sample 5-10 g. Furthermore, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the olive leaf extracts, obtained under optimal extraction conditions, were assessed by several in vitro assays. ANN had better prediction performance for TPC and oleuropein yields compared to RSM. The optimum extraction conditions to recover both TPC and oleuropein were: irradiation power 250 W, extraction time 2 min, and amount of sample 5 g, independent of the method used for prediction. Under these conditions, the maximal yield of oleuropein (0.060 ± 0.012 ppm) was obtained and the amount of TPC was 2.480 ± 0.060 ppm. Moreover, olive leaf extracts obtained under optimum SFMAE conditions showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus and S. epidermidis , with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 1.25 mg/mL.

[The studies on the Ku Huang granula technology].

PubMed

Qian, Kun; Kuang, Qi; Dong, Wei; Shen, Jun

2008-02-01

To determine the optimum technology of the Ku Huang granula. Making Emodin and Chrysophanol for index, using HPLC, extracturm softening point data and orthogonal design experiment to research the preparatory technology of the Ku Huang granula to screen the optimum technology. The Ku Huang granula was pelletized at 100% dextrin, 170 degrees C- 175 degrees C spray drying and at the conditions of 75% ethylalcohol, 85 degrees C, 4 Hz, 3 hours fluidizing pelletization. The optimum condition is reasonable.

[Studies on technology optimization for extraction and purification of total flavones from root bark of Artocarpus styracifolius].

PubMed

Ren, Gang; Liu, Rong-hua; Shao, Feng; Huang, Hui-lian; Wen, Li-rong

2010-08-01

To study the technology optimization for extraction and purification of total flavones from root bark of Artocarpus styracifolius. The optimum extraction conditions were investigated by the contents of the total flavones, using orthogonal test; Static adsorption capacity and desorption rate were employed as examine items for the screening of optimum macroporous resin and optimum technology for the purification of total flavones with selected macroporous were also investigated. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: using 60% alcohol of seven times than amounts of original material soaking 12 hours,extracting once with hot reflux method at 50 degrees C. HPD-500 type macroporous resin showed better adsorption and desorption property. The optimum purification conditions were as follows: the sample solution was prepared at the concentration of 50.0 mg/mL, subjected to HPD-500 type macroporous resin column chromatography with a load ratio of 22.0 mg total flavones per gram of resin. After standing for 1 hour, the column was eluted with 4 BV water before being eluted with 4 BV 80% alcohol. The purity of the product was 86.4%, which enhanced the content of total flavones by 533%. The optimum conditions for extraction and purification of total flavones from root bark of Artocarpus styractifolius are convenient and practical, and could be used as a reference for industrial production.

[Study on extraction and purification process of total ginsenosides from Radix Ginseng].

PubMed

Xie, Li-Ling; Ren, Li; Lai, Xian-Sheng; Cao, Jun-Hui; Mo, Quan-Yi; Chen, Wei-Wen

2009-10-01

To optimize the technological parameters of the extraction and purification process of total ginsenosides from Radix Ginseng. With the contents of ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re and ginsenoside Rb1, the orthogonal design was adopted to optimize the extraction process. The purification process was studied by optimizing the elutive ratio of total ginsenosides as the marker. HPLC and spectrophotometer were employed for the study. The optimum conditions were as follows:Using 8 times volume of 75% ethanol extracting for 120 minutes and 2 times, the extraction temperature was 85 degrees C. AB-8 macroporous resin was selected, and the eluant was 4 BV 70% ethanol. The optimal conditions of extracting and purifying the total ginsenosides from Radix Ginseng is feasible.

The influence of ozone on the photocatalytic degradation of phenol using TiO2 photocatalyst supported by Bayah natural zeolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulaiman, Fatah; Sari, Denni Kartika; Kustiningsih, Indar

2017-05-01

Effect of ozone on the photocatalytic degradation of phenol using TiO2 photocatalyst which supported Bayah Natural Zeolite has been investigated. Phenol (merk Pro analys) was used as waste solution. TiO2 photocatalyst was obtained from Titanium isopropoxide using sol gel method which supported by Bayah Natural Zeolite. The influence of temperature of calcination and catalyst loading have been conducted. The calcination temperature of photocatalyst was 450°C, 500°C, 550°C dan 600°C while the catalyst loading of 0,1g/L; 0,3 g/L; 0,6 g/L; 1 g/L dan 1,2 g/L. Analysis of phenol concentration was used Hach Spechtrophotometer. To determine the effect of ozone on photocatalytic degradation during process ozone was flowed into reactor. The result showed the optimum calcination temperature was obtained at 500°C. The optimum catalyst loading to degrade the phenolic compounds was equal to 1g/L. In these optimum condition the conversion of phenol degradation was 87% after 5 hours. By adding ozone during the degradation process, the conversion reached 100% after 2 hours.

Enzymatic fractionation of SAA-pretreated barley straw for production of fuel ethanol and astaxanthin as a value-added co-product

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Barley straw was used to demonstrate a process for production of ethanol and astaxanthin as a value-added co-product. Barley straw was pretreated by soaking in aqueous ammonia (SAA) using the previously determined optimum conditions. The pretreated barley straw was first hydrolyzed with Accellerase®...

Determination of reaction rates and activation energy in aerobic composting processes for yard waste.

PubMed

Uma, R N; Manjula, G; Meenambal, T

2007-04-01

The reaction rates and activation energy in aerobic composting processes for yard waste were determined using specifically designed reactors. Different mixture ratios were fixed before the commencement of the process. The C/N ratio was found to be optimum for a mixture ratio of 1:6 containing one part of coir pith to six parts of other waste which included yard waste, yeast sludge, poultry yard waste and decomposing culture (Pleurotosis). The path of stabilization of the wastes was continuously monitored by observing various parameters such as temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity, C.O.D, VS at regular time intervals. Kinetic analysis was done to determine the reaction rates and activation energy for the optimum mixture ratio under forced aeration condition. The results of the analysis clearly indicated that the temperature dependence of the reaction rates followed the Arrhenius equation. The temperature coefficients were also determined. The degradation of the organic fraction of the yard waste could be predicted using first order reaction model.

The feasibility study of crude palm oil transesterification at 30 °C operation.

PubMed

Sim, Jia Huey; Kamaruddin, Azlina Harun; Bhatia, Subhash

2010-12-01

The objective of this research is to investigate the potential of transesterification of crude palm oil (CPO) to biodiesel at 30 degrees C. The mass transfer limitations problem crucial at 30 degrees C due to the viscosity of CPO has been addressed. The process parameters that are closely related to mass transfer effects like enzyme loading, agitation speed and reaction time were optimized. An optimum methanol to oil substrate molar ratio at 6.5:1 was observed and maintained throughout the experiments. The optimum operating condition for the transesterification process was found at 6.67 wt% of enzyme loading and at 150 rpm of agitation speed. The corresponding initial reaction and FAME yield obtained at 6 h were 89.29% FAME yield/hr and 85.01%, respectively. The 85% FAME yield obtained at 30 degrees C operation of CPO transesterification shows that the process is potentially feasible for the biodiesel synthesis. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Temperature, Time, and Material Thickness on the Dehydration Process of Tomato

PubMed Central

Correia, A. F. K.; Loro, A. C.; Zanatta, S.; Spoto, M. H. F.; Vieira, T. M. F. S.

2015-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of temperature, time, and thickness of tomatoes fruits during adiabatic drying process. Dehydration, a simple and inexpensive process compared to other conservation methods, is widely used in the food industry in order to ensure a long shelf life for the product due to the low water activity. This study aimed to obtain the best processing conditions to avoid losses and keep product quality. Factorial design and surface response methodology were applied to fit predictive mathematical models. In the dehydration of tomatoes through the adiabatic process, temperature, time, and sample thickness, which greatly contribute to the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the final product, were evaluated. The optimum drying conditions were 60°C with the lowest thickness level and shorter time. PMID:26904666

Simultaneous Optimization of Tooth Flank Form of Involute Helical Gears in Terms of Both Vibration and Load Carrying Capacity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komori, Masaharu; Kubo, Aizoh; Suzuki, Yoshitomo

The alignment condition of automotive gears changes considerably during operation due to the deformation of shafts, bearings, and gear box by transmission of load. Under such conditions, the gears are required to satisfy not only reliability in strength and durability under maximum loading conditions, but also low vibrational characteristics under light loading conditions during the cruising of a car. In this report, the characteristics of the optimum tooth flank form of gears in terms of both vibration and load carrying capacity are clarified. The local optimum tooth flank form appears in each excitation valley, where the vibrational excitation is low and the actual contact ratio takes a specific value. The influence of the choice of different local optimum solutions on the vibrational performance of the optimized gears is investigated. The practical design algorithm for the optimum tooth flank form of a gear set in terms of both vibration and load carrying capacity is then proposed and its result is evaluated by field experience.

Process optimization for sensory characteristics of seriales (Flacourtia jangomas) ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cimafranca, L.; Dizon, E.

2018-01-01

Seriales (Flacourtia jangomas) is an underutilized fruit in the Philippines. The processing of the fruit into a RTD beverage was standardized by statistical methods. Plackett-Burman Design (PB) was used to determine the most significant factors that affect the sensory characteristics of the product. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied based on the factorial Central Composite Design (CCD) to determine the optimum conditions for the maximum sensory acceptability of the seriales RTD beverage. Results of the PB revealed that the most significant factors were blanching time, level of seriales and TSS level. With different levels of blanching time (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 min.), seriales level (10, 20, 30 %) and TSS value (12, 15, 18ºBrix), the optimum region for sensory acceptability was perceived at 0.7 to 1.4 minutes blanching time, seriales level of not beyond 27 %, and TSS at any level.

How gastric lipase, an interfacial enzyme with a Ser-His-Asp catalytic triad, acts optimally at acidic pH.

PubMed

Chahinian, Henri; Snabe, Torben; Attias, Coralie; Fojan, Peter; Petersen, Steffen B; Carrière, Frédéric

2006-01-24

Gastric lipase is active under acidic conditions and shows optimum activity on insoluble triglycerides at pH 4. The present results show that gastric lipase also acts in solution on vinyl butyrate, with an optimum activity above pH 7, which suggests that gastric lipase is able to hydrolyze ester bonds via the classical mechanism of serine hydrolases. These results support previous structural studies in which the catalytic triad of gastric lipase was reported to show no specific features. The optimum activity of gastric lipase shifted toward lower pH values, however, when the vinyl butyrate concentration was greater than the solubility limit. Experiments performed with long-chain triglycerides showed that gastric lipase binds optimally to the oil-water interface at low pH values. To study the effects of the pH on the adsorption step independently from substrate hydrolysis, gastric lipase adsorption on solid hydrophobic surfaces was monitored by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF), as well as using a quartz crystal microbalance. Both techniques showed a pH-dependent reversible gastric lipase adsorption process, which was optimum at pH 5 (Kd = 6.5 nM). Lipase adsorption and desorption constants (ka = 147,860 M(-1) s(-1) and kd = 139 x 10(-4) s(-1) at pH 6) were estimated from TIRF experiments. These results indicate that the optimum activity of gastric lipase at acidic pH is only "apparent" and results from the fact that lipase adsorption at lipid-water interfaces is the pH-dependent limiting step in the overall process of insoluble substrate hydrolysis. This specific kinetic feature of interfacial enzymology should be taken into account when studying any soluble enzyme acting on an insoluble substrate.

Removal of suspended solids and turbidity from marble processing wastewaters by electrocoagulation: comparison of electrode materials and electrode connection systems.

PubMed

Solak, Murat; Kiliç, Mehmet; Hüseyin, Yazici; Sencan, Aziz

2009-12-15

In this study, removal of suspended solids (SS) and turbidity from marble processing wastewaters by electrocoagulation (EC) process were investigated by using aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) electrodes which were run in serial and parallel connection systems. To remove these pollutants from the marble processing wastewater, an EC reactor including monopolar electrodes (Al/Fe) in parallel and serial connection system, was utilized. Optimization of differential operation parameters such as pH, current density, and electrolysis time on SS and turbidity removal were determined in this way. EC process with monopolar Al electrodes in parallel and serial connections carried out at the optimum conditions where the pH value was 9, current density was approximately 15 A/m(2), and electrolysis time was 2 min resulted in 100% SS removal. Removal efficiencies of EC process for SS with monopolar Fe electrodes in parallel and serial connection were found to be 99.86% and 99.94%, respectively. Optimum parameters for monopolar Fe electrodes in both of the connection types were found to be for pH value as 8, for electrolysis time as 2 min. The optimum current density value for Fe electrodes used in serial and parallel connections was also obtained at 10 and 20 A/m(2), respectively. Based on the results obtained, it was found that EC process running with each type of the electrodes and the connections was highly effective for the removal of SS and turbidity from marble processing wastewaters, and that operating costs with monopolar Al electrodes in parallel connection were the cheapest than that of the serial connection and all the configurations for Fe electrode.

Recycling process for recovery of gallium from GaN an e-waste of LED industry through ball milling, annealing and leaching.

PubMed

Swain, Basudev; Mishra, Chinmayee; Kang, Leeseung; Park, Kyung-Soo; Lee, Chan Gi; Hong, Hyun Seon

2015-04-01

Waste dust generated during manufacturing of LED contains significant amounts of gallium and indium, needs suitable treatment and can be an important resource for recovery. The LED industry waste dust contains primarily gallium as GaN. Leaching followed by purification technology is the green and clean technology. To develop treatment and recycling technology of these GaN bearing e-waste, leaching is the primary stage. In our current investigation possible process for treatment and quantitative leaching of gallium and indium from the GaN bearing e-waste or waste of LED industry dust has been developed. To recycle the waste and quantitative leaching of gallium, two different process flow sheets have been proposed. In one, process first the GaN of the waste the LED industry dust was leached at the optimum condition. Subsequently, the leach residue was mixed with Na2CO3, ball milled followed by annealing, again leached to recover gallium. In the second process, the waste LED industry dust was mixed with Na2CO3, after ball milling and annealing, followed acidic leaching. Without pretreatment, the gallium leaching was only 4.91 w/w % using 4M HCl, 100°C and pulp density of 20g/L. After mechano-chemical processing, both these processes achieved 73.68 w/w % of gallium leaching at their optimum condition. The developed process can treat and recycle any e-waste containing GaN through ball milling, annealing and leaching. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonically promoted nitrolysis of DAPT to HMX in ionic liquid.

PubMed

Hua, Qian; Zhiwen, Ye; Chunxu, Lv

2008-04-01

The present work aims at developing a new process to synthesize HMX from DAPT using ultrasound in ionic liquid. Reaction has been carried out in ultrasonic bath, effect of various parameters such as presence and absence of ultrasound, volume and type of solvent, temperature, concentration of nitrating agent has been investigated with an aim of obtaining the optimum conditions for the synthesis of HMX. It was observed that ultrasonically promoted nitroylsis of DAPT to HMX has exhibited significant enhancement in yield at ambient condition.

Optimization of hydrostatic pressure at varied sonication conditions--power density, intensity, very low frequency--for isothermal ultrasonic sludge treatment.

PubMed

Delmas, Henri; Le, Ngoc Tuan; Barthe, Laurie; Julcour-Lebigue, Carine

2015-07-01

This work aims at investigating for the first time the key sonication (US) parameters: power density (DUS), intensity (IUS), and frequency (FS) - down to audible range, under varied hydrostatic pressure (Ph) and low temperature isothermal conditions (to avoid any thermal effect). The selected application was activated sludge disintegration, a major industrial US process. For a rational approach all comparisons were made at same specific energy input (ES, US energy per solid weight) which is also the relevant economic criterion. The decoupling of power density and intensity was obtained by either changing the sludge volume or most often by changing probe diameter, all other characteristics being unchanged. Comprehensive results were obtained by varying the hydrostatic pressure at given power density and intensity. In all cases marked maxima of sludge disintegration appeared at optimum pressures, which values increased at increasing power intensity and density. Such optimum was expected due to opposite effects of increasing hydrostatic pressure: higher cavitation threshold then smaller and fewer bubbles, but higher temperature and pressure at the end of collapse. In addition the first attempt to lower US frequency down to audible range was very successful: at any operation condition (DUS, IUS, Ph, sludge concentration and type) higher sludge disintegration was obtained at 12 kHz than at 20 kHz. The same values of optimum pressure were observed at 12 and 20 kHz. At same energy consumption the best conditions - obtained at 12 kHz, maximum power density 720 W/L and 3.25 bar - provided about 100% improvement with respect to usual conditions (1 bar, 20 kHz). Important energy savings and equipment size reduction may then be expected. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Double injection/single detection asymmetric flow injection manifold for spectrophotometric determination of ascorbic acid and uric acid: Selection the optimal conditions by MCDM approach based on different criteria weighting methods.

PubMed

Boroumand, Samira; Chamjangali, Mansour Arab; Bagherian, Ghadamali

2017-03-05

A simple and sensitive double injection/single detector flow injection analysis (FIA) method is proposed for the simultaneous kinetic determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). This method is based upon the difference between the rates of the AA and UA reactions with Fe 3+ in the presence of 1, 10-phenanthroline (phen). The absorbance of Fe 2+ /1, 10-phenanthroline (Fe-phen) complex obtained as the product was measured spectrophotometrically at 510nm. To reach a good accuracy in the differential kinetic determination via the mathematical manipulations of the transient signals, different criteria were considered in the selection of the optimum conditions. The multi criteria decision making (MCDM) approach was applied for the selection of the optimum conditions. The importance weights of the evaluation criteria were determined using the analytic hierarchy process, entropy method, and compromised weighting (CW). The experimental conditions (alternatives) were ranked by the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution. Under the selected optimum conditions, the obtained analytical signals were linear in the ranges of 0.50-5.00 and 0.50-4.00mgL -1 for AA and UA, respectively. The 3σ detection limits were 0.07mgL -1 for AA and 0.12mgL -1 for UA. The relative standard deviations for four replicate determinations of AA and UA were 2.03% and 3.30% respectively. The method was also applied for the analysis of analytes in the blood serum, Vitamine C tablets, and tap water with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Double injection/single detection asymmetric flow injection manifold for spectrophotometric determination of ascorbic acid and uric acid: Selection the optimal conditions by MCDM approach based on different criteria weighting methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boroumand, Samira; Chamjangali, Mansour Arab; Bagherian, Ghadamali

2017-03-01

A simple and sensitive double injection/single detector flow injection analysis (FIA) method is proposed for the simultaneous kinetic determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). This method is based upon the difference between the rates of the AA and UA reactions with Fe3 + in the presence of 1, 10-phenanthroline (phen). The absorbance of Fe2 +/1, 10-phenanthroline (Fe-phen) complex obtained as the product was measured spectrophotometrically at 510 nm. To reach a good accuracy in the differential kinetic determination via the mathematical manipulations of the transient signals, different criteria were considered in the selection of the optimum conditions. The multi criteria decision making (MCDM) approach was applied for the selection of the optimum conditions. The importance weights of the evaluation criteria were determined using the analytic hierarchy process, entropy method, and compromised weighting (CW). The experimental conditions (alternatives) were ranked by the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution. Under the selected optimum conditions, the obtained analytical signals were linear in the ranges of 0.50-5.00 and 0.50-4.00 mg L- 1 for AA and UA, respectively. The 3σ detection limits were 0.07 mg L- 1 for AA and 0.12 mg L- 1 for UA. The relative standard deviations for four replicate determinations of AA and UA were 2.03% and 3.30% respectively. The method was also applied for the analysis of analytes in the blood serum, Vitamine C tablets, and tap water with satisfactory results.

Stabilization of high Tc phase in bismuth cuprate superconductor by lead doping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, Ram. P.; Pachauri, J. P.; Khokle, W. S.; Nagpal, K. C.; Date, S. K.

1991-01-01

It has been widely ascertained that doping of lead in Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O systems promotes the growth of high T sub c (110 K) phase, improves critical current density, and lowers processing temperature. A systematic study was undertaken to determine optimum lead content and processing conditions to achieve these properties. A large number of samples with cationic compositions of Bi(2-x)Pb(x)Sr2Ca2Cu3 (x = 0.2 to 2.0) were prepared by conventional solid state reaction technique. Samples of all compositions were annealed together at a temperature and characterized through resistance temperature (R-T) measurements and x ray diffraction to determine the zero resistance temperature, T sub c(0) and to identify presence of phases, respectively. The annealing temperature was varied between 790 and 880 C to optimize processing parameters. Results are given. In brief, an optimum process is reported along with composition of leaded bismuth cuprate superconductor which yields nearly a high T sub c single phase with highly stable superconducting properties.

Stabilization of high T(sub c) phase in bismuth cuprate superconductor by lead doping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, Ram. P.; Pachauri, J. P.; Khokle, W. S.; Nagpal, K. C.; Date, S. K.

1990-01-01

It has widely been ascertained that doping of lead in Bi:Sr:Ca:Cu:O systems promotes the growth of high T(sub c) (110 K) phase, improves critical current density, and lowers processing temperature. A systematic investigation is undertaken to determine optimum lead content and processing conditions to achieve these. A large number of samples with cationic compositions of Bi(2-x)Pb(x)Sr2Ca2Cu3 (x = 0.2 to 2.0) were prepared by conventional solid state reaction technique. Samples of all compositions were annealed together at a temperature and characterized through resistance-temperature (R-T) measurements and x ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the zero resistance temperature, T(sub c)(0) and to identify presence of phases, respectively. The annealing temperature was varied between 790 C to optimize processing parameters. Results are given. In brief, an optimum process is reported along with composition of leaded bismuth cuprate superconductor which yields nearly a high T(sub c) single phase with highly stable superconducting properties.

Development of optimum process for electron beam cross-linking of high density polyethylene thermal energy storage pellets, process scale-up and production of application qualities of material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salyer, I. O.

1980-01-01

The electron irradiation conditions required to prepare thermally from stable high density polyethylene (HDPE) were defined. The conditions were defined by evaluating the heat of fusion and the melting temperature of several HDPE specimens. The performance tests conducted on the specimens, including the thermal cycling tests in the thermal energy storage unit are described. The electron beam irradiation tests performed on the specimens, in which the total radiation dose received by the pellets, the electron beam current, the accelerating potential, and the atmospheres were varied, are discussed.

Engineering development of selective agglomeration: Task 5, Bench- scale process testing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1991-09-01

Under the overall objectives of DOE Contract ``Engineering Development of Selective Agglomeration,`` there were a number of specific objectives in the Task 5 program. The prime objectives of Task 5 are highlighted below: (1) Maximize process performance in pyritic sulfur rejection and BTU recovery, (2) Produce a low ash product, (3) Compare the performance of the heavy agglomerant process based on diesel and the light agglomerant process using heptane, (4) Define optimum processing conditions for engineering design, (5) Provide first-level evaluation of product handleability, and (6) Explore and investigate process options/ideas which may enhance process performance and/or product handleability.

Engineering development of selective agglomeration: Task 5, Bench- scale process testing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1991-09-01

Under the overall objectives of DOE Contract Engineering Development of Selective Agglomeration,'' there were a number of specific objectives in the Task 5 program. The prime objectives of Task 5 are highlighted below: (1) Maximize process performance in pyritic sulfur rejection and BTU recovery, (2) Produce a low ash product, (3) Compare the performance of the heavy agglomerant process based on diesel and the light agglomerant process using heptane, (4) Define optimum processing conditions for engineering design, (5) Provide first-level evaluation of product handleability, and (6) Explore and investigate process options/ideas which may enhance process performance and/or product handleability.

Characterization of alloy 718 subjected to different thermomechanical treatments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Silva, Chinthaka; Song, Miao; Leonard, Keith

2017-03-11

Chemical phase and microstructural investigations of alloy 718 solution-annealed and age-hardened were performed in this study. We focused on the effects of solution annealing temperature, aging temperature and holding time, and the amount of intermediate cold work on the alloy. We also studied the formation of secondary phases such as γ’-phase, γ”-phase, and δ-phase, grain sizes, and any deformations of the microstructure with respect to the processed conditions. Statistics such as size and number densities of these precipitates with respect to the processing conditions were evaluated and a discussion on optimum conditions in obtaining finer and higher density of γ’-more » and γ”-phase precipitates is also presented.« less

Development of modified FT (MFT) process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jinglai Zhou; Zhixin Zhang; Wenjie Shen

1995-12-31

Two-Stage Modified FT (MFT) process has been developed for producing high-octane gasoline from coal-based syngas. The main R&D are focused on the development of catalysts and technologies process. Duration tests were finished in the single-tube reactor, pilot plant (100T/Y), and industrial demonstration plant (2000T/Y). A series of satisfactory results has been obtained in terms of operating reliability of equipments, performance of catalysts, purification of coal - based syngas, optimum operating conditions, properties of gasoline and economics etc. Further scaling - up commercial plant is being considered.

Pretreatment of empty fruit bunch from oil palm for fuel ethanol production and proposed biorefinery process.

PubMed

Tan, Liping; Yu, Yongcheng; Li, Xuezhi; Zhao, Jian; Qu, Yinbo; Choo, Yuen May; Loh, Soh Kheang

2013-05-01

This study evaluates the effects of some pretreatment processes to improve the enzymatic hydrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) for ethanol production. The experimental results show that the bisulfite pretreatment was practical for EFB pretreatment. Moreover, the optimum pretreatment conditions of the bisulfite pretreatment (180 °C, 30 min, 8% NaHSO3, 1% H2SO4) were identified. In the experiments, a biorefinery process of EFB was proposed to produce ethanol, xylose products, and lignosulfonates. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Treatment of oilfield produced water using Fe/C micro-electrolysis assisted by zero-valent copper and zero-valent aluminium.

PubMed

Zhang, Qi

2015-01-01

In this study, the Fe/Cu/C and Fe/Al/C inner micro-electrolysis systems were used to treat actual oilfield produced water to evaluate the feasibility of the technology. Effects of reaction time, pH value, the dosage of metals and activated carbon, and Fe:C mass ratio on the treatment efficiency of wastewater were studied. The results showed that the optimum conditions were reaction time 120 min, initial solution pH 4.0, Fe dosage 13.3 g/L, activated carbon dosage 6.7 g/L, Cu dosage 2.0 g/L or Al dosage 1.0 g/L. Under the optimum conditions, the removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD) were 39.3%, 49.7% and 52.6% in the Fe/C, Fe/Cu/C and Fe/Al/C processes, respectively. Meanwhile, the ratio of five-day biochemical oxygen demand to COD was raised from 0.18 to above 0.35, which created favourable conditions for the subsequent biological treatment. All these led to an easy maintenance and low operational cost.

Influence of cultivating conditions on the alpha-galactosidase biosynthesis from a novel strain of Penicillium sp. in solid-state fermentation.

PubMed

Wang, C L; Li, D F; Lu, W Q; Wang, Y H; Lai, C H

2004-01-01

The work is intended to achieve optimum culture conditions of alpha-galactosidase production by a mutant strain Penicillium sp. in solid-state fermentation (SSF). Certain fermentation parameters involving incubation temperature, moisture content, initial pH value, inoculum and load size of medium, and incubation time were investigated separately. The optimal temperature and moisture level for alpha-galactosidase biosynthesis was found to be 30 degrees C and 50%, respectively. The range of pH 5.5-6.5 was favourable. About 40-50 g of medium in 250-ml flask and inoculum over 1.0 x 10(6) spores were suitable for enzyme production. Seventy-five hours of incubation was enough for maximum alpha-galactosidase production. Substrate as wheat bran supplemented with soyabean meal and beet pulp markedly improved the enzyme yield in trays. Under optimum culture conditions, the alpha-galactosidase activity from Penicillium sp. MAFIC-6 indicated 185.2 U g(-1) in tray of SSF. The process on alpha-galactosidase production in laboratory scale may have a potentiality of scaling-up.

Color removal from distillery spent wash through coagulation using Moringa oleifera seeds: use of optimum response surface methodology.

PubMed

Prasad, R Krishna

2009-06-15

The effects of dosage, pH and concentration of salts were investigated for an optimized condition of color removal from the distillery spent wash. The optimization process was analyzed using custom response surface methodology (RSM). The design was employed to derive a statistical model for the effect of parameters studied on removal of color using Moringa oleifera coagulant (MOC). The dosage (20 and 60 ml), pH (7 and 8.5) and concentration of 0.25 M had been found to be the optimum conditions for maximum 56% and 67% color removal using sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) salts respectively. The actual color removal at optimal conditions was found to be 53% and 64% respectively for NaCl and KCl salts which confirms close to RSM results. The effects of storage duration and temperature on MOC studied reveal that coagulation efficiency of MOC kept at room temperature was effective for 3 days and at 4 degrees C it performed coagulation up to 5 days.

Preparation of microcapsules by complex coacervation of gum Arabic and chitosan.

PubMed

Butstraen, Chloé; Salaün, Fabien

2014-01-01

Gum Arabic-chitosan microcapsules containing a commercially available blend of triglycerides (Miglyol 812 N) as core phase were synthesized by complex coacervation. This study was conducted to clarify the influence of different parameters on the encapsulation process, i.e. during the emulsion formation steps and during the shell formation, using conductometry, zeta potential, surface and interface tension measurement and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. By carefully analyzing the influencing factors including phase volume ratio, stirring rate and time, pH, reaction time, biopolymer ratio and crosslinking effect, the optimum synthetic conditions were found out. For the emulsion step, the optimum phase volume ratio chosen was 0.10 and an emulsion time of 15 min at 11,000 rpm was selected. The results also indicated that the optimum formation of these complexes appears at a pH value of 3.6 and a weight ratio of chitosan to gum Arabic mixtures of 0.25. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Formation of glycosidases in batch and continuous culture of Bacteroides fragilis.

PubMed Central

Berg, J O; Nord, C E; Wadström, T

1978-01-01

Nine strains of bacteroides fragilis were cultivated in stirred fermentors and tested for their ability to produce glycosidases. B. fragilis subsp. vulgatus B70 was used for optimizing the production of glycosidases. The highest bacterial yield was obtained in proteose peptone-yeast extract medium. The optimum pH for maximal bacterial yield was 7.0, and the optimum temperature for growth was 37 degrees C. The formation of glycosidases was optimal between pH 6.5 and 7.5, and the optimum temperature for synthesis of glycosidases was between 33 and 37 degrees C. Culture under controlled conditions in fermentors gave more reproducible production of glycosidases than static cultures in bottles. The strain was also grown in continuous culture at a dilution rate of 0.1 liter/h at pH 7.0 and 37 degrees C with a yield of 2.0 mg of dry weight per ml in the complex medium. The formation of glycosidases remained constant during the entire continuous process. PMID:25044

On the improvement of signal repeatability in laser-induced air plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shuai; Sheta, Sahar; Hou, Zong-Yu; Wang, Zhe

2018-04-01

The relatively low repeatability of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) severely hinders its wide commercialization. In the present work, we investigate the optimization of LIBS system for repeatability improvement for both signal generation (plasma evolution) and signal collection. Timeintegrated spectra and images were obtained under different laser energies and focal lengths to investigate the optimum configuration for stable plasmas and repeatable signals. Using our experimental setup, the optimum conditions were found to be a laser energy of 250 mJ and a focus length of 100 mm. A stable and homogeneous plasma with the largest hot core area in the optimum condition yielded the most stable LIBS signal. Time-resolved images showed that the rebounding processes through the air plasma evolution caused the relative standard deviation (RSD) to increase with laser energies of > 250 mJ. In addition, the emission collection was improved by using a concave spherical mirror. The line intensities doubled as their RSDs decreased by approximately 25%. When the signal generation and collection were optimized simultaneously, the pulse-to-pulse RSDs were reduced to approximately 3% for O(I), N(I), and H(I) lines, which are better than the RSDs reported for solid samples and showed great potential for LIBS quantitative analysis by gasifying the solid or liquid samples.

IR spectroscopic studies in microchannel structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guber, A. E.; Bier, W.

1998-06-01

By means of the various microengineering methods available, microreaction systems can be produced among others. These microreactors consist of microchannels, where chemical reactions take place under defined conditions. For optimum process control, continuous online analytics is envisaged in the microchannels. For this purpose, a special analytical module has been developed. It may be applied for IR spectroscopic studies at any point of the microchannel.

Complex Investigations of Sapphire Crystals Production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malyukov, S. P.; Klunnikova, Yu V.

The problem of optimum conditions choice for processing sapphire substrates was solved with optimization methods and with combination of analytical simulation methods, experiment and expert system technology. The experimental results and software give rather full information on features of real structure of the sapphire crystal substrates and can be effectively used for optimization of technology of the substrate preparation for electronic devices.

Performance of combined persulfate/aluminum sulfate for landfill leachate treatment.

PubMed

Abu Amr, Salem S; Alkarkhi, Abbas F M; Alslaibi, Tamer M; Abujazar, Mohammed Shadi S

2018-08-01

Although landfilling is still the most suitable method for solid waste disposal, generation of large quantity of leachate is still considered as one of the main environmental problem. Efficient treatment of leachate is required prior to final discharge. Persulfate (S 2 O 8 2- ) recently used for leachate oxidation, the oxidation potential of persulfate can be improved by activate and initiate sulfate radical. The current data aimed to evaluate the performance of utilizing Al 2 SO4 reagent for activation of persulfate to treat landfill leachate. The data on chemical oxygen demand (COD), color, and NH 3 -H removals at different setting of the persulfate, Al 2 SO 4 dosages, pH, and reaction time were collected using a central composite design (CCD) were measured to identify the optimum operating conditions. A total of 30 experiments were performed, the optimum conditions for S 2 O 8 2- /Al 2 SO 4 oxidation process was obtained. Quadratic models for chemical oxygen demand (COD), color, and NH 3 -H removals were significant with p-value < 0.0001. The experimental results were in agreement with the optimum results for COD and NH 3 -N removal rates to be 67%, 81%, and 48%, respectively). The results obtained in leachate treatment were compared with those from other treatment processes, such as S 2 O 8 2- only and Al 2 SO 4 only, to evaluate its effectiveness. The combined method (i.e., /S 2 O 8 2- /Al 2 SO 4 ) showed higher removal efficiency for COD, color, and NH 3 -N compared with other studied applications.

Development of a fixed bed gasifier model and optimal operating conditions determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahmani, Manel; Périlhon, Christelle; Marvillet, Christophe; Hajjaji, Noureddine; Houas, Ammar; Khila, Zouhour

2017-02-01

The main objective of this study was to develop a fixed bed gasifier model of palm waste and to identify the optimal operating conditions to produce electricity from synthesis gas. First, the gasifier was simulated using Aspen PlusTM software. Gasification is a thermo-chemical process that has long been used, but it remains a perfectible technology. It means incomplete combustion of biomass solid fuel into synthesis gas through partial oxidation. The operating parameters (temperature and equivalence ratio (ER)) were thereafter varied to investigate their effect on the synthesis gas composition and to provide guidance for future research and development efforts in process design. The equivalence ratio is defined as the ratio of the amount of air actually supplied to the gasifier and the stoichiometric amount of air. Increasing ER decreases the production of CO and H2 and increases the production of CO2 and H2O while an increase in temperature increases the fraction of CO and H2. The results show that the optimum temperature to have a syngas able to be effectively used for power generation is 900°C and the optimum equivalence ratio is 0.1.

Influence of processing parameters on textural characteristics and overall acceptability of millet enriched biscuits using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Subir Kumar; Kumbhar, Baburao K; Chakraborty, Shalini; Yadav, Pravesh

2011-04-01

Five blends of refined wheat flour (RWF) (63.2 - 96.8, %RWF) and millet were used to manufacture biscuits baked for varying time (3.3-6.7 min) and temperature (166.6 - 183.4 °C). The manufactured biscuits were evaluated in terms of textural attributes (crispness, hardness and cutting strength) and overall acceptability (OAA). Results showed that increasing the amount of RWF in biscuits decreased (p < 0.01) hardness. Prolonging the baking time led to a decrease (p < 0.01) in hardness and cutting strength and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in OAA. Increase in baking temperature was followed by an increase in crispness (p < 0.01) and OAA (p < 0.1), while hardness and cutting strength (p < 0.01) decreased. Optimum processing condition generated form the models was, - blend ratio, 90%RWF; baking time, 6 min and baking temperature, 170 °C. The predicted responses in terms of crispness, hardness, cutting strength and OAA were 45, 0.3N, 27.2N and 8.9, respectively. The desirability of the optimum conditions was 0.98.

Taguchi optimization: Case study of gold recovery from amalgamation tailing by using froth flotation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sudibyo, Aji, B. B.; Sumardi, S.; Mufakir, F. R.; Junaidi, A.; Nurjaman, F.; Karna, Aziza, Aulia

2017-01-01

Gold amalgamation process was widely used to treat gold ore. This process produces the tailing or amalgamation solid waste, which still contains gold at 8-9 ppm. Froth flotation is one of the promising methods to beneficiate gold from this tailing. However, this process requires optimal conditions which depends on the type of raw material. In this study, Taguchi method was used to optimize the optimum conditions of the froth flotation process. The Taguchi optimization shows that the gold recovery was strongly influenced by the particle size which is the best particle size at 150 mesh followed by the Potassium amyl xanthate concentration, pH and pine oil concentration at 1133.98, 4535.92 and 68.04 gr/ton amalgamation tailing, respectively.

Optimum Operating Conditions for PZT Actuators for Vibrotactile Wearables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Logothetis, Irini; Matsouka, Dimitra; Vassiliadis, Savvas; Vossou, Clio; Siores, Elias

2018-04-01

Recently, vibrotactile wearables have received much attention in fields such as medicine, psychology, athletics and video gaming. The electrical components presently used to generate vibration are rigid; hence, the design and creation of ergonomical wearables are limited. Significant advances in piezoelectric components have led to the production of flexible actuators such as piezoceramic lead zirconate titanate (PZT) film. To verify the functionality of PZT actuators for use in vibrotactile wearables, the factors influencing the electromechanical conversion were analysed and tested. This was achieved through theoretical and experimental analyses of a monomorph clamped-free structure for the PZT actuator. The research performed for this article is a three-step process. First, a theoretical analysis presents the equations governing the actuator. In addition, the eigenfrequency of the film was analysed preceding the experimental section. For this stage, by applying an electric voltage and varying the stimulating electrical characteristics (i.e., voltage, electrical waveform and frequency), the optimum operating conditions for a PZT film were determined. The tip displacement was measured referring to the mechanical energy converted from electrical energy. From the results obtained, an equation for the mechanical behaviour of PZT films as actuators was deduced. It was observed that the square waveform generated larger tip displacements. In conjunction with large voltage inputs at the predetermined eigenfrequency, the optimum operating conditions for the actuator were achieved. To conclude, PZT films can be adapted to assist designers in creating comfortable vibrotactile wearables.

Optimum Operating Conditions for PZT Actuators for Vibrotactile Wearables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Logothetis, Irini; Matsouka, Dimitra; Vassiliadis, Savvas; Vossou, Clio; Siores, Elias

2018-07-01

Recently, vibrotactile wearables have received much attention in fields such as medicine, psychology, athletics and video gaming. The electrical components presently used to generate vibration are rigid; hence, the design and creation of ergonomical wearables are limited. Significant advances in piezoelectric components have led to the production of flexible actuators such as piezoceramic lead zirconate titanate (PZT) film. To verify the functionality of PZT actuators for use in vibrotactile wearables, the factors influencing the electromechanical conversion were analysed and tested. This was achieved through theoretical and experimental analyses of a monomorph clamped-free structure for the PZT actuator. The research performed for this article is a three-step process. First, a theoretical analysis presents the equations governing the actuator. In addition, the eigenfrequency of the film was analysed preceding the experimental section. For this stage, by applying an electric voltage and varying the stimulating electrical characteristics (i.e., voltage, electrical waveform and frequency), the optimum operating conditions for a PZT film were determined. The tip displacement was measured referring to the mechanical energy converted from electrical energy. From the results obtained, an equation for the mechanical behaviour of PZT films as actuators was deduced. It was observed that the square waveform generated larger tip displacements. In conjunction with large voltage inputs at the predetermined eigenfrequency, the optimum operating conditions for the actuator were achieved. To conclude, PZT films can be adapted to assist designers in creating comfortable vibrotactile wearables.

Semi-empirical study of ortho-cresol photo degradation in manganese-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles suspensions

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

The optimization processes of photo degradation are complicated and expensive when it is performed with traditional methods such as one variable at a time. In this research, the condition of ortho-cresol (o-cresol) photo degradation was optimized by using a semi empirical method. First of all, the experiments were designed with four effective factors including irradiation time, pH, photo catalyst’s amount, o-cresol concentration and photo degradation % as response by response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM used central composite design (CCD) method consists of 30 runs to obtain the actual responses. The actual responses were fitted with the second order algebraic polynomial equation to select a model (suggested model). The suggested model was validated by a few numbers of excellent statistical evidences in analysis of variance (ANOVA). The used evidences include high F-value (143.12), very low P-value (<0.0001), non-significant lack of fit, the determination coefficient (R2 = 0.99) and the adequate precision (47.067). To visualize the optimum, the validated model simulated the condition of variables and response (photo degradation %) be using a few number of three dimensional plots (3D). To confirm the model, the optimums were performed in laboratory. The results of performed experiments were quite close to the predicted values. In conclusion, the study indicated that the model is successful to simulate the optimum condition of o-cresol photo degradation under visible-light irradiation by manganese doped ZnO nanoparticles. PMID:22909072

Method of realizing catalytic processes under unsteady state conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Noskov, A.S.; Lakhmostov, V.S.; Matros, Yu.S.

1988-07-01

The operation of a system with the catalyst bed divided into three parts was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The conditions under which the system will efficiently convert a reaction mixture with a low inlet temperature in an unsteady state regime are determined. Calculations were performed for the industrially typical process of afterburning CO on a copper-chrome catalyst in the form of Raschig rings. A flow sheet of the unit with the catalyst divided into three is shown with temperature profiles along the bed at various moments in time. The method can be used for processing large volumes of gaseous wastesmore » on very active catalysts and for catalytic reactions with optimum temperature profiles close to those presented.« less

New Contribution to the Method of Van Arkel for the Purification of Metals on Incandescent Filaments; NUEVAS APORTACIONES AL METODO DE VAN ARKEL PARA LA PURIFICACION DE METALES SOBRE FILAMENTOS INCANDESCENTES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodriguez, M.L.; Martorell, J.T.

1962-01-01

The purification of zirconium in a cyclical static process using ZrI/sub 4/ as the volatile compound and W filaments was studied after a review of previous works on the subject. The equations corresponding to the isothermal process are given, in some detail. The optimum conditions of temperature and velocity for the maximum purification of the metal were determined. (J.S.R.)

Statistically Based Approach to Broadband Liner Design and Assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Michael G. (Inventor); Nark, Douglas M. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A broadband liner design optimization includes utilizing in-duct attenuation predictions with a statistical fan source model to obtain optimum impedance spectra over a number of flow conditions for one or more liner locations in a bypass duct. The predicted optimum impedance information is then used with acoustic liner modeling tools to design liners having impedance spectra that most closely match the predicted optimum values. Design selection is based on an acceptance criterion that provides the ability to apply increasing weighting to specific frequencies and/or operating conditions. One or more broadband design approaches are utilized to produce a broadband liner that targets a full range of frequencies and operating conditions.

Preliminary estimation of the realistic optimum temperature for vegetation growth in China.

PubMed

Cui, Yaoping

2013-07-01

The estimation of optimum temperature of vegetation growth is very useful for a wide range of applications such as agriculture and climate change studies. Thermal conditions substantially affect vegetation growth. In this study, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and daily temperature data set from 1982 to 2006 for China were used to examine optimum temperature of vegetation growth. Based on a simple analysis of ecological amplitude and Shelford's law of tolerance, a scientific framework for calculating the optimum temperature was constructed. The optimum temperature range and referenced optimum temperature (ROT) of terrestrial vegetation were obtained and explored over different eco-geographical regions of China. The results showed that the relationship between NDVI and air temperature was significant over almost all of China, indicating that terrestrial vegetation growth was closely related to thermal conditions. ROTs were different in various regions. The lowest ROT, about 7.0 °C, occurred in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, while the highest ROT, more than 22.0 °C, occurred in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the Southern China region.

Preliminary Estimation of the Realistic Optimum Temperature for Vegetation Growth in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Yaoping

2013-07-01

The estimation of optimum temperature of vegetation growth is very useful for a wide range of applications such as agriculture and climate change studies. Thermal conditions substantially affect vegetation growth. In this study, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and daily temperature data set from 1982 to 2006 for China were used to examine optimum temperature of vegetation growth. Based on a simple analysis of ecological amplitude and Shelford's law of tolerance, a scientific framework for calculating the optimum temperature was constructed. The optimum temperature range and referenced optimum temperature (ROT) of terrestrial vegetation were obtained and explored over different eco-geographical regions of China. The results showed that the relationship between NDVI and air temperature was significant over almost all of China, indicating that terrestrial vegetation growth was closely related to thermal conditions. ROTs were different in various regions. The lowest ROT, about 7.0 °C, occurred in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, while the highest ROT, more than 22.0 °C, occurred in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the Southern China region.

[Studies on the extraction process of total saponins from Paris polyphylla Smith].

PubMed

Sun, Zhi-Guo; Zhang, Lin; Li, Ling-Jun; Tian, Jing-Kui

2007-06-01

To optimize the extraction process of total saopnins from Paris polyphylla Smith. The single factor test and orthogonal experiment were used to determine the optimum extraction process. The optimum extraction process was obtained as follows: the plant materials were extracted with 70% ethanol twice, respectively with 10BV for 2 hours and then with 8BV the solvents for 1.5 hours. The yield of total saponins could be up to 4.24% and the total extraction rate of Paris polyphylla I and Paris polyphylla II was 93.28%. The optimum process obtained is steady, reasonable and feasible.

Application of response surface methodology for optimization of biosorption of fluoride from groundwater using Shorea robusta flower petal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, G.; Kumari, M.; Adhikari, K.; Dutta, S.

2017-12-01

Fluoride pollution in groundwater is a major concern in rural areas. The flower petal of Shorea robusta, commonly known as sal tree, is used in the present study both in its native form and Ca-impregnated activated form to eradicate excess fluoride from simulated wastewater. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for experimental designing and analyzing optimum condition for carbonization vis-à-vis calcium impregnation for preparation of adsorbent. During carbonization, temperature, time and weight ratio of calcium chloride to sal flower petal (SFP) have been considered as input factors and percentage removal of fluoride as response. Optimum condition for carbonization has been obtained as temperature, 500 °C; time, 1 h and weight ratio, 2.5 and the sample prepared has been termed as calcium-impregnated carbonized sal flower petal (CCSFP). Optimum condition as analyzed by one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method is initial fluoride concentration, 2.91 mg/L; pH 3 and adsorbent dose, 4 g/L. CCSFP shows maximum removal of 98.5% at this condition. RSM has also been used for finding out optimum condition for defluoridation considering initial concentration, pH and adsorbent dose as input parameters. The optimum condition as analyzed by RSM is: initial concentration, 5 mg/L; pH 3.5 and adsorbent dose, 2 g/L. Kinetic and equilibrium data follow Ho pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm model, respectively. Adsorption capacity of CCSFP has been found to be 5.465 mg/g. At optimized condition, CCSFP has been found to remove fluoride (80.4%) efficiently from groundwater collected from Bankura district in West Bengal, a fluoride-contaminated province in India.

Multi-criteria optimization for ultrasonic-assisted extraction of antioxidants from Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae using response surface methodology, an activity-based approach.

PubMed

Zeng, Shanshan; Wang, Lu; Zhang, Lei; Qu, Haibin; Gong, Xingchu

2013-06-01

An activity-based approach to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of antioxidants from Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chenpi in Chinese) was developed. Response surface optimization based on a quantitative composition-activity relationship model showed the relationships among product chemical composition, antioxidant activity of extract, and parameters of extraction process. Three parameters of ultrasonic-assisted extraction, including the ethanol/water ratio, Chenpi amount, and alkaline amount, were investigated to give optimum extraction conditions for antioxidants of Chenpi: ethanol/water 70:30 v/v, Chenpi amount of 10 g, and alkaline amount of 28 mg. The experimental antioxidant yield under the optimum conditions was found to be 196.5 mg/g Chenpi, and the antioxidant activity was 2023.8 μmol Trolox equivalents/g of the Chenpi powder. The results agreed well with the second-order polynomial regression model. This presented approach promised great application potentials in both food and pharmaceutical industries. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Anti–odor activity of milk kefir on organosulphur polysulfide cyclic compounds in petai (parkia speciosa hassk)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurniati, T.; Windayani, N.; Listiawati, M.

2018-05-01

This study aims to assess the activity of milk kefir whey in neutralizing odor-causing cyclic polysulfide compounds in petai (Parkia speciosa Hassk.). RAL designs used to determine the optimum fermentation conditions. The data obtained were processed using SPSS 20. Results showed the characteristics of the microbes in the kefir grains include lactic acid bacteria consisting of genus Lactobacillus and yeast of the genus Candida and Saccharomyces. The optimum fermentation conditions using cow’s milk kefir grain starter obtained in the fermentation time of 24 hours at a concentration of 5% kefir grain. Whey kefir which is produced have high levels of fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber and lactic acid respectively 1.81; 4.35; 5.59; 0.26 and 0.16%, pH 4.4; a density of 1.0628 g/mL and 7.9368 cP viscosity. Kefir milk whey actively reduced the level of petai smell significantly different at the level of α = 0.05.

Isolation and characterization of hydrophobic compounds from carbohydrate matrix of Pistacia atlantica.

PubMed

Samavati, Vahid; Adeli, Mostafa

2014-01-30

The present work is focused on the optimization of hydrophobic compounds extraction process from the carbohydrate matrix of Iranian Pistacia atlantica seed at laboratory level using ultrasonic-assisted extraction. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize oil seed extraction yield. Independent variables were extraction temperature (30, 45, 60, 75 and 90°C), extraction time (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 min) and power of ultrasonic (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 W). A second order polynomial equation was used to express the oil extraction yield as a function of independent variables. The responses and variables were fitted well to each other by multiple regressions. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: extraction temperature of 75°C, extraction time of 25 min, and power of ultrasonic of 80 W. A comparison between seed oil composition extracted by ultrasonic waves under the optimum operating conditions determined by RSM for oil yield and by organic solvent was reported. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of biodiesel production from sewage sludge obtained from the A²/O and MBR processes by in situ transesterification.

PubMed

Qi, Juanjuan; Zhu, Fenfen; Wei, Xiang; Zhao, Luyao; Xiong, Yiqun; Wu, Xuemin; Yan, Fawei

2016-03-01

The potential of two types of sludge obtained from the anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (A(2)/O) and membrane bioreactor (MBR) processes as lipid feedstock for biodiesel production via in situ transesterification was investigated. Experiments were conducted to determine the optimum conditions for biodiesel yield using three-factor and four-level orthogonal and single-factor tests. Several factors, namely, methanol-to-sludge mass ratio, acid concentration, and temperature, were examined. The optimum yield of biodiesel (16.6% with a fatty acid methyl ester purity of 96.7%) from A(2)/O sludge was obtained at a methanol-to-sludge mass ratio of 10:1, a temperature of 60°C, and a H2SO4 concentration of 5% (v/v). Meanwhile, the optimum yield of biodiesel (4.2% with a fatty acid methyl ester purity of 92.7%) from MBR sludge was obtained at a methanol-to-sludge mass ratio of 8:1, a temperature of 50°C, and a H2SO4 concentration of 5% (v/v). In this research, A(2)/O technology with a primary sedimentation tank is more favorable for obtaining energy from wastewater than MBR technology. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Treatment of high salt oxidized modified starch waste water using micro-electrolysis, two-phase anaerobic aerobic and electrolysis for reuse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Xuenong; Wang, Yulin

2017-06-01

A combined process of micro-electrolysis, two-phase anaerobic, aerobic and electrolysis was investigated for the treatment of oxidized modified starch wastewater (OMSW). Optimum ranges for important operating variables were experimentally determined and the treated water was tested for reuse in the production process of corn starch. The optimum hydraulic retention time (HRT) of micro-electrolysis, methanation reactor, aerobic process and electrolysis process were 5, 24, 12 and 3 h, respectively. The addition of iron-carbon fillers to the acidification reactor was 200 mg/L while the best current density of electrolysis was 300 A/m2. The biodegradability was improved from 0.12 to 0.34 by micro-electrolysis. The whole treatment was found to be effective with removal of 96 % of the chemical oxygen demand (COD), 0.71 L/day of methane energy recovery. In addition, active chlorine production (15,720 mg/L) was obtained by electrolysis. The advantage of this hybrid process is that, through appropriate control of reaction conditions, effect from high concentration of salt on the treatment was avoided. Moreover, the process also produced the material needed in the production of oxidized starch while remaining emission-free and solved the problem of high process cost.

Ultrasonic sludge pretreatment under pressure.

PubMed

Le, Ngoc Tuan; Julcour-Lebigue, Carine; Delmas, Henri

2013-09-01

The objective of this work was to optimize the ultrasound (US) pretreatment of sludge. Three types of sewage sludge were examined: mixed, secondary and secondary after partial methanisation ("digested" sludge). Thereby, several main process parameters were varied separately or simultaneously: stirrer speed, total solid content of sludge (TS), thermal operating conditions (adiabatic vs. isothermal), ultrasonic power input (PUS), specific energy input (ES), and for the first time external pressure. This parametric study was mainly performed for the mixed sludge. Five different TS concentrations of sludge (12-36 g/L) were tested for different values of ES (7000-75,000 kJ/kgTS) and 28 g/L was found as the optimum value according to the solubilized chemical oxygen demand in the liquid phase (SCOD). PUS of 75-150 W was investigated under controlled temperature and the "high power input - short duration" procedure was the most effective at a given ES. The temperature increase in adiabatic US application significantly improved SCOD compared to isothermal conditions. With PUS of 150 W, the effect of external pressure was investigated in the range of 1-16 bar under isothermal and adiabatic conditions for two types of sludge: an optimum pressure of about 2 bar was found regardless of temperature conditions and ES values. Under isothermal conditions, the resulting improvement of sludge disintegration efficacy as compared to atmospheric pressure was by 22-67% and 26-37% for mixed and secondary sludge, respectively. Besides, mean particle diameter (D[4,3]) of the three sludge types decreased respectively from 408, 117, and 110 μm to about 94-97, 37-42, and 36-40 μm regardless of sonication conditions, and the size reduction process was much faster than COD extraction. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Active Control of Engine Dynamics (Le controle actif pour la dynamique des moteurs)

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-11-01

optimum operating conditions, avoiding, for example, inadvertent operation when the pulsations can cause unacceptable rates of surface heat transfer or...such as shipboard incineration, and power and heat generation in the field. Because the practical problem of suppressing combustion instabilities has...aforementioned physical processes are essentially completed prior to entering the combustor. One consequence of fuel-air premixing is that the heat

Using fuzzy rule-based knowledge model for optimum plating conditions search

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solovjev, D. S.; Solovjeva, I. A.; Litovka, Yu V.; Arzamastsev, A. A.; Glazkov, V. P.; L’vov, A. A.

2018-03-01

The paper discusses existing approaches to plating process modeling in order to decrease the distribution thickness of plating surface cover. However, these approaches do not take into account the experience, knowledge, and intuition of the decision-makers when searching the optimal conditions of electroplating technological process. The original approach to optimal conditions search for applying the electroplating coatings, which uses the rule-based model of knowledge and allows one to reduce the uneven product thickness distribution, is proposed. The block diagrams of a conventional control system of a galvanic process as well as the system based on the production model of knowledge are considered. It is shown that the fuzzy production model of knowledge in the control system makes it possible to obtain galvanic coatings of a given thickness unevenness with a high degree of adequacy to the experimental data. The described experimental results confirm the theoretical conclusions.

Photocatalytic pretreatment of oily wastewater from the restaurant by a vacuum ultraviolet/TiO2 system.

PubMed

Kang, Jian-xiong; Lu, Lu; Zhan, Wei; Li, Bo; Li, Dao-sheng; Ren, Yong-zheng; Liu, Dong-qi

2011-02-15

The present study aims at investigating the performance of a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV, 185 nm) and TiO(2) oxidation system for the pretreatment of oily wastewater from restaurant. The influence of irradiation time, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), the dosage of TiO(2) and the initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration on COD removal efficiency was ascertained and optimum process conditions for stable and effective operation were determined. Under the optimum conditions of irradiation 10 min, initial COD 3981 mg/L, TiO(2) 150 mg/L, pH 7.0 and flow rate of air 40 L/h, the process of VUV and TiO(2)/VUV achieved removal efficiencies of COD, BOD(5) and oil as 50±3%, 37±2%, 86±3%, and 63±3%, 43±2%, 70±3%, respectively. The biodegradability factor f(B) of the wastewater was determined as 1.56 which indicated that the VUV/TiO(2) process improved the biodegradability of the oily wastewater significantly. Results clearly indicate that VUV/TiO(2) photolysis tends to destruct parts of COD, BOD(5), and ammonia, as well as enhances the biodegradability of the oily wastewater simultaneously. Thus, this technique could be used as a pretreatment step for conventional biological treatment of oily wastewater. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of green betaine-based deep eutectic solvent aqueous two-phase system for the extraction of protein.

PubMed

Li, Na; Wang, Yuzhi; Xu, Kaijia; Huang, Yanhua; Wen, Qian; Ding, Xueqin

2016-05-15

Six kinds of new type of green betaine-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been synthesized. Deep eutectic solvent aqueous two-phase systems (DES-ATPS) were established and successfully applied in the extraction of protein. Betaine-urea (Be-U) was selected as the suitable extractant. Single factor experiments were carried out to determine the optimum conditions of the extraction process, such as the salt concentration, the mass of DES, the separation time, the amount of protein, the temperature and the pH value. The extraction efficiency could achieve to 99.82% under the optimum conditions. Mixed sample and practical sample analysis were discussed. The back extraction experiment was implemented and the back extraction efficiency could reach to 32.66%. The precision experiment, repeatability experiment and stability experiment were investigated. UV-vis, FT-IR and circular dichroism (CD) spectra confirmed that the conformation of protein was not changed during the process of extraction. The mechanisms of extraction were researched by dynamic light scattering (DLS), the measurement of the conductivity and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). DES-protein aggregates and embraces phenomenon play considerable roles in the separation process. All of these results indicated that betaine-based DES-ATPS may provide a potential substitute new method for the separation of proteins. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microevolution of the photosynthetic temperature optimum in relation to the elevational complex gradient

Treesearch

John H. Fryer; F. Thomas Ledig

1972-01-01

Balsam fir seedlings were grown under uniform conditions from seed collected along an elevational gradient in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Photosynthetic temperature optimum of the seedlings decreased with increasing elevation of the seed source. The change in temperature optimum with elevation was similar to the adiabatic lapse rate, suggesting a precise...

Optimization of fermentation conditions for alcohol production.

PubMed

Bowman, L; Geiger, E

1984-12-01

The quantitative effects of carbohydrate levels, degree of initial saccharification, glucoamylase dosage, temperature, and fermentation time were investigated using a Box-Wilson central composite design protocol. With Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 4126, it was found that the use of a partially saccharified starch substrate markedly increased yields and attainable alcohol levels. Balancing the degree of initial saccharification with the level of glucoamylase used to complete hydrolysis was found necessary to obtain optimum yields. The temperature optimum was found to be 36 degrees C. The regression equations obtained were used to model the fermentation in order to determine optimum fermentation conditions.

Biodesulphurization of gasoline by Rhodococcus erythropolis supported on polyvinyl alcohol.

PubMed

Fatahi, A; Sadeghi, S

2017-05-01

A new biodesulphurization (BDS) method has been considered using Rhodococcus erythropolis supported on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for BDS of thiophene as a gasoline sulphur model compound in n-hexane as the solvent, subsequently this biocatalyst has been applied to BDS of gasoline samples. The obtained results according to UV-Spectrophotometer analysis at 240 nm showed that 97·41% of thiophene at the optimum condition of primary concentration 80 mg l -1 , pH = 7, by 0·1 g of biocatalyst in 30°C and after 20 h of contact time has been degraded. These optimum conditions have been applied to gasoline BDS and the biodegradation of gasoline thiophenic compounds have been investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). According to GC-MS, thiophene and its 2-methyl, 3-methyl and 2- ethyl derivatives had acceptable biodegradation efficiencies of about 26·67, 21·03, 23·62% respectively. Also, benzothiophene that has been detected in a gasoline sample had 38·89% biodegradation efficiency at optimum conditions, so biomodification of PVA by R. erythropolis produces biocatalysts with an active metabolism that facilitates the interaction of bacterial strain with gasoline thiophenic compounds. The morphology and surface functional groups of supported R. erythropolis on PVA have been investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and FT-IR spectroscopy respectively. SEM images suggest some regular layered shape for the supported bacteria. FT-IR spectra indicate a desirable interaction between bacterial cells and polymer supports. Also, the recovery of biocatalyst has been investigated and after three times of using in BDS activity, its biocatalytic ability had no significant decreases. The biomodification of polyvinyl alcohol by Rhodococcus erythropolis described herein produces a new biocatalyst which can be used for significantly reducing the thiophenic compounds of gasoline and other fossil fuels. The immobilization process is to increase the biodegradation efficiency of cells and accelerating the biodesulphurization process. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Ultrasonic Welding of Thermoplastic Composite Coupons for Mechanical Characterization of Welded Joints through Single Lap Shear Testing.

PubMed

Villegas, Irene F; Palardy, Genevieve

2016-02-11

This paper presents a novel straightforward method for ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic-composite coupons in optimum processing conditions. The ultrasonic welding process described in this paper is based on three main pillars. Firstly, flat energy directors are used for preferential heat generation at the joining interface during the welding process. A flat energy director is a neat thermoplastic resin film that is placed between the parts to be joined prior to the welding process and heats up preferentially owing to its lower compressive stiffness relative to the composite substrates. Consequently, flat energy directors provide a simple solution that does not require molding of resin protrusions on the surfaces of the composite substrates, as opposed to ultrasonic welding of unreinforced plastics. Secondly, the process data provided by the ultrasonic welder is used to rapidly define the optimum welding parameters for any thermoplastic composite material combination. Thirdly, displacement control is used in the welding process to ensure consistent quality of the welded joints. According to this method, thermoplastic-composite flat coupons are individually welded in a single lap configuration. Mechanical testing of the welded coupons allows determining the apparent lap shear strength of the joints, which is one of the properties most commonly used to quantify the strength of thermoplastic composite welded joints.

Ultrasonic Welding of Thermoplastic Composite Coupons for Mechanical Characterization of Welded Joints through Single Lap Shear Testing

PubMed Central

Villegas, Irene F.; Palardy, Genevieve

2016-01-01

This paper presents a novel straightforward method for ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic-composite coupons in optimum processing conditions. The ultrasonic welding process described in this paper is based on three main pillars. Firstly, flat energy directors are used for preferential heat generation at the joining interface during the welding process. A flat energy director is a neat thermoplastic resin film that is placed between the parts to be joined prior to the welding process and heats up preferentially owing to its lower compressive stiffness relative to the composite substrates. Consequently, flat energy directors provide a simple solution that does not require molding of resin protrusions on the surfaces of the composite substrates, as opposed to ultrasonic welding of unreinforced plastics. Secondly, the process data provided by the ultrasonic welder is used to rapidly define the optimum welding parameters for any thermoplastic composite material combination. Thirdly, displacement control is used in the welding process to ensure consistent quality of the welded joints. According to this method, thermoplastic-composite flat coupons are individually welded in a single lap configuration. Mechanical testing of the welded coupons allows determining the apparent lap shear strength of the joints, which is one of the properties most commonly used to quantify the strength of thermoplastic composite welded joints. PMID:26890931

Preparation and Characterization of Micronized Artemisinin via a Rapid Expansion of Supercritical Solutions (RESS) Method

PubMed Central

Yu, Huimin; Zhao, Xiuhua; Zu, Yuangang; Zhang, Xinjuan; Zu, Baishi; Zhang, Xiaonan

2012-01-01

The particle sizes of pharmaceutical substances are important for their bioavailability. Bioavailability can be improved by reducing the particle size of the drug. In this study, artemisinin was micronized by the rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS). The particle size of the unprocessed white needle-like artemisinin particles was 30 to 1200 μm. The optimum micronization conditions are determined as follows: extraction temperature of 62 °C, extraction pressure of 25 MPa, precipitation temperature 45 °C and nozzle diameter of 1000 μm. Under the optimum conditions, micronized artemisinin with a (mean particle size) MPS of 550 nm is obtained. By analysis of variance (ANOVA), extraction temperature and pressure have significant effects on the MPS of the micronized artemisinin. The particle size of micronized artemisinin decreased with increasing extraction temperature and pressure. Moreover, the SEM, LC-MS, FTIR, DSC and XRD allowed the comparison between the crystalline initial state and the micronization particles obtained after the RESS process. The results showed that RESS process has not induced degradation of artemisinin and that processed artemisinin particles have lower crystallinity and melting point. The bulk density of artemisinin was determined before and after RESS process and the obtained results showed that it passes from an initial density of 0.554 to 0.128 g·cm−3 after the processing. The decrease in bulk density of the micronized powder can increase the liquidity of drug particles when they are applied for medicinal preparations. These results suggest micronized powder of artemisinin can be of great potential in drug delivery systems. PMID:22606030

Optimization of gold ore Sumbawa separation using gravity method: Shaking table

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferdana, Achmad Dhaefi; Petrus, Himawan Tri Bayu Murti; Bendiyasa, I. Made; Prijambada, Irfan Dwidya; Hamada, Fumio; Sachiko, Takahi

2018-04-01

Most of artisanal small gold mining in Indonesia has been using amalgamation method, which caused negative impact to the environment around ore processing area due to the usage of mercury. One of the more environmental-friendly method for gold processing is gravity method. Shaking table is one of separation equipment of gravity method used to increase concentrate based on difference of specific gravity. The optimum concentration result is influenced by several variables, such as rotational speed shaking, particle size and deck slope. In this research, the range of rotational speed shaking was between 100 rpm and 200 rpm, the particle size was between -100 + 200 mesh and -200 + 300 mesh and deck slope was between 3° and 7°. Gold concentration in concentrate was measured by EDX. The result shows that the optimum condition is obtained at a shaking speed of 200 rpm, with a slope of 7° and particle size of -100 + 200 mesh.

Immobilization of Paecilomyces variotii tannase and properties of the immobilized enzyme.

PubMed

Schons, Patrícia Fernanda; Lopes, Fernanda Cristina Rezende; Battestin, Vania; Macedo, Gabriela Alves

2011-01-01

Tannase produced by Paecilomyces variotii was encapsulated in sodium alginate beads and used for the effective hydrolysis of tannic acid; the efficiency of hydrolysis was comparable to that of the free enzyme. The alginate beads retained 100% of their efficiency in the first three rounds of successive use and 60% in rounds 4 and 5. The response surface methodology showed that the best conditions to hydrolysis of tannic acid by immobilized tannase were: sodium alginate 5.2%, CaCl₂ 0.55 M and 9 h to curing time. The optimized process resulted in 2.4 times more hydrolysed tannic acid than that obtained before optimization. The optimum pH for the actions of both the encapsulated and the free enzymes was 5.5. The optimum temperature of the reaction was determined to be 40 °C for the free enzyme and 60 °C for the immobilized form. The immobilization process improved the stability at low pH.

Biomass-based pyrolytic polygeneration system on cotton stalk pyrolysis: influence of temperature.

PubMed

Chen, Yingquan; Yang, Haiping; Wang, Xianhua; Zhang, Shihong; Chen, Hanping

2012-03-01

To study the process of biomass-based pyrolytic polygeneration and its mechanism in depth, the pyrolysis of cotton stalk was investigated in a packed bed, with focus on the evolution of the chemical and physical structures of the solid, liquid and gaseous products. The evolution of product characteristics could be good explaining the process mechanism of biomass pyrolysis. A relationship between the pore distribution of solid products and the fused aromatic rings system revealed by Raman analysis might be exist and need to quantify in further study. Regarding the optimum conditions for obtaining high-quality pyrolytic products from the polygeneration system, the optimum temperature is 550-750°C, with a higher calorific value of the obtained charcoal (≈ 28 MJ/kg) and a higher surface area (>200 m(2)/g). Meanwhile, the calorific value of the gas reaches 8-9 MJ/m(3) and the liquid oil would be used as a platform product in biorefinery. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adsorption of Methyl Red by water-hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) biomass.

PubMed

Tarawou, Temi; Horsfall, Michael; Vicente, José L

2007-09-01

The surface characteristics and adsorbent properties of biomass, obtained from low-cost and environmentally problematic water hyacinth, were determined. Optimum conditions for the elimination of the industrial dye Methyl Red (1) from aqueous solution were established by means of a batch adsorption technique. The ultimate adsorption capacity of water-hyacinth biomass in terms of the elimination of 1 was calculated from a Langmuir-type isotherm as 8.85x10(-2) mol g(-1) at 30 degrees and at an optimum solution pH of 8.0. Dye elimination was found to be associated with strong electrostatic forces (physisorption), the overall process being slightly endergonic (deltaG>0). Our study shows that water hyacinth has a great potential of removing color from wastewater and other dye-polluted aquatic systems.

Statistical Optimization of 1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PD) Production from Crude Glycerol by Considering Four Objectives: 1,3-PD Concentration, Yield, Selectivity, and Productivity.

PubMed

Supaporn, Pansuwan; Yeom, Sung Ho

2018-04-30

This study investigated the biological conversion of crude glycerol generated from a commercial biodiesel production plant as a by-product to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD). Statistical analysis was employed to derive a statistical model for the individual and interactive effects of glycerol, (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 , trace elements, pH, and cultivation time on the four objectives: 1,3-PD concentration, yield, selectivity, and productivity. Optimum conditions for each objective with its maximum value were predicted by statistical optimization, and experiments under the optimum conditions verified the predictions. In addition, by systematic analysis of the values of four objectives, optimum conditions for 1,3-PD concentration (49.8 g/L initial glycerol, 4.0 g/L of (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 , 2.0 mL/L of trace element, pH 7.5, and 11.2 h of cultivation time) were determined to be the global optimum culture conditions for 1,3-PD production. Under these conditions, we could achieve high 1,3-PD yield (47.4%), 1,3-PD selectivity (88.8%), and 1,3-PD productivity (2.1/g/L/h) as well as high 1,3-PD concentration (23.6 g/L).

Box-Behnken Design of Experiments Investigation of Hydroxyapatite Synthesis for Orthopedic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kehoe, S.; Stokes, J.

2011-03-01

Physicochemical properties of hydroxyapatite (HAp) synthesized by the chemical precipitation method are heavily dependent on the chosen process parameters. A Box-Behnken three-level experimental design was therefore, chosen to determine the optimum set of process parameters and their effect on various HAp characteristics. These effects were quantified using design of experiments (DoE) to develop mathematical models using the Box-Behnken design, in terms of the chemical precipitation process parameters. Findings from this research show that the HAp possessing optimum powder characteristics for orthopedic application via a thermal spray technique can therefore be prepared using the following chemical precipitation process parameters: reaction temperature 60 °C, ripening time 48 h, and stirring speed 1500 rpm using high reagent concentrations. Ripening time and stirring speed significantly affected the final phase purity for the experimental conditions of the Box-Behnken design. An increase in both the ripening time (36-48 h) and stirring speed (1200-1500 rpm) was found to result in an increase of phase purity from 47(±2)% to 85(±2)%. Crystallinity, crystallite size, lattice parameters, and mean particle size were also optimized within the research to find desired settings to achieve results suitable for FDA regulations.

The Optimum Conditions of Foreign Languages in Primary Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Giannikas, Christina Nicole

2014-01-01

The aim of the paper is to review the primary language learning situation in Europe and shed light on the benefits it carries. Early language learning is the biggest policy development in education and has developed in rapid speed over the past 30 years; this article considers the effects and advantages of the optimum condition of an early start,…

Isolation of fish skin and bone gelatin from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Response surface approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arpi, N.; Fahrizal; Novita, M.

2018-03-01

In this study, gelatin from fish collagen, as one of halal sources, was extracted from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin and bone, by using Response Surface Methodology to optimize gelatin extraction conditions. Concentrations of alkaline NaOH and acid HCl, in the pretreatment process, and temperatures in extraction process were chosen as independent variables, while dependent variables were yield, gel strength, and emulsion activity index (EAI). The result of investigation showed that lower NaOH pretreatment concentrations provided proper pH extraction conditions which combine with higher extraction temperatures resulted in high gelatin yield. However, gelatin emulsion activity index increased proportionally to the decreased in NaOH concentrations and extraction temperatures. No significant effect of the three independent variables on the gelatin gel strength. RSM optimization process resulted in optimum gelatin extraction process conditions using alkaline NaOH concentration of 0.77 N, acid HCl of 0.59 N, and extraction temperature of 66.80 °C. The optimal solution formula had optimization targets of 94.38%.

Fisher's geometric model predicts the effects of random mutations when tested in the wild.

PubMed

Stearns, Frank W; Fenster, Charles B

2016-02-01

Fisher's geometric model of adaptation (FGM) has been the conceptual foundation for studies investigating the genetic basis of adaptation since the onset of the neo Darwinian synthesis. FGM describes adaptation as the movement of a genotype toward a fitness optimum due to beneficial mutations. To date, one prediction of FGM, the probability of improvement is related to the distance from the optimum, has only been tested in microorganisms under laboratory conditions. There is reason to believe that results might differ under natural conditions where more mutations likely affect fitness, and where environmental variance may obscure the expected pattern. We chemically induced mutations into a set of 19 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions from across the native range of A. thaliana and planted them alongside the premutated founder lines in two habitats in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States under field conditions. We show that FGM is able to predict the outcome of a set of random induced mutations on fitness in a set of A. thaliana accessions grown in the wild: mutations are more likely to be beneficial in relatively less fit genotypes. This finding suggests that FGM is an accurate approximation of the process of adaptation under more realistic ecological conditions. © 2016 The Author(s). Evolution © 2016 The Society for the Study of Evolution.

Removal of chromium (VI) using poly(methylacrylate) functionalized guar gum.

PubMed

Singh, Vandana; Kumari, Premlata; Pandey, Sadanand; Narayan, Tripti

2009-03-01

Using persulfate/ascorbic acid redox pair, poly(methylacrylate) was grafted on to guar gum and the conditions for the grafting were optimized. The copolymer sample having maximum %G was evaluated for the removal of Cr(VI) and the sorption conditions were optimized. The sorption was found pH dependent, pH 1.0 being the optimum value. Sorption data at pH 1.0 were modeled using both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms where the data fitted better to Freundlich isotherm. The equilibrium sorption capacity of 29.67mg/g was determined from the Langmuir isotherm. The sorption followed a pseudo-second-order kinetics with a rate constant 2.5x10(-4)gmg(-1) min(-1). The grafted product was also evaluated for Cr(VI) removal from local electroplating industrial waste water. The regeneration experiments revealed that the guar-graft-poly(methylacrylate) could be successfully reused for five cycles. In the present study conductivity measurements were used instead of conventional photometric method for determining Cr(VI) concentration in the equilibrium solutions and the results obtained have been compared with photometric method. Optimum Cr(VI) binding under highly acidic conditions indicated significant contribution of non electrostatic forces in the adsorption process.

Optimization of Banana Juice Fermentation for the Production of Microbial Oil †

PubMed Central

Vega, Esther Z.; Glatz, Bonita A.; Hammond, Earl G.

1988-01-01

Apiotrichum curvatum ATCC 20509 (formerly Candida curvata D), a lipid-accumulating yeast, was grown in banana juice. The optimum conditions for biomass production in shake flasks were 30°C growth temperature, efficient aeration, a juice concentration of 25%, and preliminary heat treatment at less than sterilization conditions. Under controlled conditions in a fermentor, 20% banana juice was optimum. High concentrations of yeast extract (0.3%) increased biomass production by 40% but decreased oil production by 30%. A lower yeast extract concentration (0.05%) increased biomass production by 2% and oil production by 25%. The best growth and oil production were observed when asparagine (1.4 g/liter) and mineral salts were added to the banana juice. The addition of minerals seemed to improve the utilization of carbon. Growth inhibition was observed when the fermentor was aerated with pure oxygen, even when additional nutrients were present. A fed-batch process permitted the juice concentration to be increased from 15 to 82%; biomass accumulation was three times higher than in batch fermentations. However, the cellular lipid content was only 30% of dry weight, and chemical oxygen demand reduction was slow and inefficient. PMID:16347584

Biogas by semi-continuous anaerobic digestion of food waste.

PubMed

Zhang, Cunsheng; Su, Haijia; Wang, Zhenbin; Tan, Tianwei; Qin, Peiyong

2015-04-01

The semi-continuous anaerobic digestion of food waste was investigated in 1-L and 20-L continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs), to identify the optimum operation condition and the methane production of the semi-continuous anaerobic process. Results from a 1-L digester indicated that the optimum organic loading rate (OLR) for semi-continuous digestion is 8 g VS/L/day. The corresponding methane yield and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction were 385 mL/g VS and 80.2 %, respectively. Anaerobic digestion was inhibited at high OLRs (12 and 16 g VS/L/day), due to volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation. Results from a 20-L digester indicated that a higher methane yield of 423 mL/g VS was obtained at this larger scale. The analysis showed that the methane production at the optimum OLR fitted well with the determined kinetics equation. An obvious decrease on the methane content was observed at the initial of digestion. The increased metabolization of microbes and the activity decrease of methanogen caused by VFA accumulation explained the lower methane content at the initial of digestion.

Microcontroller-assisted compensation of adenosine triphosphate levels: instrument and method development.

PubMed

Hu, Jie-Bi; Chen, Ting-Ru; Chen, Yu-Chie; Urban, Pawel L

2015-01-30

In order to ascertain optimum conditions for biocatalytic processes carried out in vitro, we have designed a bio-opto-electronic system which ensures real-time compensation for depletion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in reactions involving transfer of phosphate groups. The system covers ATP concentration range of 2-48 μM. The report demonstrates feasibility of the device operation using apyrase as the ATP-depleting enzyme.

Removal of fluoride from water with powdered corn cobs.

PubMed

Parmar, S; Patel, Jignesh B; Sudhakar, Padmaja; Koshy, V J

2006-04-01

The adsorption of fluoride on corn cobs powder was investigated in the present study. Neat powdered corn cobs did not show remarkable adsorption but aluminium treated corn cobs had good adsorption capacity. The parameters studied include the contact time, concentration, temperature and pH. Near neutral pH was identified as the optimum condition of the medium, and 90 to 120 minutes was the best contact time for maximum fluoride adsorption. The adsorption process was found to follow Freundlich isotherm. The adsorption process was found to be exothermic as adsorption decreased with increasing temperature.

Exploring Flow Procedures for Diazonium Formation.

PubMed

Hu, Te; Baxendale, Ian R; Baumann, Marcus

2016-07-14

The synthesis of diazonium salts is historically an important transformation extensively utilized in dye manufacture. However the highly reactive nature of the diazonium functionality has additionally led to the development of many new reactions including several carbon-carbon bond forming processes. It is therefore highly desirable to determine optimum conditions for the formation of diazonium compounds utilizing the latest processing tools such as flow chemistry to take advantage of the increased safety and continuous manufacturing capabilities. Herein we report a series of flow-based procedures to prepare diazonium salts for subsequent in-situ consumption.

[Studies on preparative technology and quantitative determination for extracts of total saponin in roof of Panax japonicus].

PubMed

He, Yu-min; Lu, Ke-ming; Yuan, Ding; Zhang, Chang-cheng

2008-11-01

To explore the optimum extraction and purification condition of the total saponins in the root of Panax japonicus (RPJ), and establish its quality control methods. Designed L16 (4(5)) orthogonal test with the extraction rate of total saponins as index, to determine the rational extraction process, and the techniques of water-saturated n-butanol extraction and acetone precipitation were applied to purify the alcohol extract of RPJ. Total saponins were detected by spectrophotometry and its triterpenoidal sapogenin oleanolic acid detected by HPLC. The optimum conditions of total saponins from RPJ was as follows: the material was pulverized, dipped in 60% ethanol aqueous solution as extract solvent at 10 times of volume, and refluxed 3 times for 3 h each time. Extractant of water-saturated n-butanol with extraction times of 3 and precipitant of acetone with precipitation amount of 4-5 times were included in the purification process, which would obtain the quality products. The content of total saponins could reach to 83.48%, and oleanolic acid to 38.30%. The optimized preparative technology is stable, convenient and practical. The extract rate of RPJ was high and steady with this technology, which provided new evidence for industrializing production of the plant and developing new drug.

Optimization of leachate treatment using persulfate/H2O2 based advanced oxidation process: case study: Deir El-Balah Landfill Site, Gaza Strip, Palestine.

PubMed

Hilles, Ahmed H; Abu Amr, Salem S; Hussein, Rim A; Arafa, Anwar I; El-Sebaie, Olfat D

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of employing H2O2 reagent in persulfate activation to treat stabilized landfill leachate. A central composite design (CCD) with response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate the relationships between operating variables, such as persulfate and H2O2 dosages, pH, and reaction time, to identify the optimum operating conditions. Quadratic models for the following two responses proved to be significant with very low probabilities (<0.0001): chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NH3-N removal. The obtained optimum conditions included a reaction time of 116 min, 4.97 g S2O8(2-), 7.29 g H2O2 dosage and pH 11. The experimental results were corresponding well with predicted models (COD and NH3-N removal rates of 81% and 83%, respectively). The results obtained in the stabilized leachate treatment were compared with those from other treatment processes, such as persulfate only and H2O2 only, to evaluate its effectiveness. The combined method (i.e., /S2O8(2-)/H2O2) achieved higher removal efficiencies for COD and NH3-N compared with other studied applications.

Sorption of water alkalinity and hardness from high-strength wastewater on bifunctional activated carbon: process optimization, kinetics and equilibrium studies.

PubMed

Amosa, Mutiu K

2016-08-01

Sorption optimization and mechanism of hardness and alkalinity on bifunctional empty fruit bunch-based powdered activation carbon (PAC) were studied. The PAC possessed both high surface area and ion-exchange properties, and it was utilized in the treatment of biotreated palm oil mill effluent. Batch adsorption experiments designed with Design Expert(®) were conducted in correlating the singular and interactive effects of the three adsorption parameters: PAC dosage, agitation speed and contact time. The sorption trends of the two contaminants were sequentially assessed through a full factorial design with three factor interaction models and a central composite design with polynomial models of quadratic order. Analysis of variance revealed the significant factors on each design response with very high R(2) values indicating good agreement between model and experimental values. The optimum operating conditions of the two contaminants differed due to their different regions of operating interests, thus necessitating the utility of desirability factor to get consolidated optimum operation conditions. The equilibrium data for alkalinity and hardness sorption were better represented by the Langmuir isotherm, while the pseudo-second-order kinetic model described the adsorption rates and behavior better. It was concluded that chemisorption contributed majorly to the adsorption process.

Synthesis of methyl ester sulfonate surfactant from crude palm oil as an active substance of laundry liquid detergent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slamet, Ibadurrohman, Muhammad; Wulandari, Pangiastika Putri

2017-11-01

Liquid detergent with combination of MES surfactant and TiO2 nanoparticles to remove and degrade the dirt in the form of methylene blue and produce waste with the lowest surfactant residual concentration has been done. The formation of MES is carried out by esterification and transesterification of crude palm oil, sulfonation, refining, and neutralization. The photocatalyst TiO2 nanoparticles is added as an additive to improve surfactant performance in removing dirt and degrading organic compounds. MES formation is performed by varying the mole ratio of the reactants in the esterification and transesterification reactions, and the mole ratios between methyl esters and NaHSO3 during the sulfonation reaction. Variations of MES surfactant and TiO2 nanoparticles compositions were performed to obtain detergent stability. Data analysis technique in this research is characterization of methyl ester, MES surfactant, and detergent using UV-Vis spectrophotometer instrument, FTIR, GC-MS, and LC-MS. The optimum conditions in the esterification and transesterification process were each mole ratio of 1: 6 between CPO and methanol based on the highest conversion, 99%. The optimum condition of the sulfonation process is the 1: 1.5 mole ratio between methyl ester and NaHSO3 based on the lowest surface tension value, which is about 36 dyne/cm.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martinez-Guerra, Edith; Gude, Veera Gnaneswar, E-mail: gude@cee.msstate.edu

Highlights: • Pulse sonication effect on transesterification of waste vegetable oil was studied. • Effects of ethanol, methanol, and alcohol mixtures on FAMEs yield were evaluated. • Effect of ultrasonic intensity, power density, and its output rates were evaluated. • Alcohol mixtures resulted in higher biodiesel yields due to better solubility. - Abstract: This study reports on the effects of direct pulse sonication and the type of alcohol (methanol and ethanol) on the transesterification reaction of waste vegetable oil without any external heating or mechanical mixing. Biodiesel yields and optimum process conditions for the transesterification reaction involving ethanol, methanol, andmore » ethanol–methanol mixtures were evaluated. The effects of ultrasonic power densities (by varying sample volumes), power output rates (in W), and ultrasonic intensities (by varying the reactor size) were studied for transesterification reaction with ethanol, methanol and ethanol–methanol (50%-50%) mixtures. The optimum process conditions for ethanol or methanol based transesterification reaction of waste vegetable oil were determined as: 9:1 alcohol to oil ratio, 1% wt. catalyst amount, 1–2 min reaction time at a power output rate between 75 and 150 W. It was shown that the transesterification reactions using ethanol–methanol mixtures resulted in biodiesel yields as high as >99% at lower power density and ultrasound intensity when compared to ethanol or methanol based transesterification reactions.« less

Multi-objective Optimization of Molecular Distillation Conditions for Oleic Acid from a Rich-in-Fatty Acid Model Mixture.

PubMed

Ketenoğlu, Onur; Erdoğdu, Ferruh; Tekin, Aziz

2018-01-01

Oleic acid is a commercially valuable compound and has many positive health effects. Determining optimum conditions in a physical separation process is an industrially significant point due to environmental and health related concerns. Molecular distillation avoids the use of chemicals and adverse effects of high temperature application. The objective of this study was to determine the molecular distillation conditions for oleic acid to increase its purity and distillation yield in a model fatty acid mixture. For this purpose, a short-path evaporator column was used. Evaporation temperature ranged from 110 to 190℃, while absolute pressure was from 0.05 to 5 mmHg. Results showed that elevating temperature generally increased distillation yield until a maximum evaporation temperature. Vacuum application also affected the yield at a given temperature, and amount of distillate increased at higher vacuums except the case applied at 190℃. A multi-objective optimization procedure was then used for maximizing both yield and oleic acid amounts in distillate simultaneously, and an optimum point of 177.36℃ and 0.051 mmHg was determined for this purpose. Results also demonstrated that evaporation of oleic acid was also suppressed by a secondary dominant fatty acid of olive oil - palmitic acid, which tended to evaporate easier than oleic acid at lower evaporation temperatures, and increasing temperature achieved to transfer more oleic acid to distillate. At 110℃ and 0.05 mmHg, oleic and palmitic acid concentrations in distillate were 63.67% and 24.32%, respectively. Outcomes of this study are expected to be useful for industrial process conditions.

Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction (MAP) for ginseng components by response surface methodology.

PubMed

Kwon, Joong-Ho; Bélanger, Jacqueline M R; Paré, J R Jocelyn

2003-03-26

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to predict optimum conditions for microwave-assisted extraction-a MAP technology-of saponin components from ginseng roots. A central composite design was used to monitor the effect of ethanol concentration (30-90%, X(1)) and extraction time (30-270 s, X(2)) on dependent variables, such as total extract yield (Y(1)), crude saponin content (Y(2)), and saponin ratio (Y(3)), under atmospheric pressure conditions when focused microwaves were applied at an emission frequency of 2450 MHz. In MAP under pre-established conditions, correlation coefficients (R (2)) of the models for total extract yield and crude saponin were 0.9841 (p < 0.001) and 0.9704 (p < 0.01). Optimum extraction conditions were predicted for each variable as 52.6% ethanol and 224.7 s in extract yield and as 77.3% ethanol and 295.1 s in crude saponins, respectively. Estimated maximum values at predicted optimum conditions were in good agreement with experimental values.

Exploring the Limits of Cell Adhesion under Shear Stress within Physiological Conditions and beyond on a Chip.

PubMed

Stamp, Melanie E M; Jötten, Anna M; Kudella, Patrick W; Breyer, Dominik; Strobl, Florian G; Geislinger, Thomas M; Wixforth, Achim; Westerhausen, Christoph

2016-10-21

Cell adhesion processes are of ubiquitous importance for biomedical applications such as optimization of implant materials. Here, not only physiological conditions such as temperature or pH, but also topographical structures play crucial roles, as inflammatory reactions after surgery can diminish osseointegration. In this study, we systematically investigate cell adhesion under static, dynamic and physiologically relevant conditions employing a lab-on-a-chip system. We screen adhesion of the bone osteosarcoma cell line SaOs-2 on a titanium implant material for pH and temperature values in the physiological range and beyond, to explore the limits of cell adhesion, e.g., for feverish and acidic conditions. A detailed study of different surface roughness R q gives insight into the correlation between the cells' abilities to adhere and withstand shear flow and the topography of the substrates, finding a local optimum at R q = 22 nm. We use shear stress induced by acoustic streaming to determine a measure for the ability of cell adhesion under an external force for various conditions. We find an optimum of cell adhesion for T = 37 °C and pH = 7.4 with decreasing cell adhesion outside the physiological range, especially for high T and low pH. We find constant detachment rates in the physiological regime, but this behavior tends to collapse at the limits of 41 °C and pH 4.

[Research about effect of spray drying conditions on hygroscopicity of spray dry powder of gubi compound's water extract and its mechanism].

PubMed

Zong, Jie; Shao, Qi; Zhang, Hong-Qing; Pan, Yong-Lan; Zhu, Hua-Xu; Guo, Li-Wei

2014-02-01

To investigate moisture content and hygroscopicity of spray dry powder of Gubi compound's water extract obtained at different spray drying conditions and laying a foundation for spray drying process of Chinese herbal compound preparation. In the paper, on the basis of single-factor experiments, the author choose inlet temperature, liquid density, feed rate, air flow rate as investigated factors. The experimental absorption rate-time curve and scanning electron microscopy results showed that under different spray drying conditions the spray-dried powders have different morphology and different adsorption process. At different spray-dried conditions, the morphology and water content of the powder is different, these differences lead to differences in the adsorption process, at the appropriate inlet temperature and feed rate with a higher sample density and lower air flow rate, in the experimental system the optimum conditions is inlet temperature of 150 degrees C, feed density of 1.05 g x mL(-1), feed rate of 20 mL x min(-1) air flow rate of 30 m3 x h(-1).

Using Chitosan/CHPATC as coagulant to remove color and turbidity of industrial wastewater: Optimization through RSM design.

PubMed

Momeni, Meysam Mohammad; Kahforoushan, Davood; Abbasi, Farhang; Ghanbarian, Saeid

2018-04-01

One of the most important solid-liquid separation processes is coagulation and flocculation that is extensively used in the primary treatment of industrial wastewater. The biopolymers, because of biodegradable properties and low cost have been used as coagulants. In this study, chitosan as a natural coagulant of choice, was modified by (3-chloro 2-hydroxypropyl)trimethylammonium chloride and was used to remove the color and turbidity of industrial wastewater. To evaluate the effect of pH, settling time, the initial turbidity of wastewater, the amount of coagulant, and the concentration of dye (Melanoidin) were chosen to study their effects on removal of wastewater color and turbidity. The experiments were done in a batch system by using a jar test. To achieve the optimum conditions for the removal of color and turbidity, the response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design method was used. The results obtained from experiments showed that the optimum conditions for the removal of color were as: pH = 3, concentration of dye = 1000 mg/L, settling time = 78.93 min, and dose of coagulant = 3 g/L. The maximum color removal in these conditions was predicted 82.78% by the RSM model. The optimal conditions for the removal of turbidity of the waste water were as: pH = 5.66, initial turbidity = 60 NTU, settling time = 105 min, and amount of coagulant = 3 g/L. The maximum turbidity removal in these circumstances was predicted 94.19% by the model. The experimental results obtained in optimum conditions for removal of color and turbidity were 76.20% and 90.14%, respectively, indicating the high accuracy of the prediction model. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimum design of structures subject to general periodic loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reiss, Robert; Qian, B.

1989-01-01

A simplified version of Icerman's problem regarding the design of structures subject to a single harmonic load is discussed. The nature of the restrictive conditions that must be placed on the design space in order to ensure an analytic optimum are discussed in detail. Icerman's problem is then extended to include multiple forcing functions with different driving frequencies. And the conditions that now must be placed upon the design space to ensure an analytic optimum are again discussed. An important finding is that all solutions to the optimality condition (analytic stationary design) are local optima, but the global optimum may well be non-analytic. The more general problem of distributing the fixed mass of a linear elastic structure subject to general periodic loads in order to minimize some measure of the steady state deflection is also considered. This response is explicitly expressed in terms of Green's functional and the abstract operators defining the structure. The optimality criterion is derived by differentiating the response with respect to the design parameters. The theory is applicable to finite element as well as distributed parameter models.

Yager’s ranking method for solving the trapezoidal fuzzy number linear programming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karyati; Wutsqa, D. U.; Insani, N.

2018-03-01

In the previous research, the authors have studied the fuzzy simplex method for trapezoidal fuzzy number linear programming based on the Maleki’s ranking function. We have found some theories related to the term conditions for the optimum solution of fuzzy simplex method, the fuzzy Big-M method, the fuzzy two-phase method, and the sensitivity analysis. In this research, we study about the fuzzy simplex method based on the other ranking function. It is called Yager's ranking function. In this case, we investigate the optimum term conditions. Based on the result of research, it is found that Yager’s ranking function is not like Maleki’s ranking function. Using the Yager’s function, the simplex method cannot work as well as when using the Maleki’s function. By using the Yager’s function, the value of the subtraction of two equal fuzzy numbers is not equal to zero. This condition makes the optimum table of the fuzzy simplex table is undetected. As a result, the simplified fuzzy simplex table becomes stopped and does not reach the optimum solution.

Optimisation of extraction and sludge dewatering efficiencies of bio-flocculants extracted from Abelmoschus esculentus (okra).

PubMed

Lee, Chai Siah; Chong, Mei Fong; Robinson, John; Binner, Eleanor

2015-07-01

The production of natural biopolymers as flocculants for water treatment is highly desirable due to their inherent low toxicity and low environmental footprint. In this study, bio-flocculants were extracted from Hibiscus/Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) by using a water extraction method, and the extract yield and its performance in sludge dewatering were evaluated. Single factor experimental design was employed to obtain the optimum conditions for extraction temperature (25-90 °C), time (0.25-5 h), solvent loading (0.5-5 w/w) and agitation speed (0-225 rpm). Results showed that extraction yield was affected non-linearly by all experimental variables, whilst the sludge dewatering ability was only influenced by the temperature of the extraction process. The optimum extraction conditions were obtained at 70 °C, 2 h, solvent loading of 2.5 w/w and agitation at 200 rpm. Under the optimal conditions, the extract yield was 2.38%, which is comparable to the extraction of other polysaccharides (0.69-3.66%). The bio-flocculants displayed >98% removal of suspended solids and 68% water recovery during sludge dewatering, and were shown to be comparable with commercial polyacrylamide flocculants. This work shows that bio-flocculants could offer a feasible alternative to synthetic flocculants for water treatment and sludge dewatering applications, and can be extracted using only water as a solvent, minimising the environmental footprint of the extraction process. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improvement of the Mechanical Properties of 1022 Carbon Steel Coil by Using the Taguchi Method to Optimize Spheroidized Annealing Conditions.

PubMed

Yang, Chih-Cheng; Liu, Chang-Lun

2016-08-12

Cold forging is often applied in the fastener industry. Wires in coil form are used as semi-finished products for the production of billets. This process usually requires preliminarily drawing wire coil in order to reduce the diameter of products. The wire usually has to be annealed to improve its cold formability. The quality of spheroidizing annealed wire affects the forming quality of screws. In the fastener industry, most companies use a subcritical process for spheroidized annealing. Various parameters affect the spheroidized annealing quality of steel wire, such as the spheroidized annealing temperature, prolonged heating time, furnace cooling time and flow rate of nitrogen (protective atmosphere). The effects of the spheroidized annealing parameters affect the quality characteristics of steel wire, such as the tensile strength and hardness. A series of experimental tests on AISI 1022 low carbon steel wire are carried out and the Taguchi method is used to obtain optimum spheroidized annealing conditions to improve the mechanical properties of steel wires for cold forming. The results show that the spheroidized annealing temperature and prolonged heating time have the greatest effect on the mechanical properties of steel wires. A comparison between the results obtained using the optimum spheroidizing conditions and the measures using the original settings shows the new spheroidizing parameter settings effectively improve the performance measures over their value at the original settings. The results presented in this paper could be used as a reference for wire manufacturers.

Residual Gases in Crystal Growth Systems: Their Origin, Magnitude, and Dependence on the Processing Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palosz, W.

2003-01-01

Residual gases present in closed ampoules may affect different crystal growth processes. Their presence may affect techniques requiring low pressures and affect the crystal quality in different ways. For that reason a good understanding and control of formation of residual gases may be important for an optimum design and meaningful interpretation of crystal growth experiments. Our extensive experimental and theoretical study includes degassing of silica glass and generation of gases from various source materials. Different materials processing conditions, like outgassing under vacuum, annealing in hydrogen, resublimation, different material preparation procedures, multiple annealings, different processing times, and others were applied and their effect on the amount and composition of gas were analyzed. The experimental results were interpreted based on theoretical calculations on diffusion in silica glass and source materials and thermochemistry of the system. Procedures for a reduction of the amount of gas are also discussed.

Treatment of antibiotic fermentation wastewater by combined polyferric sulfate coagulation, Fenton and sedimentation process.

PubMed

Xing, Zi-Peng; Sun, De-Zhi

2009-09-15

Attempts were made in this study to examine the combined polyferric sulfate (PFS) coagulation, Fenton and sedimentation process for treatment of non-degradable antibiotic fermentation wastewater. The experimental results indicated that 66.6% of color and 72.4% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) were removed under the optimum conditions of PFS dosage 200mg/L and pH 4.0. In addition, optimal parameters of Fenton process were determined to be 150 mg/L of H(2)O(2) dosage, 120 mg/L of FeSO(4) and 1h of reaction time. When Fenton treated effluent was controlled at pH 7.0, the pollutants could be further removed by sedimentation process. The overall color, COD and suspended solids (SS) removal reached 97.3%, 96.9% and 86.7% under selected conditions, respectively. Thus this study might offer an effective way for wastewater treatment of antibiotics manufacturer and pharmaceutical industry.

Favouring butyrate production for a new generation biofuel by acidogenic glucose fermentation using cells immobilised on γ-alumina.

PubMed

Syngiridis, Kostas; Bekatorou, Argyro; Kandylis, Panagiotis; Larroche, Christian; Kanellaki, Maria; Koutinas, Athanasios A

2014-06-01

The effect of γ-alumina as a fermentation advancing tool and as carrier for culture immobilisation, regarding VFAs and ethanol production during acidogenic fermentation of glucose, was examined at various process conditions (sugar concentration, pH) and operation modes (continuous with and without effluent recirculation and batch). The results showed that at high initial pH (8.9) the continuous acidogenic fermentation of glucose led to high yields of VFAs and favoured the accumulation of butyric acid. The batch process on the other hand at pH 6.5, favoured the ethanol-type fermentation. The results indicate that in the frame of technology development for new generation biofuels, using γ-alumina as a process advancing tool at optimum process conditions (pH, initial glucose concentration and mode of operation), the produced VFAs profile and ethanol concentration may be manipulated. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Process optimization and analysis of microwave assisted extraction of pectin from dragon fruit peel.

PubMed

Thirugnanasambandham, K; Sivakumar, V; Prakash Maran, J

2014-11-04

Microwave assisted extraction (MAE) technique was employed for the extraction of pectin from dragon fruit peel. The extracting parameters were optimized by using four-variable-three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) coupled with response surface methodology (RSM). RSM analysis indicated good correspondence between experimental and predicted values. 3D response surface plots were used to study the interactive effects of process variables on extraction of pectin. The optimum extraction conditions for the maximum yield of pectin were power of 400 W, temperature of 45 °C, extracting time of 20 min and solid-liquid ratio of 24 g/mL. Under these conditions, 7.5% of pectin was extracted. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Recycling process for recovery of gallium from GaN an e-waste of LED industry through ball milling, annealing and leaching

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Swain, Basudev, E-mail: swain@iae.re.kr; Mishra, Chinmayee; Kang, Leeseung

Waste dust generated during manufacturing of LED contains significant amounts of gallium and indium, needs suitable treatment and can be an important resource for recovery. The LED industry waste dust contains primarily gallium as GaN. Leaching followed by purification technology is the green and clean technology. To develop treatment and recycling technology of these GaN bearing e-waste, leaching is the primary stage. In our current investigation possible process for treatment and quantitative leaching of gallium and indium from the GaN bearing e-waste or waste of LED industry dust has been developed. To recycle the waste and quantitative leaching of gallium,more » two different process flow sheets have been proposed. In one, process first the GaN of the waste the LED industry dust was leached at the optimum condition. Subsequently, the leach residue was mixed with Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, ball milled followed by annealing, again leached to recover gallium. In the second process, the waste LED industry dust was mixed with Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, after ball milling and annealing, followed acidic leaching. Without pretreatment, the gallium leaching was only 4.91 w/w % using 4 M HCl, 100 °C and pulp density of 20 g/L. After mechano-chemical processing, both these processes achieved 73.68 w/w % of gallium leaching at their optimum condition. The developed process can treat and recycle any e-waste containing GaN through ball milling, annealing and leaching. - Highlights: • Simplest process for treatment of GaN an LED industry waste developed. • The process developed recovers gallium from waste LED waste dust. • Thermal analysis and phase properties of GaN to Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3} and GaN to NaGaO{sub 2} revealed. • Solid-state chemistry involved in this process reported. • Quantitative leaching of the GaN was achieved.« less

Nickel adsorption onto polyurethane ethylene and vinyl acetate sorbents.

PubMed

Iqbal, Munawar; Ali, Zahid; Qamar, M Afzal; Ali, Abid; Hussain, Fida; Abbas, Mazhar; Nisar, Jan

2017-07-01

The present study was conducted to appraise the efficiencies of polyurethane ethylene sorbent (PES) and vinyl acetate sorbent (VAS) for nickel (Ni) adsorption. Process variables, i.e. Ni(II) ions initial concentration, pH, contact time and adsorbent dosage were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) approach. The Ni(II) adsorption was fitted to the kinetic models (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order) and adsorption isotherms (Freundlich and Langmuir). At optimum conditions of process variables, 171.99 mg/g (64.7%) and 388.08 mg/g (92.7%) Ni(II) was adsorbed onto PES and VAS, respectively. The RSM analysis revealed that maximum Ni(II) adsorption can be achieved at 299 mg/L Ni(II) ions initial concentration, 4.5 pH, 934 min contact time and 1.3 g adsorbent dosage levels for PES, whereas the optimum values for VAS were found to be 402 mg/L Ni(II) ions initial concentration, 4.6 pH, 881 min contact time and 1.2 g adsorbent dosage, respectively. The -OH and -C = O- were involved in the Ni(II) adsorption onto PES and VAS adsorbents. At optimum levels, up to 53.67% and 80.0% Ni(II) was removed from chemical industry wastewater using PES and VAS, respectively, which suggest that PES and VAS could possibly be used for Ni(II) adsorption from industrial wastewater.

Optimized conditions for phytoremediation of diesel by Scirpus grossus in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSFCWs) using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Al-Baldawi, Israa Abdul Wahab; Sheikh Abdullah, Siti Rozaimah; Abu Hasan, Hassimi; Suja, Fatihah; Anuar, Nurina; Mushrifah, Idris

2014-07-01

This study investigated the optimum conditions for total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal from diesel-contaminated water using phytoremediation treatment with Scirpus grossus. In addition, TPH removal from sand was adopted as a second response. The optimum conditions for maximum TPH removal were determined through a Box-Behnken Design. Three operational variables, i.e. diesel concentration (0.1, 0.175, 0.25% Vdiesel/Vwater), aeration rate (0, 1 and 2 L/min) and retention time (14, 43 and 72 days), were investigated by setting TPH removal and diesel concentration as the maximum, retention time within the given range, and aeration rate as the minimum. The optimum conditions were found to be a diesel concentration of 0.25% (Vdiesel/Vwater), a retention time of 63 days and no aeration with an estimated maximum TPH removal from water and sand of 76.3 and 56.5%, respectively. From a validation test of the optimum conditions, it was found that the maximum TPH removal from contaminated water and sand was 72.5 and 59%, respectively, which was a 5 and 4.4% deviation from the values given by the Box-Behnken Design, providing evidence that S. grossus is a Malaysian native plant that can be used to remediate wastewater containing hydrocarbons. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Squeezed-light generation in a nonlinear planar waveguide with a periodic corrugation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perina, Jan Jr.; Haderka, Ondrej; Sibilia, Concita

Two-mode nonlinear interaction (second-harmonic and second-subharmonic generation) in a planar waveguide with a small periodic corrugation at the surface is studied. Scattering of the interacting fields on the corrugation leads to constructive interference that enhances the nonlinear process provided that all the interactions are phase matched. Conditions for the overall phase matching are found. Compared with a perfectly quasi-phase-matched waveguide, better values of squeezing as well as higher intensities are reached under these conditions. Procedure for finding optimum values of parameters for squeezed-light generation is described.

The use of mixed pyrrhotite/pyrite catalysts for co-liquefaction of coal and waste rubber tires

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dadyburjor, D.B.; Zondlo, J.W.; Sharma, R.K.

1995-12-31

The overall objective of this research program is to determine the optimum processing conditions for tire/coal co-liquefaction. The catalysts used will be a ferric-sulfide-based materials, as well as promising catalysts from other consortium laboratories. The intent here is to achieve the maximum coal+tire conversion at the mildest conditions of temperature and pressure. Specific objectives include an investigation of the effects of time, temperature, pressure, catalyst and co-solvent on the conversion and product slate of the co-liquefaction. Accomplishments and conclusions are discussed.

Characterization of In-Flight Processing of Alumina Powder Using a DC-RF Hybrid Plasma Flow System at Constant Low Operating Power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishiyama, H.; Onodera, M.; Igawa, J.; Nakajima, T.

2009-12-01

The aim of this study is to provide the optimum operating conditions for enhancing in-flight alumina particle heating as much as possible for particle spheroidization and aggregation of melted particles using a DC-RF hybrid plasma flow system even at constant low operating power based on the thermofluid considerations. It is clarified that the swirl flow and higher operating pressure enhance the particle melting and aggregation of melted particles coupled with increasing gas temperature downstream of a plasma uniformly in the radial direction at constant electrical discharge conditions.

Bioremediation of coractive blue dye by using Pseudomonas spp. isolated from the textile dye wastewater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sunar, N. M.; Mon, Z. K.; Rahim, N. A.; Leman, A. M.; Airish, N. A. M.; Khalid, A.; Ali, R.; Zaidi, E.; Azhar, A. T. S.

2018-04-01

Wastewater released from the textile industry contains variety substances, mainly dyes that contains a high concentration of color and organic. In this study the potential for bacterial decolorization of coractive blue dye was examined that isolated from textile wastewater. The optimum conditions were determined for pH, temperature and initial concentration of the dye. The bacteria isolated was Pseudomonas spp. The selected bacterium shows high decolorization in static condition at an optimum of pH 7.0. The Pseudomonas spp. could decolorize coractive blue dye by 70% within 24 h under static condition, with the optimum of pH 7.0. Decolorization was confirmed by using UV-VIS spectrophotometer. This present study suggests the potential of Pseudomonas spp. as an approach in sustainable bioremediation that provide an efficient method for decolorizing coractive blue dye.

Determination of sulfuric acid concentration for anti-cavitation characteristics of Al alloy by two step anodizing process to forming nano porous.

PubMed

Lee, Seung-Jun; Kim, Seong-Kweon; Jeong, Jae-Yong; Kim, Seong-Jong

2014-12-01

Al alloy is a highly active metal but forms a protective oxide film having high corrosion resistance in atmosphere environment. However, the oxide film is not suitable for practical use, since the thickness of the film is not uniform and it is severly altered with formation conditions. This study focused on developing an aluminum anodizing layer having hardness, corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance equivalent to a commercial grade protective layer. Aluminum anodizing layer was produced by two-step aluminum anodizing oxide (AAO) process with different sulfuric acid concentrations, and the cavitation characteristics of the anodized coating layer was investigated. In hardness measurement, the anodized coating layer produced with 15 vol.% of sulfuric acid condition had the highest value of hardness but exhibited poor cavitation resistance due to being more brittle than those with other conditions. The 10 vol.% of sulfuric acid condition was thus considered to be the optimum condition as it had the lowest weight loss and damage depth.

Resistance spot welding of ultra-fine grained steel sheets produced by constrained groove pressing: Optimization and characterization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Khodabakhshi, F.; Kazeminezhad, M., E-mail: mkazemi@sharif.edu; Kokabi, A.H.

2012-07-15

Constrained groove pressing as a severe plastic deformation method is utilized to produce ultra-fine grained low carbon steel sheets. The ultra-fine grained sheets are joined via resistance spot welding process and the characteristics of spot welds are investigated. Resistance spot welding process is optimized for welding of the sheets with different severe deformations and their results are compared with those of as-received samples. The effects of failure mode and expulsion on the performance of ultra-fine grained sheet spot welds have been investigated in the present paper and the welding current and time of resistance spot welding process according to thesemore » subjects are optimized. Failure mode and failure load obtained in tensile-shear test, microhardness, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope images have been used to describe the performance of spot welds. The region between interfacial to pullout mode transition and expulsion limit is defined as the optimum welding condition. The results show that optimum welding parameters (welding current and welding time) for ultra-fine grained sheets are shifted to lower values with respect to those for as-received specimens. In ultra-fine grained sheets, one new region is formed named recrystallized zone in addition to fusion zone, heat affected zone and base metal. It is shown that microstructures of different zones in ultra-fine grained sheets are finer than those of as-received sheets. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Resistance spot welding process is optimized for joining of UFG steel sheets. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Optimum welding current and time are decreased with increasing the CGP pass number. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Microhardness at BM, HAZ, FZ and recrystallized zone is enhanced due to CGP.« less

A meta-heuristic method for solving scheduling problem: crow search algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adhi, Antono; Santosa, Budi; Siswanto, Nurhadi

2018-04-01

Scheduling is one of the most important processes in an industry both in manufacturingand services. The scheduling process is the process of selecting resources to perform an operation on tasks. Resources can be machines, peoples, tasks, jobs or operations.. The selection of optimum sequence of jobs from a permutation is an essential issue in every research in scheduling problem. Optimum sequence becomes optimum solution to resolve scheduling problem. Scheduling problem becomes NP-hard problem since the number of job in the sequence is more than normal number can be processed by exact algorithm. In order to obtain optimum results, it needs a method with capability to solve complex scheduling problems in an acceptable time. Meta-heuristic is a method usually used to solve scheduling problem. The recently published method called Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) is adopted in this research to solve scheduling problem. CSA is an evolutionary meta-heuristic method which is based on the behavior in flocks of crow. The calculation result of CSA for solving scheduling problem is compared with other algorithms. From the comparison, it is found that CSA has better performance in term of optimum solution and time calculation than other algorithms.

Practical cell labeling with magnetite cationic liposomes for cell manipulation.

PubMed

Ito, Hiroshi; Nonogaki, Yurika; Kato, Ryuji; Honda, Hiroyuki

2010-07-01

Personalization of the cell culture process for cell therapy is an ideal strategy to obtain maximum treatment effects. In a previous report, we proposed a strategy using a magnetic manipulation device that combined a palm-top size device and a cell-labeling method using magnetite cationic liposomes (MCLs) to enable feasible personalized cell processing. In the present study, we focused on optimizing the MCL-labeling technique with respect to cell manipulation in small devices. From detailed analysis with different cell types, 4 pg/cell of MCL-label was found to be obtained immediately after mixing with MCLs, which was sufficient for magnetic cell manipulation. The amount of label increased within 24 h depending on cell type, although in all cases it decreased along with cell doubling, indicating that the labeling potential of MCLs was limited. The role of free MCLs not involved in labeling was also investigated; MCLs' role was found to be a supportive one that maximized the manipulation performance up to 100%. We also determined optimum conditions to manipulate adherent cells by MCL labeling using the MCL dispersed in trypsin solution. Considering labeling feasibility and practical performance with 10(3)-10(5) cells for personalized cell processing, we determined that 10 microg/ml of label without incubation time (0 h incubation) was the universal MCL-labeling condition. We propose the optimum specifications for a device to be combined with this method. 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Strain-Annealing Based Grain Boundary Engineering to Evaluate its Sole Implication on Intergranular Corrosion in Extra-Low Carbon Type 304L Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradhan, S. K.; Bhuyan, P.; Kaithwas, C.; Mandal, Sumantra

2018-05-01

Strain-annealing based thermo-mechanical processing has been performed to promote grain boundary engineering (GBE) in an extra-low carbon type austenitic stainless steel without altering the grain size and residual strain to evaluate its sole influence on intergranular corrosion. Single-step processing comprising low pre-strain ( 5 and 10 pct) followed by annealing at 1273 K for 1 hour have resulted in a large fraction of Σ3 n boundaries and significant disruption in random high-angle grain boundaries (RHAGBs) connectivity. This is due to the occurrence of prolific multiple twinning in these specimens as confirmed by their large twin-related domain and twin-related grain size ratio. Among the iterative processing, the schedule comprising two cycles of 10 and 5 pct deformation followed by annealing at 1173 K for 1 hour has yielded the optimum GBE microstructure with the grain size and residual strain akin to the as-received condition. The specimens subjected to the higher number of iterations failed to realize GBE microstructures due to the occurrence of partial recrystallization. Owing to the optimum grain boundary character distribution, the GBE specimen has exhibited remarkable resistance against sensitization and intergranular corrosion as compared to the as-received condition. Furthermore, the lower depth of percolation in the GBE specimen is due to the significant disruption of RHAGBs connectivity as confirmed from its large twin-related domain and lower fractal dimension.

Strain-Annealing Based Grain Boundary Engineering to Evaluate its Sole Implication on Intergranular Corrosion in Extra-Low Carbon Type 304L Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradhan, S. K.; Bhuyan, P.; Kaithwas, C.; Mandal, Sumantra

2018-07-01

Strain-annealing based thermo-mechanical processing has been performed to promote grain boundary engineering (GBE) in an extra-low carbon type austenitic stainless steel without altering the grain size and residual strain to evaluate its sole influence on intergranular corrosion. Single-step processing comprising low pre-strain ( 5 and 10 pct) followed by annealing at 1273 K for 1 hour have resulted in a large fraction of Σ3 n boundaries and significant disruption in random high-angle grain boundaries (RHAGBs) connectivity. This is due to the occurrence of prolific multiple twinning in these specimens as confirmed by their large twin-related domain and twin-related grain size ratio. Among the iterative processing, the schedule comprising two cycles of 10 and 5 pct deformation followed by annealing at 1173 K for 1 hour has yielded the optimum GBE microstructure with the grain size and residual strain akin to the as-received condition. The specimens subjected to the higher number of iterations failed to realize GBE microstructures due to the occurrence of partial recrystallization. Owing to the optimum grain boundary character distribution, the GBE specimen has exhibited remarkable resistance against sensitization and intergranular corrosion as compared to the as-received condition. Furthermore, the lower depth of percolation in the GBE specimen is due to the significant disruption of RHAGBs connectivity as confirmed from its large twin-related domain and lower fractal dimension.

Microbial mediated preparation, characterization and optimization of gold nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Barabadi, Hamed; Honary, Soheila; Ebrahimi, Pouneh; Mohammadi, Milad Ali; Alizadeh, Ahad; Naghibi, Farzaneh

2014-01-01

The need for eco-friendly and cost effective methods for nanoparticles synthesis is developing interest in biological approaches which are free from the use of toxic chemicals as byproducts. This study aimed to biosynthesize and optimize the size of gold nanoparticles which produced by biotechnological method using Penicillium crustosum isolated from soil. Initially, Penicillium crustosum was grown in fluid czapek dox broth on shaker at 28 °C and 200 rpm for ten days and then the supernatant was separated from the mycelia to convert AuCl4 solution into gold nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles in the optimum conditions were formed with fairly well-defined dimensions and good monodispersity. The characterizations were done by using different methods (UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Fluorescence, FT-IR, AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) and DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering). The bioconversion was optimized by Box-Behnken experimental design. The results show that the effective factors in this process were concentration of AuCl4, pH of medium and temperature of shaker incubator. The R2 value was calculated to be 0.9999 indicating the accuracy and ability of the polynomial model. It can be concluded that the use of multivariate analysis facilitated to find out the optimum conditions for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles induced by Penicillium crustosum in a time and cost effective process. The current approach suggested that rapid synthesis of gold nanoparticles would be suitable for developing a biological process for mass scale production of formulations. PMID:25763059

Microbial mediated preparation, characterization and optimization of gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Barabadi, Hamed; Honary, Soheila; Ebrahimi, Pouneh; Mohammadi, Milad Ali; Alizadeh, Ahad; Naghibi, Farzaneh

2014-01-01

The need for eco-friendly and cost effective methods for nanoparticles synthesis is developing interest in biological approaches which are free from the use of toxic chemicals as byproducts. This study aimed to biosynthesize and optimize the size of gold nanoparticles which produced by biotechnological method using Penicillium crustosum isolated from soil. Initially, Penicillium crustosum was grown in fluid czapek dox broth on shaker at 28 °C and 200 rpm for ten days and then the supernatant was separated from the mycelia to convert AuCl₄ solution into gold nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles in the optimum conditions were formed with fairly well-defined dimensions and good monodispersity. The characterizations were done by using different methods (UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Fluorescence, FT-IR, AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) and DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering). The bioconversion was optimized by Box-Behnken experimental design. The results show that the effective factors in this process were concentration of AuCl₄, pH of medium and temperature of shaker incubator. The R(2) value was calculated to be 0.9999 indicating the accuracy and ability of the polynomial model. It can be concluded that the use of multivariate analysis facilitated to find out the optimum conditions for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles induced by Penicillium crustosum in a time and cost effective process. The current approach suggested that rapid synthesis of gold nanoparticles would be suitable for developing a biological process for mass scale production of formulations.

Effect of hydrolysis enzymatic process of corn using protease crude (Rhizopus oligosporus-C1) to produce corn hydrolisate rich folic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maryati, Yati; Susilowati, Agustine; Melanie, Hakiki; Lotulung, Puspa D.

2017-11-01

Corn hydrolyzate (Zea mays L) as a functional food fortificant derived from natural folic acid has been evaluated through a hydrolysis process using protease enzyme Rhizopus oligosporus strain C1. Enzymatic hydrolysis was carried out on two types of corn; yellow and white pearl variety corn, at concentration of protease enzyme (rough) 0.025; 0.125; and 0.225% (v/w of soluble nixtamal corn protein) with a hydrolysis time of 24 h at 30 °C, and pH 5.0. The results showed that the concentration of protease enzymes can increase the folic acid to the optimum condition, from the beginning to the end of the process time. Folic acid optimization of hydrolysis results in each corn was at the concentration of protease enzyme 0.225% (v/w of soluble nixtamal corn protein) in white corn and yellow corn at 24 hours hydrolysis, with folic acid composition, 283.56 µg/mL and 412.52 µg/mL, 1.07 and 1.04 mg/mL of soluble proteins, proteolytic activity 2.09 and 2.06 U/mL, total solids of 21.74 and 17.85%, total sugars of 0.56 and 2.22 mg/mL, and reducing sugar 91.72 and 48.47 mg/mL. In this condition, the increase of optimum folic acid for white corn was 33.57% and for yellow corn was 71.60% after hydrolysis.

Multi response optimization of internal grinding process parameters for outer ring using Taguchi method and PCR-TOPSIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wisnuadi, Alief Regyan; Damayanti, Retno Wulan; Pujiyanto, Eko

2018-02-01

Bearing is one of the most widely used parts in automotive industry. One of the leading bearing manufacturing companies in the world is SKF Indonesia. This company must produce bearing with international standard. SKF Indonesia must do continuous improvement in order to face competition. During this time, SKF Indonesia is only performing quality control at its Quality Assurance department. In other words, quality improvement at SKF Indonesia has not been done thoroughly. The purpose of this research is to improve quality of outer ring product at SKF Indonesia by conducting an internal grinding process experiment about setting speed ratio, fine position, and spark out grinding time. The specific purpose of this experiment is to optimize some quality responses such as roughness, roundness, and cycle time. All of the response in this experiment were smaller the better. Taguchi method and PCR-TOPSIS are used for the optimization process. The result of this research shows that by using Taguchi method and PCR-TOPSIS, the optimum condition occurs on speed ratio 36, fine position 18 µm/s and spark out 0.5 s. The optimum conditions result were roughness 0.398 µm, roundness 1.78 µm and cycle time 8.1 s. This results have been better than the previous results and meet the standards. The roughness of 0.523 µm decrease to 0.398 µm and the average cycle time of 8.5 s decrease to 8.1 s.

Developement of an Optimum Interpolation Analysis Method for the CYBER 205

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nestler, M. S.; Woollen, J.; Brin, Y.

1985-01-01

A state-of-the-art technique to assimilate the diverse observational database obtained during FGGE, and thus create initial conditions for numerical forecasts is described. The GLA optimum interpolation (OI) analysis method analyzes pressure, winds, and temperature at sea level, mixing ratio at six mandatory pressure levels up to 300 mb, and heights and winds at twelve levels up to 50 mb. Conversion to the CYBER 205 required a major re-write of the Amdahl OI code to take advantage of the CYBER vector processing capabilities. Structured programming methods were used to write the programs and this has resulted in a modular, understandable code. Among the contributors to the increased speed of the CYBER code are a vectorized covariance-calculation routine, an extremely fast matrix equation solver, and an innovative data search and sort technique.

Shelf-life prediction of canned "nasi uduk" using accelerated shelf-life test (ASLT) - Arrhenius model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurniadi, Muhamad; Salam, Nur; Kusumaningrum, Annisa; Nursiwi, Asri; Angwar, Mukhamad; Susanto, Agus; Nurhikmat, Asep; Triwiyono, Frediansyah, Andri

2017-01-01

"Nasi Uduk" is one of the Indonesian traditional food made from rice, steamed with coconut milk and seasoning. For optimizing shelf-life, canned "nasi uduk" for military and disaster-response ration, was packed using cylindrical cans of 72,63 × 53,04 mm (Ø × h) in size. One of the important aspects on quality assessment of preserved product was its rancidity. The aim of this research was to determine shelf-life of canned "nasi uduk" using ASLT method of Arrhenius model. Storage temperatures set up at 35, 45 and 55°C for 35 days. Optimization of sterilization process was conducted to achieve the optimum conditions of sterilization. Target lethality value (Fo), microorganism total plate count (TPC) and rancidity levels (TBA) were used as parameters in this research. The results showed that the optimum sterilization conditions were 121 °C for 20 minutes, TPC value of 9.5 × 101 CFU/ml and Fo value 4.14 minutes. Predicted shelf-life of canned "nasi uduk" was 9.6 months which was average TBA value still bellow of the critical point.

Development of a Solid-State Fermentation System for Producing Bioethanol from Food Waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honda, Hiroaki; Ohnishi, Akihiro; Fujimoto, Naoshi; Suzuki, Masaharu

Liquid fermentation is the a conventional method of producing bioethanol. However, this method results in the formation of high concentrations waste after distillation and futher treatment requires more energy and is costly(large amounts of costly energy).Saccharification of dried raw garbage was tested for 12 types of Koji starters under the following optimum culture conditions: temperature of 30°C and initial moisture content of 50%.Among all the types, Aspergillus oryzae KBN650 had the highest saccharifying power. The ethanol-producing ability of the raw garbage was investigated for 72 strains of yeast, of which Saccharomyces cerevisiae A30 had the highest ethanol production(yield)under the following optimum conditions: 1 :1 ratio of dried garbage and saccharified garbage by weight, and initial moisture content of 60%. Thus, the solid-state fermentation system consisted of the following 4 processes: moisture control, saccharification, ethanol production and distillation. This system produced 0.6kg of ethanol from 9.6kg of garbage. Moreover the ethanol yield from all sugars was calculated to be 0.37.

Enhancement of docosahexaenoic acid production by Schizochytrium SW1 using response surface methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazir, Mohd Yusuf Mohd; Al-Shorgani, Najeeb Kaid Nasser; Kalil, Mohd Sahaid; Hamid, Aidil Abdul

2015-09-01

In this study, three factors (fructose concentration, agitation speed and monosodium glutamate (MSG) concentration) were optimized to enhance DHA production by Schizochytrium SW1 using response surface methodology (RSM). Central composite design was applied as the experimental design and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data. The experiments were conducted using 500 mL flask with 100 mL working volume at 30°C for 96 hours. ANOVA analysis revealed that the process was adequately represented significantly by the quadratic model (p<0.0001) and two of the factors namely agitation speed and MSG concentration significantly affect DHA production (p<0.005). Level of influence for each variable and quadratic polynomial equation were obtained for DHA production by multiple regression analyses. The estimated optimum conditions for maximizing DHA production by SW1 were 70 g/L fructose, 250 rpm agitation speed and 12 g/L MSG. Consequently, the quadratic model was validated by applying of the estimated optimum conditions, which confirmed the model validity and 52.86% of DHA was produced.

Modeling of organic solar cell using response surface methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suliman, Rajab; Mitul, Abu Farzan; Mohammad, Lal; Djira, Gemechis; Pan, Yunpeng; Qiao, Qiquan

Polymer solar cells have drawn much attention during the past few decades due to their low manufacturing cost and incompatibility for flexible substrates. In solution-processed organic solar cells, the optimal thickness, annealing temperature, and morphology are key components to achieving high efficiency. In this work, response surface methodology (RSM) is used to find optimal fabrication conditions for polymer solar cells. In order to optimize cell efficiency, the central composite design (CCD) with three independent variables polymer concentration, polymer-fullerene ratio, and active layer spinning speed was used. Optimal device performance was achieved using 10.25 mg/ml polymer concentration, 0.42 polymer-fullerene ratio, and 1624 rpm of active layer spinning speed. The predicted response (the efficiency) at the optimum stationary point was found to be 5.23% for the Poly(diketopyrrolopyrrole-terthiophene) (PDPP3T)/PC60BM solar cells. Moreover, 97% of the variation in the device performance was explained by the best model. Finally, the experimental results are consistent with the CCD prediction, which proves that this is a promising and appropriate model for optimum device performance and fabrication conditions.

Separation of polyethylene terephthalate from municipal waste plastics by froth flotation for recycling industry.

PubMed

Wang, Chong-Qing; Wang, Hui; Liu, You-Nian

2015-01-01

Recycling is an effective way to manage plastic wastes and receives considerable attention. Since plastic mixtures are difficult to recycle because of their intrinsic characteristics, separation of mixed plastics is the key problem for recycling. Separation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from municipal waste plastics (MWP) by froth flotation combined with alkaline pretreatment was investigated for recycling industry. The effect of process variables was estimated by L9 (3(4)) orthogonal array of experiments and single factor experiments. The optimum conditions of alkaline pretreatment are 10 wt% sodium hydroxide, 20 min and 70°C. After alkaline pretreatment under optimum conditions, flotation separation PET from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polystyrene, polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride was achieved with high purity and efficiency. The purity of PET is up to 98.46% and the recovery is above 92.47%. A flow sheet of separation PET from MWP by a combination of froth flotation and sink float separation was designed. This study facilitates industrial application of plastics flotation and provides technical insights into recycling of waste plastics. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimization of Bromelain-Aided Production of Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Hydrolysates from Stone Fish Using Response Surface Methodology.

PubMed

Muhammad Auwal, Shehu; Zarei, Mohammad; Abdul-Hamid, Azizah; Saari, Nazamid

2017-03-31

The stone fish is an under-utilized sea cucumber with many nutritional and ethno-medicinal values. This study aimed to establish the conditions for its optimum hydrolysis with bromelain to generate angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory hydrolysates. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design was used to model and optimize the degree of hydrolysis (DH) and ACE-inhibitory activity. Process conditions including pH (4-7), temperature (40-70 °C), enzyme/substrate (E/S) ratio (0.5%-2%) and time (30-360 min) were used. A pH of 7.0, temperature of 40 °C, E/S ratio of 2% and time of 240 min were determined using a response surface model as the optimum levels to obtain the maximum ACE-inhibitory activity of 84.26% at 44.59% degree of hydrolysis. Hence, RSM can serve as an effective approach in the design of experiments to improve the antihypertensive effect of stone fish hydrolysates, which can thus be used as a value-added ingredient for various applications in the functional foods industries.

Bacteria-assisted preparation of nano α-Fe2O3 red pigment powders from waste ferrous sulfate.

PubMed

Li, Xiang; Wang, Chuankai; Zeng, Yu; Li, Panyu; Xie, Tonghui; Zhang, Yongkui

2016-11-05

Massive ferrous sulfate with excess sulfuric acid is produced in titanium dioxide industry each year, ending up stockpiled or in landfills as solid waste, which is hazardous to environment and in urgent demand to be recycled. In this study, waste ferrous sulfate was used as a second raw material to synthesize nano α-Fe2O3 red pigment powders with a bacteria-assisted oxidation process by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. The synthesis route, mainly consisting of bio-oxidation, precipitation and calcination, was investigated by means of titration, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to obtain optimum conditions. Under the optimum conditions, nano α-Fe2O3 red pigment powders contained 98.24wt.% of Fe2O3 were successfully prepared, with a morphology of spheroidal and particle size ranged from 22nm to 86nm and averaged at 45nm. Moreover, the resulting product fulfilled ISO 1248-2006, the standards of iron oxide pigments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of injection molded sintered alpha SiC turbine components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Storm, R. S.; Ohnsorg, R. W.; Frechette, F. J.

1981-01-01

Fabrication of a sintered alpha silicon carbide turbine blade by injection molding is described. An extensive process variation matrix was carried out to define the optimum fabrication conditions. Variation of molding parameters had a significant impact on yield. Turbine blades were produced in a reasonable yield which met a rigid quality and dimensional specification. Application of injection molding technology to more complex components such as integral rotors is also described.

Optimum germination temperatures

Treesearch

Richard M. Godman; Gilbert A. Mattson

1992-01-01

Why is sugar maple abundant under nearly all stand conditions, and why do hemlock and yellow birch, although differing in tolerance, occur together as a type? At least part of the answer may have to do with the optimum germinating temperatures for their seeds.

Biotechnology Science Experiments on Mir

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kroes, Roger L.

1999-01-01

This paper describes the microgravity biotechnology experiments carried out on the Shuttle/Mir program. Four experiments investigated the growth of protein crystals, and three investigated cellular growth. Many hundreds of protein samples were processed using four different techniques. The objective of these experiments was to determine optimum conditions for the growth of very high quality single crystals to be used for structure determination. The Biotechnology System (BTS) was used to process the three cell growth investigations. The samples processed by these experiments were: bovine chondrocytes, human renal epithelial cells, and human breast cancer cells and endothelial cells. The objective was to determine the unique properties of cell aggregates produced in the microgravity environment.

Intelligent Processing Equipment Research Supported by the National Science Foundation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, Suren B.

1992-01-01

The research in progress on processes, workstations, and systems has the goal of developing a high level of understanding of the issues involved. This will enable the incorporation of a level of intelligence that will allow the creation of autonomous manufacturing systems that operate in an optimum manner, under a wide range of conditions. The emphasis of the research has been on the development of highly productive and flexible techniques to address current and future problems in manufacturing and processing. Several of these projects have resulted in well-defined and established models that can now be implemented in the application arena in the next few years.

[Thermodynamic analysis of water adsorption and desorption process of Chinese herbal decoction pieces].

PubMed

Cheng, Lin; Luo, Xiao-Jian; Han, Xiu-Lin; Wang, Wen-Kai; Rao, Xiao-Yong; Xu, Shao-Zhong; He, Yan

2016-09-01

Based on the basic theory of thermodynamics, the thermodynamic parameters and related equations in the process of water adsorption and desorption of Chinese herbal decoction pieces were established, and their water absorption and desorption characteristics were analyzed. The physical significance of the thermodynamic parameters, such as differential adsorption enthalpy, differential adsorption entropy, integral adsorption enthalpy, integral adsorption entropy and the free energy of adsorption, were discussed in this paper to provide theoretical basis for the research on the water adsorption and desorption mechanism, optimum drying process parameters, storage conditions and packaging methods of Chinese herbal decoction pieces. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Type-I frequency-doubling characteristics of high-power, ultrafast fiber laser in thick BIBO crystal.

PubMed

Chaitanya N, Apurv; Aadhi, A; Singh, R P; Samanta, G K

2014-09-15

We report on experimental realization of optimum focusing condition for type-I second-harmonic generation (SHG) of high-power, ultrafast laser in "thick" nonlinear crystal. Using single-pass, frequency doubling of a 5 W Yb-fiber laser of pulse width ~260 fs at repetition rate of 78 MHz in a 5-mm-long bismuth triborate (BIBO) crystal we observed that the optimum focusing condition is more dependent on the birefringence of the crystal than its group-velocity mismatch (GVM). A theoretical fit to our experimental results reveals that even in the presence of GVM, the optimum focusing condition matches the theoretical model of Boyd and Kleinman, predicted for continuous-wave and long-pulse SHG. Using a focusing factor of ξ=1.16 close to the estimated optimum value of ξ=1.72 for our experimental conditions, we generated 2.25 W of green radiation of pulse width 176 fs with single-pass conversion efficiency as high as 46.5%. Our study also verifies the effect of pulse narrowing and broadening of angular phase-matching bandwidth of SHG at tighter focusing. This study signifies the advantage of SHG in "thick" crystal in controlling SH-pulse width by changing the focusing lens while accessing high conversion efficiency and broad angular phase-matching bandwidth.

Modeling and investigation of submerged fermentation process to produce extracellular polysaccharide using Lactobacillus confusus.

PubMed

Thirugnanasambandham, K; Sivakumar, V; Prakash Maran, J

2014-12-19

The main objective of the present study is to investigate and optimize the Submerged fermentation (SMF) process parameters such as addition of coconut water, NaCl dose, incubation time and temperature on the production of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) and biomass production using Lactobacillus confuses. Response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with four factors three level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed to model the SMF process. RSM analysis indicated good correspondence between experimental and predicted values. Three dimentional (3D) response surface plots were used to study the interactive effects of process variables on SMF process. The optimum process conditions for the maximum production of EPS and biomass were found to be as follows; addition of coconut water of 40%, NaCl dose of 15%, incubation time of 24h and temperature of 35°C. Under these conditions, 10.57 g/L of EPS and 3.9 g/L of biomass were produced. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fuel alcohol biosynthesis by Zymomonas anaerobia: optimization studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kosaric, N.; Ong, S.L.; Davnjak, Z.

1982-03-01

The optimum operating conditions for growth and ethanol production of Zymomonas anaerobia ATCC 29501 were established. The optimum pH range and temperature were found to be 5.0-6.0 and 35/sup 0/C, respectively. Based on the results obtained from the temperature optimization study, an Arrhenius-type temperature relationship for the specific growth rate was developed. The growth and ethanol production of this microbe also have been optimized in terms of concentrations of glucose, essential nutrients, and minerals. With optimum medium and operating conditions, an ethanol concentration of 96 g/L was obtained in 23h. Both growth and ethanol yield coefficients in dependence on initialmore » glucose concentrations were determined.« less

Fuel alcohol biosynthesis by Zymomonas anaerobia: optimization studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kosaric, N.; Ong, S.L.; Duvnjak, Z.

1982-03-01

The optimum operating conditions for growth and ethanol production of Zymomonas anaerobia ATCC 29501 were established. The optimum pH range and temperature were found to be 5.0-6.0 and 35 degrees C, respectively. Based on the results obtained from the temperature optimization study, an Arrhenius-type temperature relationship for the specific growth rate was developed. The growth and ethanol production of this microbe also have been optimized in terms of concentrations of glucose, essential nutrients, and minerals. With optimum medium and operating conditions, an ethanol concentration of 96 g/L was obtained in 23 hours. Both growth and ethanol yield coefficients in dependencemore » on initial glucose concentrations were determined. (Refs. 16).« less

Treatment of combined acid mine drainage (AMD)--flotation circuit effluents from copper mine via Fenton's process.

PubMed

Mahiroglu, Ayse; Tarlan-Yel, Esra; Sevimli, Mehmet Faik

2009-07-30

The treatability of a copper mine wastewater, including heavy metals, AMD, as well as flotation chemicals, with Fenton process was investigated. Fenton process seems advantageous for this treatment, because of Fe(2+) content and low pH of AMD. First, optimum Fe(2+) condition under constant H(2)O(2) was determined, and initial Fe(2+) content of AMD was found sufficient (120 mg/L for removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 6125 mg/L). In the second step, without any additional Fe(2+), optimum H(2)O(2) dosage was determined as 40 mg/L. Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) molar ratio of 1.8 was enough to achieve the best treatment performance. In all trials, initial pH of AMD was 4.8 and pH adjustment was not performed. Utilization of existing pH and Fe(2+), low H(2)O(2) requirements, and up to 98% treatment performances in COD, turbidity, color, Cu(2+), Zn(2+) made the proposed treatment system promising. Since the reaction occurs stepwise, a two-step kinetic model was applied and calculated theoretical maximum removal rate was consistent to experimental one, which validates the applied model. For the optimum molar ratio (1.8), 140 mL/L sludge of high density (1.094 g/mL), high settling velocity (0.16 cm/s) with low specific resistance (3.15 x 10(8)m/kg) was obtained. High reaction rates and easily dewaterable sludge characteristics also made the proposed method advantageous.

Removal of fluoride by thermally activated carbon prepared from neem (Azadirachta indica) and kikar (Acacia arabica) leaves.

PubMed

Kumar, Sunil; Gupta, Asha; Yadav, J P

2008-03-01

The present investigation deals with fluoride removal from aqueous solution by thermally activated neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves carbon (ANC) and thermally activated kikar (Acacia arabica) leaves carbon (AKC) adsorbents. In this study neem leaves carbon and kikar leaves carbon prepared by heating the leaves at 400 degrees C in electric furnace was found to be useful for the removal of fluoride. The adsorbents of 0.3 mm and 1.0 mm sizes of neem and kikar leaves carbon was prepared by standard sieve. Batch experiments done to see the fluoride removal properties from synthetic solution of 5 ppm to study the influence of pH, adsorbent dose and contact time on adsorption efficiency The optimum pH was found to be 6 for both adsorbents. The optimum dose was found to be 0.5g/100 ml forANC (activated neem leaves carbon) and 0.7g/100 ml forAKC (activated kikar leaves carbon). The optimum time was found to be one hour for both the adsorbent. It was also found that adsorbent size of 0.3 mm was more efficient than the 1.0 mm size. The adsorption process obeyed Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The straight line of log (qe-q) vs time at ambient temperature indicated the validity of langergren equation consequently first order nature of the process involved in the present study. Results indicate that besides intraparticle diffusion there maybe other processes controlling the rate which may be operating simultaneously. All optimized conditions were applied for removal of fluoride from four natural water samples.

Valorization of GaN based metal-organic chemical vapor deposition dust a semiconductor power device industry waste through mechanochemical oxidation and leaching: A sustainable green process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Swain, Basudev, E-mail: Swain@iae.re.kr; Mishra, Chinmayee; Lee, Chan Gi

2015-07-15

Dust generated during metal organic vapor deposition (MOCVD) process of GaN based semiconductor power device industry contains significant amounts of gallium and indium. These semiconductor power device industry wastes contain gallium as GaN and Ga{sub 0.97}N{sub 0.9}O{sub 0.09} is a concern for the environment which can add value through recycling. In the present study, this waste is recycled through mechanochemical oxidation and leaching. For quantitative recovery of gallium, two different mechanochemical oxidation leaching process flow sheets are proposed. In one process, first the Ga{sub 0.97}N{sub 0.9}O{sub 0.09} of the MOCVD dust is leached at the optimum condition. Subsequently, the leachmore » residue is mechanochemically treated, followed by oxidative annealing and finally re-leached. In the second process, the MOCVD waste dust is mechanochemically treated, followed by oxidative annealing and finally leached. Both of these treatment processes are competitive with each other, appropriate for gallium leaching and treatment of the waste MOCVD dust. Without mechanochemical oxidation, 40.11 and 1.86 w/w% of gallium and Indium are leached using 4 M HCl, 100 °C and pulp density of 100 kg/m{sup 3,} respectively. After mechanochemical oxidation, both these processes achieved 90 w/w% of gallium and 1.86 w/w% of indium leaching at their optimum condition. - Highlights: • Waste MOCVD dust is treated through mechanochemical leaching. • GaN is hardly leached, and converted to NaGaO{sub 2} through ball milling and annealing. • Process for gallium recovery from waste MOCVD dust has been developed. • Thermal analysis and phase properties of GaN to Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3} and GaN to NaGaO{sub 2} is revealed. • Solid-state chemistry involved in this process is reported.« less

Study on Sumbawa gold recovery using centrifuge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferdana, A. D.; Petrus, H. T. B. M.; Bendiyasa, I. M.; Prijambada, I. D.; Hamada, F.; Sachiko, T.

2018-01-01

The Artisanal Small Gold Mining in Sumbawa has been processing gold with mercury (Hg), which poses a serious threat to the mining and global environment. One method of gold processing that does not use mercury is by gravity method. Before processing the ore first performed an analysis of Mineragraphy and analysis of compound with XRD. Mineragraphy results show that gold is associated with chalcopyrite and covelite and is a single particle (native) on size 58.8 μm, 117 μm up to 294 μm. characterization with XRD shows that the Sumbawa Gold Ore is composed of quartz, pyrite, pyroxene, and sericite compounds. Sentrifugation is one of separation equipment of gravity method to increase concentrate based on difference of specific gravity. The optimum concentration result is influenced by several variables, such as water flow rate and particle size. In this present research, the range of flow rate is 5 lpm and 10 lpm, the particle size - 100 + 200 mesh and -200 +300 mesh. Gold concentration in concentrate is measured by EDX. The result shows that the optimum condition is obtained at a separation with flow rate 5 lpm and a particle size of -100 + 200 mesh.

Effect of Processing Variables on Tensile Modulus and Morphology of Polyethylene/Clay Nanocomposites Prepared in an Internal Mixer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ujianto, O.; Jollands, M.; Kao, N.

2018-03-01

A comparative study on effect of internal mixer on high density Polyethylene (HDPE)/clay nanocomposites preparation was done. Effect of temperature, rotor rotation (rpm), and mixing time, as well as rotor type (Roller and Banbury) on mechanical properties and morphology of HDPE/clay nanocomposites were studied using Box-Behnken experimental design. The model was developed according to secant modulus and confirmed to morphology analysis using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The finding suggests that there is different mechanisms occurred in each rotor to improve the mechanical properties. The mechanism in Roller is medium shear and medium diffusion, while Banbury is high shear and low diffusion. The difference in mechanism to disperse the clay particles attribute to the different optimum processing conditions in each rotor. The settings for roller samples are predicted around mid temperature, mid speed, and mid mixing time. There is no optimum setting for Banbury within the processing boundaries. The best settings for Banbury are at low, high, low settings. The morphology results showed a hybrid composite structure, with some exfoliations and some intercalations. There was a correlation between better mechanical properties and morphology with more exfoliation and thinner intercalated particles.

Optimization of extraction of chitin from procambarus clarkia shell by Box-Behnken design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Fang; Qiu, Hailong; Jia, Shaoqian; Dai, Cuiping; Kong, Qingxin; Xu, Changliang

2018-06-01

This paper investigated the optimizing extraction processing of chitin from procambarus clarkia shell by Box-Behnken design. Firstly, four independent variables were explored in single factor experiments, namely, concentration of hydrochloric acid, soaking time, concentration of sodium hydroxide and reaction time. Then, based on the results of the above experiments, four factors and three levels experiments were planned by Box-Behnken design. According to the experimental results, we harvested a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis. In addition, the optimum extraction process of chitin of the model was obtained: concentration of HCl solution 1.54mol/L, soaking time 19.87h, concentration of NaOH solution 2.9mol/L and reaction time 3.54h. For proving the accuracy of the model, we finished the verification experiment under the following conditions: concentration of hydrochloric acid 1.5mol/L, soaking time 20h, concentration of sodium hydroxide 3mol/L and reaction time 3.5h. The actual yield of chitin reached 18.76%, which was very close to the predicted yield (18.66%) of the model. The result indicated that the optimum extraction processing of chitin was feasible and practical.

Effect of ultrasound on the dissolution of copper from copper converter slag by acid leaching.

PubMed

Beşe, Ayşe Vildan

2007-09-01

This work presents the optimum conditions of dissolution of copper in copper converter slag in sulphuric acid ferric sulphate mixtures in the presence and absence of ultrasound. The Taguchi method was used to determine the optimum conditions. The parameters investigated were the reaction temperature, acid concentration, ferric sulphate concentration and reaction time. The optimum conditions for the maximum dissolution of copper were determined as follows: reaction temperature, 65 degrees C; acid concentration, 0.2M; ferric sulphate concentration, 0.15M; reaction time 180 min. Under these conditions, extraction efficiency of copper, zinc, cobalt, and iron from slag were 89.28%, 51.32%, 69.87%, and 13.73%, respectively, in the presence of ultrasound, while they are 80.41%, 48.28%, 64.52%, and 12.16%, respectively, in the absence of ultrasound. As seen from the above results, it is clear that ultrasound enhances on the dissolution of Cu, Zn, Co and Fe in the slag.

Treatment of hazardous waste landfill leachate using Fenton oxidation process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singa, Pradeep Kumar; Hasnain Isa, Mohamed; Ho, Yeek-Chia; Lim, Jun-Wei

2018-03-01

The efficiency of Fenton's oxidation was assessed in this study for hazardous waste landfill leachate treatment. The two major reagents, which are generally employed in Fenton's process are H2O2 as oxidizing agent and Fe2+ as catalyst. Batch experiments were conducted to determine the effect of experimental conditions viz., reaction time, molar ratio, and Fenton reagent dosages, which are significant parameters that influence the degradation efficiencies of Fenton process were examined. It was found that under the favorable experimental conditions, maximum COD removal was 56.49%. The optimum experimental conditions were pH=3, H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio = 3 and reaction time = 150 minutes. The optimal amount of hydrogen peroxide and iron were 0.12 mol/L and 0.04 mol/L respectively. High dosages of H2O2 and iron resulted in scavenging effects on OH• radicals and lowered degradation efficiency of organic compounds in the hazardous waste landfill leachate.

Biodiesel production using waste frying oil

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Charpe, Trupti W.; Rathod, Virendra K., E-mail: vk.rathod@ictmumbai.edu.in

2011-01-15

Research highlights: {yields} Waste sunflower frying oil is successfully converted to biodiesel using lipase as catalyst. {yields} Various process parameters that affects the conversion of transesterification reaction such as temperature, enzyme concentration, methanol: oil ratio and solvent are optimized. {yields} Inhibitory effect of methanol on lipase is reduced by adding methanol in three stages. {yields} Polar solvents like n-hexane and n-heptane increases the conversion of tranesterification reaction. - Abstract: Waste sunflower frying oil is used in biodiesel production by transesterification using an enzyme as a catalyst in a batch reactor. Various microbial lipases have been used in transesterification reaction tomore » select an optimum lipase. The effects of various parameters such as temperature, methanol:oil ratio, enzyme concentration and solvent on the conversion of methyl ester have been studied. The Pseudomonas fluorescens enzyme yielded the highest conversion. Using the P. fluorescens enzyme, the optimum conditions included a temperature of 45 deg. C, an enzyme concentration of 5% and a methanol:oil molar ratio 3:1. To avoid an inhibitory effect, the addition of methanol was performed in three stages. The conversion obtained after 24 h of reaction increased from 55.8% to 63.84% because of the stage-wise addition of methanol. The addition of a non-polar solvent result in a higher conversion compared to polar solvents. Transesterification of waste sunflower frying oil under the optimum conditions and single-stage methanol addition was compared to the refined sunflower oil.« less

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Spot Welded Aluminum Alloy AA2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babu, S.; Sankar, V. S.; Janaki Ram, G. D.; Venkitakrishnan, P. V.; Madhusudhan Reddy, G.; Prasad Rao, K.

2013-01-01

Friction stir spot welding (FSSW) is a relatively recent development, which can provide a superior alternative to resistance spot welding and riveting for fabrication of aluminum sheet metal structures. In the current work, FSSW experiments were conducted in 3-mm thick sheets of aluminum alloy 2014 in T4 and T6 conditions, with and without Alclad layers. The effects of tool geometry and welding process parameters on joint formation were investigated. A good correlation between process parameters, bond width, hook height, joint strength, and fracture mode was observed. The presence of Alclad layers and the base metal temper condition were found to have no major effect on joint formation and joint strength. Friction stir spot welds produced under optimum conditions were found to be superior to riveted joints in lap-shear and cross-tension tests. The prospects of FSSW in aluminum sheet metal fabrication are discussed.

Composting of empty fruit bunches in the tower composter - effect of air intake holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irvan; Husaini, T.; Trisakti, B.; Batubara, F.; Daimon, H.

2018-02-01

The process of composting empty fruit bunches (EFB) by mixing with activated liquid organic fertilizer (ALOF) is an alternative utilization of solid waste generated from palm oil mill. This study aims to find composting techniques of EFB and to obtain degradation data of composting EFB by varying the air intake holes to produce good quality compost. Composting process was carried out by tearing the EFB into four shreds, then put into the tower composter while adding ALOF until it reached the optimum moisture content of 55 -65%. During the composting process, we maintained moisture content at optimum conditions by adding ALOF. Variations of air intake holes area to the outer surface area of the composter are 0/44.314; 72.39/44.314 and 144.78/44.314 (cm2/cm2). Composting is carried out for forty days, however, based on the result, compost began to mature on the 10th day. The results revealed that there was an influence of air intake holes to the composting process. The best degradation of EFB was obtained on the variation of air intake holes 72.39/44.314 (cm2/cm2), pH 8.1, moisture content 79.14%, water holding capacity 60%, electrical conductivity 4.725 dS/m and C/N ratio 20.97.

Effect of fermentation parameters on bio-alcohols production from glycerol using immobilized Clostridium pasteurianum: an optimization study.

PubMed

Khanna, Swati; Goyal, Arun; Moholkar, Vijayanand S

2013-01-01

This article addresses the issue of effect of fermentation parameters for conversion of glycerol (in both pure and crude form) into three value-added products, namely, ethanol, butanol, and 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO), by immobilized Clostridium pasteurianum and thereby addresses the statistical optimization of this process. The analysis of effect of different process parameters such as agitation rate, fermentation temperature, medium pH, and initial glycerol concentration indicated that medium pH was the most critical factor for total alcohols production in case of pure glycerol as fermentation substrate. On the other hand, initial glycerol concentration was the most significant factor for fermentation with crude glycerol. An interesting observation was that the optimized set of fermentation parameters was found to be independent of the type of glycerol (either pure or crude) used. At optimum conditions of agitation rate (200 rpm), initial glycerol concentration (25 g/L), fermentation temperature (30°C), and medium pH (7.0), the total alcohols production was almost equal in anaerobic shake flasks and 2-L bioreactor. This essentially means that at optimum process parameters, the scale of operation does not affect the output of the process. The immobilized cells could be reused for multiple cycles for both pure and crude glycerol fermentation.

Chapter B: Regional Geologic Setting of Late Cenozoic Lacustrine Diatomite Deposits, Great Basin and Surrounding Region: Overview and Plans for Investigation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wallace, Alan R.

2003-01-01

Freshwater diatomite deposits are present in all of the Western United States, including the Great Basin and surrounding regions. These deposits are important domestic sources of diatomite, and a better understanding of their formation and geologic settings may aid diatomite exploration and land-use management. Diatomite deposits in the Great Basin are the products of two stages: (1) formation in Late Cenozoic lacustrine basins and (2) preservation after formation. Processes that favored long-lived diatom activity and diatomite formation range in decreasing scale from global to local. The most important global process was climate, which became increasingly cool and dry from 15 Ma to the present. Regional processes included tectonic setting and volcanism, which varied considerably both spatially and temporally in the Great Basin region. Local processes included basin formation, sedimentation, hydrology, and rates of processes, including diatom growth and accumulation; basin morphology and nutrient and silica sources were important for robust activity of different diatom genera. Only optimum combinations of these processes led to the formation of large diatomite deposits, and less than optimum combinations resulted in lakebeds that contained little to no diatomite. Postdepositional processes can destroy, conceal, or preserve a diatomite deposit. These processes, which most commonly are local in scale, include uplift, with related erosion and changes in hydrology; burial beneath sedimentary deposits or volcanic flows and tuffs; and alteration during diagenesis and hydrothermal activity. Some sedimentary basins that may have contained diatomite deposits have largely been destroyed or significantly modified, whereas others, such as those in western Nevada, have been sufficiently preserved along with their contained diatomite deposits. Future research on freshwater diatomite deposits in the Western United States and Great Basin region should concentrate on the regional and local processes that led to the formation and preservation of the deposits. Major questions that need to be answered include (1) why were some basins favorable for diatomite formation, whereas others were not; (2) what post-depositional conditions are needed for diatomite preservation; and (3) what were the optimum process combinations that led to the formation and preservation of economic diatomite deposits?

Use of a skin adhesive (octyl-2-cyanoacrylate) and the optimum reinforcing combination for suturing wounds.

PubMed

Chigira, Miho; Akimoto, Masataka

2005-01-01

The adhesion strength of a skin adhesive, octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond), was measured under various conditions using porcine skin. The combined use of a skin adhesive and a skin closure tape (n = 5) was significantly stronger than a single application of skin adhesive (n = 5) (p < 0.01). We have tentatively named the wound closure in which a skin adhesive and reinforcement material were combined the Reinforcing Combination Method. To obtain optimum conditions, further studies were done for sequence of application, type of reinforcement material, a number of layers, and width of the suture. The optimum condition for the reinforcement combination was established by applying one layer of skin adhesive over a skin closure tape, over one layer of skin adhesive, with a suture width of 4 cm. This reinforcement combination might be useful in clinical practice.

A process for providing positive primary control power by wind turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marschner, V.; Michael, J.; Liersch, J.

2014-12-01

Due to the increasing share of wind energy in electricity generation, wind turbines have to fulfil additional requirements in the context of grid integration. The paper examines to which extent wind turbines can provide positive control power following the related grid code. The additional power has to be obtained from the rotating flywheel mass of the wind turbine's rotor. A simple physical model is developed that allows to draw conclusions about appropriate concepts by means of a dynamic simulation of the variables rotational speed, torque, power output and rotor power. The paper discusses scenarios to provide control power. The supply of control power at partial load is examined in detail using simulations. Under partial load conditions control power can be fed into the grid for a short time. Thereby the rotational speed drops so that aerodynamic efficiency decreases and feed-in power is below the initial value after the control process. In this way an unfavourable situation for the grid control is produced, therefore the paper proposes a modified partial load condition with a higher rotational speed. By providing primary control power the rotor is delayed to the optimum rotational speed so that more rotational energy can be fed in and fed-in power can be increased persistently. However, as the rotor does not operate at optimum speed, a small amount of the energy yield is lost. Finally, the paper shows that a wind farm can combine these two concepts: A part of the wind turbines work under modified partial load conditions can compensate the decrease of power of the wind turbines working under partial load conditions. Therefore the requested control power is provided and afterwards the original value of power is maintained.

Study on Sumbawa gold ore liberation using rod mill: effect of rod-number and rotational speed on particle size distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasetya, A.; Mawadati, A.; Putri, A. M. R.; Petrus, H. T. B. M.

2018-01-01

Comminution is one of crucial steps in gold ore processing used to liberate the valuable minerals from gaunge mineral. This research is done to find the particle size distribution of gold ore after it has been treated through the comminution process in a rod mill with various number of rod and rotational speed that will results in one optimum milling condition. For the initial step, Sumbawa gold ore was crushed and then sieved to pass the 2.5 mesh and retained on the 5 mesh (this condition was taken to mimic real application in artisanal gold mining). Inserting the prepared sample into the rod mill, the observation on effect of rod-number and rotational speed was then conducted by variating the rod number of 7 and 10 while the rotational speed was varied from 60, 85, and 110 rpm. In order to be able to provide estimation on particle distribution of every condition, the comminution kinetic was applied by taking sample at 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes for size distribution analysis. The change of particle distribution of top and bottom product as time series was then treated using Rosin-Rammler distribution equation. The result shows that the homogenity of particle size and particle size distribution is affected by rod-number and rotational speed. The particle size distribution is more homogeneous by increasing of milling time, regardless of rod-number and rotational speed. Mean size of particles do not change significantly after 60 minutes milling time. Experimental results showed that the optimum condition was achieved at rotational speed of 85 rpm, using rod-number of 7.

Dynamics of microbial growth and metabolic activity and their control by aeration.

PubMed

Kalina, V

1993-01-01

The optimization of fermentation processes depends to a large extent on the modelling of microbial activity under complex environmental conditions where aeration is an important limiting and control factor. Simple relationships are used to establish the sensitivity of cultures to oxygen stress. Specific limitation coefficients which can be determined in laboratory reactors allow a projection to industrial operation and the definition of appropriate aeration and agitation profiles. Optimum control can be assured on the basis of directly measurable process parameters. This is shown for the case of ethanol production using S. cerevisiae at high cell dry weight concentrations.

Optimization of combined microwave-hot air roasting of malt based on energy consumption and neo-formed contaminants content.

PubMed

Akkarachaneeyakorn, S; Laguerre, J C; Tattiyakul, J; Neugnot, B; Boivin, P; Morales, F J; Birlouez-Aragon, I

2010-05-01

To produce specialty malt, malts were roasted by combined microwave-hot air at various specific microwave powers (SP = 2.5 to 3 W/g), microwave heating times (t(mw) = 3.3 to 3.5 min), oven temperatures (T(oven) = 180 to 220 degrees C), and oven heating times (t(oven) = 60 to 150 min). The response variables, color, energy consumption by microwave (E(mw)) and oven (E(oven)), total energy consumption (E(tot)), quantity of neo-formed contaminants (NFCs), which include hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, furan, and acrylamide were determined. Response surface methodology (RSM) was performed to analyze and predict the optimum conditions for the specialty malt. Production using combined microwave-hot air roasting process based on minimum energy consumption and level of NFCs. At 95% confident level, SP, T(oven), and t(oven) were the most influencing effects with regard to E(tot), whereas t(mw) did not affect E(tot). T(oven) and t(oven) significantly affected malt color. Only T(oven) significantly influenced the NFCs content. The optimum parameters were: SP = 2.68 W/g for 3.44 min, T(oven) = 206 degrees C for 136 min for coffee malt, SP = 2.5 W/g for 3.48 min, T(oven) = 214 degrees C for 136 min for chocolate malt, and SP = 2.5 W/g for 3.48 min, T(oven) = 211 degrees C for 150 min for black malt. Comparing with conventional process, combined microwave-hot air reduced E(tot) by approximately 40%, 26%, and 26% for coffee, chocolate, and black malts, respectively, and reduced HMF, furfural, furan, and acrylamide contents by 40%, 18%, 23%, and 95%, respectively, for black malt. An important goal for research institutions and the brewery industry is to produce colored malt by combining microwave and hot air roasting, while saving energy, getting desirable color, and avoiding the formation of carcinogenic and toxic neo-formed contaminants (NFCs). Therefore, one objective of this study was to compare energy consumption and content of NFCs during roasting of malt by hot air-only and combined microwave-hot air processes as well as to determine the effect of specific power, microwave processing time, oven temperature, and oven processing time during combined microwave-hot air roasting. Another objective was to predict the optimum conditions for the production of coffee, chocolate, and black malts.

Enhancing Degradation of Low Density Polyethylene Films by Curvularia lunata SG1 Using Particle Swarm Optimization Strategy.

PubMed

Raut, Sangeeta; Raut, Smita; Sharma, Manisha; Srivastav, Chaitanya; Adhikari, Basudam; Sen, Sudip Kumar

2015-09-01

In the present study, artificial neural network (ANN) modelling coupled with particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was used to optimize the process variables for enhanced low density polyethylene (LDPE) degradation by Curvularia lunata SG1. In the non-linear ANN model, temperature, pH, contact time and agitation were used as input variables and polyethylene bio-degradation as the output variable. Further, on application of PSO to the ANN model, the optimum values of the process parameters were as follows: pH = 7.6, temperature = 37.97 °C, agitation rate = 190.48 rpm and incubation time = 261.95 days. A comparison between the model results and experimental data gave a high correlation coefficient ([Formula: see text]). Significant enhancement of LDPE bio-degradation using C. lunata SG1by about 48 % was achieved under optimum conditions. Thus, the novelty of the work lies in the application of combination of ANN-PSO as optimization strategy to enhance the bio-degradation of LDPE.

Cloning of a phenol oxidase gene from Acremonium murorum and its expression in Aspergillus awamori.

PubMed

Gouka, R J; van der Heiden, M; Swarthoff, T; Verrips, C T

2001-06-01

Fungal multicopper oxidases have many potential industrial applications, since they perform reactions under mild conditions. We isolated a phenol oxidase from the fungus Acremonium murorum var. murorum that was capable of decolorizing plant chromophores (such as anthocyanins). This enzyme is of interest in laundry-cleaning products because of its broad specificity for chromophores. We expressed an A. murorum cDNA library in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and subsequently identified enzyme-producing yeast colonies based on their ability to decolor a plant chromophore. The cDNA sequence contained an open reading frame of 1,806 bp encoding an enzyme of 602 amino acids. The phenol oxidase was overproduced by Aspergillus awamori as a fusion protein with glucoamylase, cleaved in vivo, and purified from the culture broth by hydrophobic-interaction chromatography. The phenol oxidase is active at alkaline pH (the optimum for syringaldazine is pH 9) and high temperature (optimum, 60 degrees C) and is fully stable for at least 1 h at 60 degrees C under alkaline conditions. These characteristics and the high production level of 0.6 g of phenol oxidase per liter in shake flasks, which is equimolar with the glucoamylase protein levels, make this enzyme suitable for use in processes that occur under alkaline conditions, such as laundry cleaning.

Cloning of a Phenol Oxidase Gene from Acremonium murorum and Its Expression in Aspergillus awamori

PubMed Central

Gouka, Robin J.; van der Heiden, Monique; Swarthoff, Ton; Verrips, C. Theo

2001-01-01

Fungal multicopper oxidases have many potential industrial applications, since they perform reactions under mild conditions. We isolated a phenol oxidase from the fungus Acremonium murorum var. murorum that was capable of decolorizing plant chromophores (such as anthocyanins). This enzyme is of interest in laundry-cleaning products because of its broad specificity for chromophores. We expressed an A. murorum cDNA library in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and subsequently identified enzyme-producing yeast colonies based on their ability to decolor a plant chromophore. The cDNA sequence contained an open reading frame of 1,806 bp encoding an enzyme of 602 amino acids. The phenol oxidase was overproduced by Aspergillus awamori as a fusion protein with glucoamylase, cleaved in vivo, and purified from the culture broth by hydrophobic-interaction chromatography. The phenol oxidase is active at alkaline pH (the optimum for syringaldazine is pH 9) and high temperature (optimum, 60°C) and is fully stable for at least 1 h at 60°C under alkaline conditions. These characteristics and the high production level of 0.6 g of phenol oxidase per liter in shake flasks, which is equimolar with the glucoamylase protein levels, make this enzyme suitable for use in processes that occur under alkaline conditions, such as laundry cleaning. PMID:11375170

Treatment of pulp and paper industry bleaching effluent by electrocoagulant process.

PubMed

Sridhar, R; Sivakumar, V; Prince Immanuel, V; Prakash Maran, J

2011-02-28

The experiments were carried out in an electrocoagulation reactor with aluminum as sacrificial electrodes. The influence of electrolysis time, current density, pH, NaCl concentration, rotational speed of the stirrer and electrode distance on reduction of color, COD and BOD were studied in detail. From the experimental results, 15 mA/cm(2) current density, pH of 7, 1 g/l NaCl, 100 rpm, 28°C temperature and 3 cm electrode distance were found to be optimum for maximum reduction of color, COD and BOD. The reduction of color, COD and BOD under the optimum condition were found to be 94%, 90% and 87% respectively. The electrode energy consumption was calculated and found to be varied from 10.1 to 12.9 kWh/m(3) depending on the operating conditions. Under optimal operating condition such as 15 mA/cm(2) current density, pH of 7, 1 g/l NaCl, 100 rpm, 28°C temperature and 3 cm electrode distance, the operating cost was found to be 1.56 US $/m(3). The experimental results proved that the electrocoagulation is a suitable method for treating bleaching plant effluents for reuse. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Method of thermally processing superplastically formed aluminum-lithium alloys to obtain optimum strengthening

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anton, Claire E. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

Optimum strengthening of a superplastically formed aluminum-lithium alloy structure is achieved via a thermal processing technique which eliminates the conventional step of solution heat-treating immediately following the step of superplastic forming of the structure. The thermal processing technique involves quenching of the superplastically formed structure using static air, forced air or water quenching.

A Study on the Preparation of Regular Multiple Micro-Electrolysis Filler and the Application in Pretreatment of Oil Refinery Wastewater

PubMed Central

Yang, Ruihong; ZHU, Jianzhong; Li, Yingliu; Zhang, Hui

2016-01-01

Through a variety of material screening experiments, Al was selected as the added metal and constituted a multiple micro-electrolysis system of Fe/C/Al. The metal proportion of alloy-structured filler was also analyzed with the best Fe/C/Al ratio of 3:1:1. The regular Fe/C/Al multiple micro-electrolysis fillers were prepared using a high-temperature anaerobic roasting method. The optimum conditions for oil refinery wastewater treated by Fe/C/Al multiple micro-electrolysis were determined to be an initial pH value of 3, reaction time of 80 min, and 0.05 mol/L Na2SO4 additive concentration. The reaction mechanism of the treatment of oil refinery wastewater by Fe/C/Al micro-electrolysis was investigated. The process of the treatment of oil refinery wastewater with multiple micro-electrolysis conforms to the third-order reaction kinetics. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) used to analyze the organic compounds of the oil refinery wastewater before and after treatment and the Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–VIS) absorption spectrum analyzed the degradation process of organic compounds in oil refinery wastewater. The treatment effect of Fe/C/Al multiple micro-electrolysis was examined in the continuous experiment under the optimum conditions, which showed high organic compound removal and stable treatment efficiency. PMID:27136574

A Study on the Preparation of Regular Multiple Micro-Electrolysis Filler and the Application in Pretreatment of Oil Refinery Wastewater.

PubMed

Yang, Ruihong; Zhu, Jianzhong; Li, Yingliu; Zhang, Hui

2016-04-29

Through a variety of material screening experiments, Al was selected as the added metal and constituted a multiple micro-electrolysis system of Fe/C/Al. The metal proportion of alloy-structured filler was also analyzed with the best Fe/C/Al ratio of 3:1:1. The regular Fe/C/Al multiple micro-electrolysis fillers were prepared using a high-temperature anaerobic roasting method. The optimum conditions for oil refinery wastewater treated by Fe/C/Al multiple micro-electrolysis were determined to be an initial pH value of 3, reaction time of 80 min, and 0.05 mol/L Na₂SO₄ additive concentration. The reaction mechanism of the treatment of oil refinery wastewater by Fe/C/Al micro-electrolysis was investigated. The process of the treatment of oil refinery wastewater with multiple micro-electrolysis conforms to the third-order reaction kinetics. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) used to analyze the organic compounds of the oil refinery wastewater before and after treatment and the Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) absorption spectrum analyzed the degradation process of organic compounds in oil refinery wastewater. The treatment effect of Fe/C/Al multiple micro-electrolysis was examined in the continuous experiment under the optimum conditions, which showed high organic compound removal and stable treatment efficiency.

Deep cleaning of a metallurgical zinc leaching residue and recovery of valuable metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Peng; Ma, Bao-zhong; Zeng, Peng; Wang, Cheng-yan; Wang, Ling; Zhang, Yong-lu; Chen, Yong-qiang; Wang, Shuo; Wang, Qiu-yin

2017-11-01

Huge quantities of zinc leaching residues (ZLRs) generated from zinc production are dumped continuously around the world and pose a potential environmental threat because of their considerable amounts of entrained heavy metals (mainly lead). Most ZLRs have not been properly treated and the valuable metals in them have not yet been effectively recovered. Herein, the deep cleaning of a ZLR and recovery of valuable metals via a hydrometallurgical route were investigated. The cleaning process consists of two essential stages: acid leaching followed by calcium chloride leaching. The optimum conditions for extracting zinc, copper, and indium by acid leaching were a sulfuric acid concentration of 200 g·L-1, a liquid/solid ratio of 4:1 (mL/g), a leaching time of 2 h, and a temperature of 90°C. For lead and silver extractions, the optimum conditions were a calcium chloride concentration of 400 g·L-1, a pH value of 1.0, a leaching time of 1 h, and a temperature of 30°C. After calcium chloride leaching, silver and lead were extracted out and the lead was finally recovered as electrolytic lead by electrowinning. The anglesite phase, which poses the greatest potential environmental hazard, was removed from the ZLR after deep cleaning, thus reducing the cost of environmental management of ZLRs. The treatment of chlorine and spent electrolyte generated in the process was discussed.

Fermentation optimization of goat milk with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum by Box-Behnken design.

PubMed

Shu, Guowei; Bao, Chunju; Chen, He; Wang, Changfeng; Yang, Hui

2016-01-01

Goat milk is only limited to the processing of goat milk powder and liquid milk, the products are mainly about milk powder and a few of them are made as milk tablet. Therefore, the study of probiotic goat milk will have great significance in the full use of goats and the development of the goat milk industry in China. The effect of fermentation temperature (35°C, 37°C, 39°C), strain ratio (1:1:1, 2:1:1, 3:1:1) and inoculum size (4%, 5%, 6%) on viable counts of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum, total bacteria and sensory value during fermentation process of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum goat yogurt (AB-goat yogurt) was investigated. The optimum fermentation conditions for AB-goat yogurt were: fermentation temperature 38°C, the strain ratio 2:1:1, inoculum size 6%. Under the optimum conditions, the viable counts of B. bifidum, L. acidophilus, total bacteria and sensory value reached (4.30 ±0.11)×107  cfu/mL, (1.39 ±0.09)×108  cfu/mL, (1.82±0.06)×109  cfu/mL and 7.90 ±0.14, respectively. The fermentation temperature, the strain ratio and inoculum size had a significant effect on the fermentation of AB-goat yogurt and these results are beneficial for developing AB-goat yogurt.

Two-step rapid sulfur capture. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1994-04-01

The primary goal of this program was to test the technical and economic feasibility of a novel dry sorbent injection process called the Two-Step Rapid Sulfur Capture process for several advanced coal utilization systems. The Two-Step Rapid Sulfur Capture process consists of limestone activation in a high temperature auxiliary burner for short times followed by sorbent quenching in a lower temperature sulfur containing coal combustion gas. The Two-Step Rapid Sulfur Capture process is based on the Non-Equilibrium Sulfur Capture process developed by the Energy Technology Office of Textron Defense Systems (ETO/TDS). Based on the Non-Equilibrium Sulfur Capture studies the rangemore » of conditions for optimum sorbent activation were thought to be: activation temperature > 2,200 K for activation times in the range of 10--30 ms. Therefore, the aim of the Two-Step process is to create a very active sorbent (under conditions similar to the bomb reactor) and complete the sulfur reaction under thermodynamically favorable conditions. A flow facility was designed and assembled to simulate the temperature, time, stoichiometry, and sulfur gas concentration prevalent in the advanced coal utilization systems such as gasifiers, fluidized bed combustors, mixed-metal oxide desulfurization systems, diesel engines, and gas turbines.« less

Evaluation of the treatment of both sides of raw chicken breasts with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet for the inactivation of Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Yong, Hae In; Kim, Hyun-Joo; Park, Sanghoo; Choe, Wonho; Oh, Mi Wha; Jo, Cheorun

2014-08-01

Atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) is an emerging nonthermal microbial inactivation technique. In this study, agar and raw chicken breast were inoculated with Escherichia coli and treated with an APP jet based on cold arc plasma. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimum conditions for the plasma treatment of an APP jet in order to maximize the efficiency of E. coli inactivation. The combination of N2+O2 (10 standard cubic centimeters per minute) and a longer treatment time (10 min) resulted in the highest inactivation of E. coli on agar plates with an optimum treatment distance of 20 mm. The samples in dry and wet conditions showed similar reductions in E. coli count when one side of the samples was treated at a given treatment time. Treating both sides-2.5 min on each side-resulted in a higher growth inhibition of E. coli than treatment of a single side only for 5 min. However, there was no significant difference between one-side treated samples (10 min) and both-sides treated samples (5+5 min). When the concentration of E. coli in the chicken breast sample was 10(4) colony-forming units (CFU)/g, the reduction rate of the E. coli was the highest, followed by 10(5), 10(6), and 10(7) CFU/g; however, no difference was found between 10(3) and 10(4) CFU/g. In conclusion, various treatment conditions may affect the inactivation efficiency of E. coli. In the present study, the optimum condition was determined as the treatment distance of 20 mm and longer treatment time (10 min) with the addition of oxygen to the nitrogen gas flow. Furthermore, the cell concentration of sample was an important parameter for the efficacy of the inactivation process.

Altering the cooling rate dependence of phase formation during rapid solidification in the Nd 2Fe 14B system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Branagan, D. J.; McCallum, R. W.

In order to evaluate the effects of additions on the solidification behavior of Nd 2Fe 14B, a stoichiometric alloy was modified with elemental additions of Ti or C and a compound addition of Ti with C. For each alloy, a series of wheel speed runs was undertaken, from which the optimum wheel speeds and optimum energy products were determined. On the BHmax versus wheel speed plots, regions were identified in order to analyze the changes with cooling rates leading to phase formation brought about by the alloy modifications. The compilation of the regional data of the modified alloys showed their effects on altering the cooling rate dependence of phase formation. It was found that the regions of properitectic iron formation, glass formation, and the optimum cooling rate can be changed by more than a factor of two through appropriate alloying additions. The effects of the alloy modifications can be visualized in a convenient fashion through the use of a model continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram which represents phase formation during the solidification process under continuous cooling conditions for a wide range of cooling rates from rapid solidification to equilibrium cooling.

pH controls over methanogenesis and iron reduction along soil depth profile in Arctic tundra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, J.; Gu, B.; Wullschleger, S. D.; Graham, D. E.

2017-12-01

Increasing soil temperature in the Arctic is expected to accelerate rates of soil organic matter decomposition. However, the magnitude of this impact is uncertain due to the many physical, chemical, and biological processes that control the decomposition pathways. Varying soil redox conditions present a key control over pathways of organic matter decomposition by diverting the flow of reductants among different electron accepting processes and further driving acid-base reactions that alter soil pH. In this study we investigated the pH controls over anaerobic carbon mineralization, methanogenesis, Fe(III) reduction and the interplay between these processes across a range of pH and redox conditions. pH manipulation experiments were conducted by incubating soils representing organic, mineral, cryoturbated transitional layers and permafrost. In the experiments we sought to understand (1) if methanogenesis or Fe(III) reduction had similar pH optima; (2) if this pH response also occurs at `upstream' fermentation process; and (3) if pH alters organo-mineral association or organic matter sorption and desorption and its availability for microbial degradation. Our preliminary results suggest that the common bell-shaped pH response curve provides a good fit for both Fe(III) reduction and methanogenesis, with optimum pH at 6.0-7.0. Exceptions to this were found in transitional layer where methanogenesis rates positively correlated with increasing pH, with maximum rates measured at pH 8.5. It is likely that the transitional layer harbors distinct groups of methanogens that prefer a high pH. Variations in the optimum pH of Fe(III) reduction and methanogenesis may play a significant role in regulating organic matter decomposition pathways and thus greenhouse gas production in thawing soils. These results support biogeochemical modeling efforts to accurately simulate organic matter decomposition under changing redox and pH conditions.

Design of experiments for zeroth and first-order reaction rates.

PubMed

Amo-Salas, Mariano; Martín-Martín, Raúl; Rodríguez-Aragón, Licesio J

2014-09-01

This work presents optimum designs for reaction rates experiments. In these experiments, time at which observations are to be made and temperatures at which reactions are to be run need to be designed. Observations are performed along time under isothermal conditions. Each experiment needs a fixed temperature and so the reaction can be measured at the designed times. For these observations under isothermal conditions over the same reaction a correlation structure has been considered. D-optimum designs are the aim of our work for zeroth and first-order reaction rates. Temperatures for the isothermal experiments and observation times, to obtain the most accurate estimates of the unknown parameters, are provided in these designs. D-optimum designs for a single observation in each isothermal experiment or for several correlated observations have been obtained. Robustness of the optimum designs for ranges of the correlation parameter and comparisons of the information gathered by different designs are also shown. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effect of laser beam conditioning on fabrication of clean micro-channel on stainless steel 316L using second harmonic of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Sanasam Sunderlal; Baruah, Prahlad Kr; Khare, Alika; Joshi, Shrikrishna N.

2018-02-01

Laser micromachining of metals for fabrication of micro-channels generate ridge formation along the edges accompanied by ripples along the channel bed. The ridge formation is due to the formation of interference pattern formed by back reflections from the beam splitter and other optical components involved before focusing on the work piece. This problem can be curtailed by using a suitable aperture or Iris diaphragm so as to cut the unwanted portion of the laser beam before illuminating the sample. This paper reports an experimental investigation on minimizing this problem by conditioning the laser beam using an Iris diaphragm and using optimum process parameters. In this work, systematic experiments have been carried out using the second harmonic of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser to fabricate micro-channels. Initial experiments revealed that formation of ridges along the sides of micro-channel can easily be minimized with the help of Iris diaphragm. Further it is noted that a clean micro-channel of depth 43.39 μm, width up to 64.49 μm and of good surface quality with average surface roughness (Ra) value of 370 nm can be machined on stainless steel (SS) 316L by employing optimum process condition: laser beam energy of 30 mJ/pulse, 11 number of laser scans and scan speed of 169.54 μm/s with an opening of 4 mm diameter of Iris diaphragm in the path of the laser beam.

Membrane processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staszak, Katarzyna

2017-11-01

The membrane processes have played important role in the industrial separation process. These technologies can be found in all industrial areas such as food, beverages, metallurgy, pulp and paper, textile, pharmaceutical, automotive, biotechnology and chemical industry, as well as in water treatment for domestic and industrial application. Although these processes are known since twentieth century, there are still many studies that focus on the testing of new membranes' materials and determining of conditions for optimal selectivity, i. e. the optimum transmembrane pressure (TMP) or permeate flux to minimize fouling. Moreover the researchers proposed some calculation methods to predict the membrane processes properties. In this article, the laboratory scale experiments of membrane separation techniques, as well their validation by calculation methods are presented. Because membrane is the "heart" of the process, experimental and computational methods for its characterization are also described.

Wood Combustion Behaviour in a Fixed Bed Combustor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tokit, Ernie Mat; Aziz, Azhar Abdul; Ghazali, Normah Mohd

2010-06-01

Waste wood is used as feedstock for Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's newly-developed two-stage incinerator system. The research goals are to optimize the operation of the thermal system to the primary chamber, to improve its combustion efficiency and to minimize its pollutants formation. The combustion process is evaluated with the variation of fuel's moisture content. For optimum operating condition, where the gasification efficiency is 95.53%, the moisture content of the fuel is best set at 17%; giving outlet operating temperature of 550°C and exhaust gas concentrations with 1213 ppm of CO, 6% of CO2 and 14% of O2 respectively. In line to the experimental work, a computational fluid dynamics software, Fluent is used to simulate the performance of the primary chamber. Here the predicted optimum gasification efficiency stands at 95.49% with CO, CO2 and O2 concentrations as 1301 ppm, 6.5% and 13.5% respectively.

Optomechanical study and optimization of cantilever plate dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furlong, Cosme; Pryputniewicz, Ryszard J.

1995-06-01

Optimum dynamic characteristics of an aluminum cantilever plate containing holes of different sizes and located at arbitrary positions on the plate are studied computationally and experimentally. The objective function of this optimization is the minimization/maximization of the natural frequencies of the plate in terms of such design variable s as the sizes and locations of the holes. The optimization process is performed using the finite element method and mathematical programming techniques in order to obtain the natural frequencies and the optimum conditions of the plate, respectively. The modal behavior of the resultant optimal plate layout is studied experimentally through the use of holographic interferometry techniques. Comparisons of the computational and experimental results show that good agreement between theory and test is obtained. The comparisons also show that the combined, or hybrid use of experimental and computational techniques complement each other and prove to be a very efficient tool for performing optimization studies of mechanical components.

Polishing of treated palm oil mill effluent (POME) from ponding system by electrocoagulation process.

PubMed

Bashir, Mohammed J K; Mau Han, Tham; Jun Wei, Lim; Choon Aun, Ng; Abu Amr, Salem S

2016-01-01

As the ponding system used to treat palm oil mill effluent (POME) frequently fails to satisfy the discharge standard in Malaysia, the present study aimed to resolve this problem using an optimized electrocoagulation process. Thus, a central composite design (CCD) module in response surface methodology was employed to optimize the interactions of process variables, namely current density, contact time and initial pH targeted on maximum removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), colour and turbidity with satisfactory pH of discharge POME. The batch study was initially designed by CCD and statistical models of responses were subsequently derived to indicate the significant terms of interactive process variables. All models were verified by analysis of variance showing model significances with Prob > F < 0.01. The optimum performance was obtained at the current density of 56 mA/cm(2), contact time of 65 min and initial pH of 4.5, rendering complete removal of colour and turbidity with COD removal of 75.4%. The pH of post-treated POME of 7.6 was achieved, which is suitable for direct discharge. These predicted outputs were subsequently confirmed by insignificant standard deviation readings between predicted and actual values. This optimum condition also permitted the simultaneous removal of NH3-N, and various metal ions, signifying the superiority of the electrocoagulation process optimized by CCD.

Improving the sludge conditioning potential of moringa seed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ademiluyi, Joel O.; Eze, Romanus M.

1990-01-01

In the search for a cheaper material to effectively condition sludge, oil-free moringa seed was prepared and tested. A Soxhlet apparatus was used to extract the oil from moringa seed ( Moringa oleifera). The oil-free seed (marc) has been found to have higher conditioning potential than the ordinary moringa seed. However, the traditional ferric chloride is still a better sludge conditioner than moringa seed marc. For the digested domestic sludge used, optimum conditioning dosages were found to be 0.6, 0.80, and 1.10% of the total solids for ferric chloride, marc of the moringa seed, and ordinary moringa seed, respectively. Since little or no operational material is lost in the extraction process, the moringa seed marc is a promising conditioner in place of the ordinary seed.

Characterization of water treatment sludge and its reuse as coagulant.

PubMed

Ahmad, Tarique; Ahmad, Kafeel; Ahad, Abdul; Alam, Mehtab

2016-11-01

Coagulation-flocculation process results in the generation of large volume of waste or residue, known as water treatment sludge (WTS), in the purification of surface water for potable supplies. Sustainable management of the inevitable waste requires careful attention from the plant operators and sludge managers. In this study, WTS produced with the optimum alum dose of 30 ml/L at the laboratory scale has been treated with sulphuric acid to bring forth a product known as sludge reagent product (SRP). The performance of SRP is evaluated for its efficiency in removing the colloidal suspensions from the Yamuna river water over wide pH range of 2-13. 1% sludge acidified with sulphuric acid of normality 2.5 at the rate of 0.05 ml/ml sludge has been observed as the optimum condition for preparing SRP from WTS. The percentage turbidity removal is greater at higher pH value and increases with increasing the dosage of SRP. The optimum SRP dosage of 8 ml/L in the pH range of 6-8 performed well in removing the colloidal suspension and other impurities from the Yamuna water. The quality of treated water met the prescribed standards for most of the quality parameters. Thus, SRP has the potential to substitute the conventional coagulants partially or completely in the water treatment process, depending on the quality needed at the users end. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the As-Cast and As-Homogenized Mg-Zn-Sn-Mn-Ca Alloy Fabricated by Semicontinuous Casting

PubMed Central

Lu, Xing; Zhao, Guoqun; Zhou, Jixue; Zhang, Cunsheng; Yu, Junquan

2018-01-01

In this paper, a new type of low-cost Mg-3.36Zn-1.06Sn-0.33Mn-0.27Ca (wt %) alloy ingot with a diameter of 130 mm and a length of 4800 mm was fabricated by semicontinuous casting. The microstructure and mechanical properties at different areas of the ingot were investigated. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy under different one-step and two-step homogenization conditions were studied. For the as-cast alloy, the average grain size and the second phase size decrease from the center to the surface of the ingot, while the area fraction of the second phase increases gradually. At one-half of the radius of the ingot, the alloy presents the optimum comprehensive mechanical properties along the axial direction, which is attributed to the combined effect of relatively small grain size, low second-phase fraction, and uniform microstructure. For the as-homogenized alloy, the optimum two-step homogenization process parameters were determined as 340 °C × 10 h + 520 °C × 16 h. After the optimum homogenization, the proper size and morphology of CaMgSn phase are conducive to improve the microstructure uniformity and the mechanical properties of the alloy. Besides, the yield strength of the alloy is reduced by 20.7% and the elongation is increased by 56.3%, which is more favorable for the subsequent hot deformation processing. PMID:29710818

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the As-Cast and As-Homogenized Mg-Zn-Sn-Mn-Ca Alloy Fabricated by Semicontinuous Casting.

PubMed

Lu, Xing; Zhao, Guoqun; Zhou, Jixue; Zhang, Cunsheng; Yu, Junquan

2018-04-29

In this paper, a new type of low-cost Mg-3.36Zn-1.06Sn-0.33Mn-0.27Ca (wt %) alloy ingot with a diameter of 130 mm and a length of 4800 mm was fabricated by semicontinuous casting. The microstructure and mechanical properties at different areas of the ingot were investigated. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy under different one-step and two-step homogenization conditions were studied. For the as-cast alloy, the average grain size and the second phase size decrease from the center to the surface of the ingot, while the area fraction of the second phase increases gradually. At one-half of the radius of the ingot, the alloy presents the optimum comprehensive mechanical properties along the axial direction, which is attributed to the combined effect of relatively small grain size, low second-phase fraction, and uniform microstructure. For the as-homogenized alloy, the optimum two-step homogenization process parameters were determined as 340 °C × 10 h + 520 °C × 16 h. After the optimum homogenization, the proper size and morphology of CaMgSn phase are conducive to improve the microstructure uniformity and the mechanical properties of the alloy. Besides, the yield strength of the alloy is reduced by 20.7% and the elongation is increased by 56.3%, which is more favorable for the subsequent hot deformation processing.

Application of multi response optimization with grey relational analysis and fuzzy logic method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winarni, Sri; Wahyu Indratno, Sapto

2018-01-01

Multi-response optimization is an optimization process by considering multiple responses simultaneously. The purpose of this research is to get the optimum point on multi-response optimization process using grey relational analysis and fuzzy logic method. The optimum point is determined from the Fuzzy-GRG (Grey Relational Grade) variable which is the conversion of the Signal to Noise Ratio of the responses involved. The case study used in this research are case optimization of electrical process parameters in electrical disharge machining. It was found that the combination of treatments resulting to optimum MRR and SR was a 70 V gap voltage factor, peak current 9 A and duty factor 0.8.

Optimization of rotor shaft shrink fit method for motor using "Robust design"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toma, Eiji

2018-01-01

This research is collaborative investigation with the general-purpose motor manufacturer. To review construction method in production process, we applied the parameter design method of quality engineering and tried to approach the optimization of construction method. Conventionally, press-fitting method has been adopted in process of fitting rotor core and shaft which is main component of motor, but quality defects such as core shaft deflection occurred at the time of press fitting. In this research, as a result of optimization design of "shrink fitting method by high-frequency induction heating" devised as a new construction method, its construction method was feasible, and it was possible to extract the optimum processing condition.

Catalyst and process development for synthesis gas conversion to isobutylene. Final report, September 1, 1990--January 31, 1994

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anthony, R.G.; Akgerman, A.

1994-05-06

Previous work on isosynthesis (conversion of synthesis gas to isobutane and isobutylene) was performed at very low conversions or extreme process conditions. The objectives of this research were (1) determine the optimum process conditions for isosynthesis; (2) determine the optimum catalyst preparation method and catalyst composition/properties for isosynthesis; (3) determine the kinetics for the best catalyst; (4) develop reactor models for trickle bed, slurry, and fixed bed reactors; and (5) simulate the performance of fixed bed trickle flow reactors, slurry flow reactors, and fixed bed gas phase reactors for isosynthesis. More improvement in catalyst activity and selectivity is needed beforemore » isosynthesis can become a commercially feasible (stand-alone) process. Catalysts prepared by the precipitation method show the most promise for future development as compared with those prepared hydrothermally, by calcining zirconyl nitrate, or by a modified sol-gel method. For current catalysts the high temperatures (>673 K) required for activity also cause the production of methane (because of thermodynamics). A catalyst with higher activity at lower temperatures would magnify the unique selectivity of zirconia for isobutylene. Perhaps with a more active catalyst and acidification, oxygenate production could be limited at lower temperatures. Pressures above 50 atm cause an undesirable shift in product distribution toward heavier hydrocarbons. A model was developed that can predict carbon monoxide conversion an product distribution. The rate equation for carbon monoxide conversion contains only a rate constant and an adsorption equilibrium constant. The product distribution was predicted using a simple ratio of the rate of CO conversion. This report is divided into Introduction, Experimental, and Results and Discussion sections.« less

Optimization of stabilized leachate treatment using ozone/persulfate in the advanced oxidation process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abu Amr, Salem S.; Aziz, Hamidi Abdul, E-mail: cehamidi@eng.usm.my; Adlan, Mohd Nordin

Highlights: ► Ozone and persulfate reagent (O{sub 3}/S{sub 2}O{sub 8}{sup 2-}) was used to treat stabilized leachate. ► Central composite design (CCD) with response surface methodology (RSM) was applied. ► Operating variables including ozone and persulfate dosage, pH variance, and reaction time. ► Optimum removal of COD, color, and NH{sub 3}–N was 72%, 96%, and 76%, respectively. ► A good value of ozone consumption (OC) obtained with 0.60 (kg O{sub 3}/kg COD). - Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of employing persulfate reagent in the advanced oxidation of ozone to treat stabilized landfill leachate inmore » an ozone reactor. A central composite design (CCD) with response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate the relationships between operating variables, such as ozone and persulfate dosages, pH, and reaction time, to identify the optimum operating conditions. Quadratic models for the following four responses proved to be significant with very low probabilities (<0.0001): COD, color, NH{sub 3}–N, and ozone consumption (OC). The obtained optimum conditions included a reaction time of 210 min, 30 g/m{sup 3} ozone, 1 g/1 g COD{sub 0}/S{sub 2}O{sub 8}{sup 2-} ratio, and pH 10. The experimental results were corresponded well with predicted models (COD, color, and NH{sub 3}–N removal rates of 72%, 96%, and 76%, respectively, and 0.60 (kg O{sub 3}/kg COD OC). The results obtained in the stabilized leachate treatment were compared with those from other treatment processes, such as ozone only and persulfate S{sub 2}O{sub 8}{sup 2-} only, to evaluate its effectiveness. The combined method (i.e., O{sub 3}/S{sub 2}O{sub 8}{sup 2-}) achieved higher removal efficiencies for COD, color, and NH{sub 3}–N compared with other studied applications. Furthermore, the new method is more efficient than ozone/Fenton in advanced oxidation process in the treatment of the same studied leachate.« less

No-Cook Process for Ethanol Production Using Indian Broken Rice and Pearl Millet

PubMed Central

Gohel, Vipul; Duan, Gang

2012-01-01

No-cook process using granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme (GSHE) was evaluated for Indian broken rice and pearl millet. One-factor-at-a-time optimization method was used in ethanol production to identify optimum concentration of GSHE, under yeast fermentation conditions using broken rice and pearl millet as fermentation feedstocks. An acid fungal protease at a concentration of 0.2 kg per metric ton of grain was used along with various dosages of GSHE under yeast fermentation conditions to degrade the grain proteins into free amino nitrogen for yeast growth. To measure the efficacy of GSHE to hydrolyze no-cook broken rice and pearl millet, the chemical composition, fermentation efficiency, and ethanol recovery were determined. In both feedstocks, fermentation efficiency and ethanol recovery obtained through single-step no-cook process were higher than conventional multistep high-temperature process, currently considered the ideal industrial process. Furthermore, the no-cook process can directly impact energy consumption through steam saving and reducing the water cooling capacity needs, compared to conventional high-temperature process. PMID:22518148

Study on the optimum PCM melting temperature for energy savings in residential buildings worldwide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saffari, M.; de Gracia, A.; Fernández, C.; Zsembinszki, G.; Cabeza, L. F.

2017-10-01

To maintain comfort conditions in residential buildings along a full year period, the use of active systems is generally required to either supply heating or cooling. The heating and cooling demands strongly depend on the climatic conditions, type of building and occupants’ behaviour. The overall annual energy consumption of the building can be reduced by the use of renewable energy sources and/or passive systems. The use of phase change materials (PCM) as passive systems in buildings enhances the thermal mass of the envelope, and reduces the indoor temperature fluctuations. As a consequence, the overall energy consumption of the building is generally lower as compared to the case when no PCM systems are used. The selection of the PCM melting temperature is a key issue to reduce the energy consumption of the buildings. The main focus of this study is to determine the optimum PCM melting temperature for passive heating and cooling according to different weather conditions. To achieve that, numerical simulations were carried out using EnergyPlus v8.4 coupled with GenOpt® v3.1.1 (a generic optimization software). A multi-family residential apartment was selected from ASHRAE Standard 90.1- 2013 prototype building model, and different climate conditions were considered to determine the optimum melting temperature (in the range from 20ºC to 26ºC) of the PCM contained in gypsum panels. The results confirm that the optimum melting temperature of the PCM strongly depends on the climatic conditions. In general, in cooling dominant climates the optimum PCM temperature is around 26ºC, while in heating dominant climates it is around 20ºC. Furthermore, the results show that an adequate selection of the PCM as passive system in building envelope can provide important energy savings for both heating dominant and cooling dominant regions.

Near optimum digital phase locked loops.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polk, D. R.; Gupta, S. C.

1972-01-01

Near optimum digital phase locked loops are derived utilizing nonlinear estimation theory. Nonlinear approximations are employed to yield realizable loop structures. Baseband equivalent loop gains are derived which under high signal to noise ratio conditions may be calculated off-line. Additional simplifications are made which permit the application of the Kalman filter algorithms to determine the optimum loop filter. Performance is evaluated by a theoretical analysis and by simulation. Theoretical and simulated results are discussed and a comparison to analog results is made.

[Study on extraction technology of soyasaponins from residual of bean ware].

PubMed

Lu, Rumei; Zhang, Yizhen; Bi, Yi

2003-04-01

To find out the optimum extraction technology of soyasaponins from residual of bean ware. The optimum extraction conditions were investigated by the orthogonal design, and the content of soyasaponins was determined by UV-spectro-pho-tometry. The optimum extraction technology was A3B1C1, that is adding 7 times and 6 times amount of 70% alcohol and refluxing for two times and each time for 1.0 h. The selected technology showed higher yield of soyasaponins, good stability and high efficient.

Pretreatment efficiency and structural characterization of rice straw by an integrated process of dilute-acid and steam explosion for bioethanol production.

PubMed

Chen, Wen-Hua; Pen, Ben-Li; Yu, Ching-Tsung; Hwang, Wen-Song

2011-02-01

The combined pretreatment of rice straw using dilute-acid and steam explosion followed by enzymatic hydrolysis was investigated and compared with acid-catalyzed steam explosion pretreatment. In addition to measuring the chemical composition, including glucan, xylan and lignin content, changes in rice straw features after pretreatment were investigated in terms of the straw's physical properties. These properties included crystallinity, surface area, mean particle size and scanning electron microscopy imagery. The effect of acid concentration on the acid-catalyzed steam explosion was studied in a range between 1% and 15% acid at 180°C for 2 min. We also investigated the influence of the residence time of the steam explosion in the combined pretreatment and the optimum conditions for the dilute-acid hydrolysis step in order to develop an integrated process for the dilute-acid and steam explosion. The optimum operational conditions for the first dilute-acid hydrolysis step were determined to be 165°C for 2 min with 2% H(2)SO(4) and for the second steam explosion step was to be carried out at 180°C for 20 min; this gave the most favorable combination in terms of an integrated process. We found that rice straw pretreated by the dilute-acid/steam explosions had a higher xylose yield, a lower level of inhibitor in the hydrolysate and a greater degree of enzymatic hydrolysis; this resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in the overall sugar yield when compared to the acid-catalyzed steam explosion. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Boron removal by electrocoagulation and recovery.

PubMed

Isa, Mohamed Hasnain; Ezechi, Ezerie Henry; Ahmed, Zubair; Magram, Saleh Faraj; Kutty, Shamsul Rahman Mohamed

2014-03-15

This work investigated the removal of boron from wastewater and its recovery by electrocoagulation and hydrothermal mineralization methods respectively. The experimental design was developed using Box-Behnken Model. An initial study was performed based on four preselected variables (pH, current density, concentration and time) using synthetic wastewater. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effect of process variables and their interaction on boron removal. The optimum conditions were obtained as pH 6.3, current density 17.4 mA/cm(2), and time 89 min. At these applied optimum conditions, 99.7% boron removal from an initial concentration of 10.4 mg/L was achieved. The process was effectively optimized by RSM with a desirability value of 1.0. The results showed that boron removal efficiency enhanced with increase in current density and treatment time. Removal efficiency also increased when pH was increased from 4 to 7 and subsequently decreased at pH 10. Adsorption kinetics study revealed that the reaction followed pseudo second order kinetic model; evidenced by high correlation and goodness of fit. Thermodynamics study showed that mechanism of boron adsorption was chemisorption and the reaction was endothermic in nature. Furthermore, the adsorption process was spontaneous as indicated by negative values of the adsorption free energy. Treatment of real produced water using electrocoagulation resulted in 98% boron removal. The hydrothermal mineralization study showed that borate minerals (Inyoite, Takadaite and Nifontovite) can be recovered as recyclable precipitate from electrocoagulation flocs of produced water. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimization of process parameters for a quasi-continuous tablet coating system using design of experiments.

PubMed

Cahyadi, Christine; Heng, Paul Wan Sia; Chan, Lai Wah

2011-03-01

The aim of this study was to identify and optimize the critical process parameters of the newly developed Supercell quasi-continuous coater for optimal tablet coat quality. Design of experiments, aided by multivariate analysis techniques, was used to quantify the effects of various coating process conditions and their interactions on the quality of film-coated tablets. The process parameters varied included batch size, inlet temperature, atomizing pressure, plenum pressure, spray rate and coating level. An initial screening stage was carried out using a 2(6-1(IV)) fractional factorial design. Following these preliminary experiments, optimization study was carried out using the Box-Behnken design. Main response variables measured included drug-loading efficiency, coat thickness variation, and the extent of tablet damage. Apparent optimum conditions were determined by using response surface plots. The process parameters exerted various effects on the different response variables. Hence, trade-offs between individual optima were necessary to obtain the best compromised set of conditions. The adequacy of the optimized process conditions in meeting the combined goals for all responses was indicated by the composite desirability value. By using response surface methodology and optimization, coating conditions which produced coated tablets of high drug-loading efficiency, low incidences of tablet damage and low coat thickness variation were defined. Optimal conditions were found to vary over a large spectrum when different responses were considered. Changes in processing parameters across the design space did not result in drastic changes to coat quality, thereby demonstrating robustness in the Supercell coating process. © 2010 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

Investigation of the effect of ambient conditions on the performance of solid desiccant cooling cycles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panaras, G.; Mathioulakis, E.; Belessiotis, V.

2018-01-01

The operation of desiccant air-conditioning systems is characterised by processes implemented to the moist air of the environment; it is, thus, expected to be affected by ambient conditions. The present work aims at quantifying this influence on the basis of an easy-to-implement, steady-state model of the system, presenting an efficiency factors approach, which has been experimentally validated. The analysis examines the behaviour of the ventilation and the recirculation cycles, which constitute the marginal cases regarding the achieved values of the outside air fraction, given the ambient conditions, the desired regeneration temperature and the efficiency of the involved components. The fact of a desiccant cycle undergoing a set of changing ambient conditions by its actual operation is also considered in the analysis. The results provide useful information for the selection of the optimum configuration to the designer of a desiccant air-conditioning system.

Optimisation of the reaction conditions for the production of cross-linked starch with high resistant starch content.

PubMed

Kahraman, Kevser; Koksel, Hamit; Ng, Perry K W

2015-05-01

The optimum reaction conditions (temperature and pH) for the preparation of cross-linked (CL) corn and wheat starches with maximum resistant starch (RS) content were investigated by using response surface methodology (RSM). According to the preliminary results, five levels were selected for reaction temperature (38-70 °C) and pH (10-12) in the main study. RS contents of the CL corn and wheat starch samples increased with increasing temperature and pH, and pH had a greater influence on RS content than had temperature. The maximum RS content (with a maximum p value of 0.4%) was obtained in wheat starch cross-linked at 38 °C and pH 12. In the case of CL corn starch, the optimum condition was 70 °C and pH 12. CL corn and wheat starch samples were also produced separately under the optimum conditions and their RS contents were 80.4% and 83.9%, respectively. These results were also in agreement with the values predicted by RSM. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of high quality carbonaceous coating on Cu nanoparticle using poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and its application for oxidation prevention

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pyo, Youngjun; Choi, Dahyun; Son, Yeon-Ho; Kang, Suhee; Yoon, Eric H.; Jung, Seung-Boo; Kim, Yongil; Sunyong Lee, Caroline

2016-05-01

A novel method of carbonaceous coating on the surface of copper particles was developed through a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process to prevent the oxidation of copper nanoparticles (CNPs). The types of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) used were K-12 (M W 3,500) and K-30 (M W 45,000). The amounts of PVP used ranged from 10 to 50 wt %. Additionally, processing temperatures of 900 and 875 °C were tested and compared. The optimum CVD process conditions for the carbonaceous coating were as follows: 875 °C processing temperature, 50 wt % K12 PVP solution, and gas conditions of \\text{Ar}:\\text{H}2 = 1:1. The resistivity change in the fabricated copper pattern was confirmed that the initial resistivity value of the ink with a mixing ratio of carbonaceous-coated CNPs to 1-octanethiol-coated CNPs of 4:6 (w/w) maintained its initial resistivity value of 2.93 × 10-7 Ω·m for more than 210 days.

The Growth of Berlinite (AlPO4) Single Crystals.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-01

Solubility of AlPO 4 18 6. Solubility Data of Jahn and Kordes on AlPO4 19 7. AlPO 4 Seed Crystal 23 8. Tem-Pres Hydrothermal Research Unit 25 9...Since the vapor pressure of water rises rapidly with temperature, a closed hydrothermal system was used. In a seeded hydrothermal growth process, the...to investigate the hydrothermal growth of Berlinite (AlPO4 ) to determine the optimum growth conditions for large high quality crystals. Over thirty

Optimum testing of multiple hypotheses in quantum detection theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yuen, H. P.; Kennedy, R. S.; Lax, M.

1975-01-01

The problem of specifying the optimum quantum detector in multiple hypotheses testing is considered for application to optical communications. The quantum digital detection problem is formulated as a linear programming problem on an infinite-dimensional space. A necessary and sufficient condition is derived by the application of a general duality theorem specifying the optimum detector in terms of a set of linear operator equations and inequalities. Existence of the optimum quantum detector is also established. The optimality of commuting detection operators is discussed in some examples. The structure and performance of the optimal receiver are derived for the quantum detection of narrow-band coherent orthogonal and simplex signals. It is shown that modal photon counting is asymptotically optimum in the limit of a large signaling alphabet and that the capacity goes to infinity in the absence of a bandwidth limitation.

Optimization of Bromelain-Aided Production of Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Hydrolysates from Stone Fish Using Response Surface Methodology

PubMed Central

Auwal, Shehu Muhammad; Zarei, Mohammad; Abdul-Hamid, Azizah; Saari, Nazamid

2017-01-01

The stone fish is an under-utilized sea cucumber with many nutritional and ethno-medicinal values. This study aimed to establish the conditions for its optimum hydrolysis with bromelain to generate angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory hydrolysates. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design was used to model and optimize the degree of hydrolysis (DH) and ACE-inhibitory activity. Process conditions including pH (4–7), temperature (40–70 °C), enzyme/substrate (E/S) ratio (0.5%–2%) and time (30–360 min) were used. A pH of 7.0, temperature of 40 °C, E/S ratio of 2% and time of 240 min were determined using a response surface model as the optimum levels to obtain the maximum ACE-inhibitory activity of 84.26% at 44.59% degree of hydrolysis. Hence, RSM can serve as an effective approach in the design of experiments to improve the antihypertensive effect of stone fish hydrolysates, which can thus be used as a value-added ingredient for various applications in the functional foods industries. PMID:28362352

ECRH launching scenario in FFHR-d1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanagihara, Kota; Kubo, Shin; Shimozuma, Takashi; Yoshimura, Yasuo; Igami, Hiroe; Takahashi, Hiromi; Tsujimura, Tohru; Makino, Ryohhei

2016-10-01

ECRH is promising as a principal heating system in a prototype helical reactor FFHR-d1 where the heating power of 80 MW is required to bring the plasma parameter to break even condition. To generate the plasma and bring it to ignition condition in FFHR-d1, it is effective to heat the under/over-dense plasma with normal ECRH or Electron Bernstein Wave (EBW). Normal ECRH is well established but heating via EBW need sophisticated injection control. EBW can be excited via the O(ordinary)-X(extraordinary)-B(EBW) mode conversion process by launching the ordinary wave from the low field side to plasma cut-off layer with optimum injection angle, and the range of injection angle to get high OXB mode conversion rate is called OXB mode conversion window. Since the window position can change as the plasma parameter, it is necessary to optimize the injection angle so as to aim the window in response to the plasma parameters. Candidates of antenna positions are determined by optimum injection points on the plasma facing wall calculated by the injection angle. Given such picked up area, detailed analysis using ray-tracing calculations and engineering antenna design will be performed.

Investigation of machinability characteristics on EN47 steel for cutting force and tool wear using optimization technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

M, Vasu; Shivananda Nayaka, H.

2018-06-01

In this experimental work dry turning process carried out on EN47 spring steel with coated tungsten carbide tool insert with 0.8 mm nose radius are optimized by using statistical technique. Experiments were conducted at three different cutting speeds (625, 796 and 1250 rpm) with three different feed rates (0.046, 0.062 and 0.093 mm/rev) and depth of cuts (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mm). Experiments are conducted based on full factorial design (FFD) 33 three factors and three levels. Analysis of variance is used to identify significant factor for each output response. The result reveals that feed rate is the most significant factor influencing on cutting force followed by depth of cut and cutting speed having less significance. Optimum machining condition for cutting force obtained from the statistical technique. Tool wear measurements are performed with optimum condition of Vc = 796 rpm, ap = 0.2 mm, f = 0.046 mm/rev. The minimum tool wear observed as 0.086 mm with 5 min machining. Analysis of tool wear was done by confocal microscope it was observed that tool wear increases with increasing cutting time.

Optimization of sol-gel technique for coating of metallic substrates by hydroxyapatite using the Taguchi method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pourbaghi-Masouleh, M.; Asgharzadeh, H.

2013-08-01

In this study, the Taguchi method of design of experiment (DOE) was used to optimize the hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings on various metallic substrates deposited by sol-gel dip-coating technique. The experimental design consisted of five factors including substrate material (A), surface preparation of substrate (B), dipping/withdrawal speed (C), number of layers (D), and calcination temperature (E) with three levels of each factor. An orthogonal array of L18 type with mixed levels of the control factors was utilized. The image processing of the micrographs of the coatings was conducted to determine the percentage of coated area ( PCA). Chemical and phase composition of HA coatings were studied by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and EDS techniques. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the PCA of HA coatings was significantly affected by the calcination temperature. The optimum conditions from signal-to-noise ( S/N) ratio analysis were A: pure Ti, B: polishing and etching for 24 h, C: 50 cm min-1, D: 1, and E: 300 °C. In the confirmation experiment using the optimum conditions, the HA coating with high PCA of 98.5 % was obtained.

Two-Stage Conversion of High Free Fatty Acid Jatropha curcas Oil to Biodiesel Using Brønsted Acidic Ionic Liquid and KOH as Catalysts

PubMed Central

Das, Subrata; Thakur, Ashim Jyoti; Deka, Dhanapati

2014-01-01

Biodiesel was produced from high free fatty acid (FFA) Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) by two-stage process in which esterification was performed by Brønsted acidic ionic liquid 1-(1-butylsulfonic)-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BSMIM]Cl) followed by KOH catalyzed transesterification. Maximum FFA conversion of 93.9% was achieved and it reduced from 8.15 wt% to 0.49 wt% under the optimum reaction conditions of methanol oil molar ratio 12 : 1 and 10 wt% of ionic liquid catalyst at 70°C in 6 h. The ionic liquid catalyst was reusable up to four times of consecutive runs under the optimum reaction conditions. At the second stage, the esterified JCO was transesterified by using 1.3 wt% KOH and methanol oil molar ratio of 6 : 1 in 20 min at 64°C. The yield of the final biodiesel was found to be 98.6% as analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. Chemical composition of the final biodiesel was also determined by GC-MS analysis. PMID:24987726

Improving the desulfurization performance of CaCO3 with sodium humate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Run; Sun, Zhiguo; Zhang, Wenqing; Huang, Hao; Hu, Haihang; Zhang, Li; Xie, Hongyong

2018-02-01

The influence of these factors on desulphurization efficiency was studied by changing the amount of calcium carbonate, the concentration of sulfur dioxide, the liquid flow rate of absorbent and the air flow rate, the optimum working condition was determined by the research of limestone-gypsum desulphurization process commonly used in industry. By changing the amount of calcium carbonate, we conclude that the volume of water in the desulfurization efficiency does not increase with the adding amount of calcium carbonate. The optimum conditions were determined : at the condicion of the concentration of 500ppm of sulfur dioxide, 10g calcium carbonate, 150L/h liquid flow and the minimum air flow rate of 6.75m3/h, the highest desulfurization efficiency was close to 100% when sodium humate was not added, but the holding time was only about 5 minutes. After adding 3g of humic acid, the desulfurization efficiency was improved obviously, and the instantaneous efficiency of 100% lasting for about 40 minutes. It can be seen that, calcium carbonate in the addition of humic acid sodium can significantly improve the absorption of calcium carbonate performance of SO2.

Dielectric properties, optimum formulation and microwave baking conditions of chickpea cakes.

PubMed

Alifakı, Yaşar Özlem; Şakıyan, Özge

2017-03-01

The aim of this study was to correlate dielectric properties with quality parameters, and to optimize cake formulation and baking conditions by response surface methodology. Weight loss, color, specific volume, hardness and porosity were evaluated. The samples with different DATEM (0.4, 0.8 and 1.2%) and chickpea flour concentrations (30, 40 and 50%) were baked in microwave oven at different power (300, 350, 400 W) and baking times (2.50, 3.0, 3.50 min). It was found that microwave power showed significant effect on color, while baking time showed effect on weight loss, porosity, hardness, specific volume and dielectric properties. Emulsifier level affected porosity, specific volume and dielectric constant. Chickpea flour level affected porosity, color, hardness and dielectric properties of cakes. The optimum microwave power, baking time, DATEM level and chickpea flour level were found as 400 W, 2.84 min, 1.2% and 30%, respectively. The comparison between conventionally baked and the microwave baked cakes at optimum points showed that color difference, weight loss, specific volume and porosity values of microwave baked cakes were less than those of conventionally baked cakes, on the other hand, hardness values were higher. Moreover, a negative correlation between dielectric constant and porosity, and weight loss values were detected for microwave baked samples. A negative correlation between dielectric loss factor and porosity was observed. These correlations indicated that quality characteristics of a microwave baked cake sample can be assessed from dielectric properties. These correlations provides understanding on the behavior of food material during microwave processing.

Optimization of instantaneous solvent exchange/surface modification process for ambient synthesis of monolithic silica aerogels.

PubMed

Hwang, Sung-Woo; Kim, Tae-Youn; Hyun, Sang-Hoon

2008-06-01

The instantaneous solvent exchange/surface modification (ISE/SM) process for the ambient synthesis of crack-free silica aerogel monoliths with a high production yield was optimized. Monolithic forms of silica wet gels were obtained from aqueous colloidal silica sols prepared via the ion exchange of sodium silicate solutions. Crack-free silica aerogel monoliths were synthesized via an ISE/SM process using isopropyl alcohol/trimethylchlorosilane as a modification agent and n-hexane as a main solvent, followed by ambient drying. The optimum process conditions of the ISE/SM process were investigated by clarifying the reaction mechanism and phenomena. Most effective ranges of process variables on the ISE/SM stage were determined as 0.2500-0.3567 of TMCS/H2O (pore water) in molar ratio and 15-30 of n-hexane/TMCS in volumetric ratio, with a reaction temperature below 283 K. Crack-free silica aerogel monoliths synthesized via these conditions had a well-developed mesoporous structure and excellent properties (bulk density of 0.12-0.14 g/cm3, specific surface area of 724 m2/g), and a high yield (nearly 80%).

Effect of in-situ aged and fresh biochar on soil hydraulic conditions and microbial C use under drought conditions.

PubMed

Paetsch, Lydia; Mueller, Carsten W; Kögel-Knabner, Ingrid; von Lützow, Margit; Girardin, Cyril; Rumpel, Cornelia

2018-05-01

Biochar (BC) amendments may be suitable to increase the ecosystems resistance to drought due to their positive effects on soil water retention and availability. We investigated the effect of BC in situ ageing on water availability and microbial parameters of a grassland soil. We used soil containing 13 C labeled BC and determined its water holding capacity, microbial biomass and activity during a 3 months incubation under optimum and drought conditions. Our incubation experiment comprised three treatments: soil without BC (Control), soil containing aged BC (BC aged ) and soil containing fresh BC (BC fresh ), under optimum soil water (pF 1.8) and drought conditions (pF 3.5). Under optimum water as well as drought conditions, soils containing BC showed higher soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization as compared to control soil. Moreover, BC effects on the soil water regime increase upon in situ aging. Native SOC mineralization increased most for soils containing BC aged . The BC aged led to improved C use under drought as compared to the other treatments. We conclude that BC addition to soils can ameliorate their water regime, especially under drought conditions. This beneficial effect of BC increases upon its aging, which also improved native substrate availability.

[Extraction and purification technologies of total flavonoids from Aconitum tanguticum].

PubMed

Li, Yan-Rong; Yan, Li-Xin; Feng, Wei-Hong; Li, Chun; Wang, Zhi-Min

2014-04-01

To optimize the extraction and purification technologies of total flavonoids from Aconitum tanguticum whole plant. With the content of total flavonoids as index, the optimum extraction conditions for the concentration, volume of alcohol, extracting time and times were selected by orthogonal optimized; Comparing the adsorption quantity (mg/g) and resolution (%), four kinds of macroporous adsorption resins including D101, AB-8, X-5 and XAD-16 were investigated for the enrichment ability of total flavonoids from Aconitum tanguticum; Concentration and pH value of sample, sampling amount, elution solvent and loading and elution velocity for the optimum adsorption resin were determined. The content of total flavonoids in Aconitum tanguticum was about 4.39%; The optimum extraction technique was 70% alcohol reflux extraction for three times,each time for one hour, the ratio of material and liquid was 1:10 (w/v); The optimum purification technology was: using XAD-16 macroporous resin, the initial concentration of total flavonoids of Aconitum tanguticum was 8 mg/mL, the sampling amount was 112 mg/g dry resin, the pH value was 5, the loading velocity was 3 mL/min, the elution solvent was 70% ethanol and the elution velocity was 5 mL/min. Under the optimum conditions, the average content of total flavonoids was raised from 4.39% to 46.19%. The optimum extraction and purification technologies for total flavonoids of Aconitum tanguticum were suitable for industrial production for its simplicity and responsibility.

Evaluation of the effect of temperature, NaOH concentration and time on solubilization of palm oil mill effluent (POME) using response surface methodology (RSM).

PubMed

Chou, K W; Norli, I; Anees, A

2010-11-01

In this study, palm oil mill effluent (POME) was solubilized by batch thermo-alkaline pre-treatments. A three-factor central composite design (CCD) was applied to identify the optimum COD solubilization condition. The individual and interactive effects of three factors, temperature, NaOH concentration and reaction time, on solubilization of POME were evaluated by employing response surface methodology (RSM). The experimental results showed that temperature, NaOH concentration and reaction time all had an individual significant effect on the solubilization of POME. But these three factors were independent, or there was insignificant interaction on the response. The maximum COD solubilization of 82.63% was estimated under the optimum condition at 32.5 degrees C, 8.83g/L of NaOH and 41.23h reaction time. The confirmation experiment of the predicted optimum conditions verified that the RSM with the central composite design was useful for optimizing the solubilization of POME.

Response Surface Methodology for the Optimization of Preparation of Biocomposites Based on Poly(lactic acid) and Durian Peel Cellulose

PubMed Central

Penjumras, Patpen; Abdul Rahman, Russly; Talib, Rosnita A.; Abdan, Khalina

2015-01-01

Response surface methodology was used to optimize preparation of biocomposites based on poly(lactic acid) and durian peel cellulose. The effects of cellulose loading, mixing temperature, and mixing time on tensile strength and impact strength were investigated. A central composite design was employed to determine the optimum preparation condition of the biocomposites to obtain the highest tensile strength and impact strength. A second-order polynomial model was developed for predicting the tensile strength and impact strength based on the composite design. It was found that composites were best fit by a quadratic regression model with high coefficient of determination (R 2) value. The selected optimum condition was 35 wt.% cellulose loading at 165°C and 15 min of mixing, leading to a desirability of 94.6%. Under the optimum condition, the tensile strength and impact strength of the biocomposites were 46.207 MPa and 2.931 kJ/m2, respectively. PMID:26167523

Response surface modeling of acid activation of raw diatomite using in sunflower oil bleaching by: Box-Behnken experimental design.

PubMed

Larouci, M; Safa, M; Meddah, B; Aoues, A; Sonnet, P

2015-03-01

The optimum conditions for acid activation of diatomite for maximizing bleaching efficiency of the diatomite in sun flower oil treatment were studied. Box-Behnken experimental design combining with response surface modeling (RSM) and quadratic programming (QP) was employed to obtain the optimum conditions of three independent variables (acid concentration, activation time and solid to liquid) for acid activation of diatomite. The significance of independent variables and their interactions were tested by means of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with 95 % confidence limits (α = 0.05). The optimum values of the selected variables were obtained by solving the quadratic regression model, as well as by analyzing the response surface contour plots. The experimental conditions at this global point were determined to be acid concentration = 8.963 N, activation time = 11.9878 h, and solid to liquid ratio = 221.2113 g/l, the corresponding bleaching efficiency was found to be about 99 %.

Synthesis of Calcite Nano Particles from Natural Limestone assisted with Ultrasonic Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handayani, M.; Sulistiyono, E.; Firdiyono, F.; Fajariani, E. N.

2018-03-01

This article represents a precipitation method assisted with ultrasonic process to synthesize precipitated calcium carbonate nano particles from natural limestone. The synthesis of nanoparticles material of precipitated calcium carbonate from commercial calcium carbonate was done for comparison. The process was performed using ultrasonic waves at optimum condition, that is, at temperature of 80oC for 10 minutes with various amplitudes. Synthesized precipitated calcium carbonate nanoparticles were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA). The result of PSA measurements showed that precipitated calcium carbonate nano particles was obtained with the average size of 109 nm.

Influence of dietary fiber on inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer: importance of fermentation pattern.

PubMed

Rose, Devin J; DeMeo, Mark T; Keshavarzian, Ali; Hamaker, Bruce R

2007-02-01

The benefits of dietary fiber on inflammatory bowel disease may be related to the fermentative production of butyrate in the colon, which appears to decrease the inflammatory response. The benefits of dietary fiber against colon cancer may be related to both fermentative and non-fermentative processes, although poorly fermentable fibers appear more influential. Dietary fiber fermentation profiles are important in determining optimal fibers for colonic health, and may be a function of structure, processing conditions, and other food components. A greater understanding of the relationships between fermentation rate and dietary fiber structure would allow for development of dietary fibers for optimum colonic health.

Ripple-aware optical proximity correction fragmentation for back-end-of-line designs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jingyu; Wilkinson, William

2018-01-01

Accurate characterization of image rippling is critical in early detection of back-end-of-line (BEOL) patterning weakpoints, as most defects are strongly associated with excessive rippling that does not get effectively compensated by optical proximity correction (OPC). We correlate image contour with design shapes to account for design geometry-dependent rippling signature, and explore the best practice of OPC fragmentation for BEOL geometries. Specifically, we predict the optimum contour as allowed by the lithographic process and illumination conditions and locate ripple peaks, valleys, and inflection points. This allows us to identify potential process weakpoints and segment the mask accordingly to achieve the best correction results.

Summary of the preservation techniques and the evolution of the anammox bacteria characteristics during preservation.

PubMed

Chen, Hui; Jin, Ren-Cun

2017-06-01

The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process is a promising wastewater treatment method for biological nitrogen removal. A sufficient amount of active anammox sludge as a seed is crucial to the fast establishment and stability of the anammox process. Anammox bacteria is a kind of microorganism which is sensitive to the environmental conditions, e.g., oxygen, temperature. The optimum temperature and pH for the growth of the anammox bacteria are 30-40 °C and 6.7-8.3. A proper preservation technique allows fast start-up of the anammox process, overcoming the long doubling time of anammox biomass. The preservation of the anammox sludge is influenced by various factors, e.g., preservation techniques, duration, temperature, substrates, and protective agents. During preservation, the characteristics of the anammox biomass, including the bioactivity, heme c content, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and sludge morphology, change with time. The optimum preservation technique is not invariable and it depends on the purpose of preservation (precedence of bioactivity or quantity), the bacterial community, and other parameters. It is important for the preserved anammox biomass to achieve reactivation so that stable anammox reactors can be established as soon as possible. However, because the preservation process is complicated, the knowledge regarding preservation is far from complete, and much future work will be required to increase the understanding of preservation.

Optimisation of flame parameters for simultaneous multi-element atomic absorption spectrometric determination of trace elements in rocks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kane, J.S.

1988-01-01

A study is described that identifies the optimum operating conditions for the accurate determination of Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Ag, Bi and Cd using simultaneous multi-element atomic absorption spectrometry. Accuracy was measured in terms of the percentage recoveries of the analytes based on certified values in nine standard reference materials. In addition to identifying optimum operating conditions for accurate analysis, conditions resulting in serious matrix interferences and the magnitude of the interferences were determined. The listed elements can be measured with acceptable accuracy in a lean to stoicheiometric flame at measurement heights ???5-10 mm above the burner.

Development of Pangasius steaks by improved sous-vide technology and its process optimization.

PubMed

Kumari, Namita; Singh, Chongtham Baru; Kumar, Raushan; Martin Xavier, K A; Lekshmi, Manjusha; Venkateshwarlu, Gudipati; Balange, Amjad K

2016-11-01

The present study embarked on the objective of optimizing improved sous - vide processing condition for development of ready-to-cook Pangasius steaks with extended shelf-life using response surface methodology. For the development of improved sous - vide cooked product, Pangasius steaks were treated with additional hurdles in various combinations for optimization. Based on the study, suitable combination of chitosan and spices was selected which enhanced antimicrobial and oxidative stability of the product. The Box-Behnken experimental design with 15 trials per model was adopted for designing the experiment to know the effect of independent variables, namely chitosan concentration (X 1 ), cooking time (X 2 ) and cooking temperature (X 3 ) on dependent variable i.e. TBARS value (Y 1 ). From RSM generated model, the optimum condition for sous - vide processing of Pangasius steaks were 1.08% chitosan concentration, 70.93 °C of cooking temperature and 16.48 min for cooking time and predicted minimum value of multiple response optimal condition was Y = 0.855 mg MDA/Kg of fish. The high correlation coefficient (R 2  = 0.975) between the model and the experimental data showed that the model was able to efficiently predict processing condition for development of sous - vide processed Pangasius steaks. This research may help the processing industries and Pangasius fish farmer as it provides an alternative low cost technology for the proper utilization of Pangasius .

Optimum fiber distribution in singlewall corrugated fiberboard

Treesearch

Millard W. Johnson; Thomas J. Urbanik; William E. Denniston

1979-01-01

Determining optimum distribution of fiber through rational design of corrugated fiberboard could result in significant reductions in fiber required to meet end-use conditions, with subsequent reductions in price pressure and extension of the softwood timber supply. A theory of thin plates under large deformations is developed that is both kinematically and physically...

Bioleaching of nickel from spent petroleum catalyst using Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans DSM- 11478.

PubMed

Sharma, Mohita; Bisht, Varsha; Singh, Bina; Jain, Pratiksha; Mandal, Ajoy K; Lal, Banwari; Sarma, Priyangshu M

2015-06-01

The present work deals with optimization of culture conditions and process parameters for bioleaching of spent petroleum catalyst collected from a petroleum refinery. The efficacy of Ni bioleaching from spent petroleum catalyst was determined using pure culture of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans DSM- 11478. The culture conditions of pH, temperature and headspace volume to media volume ratio were optimized. EDX analysis was done to confirm the presence of Ni in the spent catalyst after roasting it to decoke its surface. The optimum temperature for A. thiooxidans DSM-11478 growth was found to be 32 degrees C. The enhanced recovery of nickel at very low pH was attributed to the higher acidic strength of sulfuric acid produced in the culture medium by the bacterium. During the bioleaching process, 89% of the Ni present in the catalyst waste could be successfully recovered in optimized conditions. This environment friendly bioleaching process proved efficient than the chemical method. Taking leads from the lab scale results, bioleaching in larger volumes (1, 5 and 10 L) was also performed to provide guidelines for taking up this technology for in situ industrial waste management.

OPTIMIZING BTEX BIODEGRADATION UNDER DENITRIFYING CONDITIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Laboratory tests were conducted to determine optimum conditions for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (collectively known as BTEX) biodegradation by aquifer microorganisms under denitrifying conditions. Microcosms, constructed with aquifer samples from Traverse City, Mic...

Availability analysis of mechanical systems with condition-based maintenance using semi-Markov and evaluation of optimal condition monitoring interval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Girish; Jain, Vipul; Gandhi, O. P.

2018-03-01

Maintenance helps to extend equipment life by improving its condition and avoiding catastrophic failures. Appropriate model or mechanism is, thus, needed to quantify system availability vis-a-vis a given maintenance strategy, which will assist in decision-making for optimal utilization of maintenance resources. This paper deals with semi-Markov process (SMP) modeling for steady state availability analysis of mechanical systems that follow condition-based maintenance (CBM) and evaluation of optimal condition monitoring interval. The developed SMP model is solved using two-stage analytical approach for steady-state availability analysis of the system. Also, CBM interval is decided for maximizing system availability using Genetic Algorithm approach. The main contribution of the paper is in the form of a predictive tool for system availability that will help in deciding the optimum CBM policy. The proposed methodology is demonstrated for a centrifugal pump.

Experimental Design For Photoresist Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luckock, Larry

1987-04-01

In processing a semiconductor product (from discrete devices up to the most complex products produced) we find more photolithographic steps in wafer fabrication than any other kind of process step. Thus, the success of a semiconductor manufacturer hinges on the optimization of their photolithographic processes. Yet, we find few companies that have taken the time to properly characterize this critical operation; they are sitting in the "passenger's seat", waiting to see what will come out, hoping that the yields will improve someday. There is no "black magic" involved in setting up a process at its optimum conditions (i.e. minimum sensitivity to all variables at the same time). This paper gives an example of a real world situation for optimizing a photolithographic process by the use of a properly designed experiment, followed by adequate multidimensional analysis of the data. Basic SPC practices like plotting control charts will not, by themselves, improve yields; the control charts are, however, among the necessary tools used in the determination of the process capability and in the formulation of the problems to be addressed. The example we shall consider is the twofold objective of shifting the process average, while tightening the variance, of polysilicon line widths. This goal was identified from a Pareto analysis of yield-limiting mechanisms, plus inspection of the control charts. A key issue in a characterization of this type of process is the number of interactions between variables; this example rules out two-level full factorial and three-level fractional factorial designs (which cannot detect all of the interactions). We arrive at an experiment with five factors at five levels each. A full factorial design for five factors at three levels would require 3125 wafers. Instead, we will use a design that allows us to run this experiment with only 25 wafers, for a significant reduction in time, materials and manufacturing interruption in order to complete the experiment. An optimum solution is then determined via response surface analysis and a series of 3-D and contour plots are shown. The offset between the mask dimensions and poly CD at the optimum operating conditions is discussed with respect to yield, profits and return-on-investment. The expert system used for process optimization covers all types of process steps, producing the best custom designed experiment based on the actual equipment used. The knowledge base contains parameter lists, by machine make and model, ranked by sensitivity and controllability. One option allows 3-D spatial characterization of equipment. For the purpose of this presentation, we will assume that we want to optimize a photo-lithographic process used for polysilicon pattern definition and that we have determined minimum and maximum line widths, based on electrical yield requirements of the product. For this MOS process, the minimum critical dimension (CD) for the poly gate was determined by punchthrough voltage, threshold voltage, etc., while the maximum CD was determined from other performance factors like access time. We will start with the product engineer's analysis.

Study of the factors influencing the metals solubilisation from a mixture of waste batteries by response surface methodology.

PubMed

Tanong, Kulchaya; Coudert, Lucie; Chartier, Myriam; Mercier, Guy; Blais, Jean-François

2017-12-01

This paper presents an innovative process for the recovery of valuable metals from a mixture of spent batteries. Different types of batteries, including alkaline, zinc-carbon (Zn-C), nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium ion (Li-ion) and lithium metallic (Li-M) batteries, were mixed according to the proportion of the Canadian sales of batteries. A Box-Behnken design was applied to find the optimum leaching conditions allowing a maximum of valuable metal removals from a mixture of spent batteries in the presence of an inorganic acid and a reducing agent. The results highlighted the positive effect of sodium metabisulfite on the performance of metals removal, especially for Mn. The solid/liquid ratio and the concentration of H 2 SO 4 were the main factors affecting the leaching behavior of valuable metals (Zn, Mn, Cd, Ni) present in spent batteries. Finally, the optimum leaching conditions were found as follows: one leaching step, solid/liquid ratio = 10.9%, [H 2 SO 4 ] = 1.34 M, sodium metabisulfite (Na 2 S 2 O 5 ) = 0.45 g/g of battery powder and retention time = 45 min. Under such conditions, the removal yields achieved were 94% for Mn, 81% for Cd, 99% for Zn, 96% for Co and 68% for Ni.

Optimized production and characterization of a detergent-stable protease from Lysinibacillus fusiformis C250R.

PubMed

Mechri, Sondes; Kriaa, Mouna; Ben Elhoul Berrouina, Mouna; Omrane Benmrad, Maroua; Zaraî Jaouadi, Nadia; Rekik, Hatem; Bouacem, Khelifa; Bouanane-Darenfed, Amel; Chebbi, Alif; Sayadi, Sami; Chamkha, Mohamed; Bejar, Samir; Jaouadi, Bassem

2017-08-01

In this study, we aimed to optimize the cultural and nutritional conditions for protease production by Lysinibacillus fusiformis strain C250R in submerged fermentation process using statistical methodology. The most significant factors (gruel, wheat bran, yeast extract, and FeSO 4 ) were identified by Plackett-Burman design. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimum levels of the screened factors and their interaction. Under the optimized conditions, protease yield 3100U/mL was 4.5 folds higher than those obtained by the use of the initial conditions (680U/mL). Additionally, a new extracellular 51kDa-protease, designated SAPLF, was purified and biochemically characterized from strain C250R. It shows optimum activity at 70°C and pH 10. Its half-life times at 70 and 80°C were 10 and 6-h, respectively. Irreversible inhibition of enzyme activity of SAPLF with serine protease inhibitors demonstrated that it belongs to the serine protease family. Interestingly, its catalytic efficiency was higher than that of SPVP from Aeribacillus pallidus strain VP3 and Alcalase Ultra 2.5L from Bacillus licheniformis. This study demonstrated that SAPLF has a high detergent compatibility and an excellent stain removal compared to Alcalase Ultra 2.5L; which offers an interesting potential for its application in the laundry detergent industry. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Liquid Phase adsorption kinetics and equilibrium of toluene by novel modified-diatomite.

PubMed

Sheshdeh, Reza Khalighi; Abbasizadeh, Saeed; Nikou, Mohammad Reza Khosravi; Badii, Khashayar; Sharafi, Mohammad Sadegh

2014-01-01

The adsorption equilibria of toluene from aqueous solutions on natural and modified diatomite were examined at different operation parameters such as pH, contact time, initial toluene concentration was evaluated and optimum experimental conditions were identified. The surface area and morphology of the nanoparticles were characterized by SEM, BET, XRD, FTIR and EDX analysis. It was found that in order to obtain the highest possible removal of toluene, the experiments can be carried out at pH 6, temperature 25°C, an agitation speed of 200 rpm, an initial toluene concentration of 150 mg/L, a centrifugal rate of 4000 rpm, adsorbent dosage = 0.1 g and a process time of 90 min. The results of this work show that the maximum percentage removal of toluene from aqueous solution in the optimum conditions for NONMD was 96.91% (145.36 mg/g). Furthermore, under same conditions, the maximum adsorption of natural diatomite was 71.45% (107.18 mg/g). Both adsorption kinetic and isotherm experiments were carried out. The experimental data showed that the adsorption follows the Langmuir model and Freundlich model on natural and modified diatomite respectively. The kinetics results were found to conform well to pseudo-second order kinetics model with good correlation. Thus, this study demonstrated that the modified diatomite could be used as potential adsorbent for removal of toluene from aqueous solution.

On the effects of assembly compression on the performance of liquid-feed DMFCs under methanol-limiting conditions: A 2D numerical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Salaberri, P. A.; Vera, M.

2015-07-01

The influence of assembly compression on the performance of liquid-feed DMFCs under methanol-limiting conditions is explored by means of a 2D/1D multiphysics across-the-channel model. The numerical formulation incorporates a comprehensive 2D description of the anode GDL, including two-phase phenomena, non-uniform anisotropic transport properties, and electrical contact resistances at the GDL/BPP interface. GDL effective properties are evaluated using empirical data corresponding to Toray® carbon paper. A simplified but physically sound 1D description, locally coupled to the 2D anode GDL model, is adopted to describe transport processes in the MPLs, membrane and cathode GDL, whereas the catalyst layers are treated as infinitely thin surfaces. Good agreement is found between the numerical results and previous experimental data. The interplay between assembly compression, bipolar plate material, and channel configuration is also investigated. The results show that there is an optimum GDL compression ratio in terms of overall power density, the optimal compression level being strongly dependent on bipolar plate material. Beyond the optimum, the detrimental effect of compression is larger in non-parallel flow fields due to the additional reduction of methanol transported by under-rib convection. The results suggest that, under certain conditions, this transport mechanism could be more important than diffusion in the anode of liquid-feed DMFCs.

Preparation of activated petroleum coke for removal of naphthenic acids model compounds: Box-Behnken design optimization of KOH activation process.

PubMed

Niasar, Hojatallah Seyedy; Li, Hanning; Das, Sreejon; Kasanneni, Tirumala Venkateswara Rao; Ray, Madhumita B; Xu, Chunbao Charles

2018-04-01

This study employed Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology to optimize activation parameters for the production of activated petroleum coke (APC) adsorbent from petroleum coke (PC) to achieve highest adsorption capacity for three model naphthenic acids. Activated petroleum coke (APC) adsorbent with a BET surface area of 1726 m 2 /g and total pore volume of 0.85 cc/g was produced at the optimum activation conditions (KOH/coke mass ratio) of 3.0, activation temperature 790 °C, and activation time 3.47 h). Effects of the activation parameters on the adsorption pefromances (adsortion capaciy and kinetics) were investigated. With the APC obtained at the optimum activation condition, the maximum adsorption capacity of 451, 362, and 320 (mg/g) was achieved for 2-naphthoic acid, diphenylacetic acid and cyclohexanepentanoic acid (CP), respectively. Although, generally APC adsorbents with a higher specific surface area and pore volume provide better adsorption capacity, the textural properties (surface areas and pore volume) are not the only parameters determining the APC adsorbents' adsorption capacity. Other parameters such as surface functionalities play effective roles on the adsorption capacity of the produced APC adsorbents for NAs. The KOH activation process, in particular the acid washing step, distinctly reduced the sulfur and metals contents in the raw PC, decreasing the leaching potential of metals from APC adsorbents during adsorption. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the effects of stirring condition of separation of thorium in the elution process of monazite partial solution by solvent impregnated resin method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prassanti, R.; Putra, D. S.; Kusuma, B. P.; Nawawi, F. W.

2018-01-01

Monazite is a natural mineral which contains abundant valuable element such as Radioactive Element and Rare Earth Element(REE). In this experiment, it is proven that solution of residual Thorium Sulfate from Monazite mineral process, can be seperated selectively by using extracting method of Solvent Impregnated Resin(SIR), with the elutant solution HNO3. In the earlier process, Thorium solution is conditioned at PH 1 by using H2SO4. Then REE, Thorium and Uranium elements are seperated. This seperation is conducted by using adsorption method by Amberlite XAD-16 Resin, which has been impregnated by Tributhyl Phosphate extractant. It is continued with elution process, which is aimed to obtain Thorium solution of a higher level of concentration. This elution process is conducted by using HNO3, with the elution variables of the lenght of mixing and amount concentration elutant. Based on this experiment, SIR extracting method is able to dissolve Thorium solution until 63,2%grade and a higher level of %grade about 92,40%. It can be concluded that this SIR method can extracted Thorium elements selectively, improve extracting process recovery, and determine optimum stripping condition in the 45th minutes with elutant concentration of 1,0M HNO3.

Extraction of orange peel's essential oil by solvent-free microwave extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qadariyah, Lailatul; Amelia, Prilia Dwi; Admiralia, Cininta; Bhuana, Donny S.; Mahfud, Mahfud

2017-05-01

Sweet orange peel (Citrus sinensis) is part of orange plant that contains essential oils. Generally, taking essential oil from orange peel is still using hydrodistillation and steam-hydrodistillation method which still needs solvent and takes a long time to produce high quality essential oil. Therefore, the objectives of this experiment are to study the process of orange peel's essential oil extraction using Solvent Free Microwave Extraction (SFME) and to study the operating condition that effect an optimum yield and quality of the essential oil. In this experiment, extraction process with SFME method goes for 60 minutes at atmospheric pressure. Variables for SFME are: variation of orange peel condition (fresh and dry), ratio orange peel mass to distiller volume (0,1; 0,2; 0,3; 0,4 g/mL), orange peel size (±0,5; ±2; ±3,5 cm width), and microwave power (100, 264, 400 Watt). Moisture content of fresh peel is 71,4% and for dry peel is 17,37% which is obtained by sun drying. The result of this experiment will be analyzed with GC-MS, SEM, density, and miscibility in ethanol 90%. The optimum result obtained from this experiment based on the number of the yield under condition of fresh orange peel is at peel mass/distiller volume 0,1 g/mL, orange peel size ±3,5 cm width, and microwave power 400 Watt, results 1,6738% yield. The result of GC-MS for fresh orange peel shows that the dominant compound is Limonene 54,140% and for dry orange peel is Limonene 59,705%. The density obtained is around 0,8282-0,8530 g/mL and miscibility in ethanol 90% is 1:5.

Production and optimization of biodiesel using mixed immobilized biocatalysts in packed bed reactor.

PubMed

Bakkiyaraj, S; Syed, Mahin Basha; Devanesan, M G; Thangavelu, Viruthagiri

2016-05-01

Vegetable oils are used as raw materials for biodiesel production using transesterification reaction. Several methods for the production of biodiesel were developed using chemical (alkali and acidic compounds) and biological catalysts (lipases). Biodiesel production catalyzed by lipases is energy and cost-saving processes and is carried out at normal temperature and pressure. The need for an efficient method for screening larger number of variables has led to the adoption of statistical experimental design. In the present study, packed bed reactor was designed to study with mixed immobilized biocatalysts to have higher productivity under optimum conditions. Contrary to the single-step acyl migration mechanism, a two-step stepwise reaction mechanism involving immobilized Candida rugosa lipase and immobilized Rhizopus oryzae cells was employed for the present work. This method was chosen because enzymatic hydrolysis followed by esterification can tolerate high free fatty acid containing oils. The effects of flow rate and bed height on biodiesel yield were studied using two factors five-level central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Maximum biodiesel yield of 85 and 81 % was obtained for jatropha oil and karanja oil with the optimum bed height and optimum flow rate of 32.6 cm and 1.35 L/h, and 32.6 cm and 1.36 L/h, respectively.

Depuration Study of Heavy Metal Lead (Pb) and Copper (Cu) in Green Mussels Perna viridis through Continues-discontinues and Acid Extraction Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budiawan; Bakri, Ridla; Cahaya Dani, Intan; Handayani, Sri; Ade Kurnia Putri, Rizki; Tamala, Riska

2018-01-01

Green mussel or Perna viridis is filter feeder, which is very susceptible to heavy metals. It takes an effort to release heavy metal contents on the green shell, one of method that can be used to release heavy metal from green shell is depuration proccess. In this research, the depuration process was conducted by continues method of depuration, discontinues method by using various kind of water and acid extraction. The optimum time of continues depuration method is 1.5 hours, with circulation speed 250 L/h and result of Pb metal content decreased is equal to 30.048% and 29.748% for Cu. In the discontinues method, the optimum result was reached at 100oC by using PAM water as the media at 3 h immersion period with decrease of Pb metal content 35.001% and Cu metal content 39.015%. In the acid extraction method, the optimum condition was achieved by 11% acetic acid solvent with decreasing of Pb and Cu levels are 88.224% and 76.298%. For the determination of protein content, the decrease of protein content obtained by treatment with 11% acetic acid extract showed decrease of protein content 36.656% with Kjeldahl method.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Applegate, Matthew B.; Alonzo, Carlo; Georgakoudi, Irene

High resolution three-dimensional voids can be directly written into transparent silk fibroin hydrogels using ultrashort pulses of near-infrared (NIR) light. Here, we propose a simple finite-element model that can be used to predict the size and shape of individual features under various exposure conditions. We compare predicted and measured feature volumes for a wide range of parameters and use the model to determine optimum conditions for maximum material removal. The simplicity of the model implies that the mechanism of multiphoton induced void creation in silk is due to direct absorption of light energy rather than diffusion of heat or othermore » photoproducts, and confirms that multiphoton absorption of NIR light in silk is purely a 3-photon process.« less

Studies on the stripping of cerium from the loaded tbp-kerosene solution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rizk, S.E.; Abdel Rahman, N.; Daoud, J.A.

2008-07-01

The reductive stripping of Ce(IV) from the loaded organic phase (30% TBP in kerosene) was investigated, using two stripping agents, EDTA and H{sub 2}O{sub 2}, in nitric acid. The results are compared to determine the optimum conditions for the reduction of Ce(IV) in the organic phase to Ce(III) in the aqueous phase. For each of the two stripping agents, the effect of different parameters affecting the reduction process was investigated: stripping-agent concentration, nitric acid concentration, phase ratio, shaking time, and temperature. The results are compared and discussed in terms of the conditions required for maximum reductive stripping of Ce(IV). (authors)

Optimisation of warpage on plastic injection moulding part using response surface methodology (RSM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miza, A. T. N. A.; Shayfull, Z.; Nasir, S. M.; Fathullah, M.; Rashidi, M. M.

2017-09-01

The warpage is often encountered which occur during injection moulding process of thin shell part depending the process condition. The statistical design of experiment method which are Integrating Finite Element (FE) Analysis, moldflow analysis and response surface methodology (RSM) are the stage of few ways in minimize the warpage values of x,y and z on thin shell plastic parts that were investigated. A battery cover of a remote controller is one of the thin shell plastic part that produced by using injection moulding process. The optimum process condition parameter were determined as to achieve the minimum warpage from being occur. Packing pressure, Cooling time, Melt temperature and Mould temperature are 4 parameters that considered in this study. A two full factorial experimental design was conducted in Design Expert of RSM analysis as to combine all these parameters study. FE analysis result gain from analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was the one of the important process parameters influenced warpage. By using RSM, a predictive response surface model for warpage data will be shown.

Box-Behnken statistical design to optimize thermal performance of energy storage systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalalian, Iman Joz; Mohammadiun, Mohammad; Moqadam, Hamid Hashemi; Mohammadiun, Hamid

2018-05-01

Latent heat thermal storage (LHTS) is a technology that can help to reduce energy consumption for cooling applications, where the cold is stored in phase change materials (PCMs). In the present study a comprehensive theoretical and experimental investigation is performed on a LHTES system containing RT25 as phase change material (PCM). Process optimization of the experimental conditions (inlet air temperature and velocity and number of slabs) was carried out by means of Box-Behnken design (BBD) of Response surface methodology (RSM). Two parameters (cooling time and COP value) were chosen to be the responses. Both of the responses were significantly influenced by combined effect of inlet air temperature with velocity and number of slabs. Simultaneous optimization was performed on the basis of the desirability function to determine the optimal conditions for the cooling time and COP value. Maximum cooling time (186 min) and COP value (6.04) were found at optimum process conditions i.e. inlet temperature of (32.5), air velocity of (1.98) and slab number of (7).

Effect of geometric and process variables on the performance of inclined plate settlers in treating aquacultural waste.

PubMed

Sarkar, Sudipto; Kamilya, Dibyendu; Mal, B C

2007-03-01

Inclined plate settlers are used in treating wastewater due to their low space requirement and high removal rates. The prediction of sedimentation efficiency of these settlers is essential for their performance evaluation. In the present study, the technique of dimensional analysis was applied to predict the sedimentation efficiency of these inclined plate settlers. The effect of various geometric parameters namely, distance between plates (w(p)), plate angle (alpha), length of plate (l(p)), plate roughness (epsilon(p)), number of plates (n(p)) and particle diameter (d(s)) on the dynamic conditions, influencing the sedimentation process was studied. From the study it was established that neither the Reynolds criterion nor the Froude criterion was singularly valid to simulate the sedimentation efficiency (E) for different values of w(p) and flow velocity (v(f)). Considering the prevalent scale effect, simulation equations were developed to predict E at different dynamic conditions. The optimum dynamic condition producing the maximum E is also discussed.

Optimization of production conditions for activated carbons from Tamarind wood by zinc chloride using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Sahu, J N; Acharya, Jyotikusum; Meikap, B C

2010-03-01

The low-cost activated carbon was prepared from Tamarind wood an agricultural waste material, by chemical activation with zinc chloride. Activated carbon adsorption is an effective means for reducing organic chemicals, chlorine, heavy metals and unpleasant tastes and odours in effluent or colored substances from gas or liquid streams. Central composite design (CCD) was applied to study the influence of activation temperature, chemical ratio of zinc chloride to Tamarind wood and activation time on the chemical activation process of Tamarind wood. Two quadratic models were developed for yield of activated carbon and adsorption of malachite green oxalate using Design-Expert software. The models were used to calculate the optimum operating conditions for production of activated carbon providing a compromise between yield and adsorption of the process. The yield (45.26 wt.%) and adsorption (99.9%) of the activated carbon produced at these operating conditions showed an excellent agreement with the amounts predicted by the models. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lipase mediated synthesis of rutin fatty ester: Study of its process parameters and solvent polarity.

PubMed

Vaisali, C; Belur, Prasanna D; Regupathi, Iyyaswami

2017-10-01

Lipophilization of antioxidants is recognized as an effective strategy to enhance solubility and thus effectiveness in lipid based food. In this study, an effort was made to optimize rutin fatty ester synthesis in two different solvent systems to understand the influence of reaction system hydrophobicity on the optimum conditions using immobilised Candida antartica lipase. Under unoptimized conditions, 52.14% and 13.02% conversion was achieved in acetone and tert-butanol solvent systems, respectively. Among all the process parameters, water activity of the system was found to show highest influence on the conversion in each reaction system. In the presence of molecular sieves, the ester production increased to 62.9% in tert-butanol system, unlike acetone system. Under optimal conditions, conversion increased to 60.74% and 65.73% in acetone and tert-butanol system, respectively. This study shows, maintaining optimal water activity is crucial in reaction systems having polar solvents compared to more non-polar solvents. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of B. subtilis SPB1 biosurfactants' potency for diesel-contaminated soil washing: optimization of oil desorption using Taguchi design.

PubMed

Mnif, Inès; Sahnoun, Rihab; Ellouze-Chaabouni, Semia; Ghribi, Dhouha

2014-01-01

Low solubility of certain hydrophobic soil contaminants limits remediation process. Surface-active compounds can improve the solubility and removal of hydrophobic compounds from contaminated soils and, consequently, their biodegradation. Hence, this paper aims to study desorption efficiency of oil from soil of SPB1 lipopeptide biosurfactant. The effect of different physicochemical parameters on desorption potency was assessed. Taguchi experimental design method was applied in order to enhance the desorption capacity and establish the best washing parameters. Mobilization potency was compared to those of chemical surfactants under the newly defined conditions. Better desorption capacity was obtained using 0.1% biosurfacatnt solution and the mobilization potency shows great tolerance to acidic and alkaline pH values and salinity. Results show an optimum value of oil removal from diesel-contaminated soil of about 87%. The optimum washing conditions for surfactant solution volume, biosurfactant concentration, agitation speed, temperature, and time were found to be 12 ml/g of soil, 0.1% biosurfactant, 200 rpm, 30 °C, and 24 h, respectively. The obtained results were compared to those of SDS and Tween 80 at the optimal conditions described above, and the study reveals an effectiveness of SPB1 biosurfactant comparable to the reported chemical emulsifiers. (1) The obtained findings suggest (a) the competence of Bacillus subtilis biosurfactant in promoting diesel desorption from soil towards chemical surfactants and (b) the applicability of this method in decontaminating crude oil-contaminated soil and, therefore, improving bioavailability of hydrophobic compounds. (2) The obtained findings also suggest the adequacy of Taguchi design in promoting process efficiency. Our findings suggest that preoptimized desorption process using microbial-derived emulsifier can contribute significantly to enhancement of hydrophobic pollutants' bioavailability. This study can be complemented with the investigation of potential role in improving the biodegradation of the diesel adsorbed to the soil.

Novel wavelet threshold denoising method in axle press-fit zone ultrasonic detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Chaoyong; Gao, Xiaorong; Peng, Jianping; Wang, Ai

2017-02-01

Axles are important part of railway locomotives and vehicles. Periodic ultrasonic inspection of axles can effectively detect and monitor axle fatigue cracks. However, in the axle press-fit zone, the complex interface contact condition reduces the signal-noise ratio (SNR). Therefore, the probability of false positives and false negatives increases. In this work, a novel wavelet threshold function is created to remove noise and suppress press-fit interface echoes in axle ultrasonic defect detection. The novel wavelet threshold function with two variables is designed to ensure the precision of optimum searching process. Based on the positive correlation between the correlation coefficient and SNR and with the experiment phenomenon that the defect and the press-fit interface echo have different axle-circumferential correlation characteristics, a discrete optimum searching process for two undetermined variables in novel wavelet threshold function is conducted. The performance of the proposed method is assessed by comparing it with traditional threshold methods using real data. The statistic results of the amplitude and the peak SNR of defect echoes show that the proposed wavelet threshold denoising method not only maintains the amplitude of defect echoes but also has a higher peak SNR.

A Fast Proceduere for Optimizing Thermal Protection Systems of Re-Entry Vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferraiuolo, M.; Riccio, A.; Tescione, D.; Gigliotti, M.

The aim of the present work is to introduce a fast procedure to optimize thermal protection systems for re-entry vehicles subjected to high thermal loads. A simplified one-dimensional optimization process, performed in order to find the optimum design variables (lengths, sections etc.), is the first step of the proposed design procedure. Simultaneously, the most suitable materials able to sustain high temperatures and meeting the weight requirements are selected and positioned within the design layout. In this stage of the design procedure, simplified (generalized plane strain) FEM models are used when boundary and geometrical conditions allow the reduction of the degrees of freedom. Those simplified local FEM models can be useful because they are time-saving and very simple to build; they are essentially one dimensional and can be used for optimization processes in order to determine the optimum configuration with regard to weight, temperature and stresses. A triple-layer and a double-layer body, subjected to the same aero-thermal loads, have been optimized to minimize the overall weight. Full two and three-dimensional analyses are performed in order to validate those simplified models. Thermal-structural analyses and optimizations are executed by adopting the Ansys FEM code.

Optimum deposition conditions of ultrasmooth silver nanolayers

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Reduction of surface plasmon-polariton losses due to their scattering on metal surface roughness still remains a challenge in the fabrication of plasmonic devices for nanooptics. To achieve smooth silver films, we study the dependence of surface roughness on the evaporation temperature in a physical vapor deposition process. At the deposition temperature range 90 to 500 K, the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients of Ag, Ge wetting layer, and sapphire substrate does not deteriorate the metal surface. To avoid ice crystal formation on substrates, the working temperature of the whole physical vapor deposition process should exceed that of the sublimation at the evaporation pressure range. At optimum room temperature, the root-mean-square (RMS) surface roughness was successfully reduced to 0.2 nm for a 10-nm Ag layer on sapphire substrate with a 1-nm germanium wetting interlayer. Silver layers of 10- and 30-nm thickness were examined using an atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray reflectometry (XRR), and two-dimensional X-ray diffraction (XRD2). PACS 63.22.Np Layered systems; 68. Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and nanosystems (structure and nonelectronic properties); 81.07.-b Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization PMID:24685115

Optimization of formulation of soy-cakes baked in infrared-microwave combination oven by response surface methodology.

PubMed

Şakıyan, Özge

2015-05-01

The aim of present work is to optimize the formulation of a functional cake (soy-cake) to be baked in infrared-microwave combination oven. For this optimization process response surface methodology was utilized. It was also aimed to optimize the processing conditions of the combination baking. The independent variables were the baking time (8, 9, 10 min), the soy flour concentration (30, 40, 50 %) and the DATEM (diacetyltartaric acid esters of monoglycerides) concentration (0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 %). The quality parameters that were examined in the study were specific volume, weight loss, total color change and firmness of the cake samples. The results were analyzed by multiple regression; and the significant linear, quadratic, and interaction terms were used in the second order mathematical model. The optimum baking time, soy-flour concentration and DATEM concentration were found as 9.5 min, 30 and 0.72 %, respectively. The corresponding responses of the optimum points were almost comparable with those of conventionally baked soy-cakes. So it may be declared that it is possible to produce high quality soy cakes in a very short time by using infrared-microwave combination oven.

Acid-base characterization of 5-hydroxypyrazine-2-carboxylic acid and the role of ionic equilibria in the optimization of some process conditions for its biocatalytic production.

PubMed

Sak-Bosnar, M; Kovar, K

2005-10-01

This paper describes the use of potentiometric titration to determine the relevant acid-base properties of 5-hydroxypyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (5OH-PYCA), an important intermediate in the production of tuberculostatics. The data obtained were used for calculation of the dissociation constants of 5OH-PYCA. It was found that 5OH-PYCA dissociates in two steps, with the corresponding dissociation constants pK (a1)=3.42 and pK (a2)=7.96, designating 5OH-PYCA as a medium weak acid (1st step). The distribution diagram of dissociated species and the buffer-strength diagram of 5OH-PYCA provide useful information about its behaviour at different pH. The ionic equilibria data obtained can be used for selection of the optimum pH for biotransformation of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (PYCA) and for prediction of pH changes during the biotransformation. These data can also be used for selection of the optimum pH for precipitating 5OH-PYCA in downstream processing. All computations have been optimized by mathematical modelling using Solver.

Optimized microwave-assistant extraction combined ultrasonic pretreatment of flavonoids from Periploca forrestii Schltr. and evaluation of its anti-allergic activity.

PubMed

Liang, Qian; Chen, Huaguo; Zhou, Xin; Deng, Qingfang; Hu, Enming; Zhao, Chao; Gong, Xiaojian

2017-04-01

Microwave extraction combined ultrasonic pretreatment of flavonoids from Periploca forrestii Schltr. was investigated in this study, extraction process was first performed in an ultrasonic cleaner, then treated by microwave irradiation. The optimum ultrasonic time of 25 min was selected by single-factor experiments. A response surface methodology has been used to obtain a mathematical model that describes the process and analyzes the significant parameters ethanol concentration 59.92%, liquid to raw materials ratio 21.24 mL/g, microwave radiation time 209.53 s, and microwave power 274.14 w. In these optimum conditions, the yield of flavonoids from P. forrestii (TFPF) could be up to 9.11 ± 0.08%, which was increased by 14.30 and 19.86% compared microwave extraction and ultrasonic extraction, respectively. In vitro suppress hyaluronidase experimentation showed that TFPF purified using polyamide exhibited good anti-hyaluronidase ability with IC 50 value of 1.033 mg/mL, possessing certain anti-antiallergic and potential application prospect in pharmaceutical production of treating inflammation and other related fields. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multi-Response Optimization of WEDM Process Parameters Using Taguchi Based Desirability Function Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majumder, Himadri; Maity, Kalipada

2018-03-01

Shape memory alloy has a unique capability to return to its original shape after physical deformation by applying heat or thermo-mechanical or magnetic load. In this experimental investigation, desirability function analysis (DFA), a multi-attribute decision making was utilized to find out the optimum input parameter setting during wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy. Four critical machining parameters, namely pulse on time (TON), pulse off time (TOFF), wire feed (WF) and wire tension (WT) were taken as machining inputs for the experiments to optimize three interconnected responses like cutting speed, kerf width, and surface roughness. Input parameter combination TON = 120 μs., TOFF = 55 μs., WF = 3 m/min. and WT = 8 kg-F were found to produce the optimum results. The optimum process parameters for each desired response were also attained using Taguchi’s signal-to-noise ratio. Confirmation test has been done to validate the optimum machining parameter combination which affirmed DFA was a competent approach to select optimum input parameters for the ideal response quality for WEDM of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy.

The design of control system of livestock feeding processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sihombing, Juna; Napitupulu, Humala L.; Hidayati, Juliza

2018-03-01

PT. XYZ is a company that produces animal feed. One type of animal feed produced is 105 ISA P. In carrying out its production process, PT. XYZ faces the problem of rejected feed amounts during 2014 to June 2015 due to the amount of animal feed that exceeds the standard feed quality of 13% of moisture content and 3% for ash content. Therefore, the researchers analyzed the relationship between factors affecting the quality and extent of damage by using regression and correlation and determine the optimum value of each processing process. Analysis results found that variables affecting product quality are mixing time, steam conditioning temperature and cooling time. The most dominant variable affecting the product moisture content is mixing time with the correlation coefficient of (0.7959) and the most dominant variable affecting the ash content of the product during the processing is mixing time with the correlation coefficient of (0.8541). The design of the proposed product processing control is to run the product processing process with mixing time 235 seconds, steam conditioning temperature 87 0C and cooling time 192 seconds. Product quality 105 ISA P obtained by using this design is with 12.16% moisture content and ash content of 2.59%.

Analytical and regression models of glass rod drawing process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseeva, L. B.

2018-03-01

The process of drawing glass rods (light guides) is being studied. The parameters of the process affecting the quality of the light guide have been determined. To solve the problem, mathematical models based on general equations of continuum mechanics are used. The conditions for the stable flow of the drawing process have been found, which are determined by the stability of the motion of the glass mass in the formation zone to small uncontrolled perturbations. The sensitivity of the formation zone to perturbations of the drawing speed and viscosity is estimated. Experimental models of the drawing process, based on the regression analysis methods, have been obtained. These models make it possible to customize a specific production process to obtain light guides of the required quality. They allow one to find the optimum combination of process parameters in the chosen area and to determine the required accuracy of maintaining them at a specified level.

Process feasibility study in support of silicon material task 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fang, C. S.; Hansen, K. C.; Miller, J. W., Jr.; Yaws, C. L.

1978-01-01

Initial results for gas thermal conductivity of silicon tetrafluoride and trichlorosilane are reported in respective temperature ranges of 25 to 400 C and 50 to 400 C. For chemical engineering analyses, the preliminary process design for the original silane process of Union Carbide was completed for Cases A and B, Regular and Minimum Process Storage. Included are raw material usage, utility requirements, major process equipment lists, and production labor requirements. Because of the large differences in surge tankage between major unit operations the fixed capital investment varied from $19,094,000 to $11,138,000 for Cases A and B, respectively. For the silane process the original flowsheet was revised for a more optimum arrangement of major equipment, raw materials and operating conditions. The initial issue of the revised flowsheet (Case C) for the silane process indicated favorable cost benefits over the original scheme.

The assessment of UV resources over Northern Eurasia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chubarova, Natalia; Zhdanova, Yekaterina

2013-05-01

The spatial and temporal distribution of UV resources was assessed over Northern Eurasia by using RT modeling (8 stream DISORT RT code) with 1×1 degree grid and month resolution. For this purpose a special dataset of main input geophysical parameters (total ozone content, aerosol characteristics, surface UV albedo, and UV cloud modification factor) has been developed. To define the UV resources both erythemally-weighted and vitamin D irradiances were used. In order to better quantify vitamin D irradiance threshold we accounted for a body exposure fraction S as a function of surface effective temperature. The UV resources are defined by using several classes and subclasses: UV deficiency, UV optimum, and UV excess. They were evaluated for clear and typical cloudy conditions for different skin types. We show that for typical cloudy conditions in winter (January) there are only few regions in Europe at the south of Spain (southward 43°N) with conditions of UV optimum for people with skin type 2 and no such conditions for people with skin type 4. In summer (July) UV optimum for skin 2 is observed northward 63°N with a boundary biased towards higher latitudes at the east, while for skin type 4 these conditions are observed over the most territory of Northern Eurasia.

Optimization of lightweight structure and supporting bipod flexure for a space mirror.

PubMed

Chen, Yi-Cheng; Huang, Bo-Kai; You, Zhen-Ting; Chan, Chia-Yen; Huang, Ting-Ming

2016-12-20

This article presents an optimization process for integrated optomechanical design. The proposed optimization process for integrated optomechanical design comprises computer-aided drafting, finite element analysis (FEA), optomechanical transfer codes, and an optimization solver. The FEA was conducted to determine mirror surface deformation; then, deformed surface nodal data were transferred into Zernike polynomials through MATLAB optomechanical transfer codes to calculate the resulting optical path difference (OPD) and optical aberrations. To achieve an optimum design, the optimization iterations of the FEA, optomechanical transfer codes, and optimization solver were automatically connected through a self-developed Tcl script. Two examples of optimization design were illustrated in this research, namely, an optimum lightweight design of a Zerodur primary mirror with an outer diameter of 566 mm that is used in a spaceborne telescope and an optimum bipod flexure design that supports the optimum lightweight primary mirror. Finally, optimum designs were successfully accomplished in both examples, achieving a minimum peak-to-valley (PV) value for the OPD of the deformed optical surface. The simulated optimization results showed that (1) the lightweight ratio of the primary mirror increased from 56% to 66%; and (2) the PV value of the mirror supported by optimum bipod flexures in the horizontal position effectively decreased from 228 to 61 nm.

Experimental design for the evaluation of struvite sedimentation obtained from an ammonium concentrated wastewater.

PubMed

Castro, Samuel Rodrigues; Araújo, Mahira Adna Cota; Lange, Liséte Celina

2013-01-01

Chemical precipitation of struvite as a technique of ammonium nitrogen (NH(4)-N) removal from concentrated wastewater has been shown to be an attractive alternative due to its high effectiveness, reaction rate, simplicity, environmental sustainability and, especially, the application potential of the generated solids for the fertilizer industry. The technique of experimental design has been used in order to identify and evaluate the optimum conditions of chemical precipitation reaction applied in a struvite sedimentation study. The preliminary tests were performed using synthetic effluent with a concentration equal to 500.0 mg N L(-1). The stoichiometric ratio Mg:NH(4):PO(4) equal to 1.5:1.0:1.25 and pH equal to 8.5 were taken to be the optimum conditions, where a NH(4)-N removal equal to 98.6% was achieved with only 10-min reaction time. This condition has been used to evaluate the struvite sedimentation from synthetic wastewaters, intending to check the optimum conditions achieved by the experimental design in different initial concentrations, 1,000 and 2,000 mg N L(-1). The results were typical of a good zonal sedimentation and can be used in the scale up the system.

High-purity nano particles ZnS production by a simple coupling reaction process of biological reduction and chemical precipitation mediated with EDTA.

PubMed

Xin, Baoping; Huang, Qun; Chen, Shi; Tang, Xuemei

2008-01-01

High-purity nanoparticles ZnS has been successfully synthesized using a simple coupling reaction process of biological reduction and chemical precipitation mediated with EDTA referred to as the CRBRCP-EDTA process. This research investigated the optimum conditions of the transformation of SO(4) (2-) into S(2-) by SRB, and the production of ZnS in the CRBRCP-EDTA process. The results showed that the molar ratio of Zn(2+) to EDTA = 1:1 was crucial for SRB growth and ZnS synthesis. At the ratio(n) (Zn2+)/n) (EDTA) = 1:1, lower Zn(2+) concentration enhanced both the growth of SRB and the reduction of SO(4) (2-), leading to higher ZnS production. Although increase in Na(2)SO(4) concentration resulted in decrease in both SRB growth and SO(4) (2-) reduction, it improved the S(2-) and ZnS production. Under the optimum conditions (0.05 mol L(-1) ZnCl(2), 0.05 mol L(-1) EDTA, and 0.1 mol L(-1) Na(2)SO(4)), the synthesized ZnS was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The analysis showed that the obtained ZnS were high-purity and well-distributed solid spheres with diameters of about 15 nm for primary particles and around 400 nm for secondary particles. When polyacrylamide (PAM) was incorporated in the CRBRCP-EDTA process, the secondary particle's diameters were reduced to less than 100 nm. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of produced ZnS centered at 396 nm, the spectrum with PAM added showed the gradual increase in absorption and stronger intensity in PL property. The present simple, low-cost, and safe method may be extended to prepare other metal-sulfide nanocomposites.

Assessment of the effectiveness of orange (Citrus reticulata) peel in the recovery of nickel from electroplating wastewater.

PubMed

Hussein, Rim A

2014-12-01

Wastewater discharged from electroplating industry contains different concentrations of heavy metals, which when released into the environment pose a health hazard to human beings. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of orange peel as an adsorbent in the recovery of Nickel (Ni) from electroplating wastewater. The effectiveness of orange peel as an adsorbent was assessed by determining the optimum conditions of adsorption (adsorbent dose, pH, and contact time), calculating the recovery percentage, and characterizing the orange peel sludge resulting from adsorption/desorption process as being hazardous or not. Under optimum conditions for adsorption, orange peel was found to be an effective adsorbent of Ni from electroplating wastewater. It achieved 59.28% removal of the metal from a solution containing 528 mg/l, at a dose of 60 g/l, at pH 7, and for 1-h contact time. The nickel uptake capacity of orange peel was calculated to be 5.2 mg/g. Using HCl for desorption of adsorbed Ni, a recovery of 44.46% of Ni discharged in the wastewater could be reached. Orange peel resulting from the adsorption/desorption process was characterized as being nonhazardous. Orange peel was found to be effective in the recovery of nearly half of the amount of Ni discharged in electroplating wastewater. Further studies are required to determine (a) the impact of the recovered NiCl2 solution on the quality of the plated product, (b) the effect of activation of orange peel on the adsorption process, and (c) the number of cycles during which orange peel can be reused as an effective adsorbent.

Influence of fluid dynamics on anaerobic digestion of food waste for biogas production.

PubMed

Wang, Fengping; Zhang, Cunsheng; Huo, Shuhao

2017-05-01

To enhance the stability and efficiency of an anaerobic process, the influences of fluid dynamics on the performance of anaerobic digestion and sludge granulation were investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Four different propeller speeds (20, 60, 100, 140 r/min) were adopted for anaerobic digestion of food waste in a 30 L continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR). Experimental results indicated that the methane yield increased with increasing the propeller speed within the experimental range. Results from CFD simulation and sludge granulation showed that the optimum propeller speed for anaerobic digestion was 100 r/min. Lower propeller speed (20 r/min) inhibited mass transfer and resulted in the failure of anaerobic digestion, while higher propeller speed (140 r/min) would lead to higher energy loss and system instability. Under this condition, anaerobic digestion could work effectively with higher efficiency of mass transfer which facilitated sludge granulation and biogas production. The corresponding mean liquid velocity and shear strain rate were 0.082 m/s and 10.48 s -1 , respectively. Moreover, compact granular sludge could be formed, with lower energy consumption. CFD was successfully used to study the influence of fluid dynamics on the anaerobic digestion process. The key parameters of the optimum mixing condition for anaerobic digestion of food waste in a 30 L CSTR including liquid velocity and shear strain rate were obtained using CFD, which were of paramount significance for the scale-up of the bioreactor. This study provided a new way for the optimization and scale-up of the anaerobic digestion process in CSTR based on the fluid dynamics analysis.

Fungi immobilization for landfill leachate treatment.

PubMed

Saetang, Jenjira; Babel, Sandhya

2010-01-01

This paper investigated treatment of landfill leachate collected from Nonthaburi landfill site, Thailand, by using immobilized white rot fungi, namely, Trametes versicolor BCC 8725 and Flavodon flavus BCC 17421. Effects of pH and co-substrates were investigated at different contact times. Three types of co-substrates as carbon source used in this study are glucose, corn starch and cassava. Treatment efficiency was evaluated based on color, BOD, and COD removal. Initial BOD and COD were found to be 5,600 and 34,560 mg/L, respectively. The optimum pH was found to be 4, the optimum co-substrate concentration (glucose, corn starch and cassava) was 3 g/L and the optimum contact time was 10 days for both types of fungi. Addition of glucose, corn starch and cassava as co-substrate at optimum conditions could remove 78, 74, and 66% of color, respectively for T. versicolor and 73, 68, and 60%, respectively, for F. flavus. Moreover, for T. versicolor, BOD and COD reduction of 69 and 57%, respectively, could be achieved at optimum conditions when using glucose as a co-substrate. For F. flavus, BOD and COD reduction of 66 and 52%, respectively were obtained when using glucose as a co-substrate. White rot fungi can be considered potentially useful in the treatment of landfill leachate as they can help in removing color, BOD and COD due to their biodegradative abilities.

Residual Gases in Crystal Growth Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palosz, W.

2003-01-01

Residual gases present in closed ampoules may affect different crystal growth processes. That seems to be particularly true under microgravity conditions where, due to weightlessness of the melt, the gases may lead to detached solidification and/or formation of voids and bubbles, as observed in the past. For that reason a good understanding and control of formation of residual gases is important for an optimum design and meaningful interpretation of crystal growth experiments. Our extensive experimental and theoretical studies of the subject, summarized in this paper, include degassing of silica glass and generation of gases from different source materials. Different materials processing conditions, like outgassing under vacuum, annealing in hydrogen, resublimation, different material preparation procedures, multiple annealings, different processing times, and others were applied and their effect on the amount and composition of gas were analyzed. The experimental results were interpreted based on theoretical calculations on diffusion in silica glass and source materials and thermochemistry of the system. Procedures for a reduction of the amount of gas are also discussed.

Optimized ultra-high-pressure-assisted extraction of procyanidins from lychee pericarp improves the antioxidant activity of extracts.

PubMed

Zhang, Ruifen; Su, Dongxiao; Hou, Fangli; Liu, Lei; Huang, Fei; Dong, Lihong; Deng, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Yan; Wei, Zhencheng; Zhang, Mingwei

2017-08-01

To establish optimal ultra-high-pressure (UHP)-assisted extraction conditions for procyanidins from lychee pericarp, a response surface analysis method with four factors and three levels was adopted. The optimum conditions were as follows: 295 MPa pressure, 13 min pressure holding time, 16.0 mL/g liquid-to-solid ratio, and 70% ethanol concentration. Compared with conventional ethanol extraction and ultrasonic-assisted extraction methods, the yields of the total procyanidins, flavonoids, and phenolics extracted using the UHP process were significantly increased; consequently, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity and cellular antioxidant activity of UHP-assisted lychee pericarp extracts were substantially enhanced. LC-MS/MS and high-performance liquid chromatography quantification results for individual phenolic compounds revealed that the yield of procyanidin compounds, including epicatechin, procyanidin A2, and procyanidin B2, from lychee pericarp could be significantly improved by the UHP-assisted extraction process. This UHP-assisted extraction process is thus a practical method for the extraction of procyanidins from lychee pericarp.

[Study on preparation of sagittatoside B with epimedin B converted from cellulase].

PubMed

Xu, Feng-Juan; Sun, E; Zhang, Zhen-Hai; Cui, Li; Jia, Xiao-Bin

2014-01-01

To prepare sagittatoside B with epimedin B Hydrolyzed from cellulase. With the conversion ratio as the index, the effects of pH value, temperature, reaction time, dosage of enzyme and concentration of substrates on the conversion ratio were detected. L9 (3(4)) orthogonal design was adopted to optimize the preparation process. Hydrolyzed products were identified by MS, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR. The results showed that the optimum reaction conditions for the enzymatic hydrolysis were that the temperature was 50 degrees C, the reaction medium was pH 5.6 acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer solution, the concentration of substrates was 20 g x L(-1), the mass ratio between enzyme and substrate was 3: 5, and the relative molecular mass of the reaction product was 646.23. NMR data proved that the product was sagittatoside B. The process is simple and reliable under mild reaction conditions, thus suitable for industrial production.

Enzymatic catalysis treatment method of meat industry wastewater using lacasse.

PubMed

Thirugnanasambandham, K; Sivakumar, V

2015-01-01

The process of meat industry produces in a large amount of wastewater that contains high levels of colour and chemical oxygen demand (COD). So they must be pretreated before their discharge into the ecological system. In this paper, enzymatic catalysis (EC) was adopted to treat the meat wastewater. Box-Behnken design (BBD), an experimental design for response surface methodology (RSM), was used to create a set of 29 experimental runs needed for optimizing of the operating conditions. Quadratic regression models with estimated coefficients were developed to describe the colour and COD removals. The experimental results show that EC could effectively reduce colour (95 %) and COD (86 %) at the optimum conditions of enzyme dose of 110 U/L, incubation time of 100 min, pH of 7 and temperature of 40 °C. RSM could be effectively adopted to optimize the operating multifactors in complex EC process.

Prototyping of Dental Structures Using Laser Milling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreev, A. O.; Kosenko, M. S.; Petrovskiy, V. N.; Mironov, V. D.

2016-02-01

The results of experimental studies of the effect of an ytterbium fiber laser radiation parameters on processing efficiency and quality of ZrO2 ceramics widely used in stomatology are presented. Laser operating conditions with optimum characteristics for obtaining high quality final surfaces and rapid material removal of dental structures are determined. The ability of forming thin-walled ceramic structures by laser milling technology (a minimum wall thickness of 50 μm) is demonstrated. The examples of three-dimensional dental structures created in computer 3D-models of human teeth using laser milling are shown.

Numerical and Experimental Evaluation on the Residual Stresses of Welded Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huh, Sun Chul; Park, Wonjo; Yang, Haesug; Jung, Haeyoung; Kim, Chuyoung

Wings for the defense industry such as fighters, missiles, and rockets should show no deformation or damage on the structure. The structures of existing wings had holes for weight reduction. The plates and frames were fixed with rivets or screws, which limited the weight reduction possible. In this study, an improvement was made in jointing methods through EB welding and laser welding. Welding strength was measured through tension testing. In addition, finite element analysis was performed for the welding process so as to deduce the optimum welding condition.

Digital Model of Fourier and Fresnel Quantized Holograms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boriskevich, Anatoly A.; Erokhovets, Valery K.; Tkachenko, Vadim V.

Some models schemes of Fourier and Fresnel quantized protective holograms with visual effects are suggested. The condition to arrive at optimum relationship between the quality of reconstructed images, and the coefficient of data reduction about a hologram, and quantity of iterations in the reconstructing hologram process has been estimated through computer model. Higher protection level is achieved by means of greater number both bi-dimensional secret keys (more than 2128) in form of pseudorandom amplitude and phase encoding matrixes, and one-dimensional encoding key parameters for every image of single-layer or superimposed holograms.

Hydrogen and carbon nanotube production via catalytic decomposition of methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deniz, Cansu; Karatepe, Nilgün

2013-09-01

The future energy demand is expected to increase significantly due to an increasing world population and demands for higher standards of living and better air quality. Hydrogen is considered as an energy carrier because of its high conversion efficiency and low pollutant emissions. It can be produced from various sources and transformed into electricity and other energy forms with a low pollution. The catalytic decomposition of hydrocarbon has been seen as a really useful method for production of pure hydrogen and for the environmental concern. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of catalyst composition and processing parameters on COx-free hydrogen production and to produce an available solid form of co-product carbon as carbon nanotubes via catalytic decomposition of methane. The optimum experimental conditions for methane decomposition have been investigated. Fe, Co and Ni are used as catalysts (nano materials) over different substrates as SiO2 and MgO to produce hydrogen at optimum temperatures.

A glycerol-free process to produce biodiesel by supercritical methyl acetate technology: an optimization study via Response Surface Methodology.

PubMed

Tan, Kok Tat; Lee, Keat Teong; Mohamed, Abdul Rahman

2010-02-01

In this study, fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) have been successfully produced from transesterification reaction between triglycerides and methyl acetate, instead of alcohol. In this non-catalytic supercritical methyl acetate (SCMA) technology, triacetin which is a valuable biodiesel additive is produced as side product rather than glycerol, which has lower commercial value. Besides, the properties of the biodiesel (FAME and triacetin) were found to be superior compared to those produced from conventional catalytic reactions (FAME only). In this study, the effects of various important parameters on the yield of biodiesel were optimized by utilizing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) analysis. The mathematical model developed was found to be adequate and statistically accurate to predict the optimum yield of biodiesel. The optimum conditions were found to be 399 degrees C for reaction temperature, 30 mol/mol of methyl acetate to oil molar ratio and reaction time of 59 min to achieve 97.6% biodiesel yield.

Extraction of coffee silverskin to convert waste into a source of antioxidant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tangguh, Patrick; Kusumocahyo, Samuel P.

2017-01-01

Coffee silverskin (CS) is a thin layer of coffee bean, and is regarded as a waste during coffee roasting process. In this work, coffee silverskin was extracted by three types of method: conventional extraction (CE) with agitation, conventional extraction (CE) without agitation and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The total phenolic content, the total flavonoid content and the antioxidant activity of the extract were analyzed. It was found that the type of extraction method, the extraction time and the extraction temperature strongly influenced the total phenolic content, the total flavonoid content and the antioxidant activity of the extract. Comparison between conventional extraction (CE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) were statistically analyzed using 3-way ANOVA test. The optimum extraction time and temperature for each method were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA test. It was found that the optimum condition to obtain a high antioxidant activity of 68.9% was by using CE with agitation with the extraction time and temperature of 60 minutes and 60˚C, respectively.

The FPase properties and morphology changes of a cellulolytic bacterium, Sporocytophaga sp. JL-01, on decomposing filter paper cellulose.

PubMed

Wang, Xiuran; Peng, Zhongqi; Sun, Xiaoling; Liu, Dongbo; Chen, Shan; Li, Fan; Xia, Hongmei; Lu, Tiancheng

2012-01-01

Sporocytophaga sp. JL-01 is a sliding cellulose degrading bacterium that can decompose filter paper (FP), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and cellulose CF11. In this paper, the morphological characteristics of S. sp. JL-01 growing in FP liquid medium was studied by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and one of the FPase components of this bacterium was analyzed. The results showed that the cell shapes were variable during the process of filter paper cellulose decomposition and the rod shape might be connected with filter paper decomposing. After incubating for 120 h, the filter paper was decomposed significantly, and it was degraded absolutely within 144 h. An FPase1 was purified from the supernatant and its characteristics were analyzed. The molecular weight of the FPase1 was 55 kDa. The optimum pH was pH 7.2 and optimum temperature was 50°C under experiment conditions. Zn(2+) and Co(2+) enhanced the enzyme activity, but Fe(3+) inhibited it.

Process optimization and analysis of product inhibition kinetics of crude glycerol fermentation for 1,3-Dihydroxyacetone production.

PubMed

Dikshit, Pritam Kumar; Padhi, Susant Kumar; Moholkar, Vijayanand S

2017-11-01

In present study, statistical optimization of biodiesel-derived crude glycerol fermentation to DHA by immobilized G. oxydans cells over polyurethane foam is reported. Effect of DHA (product) inhibition on crude glycerol fermentation was analyzed using conventional biokinetic models and new model that accounts for both substrate and product inhibition. Optimum values of fermentation parameters were: pH=4.7, temperature=31°C, initial substrate concentration=20g/L. At optimum conditions, DHA yield was 89% (17.83g/L). Effect of product inhibition on fermentation was trivial for DHA concentrations ≤30g/L. At higher concentrations (≥50g/L), kinetics and yield of fermentation showed marked reduction with sharp drop in V max and K S values. Inhibition effect was more pronounced for immobilized cells due to restricted transport of fermentation mixture across polyurethane foam. Retention of fermentation mixture in immobilized matrix resulted in higher localized DHA concentration that possibly enhanced inhibition effect. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori bacterial infections using a voltammetric biosensor.

PubMed

Ly, Suw Young; Yoo, Hai-Soo; Choa, Sung Hoon

2011-10-01

The voltammetric assay of Helicobacter pylori DNA was investigated using a bismuth-immobilized carbon nanotube electrode (BCNE). The analytical cyclic voltammetry (CV) peak potential was obtained at a 0.4V reduction scan, where the diagnostic optimum square-wave (SW) stripping working range was achieved at 0.72-7.92 μg/mL H. pylori DNA (11 points). A relative standard deviation of 1.68% (RSD, n=5) was obtained with 3.2 mg/mL H. pylori DNA using a 240 s accumulation time. Under optimum conditions, detection limit was 0.06 μg/mL. The developed sensors can be used for clinical application in the 15th doubted human gastric tissues, since the patient's peak current increased a hundred times more than the negative healthy tissue did. The sensing time obtained was only two minutes, and the process was simpler compared to common PCR amplification and electrophoresis photometric detection systems. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Research of preparation craft of Danshen phenolic acid fast release unit in multi-drug delivery system of Tongmai micro-pellets].

PubMed

Chen, Bin; Xiao, Wei; Jia, Xiao-Bin; Huang, Yang

2012-07-01

To prepare Danshen phenolic acid fast release micro-pellets and study its preparation craft. The factors which could impact yield, extrude shaping, dissolution of Danshen phenolic acid micro-pellets such as wetting agent, drug loading dose, adjuvant, lactose dose, disintegrant, CMS-Na dose and wetting agent dose was investigated. The optimum preparation craft of Danshen phenolic acid fast release micro-pellets was screened out by orhogonal design. Formula of Danshen phenolic acid fast release micro-pellets was calculated as volume dose 50 g. The formula was as follows: principal agent 22.5 g, lactose 5 g, CMS-Na 2 g, MCC 20.5 g, 27 mL 30% ethanol as wetting agent. Extrusion-spheronization was applied. The optimum conditions were screened out as follows: extrusion frequency (25 Hz), spheronization machine frequency (50 Hz), spheronization time (4 min). The process was scientific and rational. The preparation is stable settles basis for multi-drug delivery system of Tongmai micro-pellets.

Intelligent sensor-model automated control of PMR-15 autoclave processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart, S.; Kranbuehl, D.; Loos, A.; Hinds, B.; Koury, J.

1992-01-01

An intelligent sensor model system has been built and used for automated control of the PMR-15 cure process in the autoclave. The system uses frequency-dependent FM sensing (FDEMS), the Loos processing model, and the Air Force QPAL intelligent software shell. The Loos model is used to predict and optimize the cure process including the time-temperature dependence of the extent of reaction, flow, and part consolidation. The FDEMS sensing system in turn monitors, in situ, the removal of solvent, changes in the viscosity, reaction advancement and cure completion in the mold continuously throughout the processing cycle. The sensor information is compared with the optimum processing conditions from the model. The QPAL composite cure control system allows comparison of the sensor monitoring with the model predictions to be broken down into a series of discrete steps and provides a language for making decisions on what to do next regarding time-temperature and pressure.

Utilization of heat from High Temperature Reactors (HTR) for dry reforming of methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jastrząb, Krzysztof

2018-01-01

One of the methods for utilization of waste carbon dioxide consists in reaction of methane with carbon dioxide, referred to as dry reforming of methane. It is an intensely endothermic catalytic process that takes place at the temperature above 700°C. Reaction of methane with carbon dioxide leads to formation of synthesis gas (syngas) that is a valuable chemical raw material. The energy that is necessary for the process to take place can be sourced from High Temperature Nuclear Reactors (HTR). The completed studies comprises a series of thermodynamic calculations and made it possible to establish optimum conditions for the process and demand for energy from HTR units. The dry reforming of methane needs also a catalytic agent with appropriate activity, therefore the hydrotalcite catalyser with admixture of cerium and nickel, developed at AGH University of Technology seems to be a promising solution. Thus, the researchers from the Institute for Chemical Processing of Coal (IChPW) in Zabrze have developed a methodology for production of the powdery hydrotalcite catalyser and investigated catalytic properties of the granulate obtained. The completed experiments confirmed that the new catalyser demonstrated high activity and is suitable for the process of methane dry reforming. In addition, optimum parameters of the were process (800°C, CO2:CH4 = 3:1) were established as well. Implementation of the technology in question into industrial practice, combined with utilization of HTR heat can be a promising method for management of waste carbon dioxide and may eventually lead to mitigation of the greenhouse effect.

Effect of sewage sludge hydrochar on soil properties and Cd immobilization in a contaminated soil.

PubMed

Ren, Jie; Wang, Fenghua; Zhai, Yunbo; Zhu, Yun; Peng, Chuan; Wang, Tengfei; Li, Caiting; Zeng, Guangming

2017-12-01

To investigate hydrochar as a soil amendment for the immobilization of Cd, the characteristics of hydrochars (HCs) under three temperatures and residence times, were studied, with a particular interest in soil properties, as well as the speciation, availability and plant uptake of Cd. HCs were obtained by a hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) reaction of sewage sludge (SS). Based on the study of HC properties, we found that HCs present weak acidity with relatively high ash content and low electrical conductivity (EC) values. The addition of HCs to soil decreased soil pH and EC values but increased the abundance of soil microorganism. HCs also promoted the transformation of Cd from unstable to stable speciation and can decrease the content of phyto-available Cd (optimum condition and efficiency: A13, 2 15.38%), which restrained cabbage from assimilating Cd from soil both the aboveground (optimum condition and efficiency: A35, 52.29%) and underground (optimum condition and efficiency: C15, 57.53%) parts of it. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimization of Maillard Reaction in Model System of Glucosamine and Cysteine Using Response Surface Methodology

PubMed Central

Arachchi, Shanika Jeewantha Thewarapperuma; Kim, Ye-Joo; Kim, Dae-Wook; Oh, Sang-Chul; Lee, Yang-Bong

2017-01-01

Sulfur-containing amino acids play important roles in good flavor generation in Maillard reaction of non-enzymatic browning, so aqueous model systems of glucosamine and cysteine were studied to investigate the effects of reaction temperature, initial pH, reaction time, and concentration ratio of glucosamine and cysteine. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the independent reaction parameters of cysteine and glucosamine in Maillard reaction. Box-Behnken factorial design was used with 30 runs of 16 factorial levels, 8 axial levels and 6 central levels. The degree of Maillard reaction was determined by reading absorption at 425 nm in a spectrophotometer and Hunter’s L, a, and b values. ΔE was consequently set as the fifth response factor. In the statistical analyses, determination coefficients (R2) for their absorbance, Hunter’s L, a, b values, and ΔE were 0.94, 0.79, 0.73, 0.96, and 0.79, respectively, showing that the absorbance and Hunter’s b value were good dependent variables for this model system. The optimum processing parameters were determined to yield glucosamine-cysteine Maillard reaction product with higher absorbance and higher colour change. The optimum estimated absorbance was achieved at the condition of initial pH 8.0, 111°C reaction temperature, 2.47 h reaction time, and 1.30 concentration ratio. The optimum condition for colour change measured by Hunter’s b value was 2.41 h reaction time, 114°C reaction temperature, initial pH 8.3, and 1.26 concentration ratio. These results can provide the basic information for Maillard reaction of aqueous model system between glucosamine and cysteine. PMID:28401086

Optimization of Maillard Reaction in Model System of Glucosamine and Cysteine Using Response Surface Methodology.

PubMed

Arachchi, Shanika Jeewantha Thewarapperuma; Kim, Ye-Joo; Kim, Dae-Wook; Oh, Sang-Chul; Lee, Yang-Bong

2017-03-01

Sulfur-containing amino acids play important roles in good flavor generation in Maillard reaction of non-enzymatic browning, so aqueous model systems of glucosamine and cysteine were studied to investigate the effects of reaction temperature, initial pH, reaction time, and concentration ratio of glucosamine and cysteine. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the independent reaction parameters of cysteine and glucosamine in Maillard reaction. Box-Behnken factorial design was used with 30 runs of 16 factorial levels, 8 axial levels and 6 central levels. The degree of Maillard reaction was determined by reading absorption at 425 nm in a spectrophotometer and Hunter's L, a, and b values. ΔE was consequently set as the fifth response factor. In the statistical analyses, determination coefficients (R 2 ) for their absorbance, Hunter's L, a, b values, and ΔE were 0.94, 0.79, 0.73, 0.96, and 0.79, respectively, showing that the absorbance and Hunter's b value were good dependent variables for this model system. The optimum processing parameters were determined to yield glucosamine-cysteine Maillard reaction product with higher absorbance and higher colour change. The optimum estimated absorbance was achieved at the condition of initial pH 8.0, 111°C reaction temperature, 2.47 h reaction time, and 1.30 concentration ratio. The optimum condition for colour change measured by Hunter's b value was 2.41 h reaction time, 114°C reaction temperature, initial pH 8.3, and 1.26 concentration ratio. These results can provide the basic information for Maillard reaction of aqueous model system between glucosamine and cysteine.

Soil Tillage as a Factor of Soil Conservation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sherer, D. V.; Chumanova, N. N.

2017-05-01

The work describes the question of the soil treatment system influence on agro-physical and microbiological properties of gray forest soils, and yield of barley in Western Siberia. Research works were carried out in 2013-2014 in Yaya region of the Kemerovo region. Tillage affects soil structure. The water stability in zero tillage conditions was poor (15.7%). Soil density corresponding to the optimum rate for barley is formed by the zonal processing system, while at the zero tillage soil remains solid. The best indicators of phosphataze, catalysis and amylase activity are formed with minimum processing system. In the experiment the highest yield of barley was obtained with minimum tillage - 12.1 c/ha.

Synthesis and formation mechanism of pinnoite by the phase transition process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Feng; Dong, Yaping; Peng, Jiaoyu; Wang, Liping; Li, Wu

2016-06-01

Pinnoite (MgB2O(OH)6) for the first time was synthesized using the solid-liquid-solid conversion method. The effects of reaction time, pH value and concentrations of magnesium and borate were investigated. Pinnoite was synthesized under the optimum condition of 8 mmol hungtsaoite and 1% boric acid solution at 80 °C. The products were determined using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, TG-DSC and a UV-vis spectrometer. The change processes of the surface morphology of pinnoite were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the formation mechanism of pinnoite was discussed according to the changes in the content of precipitation and pH value.

Modeling of sorption processes on solid-phase ion-exchangers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorofeeva, Ludmila; Kuan, Nguyen Anh

2018-03-01

Research of alkaline elements separation on solid-phase ion-exchangers is carried out to define the selectivity coefficients and height of an equivalent theoretical stage for both continuous and stepwise filling of column by ionite. On inorganic selective sorbents the increase in isotope enrichment factor up to 0.0127 is received. Also, parametrical models that are adequately describing dependence of the pressure difference and the magnitude expansion in the ion-exchange layer from the flow rate and temperature have been obtained. The concentration rate value under the optimum realization conditions of process and depending on type of a selective material changes in a range 1.021÷1.092. Calculated results show agreement with experimental data.

Inactivation disinfection property of Moringa Oleifera seed extract: optimization and kinetic studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Idris, M. A.; Jami, M. S.; Hammed, A. M.

2017-05-01

This paper presents the statistical optimization study of disinfection inactivation parameters of defatted Moringa oleifera seed extract on Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial cells. Three level factorial design was used to estimate the optimum range and the kinetics of the inactivation process was also carried. The inactivation process involved comparing different disinfection models of Chicks-Watson, Collins-Selleck and Homs models. The results from analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the statistical optimization process revealed that only contact time was significant. The optimum disinfection range of the seed extract was 125 mg/L, 30 minutes and 120rpm agitation. At the optimum dose, the inactivation kinetics followed the Collin-Selleck model with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.6320. This study is the first of its kind in determining the inactivation kinetics of pseudomonas aeruginosa using the defatted seed extract.

Analysis and Experimental Investigation of Optimum Design of Thermoelectric Cooling/Heating System for Car Seat Climate Control (CSCC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elarusi, Abdulmunaem; Attar, Alaa; Lee, HoSung

2018-02-01

The optimum design of a thermoelectric system for application in car seat climate control has been modeled and its performance evaluated experimentally. The optimum design of the thermoelectric device combining two heat exchangers was obtained by using a newly developed optimization method based on the dimensional technique. Based on the analytical optimum design results, commercial thermoelectric cooler and heat sinks were selected to design and construct the climate control heat pump. This work focuses on testing the system performance in both cooling and heating modes to ensure accurate analytical modeling. Although the analytical performance was calculated using the simple ideal thermoelectric equations with effective thermoelectric material properties, it showed very good agreement with experiment for most operating conditions.

Effect of nest characteristics on thermal properties, clutch size, and reproductive performance for an open-cup nesting songbird

Treesearch

Michael E. Akresh; Daniel R. Ardia; David I. King

2017-01-01

Maintaining avian eggs and young at optimum temperatures for development can increase hatching success and nestling condition, but this maintenance requires parental energetic demands. Bird nests, which often provide a structure to safely hold the eggs and nestlings and protect them from predators, can additionally be designed to help maintain eggs' optimum...

Statistical Power and Optimum Sample Allocation Ratio for Treatment and Control Having Unequal Costs Per Unit of Randomization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Xiaofeng

2003-01-01

This article considers optimal sample allocation between the treatment and control condition in multilevel designs when the costs per sampling unit vary due to treatment assignment. Optimal unequal allocation may reduce the cost from that of a balanced design without sacrificing any power. The optimum sample allocation ratio depends only on the…

Removal of Zinc from Aqueous Solution by Optimized Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches Biochar as Low Cost Adsorbent

PubMed Central

Salleh, M. A. Mohd; Asady, Bahareh

2017-01-01

This study aims to produce optimized biochar from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB), as a green, low cost adsorbent for uptake of zinc from aqueous solution. The impact of pyrolysis conditions, namely, highest treatment temperature (HTT), heating rate (HR), and residence time (RT) on biochar yield and adsorption capacity towards zinc, was investigated. Mathematical modeling and optimization of independent variables were performed employing response surface methodology (RSM). HTT was found to be the most influential variable, followed by residence time and heating rate. Based on the central composite design (CCD), two quadratic models were developed to correlate three independent variables to responses. The optimum production condition for OPEFB biochar was found as follows: HTT of 615°C, HR of 8°C/min, and RT of 128 minutes. The optimum biochar showed 15.18 mg/g adsorption capacity for zinc and 25.49% of yield which was in agreement with the predicted values, satisfactory. Results of the characterization of optimum product illustrated well-developed BET surface area and porous structure in optimum product which favored its sorptive ability. PMID:28420949

Intrinsic kinetic parameters of Thermococcus onnurineus NA1 strains and prediction of optimum carbon monoxide level for ideal bioreactor operation.

PubMed

Jeong, Yeseul; Jang, Nulee; Yasin, Muhammad; Park, Shinyoung; Chang, In Seop

2016-02-01

This study determines and compares the intrinsic kinetic parameters (Ks and Ki) of selected Thermococcus onnurineus NA1 strains (wild-type (WT), and mutants MC01, MC02, and WTC156T) using the substrate inhibition model. Ks and Ki values were used to find the optimum dissolved CO (CL) conditions inside the reactor. The results showed that in terms of the maximum specific CO consumption rates (qCO(max)) of WT, MC01, MC02, and WTC156T the optimum activities can be achieved by maintaining the CL levels at 0.56mM, 0.52mM, 0.58mM, and 0.75mM, respectively. The qCO(max) value of WTC156T at 0.75mM was found to be 1.5-fold higher than for the WT strain, confirming its superiority. Kinetic modeling was then used to predict the conditions required to maintain the optimum CL levels and high cell concentrations in the reactor, based on the kinetic parameters of the WTC156T strain. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Application of microwave technology in extraction process of Guizhi Fuling capsule].

PubMed

Wang, Zheng-kuan; Zhou, Mao; Liu, Yuan; Bi, Yu-an; Wang, Zhen-zhong; Xiao, Wei

2015-06-01

In this paper, optimization of the conditions of microwave technique in extraction process of Guizhi Fuling capsule in the condition of a pilot scale was carried out. First of all, through the single factor experiment investigation of various factors, the overall impact tendency and range of each factor were determined. Secondly, L9 (3(4)) orthogonal test optimization was used, and the contents of gallic acid in liquid, paeoniflorin, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, benzoyl paeoniflorin, amygdalin of the liquid medicine were detected. The extraction rate and comprehensive evaluation were calculated with the extraction effect, as the judgment basis. Theoptimum extraction process of Guizhi Fuling capsule by microwave technology was as follows: the ratio of liquid to solid was 6: 1 added to drinking water, the microwave power was 6 kW, extraction time was 20 min for 3 times. The process of the three batch of amplification through verification, the results are stable, and compared with conventional water extraction has the advantages of energy saving, time saving, high efficiency advantages. The above results show the optimum extracting technology of high efficiency, stable and feasible.

Constitutive behavior and processing maps of low-expansion GH909 superalloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Zhi-hao; Wu, Shao-cong; Dong, Jian-xin; Yu, Qiu-ying; Zhang, Mai-cang; Han, Guang-wei

2017-04-01

The hot deformation behavior of GH909 superalloy was studied systematically using isothermal hot compression tests in a temperature range of 960 to 1040°C and at strain rates from 0.02 to 10 s-1 with a height reduction as large as 70%. The relations considering flow stress, temperature, and strain rate were evaluated via power-law, hyperbolic sine, and exponential constitutive equations under different strain conditions. An exponential equation was found to be the most appropriate for process modeling. The processing maps for the superalloy were constructed for strains of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 on the basis of the dynamic material model, and a total processing map that includes all the investigated strains was proposed. Metallurgical instabilities in the instability domain mainly located at higher strain rates manifested as adiabatic shear bands and cracking. The stability domain occurred at 960-1040°C and at strain rates less than 0.2 s-1; these conditions are recommended for optimum hot working of GH909 superalloy.

Experimental Study on the Effects of Alumina Abrasive Particle Behavior in MR Polishing for MEMS Applications

PubMed Central

Kim, Dong-Woo; Cho, Myeong-Woo; Seo, Tae-Il; Shin, Young-Jae

2008-01-01

Recently, the magnetorheological (MR) polishing process has been examined as a new ultra-precision polishing technology for micro parts in MEMS applications. In the MR polishing process, the magnetic force plays a dominant role. This method uses MR fluids which contains micro abrasives as a polishing media. The objective of the present research is to shed light onto the material removal mechanism under various slurry conditions for polishing and to investigate surface characteristics, including shape analysis and surface roughness measurement, of spots obtained from the MR polishing process using alumina abrasives. A series of basic experiments were first performed to determine the optimum polishing conditions for BK7 glass using prepared slurries by changing the process parameters, such as wheel rotating speed and electric current. Using the obtained results, groove polishing was then performed and the results are investigated. Outstanding surface roughness of Ra=3.8nm was obtained on the BK7 glass specimen. The present results highlight the possibility of applying this polishing method to ultra-precision micro parts production, especially in MEMS applications. PMID:27879705

Multi Objective Optimization of Multi Wall Carbon Nanotube Based Nanogrinding Wheel Using Grey Relational and Regression Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sethuramalingam, Prabhu; Vinayagam, Babu Kupusamy

2016-07-01

Carbon nanotube mixed grinding wheel is used in the grinding process to analyze the surface characteristics of AISI D2 tool steel material. Till now no work has been carried out using carbon nanotube based grinding wheel. Carbon nanotube based grinding wheel has excellent thermal conductivity and good mechanical properties which are used to improve the surface finish of the workpiece. In the present study, the multi response optimization of process parameters like surface roughness and metal removal rate of grinding process of single wall carbon nanotube (CNT) in mixed cutting fluids is undertaken using orthogonal array with grey relational analysis. Experiments are performed with designated grinding conditions obtained using the L9 orthogonal array. Based on the results of the grey relational analysis, a set of optimum grinding parameters is obtained. Using the analysis of variance approach the significant machining parameters are found. Empirical model for the prediction of output parameters has been developed using regression analysis and the results are compared empirically, for conditions of with and without CNT grinding wheel in grinding process.

Method and apparatus for manufacturing gas tags

DOEpatents

Gross, K.C.; Laug, M.T.

1996-12-17

For use in the manufacture of gas tags employed in a gas tagging failure detection system for a nuclear reactor, a plurality of commercial feed gases each having a respective noble gas isotopic composition are blended under computer control to provide various tag gas mixtures having selected isotopic ratios which are optimized for specified defined conditions such as cost. Using a new approach employing a discrete variable structure rather than the known continuous-variable optimization problem, the computer controlled gas tag manufacturing process employs an analytical formalism from condensed matter physics known as stochastic relaxation, which is a special case of simulated annealing, for input feed gas selection. For a tag blending process involving M tag isotopes with N distinct feed gas mixtures commercially available from an enriched gas supplier, the manufacturing process calculates the cost difference between multiple combinations and specifies gas mixtures which approach the optimum defined conditions. The manufacturing process is then used to control tag blending apparatus incorporating tag gas canisters connected by stainless-steel tubing with computer controlled valves, with the canisters automatically filled with metered quantities of the required feed gases. 4 figs.

Method and apparatus for manufacturing gas tags

DOEpatents

Gross, Kenny C.; Laug, Matthew T.

1996-01-01

For use in the manufacture of gas tags employed in a gas tagging failure detection system for a nuclear reactor, a plurality of commercial feed gases each having a respective noble gas isotopic composition are blended under computer control to provide various tag gas mixtures having selected isotopic ratios which are optimized for specified defined conditions such as cost. Using a new approach employing a discrete variable structure rather than the known continuous-variable optimization problem, the computer controlled gas tag manufacturing process employs an analytical formalism from condensed matter physics known as stochastic relaxation, which is a special case of simulated annealing, for input feed gas selection. For a tag blending process involving M tag isotopes with N distinct feed gas mixtures commercially available from an enriched gas supplier, the manufacturing process calculates the cost difference between multiple combinations and specifies gas mixtures which approach the optimum defined conditions. The manufacturing process is then used to control tag blending apparatus incorporating tag gas canisters connected by stainless-steel tubing with computer controlled valves, with the canisters automatically filled with metered quantities of the required feed gases.

Heavy metal removal from waste waters by ion flotation.

PubMed

Polat, H; Erdogan, D

2007-09-05

Flotation studies were carried out to investigate the removal of heavy metals such as copper (II), zinc (II), chromium (III) and silver (I) from waste waters. Various parameters such as pH, collector and frother concentrations and airflow rate were tested to determine the optimum flotation conditions. Sodium dodecyl sulfate and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide were used as collectors. Ethanol and methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) were used as frothers. Metal removal reached about 74% under optimum conditions at low pH. At basic pH it became as high as 90%, probably due to the contribution from the flotation of metal precipitates.

Enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of dilute acid pretreated cornstalk to biohydrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, C. M.; Fan, Y. T.; Hou, H. W.

2010-03-01

The coupling method of acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of cornstalk for hydrogen production was investigated in this study. Experimental results showed that temperature, pH and enzyme loading all had an individual significant influence on soluble sugar yield and Ps. The optimum condition for soluble sugar was close to that for Ps. The maximum hydrogen yield from cornstalk by anaerobic mixed microflora was 209.8 ml/g-TVS on the optimum enzymatic hydrolysis condition which was 52 °C of temperature, pH4.8 and 9.4 IU/g of enzyme loading.

Supercritical fluid extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidants from grape (Vitis labrusca B.) seeds.

PubMed

Ghafoor, Kashif; Al-Juhaimi, Fahad Y; Choi, Yong Hee

2012-12-01

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technique was applied and optimized for temperature, CO₂ pressure and ethanol (modifier) concentration using orthogonal array design and response surface methodology for the extract yield, total phenols and antioxidants from grape (Vitis labrusca B.) seeds. Effects of extraction temperature and pressure were found to be significant for all these response variables in SFE process. Optimum SFE conditions (44 ~ 46 °C temperature and 153 ~ 161 bar CO₂ pressure) along with ethanol (<7 %) as modifier, for the maximum predicted values of extract yield (12.09 %), total phenols (2.41 mg GAE/ml) and antioxidants (7.08 mg AAE/ml), were used to obtain extracts from grape seeds. The predicted values matched well with the experimental values (12.32 % extract yield, 2.45 mg GAE/ml total phenols and 7.08 mg AAE/ml antioxidants) obtained at optimum SFE conditions. The antiradical assay showed that SFE extracts of grape seeds can scavenge more than 85 % of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. The grape seeds extracts were also analyzed for hydroxybenzoic acids which included gallic acid (1.21 ~ 3.84 μg/ml), protocatechuic acid (3.57 ~ 11.78 μg/ml) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (206.72 ~ 688.18 μg/ml).

The use of a natural coagulant (Opuntia ficus-indica) in the removal for organic materials of textile effluents.

PubMed

de Souza, Maísa Tatiane Ferreira; Ambrosio, Elizangela; de Almeida, Cibele Andrade; de Souza Freitas, Thábata Karoliny Formicoli; Santos, Lídia Brizola; de Cinque Almeida, Vitor; Garcia, Juliana Carla

2014-08-01

The goal of this study was to investigate the activity of the coagulant extracted from the cactus Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) in the process of coagulation/flocculation of textile effluents. Preliminary tests of a kaolinite suspension achieved maximum turbidity removal of 95 % using an NaCl extraction solution. Optimization assays were conducted with actual effluents using the response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box-Behnken experimental design. The responses of the variables FeCl3, dosage, cactus dosage, and pH in the removal of COD and turbidity from both effluents were investigated. The optimum conditions determined for jeans washing laundry effluent were the following: FeCl3 160 mg L(-1), cactus dosage 2.60 mg L(-1), and pH 5.0. For the fabric dyeing effluent, the optimum conditions were the following: FeCl3 640 mg L(-1), cactus dosage 160 mg L(-1), and pH 6.0. Investigation of the effects of the storage time and temperature of the cactus O. ficus-indica showed that coagulation efficiency was not significantly affected for storage at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Experimental design data for the biosynthesis of citric acid using Central Composite Design method.

PubMed

Kola, Anand Kishore; Mekala, Mallaiah; Goli, Venkat Reddy

2017-06-01

In the present investigation, we report that statistical design and optimization of significant variables for the microbial production of citric acid from sucrose in presence of filamentous fungi A. niger NCIM 705. Various combinations of experiments were designed with Central Composite Design (CCD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for the production of citric acid as a function of six variables. The variables are; initial sucrose concentration, initial pH of medium, fermentation temperature, incubation time, stirrer rotational speed, and oxygen flow rate. From experimental data, a statistical model for this process has been developed. The optimum conditions reported in the present article are initial concentration of sucrose of 163.6 g/L, initial pH of medium 5.26, stirrer rotational speed of 247.78 rpm, incubation time of 8.18 days, fermentation temperature of 30.06 °C and flow rate of oxygen of 1.35 lpm. Under optimum conditions the predicted maximum citric acid is 86.42 g/L. The experimental validation carried out under the optimal values and reported citric acid to be 82.0 g/L. The model is able to represent the experimental data and the agreement between the model and experimental data is good.

High performance curcumin subcritical water extraction from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.).

PubMed

Valizadeh Kiamahalleh, Mohammad; Najafpour-Darzi, Ghasem; Rahimnejad, Mostafa; Moghadamnia, Ali Akbar; Valizadeh Kiamahalleh, Meisam

2016-06-01

Curcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric rhizome, which consists about 2-5% of the total rhizome content and is a more valuable component of turmeric. For reducing the drawbacks of conventional extraction (using organic solvents) of curcumin, the water as a clean solvent was used for extracting curcumin. Subcritical water extraction (SWE) experimental setup was fabricated in a laboratory scale and the influences of some parameters (e.g. extraction temperature, particle size, retention time and pressure) on the yield of extraction were investigated. Optimum extraction conditions such as SWE pressure of 10bar, extractive temperature of 140°C, particle size of 0.71mm and retention time of 14min were defined. The maximum amount of curcumin extracted at the optimum condition was 3.8wt%. The yield of curcumin extraction was more than 76wt% with regards to the maximum possible curcumin content of turmeric, as known to be 5%. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images from the outer surface of turmeric, before and after extraction, clearly demonstrated the effect of each parameter; changes in porosity and hardness of turmeric that is directly related to the amount of extracted curcumin in process optimization of the extraction parameters. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Analysis of phthalate esters in plastic-packaging bags on-line sample stacking-microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography].

PubMed

Xiao, Jia; Huang, Ying; Wang, Minyi; Chen, Guonan

2012-09-01

Two convenient, effective, and reproducible methods using microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC)-normal stacking mode (NSM) and reversed electrode polarity stacking mode (REPSM) were developed for the on-line sample stacking of phthalate esters (PAEs). REPSM coupled with MEEKC increased the sensitivity of 937.5 to 7,143 times for four PAEs compared to the conventional MEEKC. The separating conditions in the MEEKC method were studied, and many factors influencing the two sample stacking processes were investigated in detail. The optimum sample matrices for the two stacking methods were as follows: 30 mmol/L sodium cholate (SC) and 30.0 mmol/L borate (pH 8.5). Additionally, sample injections as large as 3.45 kPa x 40 s and 3.45 kPa x 90 s were applied for NSM-MEEKC and REPSM-MEEKC, respectively. The linear relationship and reproducibility were also examined. Under the optimum conditions, the detection limits (S/N = 3) of the PAEs were in the ranges of 0.021 - 0.33 mg/L and 0.7 - 4 microg/L for NSM-MEEKC and REPSM-MEEKC, respectively. The proposed REPSM-MEEKC has been successfully applied to determine PAEs in plastic-packaging bags, and the spiked recoveries were in the range of 89.1% - 105.6% with satisfactory results.

Finding stable cellulase and xylanase: evaluation of the synergistic effect of pH and temperature.

PubMed

Farinas, Cristiane S; Loyo, Marcel Moitas; Baraldo, Anderson; Tardioli, Paulo W; Neto, Victor Bertucci; Couri, Sonia

2010-12-31

Ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass has been recognized as one of the most promising alternatives for the production of renewable and sustainable energy. However, one of the major bottlenecks holding back its commercialization is the high costs of the enzymes needed for biomass conversion. In this work, we studied the enzymes produced from a selected strain of Aspergillus niger under solid state fermentation. The cellulase and xylanase enzymatic cocktail was characterized in terms of pH and temperature by using response surface methodology. Thermostability and kinetic parameters were also determined. The statistical analysis of pH and temperature effects on enzymatic activity showed a synergistic interaction of these two variables, thus enabling to find a pH and temperature range in which the enzymes have a higher activity. The results obtained allowed the construction of mathematical models used to predict endoglucanase, β-glucosidase and xylanase activities under different pH and temperature conditions. Optimum temperature values for all three enzymes were found to be in the range between 35°C and 60°C, and the optimum pH range was found between 4 and 5.5. The methodology employed here was very effective in estimating enzyme behavior under different process conditions. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Stability of whole cell biocatalyst for biodiesel production from renewable oils].

PubMed

Sun, Ting; Du, Wei; Liu, Dehua; Li, Wei; Zeng, Jing; Dai, Lingmei

2009-09-01

Lipase-mediated biodiesel production becomes increasingly important because of mild reaction conditions, pollution free during the process and easy product separation. Compared with traditional immobilized lipase, whole cell biocatalyst is promising for biodiesel production because it is easy to prepare and has higher enzyme activity recovery. Rhizopus oryzae IFO4697 can be used as the catalyst for biodiesel production. To further study the stability of the whole cell biocatalyst is extremely important for its further application on large scale. This paper focuses on the stability study of Rhizopus oryzae IFO4697 when used for the methanolysis of renewable oils for biodiesel production. The results showed that water content was important for achieving high catalytic activity and good stability of the biocatalyst. The optimum water content was found to be 5%-15%. Both particle size and desiccation methods showed no obvious effect on the stability of the biocatalyst. With GA cross-linking pretreatment, the stability of the biocatalyst could be improved significantly. When Rhizopus oryzae IFO4697 repeatedly used for next batch reaction, direct vacuum filtration was found to be a good way for the maintenance of good stability of the biocatalyst. Under the optimum reaction conditions, the methyl ester yield could keep over 80% during 20 repeated reaction batches.

Combined process of electrocoagulation and photocatalytic degradation for the treatment of olive washing wastewater.

PubMed

Ates, Hasan; Dizge, Nadir; Yatmaz, H Cengiz

2017-01-01

In this study, an electrocoagulation reactor (ECR) and photocatalytic reactor (PCR) were tested to understand the performance of combined electrocoagulation and photocatalytic-degradation of olive washing wastewater (OWW). The effects of initial pH (6.0, 6.9, 8.0, 9.0), applied voltage (10.0, 12.5, 15.0 V), and operating time (30, 60, 90, 120 min) were investigated in the electrocoagulation reactor when aluminum electrodes were used as both anode and cathode. The pH, conductivity, color, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and phenol were measured versus time to determine the efficiency of the ECR and PCR process. It was observed that electrocoagulation as a single treatment process supplied the COD removal of 62.5%, color removal of 98.1%, and total phenol removal of 87% at optimum conditions as pH 6.9, applied voltage of 12.5 V, and operating time of 120 min. Moreover, final pH and conductivity were 7.7 and 980 μS/cm, respectively. On the other hand, the effect of semiconductor catalyst type (TiO 2 and ZnO) and loading (1, 2, 3 g/L) were tested using PCR as a stand-alone technique. It was found that photocatalytic degradation as a single treatment process when using 1 g/L ZnO achieved the COD removal of 46%, color removal of 99% with a total phenol removal of 41% at optimum conditions. Final pH and conductivity were 6.2 and 915 μS/cm, respectively. Among semiconductor catalysts, TiO 2 and ZnO performed identical efficiencies for both COD and total phenol removal. Moreover, combination in which electrochemical degradation was employed as a pre-treatment to the photocatalytic degradation process obtained high COD removal of 88% and total phenol, as well as color removal of 100% for the OWW. The electrochemical treatment alone was not effective, but in combination with the photocatalytic process, led to a high-quality effluent. Finally, sludge collected from the electrocoagulation process was characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared and X-ray powder diffraction analyses.

Optimization of process parameters of pulsed TIG welded maraging steel C300

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deepak, P.; Jualeash, M. J.; Jishnu, J.; Srinivasan, P.; Arivarasu, M.; Padmanaban, R.; Thirumalini, S.

2016-09-01

Pulsed TIG welding technology provides excellent welding performance on thin sections which helps to increase productivity, enhance weld quality, minimize weld costs, and boost operator efficiency and this has drawn the attention of the welding society. Maraging C300 steel is extensively used in defence and aerospace industry and thus its welding becomes an area of paramount importance. In pulsed TIG welding, weld quality depends on the process parameters used. In this work, Pulsed TIG bead-on-plate welding is performed on a 5mm thick maraging C300 plate at different combinations of input parameters: peak current (Ip), base current (Ib) and pulsing frequency (HZ) as per box behnken design with three-levels for each factor. Response surface methodology is utilized for establishing a mathematical model for predicting the weld bead depth. The effect of Ip, Ib and HZ on the weld bead depth is investigated using the developed model. The weld bead depth is found to be affected by all the three parameters. Surface and contour plots developed from regression equation are used to optimize the processing parameters for maximizing the weld bead depth. Optimum values of Ip, Ib and HZ are obtained as 259 A, 120 A and 8 Hz respectively. Using this optimum condition, maximum bead depth of the weld is predicted to be 4.325 mm.

Comparative studies on adsorptive removal of heavy metal ions by biosorbent, bio-char and activated carbon obtained from low cost agro-residue.

PubMed

Kırbıyık, Çisem; Pütün, Ayşe Eren; Pütün, Ersan

2016-01-01

In this study, Fe(III) and Cr(III) metal ion adsorption processes were carried out with three adsorbents in batch experiments and their adsorption performance was compared. These adsorbents were sesame stalk without pretreatment, bio-char derived from thermal decomposition of biomass, and activated carbon which was obtained from chemical activation of biomass. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform-infrared techniques were used for characterization of adsorbents. The optimum conditions for the adsorption process were obtained by observing the influences of solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial solution concentration, contact time and temperature. The optimum adsorption efficiencies were determined at pH 2.8 and pH 4.0 for Fe(III) and Cr(III) metal ion solutions, respectively. The experimental data were modelled by different isotherm models and the equilibriums were well described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order kinetic, intra-particle diffusion and Elovich models were applied to analyze the kinetic data and to evaluate rate constants. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model gave a better fit than the others. The thermodynamic parameters, such as Gibbs free energy change ΔG°, standard enthalpy change ΔH° and standard entropy change ΔS° were evaluated. The thermodynamic study showed the adsorption was a spontaneous endothermic process.

Lipase-catalyzed production of short-chain acids terpenyl esters of interest to the food industry.

PubMed

Laboret, F; Perraud, R

1999-12-01

The production of low molecular weight esters as flavor compounds by biotechnological processes has a potential interest for the food industry. The use of natural available substrates and enzymes is an essential part of the process design, because the products may obtain natural label. In this study, direct esterification of citronellol and geraniol with short-chain fatty acids catalyzed by free lipase from Mucor miehei was performed with high yields in n-hexane. The effects of the acid:alcohol ratio on the bioconversion rate of increasing chain length esters was investigated. To reach the optimum yield, substrates and enzyme concentration were determined. The inhibiting effects of acid are strongly attenuated by reducing the quantity of acid and increasing the amount of enzyme in media following the optimum values. Improvements have been made to increase the ester purity. The consumption of excess substrate by adding calculated amounts of acid gives a 10% yield enhancement, and leads to 100% pure terpenyl esters. The first steps to a scale-up application were attempted using a reactor that allowed us to produce ester quantities up to 100 cm3. Separation and purification of the products were treated with success, underlining the lipase stability and efficiency under the conditions of this study. The ability to recover the enzyme, and reusing it in bioconversions, plays a major role in reducing the cost of the overall process.

TiO₂ beads and TiO₂-chitosan beads for urease immobilization.

PubMed

Ispirli Doğaç, Yasemin; Deveci, Ilyas; Teke, Mustafa; Mercimek, Bedrettin

2014-09-01

The aim of the present study is to synthesize TiO2 beads for urease immobilization. Two different strategies were used to immobilize the urease on TiO2 beads. In the first method (A), urease enzyme was immobilized onto TiO2 beads by adsorption and then crosslinking. In the second method (B), TiO2 beads were coated with chitosan-urease mixture. To determine optimum conditions of immobilization, different parameters were investigated. The parameters of optimization were initial enzyme concentration (0.5; 1; 1.5; 2mg/ml), alginate concentration (1; 2; 3%), glutaraldehyde concentration (1; 2; 3% v/v) and chitosan concentration (2; 3; 4 mg/ml). The optimum enzyme concentrations were determined as 1.5mg/ml for A and 1.0mg/ml for B. The other optimum conditions were found 2.0% (w/v) for alginate concentration (both A and B); 3.0mg/ml for chitosan concentration (B) and 2.0% (v/v) for glutaraldehyde concentration (A). The optimum temperature (20-60°C), optimum pH (3.0-10.0), kinetic parameters, thermal stability (4-70°C), pH stability (4.0-9.0), operational stability (0-230 min) and reusability (20 times) were investigated for characterization. The optimum temperatures were 30°C (A), 40°C (B) and 35°C (soluble). The temperature profiles of the immobilized ureases were spread over a large area. The optimum pH values for the soluble urease and immobilized urease prepared by using methods (A) and (B) were found to be 7.5, 7.0, 7.0, respectively. The thermal stabilities of immobilized enzyme sets were studied and they maintained 50% activity at 65°C. However, at this temperature free urease protected only 15% activity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermal optimum design for tracking primary mirror of Space Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Hai-jun; Ruan, Ping; Li, Fu; Wang, Hong-Wei

2011-08-01

In the conventional method, the structural parameters of primary mirror are usually optimized just by the requirement of mechanical performance. Because the influences of structural parameters on thermal stability are not taken fully into account in this simple method, the lightweight optimum design of primary mirror usually brings the bad thermal stability, especially in the complex environment. In order to obtain better thermal stability, a new method about structure-thermal optimum design of tracking primary mirror is discussed. During the optimum process, both the lightweight ratio and thermal stability will be taken into account. The structure-thermal optimum is introduced into the analysis process and commenced after lightweight design as the secondary optimum. Using the engineering analysis of software ANSYS, a parameter finite element analysis (FEA) model of mirror is built. On the premise of appropriate lightweight ratio, the RMS of structure-thermal deformation of mirror surface and lightweight ratio are assigned to be state variables, and the maximal RMS of temperature gradient load to be object variable. The results show that certain structural parameters of tracking primary mirror have different influences on mechanical performance and thermal stability, even they are opposite. By structure-thermal optimizing, the optimized mirror model discussed in this paper has better thermal stability than the old one under the same thermal loads, which can drastically reduce difficulty in thermal control.

Optimum Wing Shape Determination of Highly Flexible Morphing Aircraft for Improved Flight Performance.

PubMed

Su, Weihua; Swei, Sean Shan-Min; Zhu, Guoming G

2016-09-01

In this paper, optimum wing bending and torsion deformations are explored for a mission adaptive, highly flexible morphing aircraft. The complete highly flexible aircraft is modeled using a strain-based geometrically nonlinear beam formulation, coupled with unsteady aerodynamics and 6-dof rigid-body motions. Since there are no conventional discrete control surfaces for trimming the flexible aircraft, the design space for searching the optimum wing geometries is enlarged. To achieve high performance flight, the wing geometry is best tailored according to the specific flight mission needs. In this study, the steady level flight and the coordinated turn flight are considered, and the optimum wing deformations with the minimum drag at these flight conditions are searched by utilizing a modal-based optimization procedure, subject to the trim and other constraints. The numerical study verifies the feasibility of the modal-based optimization approach, and shows the resulting optimum wing configuration and its sensitivity under different flight profiles.

Optimum Wing Shape Determination of Highly Flexible Morphing Aircraft for Improved Flight Performance

PubMed Central

Su, Weihua; Swei, Sean Shan-Min; Zhu, Guoming G.

2018-01-01

In this paper, optimum wing bending and torsion deformations are explored for a mission adaptive, highly flexible morphing aircraft. The complete highly flexible aircraft is modeled using a strain-based geometrically nonlinear beam formulation, coupled with unsteady aerodynamics and 6-dof rigid-body motions. Since there are no conventional discrete control surfaces for trimming the flexible aircraft, the design space for searching the optimum wing geometries is enlarged. To achieve high performance flight, the wing geometry is best tailored according to the specific flight mission needs. In this study, the steady level flight and the coordinated turn flight are considered, and the optimum wing deformations with the minimum drag at these flight conditions are searched by utilizing a modal-based optimization procedure, subject to the trim and other constraints. The numerical study verifies the feasibility of the modal-based optimization approach, and shows the resulting optimum wing configuration and its sensitivity under different flight profiles. PMID:29348697

Optimum Wing Shape of Highly Flexible Morphing Aircraft for Improved Flight Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Su, Weihua; Swei, Sean Shan-Min; Zhu, Guoming G.

2016-01-01

In this paper, optimum wing bending and torsion deformations are explored for a mission adaptive, highly flexible morphing aircraft. The complete highly flexible aircraft is modeled using a strain-based geometrically nonlinear beam formulation, coupled with unsteady aerodynamics and six-degrees-of-freedom rigid-body motions. Since there are no conventional discrete control surfaces for trimming the flexible aircraft, the design space for searching the optimum wing geometries is enlarged. To achieve high performance flight, the wing geometry is best tailored according to the specific flight mission needs. In this study, the steady level flight and the coordinated turn flight are considered, and the optimum wing deformations with the minimum drag at these flight conditions are searched by utilizing a modal-based optimization procedure, subject to the trim and other constraints. The numerical study verifies the feasibility of the modal-based optimization approach, and shows the resulting optimum wing configuration and its sensitivity under different flight profiles.

Cyanide and Copper Recovery from Barren Solution of the Merrill Crowe Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parga, José R.; Valenzuela, Jesús L.; Díaz, J. A.

This paper is a brief overview of the role of inducing the nucleated precipitation of copper and cyanide in a flashtube serpentine reactor, using sodium sulfide as the precipitate and sulfuric acid as pH control. The results showed that pH had a great effect on copper cyanide removal efficiency and the optimum pH was about 3 to 3.5. At this pH value copper cyanide removal efficiency could be achieved above 97 and 99 %, when influent copper concentration ions were 650 and 900 ppm respectively. In this process the cyanide associated with the copper, zinc, iron cyanide complexes are released as HCN gas under strong acidic conditions, allowing it to be recycled back to the cyanidation process as free cyanide.

Synthesis of ultrafine ZrB2 powders by sol-gel process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Li-Juan; Zhu, Shi-Zhen; Xu, Qiang; Yan, Zhen-Yu; Liu, Ling

2010-09-01

Ultrafine zirconium diboride (ZrB2) powders have been synthesized by sol-gel process using zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl2·8H2O), boric acid (H3BO3) and phenolic resin as sources of zirconia, boron oxide and carbon, respectively. The effects of the reaction temperature, B/Zr ratio, holding time, and EtOH/H2O ratio on properties of the synthesized ZrB2 powders were investigated. It was revealed that ultrafine (average crystallite size between 100 and 400 nm) ZrB2 powders can be synthesized with the optimum processing parameters as follows: (i) the ratio of B/Zr is 4; (ii) the solvent is pure ethanol; (iii) the condition of carbothermal reduction heat treatment is at 1550°C for 20 min.

Optimization of process parameters for RF sputter deposition of tin-nitride thin-films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jangid, Teena; Rao, G. Mohan

2018-05-01

Radio frequency Magnetron sputtering technique was employed to deposit Tin-nitride thin films on Si and glass substrate at different process parameters. Influence of varying parameters like substrate temperature, target-substrate distance and RF power is studied in detail. X-ray diffraction method is used as a key technique for analyzing the changes in the stoichiometric and structural properties of the deposited films. Depending on the combination of deposition parameters, crystalline as well as amorphous films were obtained. Pure tin-nitride thin films were deposited at 15W RF power and 600°C substrate temperature with target-substrate distance fixed at 10cm. Bandgap value of 1.6 eV calculated for the film deposited at optimum process conditions matches well with reported values.

Computer-Controlled Cylindrical Polishing Process for Development of Grazing Incidence Optics for Hard X-Ray Region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khan, Gufran Sayeed; Gubarev, Mikhail; Speegle, Chet; Ramsey, Brian

2010-01-01

The presentation includes grazing incidence X-ray optics, motivation and challenges, mid spatial frequency generation in cylindrical polishing, design considerations for polishing lap, simulation studies and experimental results, future scope, and summary. Topics include current status of replication optics technology, cylindrical polishing process using large size polishing lap, non-conformance of polishin lap to the optics, development of software and polishing machine, deterministic prediction of polishing, polishing experiment under optimum conditions, and polishing experiment based on known error profile. Future plans include determination of non-uniformity in the polishing lap compliance, development of a polishing sequence based on a known error profile of the specimen, software for generating a mandrel polishing sequence, design an development of a flexible polishing lap, and computer controlled localized polishing process.

Nonreflective Conditions for Perfectly Matched Layer in Computational Aeroacoustics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choung, Hanahchim; Jang, Seokjong; Lee, Soogab

2018-05-01

In computational aeroacoustics, boundary conditions such as radiation, outflow, or absorbing boundary conditions are critical issues in that they can affect the entire solution of the computation. Among these types of boundary conditions, the perfectly matched layer boundary condition, which has been widely used in computational fluid dynamics and computational aeroacoustics, is developed by augmenting the additional term in the original governing equations by an absorption function so as to stably absorb the outgoing waves. Even if the perfectly matched layer is analytically a perfectly nonreflective boundary condition, spurious waves occur at the interface, since the analysis is performed in discretized space. Hence, this study is focused on factors that affect numerical errors from perfectly matched layer to find the optimum conditions for nonreflective PML. Through a mathematical approach, a minimum width of perfectly matched layer and an optimum absorption coefficient are suggested. To validate the prediction of the analysis, numerical simulations are performed in a generalized coordinate system, as well as in a Cartesian coordinate system.

Ion-Selective Deposition of Manganese Sulphate Solution from Trenggalek Manganese Ore by Active Carbon and Sodium Hydroxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andriyah, L.; Sulistiyono, E.

2017-02-01

One of the step in manganese dioxide manufacturing process for battery industry is a purification process of lithium manganese sulphate solution. The elimination of impurities such as iron removal is important in hydrometallurgical processes. Therefore, this paper present the purification results of manganese sulphate solution by removing impurities using a selective deposition method, namely activated carbon adsorption and NaOH. The experimental results showed that the optimum condition of adsorption process occurs on the addition of 5 g adsorbent and the addition of 10 ml NaOH 1 N, processing time of 30 minutes and the best is the activated carbon adsorption of Japan. Because the absolute requirement of the cathode material of lithium ion manganese are free of titanium then of local wood charcoal is good enough in terms of eliminating ions Ti is equal to 70.88%.

Automating multistep flow synthesis: approach and challenges in integrating chemistry, machines and logic

PubMed Central

Shukla, Chinmay A

2017-01-01

The implementation of automation in the multistep flow synthesis is essential for transforming laboratory-scale chemistry into a reliable industrial process. In this review, we briefly introduce the role of automation based on its application in synthesis viz. auto sampling and inline monitoring, optimization and process control. Subsequently, we have critically reviewed a few multistep flow synthesis and suggested a possible control strategy to be implemented so that it helps to reliably transfer the laboratory-scale synthesis strategy to a pilot scale at its optimum conditions. Due to the vast literature in multistep synthesis, we have classified the literature and have identified the case studies based on few criteria viz. type of reaction, heating methods, processes involving in-line separation units, telescopic synthesis, processes involving in-line quenching and process with the smallest time scale of operation. This classification will cover the broader range in the multistep synthesis literature. PMID:28684977

Study on gold concentrate leaching by iodine-iodide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hai-xia; Sun, Chun-bao; Li, Shao-ying; Fu, Ping-feng; Song, Yu-guo; Li, Liang; Xie, Wen-qing

2013-04-01

Gold extraction by iodine-iodide solution is an effective and environment-friendly method. In this study, the method using iodine-iodide for gold leaching is proved feasible through thermodynamic calculation. At the same time, experiments on flotation gold concentrates were carried out and encouraging results were obtained. Through optimizing the technological conditions, the attained high gold leaching rate is more than 85%. The optimum process conditions at 25°C are shown as follows: the initial iodine concentration is 1.0%, the iodine-to-iodide mole ratio is 1:8, the solution pH value is 7, the liquid-to-solid mass ratio is 4:1, the leaching time is 4 h, the stirring intensity is 200 r/mim, and the hydrogen peroxide consumption is 1%.

Optimization of solid content, carbon/nitrogen ratio and food/inoculum ratio for biogas production from food waste.

PubMed

Dadaser-Celik, Filiz; Azgin, Sukru Taner; Yildiz, Yalcin Sevki

2016-12-01

Biogas production from food waste has been used as an efficient waste treatment option for years. The methane yields from decomposition of waste are, however, highly variable under different operating conditions. In this study, a statistical experimental design method (Taguchi OA 9 ) was implemented to investigate the effects of simultaneous variations of three parameters on methane production. The parameters investigated were solid content (SC), carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N) and food/inoculum ratio (F/I). Two sets of experiments were conducted with nine anaerobic reactors operating under different conditions. Optimum conditions were determined using statistical analysis, such as analysis of variance (ANOVA). A confirmation experiment was carried out at optimum conditions to investigate the validity of the results. Statistical analysis showed that SC was the most important parameter for methane production with a 45% contribution, followed by F/I ratio with a 35% contribution. The optimum methane yield of 151 l kg -1 volatile solids (VS) was achieved after 24 days of digestion when SC was 4%, C/N was 28 and F/I were 0.3. The confirmation experiment provided a methane yield of 167 l kg -1 VS after 24 days. The analysis showed biogas production from food waste may be increased by optimization of operating conditions. © The Author(s) 2016.

Experimental study on the performance of the vapor injection refrigeration system with an economizer for intermediate pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Chang-Uk; Choi, Kwang-Hwan; Yoon, Jung-In; Kim, Young-Bok; Son, Chang-Hyo; Ha, Soo-Jung; Jeon, Min-Ju; An, Sang-Young; Lee, Joon-Hyuk

2018-04-01

In this study, to investigate the performance characteristics of vapor injection refrigeration system with an economizer at an intermediate pressure, the vapor injection refrigeration system was analyzed under various experiment conditions. As a result, the optimum design data of the vapor injection refrigeration system with an economizer were obtained. The findings from this study can be summarized as follows. The mass flow rate through the compressor increases with intermediate pressure. The compression power input showed an increasing trend under all the test conditions. The evaporation capacity increased and then decreased at the intermediate pressure, and as such, it became maximum at the given intermediate pressure. The increased mass flow rate of the by-passed refrigerant enhanced the evaporation capacity at the low medium pressure range, but the increased saturation temperature limited the subcooling degree of the liquid refrigerant after the application of the economizer when the intermediate pressure kept rising, and degenerated the evaporation capacity. The coefficient of performance (COP) increased and then decreased with respect to the intermediate pressures under all the experiment conditions. Nevertheless, there was an optimum intermediate pressure for the maximum COP under each experiment condition. Therefore, the optimum intermediate pressure in this study was found at -99.08 kPa, which is the theoretical standard medium pressure under all the test conditions.

Effect of thermal oxidation on corrosion and corrosion-wear behaviour of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy.

PubMed

Güleryüz, Hasan; Cimenoğlu, Hüseyin

2004-07-01

In this study, comparative investigation of thermal oxidation treatment for Ti-6Al-4V was carried out to determine the optimum oxidation conditions for further evaluation of corrosion-wear performance. Characterization of modified surface layers was made by means of microscopic examinations, hardness measurements and X-ray diffraction analysis. Optimum oxidation condition was determined according to the results of accelerated corrosion tests made in 5m HCl solution The examined Ti-6Al-4V alloy exhibited excellent resistance to corrosion after oxidation at 600 degrees C for 60 h. This oxidation condition achieved 25 times higher wear resistance than the untreated alloy during reciprocating wear test conducted in a 0.9% NaCl solution.

The Temperature Optima and Temperature Sensitivity of Soil Respiration Explained By Macromolecular Rate Theory (MMRT).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schipper, L. A.; O'Neill, T.; Arcus, V. L.

2014-12-01

One of the most fundamental factors controlling all biological and chemical processes is changing temperature. Temperature dependence was originally described by the Arrhenius function in the 19th century. This function provides an excellent description of chemical reaction rates. However, the Arrhenius function does not predict the temperature optimum of biological rates that is clearly evident in laboratory and field measurements. Previously, the temperature optimum of biological processes has been ascribed to denaturation of enzymes but the observed temperature optima in soil are often rather modest, occurring at about 40-50°C and generally less than recognised temperatures for protein unfolding. We have modified the Arrhenius function incorporating a temperature-dependent activation energy derived directly from first principles from thermodynamics of macromolecules. MacroMolecular Rate Theory (MMRT) accounts for large changes in the flexibility of enzymes during catalysis that result in changes in heat capacity (ΔC‡p) of the enzyme during the reaction. MMRT predicts an initially Arrhenius-like response followed by a temperature optimum without the need for enzyme denaturation (Hobbs et al., 2013. ACS Chemical Biology. 8: 2388-2393). Denaturation, of course, occurs at much higher temperatures. We have shown that MMRT fits biogeochemical data collected from laboratory and field studies with important implications for changes in absolute temperature sensitivity as temperature rises (Schipper et al., 2014. Global Change Biology). As the temperature optimum is approached the absolute temperature sensitivity of biological processes decreases to zero. Consequently, the absolute temperature-sensitivity of soil biological processes depends on both the change in ecosystem temperature and the temperature optimum of the biological process. MMRT also very clearly explains why Q10 values decline with increasing temperature more quickly than would be predicted from the Arrhenius function. Temperature optima of many soil biological processes including respiration are very poorly documented but would lead to a better understanding of how soil systems will respond to increasing global temperatures.

Investigation of the processing conditions for the synthesis of rod-shaped LiCoO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Taejoong; Kim, Yongseon

2018-07-01

We investigate the processing conditions for the synthesis of rod-shaped LiCoO2 (LCO) by a solid-state calcination of a precursor material which was prepared by a hydrothermal method. The rod-like morphology appeared to be easily broken due to the growth of primary crystals recrystallized during the calcination process. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the temperature under a certain limit. However, the temperature must be high enough to obtain proper crystallinity of the LCO, ideally above 800 °C. Thus, we determined the optimal calcination temperature condition from the common range of temperatures that satisfies both these limiting conditions. The precursor with average diameter of 1 µm sustained the rod shape at calcination temperatures of up to 900 °C; therefore, the optimum calcination temperature could be determined between 800 and 900 °C. Whereas, a proper calcination temperature could not be found for the precursor with 500 nm of diameter because the rod shape did not maintain even at 700 °C. Thus, the maximum temperature at which the rod shape is retained decreases with smaller diameter of the precursor rods, indicating adjusting the diameter above a limiting value is necessary to prepare LCO rod by conventional solid state calcination.

A method to optimize the processing algorithm of a computed radiography system for chest radiography.

PubMed

Moore, C S; Liney, G P; Beavis, A W; Saunderson, J R

2007-09-01

A test methodology using an anthropomorphic-equivalent chest phantom is described for the optimization of the Agfa computed radiography "MUSICA" processing algorithm for chest radiography. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the lung, heart and diaphragm regions of the phantom, and the "system modulation transfer function" (sMTF) in the lung region, were measured using test tools embedded in the phantom. Using these parameters the MUSICA processing algorithm was optimized with respect to low-contrast detectability and spatial resolution. Two optimum "MUSICA parameter sets" were derived respectively for maximizing the CNR and sMTF in each region of the phantom. Further work is required to find the relative importance of low-contrast detectability and spatial resolution in chest images, from which the definitive optimum MUSICA parameter set can then be derived. Prior to this further work, a compromised optimum MUSICA parameter set was applied to a range of clinical images. A group of experienced image evaluators scored these images alongside images produced from the same radiographs using the MUSICA parameter set in clinical use at the time. The compromised optimum MUSICA parameter set was shown to produce measurably better images.

Simultaneous recovery of vanadium and nickel from power plant fly-ash: Optimization of parameters using response surface methodology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nazari, E.; Rashchi, F., E-mail: rashchi@ut.ac.ir; Saba, M.

2014-12-15

Highlights: • Leaching of vanadium and nickel from fly ash (14.43% V and 5.19% Ni) in sulfuric acid was performed. • Optimization of leaching parameters was carried out using a response surface methodology. • Using optimum conditions, 94.28% V and 81.01% Ni “actual recovery” was obtained. - Abstract: Simultaneous recovery of vanadium (V) and nickel (Ni), which are classified as two of the most hazardous metal species from power plant heavy fuel fly-ash, was studied using a hydrometallurgical process consisting of acid leaching using sulfuric acid. Leaching parameters were investigated and optimized in order to maximize the recovery of bothmore » vanadium and nickel. The independent leaching parameters investigated were liquid to solid ratio (S/L) (5–12.5 wt.%), temperature (45–80 °C), sulfuric acid concentration (5–25 v/v%) and leaching time (1–5 h). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the process parameters. The most effective parameter on the recovery of both elements was found to be temperature and the least effective was time for V and acid concentration for Ni. Based on the results, optimum condition for metals recovery (actual recovery of ca.94% for V and 81% for Ni) was determined to be solid to liquid ratio of 9.15 wt.%, temperature of 80 °C, sulfuric acid concentration of 19.47 v/v% and leaching time of 2 h. The maximum V and Ni predicted recovery of 91.34% and 80.26% was achieved.« less

Kinetic and isotherm modeling of Cd (II) adsorption by L-cysteine functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes as adsorbent.

PubMed

Taghavi, Mahmoud; Zazouli, Mohammad Ali; Yousefi, Zabihollah; Akbari-adergani, Behrouz

2015-11-01

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes were functionalized by L-cysteine to show the kinetic and isotherm modeling of Cd (II) ions onto L-cysteine functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The adsorption behavior of Cd (II) ion was studied by varying parameters including dose of L-MWCNTs, contact time, and cadmium concentration. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms and kinetics were also investigated based on Cd (II) adsorption tests. The results showed that an increase in contact time and adsorbent dosage resulted in increase of the adsorption rate. The optimum condition of the Cd (II) removal process was found at pH=7.0, 15 mg/L L-MWCNTs dosage, 6 mg/L cadmium concentration, and contact time of 60 min. The removal percent was equal to 89.56 at optimum condition. Langmuir and Freundlich models were employed to analyze the experimental data. The data showed well fitting with the Langmuir model (R2=0.994) with q max of 43.47 mg/g. Analyzing the kinetic data by the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order equations revealed that the adsorption of cadmium using L-MWSNTs following the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with correlation coefficients (R2) equals to 0.998, 0.992, and 0.998 for 3, 6, and 9 mg/L Cd (II) concentrations, respectively. The experimental data fitted very well with the pseudo-second-order. Overall, treatment of polluted solution to Cd (II) by adsorption process using L-MWCNT can be considered as an effective technology.

Studies on Batch Production of Bacterial Concentrates from Mixed Species Lactic Starters

PubMed Central

Pettersson, H. E.

1975-01-01

Optimum growth conditions for mixed species starter FDs 0172 at constant pH in skim milk, whey, and tryptone medium were investigated. Growth rate and maximum population were optimal at 30 C. pH values between 5.5 and 7.0 did not influence the growth rate and maximum population obtainable. Lactic acid-producing activity declined rapidly after reaching the end of the exponential growth phase. The bacterial balance was found to be influenced by the growth parameters: media, pH, temperature, and neutralizer. Skim milk or whey medium at 25 C, pH 6.5, and neutralized with 20% (vol/vol) NH4OH kept the bacterial balance almost constant throughout the cultivation. Grown in tryptone medium at constant pH, the changes in bacterial balance and other metabolic activities were striking compared to the other two media tested. The effect of lactate as an inhibitor was found to be complex, changing with the growth conditions. Concentrates made from mixed species starters FDs 0172, FD 0570, CH 0170, CHs 0170, and T 27 were comparable to controls when cultivated at the optimum conditions found and thereafter centrifuged. Aroma production, proteolytic activity, and CO2 production did not change significantly compared to controls when cultivated at optimum conditions in skim milk or whey medium. PMID:16350009

Optimum display luminance depends on white luminance under various ambient illuminance conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Minkoo; Jeon, Dong-Hwan; Kim, Jeong-Sik; Yu, Byung-Chang; Park, YungKyung; Lee, Seung-Woo

2018-02-01

This paper reports display luminance levels for good visibility under nine ambient illuminance conditions (50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, and 20,000 lx) for a given white luminance level, chosen from five candidates (100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 cd / m2), through a psychophysical experiment. This work reveals that the luminance levels for good visibility increase as the maximum white luminance of the display increases. The white luminance dependency of display luminance is caused by the fact that the human visual system adapts to the maximum white luminance and evaluates the brightness of the display based on it. Based on the experimental results, an appropriate luminance zone under various illuminance conditions is proposed. The appropriate luminance zone varies with the maximum white luminance of the displays. This may be understood to mean that there is no absolute luminance level under a given lighting condition. To solve this issue, a new method is proposed to determine optimum luminance levels by considering both visibility and power consumption. By the proposed method, it is reported that the optimum maximum luminance lies between 200 and 500 cd / m2 for indoor use (below 500 lx). These results were verified by young adults with normal vision.

Production of granular activated carbon from food-processing wastes (walnut shells and jujube seeds) and its adsorptive properties.

PubMed

Bae, Wookeun; Kim, Jongho; Chung, Jinwook

2014-08-01

Commercial activated carbon is a highly effective absorbent that can be used to remove micropollutants from water. As a result, the demand for activated carbon is increasing. In this study, we investigated the optimum manufacturing conditions for producing activated carbon from ligneous wastes generated from food processing. Jujube seeds and walnut shells were selected as raw materials. Carbonization and steam activation were performed in a fixed-bed laboratory electric furnace. To obtain the highest iodine number, the optimum conditions for producing activated carbon from jujube seeds and walnut shells were 2 hr and 1.5 hr (carbonization at 700 degrees C) followed by 1 hr and 0.5 hr (activation at 1000 degrees C), respectively. The surface area and iodine number of activated carbon made from jujube seeds and walnut shells were 1,477 and 1,184 m2/g and 1,450 and 1,200 mg/g, respectively. A pore-distribution analysis revealed that most pores had a pore diameter within or around 30-40 angstroms, and adsorption capacity for surfactants was about 2 times larger than the commercial activated carbon, indicating that waste-based activated carbon can be used as alternative. Implications: Wastes discharged from agricultural and food industries results in a serious environmental problem. A method is proposed to convert food-processing wastes such as jujube seeds and walnut shells into high-grade granular activated carbon. Especially, the performance of jujube seeds as activated carbon is worthy of close attention. There is little research about the application ofjujube seeds. Also, when compared to two commercial carbons (Samchully and Calgon samples), the results show that it is possible to produce high-quality carbon, particularly from jujube seed, using a one-stage, 1,000 degrees C, steam pyrolysis. The preparation of activated carbon from food-processing wastes could increase economic return and reduce pollution.

Removal of reactive blue 19 dye by sono, photo and sonophotocatalytic oxidation using visible light.

PubMed

Khan, Muhammad Abdul Nasir; Siddique, Maria; Wahid, Fazli; Khan, Romana

2015-09-01

An efficient sonophotocatalytic degradation of reactive blue 19 (RB 19) dye was successfully carried out using sulfur-doped TiO2 (S-TiO2) nanoparticles. The effect of various treatment processes that is sonolysis, photolysis, catalysis, sonocatalysis, photocatalysis, and sonophotocatalysis were investigated for RB 19 removal. S-TiO2 were synthesized in 1, 3 and 5 wt.% of sulfur by sol-gel process and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The results confirm anatase phase of TiO2, porous agglomerate structure, and a red shift in the absorbance spectra of S-TiO2. The dye degradation was studied by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer at λ max=594 nm. The reaction parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, ultrasonic power and effect of sulfur doping in different weight percent were studied to find out the optimum degradation conditions. Optimum conditions were found as: S-TiO2=5 wt.%, catalyst (S-TiO2 5 wt.%)=50mg, RB 19 solution concentration=20 mg L(-1), pH=3, ultrasound power=100 and operating temperature=25°C. The response of 5 wt.% S-TiO2 was found better than 1 and 3 wt.% S-TiO2 and other forms TiO2. The sonophotocatalysis process was superior to other methods. During this process the ultrasound cavitation and photocatalysis water splitting takes place which leads to the generation of OH. As reveled by the GCMS results the reactive blue 19 (20 mg L(-1)) was degraded to 90% within 120 min. The S-TiO2 sonophotocatalysis system was studied for the first time for dye degradation and was found practicable, efficient and cost effective for the degradation of complex and resistant dyes such as RB19. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Total nitrogen and total phosphorus removal from brackish aquaculture wastewater using effective microorganism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamad, K. A.; Mohd, S. Y.; Sarah, R. S.; Mohd, H. Z.; Rasyidah, A.

2017-09-01

Aquaculture is one of dominant food based industry in the world with 8.3% annual growth rate and its development had led to adverse effect on the environment. High nutrient production in form of nitrogenous compound and phosphorus contributed to environmental deterioration such as eutrophication and toxicity to the industry. Usage of Effective Microorganism (EM), one of the biological approaches to remove Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP) in aquaculture pond was proposed. Samples were obtained from the Sea Bass intensive brackish aquaculture wastewater (AW) from fish farm at Juru, Penang and the parameters used to measure the removal of nitrogenous compounds include, pH, EM dosage, shaking, contact time and optimum variable conditions. From the study, for effective contact time, day 6 is the optimum contact time for both TN and TP with 99.74% and 62.78% removal respectively while in terms of optimum pH, the highest TN removal was at pH 7 with 66.89 %. The optimum dosage of EM is 1.5 ml with ratio 1:166 for 81.5 % TN removal was also found appropriate during the experiment. At varied optimum conditions of EM, the removal efficiency of TN and TP were 81.53% and 38.94% respectively while the removal mechanism of TN was highly dependent on the decomposition rate of specific bacteria such as Nitrobacter bacteria, Yeast and Bacillus Subtilis sp. The study has established the efficacy of EM's ability to treat excessive nutrient of TN and TP from AW.

Performance Analysis and Optimization of Concentrating Solar Thermoelectric Generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamba, Ravita; Manikandan, S.; Kaushik, S. C.

2018-06-01

A thermodynamic model for a concentrating solar thermoelectric generator considering the Thomson effect combined with Fourier heat conduction, Peltier, and Joule heating has been developed and optimized in MATLAB environment. The temperatures at the hot and cold junctions of the thermoelectric generator were evaluated by solving the energy balance equations at both junctions. The effects of the solar concentration ratio, input electrical current, number of thermocouples, and electrical load resistance ratio on the power output and energy and exergy efficiencies of the system were studied. Optimization studies were carried out for the STEG system, and the optimum number of thermocouples, concentration ratio, and resistance ratio determined. The results showed that the optimum values of these parameters are different for conditions of maximum power output and maximum energy and exergy efficiency. The optimum values of the concentration ratio and load resistance ratio for maximum energy efficiency of 5.85% and maximum exergy efficiency of 6.29% were found to be 180 and 1.3, respectively, with corresponding power output of 4.213 W. Furthermore, at higher concentration ratio (C = 600), the optimum number of thermocouples was found to be 101 for maximum power output of 13.75 W, maximum energy efficiency of 5.73%, and maximum exergy efficiency of 6.16%. Moreover, the optimum number of thermocouple was the same for conditions of maximum power output and energy and exergy efficiency. The results of this study may provide insight for design of actual concentrated solar thermoelectric generator systems.

Regeneration and molecular characterization of an intergeneric hybrid between Graphium putredinis and Trichoderma harzianum by protoplasmic fusion.

PubMed

Savitha, S; Sadhasivam, S; Swaminathan, K

2010-01-01

The fungal strains Graphium putredinis and Trichoderma harzianum were selected as parents for fusant development. Protoplasts were isolated using the combination of lysing enzymes Novozym 234 and cellulase with 0.6M KCl as osmotic stabilizer. The optimum conditions for release of viable protoplasts from the fungal mycelium viz. age of the mycelium, lytic enzymes, osmotic stabilizers, pH, incubation period and regeneration medium were determined. Intergeneric protoplast fusion was carried out using 50% polyethylene glycol with calcium chloride (CaCl(2)) and glycine buffer and the conditions for effective protoplast fusion, viz. fusogen, osmotic stabilizer, pH, incubation period and regeneration medium were optimized. At optimum conditions, the regeneration frequency of the fused protoplasts on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and fusion frequency were calculated. The regeneration frequency on non-selective (PDA) and selective media (PDA amended with starch) was determined for the parental and fusant strains in which, fusant showed a higher rate of regeneration. Fusant formation was confirmed by morphological markers (colony morphology and spore size and shape) and genetical markers like, mycelial protein pattern, restriction digestion pattern and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. The efficiency of these parental strains and their intergeneric fusant in the production of hydrolytic enzymes - amylases (treatment plant for sago factory effluent), cellulases (bioethanol), xylanases (bleaching agents for waste paper pulp) and proteases (additives in commercial detergents) - have probable applications in various industrial processes. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optimum surface roughness prediction for titanium alloy by adopting response surface methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Aimin; Han, Yang; Pan, Yuhang; Xing, Hongwei; Li, Jinze

Titanium alloy has been widely applied in industrial engineering products due to its advantages of great corrosion resistance and high specific strength. This paper investigated the processing parameters for finish turning of titanium alloy TC11. Firstly, a three-factor central composite design of experiment, considering the cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut, are conducted in titanium alloy TC11 and the corresponding surface roughness are obtained. Then a mathematic model is constructed by the response surface methodology to fit the relationship between the process parameters and the surface roughness. The prediction accuracy was verified by the one-way ANOVA. Finally, the contour line of the surface roughness under different combination of process parameters are obtained and used for the optimum surface roughness prediction. Verification experimental results demonstrated that material removal rate (MRR) at the obtained optimum can be significantly improved without sacrificing the surface roughness.

An experimental study on the coalescence process of binary droplets in oil under ultrasonic standing waves.

PubMed

Luo, Xiaoming; Cao, Juhang; He, Limin; Wang, Hongping; Yan, Haipeng; Qin, Yahua

2017-01-01

The coalescence process of binary droplets in oil under ultrasonic standing waves was investigated with high-speed photography. Three motion models of binary droplets in coalescence process were illustrated: (1) slight translational oscillation; (2) sinusoidal translational oscillation; (3) migration along with acoustic streaming. To reveal the droplets coalescence mechanisms, the influence of main factors (such as acoustic intensity, droplet size, viscosity and interfacial tension, etc) on the motion and coalescence of binary droplets was studied under ultrasonic standing waves. Results indicate that the shortest coalescence time is achieved when binary droplets show sinusoidal translational oscillation. The corresponding acoustic intensity in this case is the optimum acoustic intensity. Under the optimum acoustic intensity, drop size decrease will bring about coalescence time decrease by enhancing the binary droplets oscillation. Moreover, there is an optimum interfacial tension to achieve the shortest coalescence time. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimal estimation for discrete time jump processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaca, M. V.; Tretter, S. A.

1977-01-01

Optimum estimates of nonobservable random variables or random processes which influence the rate functions of a discrete time jump process (DTJP) are obtained. The approach is based on the a posteriori probability of a nonobservable event expressed in terms of the a priori probability of that event and of the sample function probability of the DTJP. A general representation for optimum estimates and recursive equations for minimum mean squared error (MMSE) estimates are obtained. MMSE estimates are nonlinear functions of the observations. The problem of estimating the rate of a DTJP when the rate is a random variable with a probability density function of the form cx super K (l-x) super m and show that the MMSE estimates are linear in this case. This class of density functions explains why there are insignificant differences between optimum unconstrained and linear MMSE estimates in a variety of problems.

Optimal estimation for discrete time jump processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vaca, M. V.; Tretter, S. A.

1978-01-01

Optimum estimates of nonobservable random variables or random processes which influence the rate functions of a discrete time jump process (DTJP) are derived. The approach used is based on the a posteriori probability of a nonobservable event expressed in terms of the a priori probability of that event and of the sample function probability of the DTJP. Thus a general representation is obtained for optimum estimates, and recursive equations are derived for minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) estimates. In general, MMSE estimates are nonlinear functions of the observations. The problem is considered of estimating the rate of a DTJP when the rate is a random variable with a beta probability density function and the jump amplitudes are binomially distributed. It is shown that the MMSE estimates are linear. The class of beta density functions is rather rich and explains why there are insignificant differences between optimum unconstrained and linear MMSE estimates in a variety of problems.

Effect of Phosphoric Acid Concentration on the Characteristics of Sugarcane Bagasse Activated Carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adib, M. R. M.; Suraya, W. M. S. W.; Rafidah, H.; Amirza, A. R. M.; Attahirah, M. H. M. N.; Hani, M. S. N. Q.; Adnan, M. S.

2016-07-01

Impregnation method is one of the crucial steps involved in producing activated carbon using chemical activation process. Chemicals employed in this step is effective at decomposing the structure of material and forming micropores that helps in adsorption of contaminants. This paper explains thorough procedures that have been involved in producing sugarcane bagasse activated carbon (SBAC) by using 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% phosphoric acid (H3PO4) during the impregnation step. Concentration of H3PO4 used in the process of producing SBAC was optimized through several tests including bulk density, ash content, iodine adsorption and pore size diameter and the charactesristic of optimum SBAC produced has been compared with commercial activated carbon (CAC). Batch study has been carried out by using the SBAC produced from optimum condition to investigate the performance of SBAC in removal of turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from textile wastewater. From characteristic study, SBAC with 30% H3PO4 has shown the optimum value of bulk density, ash content, iodine adsorption and pore size diameter of 0.3023 g cm-3, 4.35%, 974.96 mg/g and 0.21-0.41 µm, respectively. These values are comparable to the characteristics of CAC. Experimental result from the batch study has been concluded that the SBAC has a promising potential in removing turbidity and COD of 75.5% and 66.3%, respectively which was a slightly lower than CAC which were able to remove 82.8% of turbidity and 70% of COD. As a conclusion, the SBAC is comparable with CAC in terms of their characteristics and the capability of removing contaminants from textile wastewater. Therefore, it has a commercial value to be used as an alternative of low-cost material in producing CAC.

Laser cutting metallic plates using a 2kW direct diode laser source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fallahi Sichani, E.; Hauschild, D.; Meinschien, J.; Powell, J.; Assunção, E. G.; Blackburn, J.; Khan, A. H.; Kong, C. Y.

2015-07-01

This paper investigates the feasibility of using a 2kW direct diode laser source for producing high-quality cuts in a variety of materials. Cutting trials were performed in a two-stage experimental procedure. The first phase of trials was based on a one-factor-at-a-time change of process parameters aimed at exploring the process window and finding a semi-optimum set of parameters for each material/thickness combination. In the second phase, a full factorial experimental matrix was performed for each material and thickness, as a result of which, the optimum cutting parameters were identified. Characteristic values of the optimum cuts were then measured as per BS EN ISO 9013:2002.

On the Tuning of High-Resolution NMR Probes

PubMed Central

Pöschko, Maria Theresia; Schlagnitweit, Judith; Huber, Gaspard; Nausner, Martin; Horničáková, Michaela; Desvaux, Hervé; Müller, Norbert

2014-01-01

Three optimum conditions for the tuning of NMR probes are compared: the conventional tuning optimum, which is based on radio-frequency pulse efficiency, the spin noise tuning optimum based on the line shape of the spin noise signal, and the newly introduced frequency shift tuning optimum, which minimizes the frequency pushing effect on strong signals. The latter results if the radiation damping feedback field is not in perfect quadrature to the precessing magnetization. According to the conventional RLC (resistor–inductor–capacitor) resonant circuit model, the optima should be identical, but significant deviations are found experimentally at low temperatures, in particular on cryogenically cooled probes. The existence of different optima with respect to frequency pushing and spin noise line shape has important consequences on the nonlinearity of spin dynamics at high polarization levels and the implementation of experiments on cold probes. PMID:25210000

Factors affecting yield and safety of protein production from cassava by Cephalosporium eichhorniae

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mikami, Y.; Gregory, K.F.; Levadoux, W.L.

1982-01-01

The properties of C. eichhorniae 152 (ATCC 38255) affecting protein production from cassava carbohydrate, for use as an animal feed, were studied. This strain is a true thermophile, showing optimum growth at 45-47 degrees, maximum protein yield at 45 degrees, and no growth at 25 degrees. It has an optimum pH of approximately 3.8 and is obligately acidophilic, being unable to sustain growth at pH of more than or equal to 6.0 in a liquid medium, or pH of more than or equal to 7.0 on solid media. The optimum growth conditions of pH 3.8 and 45 degrees were stronglymore » inhibitive to potential contaminants. It rapidly hydrolyzed cassava starch. It did not utilize sucrose, but approximately 16% of the small sucrose component of cassava was chemically hydrolyzed during the process. Growth with cassava meal (50 g/l) was complete in approximately 20 h, yielding 22.5 g/l (dry biomass), containing 41% crude protein (48-50% crude protein in the mycelium) and 31% true protein (7.0 g/l). Resting and germinating spores (10 to the power of 6 - 10 to the power of 8 per animal) injected by various routes into normal and gamma-irradiated 6-week-old mice and 7-day-old chickens failed to initiate infections.« less

Structural adhesives for missile external protection material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banta, F. L.; Garzolini, J. A.

1981-07-01

Two basic rubber materials are examined as possible external substrate protection materials (EPM) for missiles. The analysis provided a data base for selection of the optimum adhesives which are compatible with the substrate, loads applied and predicted bondline temperatures. Under the test conditions, EA934/NA was found to be the optimum adhesive to bond VAMAC 2273 and/or NBR/EPDM 9969A to aluminum substrate. The optimum adhesive for composite structures was EA956. Both of these adhesives are two-part epoxy systems with a pot life of approximately two hours. Further research is suggested on field repair criteria, nuclear hardness and survivability effects on bondline, and ageing effects.

Hyperspectral venous image quality assessment for optimum illumination range selection based on skin tone characteristics

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Subcutaneous veins localization is usually performed manually by medical staff to find suitable vein to insert catheter for medication delivery or blood sample function. The rule of thumb is to find large and straight enough vein for the medication to flow inside of the selected blood vessel without any obstruction. The problem of peripheral difficult venous access arises when patient’s veins are not visible due to any reason like dark skin tone, presence of hair, high body fat or dehydrated condition, etc. Methods To enhance the visibility of veins, near infrared imaging systems is used to assist medical staff in veins localization process. Optimum illumination is crucial to obtain a better image contrast and quality, taking into consideration the limited power and space on portable imaging systems. In this work a hyperspectral image quality assessment is done to get the optimum range of illumination for venous imaging system. A database of hyperspectral images from 80 subjects has been created and subjects were divided in to four different classes on the basis of their skin tone. In this paper the results of hyper spectral image analyses are presented in function of the skin tone of patients. For each patient, four mean images were constructed by taking mean with a spectral span of 50 nm within near infrared range, i.e. 750–950 nm. Statistical quality measures were used to analyse these images. Conclusion It is concluded that the wavelength range of 800 to 850 nm serve as the optimum illumination range to get best near infrared venous image quality for each type of skin tone. PMID:25087016

Current transport mechanisms in mercury cadmium telluride diode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gopal, Vishnu, E-mail: vishnu-46@yahoo.com, E-mail: wdhu@mail.sitp.ac.cn; Li, Qing; He, Jiale

This paper reports the results of modelling of the current-voltage characteristics (I-V) of a planar mid-wave Mercury Cadmium Telluride photodiode in a gate controlled diode experiment. It is reported that the diode exhibits nearly ideal I-V characteristics under the optimum surface potential leading to the minimal surface leakage current. Deviations from the optimum surface potential lead to non ideal I–V characteristics, indicating a strong relationship between the ideality factor of the diode with its surface leakage current. Diode's I–V characteristics have been modelled over a range of gate voltages from −9 V to −2 V. This range of gate voltages includes accumulation,more » flat band, and depletion and inversion conditions below the gate structure of the diode. It is shown that the I–V characteristics of the diode can be very well described by (i) thermal diffusion current, (ii) ohmic shunt current, (iii) photo-current due to background illumination, and (iv) excess current that grows by the process of avalanche multiplication in the gate voltage range from −3 V to −5 V that corresponds to the optimum surface potential. Outside the optimum gate voltage range, the origin of the excess current of the diode is associated with its high surface leakage currents. It is reported that the ohmic shunt current model applies to small surface leakage currents. The higher surface leakage currents exhibit a nonlinear shunt behaviour. It is also shown that the observed zero-bias dynamic resistance of the diode over the entire gate voltage range is the sum of ohmic shunt resistance and estimated zero-bias dynamic resistance of the diode from its thermal saturation current.« less

Efficiency optimization of a closed indirectly fired gas turbine cycle working under two variable-temperature heat reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Zheshu; Wu, Jieer

2011-08-01

Indirectly or externally fired gas turbines (IFGT or EFGT) are interesting technologies under development for small and medium scale combined heat and power (CHP) supplies in combination with micro gas turbine technologies. The emphasis is primarily on the utilization of the waste heat from the turbine in a recuperative process and the possibility of burning biomass even "dirty" fuel by employing a high temperature heat exchanger (HTHE) to avoid the combustion gases passing through the turbine. In this paper, finite time thermodynamics is employed in the performance analysis of a class of irreversible closed IFGT cycles coupled to variable temperature heat reservoirs. Based on the derived analytical formulae for the dimensionless power output and efficiency, the efficiency optimization is performed in two aspects. The first is to search the optimum heat conductance distribution corresponding to the efficiency optimization among the hot- and cold-side of the heat reservoirs and the high temperature heat exchangers for a fixed total heat exchanger inventory. The second is to search the optimum thermal capacitance rate matching corresponding to the maximum efficiency between the working fluid and the high-temperature heat reservoir for a fixed ratio of the thermal capacitance rates of the two heat reservoirs. The influences of some design parameters on the optimum heat conductance distribution, the optimum thermal capacitance rate matching and the maximum power output, which include the inlet temperature ratio of the two heat reservoirs, the efficiencies of the compressor and the gas turbine, and the total pressure recovery coefficient, are provided by numerical examples. The power plant configuration under optimized operation condition leads to a smaller size, including the compressor, turbine, two heat reservoirs and the HTHE.

Evaluating the impact of ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) pretreatment conditions on the cost of ethanol production.

PubMed

Bals, Bryan; Wedding, Chris; Balan, Venkatesh; Sendich, Elizabeth; Dale, Bruce

2011-01-01

Ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) pretreatment is an ammonia-based process for improving the susceptibility of lignocellulosic biomass to enzymatic attack. Four parameters--ammonia loading, water loading, reaction temperature, and residence time--can be varied in order to optimize AFEX pretreatment. The effect of these parameters on process economics of ethanol production was studied using a leading biorefinery model. Ammonia loading and residence time had the greatest impact on the economics of ethanol production, primarily due to processing costs for the chilled water condenser and the capital cost of the AFEX reactor. Water loading and reaction temperature had only modest impact on process economics. In addition, the impact of pretreatment conditions on makeup ammonia requirements was explored experimentally, which ranged from 15 to 25 g ammonia/kg biomass. Overall, pretreatment conditions can change the costs of ethanol production by up to 35 cents per gallon ethanol in an 850 ton/day refinery. By linking the results obtained from this Aspen model to experimental results for ethanol production and makeup ammonia recovery, this study can be used to create an economic optimum for AFEX pretreatment in contrast with simply maximizing fermentable sugar production. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Strategic Enrollment Management: A Primer for Campus Administrators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dolence, Michael G.

This booklet provides an overview of key concepts of Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM), a comprehensive process designed to help institutions of higher education achieve and maintain the optimum student recruitment, retention, and graduation rates. "Optimum" here is defined within the academic context of the particular institution. Primary…

Effects of Inhibition Conditions on Anammox process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Haitao; Ji, Dandan; Zang, Lihua

2017-12-01

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) is a very suitable process for the treatment of nitrogen-rich wastewater, which is a promising new biological nitrogen removal process, and has a good application prospects. However, the Anammox process is inhibited by many factors, which hinders the process improvement and the application of the Anammox process. Such as organic,temperature,salts,heavy metals, phosphates, sulfides, pH and other inhibitors are usually present in practical applications. We have reviewed the previous researches on the inhibition of Anammox processes. The effect of the substrate on the anaerobic oxide is mainly caused by free ammonia or nitrite nitrogen. Most heavy metals inhibit Anammox growth and activity. The inhibition of organic matter depends on the content of organic matter and species. High salinity inhibits Anammox activity. Dissolved oxygen allows the flora to be in a balanced state. The optimum pH and temperature, as well as other factors, can provide a good growth environment for Anammox. The knowledge of inhibition on Anammox will help prevent the application and improvement of the Anammox process.

Material property for designing, analyzing, and fabricating space structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kolkailah, Faysal A.

1991-01-01

An analytical study was made of plasma assisted bullet projectile. The finite element analysis and the micro-macromechanic analysis was applied to an optimum design technique for the multilayered graphite-epoxy composite projectile that will achieve hypervelocity of 6 to 10 Km/s. The feasibility was determined of dialectics to monitor cure of graphite-epoxies. Several panels were fabricated, cured, and tested with encouraging results of monitoring the cure of graphite-epoxies. The optimum cure process for large structures was determined. Different orientation were used and three different curing cycles were employed. A uniaxial tensile test was performed on all specimens. The optimum orientation with the optimum cure cycle were concluded.

High-throughput machining using high average power ultrashort pulse lasers and ultrafast polygon scanner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schille, Joerg; Schneider, Lutz; Streek, André; Kloetzer, Sascha; Loeschner, Udo

2016-03-01

In this paper, high-throughput ultrashort pulse laser machining is investigated on various industrial grade metals (Aluminium, Copper, Stainless steel) and Al2O3 ceramic at unprecedented processing speeds. This is achieved by using a high pulse repetition frequency picosecond laser with maximum average output power of 270 W in conjunction with a unique, in-house developed two-axis polygon scanner. Initially, different concepts of polygon scanners are engineered and tested to find out the optimal architecture for ultrafast and precision laser beam scanning. Remarkable 1,000 m/s scan speed is achieved on the substrate, and thanks to the resulting low pulse overlap, thermal accumulation and plasma absorption effects are avoided at up to 20 MHz pulse repetition frequencies. In order to identify optimum processing conditions for efficient high-average power laser machining, the depths of cavities produced under varied parameter settings are analyzed and, from the results obtained, the characteristic removal values are specified. The maximum removal rate is achieved as high as 27.8 mm3/min for Aluminium, 21.4 mm3/min for Copper, 15.3 mm3/min for Stainless steel and 129.1 mm3/min for Al2O3 when full available laser power is irradiated at optimum pulse repetition frequency.

Optimization of Crude Oil and PAHs Degradation by Stenotrophomonas rhizophila KX082814 Strain through Response Surface Methodology Using Box-Behnken Design

PubMed Central

Virupakshappa, Praveen Kumar Siddalingappa; Mishra, Gaurav; Mehkri, Mohammed Ameenuddin

2016-01-01

The present paper describes the process optimization study for crude oil degradation which is a continuation of our earlier work on hydrocarbon degradation study of the isolate Stenotrophomonas rhizophila (PM-1) with GenBank accession number KX082814. Response Surface Methodology with Box-Behnken Design was used to optimize the process wherein temperature, pH, salinity, and inoculum size (at three levels) were used as independent variables and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon, Biological Oxygen Demand, and Chemical Oxygen Demand of crude oil and PAHs as dependent variables (response). The statistical analysis, via ANOVA, showed coefficient of determination R 2 as 0.7678 with statistically significant P value 0.0163 fitting in second-order quadratic regression model for crude oil removal. The predicted optimum parameters, namely, temperature, pH, salinity, and inoculum size, were found to be 32.5°C, 9, 12.5, and 12.5 mL, respectively. At this optimum condition, the observed and predicted PAHs and crude oil removal were found to be 71.82% and 79.53% in validation experiments, respectively. The % TPH results correlate with GC/MS studies, BOD, COD, and TPC. The validation of numerical optimization was done through GC/MS studies and % removal of crude oil. PMID:28116165

The potential reuse of biodegradable municipal solid wastes (MSW) as feedstocks in vermicomposting.

PubMed

Sim, Edwin Yih Shyang; Wu, Ta Yeong

2010-10-01

There is an urgent need globally to find alternative sustainable steps to treat municipal solid wastes (MSW) originated from mismanagement of urban wastes with increasing disposal cost. Furthermore, a conglomeration of ever-increasing population and consumerist lifestyle is contributing towards the generation of more MSW. In this context, vermicomposting offers excellent potential to promote safe, hygienic and sustainable management of biodegradable MSW. It has been demonstrated that, through vermicomposting, MSW such as city garbage, household and kitchen wastes, vegetable wastes, paper wastes, human faeces and others could be sustainably transformed into organic fertiliser or vermicompost that provides great benefits to agricultural soil and plants. Generally, earthworms are sensitive to their environment and require temperature, moisture content, pH and sometimes ventilation at proper levels for the optimum vermicomposting process. Apart from setting the optimum operational conditions for the vermicomposting process, other approaches such as pre-composting, inoculating micro-organisms into MSW and redesigning the conventional vermireactor could be introduced to further enhance the vermicomposting of MSW. Thus the present mini-review discusses the potential of introducing vermicomposting in MSW management, the benefits of vermicomposted MSW to plants, suggestions on how to enhance the vermicomposting of MSW as well as risk management in the vermicomposting of MSW. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.

Optimizing the Synthesis of Alumina Inserts Using Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ariff, T. F.; Azhar, A. Z.; Sariff, M. N.; Rasid, S. N.; Zahari, S. Z.; Bahar, R.; Karim, M.; Nurul Amin, AKM

2018-01-01

Alumina or Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3) is well known for its high strength and hardness. Its low heat retention and low specific heat characteristics make it attractive to be used widely as a cutting tool for grinding, milling and turning processes. Various synthesis methods have been used for the purpose of enhancing the properties of the alumina inserts. However, the optimization process using Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) has not been performed. This research aims in finding the optimum parameters in synthesizing the alumina inserts (98Al2O3 1.6ZrO2 0.4MgO, 93Al2O3 6.4ZrO2 0.6MgO and 85Al2O3 14.5ZrO2 0.5MgO) using HIP at different temperatures (1200, 1250 and 1300°C) and sintering time (10, 30 and 60 minutes). Hardness, density, shrinkage and microstructure using SEM were analysed. The optimum sintering condition for the alumina insert was found in 98Al2O3 1.6ZrO2 0.4MgO sintered at 1300°C for 60 minutes for it exhibited the highest values of hardness (1917HV), density (3.95g/cm3), shrinkage (9.6%).

Optimization of cultural conditions for biosurfactant production by Pleurotus djamor in solid state fermentation.

PubMed

Velioglu, Zulfiye; Ozturk Urek, Raziye

2015-11-01

Being eco-friendly, less toxic, more biodegradable and biocompatible, biological surfactants have higher activity and stability compared to synthetic ones. In spite of the fact that there are abundant benefits of biosurfactants over the synthetic congeners, the problem related with the economical and large scale production proceeds. The utilization of several industrial wastes in the production media as substrates reduces the production cost. This current study aims optimization of biosurfactant production conditions by Pleurotus djamor, grown on sunflower seed shell, grape wastes or potato peels as renewable cheap substrates in solid state fermentation. After determination of the best substrate for biosurfactant production, we indicate optimum size and amount of solid substrate, volume of medium, temperature, pH and Fe(2+) concentrations on biosurfactant production. In optimum conditions, by reducing water surface tension to 28.82 ± 0.3 mN/m and having oil displacement diameter of 3.9 ± 0.3 cm, 10.205 ± 0.5 g/l biosurfactant was produced. Moreover, chemical composition of biosurfactant produced in optimum condition was determined by FTIR. Lastly, laboratory's large-scale production was carried out in optimum conditions in a tray bioreactor designed by us and 8.9 ± 0.5 g/l biosurfactant was produced with a significant surface activity (37.74 ± 0.3 mN/m). With its economical suggestions and applicability of laboratory's large-scale production, this work indicates the possibility of using low cost agro-industrial wastes as renewable substrates for biosurfactant production. Therefore, using economically produced biosurfactant will reduce cost in several applications such as bioremediation, oil recovery and biodegradation of toxic chemicals. Copyright © 2015 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identification and Characterization of a High Efficiency Aniline Resistance and Degrading Bacterium MC-01.

PubMed

Yang, Liu; Ying, Chen; Fang, Ni; Zhong, Yao; Zhao-Xiang, Zhong; Yun, Sun

2017-05-01

Biodegradation is one of the important methods for the treatment of industrial wastewater containing aniline. In this paper, a degrading bacterium named MC-01, which could survive in high concentration aniline wastewater, was screened from industrial wastewater containing aniline and sludge. MC-01 was preliminarily identified as Ochrobactrum sp. based on the amplified 16S rDNA gene sequence and Biolog system identification. MC-01 was highly resistant to aniline. After 24-h culture under aniline concentration of 6500 mg/L, the amount of bacterium survived still remained 0.05 × 10 6  CFU/mL. Experiments showed that there was no coupling expression between the growth of MC-01 and aniline degradation. The optimum growth conditions in LB culture were pH 6.0, 30 °C of temperature, and 4% of incubation amount, respectively. And the optimum conditions of aniline degradation of MC-01 were pH 7.0, 45 °C of temperature, and 3.0% of salt concentration, respectively. The degradation rate of MC-01 (48 h) in different aniline concentrations (200~1600 mg/L) was stable under the optimum conditions, which could reach more than 75%.

A novel liquid-phase piezoelectric immunosensor for detecting Schistosoma japonicum circulating antigen.

PubMed

Wen, Zhili; Wang, Shiping; Wu, Zhaoyang; Shen, Guoli

2011-09-01

A new liquid-phase piezoelectric immunosensor (LP-PEIS), which can detect Schistosoma japonicum (Sj) circulating antigens (SjCAg) quantificationally, was developed. The IgG antibodies were purified from the sera of rabbits which had been infected or immunized by Sj and were immobilized on the surface of piezoelectric quartz crystal in LP-PEIS by staphylococcal protein A (SPA). It was used to detect SjCAg in sera of rabbits which had been infected by Sj in order to acquire some optimum conditions for detecting SjCAg. Finally, the LP-PEIS with optimum conditions was used to detect SjCAg in sera of patients who had been infected by Sj, and was compared with sandwich ELISA. A lot of optimum conditions of LP-PEIS for detecting SjCAg had been acquired. In the detection of patients' sera with acute Schistosomiasis, LP-PEIS has higher positive rate (100%) and lower false positive rate (3.0%) than sandwich ELISA (92.8%, 6.0%). However, there were no significant difference between LP-PEIS and sandwich ELISA. LP-PEIS can quantificationally detect SjCAg in patients' sera as well as sandwich ELISA. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Systems and methods for autonomously controlling agricultural machinery

DOEpatents

Hoskinson, Reed L.; Bingham, Dennis N.; Svoboda, John M.; Hess, J. Richard

2003-07-08

Systems and methods for autonomously controlling agricultural machinery such as a grain combine. The operation components of a combine that function to harvest the grain have characteristics that are measured by sensors. For example, the combine speed, the fan speed, and the like can be measured. An important sensor is the grain loss sensor, which may be used to quantify the amount of grain expelled out of the combine. The grain loss sensor utilizes the fluorescence properties of the grain kernels and the plant residue to identify when the expelled plant material contains grain kernels. The sensor data, in combination with historical and current data stored in a database, is used to identify optimum operating conditions that will result in increased crop yield. After the optimum operating conditions are identified, an on-board computer can generate control signals that will adjust the operation of the components identified in the optimum operating conditions. The changes result in less grain loss and improved grain yield. Also, because new data is continually generated by the sensor, the system has the ability to continually learn such that the efficiency of the agricultural machinery is continually improved.

Ultrasonic extraction of pectin from Opuntia ficus indica cladodes after mucilage removal: Optimization of experimental conditions and evaluation of chemical and functional properties.

PubMed

Bayar, Nadia; Bouallegue, Tahani; Achour, Mabrouka; Kriaa, Mouna; Bougatef, Ali; Kammoun, Radhouane

2017-11-15

Ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) of pectin from Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) cladodes after mucilage removal was attempted using the response surface methodology. The process variables were optimized by the isovariant central composite design in order to improve the pectin extraction yield. The optimum condition obtained was: sonication time 70min, temperature 70°C, pH 1.5 and the water-material ratio 30ml/g. This condition was validated and the performance of experimental extraction was 18.14%±1.41%, which was closely linked to the predicted value (19.06%). Thus, UAE present a promising alternative to conventional extraction process thanks to its high efficiency which was achieved in less time and at lower temperatures. The pectin extracted by UAE from OFI cladodes (UAEPC) has a low degree of esterification, high uronic acid content, important functional properties and good anti-radical activity. These results are in favor of the use of UAEPC as potential additive in food industry. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Biological treatment of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) wastewater.

PubMed

Lei, C N; Whang, L M; Lin, H L

2008-01-01

The amount of pollutants produced during manufacturing processes of TFT-LCD (thin-film transistor liquid crystal display) substantially increases due to an increasing production of the opto-electronic industry in Taiwan. The total amount of wastewater from TFT-LCD manufacturing plants is expected to exceed 200,000 CMD in the near future. Typically, organic solvents used in TFT-LCD manufacturing processes account for more than 33% of the total TFT-LCD wastewater. The main components of these organic solvents are composed of the stripper (dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and monoethanolamine (MEA)), developer (tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH)) and chelating agents. These compounds are recognized as non-or slow-biodegradable organic compounds and little information is available regarding their biological treatability. In this study, the performance of an A/O SBR (anoxic/oxic sequencing batch reactor) treating synthetic TFT-LCD wastewater was evaluated. The long-term experimental results indicated that the A/O SBR was able to achieve stable and satisfactory removal performance for DMSO, MEA and TMAH at influent concentrations of 430, 800, and 190 mg/L, respectively. The removal efficiencies for all three compounds examined were more than 99%. In addition, batch tests were conducted to study the degradation kinetics of DMSO, MEA, and TMAH under aerobic, anoxic, and anaerobic conditions, respectively. The organic substrate of batch tests conducted included 400 mg/L of DMSO, 250 mg/L of MEA, and 120 mg/L of TMAH. For DMSO, specific DMSO degradation rates under aerobic and anoxic conditions were both lower than 4 mg DMSO/g VSS-hr. Under anaerobic conditions, the specific DMSO degradation rate was estimated to be 14 mg DMSO/g VSS-hr, which was much higher than those obtained under aerobic and anoxic conditions. The optimum specific MEA and TMAH degradation rates were obtained under aerobic conditions with values of 26.5 mg MEA/g VSS-hr and 17.3 mg TMAH/g VSS-hr, respectively. Compared to aerobic conditions, anaerobic biodegradation of MEA and TMAH was much less significant with values of 5.6 mg MEA/g VSS-hr and 0 mg TMAH/g VSS-hr, respectively. In summary, biological treatment of TFT-LCD wastewater containing DMSO, MEA, and TMAH is feasible, but appropriate conditions for optimum biodegradation of DMSO, MEA, and TMAH are crucial and require carefully operational consideration. Copyright IWA Publishing 2008.

Multi-objective thermodynamic optimisation of supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles integrated with solar central receivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasquez Padilla, Ricardo; Soo Too, Yen Chean; Benito, Regano; McNaughton, Robbie; Stein, Wes

2018-01-01

In this paper, optimisation of the supercritical CO? Brayton cycles integrated with a solar receiver, which provides heat input to the cycle, was performed. Four S-CO? Brayton cycle configurations were analysed and optimum operating conditions were obtained by using a multi-objective thermodynamic optimisation. Four different sets, each including two objective parameters, were considered individually. The individual multi-objective optimisation was performed by using Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm. The effect of reheating, solar receiver pressure drop and cycle parameters on the overall exergy and cycle thermal efficiency was analysed. The results showed that, for all configurations, the overall exergy efficiency of the solarised systems achieved at maximum value between 700°C and 750°C and the optimum value is adversely affected by the solar receiver pressure drop. In addition, the optimum cycle high pressure was in the range of 24.2-25.9 MPa, depending on the configurations and reheat condition.

The optimum intermediate pressure of two-stages vapor compression refrigeration cycle for Air-Conditioning unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambarita, H.; Sihombing, H. V.

2018-03-01

Vapor compression cycle is mainly employed as a refrigeration cycle in the Air-Conditioning (AC) unit. In order to save energy, the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the need to be improved. One of the potential solutions is to modify the system into multi-stages vapor compression cycle. The suitable intermediate pressure between the high and low pressures is one of the design issues. The present work deals with the investigation of an optimum intermediate pressure of two-stages vapor compression refrigeration cycle. Typical vapor compression cycle that is used in AC unit is taken into consideration. The used refrigerants are R134a. The governing equations have been developed for the systems. An inhouse program has been developed to solve the problem. COP, mass flow rate of the refrigerant and compressor power as a function of intermediate pressure are plotted. It was shown that there exists an optimum intermediate pressure for maximum COP. For refrigerant R134a, the proposed correlations need to be revised.