Chemical Engineering Concepts Research Articles

Application of (bio) chemical engineering concepts and tools to model genetic regulatory circuits, and some essential central carbon metabolism pathways in living cells. Part 4. Applications in the design of some Genetically Modified Micro-Organisms (GMOs)

In the first part of this work, the general Chemical and Biochemical Engineering (CBE) concepts and rules are briefly reviewed, together with the rules of the control theory of Nonlinear Systems (NSCT), all in the context of (i) deriving deterministic Modular Structured Kinetic Models (MSDKM) to describe the dynamics of metabolic processes in living cells, and (ii) of Hybrid Structured Modular Dynamic Models (HSMDM) (with continuous variables, linking the cell-nano-scale MSDKM state variables to the macro-scale state variables of the bioreactor dynamic model). Thus, in the HSMDM model, both prediction quality and its validity range are improved. By contrast, the current (classical/default) approach in bioengineering practice for solving design, optimization, and control problems based on the math models of industrial biological reactors is to use unstructured Monod (for cell culture reactor) or simple Michaelis-Menten (if only enzymatic reactions are retained) global kinetic models by ignoring detailed representations of metabolic cellular processes. By contrast, as reviewed, and exemplified in the second part of this work, an accurate and realistic math modelling of the dynamic individual GERMs (gene expression regulatory module), or genetic regulatory circuits (GRC), and cell-scale CCM (central carbon metabolism) key-modules can be done by only using the novel holistic ’Whole-Cell Of Variable-Volume’ (WCVV) modelling framework, under isotonic/homeostatic conditions/constraints introduced and promoted by the author. An example was given in the same Part 2 for the case study of a dynamic model for the oscillating glycolysis coupled with the Tryptophan (TRP) oscillating synthesis in the E. coli cells.

Impact of Jupyter Notebook as a tool to enhance the learning process in chemical engineering modules

Jupyter Notebook (JN) is an example of an innovative and efficient digital tool that can be used effectively in higher education. In this work, a set of JNs was developed and implemented in the module “Chemical Processes” of the Master’s in Industrial Engineering at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain) to strengthen key Chemical Engineering concepts and enhance the learning process of students. Specifically, five interactive JN activities related to mass balances, reactor design, and separation operations (i.e., distillation, absorption, and extraction) were created, including a set of self-assessment tests to measure the effect of this tool on the knowledge and understanding of students. In addition, the final grades obtained by the students were used to evaluate the impact of the interactive activities proposed in the learning process. Finally, the opinions of the students were collected through an anonymous questionnaire containing closed and open questions. The results obtained are discussed in terms of numerical indicators and student feedback to assess overall performance and engagement. In summary, this innovative teaching approach based on JN was considered a successful initiative to promote student motivation and learning experience in Chemical Engineering-related modules.

Extraction of scutched flax tow (SFT) in NHPI and PAG assisted H2O2 system in less water and low temperature environment

The extraction of flax fiber always consumed large amount of water and energy, and caused heavy Chemical oxygen demand (COD) discharge. Driven by the concept of green chemical and sustainable engineering, extracting flax fiber under less water environment and room temperature was necessary. This study conducted SFT degumming in nitroxide and H2O2 activating reagent aided alkali H2O2 (NAAH) system in less water environment under room temperature successfully. Results showed that N-Hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) got much higher promoting effect in NAAH than that of 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO) due to its high bond dissociation energy value. HAR could brought up the selectivity of the NAAH system, and the promoting effect increased in the order of TAED > MA >AGC >PAG. With the assistance of PAG and NHPI, the degumming could be conducted under less water environment under room temperature. Under the optimal reaction condition (0.25 g/L NHPI, 2.5 g/L PAG, bath ratio 1:10, 30 °C, 2 h), the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content reached 82.19%, 10.82% and 1.74% respectively; the density, tenacity, DP value and whiteness reached 14 dtex, 78 cN/dtex, 2100 and 52.0 respectively. Compared with fiber prepared in NaOH degumming and alkali H2O2 degumming system, the fiber prepared in NAAH system get better tensile property; consumed 50% and 50% less water; 6.45 × 106 kcal/h and 5.16 × 106 kcal/h less energy, and produced 9.52% and 73.5% lower COD discharge, respectively.

Identifying relevant topics and their competency levels for dental materials science: a fuzzy Delphi study

BackgroundDental materials science is an important core course in undergraduate dental programs which integrates foundational concepts of chemical engineering and materials science into clinical dentistry. The present study aimed to identify relevant dental materials science topics for Malaysian undergraduate dental curricula and to determine their appropriate competency levels in terms of cognitive and psychomotor taxonomies.MethodsPotential dental materials science topics were drafted in alignment with the revised national competency statement. The list of topics was further amended after comparing it with those recommended topics in the literature. Fuzzy Delphi method was applied. Experts were selected based on the different inclusion criteria. They ranked the topics using a five-point Likert scale and recommended the appropriate cognitive and psychomotor levels. Next, fuzzy evaluation was performed. Consensus was deemed for a topic to be included if (a) the average expert agreement was ≥ 75%, (b) the d-construct threshold value for each topic was ≤ 0.2 and (c) the average fuzzy number was ≥ 0.5.ResultsSixty-two experts participated in the study. They accepted 33 out of 36 potential dental materials science topics. The average Likert score and fuzzy number ranged from 3.63 to 4.92 and 0.526 to 0.784, respectively. Furthermore, “Endodontic materials” was ranked as the most significant topic. Meanwhile, many topics required dental students to demonstrate a cognitive level of “Apply” and a psychomotor level of “Guided response”. Based on mean scores, “Impression materials” was rated as the most cognitively demanding topic, whilst “Temporary restorative materials” was the most demanding topic for psychomotor taxonomy.ConclusionThe present study has identified relevant dental materials science topics and their appropriate cognitive and psychomotor levels using the Fuzzy Delphi approach. The findings of the present study form the basis for future studies to develop measurable learning outcomes, design corresponding innovative pedagogy and propose assessment criteria for each topic.

Polyphenol extraction from olive leaves to show Chemical Engineering students the importance of revaluating residues while improving their hands-on experience

The aim of this work was to try to implement a new laboratory class for Chemical Engineering students in which they could analyze how it is possible to revalue some organic residues. Concretely, the objective was to show them how to revalue olive leaves by extracting their polyphenols, since these leaves, being an abundant organic waste in Spain, were well-known by the students to whom this study was addressed. With the aim of improving student understanding of the basic Chemical Engineering concepts, two extraction techniques (solvent extraction process and ultrasound-assisted extraction) as well as their combination were investigated during the class. In addition, the effect that different pre-treatments had on polyphenol extraction efficiency was also studied to show students how important research is before fine-tuning an industrial process. To do this, students were divided into working groups to carry out polyphenol extraction under different experimental conditions. Ultimately, student groups compared and discussed the efficiency of the different employed extraction techniques. Likewise, students were surveyed to evaluate the suitability and training-usefulness of the proposed class. Obtained assignments revealed that it could be an interesting option to improve students’ hands-on experience while strengthening some theoretical concepts explained in the degree lectures.

Application of (Bio-) Chemical Engineering Concepts and Rules in Bioinformatics. Review of a CCM-Based Modular and Hybrid Kinetic Model Used to Simulate and Optimize a Bioreactor with Genetically Modified Cells

This work briefly reviews the main concepts and principles used to solve difficult biochemical engineering, or bioengineering problems, by using extended structured cell kinetic models (including nano-scale state variables) linked in hybrid models to the biological reactor dynamic models (including macro-scale state variables). Exemplification is made for the case of the numerical methodology used by [Maria, 2021] to derive a structured hybrid modular kinetic model able to simulate the dynamics of a Fed-batch bioreactor (FBR), at both cell and bulk-phase species levels. The approached FBR includes a genetically modified E. coli culture used for the tryptophan (TRP) production. Eventually this complex hybrid dynamic model was used by [Maria and Renea, 2021] to derived the FBR optimal operating policy leading to the TRP production maximization.

Significance of heat conduction in binary reactive flow of Walter’s B fluid with radiative flux and activation energy

The prime objective of binary chemical reaction (BCR) is concentrated on the study and optimization of chemical reaction to accomplish finest reactor design and performance, which elaborated the interfaces of flow phenomena, reaction kinetics and heat and mass transport. The reactor performance is likely to be linked to the reaction operating constraints and feed composition through the aforementioned factors. The applications of BCR are generally in the petroleum and petrochemical regions, but with the help of chemical engineering and reaction chemistry concepts, it could be used in different areas, like waste treatment, chemical pharmaceuticals, nanoparticles in advanced materials, microelectronics, enzyme technology, biochemical engineering, living systems, renewable energy systems, sustainable development, environment/pollution prevention, as well as to optimize a different reaction framework via simulation and modeling methodology. Owing such physical applications in mind, this research deals with the binary chemical reactive flow of non-Newtonian fluid (Walter’s B) subject to activation energy. Stagnation point is accounted. Radiative flux and ohmic heating effects are considered in the development of energy expression. Concentration and microorganism equations are considered. The governing system is altered to ordinary one through the important similarity variables. Results are obtained through bvp4c technique. All results are discussed graphically. Furthermore, surface drag force (skin friction) and heat and mass transfer (Nusselt and Sherwood) rates are calculated and displayed graphically. Significant results are listed in conclusion.

Thinking-Based Learning at Higher Education Levels: Implementation and Outcomes within a Chemical Engineering Class

The teaching methodology known as thinking-based learning (TBL) is presented here in the scope of a chemical engineering class. This method has been tested experimentally for the past six years within a chemical engineering class which belongs to the chemistry bachelor’s degree in the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain). Specifically, TBL was implemented by teaching complex concepts through comprehensive real-life examples. The study has revealed a positive outcome on the students’ academic performance, as an increased number of them take the final exam (around 40% more) and pass the class (about 27% increase), when compared to previous courses in which a more traditional teaching method was carried out. In addition, mostly positive feedback was received from the students that took the classes regarding the TBL approach. More than 81% of them think that this methodology is suitable and effective for teaching most chemical engineering concepts and expressed satisfaction toward this approach versus a classic one. On the other hand, many students feel that this technique would reduce the absenteeism because they are enjoying themselves even while learning commonly considered overwhelming chemical engineering concepts. The most frequently used adjectives by the students when describing this technique are “pleasant” and “entertaining”. Furthermore, the experience has encouraged some students to collaborate in the development of this teaching approach for other classes.

Teaching Tip: What is the Re in a Whale's Aorta?

This teaching tip provides a biological example of the whale aorta to use in calculating Re and is compared to the Re in the human aorta. This example can be used in a fluid mechanics course or any course that discusses Re as a way to highlight biological examples with traditional chemical engineering concepts.

Architecture model proposal of innovative intelligent manufacturing in the chemical industry based on multi-scale integration and key technologies

The manufacturing of chemical products is realized through the controlled conversion and transfer of mass and energy by chemical processes that have the characteristics of heterogeneity, nonlinearity, non- equilibrium, multiple scale, and multiple temporal–spatial domains. The key to the development of intelligent manufacturing in the chemical industry is to achieve interconnected synergy and process efficiency under multi-scale conditions. On the one hand, the understanding and regulation of the multi-scale interconnection mechanism of chemical processes is important for the safe and reliable operation of chemical process systems. On the other hand, achieving the multi-scale interconnection, integration, and synergy of chemical processes allows green development of the chemical industry. However, through extensive research into the multi-scale chemical industry mechanisms, an integrated conceptual framework models for intelligent manufacturing have yet not been developed. On this basis, we propose a multi-scale and integrated intelligent manufacturing model for the chemical industry; that is, interconnected chemical engineering. This paper elaborates the concept, goals, characteristics, and architecture of interconnected chemical engineering and discusses key technologies relating to interconnected chemical engineering, including multi-level cyber-physical systems in the chemical industry, cloud manufacturing, full life-cycle security management technologies, dynamic security monitoring and decision-making models under a coupled interlocking mechanism, and blockchain-based interconnected chemical data security technologies.

Nature-inspired electrocatalysts and devices for energy conversion.

The main obstacles toward further commercialization of electrochemical devices are the development of highly efficient, cost-effective and robust electrocatalysts, and the suitable integration of those catalysts within devices that optimally translate catalytic performance at the nanoscale to practically relevant length and time scales. Over the last decades, advancements in manufacturing technology, computational tools, and synthesis techniques have led to a range of sophisticated electrocatalysts, mostly based on expensive platinum group metals. To further improve their design, and to reduce overall cost, inspiration can be derived from nature on multiple levels, considering nature's efficient, hierarchical structures that are intrinsically scaling, as well as biological catalysts that catalyze the same reactions as in electrochemical devices. In this review, we introduce the concept of nature-inspired chemical engineering (NICE), contrasting it to the narrow sense in which biomimetics is often applied, namely copying isolated features of biological organisms irrespective of the different context. In contrast, NICE provides a systematic design methodology to solve engineering problems, based on the fundamental understanding of mechanisms that underpin desired properties, but also adapting them to the context of engineering applications. The scope of the NICE approach is demonstrated via this comparative state-of-the-art review, providing examples of bio-inspired electrocatalysts for key energy conversion reactions and nature-inspired electrochemical devices.

THE ENHANCEMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING BY USING PROBLEM POSING APPROACH THROUGH LESSON STUDY ACTIVITIES

in general, chemical engineering has the aim to direct students in understanding the basic concepts of chemical engineering, fuel, and lubricating oil in the automotive field. One of the subjects is calculating octane numbers of gasoline which involve mathematical operations, which can cause anxiety to the learner. Therefore, a learning approach is needed that can reduce mathematical anxiety through problem posing. The application of problem posing aims to improve student learning outcomes. Before being applied, lesson study (plan-do-see) was carried out. The sample consists of 32 students, with the technique of collecting observation data & pre-test & post-test. Data were analyzed descriptively and t-test. The results of the study found an increase in learning outcomes as seen by the post-test score = 89.75 higher than the pre-test score = 78.5.

A MATLAB App to Introduce Chemical Engineering Design Concepts to Engineering Freshmen through a Pharmaceutical Dosing Case Study

An interactive MATLAB simulation app and design project are described for introducing chemical engineering concepts to engineering freshmen. A MATLAB simulation for pharmaceutical drug dosing is packaged with a graphical user interface in an app that is student friendly. Minimal engineering or coding knowledge is necessary to operate and understand the application. The students design drug dosage and frequency of ACE inhibitors for different patient conditions. Teaching tips and frequently asked questions are presented here.

Re-designing materials for biomedical applications: from biomimicry to nature-inspired chemical engineering.

Gathering inspiration from nature for the design of new materials, products and processes is a topic gaining rapid interest among scientists and engineers. In this review, we introduce the concept of nature-inspired chemical engineering (NICE). We critically examine how this approach offers advantages over straightforward biomimicry and distinguishes itself from bio-integrated design, as a systematic methodology to present innovative solutions to challenging problems. The scope of application of the nature-inspired approach is demonstrated via examples from the field of biomedicine, where much of the inspiration is still more narrowly focused on imitation or bio-integration. We conclude with an outlook on prospective future applications, offered by the more systematic and mechanistically based NICE approach, complemented by rapid progress in manufacturing, computation and robotics.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology’.

Application of chemical reaction engineering principles to 'body-on-a-chip' systems.

The combination of cell culture models with microscale technology has fostered emergence of in vitro cell-based microphysiological models, also known as organ-on-a-chip systems. Body-on-a-chip systems, which are multi-organ systems on a chip to mimic physiological relations, enable recapitulation of organ-organ interactions and potentially whole-body response to drugs, as well as serve as models of diseases. Chemical reaction engineering principles can be applied to understanding complex reactions inside the cell or human body, which can be treated as a multi-reactor system. These systems use physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to guide the development of microscale systems of the body where organs or tissues are represented by living cells or tissues, and integrated into body-on-a-chip systems. Here, we provide a brief overview on the concept of chemical reaction engineering and how its principles can be applied to understanding and predicting the behavior of body-on-a-chip systems.

Applying chemical engineering concepts to non-thermal plasma reactors

Process scale-up remains a considerable challenge for environmental applications of non-thermal plasmas. Undersanding the impact of reactor hydrodynamics in the performance of the process is a key step to overcome this challenge. In this work, we apply chemical engineering concepts to analyse the impact that different non-thermal plasma reactor configurations and regimes, such as laminar or plug flow, may have on the reactor performance. We do this in the particular context of the removal of pollutants by non-thermal plasmas, for which a simplified model is available. We generalise this model to different reactor configurations and, under certain hypotheses, we show that a reactor in the laminar regime may have a behaviour significantly different from one in the plug flow regime, often assumed in the non-thermal plasma literature. On the other hand, we show that a packed-bed reactor behaves very similarly to one in the plug flow regime. Beyond those results, the reader will find in this work a quick introduction to chemical reaction engineering concepts.

Learning and researching based on local experience and simulation software for graduate and undergraduate courses in chemical and environmental engineering

This work deals with the use of a commercial simulation package, ASPEN Plus®, to design and assess a biorefinery based on olive-derived biomass. The starting point was the selection of the raw material itself, which is one of the most abundant in Mediterranean countries and well known by the students to whom the study is addressed. Moreover, the work was based on the research activities performed by the authors in the topic of renewable compounds production from agricultural residues. One of the main objectives was to take advantage of the fact that students are familiar with the raw materials to foster their interest in research and to improve their understanding of the basic concepts of Chemical Engineering. This was demonstrated by the survey students did along three years, where they showed their satisfaction with the work. The procedure could be applied to other raw materials, the ones typically found somewhere else, with probably similar results.

Analytical Approach for Evaluation of Lithium‐Ion Battery Cells

AbstractA new method for evaluation of battery cells containing porous thin‐layer electrodes is developed. For this purpose, a typical concept of chemical reaction engineering to classify reactors by dimensionless characteristic values is used. Therefore, the system of equations describing the porous electrodes in a battery cell is transferred to dimensionless notation and corresponding dimensionless properties are developed. The required kinetic data are measured with the help of electrochemical test cells. A complete set of parameters for the description of the lithium‐ion battery is determined and the characteristic properties for the chosen example are calculated and analyzed. Finally, the performance of the anode and cathode using lithium manganese oxide and surface‐modified graphite as active materials is compared with the aid of the newly developed dimensionless parameters.

Review of the important challenges and opportunities related to modeling of mammalian cell bioreactors

Industrialization of mammalian cell culture has been achieved by integrating knowledge from several applying core concepts of chemical engineering, cellular and molecular biology, and biochemistry. Modeling has been applied to biological and physical processes to gain additional insights into such processes. This article covers modeling of the bioreactor and metabolic processes as it applies to bioprocess. Hydrodynamics of a bioreactor is briefly described while additional focus is given to gas‐liquid mass transfer. Biological modeling is presented in the order of increasing complexity. First steady state models are presented followed by dynamic models, cybernetic models, and finally bioreactor integrated models. The closing discussion summarizes challenges of implementation of model‐based approaches in the biopharmaceutical industry. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 398–408, 2017

SMALL-GROUP TUTORIALS AND OPEN BRAINSTORMING FOR PROBLEM-SOLVING IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SYSTEMS

Environmental Engineering Systems is a core-course for undergraduate students at the University of Guelph pursuing degrees in Environmental or Water Resource Engineering. The class is a thorough introduction to many elementary concepts of Chemical and Biological Engineering, including concepts of conservation and reactor system design, and is delivered through lecture, laboratory and tutorial components. At the University of Guelph, Environmental Engineering Systems tutorials are operatedin small groups (approx. 20 students), taking advantage of the extensive whiteboards available in the facility to promote open brainstorming as a means to solve problems. Students work in partnerships, but are encouraged to discuss with the other groups in the room, as to come to a consensus solution on a given problem. Instructors (usually 2) float around the room, coaching students as needed, but refrain from providing over-guidance and a final solution; ensuring students be cognizant of problem solving in industrial and/or higher-learning settings. This technique was beneficial to instructors, allowing for the easy identification of specific problem-solving skills students were lacking, and the appropriate corrections to be implemented. There were still some concerns about engaging timid students, and also with students becoming over-dependent on the group dynamic and not performing as well individually.