Condensation System Research Articles

Comparative study on energy-saving performance of single- and two-stage evaporative-cooling condenser systems

The mechanical vapor compression system (MVC) coupled with the evaporative-cooling condenser is an effective method to improve its high temperature adaptability. However, this hybrid systems typically use an evaporative cooler as a single-stage pre-cooling unit of condenser and is mainly designed for hot–dry climates. In this paper, based on conventional evaporative-cooling condenser configuration, three two-stage evaporative-cooling condenser systems (MVC-TSEC(A), MVC-TSEC(B) and MVC-TSEC(C)) were proposed. The MVC-TSEC(A) consists of one condenser and an indirect/direct evaporative-cooler. The MVC-TSEC(B) and MVC-TSEC(C) have two condensers (in series), which are coupled with a two-stage evaporative cooling system. The refrigerant in the MVC-TSEC(C) forms a counter-flow configuration with the outdoor air, while it is concurrent flow in MVC-TSEC(B). Subsequently, the effects of the ambient parameters and outdoor air flowrate on the three two-stage hybrid systems were analyzed comparatively based on detailed numerical models. Finally, the application potential of these hybrid systems was evaluated comprehensively in hot–humid climates. The results showed that the seasonal COP and energy-saving rate for the MVC-TSEC(C) are reached by 4.2–4.7 and 12.7–21.1 %, respectively. Moreover, the static equipment payback period of the three two-stage hybrid systems are 3.8, 3.3 and 3.0 years, respectively.

METHODS FOR INCREASING THE CONDENSATE RECOVERY COEFFICIENT WHEN DEVELOPING GAS CONDENSATE FIELDS

This article will discuss methods for increasing the condensate recovery coefficient and the concept of condensate recovery. Gas condensate is a cold hydrocarbon reservoir that includes natural gas as well as liquid hydrocarbons, often in the form of liquid condensate. During reservoir extraction, liquids are mixed from mixtures of light hydrocarbons (eg methane, ethane, propane) and denser liquid hydrocarbons (known as condensates). Gas condensates are found in underground reservoirs, where temperature and pressure conditions allow the gas to condense into liquid form as it moves from the formation to the surface. Such situations are often observed in tanks where there is a combination of increased pressure, high temperatures and a specific gas composition. The condensate production indicator from the reservoir describes the level of gas condensate extraction from gas condensate and oil and gas condensate fields. A distinction is made between instantaneous condensate production (determined at a certain point in time) and final production (at the end of commercial exploitation of the field). To quantify condensate production, the condensate production indicator is used - this is the ratio between the given definition of condensate and the reserves taken from the reserves of the field based on its study (expressed as a percentage or fraction of units). This indicator is used to extract recoverable condensate reserves. In addition, it is taken into account when developing a project for a gas condensate or oil and gas condensate field, taking into account the efficiency of the technology used. The completeness of condensate removal in some cases determines the reasonableness of developing the selected system. The main features of the behavior of gas condensate systems are associated with the corresponding phenomena reflected in the phase diagrams of reverse condensation and evaporation. These features lead to the fact that when the pressure in the gas condensate system decreases to a level below the saturation pressure, condensation of heavier hydrocarbons (condensate) occurs. If the pressure in the gas condensate formation during development is maintained at the initial level (or the pressure at the beginning of condensation), then phase transitions occur only in the formation zones adjacent to the well. This requires taking into account changes over time, such as changes in filtration characteristics in the bottomhole zones of wells. When developing a gas condensate field to the point of depletion, condensate begins to fall out everywhere in the reservoir. However, the condensate that falls often has little effect on the gas saturation coefficient of the entire formation. Consequently, when developing a gas condensate field until depletion (with a low condensate content in the gas), filtration flows can be considered as single-phase, since the precipitated condensate remains motionless. Low condensate saturation of the formation leads to slight changes in its capacitive and filtration characteristics. In the zone of the bottomhole space of the formation, two-phase filtration occurs. Keywords: gas, gas condensate, heavier hydrocarbons, dew point, the condensate recovery coefficient.

Impact of condensate water recycling on the performance of open refrigerated display cabinet

The escalating global energy concerns have underscored the urgent need for energy conservation, particularly within the refrigerated industry. The imperative of optimizing the performance of open refrigerated display cabinets (ORDC) has become increasingly pronounced. This study sought to investigate the impact of condensate water recycling on ORDC operations through experiment, focusing on the influence of condensate water flowrate, temperature, and heat exchanger length on key performance indicators such as thermal entrainment factor (TEF), coefficient of performance (COP), and heat transfer efficiency enhancement (η). The findings revealed that the flowrate of condensate water wielded the most substantial impact on system performance, leading to noteworthy increases of 10.42% in COP and 7.05% in η, while TEF experienced a reduction of 4.33% within a flow rate range from 0 ml/min to 54 ml/min. Notably, an optimal flowrate of 54 ml/min was identified. Conversely, the temperature of condensate water exhibited minimal influence on system performance. Increasing the length of the heat exchanger demonstrated a linear correlation with improved system performance. In practical applications, the enhancements in COP, η, and TEF, compared to scenarios without a condensate water recycling system, ranged from 2.23% to 5.80%, 1.21% to 3.68%, and 0.37% to 2.09%, respectively.

Optimization of Mechanical Thermal Energy Audit At Pelabuhan Ratu Unit 2 With Pi Vision

The percentage of coal PLTUs in Indonesia reached 45% of the capacity of 64,000 MW in 2018, and in the Java, Madura Bali (JAMALI) system it reached 74.84% of the total generating capacity of 46,958 MW in 2023. It is projected that coal PLTUs will continue to dominate the generation sector with a contribution of 50% of total generating capacity in 2050. The energy crisis is a strategic issue in current national development both in terms of price and availability. This is of course a result of the condition of world oil supplies which has an impact on domestic fuel conditions, considering that the majority of domestic fuel needs must be imported from other countries. This research aims to analyze the deviation of NPHR in the conditions of actual performance test results with commissioning, analyze the factors that cause an increase in NPHR, analyze the contributing contribution of each factor that causes an increase in NPHR by designing correction and reference factors related to the influence of changes in the main operating parameters of PLTU equipment on NPHR and look for energy saving opportunities and prepare recommendations for improving plant efficiency performance. This research was conducted at the coal-fired PLTU Pelabuhan Ratu Unit 2 which has an installed power capacity of 350 MW gross and is located in Sukabumi, West Java. In this research, an analysis of the boiler, turbine-generator, condensate, and feedwater systems was carried out. Actual data was obtained through a performance test procedure carried out under maximum load conditions of net capacity (DMN) for 2 hours in November 2022. Based on the research that has been carried out it can be concluded that there was an increase in NPHR during the actual performance test compared to the baseline of 72.38 kcal/kwh, from 2,621.82 kcal/kwh to 2,694.20 kcal/kwh. The increase in NPHR has the potential to result in potential energy losses equivalent to IDR 15,365,850,000 per year. 3. Overall there are 7 goals for improving energy performance with improvements without investment, 4 improvements with low costs, and 4 improvements without costs. The total potential reduction in NPHR, if all recommendations are implemented, is 86.78 kcal/kWh or equivalent to a reduction in potential losses of IDR 44,792,896,565 per year with a total required repair cost of IDR 9,305,960,000.

Enhancing solar still distillation efficiency through integrated solar chimneys and submerged condenser systems

A solar chimney has been studied in this research to increase the efficacy of still convection currents. The usage of a condenser also improved the condensation process. Solar still condensers are typically made up of tubes through which salt water is pumped. But in the set-up shown, water vapour was channeled through a series of pipes submerged in the ocean. Solar still is built and tested in real-world situations with solar as a standard. Evaporator (basin) area-based efficiency comparisons reveal that the still-equipped solar chimneys and condensers yielded 9.1% superior results. The mainstream of the yielded (61%) condensed in the solar still condensers, resulting in a production rate of 5.3 L per m2 day for the simple solar still and 6.2 L per m2 per day for the modified still. This demonstrates that the evaporation efficiency of solar still and, by extension, its distillation efficiency improved by increasing convection and condensation.

The effect of a dual condensing system on the driving range for battery electric vehicles

The air-conditioning system of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) serves a dual purpose as a cabin space cooling and thermal management of the battery. However, this operation requires high electrical energy. Consequently, the efficiency of air-conditioning (AC) systems is a critical factor in the energy consumption of BEVs. This study conducted a comprehensive model-based analysis on both the cabin and AC systems to investigate the influence of the condenser design on the energy consumption of BEVs. The two different types of condensing system were considered, a full sized air-cooled condenser and dual condensers (a water-cooled condenser with a minimized air-cooled condenser). The performance of the BEV AC system was investigated under diverse external and driving conditions. We discovered that the AC system utilizing the dual condensers reduces the high-side pressure compared with the air-cooled condensing system alone. In addition, the coefficient of performance (COP) was improved from 2.7% to 9.6% depending on airflows passing through the cooling module, particularly under urban driving conditions (such as idling and low-speed driving). Furthermore, when comparing the power consumption of the AC system to the overall energy consumption required by the vehicle within the North American SC03 fuel economy and emission measurement driving mode, it was found that the compressor's power consumption in the dual condensing system was reduced by 13%, compared to the air-cooled condenser system. In addition, the power consumption of the cooling fan was decreased by 17%. In conclusion, the dual condensing system is an effective condensing methodology capable of enhancing the overall driving distance per unit energy (km/kWh) by up to 7.9%.

Sensing Mechanism and Characterization of NO2 Gas Sensors Using Gold-Black NP-Decorated Ga2O3 Nanorod Sensing Membranes.

In this work, a vapor cooling condensation system was utilized to deposit various amounts of p-type gold-black nanoparticles (NPs) onto the surface of n-type gallium oxide (Ga2O3) nanorods forming p-n heterojunction-structured sensing membranes of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas sensors. The role and the sensing mechanism of the various gold-black NP-decorated Ga2O3 nanorods in NO2 gas sensors were investigated. The coverage and atomic percentage of the sensing membranes were observed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) measurements and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. For the NO2 gas sensor using the sensing membrane of 60 s-deposited gold-black NP-decorated Ga2O3 nanorods under a NO2 concentration of 10 ppm, the highest responsivity of 5221.1% was obtained. This result was attributed to the spillover effect and the formation of the p-n heterojunction, which increased more ionized-oxygen adsorption sites and promoted the reaction between NO2 gas and Ga2O3 nanorods. Furthermore, the NO2 gas sensor could detect the low NO2 concentration of 100 ppb and achieved a responsivity of 56.9%. The resulting NO2 gas sensor also exhibited excellent selectivity for detecting NO2 gas, with higher responsivity at a NO2 concentration of 10 ppm compared with that of the C2H5OH and NH3 concentrations of 100 ppm.

Thermodynamic, economic, and environmental performance evaluation of boil-off gas condensate recovery by liquid nitrogen with power generation as byproduct

As stricter national standards for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions are implemented, the emission of VOCs is a growing concern. There is an urgent necessary to optimize the existing condensate recovery system structure to meet national emission standards for boil-off gas. In existing VOCs recovery methods, the drawbacks include the frequent regeneration of adsorbent materials, limitations in the condensation recovery of isomers, and the lack of self-sufficiency in power generation. Therefore, a novel boil-off gas condensate recovery system by liquid nitrogen (LN) was proposed in this study. Based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics, a numerical optimization model of the system was established and the system performance of thermodynamic, economic and environmental was analyzed. The results show that the system achieves condensation and recovery of boil-off gas. The LN pump has an optimal outlet pressure. When the pressure is 1.95 MPa, the system achieves maximum net power output, and when the pressure is 0.85 MPa, the system achieves maximum LN savings. Additionally, the higher the ambient temperature, the greater the net power output. At lower ambient temperatures, the system supplies a greater cooling capacity. The system demonstrates good economic and environmental performance under higher ambient temperatures and outlet pressure of LN pump. When the pressure is 1.95 MPa, the system achieves the maximum net present value, standard coal savings and carbon dioxide emission reduction. The system has a maximum payback period of only 0.35 years. The system could be used in engineering applications to improve the overall performance of the liquefied natural gas plant.

Evolution of Bose–Einstein condensate systems beyond the Gross–Pitaevskii equation

While many phenomena in cold atoms and other Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) systems are often described using the mean-field approaches, understanding the kinetics of BECs requires the inclusion of particle scattering via the collision integral of the quantum Boltzmann equation. A rigorous approach for many problems in the dynamics of the BEC, such as the nucleation of the condensate or the decay of the persistent current, requires, in the presence of factors making a symmetry breaking possible, considering collisions with thermal atoms via the collision integral. These collisions permit the emergence of vorticity or other signatures of long-range order in the nucleation of the BEC or the transfer of angular momentum to thermal atoms in the decay of persistent current, due to corresponding terms in system Hamiltonians. Here, we also discuss the kinetics of spin–orbit-coupled BEC. The kinetic equation for the particle spin density matrix is derived. Numerical simulations demonstrate significant effects of the collision integral on the dynamics of the spin–orbit-coupled BEC upon quenching of the Raman coupling that generates synthetic electric and magnetic fields.

Integral simulation of the first 3 weeks of severe accident at Fukushima Daiichi Unit 1 with SOCRAT code. Part I – Qualification of model and simulation of the initial phase

This paper is the first part of the summary overview which presents the results of IBRAE's work over the last 11 years to study the severe accident at Unit 1 of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The paper is dedicated to the description of the integral model of the Unit 1 with assumptions made, and to its qualification with the available data. The qualification includes the comparison of simulation results with measurements for the initial phase of the accident which starts with the initiating event (earthquake) and ends with tsunami arrival. The important issues discussed are the direct modeling of isolation condenser performance and verification of the possibility to use an integral approach to estimate the nuclide inventory in the core. These questions are of methodological importance for modeling the main phase of the accident.Direct modeling of isolation condenser as part of integral calculation allows verifying the hypothesis about the isolating valves left open inside containment after tsunami arrival and station blackout. The isolation condenser system could influence the development of severe accident by limiting the pressure peak in the reactor at the time of melt relocation into the lower plenum. Thus, verification of the isolation condenser model at the initial stage of the accident justifies the correctness of results obtained for the core degradation phase of the accident.The integral approach in nuclide inventory estimate presumes the need to mix the fuel with different burn-ups in the effective groups of fuel assemblies, which may bring an uncertainty in the nuclide inventory prediction. Quantification of this uncertainty is important for assessment of prediction accuracy for the source term.

Disinfection of the water recovered from drying of aquaculture scallop sludge

A substantial volume of saline sludge with high water content is generated by the aquaculture industry, particularly during bivalve production. The reclamation of water from this sludge becomes particularly crucial in arid regions. This study is the first of its kind to focus on recovering water from sludge produced during the aquaculture of scallops and the subsequent disinfection of this water to remove heterotrophic microorganisms. The method employed involved a solar still followed by a condensation system for water recovery. We obtained 250 kg of wet sludge from the industrial production of scallop culture (Argopecten purpuratus) through the rotary drum filter, which is used for lantern washing. This sludge was subjected to drying in a solar still dryer. The vapor generated during the drying process was condensed using a heat exchanger, resulting in the recovery of 1680 mL of water, accounting for 91% of the sludge mass, with a Gain Output Ratio of 1.6. The recovered water underwent disinfection using various methods, including UV-A, UV-A/O3, UV-C, UV-C/O3, and O3. Among these, the UV-C/O3 process demonstrated the highest removal of Total Cultivable Bacteria, achieving complete disinfection within 60 min of treatment. UV-C was the second most effective treatment, with a bacteria removal rate of 99.92% in the same timeframe. Electrical energy used to reduce bacteria concentration by one order of magnitude was 12.96 kWh/m3 when UV-C process was applied, and 32.92 kWh/m3 when UV-C/O3 process was applied. In conclusion, this study showcases that a significant quantity of water can be reclaimed from scallop sludge through a combination of solar drying and a condensation system. Moreover, this recovered water can be efficiently disinfected using the UV-C/O3 process.

Study on the characteristic of asphaltene-wax co-precipitation during gas injection of unconventional gas condensate reservoirs

The intensification of energy shortage has accelerated the development of unconventional oil and gas resources, during which complex problems of organic solid precipitation often occur. The precipitation behavior of organic solid such as asphaltene and wax play an important role in the optimization of reservoir production. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the precipitation mechanism and interaction between asphaltene and wax, especially under high temperature and pressure. A self-designed precipitation apparatus based on backscattered light was utilized to achieve this objective. The effects of temperature range 30–120 ℃, pressure range 5–85 MPa, gas-oil ratio of 150，300 and 500 sm3/sm3 and injection gas of CH4, CO2 and N2 on organic solid precipitation in condensate oil-gas system were studied by physical simulation. The results revealed that asphaltene precipitated separately at high temperature, and asphaltene and wax co-precipitated at low temperature. Based on the observed precipitation behavior, a co-precipitation mechanism of asphaltene and wax under high-pressure conditions was proposed: Asphaltene particles precipitated first, providing nucleation sites for wax absorption, growth, and cross-linking as the pressure decreased. Moreover, the depressurization induced phase separation during oil and gas production resulted in the extraction of light components, reducing the solubility of wax and exacerbating reservoir damage caused by the precipitation of organic solid. Increasing the gas-oil ratio led to higher amounts of organic solid precipitation and shifted the pressure at which precipitation occurred. Furthermore, the miscibility of injection medium and condensate oil will also significantly affect organic matter precipitation, and the potential damage to the reservoir can be shown as follows: N2＞CO2＞CH4.

A Comprehensive Study on a Household Refrigerator with a PCM-Enhanced Condenser: Experimental and Numerical Approaches: A Review

Abstract: Household refrigeration technology plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, ensuring the preservation of perishable goods and contributing to energy efficiency. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into improving the efficiency and performance of household refrigerators by integrating Phase Change Materials (PCMs) into the condenser system. We employ a combination of experimental and numerical approaches to evaluate the impact of PCM integration on refrigeration systems and explore its potential for broader applications. In the data presentation phase, we utilize graphs, tables, and figures to present experimental and numerical results clearly. These visual aids enhance our ability to convey complex data and insights to our audience. The analysis and discussion delve into the findings from both experimental and numerical approaches. Our results indicate that PCM-enhanced condensers can significantly improve the energy efficiency and cooling performance of household refrigerators. We discuss the implications of these findings on the broader field of household refrigeration technology and highlight the potential for reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The conclusion and future work provide a concise summary of our key findings and contributions to the field. We underscore the significance of our research in advancing the state of household refrigeration technology and identify avenues for future research, including further enhancements in PCM integration and its application in various refrigeration systems. To ensure the credibility of our research, we plan to subject our methodology, results, and conclusions to peer review by experts in the field. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of experimental validation to confirm the consistency and reliability of our findings. Throughout the research process, ethical considerations remain a paramount concern. We pledge to adhere to ethical standards, safety protocols, and environmental regulations to ensure the responsible conduct of our research. In summary, our study embarks on a promising exploration of PCM-enhanced condensers in household refrigeration technology. By combining experimental and numerical approaches, we aim to contribute valuable insights that not only enhance the efficiency of household refrigerators but also offer a sustainable solution for a greener future. This research endeavors to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation, paving the way for innovative advancements in refrigeration technology.

Advancements in Household Refrigeration: Evaluating Cooling Efficiency and Sustainability through Innovative Technologies

Abstract: Household refrigeration technology has undergone significant advancements in recent years, driven by the need for energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and improved cooling performance. This comprehensive study delves into various aspects of household refrigerators, including single condenser systems, double condenser configurations, and the integration of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) on the condenser surface. In Case 1, we conducted experiments to determine the cooling capacity of a standard household refrigerator equipped with a single condenser. Precise measurements and data analysis allowed us to evaluate its cooling efficiency, a crucial factor in preserving perishable items and assessing energy consumption. Case 2 extended our investigation to refrigerators with double condenser units, aiming to understand their impact on cooling performance. By comparing results with Case 1, we evaluated the potential advantages of this configuration in terms of cooling capacity and energy efficiency

Analysis of influence of inlet vapor quality on heat transfer and flow pattern in mini-channels during flow condensation process

Micro/mini-channel heat sinks are extensively utilized in heat dissipation systems that involve high heat flux components. These heat sinks are preferred due to their compact size and excellent heat transfer efficiency. The selection of a refrigerant condensation system for the heat dissipation system under vapor conditions is crucial. In order to investigate the heat transfer characteristics of flow condensation in a mini-channel, a visual experiment system was used with a hydraulic diameter of 2 mm and a volume flowrate of 30 mL/min, 60 mL/min, 90 mL/min, 120 mL/min respectively. The study focused on the effect of inlet vapor quality on the flow pattern and heat transfer characteristics of flow condensation in the mini-channel. The results indicate that the flow pattern in flow condensation process can be classified into annular flow, transition flow, slug flow and bubble flow in sequence along the flow direction. As the inlet vapor quality (xin) increases, the dominance of annular flow gradually increases, making it difficult to capture the bubble flow with high volume flowrate and high inlet vapor quality. This phenomenon is observed under experimental conditions when: 1) xin is equal to or greater than 0.75 at a volume flowrate of 60 mL/min, 2) xin is equal to or greater than 0.55 at a volume flowrate of 90 mL/min, and 3) xin is equal to or greater than 0.25 at a volume flowrate of 120 mL/min. The increase in inlet vapor quality is beneficial to the improvement of condensation heat transfer coefficient. In this experiment, it was observed that the local heat transfer coefficient was decreased by up to 83.7 % when comparing the lowest vapor quality to the highest at the same volume flowrate, emphasizing the significance of inlet vapor quality in the flow condensation during the heat transfer process.

Investigation on the mechanism of air/condensate bubble flotation of emulsified oil droplet

Crude oil droplets in oilfield-produced water are highly emulsified, and the poor attachment between gas bubbles and oil droplets limits the effectiveness of oil-water separation during flotation processes. This paper proposes a new surface-functionalized bubble called a condensate bubble and evaluates its flotation performance based on surface properties and adhesion theory mechanism to address this issue. The surface chemical properties of the oil droplets were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle measurement, and zeta potential. Induction time and flotation tests were conducted to compare the attachment effects between air or condensate bubbles and emulsified oil droplets. The interaction forces were calculated using DLVO and extended DLVO theory. The experimental results showed that crude oil contains functional compounds containing oxygen that make it tough to float. However, the contact angle between the oil surface and condensate bubble was greater than 150°, demonstrating that the condensate liquid bubbles have better hydrophobicity than air bubbles. The micro-flotation experiments indicated that condensate bubbles have a strong collection capacity for emulsified oil droplets, which was confirmed by induction time tests. In 70 mM NaCl brine, the oil removal efficiency of condensate bubble flotation could reach 82%, which was a 30% improvement compared to air bubble flotation. However, DLVO theory failed to predict the flotation with a concentration higher than 10 mM NaCl. The extended DLVO theory accounted for hydrophobic interactions, which were observed due to similar solvent extraction and hydrophobicity of the condensate liquid film. As a result, the condensate bubble-oil droplet system exhibited stronger hydrophobic attraction, successfully confirming and illustrating the superiority of the condensate bubble in flotation.

Performance analysis of a novel absorption-refrigeration driven membrane condenser system for recovery of water and waste heat from flue gas

Dehumidification of industrial flue gas with a membrane condenser requires cooling energy so that the water in the flue gas will recover as it gets condensed due to the cooling process. In this study, the utilization of the waste heat energy of the flue gas to drive an absorption refrigeration cycle is suggested. In return, the cooling energy of the refrigeration cycle is utilized to cool the flue gas before it is admitted to the membrane condenser. The thermal analysis of the refrigeration cycle is carried out by considering a numerical heat transfer analysis at the desorber. The energy and mass balance of the whole refrigeration cycle is carried out based on thermodynamic governing equations. Furthermore, the water recovery process of the membrane condenser which is integrated with the absorption refrigeration cycle is studied. The numerical modeling of the refrigeration cycle and the membrane condenser are combined to investigate the operating parameters of the system. The influence of inlet temperature and mass flow rate of the feed flue gas on the performance of both the refrigeration cycle and membrane condenser is studied.

Condensate interfaces can accelerate protein aggregation

Protein aggregates, formed from the assembly of aberrant, misfolded proteins, are a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. Disease-associated aggregates such as mutant Huntingtin polyQ inclusions, are typically enriched in p62/SQSTM1, an oligomeric protein that binds to and sequesters aberrant proteins. p62 has been suggested to sequester proteins through formation of liquid-like biomolecular condensates, but the physical mechanisms by which p62 condensates may regulate pathological protein aggregation remain unclear. Here, we use a light-inducible biomimetic condensate system to show that p62 condensates enhance coarsening of mutant polyQ aggregates through interface-mediated sequestration, which accelerates polyQ accumulation into larger aggregates. However, the resulting large aggregates accumulate polyubiquitinated proteins, which depletes free p62, ultimately suppressing further p62 condensation. This dynamic interplay between interface-mediated coarsening of solid aggregates and downstream consequences on the phase behavior of associated regulatory proteins could contribute to the onset and progression of protein aggregation diseases.

Fractional condensation of sawdust pyrolysis vapors: Separation of complex components, enhancement of bio-oil properties, and life cycle assessment

This study investigates the fractional condensation of multicomponent vapors obtained from the pyrolysis of sawdust in a fluidized bed reactor at 500 °C, and the resulting pyrolytic vapors which were subjected to fractional condensation using a temperature-controlled system consisting of four condensers. The objective was to assess the effectiveness of this fractional condensation system in separating complex components and enhancing bio-oil properties. The characterization of the bio-oil included evaluating pH value, total acid number (TAN), heating value, and chemical compositions. The findings revealed that the last two condensers effectively collected most of small molecular chemicals such as acetic acid, ketones, esters, alcohols, aldehydes, and water. Notably, Benzenes (benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene) and certain types of phenols (creosol and Phenol, 2,3-dimethyl-) tended to condense in SBO 1, as their temperatures were higher than their dew points. SBO 1 exhibited the highest calorific value of 29.42 MJ/kg, whereas SBO 2 displayed the lowest acidity (1.19 mol/L) and a higher calorific value (11.38 MJ/kg) compared to SBO 3 and SBO 4. Additionally, a life cycle assessment (LCA) demonstrated that the fractional condensation method possesses economic and environmental advantages. This approach offers a promising technique for effectively separating complex components in bio-oil derived from sawdust pyrolysis, leading to improved product properties and reduced environmental impact. Consequently, these findings contribute to the advancement of sustainable biomass conversion processes and underscore the potential for optimizing the production of valuable bio-based products.

Developing Application Main Condensate Water System as a Learning Media

An innovation of learning media through application is the answer to the learning challenges in the digitalization era as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the main condensate water system is transformed into a learning media application for simulating the work process, distribution flow, and operation of the main condensate water system on board a ship. This study applied a research and development method using a five-stage research model known as “Mantap”. The study was started by conducting an initial study and followed by model development through designing the basic concept of the application. Validation and effectiveness assessments were then conducted to determine whether the application was valid and applicable enough as learning media. The study revealed that the application visualized using Adobe Animate is valid as a learning media. It gained a validity score of 3.25 from the visual design expert and 3.5 from the curriculum experts. Besides, the application was assessed to be effective as a learning media by receiving a validity score of 3.69 from the Marine Engineering students.