Cost-efficient Process Research Articles

Professor John Prebble's Guiding Hand in New Zealand's Advance (Binding) Rulings Regime

At first glance, one could be excused for concluding that New Zealand's advance (binding) rulings regime can be traced to a Government budget announcement in 1992. In reality, the early efforts of Professor John Prebble in the mid-1980s laid the groundwork that eventually resulted in a binding rulings regime commencing in 1995. John's contributions not only provided input from reviewing comparative jurisdictions, but also a draft code. Furthermore, post-regime, John was instrumental in endorsing the regime through his membership of the Committee of Experts on Tax Compliance (the Committee). Beyond this, further refinements to the regime (including more cost-efficient and accessible short process rulings) to a large degree reflect John's early observations. That is, businesses need certainty when making decisions that affect their tax obligations imposed by complex legislation and they should have access to a facility that can enhance that certainty.

Treatment Technologies for Organics and Silica Removal in Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage Produced Water: A Comprehensive Review

Produced water from steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operations is a complex mixture of inorganic and organic constituents. Silica, carbonate and bicarbonate, and hardness are three inorganic constituents of interest, whereas the organic contaminants are composed of free and emulsified oil (F&EO) and water-soluble organic (WSO) fractions. Although the current warm lime softening (WLS) and hot lime softening (HLS) in SAGD operations are able to remove particles, silica, and organics, improving the removal efficiency of organics and silica still faces technical and operational challenges given their complex chemistry in produced water. Much effort has been put toward developing effective and cost-efficient treatment processes to handle organics and silica. In this work, we have systematically reviewed the properties of silica and the characteristics of dissolved organics in SAGD produced water, as well as the working principle and removal mechanisms of several techniques, including membrane technology, adsorption, coagulation–flocculation, and hybrid processes. Different analytical techniques for characterizing dissolved organics have been assessed, and the dominant and representative organic species in produced water have been identified. The advantages and limitations, impact factors, application performance, and effectiveness of each technology have been discussed in terms of the removal efficiency for silica and organics. Some remaining challenges and perspectives for future research are also presented. This work provides an improved understanding of the characteristics of silica and organics in SAGD produced water, as well as different treatment technologies, with useful implications for developing effective, feasible, and cost-efficient treatment processes with the objective of enhancing the removal of silica and organics from produced water, thereby leading to economic and environmental performance improvements.

Overview on the digitized production of welded steel structures

This paper presents a concept and practical topics involved in digitized production. The term “production” denotes the design, fabrication, and service life of a product, which in this case elaborates on welded steel structures. This includes the required information for guiding all the process stages of the chosen material back to its re-melting, following the material flow in a fully digitized form. This concept enables an increase in production quality at a higher level while minimizing the risk of human errors. Automation of the short-run production of steel structures for demanding applications is also a key goal, together with securing a cost-efficient process. Typically, such structures are fabricated from high- or ultra-high-strength steels. Though challenging, reaching these aims seems to be realistic by applying advanced fatigue design methods, using high-quality robotic welding and receiving information about the real loading of the structure.

Energy and Cost-Efficient Temperature Vacuum Swing Adsorption Processes for CO2 Capture in a Rotating Column Reactor

Energy and Cost-Efficient Temperature Vacuum Swing Adsorption Processes for CO2 Capture in a Rotating Column Reactor

Deformation Analysis of the Glass Preform in the Progress of Precision Glass Molding for Fabricating Chalcogenide Glass Diffractive Optics with the Finite Element Method.

Precision glass molding (PGM) technology is a cost-efficient process for the production of micro/nanostructured glass components with complex surface geometries. The stress distribution, surface profile, and reduced refractive index of the molded lens are based on the lens being fully formed. The process of the deformation of the glass preform is rarely discussed, especially in the case of multi-machining parameters in the experiment. The finite element method (FEM) was adopted to analyze the glass preform deformation. Due to the phenomenon of incomplete deformation of the glass preforms in the experiments, two groups of finite element simulations with different boundary conditions were carried out with MSC.Marc software, to reveal the relationship between the deformation progress and the parameters settings. Based on the simulation results, a glass preform deformation model was established. The error between the model result and the simulation result was less than 0.16. The establishment method of the glass preform deformation model and the established model can be used as a reference in efficiently optimizing PGM processing parameters when the designed lens has two different base radii of curvature.

A comprehensive review on harvesting of microalgae using Polyacrylamide-Based Flocculants: Potentials and challenges

• Microalgae harvesting is a major bottleneck to microalgae-based biofuel production. • Flocculation is the most versatile, energy-efficient and cost-efficient harvesting process. • Polyacrylamides exhibit high harvesting performance at different operation scales. • Comprehensive analysis of polyacrylamide-microalgae flocculation was presented. • Properties of polyacrylamide and microalgae culture influence the flocculation process. Microalgae biomass is touted as a highly promising source of renewable third-generation biofuels that could enable a lucrative transition from conventional fossil fuels to more sustainable and environment-friendly energy alternatives. A significant limiting step for large-scale microalgae production and utilization is harvesting and dewatering the cultivated biomass, which comprise 20–30% of the total production expenses. Compared to traditional physical harvesting methods, coagulation-flocculation techniques using polyacrylamide-based flocculants have garnered attention as promising alternatives due to their high harvesting efficiencies, cost-effectiveness, convenience, and scalability. This paper delivers an up-to-date progress in the harvesting of microalgae suspensions using various polyacrylamide flocculants. For the first time, a comprehensive evaluation of existing harvesting studies for freshwater and marine microalgae species using polyacrylamide-based flocculants was conducted. The impact of polyacrylamide-based flocculant characteristics (e.g., charge type, charge density, polymer architecture, molecular weight) on flocculation efficiencies was examined. The effect of the culture medium properties (e.g., pH, salinity, microalgae species, microalgae growth phase, cell density, flocculation aids) on polyacrylamide-induced flocculation was also evaluated. Existing pilot-scale and large-scale polyacrylamide-based flocculation studies were explored. The review further identifies the research gaps, key challenges and future prospects for optimizing microalgae flocculation studies.

Process intensification in the biopharma industry: Improving efficiency of protein manufacturing processes from development to production scale using synergistic approaches

Process intensification strives for more efficient conversion of raw materials into products while minimizing resource usage. In the biopharma industry, typical intensification gains include increased plant capacities, reduced raw material costs, smaller facilities and improved sustainability.Rapid growth combined with increasingly diverse and challenging molecule formats in the biopharma sector necessitate strategies for fast development of highly productive and cost-efficient processes. Using monoclonal antibody production in CHO cells as example, we present intensification techniques and process sequences that deliver synergistic benefits like increasing space-time yields up to 10-fold, shortening production runs by 30%, or saving numerous days in cell expansion. Combining highly productive perfusion with continuous downstream purification promises improved yields and production economics, especially for advanced, often labile molecules.Predictive scale-down models demonstrated here for selecting intensification-ready cell lines and for rapid setup of intensified processes are essential to realize such benefits broadly in the industry. They enable testing and quick tailoring of intensification alternatives like high-inoculation fed-batch or perfusion to suit molecule needs, facility space, and financial conditions. Since many techniques also readily extend to other protein biotherapeutics, intensification can be regarded as key pillar enabling fast, cost-efficient development and production of biopharma products in the coming years.

Microwave- vs Ultrasonic-synthesisof magnetic Moringa oleifera coagulant for the reduction of chemical oxygen demand in palm oil wastewater

High chemical oxygen demand (COD) in palm oil mill effluent (POME) caused destruction of aquatic ecosystem and a proper solution is required. In this study, synthetic magnetic nanoparticles and protein extracted from Moringa oleifera seed were used for the synthesis of magnetic Moringa oleifera (MMO) for the removal of COD in POME. The performance of two different synthesis methods including microwave and ultrasonic irradiation were comparatively monitored by studying various parameters for the fabrication of MMO. High efficiency of COD removal by the microwave-assisted sample, with mass fraction of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of 0.6 wt%, synthesis time of 50 s and power of 200 W was proven in the coagulation test, with 90% COD removal. In comparison, there was 68% removal of COD at the same synthesis time, with mass fraction of MNPs of 0.2 wt% and ultrasonic-intensity of 60%. From the analysis of coagulation performance, both techniques showed the same best dosage (1.0 g/L), initial pH (8.0) and settling time (15 min). However, the COD removals were 85.8% and 77.0% for the microwave and ultrasonic-synthesis, respectively. This study has shown the microwave synthesis of MMO is a feasible and cost efficient process that can be adopted as an alternative technique for the production of an excellent coagulant.

Microalgal protein AstaP is a potent carotenoid solubilizer and delivery module with a broad carotenoid binding repertoire

Carotenoids are lipophilic substances with many biological functions, from coloration to photoprotection. Being potent antioxidants, carotenoids have multiple biomedical applications, including the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and retina degeneration. Nevertheless, the delivery of carotenoids is substantially limited by their poor solubility in the aqueous phase. Natural water-soluble carotenoproteins can facilitate this task, necessitating studies on their ability to uptake and deliver carotenoids. One such promising carotenoprotein, AstaP (astaxanthin-binding protein), was recently identified in eukaryotic microalgae, but its structure and functional properties remained largely uncharacterized. By using a correctly folded recombinant protein, here we show that AstaP is an efficient carotenoid solubilizer that can stably bind not only astaxanthin but also zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and, to a lesser extent, β-carotene, that is, carotenoids especially valuable to human health. AstaP accepts carotenoids provided as acetone solutions or embedded in membranes, forming carotenoid-protein complexes with an apparent stoichiometry of 1:1. We successfully produced AstaP holoproteins in specific carotenoid-producing strains of Escherichia coli, proving it is amenable to cost-efficient biotechnology processes. Regardless of the carotenoid type, AstaP remains monomeric in both apo- and holoform, while its rather minimalistic mass (~ 20 kDa) makes it an especially attractive antioxidant delivery module. In vitro, AstaP transfers different carotenoids to liposomes and to unrelated proteins from cyanobacteria, which can modulate their photoactivity and/or oligomerization. These findings expand the toolkit of the characterized carotenoid binding proteins and outline the perspective of the use of AstaP as a unique monomeric antioxidant nanocarrier with an extensive carotenoid binding repertoire.

Impact of post weld heat treatment on mechanical and microstructural properties of underwater friction stir spot welded 6061 aluminium alloy

A lap joint of 6061 aluminium alloy using Friction stir spot welding is produced in two different mediums (air and water) at three different rotational speed to study the effect of medium on the joint properties. Joint properties were analysed by using mechanical and microstructural observation. With the goal of improving the strength of the fabricated joints, weldments are subjected to various heat treatment processes (post-weld ageing). The joint properties were analysed using a combined study of micrographs and micro-hardness results. Findings can be deduced that the properties of water-cooled joints got enhanced to a greater extent relative to the joints produced in air. Different processing conditions have a distinct effect on the hardness distribution with a common highest hardness region found to be located in a heat-affected zone. Additionally, it was observed that artificial ageing at 180 ℃ for 12 h is a feasibly fast and cost-efficient process for ageing PWHT in the industrial arrangement. This paper reports on studies of the outcome of post-weld heating of the spot-welded AA6061 aluminium alloy and its effect on the characteristics of friction stir spot welded aluminium alloy 6061 joints.

Production and Purification of Two Bioactive Antimicrobial Peptides Using a Two-Step Approach Involving an Elastin-Like Fusion Tag.

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing global threat, demanding new therapeutic biomolecules against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates for a new generation of antibiotics, but their potential application is still in its infancy, mostly due to limitations associated with large-scale production. The use of recombinant DNA technology for the production of AMPs fused with polymer tags presents the advantage of high-yield production and cost-efficient purification processes at high recovery rates. Owing to their unique properties, we explored the use of an elastin-like recombinamer (ELR) as a fusion partner for the production and isolation of two different AMPs (ABP-CM4 and Synoeca-MP), with an interspacing formic acid cleavage site. Recombinant AMP-ELR proteins were overproduced in Escherichia coli and efficiently purified by temperature cycles. The introduction of a formic acid cleavage site allowed the isolation of AMPs, resorting to a two-step methodology involving temperature cycles and a simple size-exclusion purification step. This simple and easy-to-implement purification method was demonstrated to result in high recovery rates of bioactive AMPs. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the free AMPs was determined against seven different bacteria of clinical relevance (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and two Burkholderia cenocepacia strains), in accordance with the EUCAST/CLSI antimicrobial susceptibility testing standards. All the bacterial strains (except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were demonstrated to be susceptible to ABP-CM4, including a resistant Burkholderia cenocepacia clinical strain. As for Synoeca-MP, although it did not inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Klebsiella pneumoniae, it was demonstrated to be highly active against the remaining bacteria. The present work provides the basis for the development of an efficient and up-scalable biotechnological platform for the production and purification of active AMPs against clinically relevant bacteria.

Operability and biomimetic control of a micro-aerated fermentation process

The design of reliable control systems to maintain feasible optimal conditions and intensify bioprocesses is a requirement to achieve high product yields and cost-efficient process operations. Micro-aeration is an approach to increase bioprocess product yield. However, standard control strategies may present unsatisfactory performance under oxygen supply constraints. In this paper, a novel framework using process operability and biomimetic control algorithms is proposed to define a control strategy for improved micro-aerated batch process fermentations. In particular, process operability is employed to characterize the ideal operating regions. Then, the Biologically-Inspired Optimal Control Strategy (BIOCS) is implemented to take the process to the optimal path by manipulating the inlet gas flow rate and controlling the metabolic cell state. By employing the developed framework, an optimal operating region is successfully obtained for the controller to maintain the desired metabolic state. Specific scenarios of measurement noise, plant-model mismatch, and step disturbance rejection are successfully addressed in the BIO-CS implementations, while a proportional-integral controller presented noisy control actions under the same conditions. This developed control framework is a novel step towards Industry 4.0 concepts associated with bioprocess systems engineering and could also be implemented to improve other oxygen-limited processes.

Robotic Plaster Spraying: Crafting Surfaces with Adaptive Thin-Layer Printing.

Embedded in a long tradition of craftsmanship, inside or outside building surfaces, is often treated with plaster, which plays both functional and ornamental roles. Today, plasterwork is predominantly produced through rationalized, time-, and cost-efficient processes, used for standardized building elements. These processes have also gained interest in the construction robotics field, and while such approaches target the direct automation of standardized plasterwork, they estrange themselves from the inherent qualities of this malleable material that are well known from the past. This research investigates the design potentials of robotic plaster spraying, proposing an adaptive, thin-layer vertical printing method for plasterwork that aims to introduce a digital craft through additive manufacturing. The presented work is an explorative study of a digitally controlled process that can be applied to broaden the design possibilities for the surfaces of building structures. It involves the spraying of multiple thin layers of plaster onto a vertical surface to create volumetric formations or patterns, without the use of any formwork or support structures. This article describes the experimental setup and the initial results of the data collection method involving systematic studies with physical testing, allowing to develop means to predict and visualize the complex-to-simulate material behavior, which might eventually enable to design with the plasticity of this material in a digital design tool.

Basics of Agricultural BMPs in Northern Florida and Southwestern Georgia

Best management practices (BMPs) are cost-efficient processes that improve daily life, from healthcare to food service. Agricultural BMPs aim to reduce water use and improve water quality and soil on farms and ranches as well as to encourage better forestry practices and lawn care. This fact sheet introduces non-farmers to agricultural BMPs.

Influence of electrical discharge machining parameters by additives Nano [AL2O3] on surface roughness and material removal rate in machining of AISI 304

Experimental investigation and optimization of machining parameters in electrical discharge machining (EDM) in terms adding particles Nano-reinforced among the various mechanical processes, the process of manufacturing in electrical discharge machines is one of the most effective and cost-efficient manufacturing processes in the manufacture of stainless steel. It has been dealt with in this article investigate each of operating parameters such as peak current (Ip), pulse on time (Pon) and pulse off time(Poff), insulating liquid with Nano powder (AL2O3) in EDM compounds AISI 304. In the present research work, the influences of certain process parameters on surface roughness(Ra) and material removal rate(MRR) were investigated on stainless steel carried out with powder mixture with particles size average of [5 nm]. Operating parameters are taking into consideration three factors based on the Taguchi method. The results from this work will be useful for manufacturing engineers to select appropriate set of process parameters to machine stainless steel.

Agarose vs. Methacrylate as Material Supports for Enzyme Immobilization and Continuous Processing

Enzyme immobilization has become a key strategy to improve the stability and recycling of biocatalysts, resulting in greener and more cost-efficient processes. The design of the immobilized catalysts is often focused only on the immobilization strategy, the binding chemistry between the enzyme and the support, while less attention has been paid to the physico-chemical properties of material supports. Selecting the best carrier for a specific application may greatly influence the performance of the biocatalytic reaction. Herein, we present a comparative study between the two most used material supports for protein immobilization, agarose and methacrylate. Hydrophilic agarose microbeads ensure higher retained enzymatic activity and better catalyst performance when hydrophobic compounds are involved in the biotransformation. Due to the high stickiness, lipophilic molecules represent a major limitation for methacrylate carriers. O2-dependent reactions, in contrast, must be carried out by immobilized enzymes on methacrylate supports due to the low mechanical stability of agarose under dehydration conditions. All these parameters were tested with a special focus on continuous-flow applications.

Metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum for production of scyllo-inositol, a drug candidate against Alzheimer's disease

Scyllo-inositol has been identified as a potential drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, cost-efficient processes for the production of this compound are desirable. In this study, we analyzed and engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum with the aim to develop competitive scyllo-inositol producer strains. Initial studies revealed that C. glutamicum naturally produces scyllo-inositol when cultured with myo-inositol as carbon source. The conversion involves NAD+-dependent oxidation of myo-inositol to 2-keto-myo-inositol followed by NADPH-dependent reduction to scyllo-inositol. Use of myo-inositol for biomass formation was prevented by deletion of a cluster of 16 genes involved in myo-inositol catabolism (strain MB001(DE3)Δiol1). Deletion of a second cluster of four genes (oxiC-cg3390-oxiD-oxiE) related to inositol metabolism prevented conversion of 2-keto-myo-inositol to undesired products causing brown coloration (strain MB001(DE3)Δiol1Δiol2). The two chassis strains were used for plasmid-based overproduction of myo-inositol dehydrogenase (IolG) and scyllo-inositol dehydrogenase (IolW). In BHI medium containing glucose and myo-inositol, a complete conversion of the consumed myo-inositol into scyllo-inositol was achieved with the Δiol1Δiol2 strain. To enable scyllo-inositol production from cheap carbon sources, myo-inositol 1-phosphate synthase (Ino1) and myo-inositol 1-phosphatase (ImpA), which convert glucose 6-phosphate into myo-inositol, were overproduced in addition to IolG and IolW using plasmid pSI. Strain MB001(DE3)Δiol1Δiol2 (pSI) produced 1.8 g/L scyllo-inositol from 20 g/L glucose and even 4.4 g/L scyllo-inositol from 20 g/L sucrose within 72 h. Our results demonstrate that C. glutamicum is an attractive host for the biotechnological production of scyllo-inositol and potentially further myo-inositol-derived products.

The Importance of the Admissibility of Evidence in Lithuanian Civil Procedure

The article analyses the importance of the admissibility of evidence in Lithuanian civil proceedings. The analysis of various sources of law allows to link the admissibility of evidence in civil proceedings not only with one of the features of evidence, but also with the objectives of this institute in civil proceedings: ensuring the quality of proof, the cost-efficient process, a fair and just trial, and other values.The reduction of the importance of the admissibility of evidence is essentially influenced by aspects related to the whole evidentiary process – the principle of free evaluation of evidence, the purpose of determination of material truth, and procedural norms establishing the judge as the final assessor of admissibility of evidence and facts. The objectives of the admissibility of evidence in civil proceedings make it necessary to find possible solutions that ensure a more appropriate relationship between the admissibility of evidence and the reasons of its importance.

A Series of Efficient Umbrella Modeling Strategies to Track Irradiation-Mutation Strains Improving Butyric Acid Production From the Pre-development Earlier Stage Point of View.

Clostridium tyrobutyricum (C. tyrobutyricum) is a fermentation strain used to produce butyric acid. A promising new biofuel, n-butanol, can be produced by catalysis of butyrate, which can be obtained through microbial fermentation. Butyric acid has various uses in food additives and flavor agents, antiseptic substances, drug formulations, and fragrances. Its use as a food flavoring has been approved by the European Union, and it has therefore been listed on the EU Lists of Flavorings. As butyric acid fermentation is a cost-efficient process, butyric acid is an attractive feedstock for various biofuels and food commercialization products. 12C6+ irradiation has advantages over conventional mutation methods for fermentation production due to its dosage conformity and excellent biological availability. Nevertheless, the effects of these heavy-ion irradiations on the specific productiveness of C. tyrobutyricum are still uncertain. We developed non-structured mathematical models to represent the heavy-ion irradiation of C. tyrobutyricum in biofermentation reactors. The kinetic models reflect various fermentation features of the mutants, including the mutant strain growth model, butyric acid formation model, and medium consumption model. The models were constructed based on the Markov chain Monte Carlo model and logistic regression. Models were verified using experimental data in response to different initial glucose concentrations (0–180 g/L). The parameters of fixed proposals are applied in the various fermentation stages. Predictions of these models were in accordance well with the results of fermentation assays. The maximum butyric acid production was 56.3 g/L. Our study provides reliable information for increasing butyric acid production and for evaluating the feasibility of using mutant strains of C. tyrobutyricum at the pre-development phase.

Emergent Approaches to Efficient and Sustainable Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production.

Petroleum-derived plastics dominate currently used plastic materials. These plastics are derived from finite fossil carbon sources and were not designed for recycling or biodegradation. With the ever-increasing quantities of plastic wastes entering landfills and polluting our environment, there is an urgent need for fundamental change. One component to that change is developing cost-effective plastics derived from readily renewable resources that offer chemical or biological recycling and can be designed to have properties that not only allow the replacement of current plastics but also offer new application opportunities. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) remain a promising candidate for commodity bioplastic production, despite the many decades of efforts by academicians and industrial scientists that have not yet achieved that goal. This article focuses on defining obstacles and solutions to overcome cost-performance metrics that are not sufficiently competitive with current commodity thermoplastics. To that end, this review describes various process innovations that build on fed-batch and semi-continuous modes of operation as well as methods that lead to high cell density cultivations. Also, we discuss work to move from costly to lower cost substrates such as lignocellulose-derived hydrolysates, metabolic engineering of organisms that provide higher substrate conversion rates, the potential of halophiles to provide low-cost platforms in non-sterile environments for PHA formation, and work that uses mixed culture strategies to overcome obstacles of using waste substrates. We also describe historical problems and potential solutions to downstream processing for PHA isolation that, along with feedstock costs, have been an Achilles heel towards the realization of cost-efficient processes. Finally, future directions for efficient PHA production and relevant structural variations are discussed.