Chemical Engineering Discipline Research Articles

Optimizing Air Contactor Design for Efficient Carbon Capture in Direct Air Capture Systems: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach

As carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions continue to rise, direct air capture (DAC) has emerged as an important technology for removing CO2 from ambient air to combat climate change. The air contactor design is a critical factor impacting DAC system performance and costs. This research describes a strategy for improving the design of a single air contactor unit to increase CO2 capture flux while minimizing costs using optimization techniques grounded in experimental data .The research focuses on a 100 m2 slab air contactor modeled utilizing cooling tower and scrubber principles. The system includes the chemical, mechanical, and structural engineering disciplines. The mass transfer coefficient, air velocity, packing depth, and capital cost per frontal area are four major design characteristics that were maximized.The model integrated requirements for low air velocity, pressure drop, and energy consumption, as well as adequate gas-liquid interaction via structured packing selection and depth.The design space was explored using a multi-objective optimization strategy based on gradient-based and heuristic methods. Initial sampling via a design of experiments methodology demonstrated response surface trends in the objective function across the design space. The response surfaces mapped the optimization objective as a function of the design variables. Using gradient information, sequential quadratic programming efficiently located an optimal design vector that met all constraints on the design variables and feasibility requirements. The constraints included bounds on mass transfer coefficient, air velocity, packing depth, and capital cost per frontal area. The optimized air contactor design achieved a CO2 capture flux of 10,440 kg/m2-yr at a cost of $ 0.068 per kg CO2 captured. The developed optimization framework maximizes contactor performance while decreasing operational costs. A multi-objective genetic algorithm approach was used to identify the trade-offs between the two competing objectives of maximized CO2 capture and minimized cost by expanding the formulation. The Pareto-optimal front of the optimization results offered numerous optimized solutions with specific DAC system setups. This methodology, as well as the optimum configurations identified, serve as the foundation for constructing larger-scale DAC systems, in future. Ongoing research aims to improve solution approaches by including advanced optimization software packages such as DAKOTA, which offers global optimization algorithms, as well as to boost model accuracy via integrating additional choice variables. Future optimization and modeling studies will include contactor interactions and the modeling of a full DAC facility to boost confidence that a globally optimal design has been established.Overall, this study illustrated an efficient optimization strategy for air contactor design and contributes to the improvement of sustainable carbon capture technology, which is crucial to controlling rising global CO2 levels. Contactor configuration optimization enables superior DAC system designs at lower costs, hence promoting the urgent deployment of negative emissions solutions.

Investigating the Thermal Efficiency of Al2O3–Cu–CuO–Cobalt with Engine Oil Tetra-Hybrid Nanofluid with Motile Gyrotactic Microorganisms Under Suction and Injection Scenarios: Response Surface Optimization

Nanofluids, due to their complex behavior and enhanced thermal properties, are utilized across chemical, biotechnology and thermal engineering disciplines. They are particularly integral to heat transfer processes in heavy machinery and vehicles. This study introduces a novel method for analyzing heat transfer within a tetra nanofluid system through a hybrid analytical and numerical approach. Our research primarily examines the dynamics of a magneto Williamson hybrid tetra nanofluid embedded with motile gyrotactic microorganisms. The study is designed around two scenarios: one investigates the behavior of an Al2O3–Cu–CuO–Cobalt/Engine oil nanofluid under suction conditions, and the other under injection conditions. By employing similarity variables, we transform the original fluid flow equations into nonlinear differential equations to further explore the influence of various physical parameters on the fluid’s flow. Such parameters include the nanofluid temperature and velocity as well as the concentration of nanoparticles, and the volume fraction of motile gyrotactic microorganisms. The optimization of the numerical results for skin friction, Nusselt number, Sherwood number and microorganisms concentration is validated through response surface optimization techniques. Additionally, the study utilizes Matlab‘s bvp4c function to examine the thermal efficiency and characteristics of fluid flow across a spectrum of parameter values.

Influences of fluid and system design parameters on hydrodynamically driven low gradient magnetic separation of magnetic nanoparticles

The migration of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in solution under magnetic field gradients (magnetophoresis) is an essential step in many separation processes in the field of chemical and other engineering disciplines. Previous works show that weak magnetic gradients generated by handheld magnets are enough to induce substantial magnetophoresis of MNPs, due to hydrodynamic effect (magnetophoresis induced convection). However, it is not known how the properties of the MNPs and the fluid influence the significance of this hydrodynamic effect. In this work, we study experimentally and by theoretical simulations how the fluid viscosity, fluid flow confinement and magnetic field distribution affect the intensity of magnetophoresis induced convection. The theoretical simulation conducted in this study is based on the theoretical framework established in our previous works on the hydrodynamic effect of LGMS process involving dilute colloidal MNP system. We show that the intensity of the induced convection increases by lowering the viscosity, decreasing the geometrical confinement and increasing the magnetic field gradient. Also, we show that the effect of all these variables can be characterized by the value of the dimensionless magnetic Grashof number Grm. These findings are crucial in the design, optimization and intensification of LGMS processes for real time applications.

Micropolar Hydromagnetic Fluid Over a Vertical Surface in Darcian Regime: An Analytical Approach

In the present paper, the researcher investigates the mutual impact of radiative heat and mass exchange on hydromagnetic micropolar fluid moving along an infinite vertical surface in a porous regime. The goal of the research is to investigate the impact of convective temperature and mass flow on hydromagnetic motion of micropolar fluid across a vertical plate ingrained in a porous regime. The conservation equations with appropriate boundary conditions are resolved analytically by assuming a convergent series solution and thus obtained the analytical solutions for velocity, angular velocity (microrotation), temperature and molar-concentration. The novelty of the current work is that it takes heat transfer into account while considering for the impacts of chemical reaction in a micropolar fluid flow of reactive diffusing species. The influence of different physical variables on temperature, molar-concentration, velocity and angular velocity of the fluid molecules have been presented graphically for dual solutions. It is seen that the micropolar parameter and porosity of the medium play a significant behaviour over the momentum and thermal boundary layers. This investigation may involve with various disciplines of chemical engineering, bio-mechanics and medical sciences. The outcomes of the present study have significant applications in MHD generators and geothermal resource extraction.

Effect of nozzle type on local scour in water jets: An experimental study

Water jets are generally used in civil, environmental, and chemical engineering and other disciplines. Venturi nozzles are crucial devices that are applied in jet aeration systems. The prediction of scour hole geometry in non-cohesive sands is a challenge for hydraulic engineering. Thus, this study presents the results of a laboratory investigation on the geometric properties of the scour produced by jets with different nozzle types in non-cohesive sands. Several experimental runs were conducted to investigate the scour geometry caused by inclined water jets from Venturi and circular nozzles for unsubmerged conditions. The results were analyzed to discover the influence of the densimetric Froude number, relative tailwater depth, impact angle, and dimensionless impingement length on the scour hole geometry based on the jets from circular and Venturi nozzles. Consequently, the maximum scour depths obtained for the Venturi nozzle were approximately 1.4 times deeper for the small diameters of the circular nozzle and 2.4 times deeper for large diameters. In conclusion, the findings can be useful in hydraulic applications such as agricultural irrigation, liquid-fertilizer injection, aeration, oxygen transfer, and wastewater–potable water treatment and aquaculture, outlets of culverts, pond water aeration systems, and storm drainage pipes.

C&EN talks with Paul Anastas, green chemistry pro

Paul Anastas is matter of fact about the influence he and his collaborators have had on science. It was always their intention to change the world through green chemistry. An organic chemist by training, Anastas maintains an active research program at Yale University that spans chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental sciences, epidemiology, and related disciplines. He also codirects the Yale Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering. Academia is only part of his story. He spent almost 20 years in government service, culminating in a 3-year appointment by former president Barack Obama to lead R&D at the US Environmental Protection Agency. He’s active in the business of chemistry, including holding founder and board roles in start-ups such as the personal care ingredient maker P2 Science and the carbon dioxide-to-chemicals firm Air Company. He also has consulting contracts with Fortune 100 firms. As an advocate, he’s championed federal legislation encouraging the adoption

A review of the contributions of P. Raj Bishnoi to chemical engineering

AbstractThis paper provides a review of Professor Bishnoi's research contributions in the broad discipline of chemical engineering. Prof. Bishnoi has been a dedicated mentor, collaborator, innovator, and outstanding researcher. He has had a most productive and illustrious career, spanning more than four decades in both academia and industry. He is among the top 50 most‐published authors of the The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering. He initiated a most successful and renowned research group at the University of Calgary, which was dedicated to the understanding of thermodynamics and kinetics related to the formation and decomposition of gas hydrates as well as the chemical engineering process design and simulation. As a tribute to Prof. Bishnoi's numerous scientific and engineering contributions and innovations, this review highlights his academic and research accomplishments, which included the training of several doctoral degree students, master's degree students, and postdoctoral scholars and research associates. In this paper, we have divided Prof. Bishnoi's research contributions into three broad areas, namely, chemical thermodynamics of hydrocarbon systems, process development and simulation, and thermodynamics and kinetics of the formation and decomposition of gas hydrates.

Chen Jiayong: Pioneer in hydrometallurgy and chemical engineering disciplines

Chen Jiayong: Pioneer in hydrometallurgy and chemical engineering disciplines

A PARADIGM SHIFT IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN

This paper reflects upon cooperative learning integrated in professional learning for students in disciplines of Chemical and Civil Engineering. Outcome Based Education (OBE) has brought a paradigm shift in higher education institutions offering Engineering Education in Pakistan focusing on student achievement and not just instruction by teachers. In this research, spanning over three years, instructional methods were modified in selected courses of Chemical and Civil Engineering both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to become student-centered, encourage deep learning, and increase student achievement. Multidisciplinary approach towards development of understanding of complex engineering problems is introduced and its results are shared for generating insights. Need to internalize the concept of complex engineering problems is highlighted from the results of the courses taught at undergraduate and postgraduate level using system dynamics methodology. A model for continuous quality improvement is proposed based on the insights gained through observations and feedback.

Food industry and engineering—Quo vadis?

Food industry and engineering—Quo vadis?

Cell mechanics characteristics of anti-HER2 modified PPy@GNPs and its photothermal treatment of SKOV-3 cells

Nanomaterials and nanotechnology have been widely used in various fields, such as materials, chemical engineering, optics, and other disciplines. In this paper, gold nanoparticles are prepared by the hydrothermal method and treated with polypyrrole coating (PPy-GNPs). Then, the anti-HER2 protein was conjugated to polypyrrole coated gold nanoparticles, and the nanomaterials are named anti-HER2-PPy@GNPs (anti-PPy@GNPs). Their diameter is about 80–90 nm, and they show a strong absorption peak in the near-infrared band, especially under 808 nm laser irradiation. In the MTT test experiment, anti-HER2-PPy@GNPs show a significant inhibitory effect on the SKOV-3 cell. Fluorescent cytoskeletal analysis of SKOV-3 cells and atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the mechanical characteristics of the cell surface revealed that the cell micro-structure, adhesion, and Young's modulus of anti-HER2-PPy@GNPs have changed under the near-infrared illumination. These results indicate anti-HER2-PPy@GNPs has an inhibitory effect on SKOV-3 cells. AFM detects the mechanical characteristics of SKOV-3 cells. Compared with the control group, Young's modulus is increased 52.7%, while the adhesion force is decreased 14.47%.

Enhancement of process modelling and simulation evaluation by deploying a test for assessment and feedback individualisation

This paper demonstrates a novel approach for a computer-based course assessment. A test is introduced in which computers are deployed. This significantly contributes to the enhancement of the marking consistency, individual performance distinction and feedbacks, and widen the questions range for computer-based modules. The proposed test method, for the first time, uses the simulation files marking for individualised evaluation purposes. The methodology has successfully been implemented in practice for three modules including Process Simulation (CE2105), Advanced Process Simulation (CE4023), and Process Computation (CE3021) at Aston University (UK) over three academic years, from 2016 to 2019. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been evaluated using several factors, including final marks, consistency multiple academic years, and mark distribution. In contrast to the common teamwork assessments, individualised feedback became possible. While ASPEN has been used for CE4023 and CE2105 tests, MATLAB has been applied as the computation platform for CE3021 module. This reveals the applicability of different software in proposed methodology. The number of students in the cohorts studied was from 52 to 204, demonstrating the applicability of the method for various cohort sizes. Even though the methodology has been demonstrated based on the chemical engineering discipline modules, it allows digitalising the delivery and assessment of a wide range of simulation techniques in many disciplines.

Engagement in Practice: Engineering Minority Student Engagement Project (EM-STEP)

The US is in greater need of STEM graduates to keep its competitive edge. Various US government agencies have raised concerns about shortage of STEM graduates for 35 years. It is equally important to keep US in technologically superior position. One way to grow the STEM workforce is to increase enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. It has been reported that incoming students are weak in Mathematics and thereby having great difficulty in engineering courses. As a result, they are dropping out of engineering programs resulting in low retention and graduation rates. It is desired to reinforce mathematical concepts. It is desired to engage, mentor and tutor them to keep them from dropping. There are three objectives in this project. One is to increase recruitment; the second goal is to improvement via engagement and providing help. The third goal of increasing graduation rates will be automatically achieved by enhancing retention rates. To meet this objective, Engineering Minority student Engagement Project (EM-STEP) is using an innovative five prong approach of offering Saturday Academy, peer lead group, professional lecture series, freshman seminar and summer research projects. Four high D, withdrawals, incomplete and F grade rates courses have been identified and they are Fundamentals of Electric Circuit Analysis, Engineering Mechanics: Statics and Dynamics, Introduction to Fluid Mechanics and Introduction to Thermodynamics. Students in these courses are from four engineering disciplines of Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering. These courses are being taught in the Saturday Academy and twenty students are working as peer group leaders. We are also offering motivating lectures in the professional lecture series. Summer research project for 8-week duration is also offered.

Preface

The International Conference on Chemical Engineering (ICCE) 2019 was held in Bandung, Indonesia from November 28-29, 2019. ICCE 2019 was organized by the Department of Chemical Engineering, Parahyangan Catholic University. The objective of this conference was to highlight trends and research focuses in various areas of chemical engineering disciplines, especially when related to the innovation in chemical engineering fundamental concepts and applications.The proceedings are a compilation of the accepted papers and represent important results of the conference. We would like to acknowledge all people who were involved in ICCE 2019. Each individual and institution's support was very meaningful for the success of this conference. Especially, we would like to thank the organizing committee for their valuable advice in the organization and helpful peer review of the papers.We sincerely hope that ICCE 2019 would serve as an ideal meeting point for academia, industrial practitioners, and authorities from around the globe, where every participant can share and at the same time update their most recent ideas and discoveries.Arenst Andreas Arie, PhD. Parahyangan Catholic University

Chemical engineering for a solar economy (2017 P. V. Danckwerts Lecture)

Chemical engineering evolved in the twentieth century with rise in the use of fossil resources and the myriad of products derived from them. Those products required great innovations and had a huge impact on the human race. Going forward as we transition from fossil resources to renewable resources such as solar energy, we again have unprecedented opportunities for innovation that would not only make great impact but redefine chemical engineering. My Danckwerts lecture focused on my own experiences with challenges and opportunities presented to us as chemical engineers in the emerging solar economy. In particular, the importance of careful energy systems engineering for identifying optimal solutions that seeks synergy between different applications of solar energy is emphasized. The need to acquire and use knowledge beyond our traditional chemical engineering discipline to create new solutions is also discussed.

WeBWorK as an open online homework system in a second-year material and energy balances course

–Many studies have shown the advantages of dynamic homework tools for student learning. Material and energy balances is a common foundational course in chemical engineering and related disciplines. There are a number of open educational resources that have been developed around material and energy balances such as screencasts, interactive simulations and conceptual multiple choice tests. In order to build upon these resources, we sought to create online homework assignments on an easily accessible platform, with instant feedback and dynamic questions with individual numbers and unique solutions. We selected WeBWorK as a tool for this due to its common use, open and editable nature and the ease to which problems can be shared between authors through the Open Problem Library system built into the software. WeBWorK problem sets were easy to use for students and well received. The switch from pencil and paper to WeBWorK showed no significant effect on student grades or participation in homework assignments. On the Instructors’ side, WeBWorK saved time overall by reducing grading significantly. This allowed greater time for student interaction with instructors. However certain problem types, notably creating diagrams or explaining problem solving methodology could not be accomplished with WeBWorK. A hybrid of pencil and paper homework as well as WeBWorK is recommended for material and energy balances due to the course material and objectives

A tribute to professor Roy Jackson: Intellectual leader, scholar, mentor

This article, and this entire issue of the AIChE Journal, are meant to honor Professor Roy Jackson, whose contributions to chemical engineering have been profound and exceptionally broad. It is often said of Roy Jackson that few, if any, scholars have so deep a command of the full range of highly varied subjects that comprise the chemical engineering discipline. A hardly complete description of Professor Jackson's wide‐ranging academic journey was attempted, both geographic (Cambridge, London, Edinburgh, Houston, Pasadena, Princeton) and intellectual (fluidization, mechanics of granular flows, process optimization, chemical reaction network theory, diffusion and reaction in porous catalyst pellets). The contributions of friends and colleagues appearing elsewhere in this issue are a testament to the broad range of subjects in which Professor Jackson had interest. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 5239–5249, 2017

Multivariate Analysis and Statistics in Pharmaceutical Process Research and Development.

The application of statistics in pharmaceutical process research and development has evolved significantly over the past decades, motivated in part by the introduction of the Quality by Design paradigm, a landmark change in regulatory expectations for the level of scientific understanding associated with the manufacturing process. Today, statistical methods are increasingly applied to accelerate the characterization and optimization of new drugs created via numerous unit operations well known to the chemical engineering discipline. We offer here a review of the maturity in the implementation of design of experiment techniques, the increased incorporation of latent variable methods in process and material characterization, and the adoption of Bayesian methodology for process risk assessment.

Anatomical and Physiological Responses of Four Quinoa Cultivars to Salinity at Seedling Stage

The International Conference on Fluids and Chemical Engineering (FluidsChE 2017) organised by Centre for Excellence for Advanced Research in Fluid Flow (CARIFF), Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia (FluidsChE 2017) aims to provide a platform to discuss ideas and latest research findings on different disciplines of chemical engineering. 1st FluidsChE 2015 was conducted in Langkawi, Malaysia in November, 2015 which stirred and kindled intellectual minds to make this event a biannual event to disseminate knowledge and findings of chemical engineering fields to the entire world. As an outcome of the event 60+ research articles are published in reputed journals which are in open access for all spectrums of researchers to gain knowledge. Research publications were sectioned into three volumes, volume -1, 2 and 3. First volume was segmented into these disciplines of fluid flow dynamics, distillation technology and absorption / adsorption technology. Second volume consisted of natural resources product lifecycle, polymer technology and pharmaceutical technology. Third volume contains allied fields of chemical engineering. Researchers from different parts of the world contributed to the knowledge pool. Convergence was seen where researchers from different disciplines collaborated for technology solution support for product development with feasible techno economics with prospects for successful commercialization.

Second International Conference on Chemical Engineering (ICCE) UNPAR

The International Conference on Chemical Engineering (ICCE) 2016 was held in Bandung, Indonesia from October 26-27, 2016. ICCE 2016 was organized by the Department of Chemical Engineering, Parahyangan Catholic University in cooperation with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Australia and Nano Center Indonesia This conference addressed the important role of innovation in chemical process and product design. The objective of this conference was to highlight trends and research focuses in various areas of chemical engineering disciplines, especially when related to the innovation in chemical engineering fundamental concepts and applications.The proceedings are a compilation of the accepted papers and represent important results of the conference. This book is divided into seven specific topics in the area of chemical engineering: Separation Process, New and Renewable Energy, Process System Engineering, Chemical Reaction Engineering, Fine Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, Supercritical Technology and Nanotechnology, Polymer and Membranes.We would like to acknowledge all people who were involved in ICCE 2016. Each individual and institution's support was very meaningful for the success of this conference. Especially, we would like to thank the organizing committee for their valuable advice in the organization and helpful peer review of the papers.We sincerely hope that ICCE 2016 would serve as an ideal meeting point for academia, industrial practitioners, and authorities from around the globe, where every participant can share and at the same time update their most recent ideas and discoveries.