Distillate Production Research Articles

Enhanced distillate production of stepped solar still via integration with multi-stage membrane distillation

Arid and coastal regions, such as Egypt, face significant challenges in meeting potable water demands driven by population growth and sustainable development. Energy-efficient desalination technologies are urgently needed to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources. This study introduces a novel integration of a thermal membrane with a stepped solar still, leveraging basin heat to drive membrane distillation (MD). The system employs multiple membrane layers and water–vapor absorbent wicks to capture vapor and transfer latent heat, enabling cascading preheating of brine layers. A validated mathematical model assessed the system’s performance under varying conditions, accommodating up to ten stages. Results reveal that increasing MD stages significantly enhances productivity, achieving a peak daily output of 47 L/m2 day—five times that of a passive multi-basin solar still. However, productivity gains plateau beyond three stages, indicating an optimal balance between complexity and efficiency. The system’s performance is affected by ambient and seasonal conditions, including wind speed and temperature fluctuations observed during trials in June, May, and December, requiring additional modifications for stabilization. This study demonstrates the potential of integrating MD with solar stills as a scalable, energy-efficient desalination solution for arid regions. Future research should focus on optimizing stage configurations and evaluating economic feasibility for large-scale applications.

CARCINOGENIC FACTORS IN THE MILITARY ENVIRONMENT: THREATS AND CHALLENGES TO THE HEALTH OF SOLDIERS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL

Abstract: The military environment involves exposure to numerous carcinogenic factors, including chemical substances, ionizing radiation, and technological processes that generate harmful emissions. Long-term exposure to these factors may lead to the development of cancers and other chronic diseases. The aim of this article is to analyze the risks associated with contact with carcinogenic substances in the military and to present strategies for risk reduction. Chemical Carcinogenic Factors Soldiers are exposed to hazardous substances found in engine fuels, lubricants, and explosives. Petroleum distillation products, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), have well-documented carcinogenic effects. Similar risks are associated with exposure to lead and TNT, present in ammunition and explosives. Physical Carcinogenic Factors Ionizing radiation poses a significant threat to military personnel, especially in medical diagnostics, combat operations, and the use of depleted uranium ammunition. High doses of radiation can cause DNA damage and increase cancer risk. Carcinogenic Processes Emissions from diesel engines, crystalline dust, and wood dust are additional significant sources of exposure in the military. Elemental soot and toxic chemical compounds present in diesel exhaust fumes can lead to lung and respiratory tract cancers. Wood dust, especially from hardwood species, is recognized as a carcinogenic factor and is present in the military environment during carpentry and construction work. Reducing exposure to carcinogenic factors in the military requires a comprehensive approach, including the implementation of personal protective measures, monitoring exposure levels, and applying alternative technologies to reduce carcinogenic emissions. Regular screening and workplace condition control also play a crucial role.

Two New Antibacterial Naphtho[2,3-b]Furans from the Dry Distillation Products of Tobacco Stem Bark

Two New Antibacterial Naphtho[2,3-b]Furans from the Dry Distillation Products of Tobacco Stem Bark

Investigations on production of cow urine distillate using solar distillation system for cow shelter livelihoods

Investigations on production of cow urine distillate using solar distillation system for cow shelter livelihoods

Production of Middle Distillate Through Hydrocracking of Paraffin Wax

Abstract A significant challenge in the hydrocracking (HC) process is managing the complex reaction path to adjust product selectivity. In this study, the hydrocracking ability of two different catalysts over model paraffin wax was investigated, where the HC activity was analyzed through process conditions for the selectivity of middle distillates. Catalysts containing different metals and support compositions were selected to analyze the effects on product distribution and chemical composition. According to the results, high wax conversion ratios from C21+ cracking were obtained during HC, with primary cracking identified as the main process for the Ni/W-containing catalyst. Furthermore, the Ni/W-containing catalyst is more favorable for middle distillates production, while the Pt-containing catalyst is more reactive for light product yield, such as the gasoline range. Additionally, the latter is more prone to produce i-paraffin compositions under all process parameters compared to the former. Higher temperatures positively affect the production of middle distillates in the case of Ni/W catalyst; namely, the maximum middle distillate (C10–C20) yield of 49 wt% was obtained under 450 °C, 45-min reaction time, and 30 bar initial hydrogen pressure.

Seawater Membrane Distillation Coupled with Alkaline Water Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production: Parameter Influence and Techno-Economic Analysis.

The production of green hydrogen requires renewable electricity and a supply of sustainable water. Due to global water scarcity, using seawater to produce green hydrogen is particularly important in areas where freshwater resources are scarce. This study establishes a system model to simulate and optimize the integrated technology of seawater desalination by membrane distillation and hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis. Technical economics is also performed to evaluate the key factors affecting the economic benefits of the coupling system. The results show that an increase in electrolyzer power and energy efficiency will reduce the amount of pure water. An increase in the heat transfer efficiency of the membrane distillation can cause the breaking of water consumption and production equilibrium, requiring a higher electrolyzer power to consume the water produced by membrane distillation. The levelized costs of pure water and hydrogen are US$1.28 per tonne and $1.37/kg H2, respectively. The most important factors affecting the production costs of pure water and hydrogen are electrolyzer power and energy efficiency. When the price of hydrogen rises, the project's revenue increases significantly. The integrated system offers excellent energy efficiency compared to conventional desalination and hydrogen production processes, and advantages in terms of environmental protection and resource conservation.

Liquid crystalline coatings loaded with colistin for preventing development of biofilms on orthopedic implants.

Liquid crystalline coatings loaded with colistin for preventing development of biofilms on orthopedic implants.

АНАЛИЗ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ ПЕРЕРАБОТКИ ТОПИНАМБУРА В ДИСТИЛЛЯТЫ И АЛКОГОЛЬНЫЕ НАПИТКИ НА ИХ ОСНОВЕ

The use of alternative types of carbohydrate-containing raw materials to produce distillates is quite common throughout the world. These technologies are usually used to produce drinks with original organoleptic characteristics. Jerusalem artichoke (Heliantustuberosus) is a perennial crop that is used as a raw material for a wide range of products. Today, the most common use of Jerusalem artichoke is to obtain inulin, as well as for feed and fuel purposes. However, there is experience in processing Jerusalem artichoke to produce distillates and alcohol. In addition, Jerusalem artichoke is rich in dietary fiber and vitamins, which allows it to be used comprehensively: for the production of alcohol, as well as functional food and feed products. Jerusalem artichoke is unpretentious, disease-resistant, and also has a high yield, which reaches up to 130 tons of tubers per hectare. The paper provides an overview of the use of Jerusalem artichoke for various purposes. The current and promising market for its application is analyzed. Existing technologies for its processing to obtain various commercial products are considered. The topic of obtaining distillates and alcohol from dried intermediate products obtained from Jerusalem artichoke is touched upon. Examples of the use of Jerusalem artichoke distillates in recipes for the production of alcoholic beverages in different regions of the world are given. The use of Jerusalem artichoke as a source of carbohydrates in the production of distillates or alcohol today is a real prospect for reducing costs and creating alcoholic beverages with original organoleptic characteristics.

Dynamic simulation of solar-powered desalination with integrated photovoltaic/thermal collectors and membrane distillation

This study describes a computational model that simulates the behaviour of a solar-powered desalination system. The model incorporates photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) collectors and direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD). A novel DCMD unit model was established and verified using existing data from the literature and the model was incorporated into the TRNSYS library. The effect of feed water mass flow rate and temperature on production was investigated through a parametric analysis. The PVT-DCMD system was modeled, analyzed, and dynamically simulated for the month of June in Algeria using TRNSYS software. Results show that the PVT collector's outlet solar fluid temperature ranges from 20 °C to 85 °C, providing 5000 kJ/hr of useful energy for seawater desalination through a heat exchanger. Meanwhile, the auxiliary heater utilizes around 10,000 kJ/hr of solar energy. The simulation demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of using PVT collectors with a DCMD system for seawater desalination, achieving a distillate production rate of approximately 12 L/hr.m2 of membrane.

Исследование физико-механических свойств битумного вяжущего из нефтешламового гудрона для дорожного строительства

The authors consider the issues of utilization of oil waste in demand in practice for the production of bitumen binders widely used in road construction. To solve this urgent problem, it is necessary to study the chemical composition and physical and mechanical properties of the bitumen binder obtained from oil sludge tar. The aim of the study is to select the optimal conditions for the fractional separation of oil sludge components with the release of tar, as well as to determine the technological conditions for obtaining high-quality road bitumen from tar. A physico-chemical analysis of oil sludge samples was carried out. A step-by-step selection of the distillation product was carried out with its further physico-chemical analysis. The main technological parameters of bitumen binder production have been selected. The physical and mechanical properties of the obtained bitumen samples have been studied and their corresponding grades have been established in accordance with the standard in force in Kazakhstan. By the methods of infrared spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography of tar samples, satisfactory indicators were obtained for the presence of asphaltene compounds that contribute to improving the quality of the road surface. The analysis of the research results showed the prospects of oil sludge processing technologies in order to obtain tar, the raw material for the production of road bitumen. The use of oil sludge as a raw material for the production of road bitumen is economically advantageous due to the relative cheapness of the product and the technological simplicity of the processes of distillation of oil waste and tar oxidation.

Distillation, Characterizations, and Testing of Distillation Products from Waste Lubricant Oil (WLO) using Compression-Ignition Engine

Waste lubricant oil is always found in motor vehicle repair shops. Utilizing waste lubricant oil by distilling it will provide benefits. For this reason, waste lubricant oil was distilled in this research. Several characterizations were conducted to determine the viscosity, density, low heat value (LHV), and flash point of waste lubricant oil and distillation products. The distillation product is less viscous, denser, LHV, and flash point than lubricant oil waste. The distillation product was mixed with Pertamina DEX (0, 5, 10, and 15 vol.%) and then filled into the fuel tank for the engine performance test. The present experiment utilized a compression-ignition (CI) engine to measure performance. CI engine speed variations were carried out at 1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 to see the influence of the mixed fuel on torque, power, specific fuel consumption (SFC), thermal efficiency, and smoke opacity. The increase in CI engine speed leads to an increase in torque, power, thermal efficiency, and smoke opacity, but at the same time, SFC decreases to 2500 rpm. Increasing the distillation product content in the mixed fuel decreased torque, power, SFC, thermal efficiency, and increased smoke opacity.

Theoretical and experimental investigation of a pilot-scale solar air-heated humidification dehumidification desalination system

Theoretical and experimental investigation of a pilot-scale solar air-heated humidification dehumidification desalination system

Overcoming shading challenges in solar distillers: A comparative study of copper conical fins and sand-filled fins

Overcoming shading challenges in solar distillers: A comparative study of copper conical fins and sand-filled fins

On the transition to the use of modern lubricants in systems of energy facilities

The analysis of turbine oils currently in use is given. The classifications for petroleum base oils according to the systems developed at JSC VNIINP and the American Petroleum Institute are presented. The transition from the operation of turbine oils of the first group to more advanced oils obtained on the basis of base oils of the second group and above is justified. The problems that may arise when replacing oils of the first group with modern oils in connection with the processes of mixing energy oils of various formulations are outlined. The mixing process is complicated by the compatibility factors of both the commercial products themselves and the additive compositions used, as well as possible contamination with oil sludge of lubricants in operation and possible contamination with water and mechanical impurities of the new energy oil at the delivery stage. The necessity of analyzing the possibility of mixing is explained both by the compatibility of the energy oils being tested and by the compatibility of the additive package used in them. A list of indicators is presented by which it is possible to judge the possible compatibility of the energy oils under consideration. The results of the compatibility analysis are presented. In modern foreign policy conditions, for the Russian Federation, there is a need to activate Russian developments and provide modern lubricants for a new generation of energy facilities. A possible solution to this issue, developed by the specialists of the NRU MPEI, is presented. A system for the production of oil distillate with subsequent production of base (group III) and commercial oil for high-ash initial coals of the brown coal and early black coal stages of coalification of coal basins closed for development is presented.

Computer modeling of employing binary/ternary organic blends in integrated HP-assisted HDH desalination systems

Computer modeling of employing binary/ternary organic blends in integrated HP-assisted HDH desalination systems

Enhancing conical solar stills with aluminum ball energy storage: Optimal distance for improved performance

Enhancing conical solar stills with aluminum ball energy storage: Optimal distance for improved performance

Enhancing solar still productivity in tropical climate with conductive particle-assisted phase change material

Enhancing solar still productivity in tropical climate with conductive particle-assisted phase change material

Mathematical study of a double-slope passive solar distiller with water heater condenser

In this article, the inevitable condensation losses from the back-side glass cover of a passive single-basin double-slope distiller (PSDD) were recovered in heating water inside a glass solar water heater (SWH) to produce hot water as an auxiliary product of the distiller. The transient thermal performance of the PSDD-SWH was mathematically modeled and compared to a conventional PSDD in actual weather circumstances. Compared to a conventional PSDD, the results revealed that the thermal efficiency of the PSDD-SWH increased by 18 % to 83 % during the day. In addition, increasing the water mass inside the water heater from 3 kg to 18 kg increased the thermal efficiency of the PSDD-SWH by about 50 % despite decreasing the total distillate by less than 1 %. Moreover, the thermal performance of the PSDD-SWH, in terms of distillate production, hot water temperature, and thermal efficiency boomed in hot climates with high solar irradiation and high ambient temperatures. Furthermore, insulating the glass covers of the PSDD-SWH during off-sun hours significantly enhanced the thermal performance of the PSDD-SWH.

ZnO/nZVI nanoparticle-enhanced double-slope U-shaped solar distillation: A thermodynamic investigation of cephalexin adsorption

ZnO/nZVI nanoparticle-enhanced double-slope U-shaped solar distillation: A thermodynamic investigation of cephalexin adsorption

Effect of charcoal balls on distillation productivity in hemispherical solar stills: Experimental investigation and performance analysis

Effect of charcoal balls on distillation productivity in hemispherical solar stills: Experimental investigation and performance analysis