High Mass Transfer Rates Research Articles

Investigation of the enhanced cavitation model considering turbulence effects of fuel flow in the injector nozzle holes

The cavitation model is essential in simulating cavitation flow characteristics of injector nozzles, with its accuracy directly impacting simulation precision. This paper developed a quantitative relationship between critical cavitation pressure, turbulent kinetic energy, and shear stress, and introduced a modified cavitation model that considers turbulence effects. A simulation study was conducted on the fuel flow characteristics inside the nozzle of a high-pressure common rail diesel injector with seven nozzle holes. The results indicate that compared to the original model, the cavitation development calculated by the modified model is enhanced at different injection pressures. In terms of axial distribution, cavitation inside the nozzle hole increases, but the impact on cavitation of different intensities varies, with the development of moderate to low-intensity cavitation being promoted, while strong cavitation is inhibited. In terms of radial distribution, the intensity of cavitation on the upper wall inside the nozzle hole increases, which is caused by the higher mass transfer rate near the upper wall at the nozzle hole inlet. As the injection pressure increases from 120 to 240 MPa, the change rate of cavitation volume ratio inside the nozzle holes calculated by the original and modified models increases from 5.1% to 9.7%. It is necessary to use the modified model for the calculations of gas/liquid two-phase flow within the nozzle hole, especially at high injection pressure.

Irradiation-driven mass transfer for massive companion stars in supersoft X-rays sources

Context. Supersoft X-ray sources (SSSs) have been proposed as one of the progenitors for Type Ia supernovae. However, the exact origin of the quasi-periodic variability in the optical light curve remains a mystery. Aims. In this work, our goal is to investigate the effect of the feedback of an evolved main-sequence companion star on X-ray irradiation and find whether periodic X-ray irradiation of the companion star could reproduce periodic mass transfer. Methods. Using the Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA) code, we modeled the evolutionary track of the companion star under the influence of supersoft X-ray irradiation, and we calculated the resulting mass transfer rate. Results. We find that the supersoft X-ray heating of the companion star can result in the expansion of the companion, causing it to greatly overflow its Roche lobe and thereby increasing the mass transfer rate. The periodic X-ray irradiation on the companion stars leads to periodic changes in the mass transfer rate. For a given companion star, higher irradiation efficiencies result in a higher mass transfer rate. Additionally, the mass transfer rate increases as the mass of the companion star decreases for a given irradiation efficiency. Conclusions. The companion star undergoing thermal timescale mass transfer is periodically irradiated by the X-rays from the WD, which can lead to periodic enhancement of the mass transfer rate. The mechanism could be the origin of the quasi-periodic optical light curve in supersoft X-ray sources.

Hydrated molten salt electrolytes effectively promote electrocatalytic NH3 synthesis at low temperatures

In the field of electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), molten salt is used as a unique electrolyte due to its advantages of high N2 solubility and wide electrochemical window. However, it has failed to be widely used due to its high reaction temperature (mostly > 200 °C) and low yield. Herein, a novel low-temperature (<100 °C) electrolysis system with hydrated molten salt hybrid electrolyte is designed. This system exhibits an ammonia yield of 1.003 × 10−8 mol s−1 cm−2 (−0.7 V vs. SCE) at 60 °C. Faradaic efficiency (FE) reaches 80.45 % (−0.65 V vs. SCE). The NH3 yield and FE are increased by 18.6 and 2 times compared to the previously reported low-temperature system, respectively. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), in situ Raman and in situ Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) experiments show that solid crystalline water can be used as a hydrogen source to effectively promote NRR while inhibiting the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Molecular dynamics (MD) experiments confirm that the electrolyte system maintains a high N2 solubility and mass transfer rate.

High Mass Transfer Rate in Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Achieved with Efficient Quasi-Gas Phase System.

The adhesion of H2 bubbles on the electrode surface is one of the main factors limiting the performance of H2 evolution of electrolytic water, especially at high current density. To overcome this problem, here a "quasi-gas phase" electrolytic water reaction system based on capillary effect is proposed for the first time to improve the mass transfer efficiency of H2. The typical feature of this reaction system is that the main site of H2 evolution reaction is transferred from the bulk aqueous solution to the gas phase environment above the bulk aqueous solution, thus effectively inhibiting the aggregation of H2 bubbles and reducing the resistance of their diffusion away. Electrochemical test results show that the proposed quasi-gas phase system can significantly reduce the potential required in H2 evolution reaction process at high current density compared with the conventional electrolytic reaction system. Specifically, the overpotential potential is reduced by 0.31 V when the H2 evolution current density of 250 mA cm-2 is achieved.

High Mass Transfer Rate in Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Achieved with Efficient Quasi‐Gas Phase System

The adhesion of H2 bubbles on the electrode surface is one of the main factors limiting the performance of H2 evolution of electrolytic water, especially at high current density. To overcome this problem, here a "quasi‐gas phase" electrolytic water reaction system based on capillary effect is proposed for the first time to improve the mass transfer efficiency of H2. The typical feature of this reaction system is that the main site of H2 evolution reaction is transferred from the bulk aqueous solution to the gas phase environment above the bulk aqueous solution, thus effectively inhibiting the aggregation of H2 bubbles and reducing the resistance of their diffusion away. Electrochemical test results show that the proposed quasi‐gas phase system can significantly reduce the potential required in H2 evolution reaction process at high current density compared with the conventional electrolytic reaction system. Specifically, the overpotential potential is reduced by 0.31 V when the H2 evolution current density of 250 mA cm‐2 is achieved.

De novo construction of amine-functionalized metal-organic cages as heterogenous catalysts for microflow catalysis

Microflow catalysis is a cutting-edge approach to advancing chemical synthesis and manufacturing, but the challenge lies in developing efficient and stable multiphase catalysts. Here we showcase incorporating amine-containing metal-organic cages into automated microfluidic reactors through covalent bonds, enabling highly continuous flow catalysis. Two Fe4L4 tetrahedral cages bearing four uncoordinated amines were designed and synthesized. Post-synthetic modifications of the amine groups with 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane, introducing silane chains immobilized on the inner walls of the microfluidic reactor. The immobilized cages prove highly efficient for the reaction of anthranilamide with aldehydes, showing superior reactivity and recyclability relative to free cages. This superiority arises from the large cavity, facilitating substrate accommodation and conversion, a high mass transfer rate and stable covalent bonds between cage and microreactor. This study exemplifies the synergy of cages with microreactor technology, highlighting the benefits of heterogenous cages and the potential for future automated synthesis processes

Self-Supporting Hierarchical Carbon Network Loaded with NiW Nanoparticles for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution.

Water splitting technology can convert renewable energies such as solar and wind into hydrogen energy, which is key to achieving a low-carbon hydrogen economy cycle. However, Pt-based catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are too expensive, thus it needs to develop efficient non-noble metal catalysts as alternatives. Herein, Ni-BDC-loaded carbon cloth (CC) is co-pyrolyzed with urea to obtain a composite structure of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and porous carbon (PC) embedded with W-doped Ni nanoparticles on CC, resulting in NiW-CNT/PC/CC. Benefiting from the synergistic effect between Ni and W, the high conductivity of CNT, and the high mass transfer rate of PC, NiW-CNT/PC/CC exhibits excellent HER activity in KOH, which only requires a low overpotential of 45mV to drive a current density of 10mAcm-2 with stability exceeding 40 h. Simulation calculations confirm that the W doping in metal Ni can optimize its electronic structure by lowering the d-band center and weakening hydrogen adsorption, thus reducing its HER barrier.

Mixed-Mode Adsorption of l-Tryptophan on D301 Resin through Hydrophobic Interaction/Ion Exchange/Ion Exclusion: Equilibrium and Kinetics Study.

The adsorption of l-tryptophan (l-Trp) was studied based on the hydrophobic interaction/ion exchange/ion exclusion mixed-mode adsorption resin D301. Firstly, the interaction mode between l-Trp and resin was analyzed by studying the influence of pH variation on the adsorption capability and the dissociation state of l-Trp. Secondly, the adsorption mechanism was illuminated by studying the adsorption equilibrium and kinetic behaviors. The adsorption equilibrium and a kinetics model were constructed. The augmentation of pH gradually elicited an enhancement in the adsorption capacity of l-Trp. l-Trp existing in varied dissociation states could be adsorbed by the resin, and the interaction mode relied upon the pH of the solution. An integrated adsorption equilibrium model with the coadsorption of different dissociation states of l-Trp was developed and could predict the adsorption isotherms at various pH levels satisfactorily. Both external mass transfer and intra-particle diffusion collectively imposed constraints on the mass transfer process of l-Trp onto the resin. An improved liquid film linear driving force model (ILM) was constructed, and the model provided a satisfactory fit for the adsorption kinetics curves of l-Trp at various pH levels. l-Trp molecules had a high mass transfer rate at a relatively low solution pH.

Dynamic and interfacial properties for dichloromethane absorption in ionic liquids: Experimental and molecular dynamic insights

In this study, a strategy for dichloromethane (DCM) capture using ionic liquids (ILs) was systematically investigated from the perspective of dynamic analysis. The diffusion coefficient, Henry’s law constant (H), saturated absorption capacity, and overall volumetric liquid-side mass-transfer coefficient (KLao) of four types of ILs were obtained. Among all the ILs studied, tetrabutylphosphonium caproate ([P4444][C5COO]) demonstrated superior DCM absorption capabilities, and its corresponding H value (3.13 Pa m3/mol at 25 °C) was markedly lower than those of solvents documented in the literature. Furthermore, its KLao value was determined to be 2.77 × 10−3/s at 25 °C, which was measured in a customized cylindrical absorption bottle with a height of 150 mm and an inner diameter of 16 mm. The absorption bottle, fitted with a gas inlet tube having an inner diameter of 5 mm and positioned 5 mm above its base, utilized a simple bubbling technique to introduce gas into the liquid phase, eliminating the need for gas-dispersion equipment. Nevertheless, ILs with high affinities showed relatively high initial mass-transfer rates for DCM. Based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the vapor–liquid interface properties, including mass and number density profiles, molecular orientation, and surface tension, were investigated. This revealed that in the pure [P4444][C5COO] system, the alkyl chain of the anion was oriented toward the gas phase, while the carboxyl group was oriented toward the bulk. The tilt angle of [C5COO]− with respect to the interface was within the range of 37° < θ′ < 70°. For the [P4444][C5COO]/DCM mixture, at the interface, the anion exhibits an enhanced ordered orientation, while the cation shows a more disordered orientation.

CO2 desorption and mass transfer characteristic study in micropacked bed reactors

The chemical desorption method with amine-based solvent have been widely applied in CO2 capture and storage (CCS) industrial. However, there is still exist mass transfer limitation and difficult to achieve packing/catalyst immobilization in conventional reactors for CO2 desorption process. In this work, micropacked bed reactors (μPBRs) with glass beads are adopted to investigate CO2 desorption performance. Effects of absorbent type, temperature, initial concentration of absorbent, liquid superficial velocity, initial loading of absorbent, particle size, and N2 superficial velocity on the desorption efficiency and desorption rate are discussed. The desorption efficiency of μPBR is 36 ∼ 81 % based on the MDEA absorbent. The value of desorption rate in μPBR is from 0.38 to 3.37 mmol/min, which is bigger than microchannel reactor. Liquid phase mass transfer coefficient of μPBR is 0.06 ∼ 1.38 s−1 for CO2 desorption process, which is 1–3 orders higher than that of packed column. Then, an empirical correlation of mass transfer coefficient is developed in μPBR. μPBR has a high mass transfer rate with an advantage of fixed packing/catalyst compared with other CO2 desorption equipment.

Transport and retention of nanobubbles in saturated porous media: Overlooked role of grain size and shape

Nanobubbles (NBs) are widely used in groundwater pollution treatment due to their unique properties such as small size and high gas mass transfer rate. Therefore, the transport behavior of NBs in the groundwater environment has attracted more attention. Due to the diversity and complexity of aquifer media in the natural environment, grain sands with different sizes and shapes are ubiquitous. Thus, consideration of grain size and shape in porous media is crucial to predict and evaluate the transport and fate of NBs in soil and groundwater systems. This work investigated the stability of NBs in pure water. The transport behavior and mechanism of NBs under different grain sizes and shapes were demonstrated by the column experiment, microscopic observation, and numerical simulation. The results showed that NBs had excellent stability, remaining in solution for more than 10 days. The retention of NBs in coarse, medium and fine sands was 23.5 %, 43.8 % and 50.8 %, respectively. The retention in sphere sands, oval sands and irregular sands was 22.9 %, 24.0 % and 43.8 %, respectively. The smaller grain size and roundness limited the NBs transport in the saturated porous media, which was mainly due to the complexity of the flow channel and the narrowing of the pore throat of fine sands and angular shape of irregular sand that would hinder the NBs transport. This was proved by the Derjaguin − Landau − Verwey − Overbeek (DLVO) theory and ultra − depth − of − field microscope. The BTCs of NBs were fitted by the one − site deposition model (only attachment) and two − site deposition model (attachment and straining), and it was found that two − site deposition model showed a better fit. The straining rate (kstr) was greater than the attachment rate (katt) in different grain sizes and shapes media, indicating that the retention mechanism of NBs in porous media was a synergistic mechanism dominated by pore straining and supplemented by electrostatic attraction.

The impact of different magnetic braking prescriptions on the evolution of LMXBs

ABSTRACT We revisit the evolution of low-mass close binary systems under different magnetic braking (MB) prescriptions. We study binaries with a neutron star accretor. During mass transfer episodes, these systems emit X-rays and are known as Low-mass X-ray Binaries (LMXBs). When mass transfer stops, they can be observed as binary pulsars. Additionally, some of these systems can experience mass transfer while having orbital periods of less than 1 h, thus evolving into ultracompact X-ray binaries (UCXBs). The evolution of LMXBs depends on their capability to lose angular momentum and maintain stable mass transfer. Among the angular momentum loss mechanisms, MB is one important and still uncertain phenomenon. The standard MB prescription faces some problems when calculating LMXB evolution, leading to e.g., a fine-tuning problem in the formation of UCXBs. Recent studies proposed new MB prescriptions, yielding diverse outcomes. Here, we investigate the effects of three novel MB prescriptions on the evolution of LMXBs using our stellar code. We found that all MB prescriptions considered allow the formation of binaries with orbital periods spanning from less than 1 h to more than 10 of days. Remarkably, our results enable the occurrence of wide systems even for the MB law that causes the strongest angular momentum losses and very high mass transfer rates. We found that models computed with the strongest MB prescription reach the UCXB state starting from a wider initial orbital period interval. Finally, we discuss and compare our results with observations and previous studies performed on this topic.

Investigation of Liquid-Liquid Reaction Phenomena of Aluminum in Calcium Silicate Slag.

To achieve better process control of silicon (Si) alloy production using aluminum as a reductant of calcium silicate (CaO-SiO2) slag, it is necessary to understand the reaction phenomena concerning the behavior of formed phases at the metal-slag interface during conversion. The interfacial interaction behavior of non-agitated melt was investigated using the sessile drop method for varying time and temperature, followed by EPMA phase analysis at the vicinity of the metal-slag interface. The most remarkable features of the reaction were the accumulation of solid calcium aluminate product layers at the Al alloy-slag interface and spontaneous emulsion of Si-alloy droplets in the slag phase. The reduction is strictly limited at 1550 °C due to the slow transfer of calcium aluminates away from the metal-slag interface into the partially liquid bulk slag. Reduction was significantly improved at 1600-1650 °C despite an interfacial layer being present, where the conversion rate is most intense in the first minutes of the liquid-liquid contact. A high mass transfer rate across the interface was shown related to the apparent interfacial tension depression of the wetting droplet along with a significant perturbed interface and emulsion due to Kelvin-Helmholtz instability driven by built-up interfacial charge at the interface. The increased reaction rate observed from 1550 °C to 1600-1650 °C for the non-agitated melt was attributed to the advantageous physical properties of the slag phase, which can be further regulated by the stoichiometry of metal-slag interactions and the composition of the slag.

Enhanced degradation of nitrogen-containing disinfection by-products via radical attack in ZnAl particle electrode system: Mechanism and density functional theory calculations

Disinfection by-products (DBPs), in water receive attention because of their toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. In this study, Nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) in water is electrocatalytically degraded by using ZnAl layered double hydroxide/activated carbon (ZnAl-LDH/AC) as a particle electrode in a three-dimensional electrode reactor (3DER). The results of SEM, TEM and XRD showed the successful synthesis of ZnAl-LDH, in which Zn2Al1-LDH had regular morphology and better crystallinity. The results of electrochemical characterization tests indirectly showed that Zn2Al1-LDH/AC had the largest OPE, the smallest mass transfer resistance, and higher mass transfer rate, and better electrocatalytic performance. The pollutant concentration had the greatest effect on the removal rate of NPYR in the one-way experiment, and the interaction effect between different influencing factors is determined by response surface optimization experiments. The optimal operating conditions showed a pollutant removal rate of 83.78%. A response surface prediction model is constructed. Hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals are demonstrated to be the main contributors to indirect oxidation by free radical quenching experiments and EPR. DFT calculations combined with GC-MS and LC-MS results deduced two possible degradation pathways. Toxicity prediction of NPYR and its intermediates is performed using software. Based on the above study, a mechanism for the degradation of NPYR by 3DER is proposed.

Facile construction of hierarchically porous CPO-27-Ni by mixed ligand strategy towards enhanced adsorption desulfurization from fuels

High-efficiency removal of macromolecular aromatic sulfide from fuel via adsorption technology remains a challenge due to the limited mass-transfer efficiency in traditional microporous materials. Constructing hierarchically porous structure might be an alternative route to overcome the problem. Herein, we propose an approach to prepare rationally defective Nickel(II) 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate (CPO-27-Ni) using benzoic acid (BA) and 2, 5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid (DHTA) as mixed ligands, aiming at reducing the diffusion resistance of molecules in adsorbents through introducing mesopores and thus enhancing the performance of aromatic sulfide removal. By adjusting the ratio of BA and DHTA (x), CPO-27-Ni (BA-C-x) with rational defects was successfully synthesized. Compared with the single-channel CPO-27-Ni, the penetrating sulfur capacity in the dynamic adsorption experiment was increased by 9.97 times for thiophene (TP), 7.25 times for benzothiophene (BT) and 2.81 times for dibenzothiophene (DBT). After the addition of organic ligand B, additional mesoporous pores were formed in the microporous CPO-27-Ni. The obtained hierarchical structure possessed better textural properties and ensured structural constancy, which improved the utilization rate of high active sites and mass transfer rate of adsorbent, leading to promoted desulfurization performance. The reported method of introducing mesopores into MOFs to construct hierarchically porous structures would provide a meaningful reference for facile preparation of high-efficiency desulfurization adsorbents.

SN 2022jli: The ultraluminous birth of a low-mass X-ray binary

Observations show that the 12.4 d binary system descending from the recent supernova SN 2022jli closely fits hypotheses of how low-mass X-ray binaries form, but requires an apparently super-Eddington accretion luminosity from the accreting component. We show that this agrees very well with the type of accretion-induced beaming found in ultraluminous X-ray sources, as recently strongly confirmed by X-ray polarimetry of the X-ray binary Cyg X-3. Beaming in the SN 2022jli binary system occurs because of the very high mass-transfer rate induced by the violent effect of the supernova on the binary geometry. This explains the very soft nature of the accretion luminosity, its distinctive periodic light curve, and its luminosity decay on a ∼250 day timescale. A test of this picture is that the system’s orbital period should increase on a 105 year timescale.

Combining chain elongation and oleogel extraction for the production and recovery of caproate from beef cattle manure wastewater

Producing and recovering bioproducts from organic wastes is vital for building a circular economy. Livestock waste can serve as a feedstock for bioproduct production, such as medium chain carboxylic acids (MCCAs). This study aims to (1) optimize the conversion of organics in beef cattle manure to caproate and (2) develop an innovative oleogel-based extraction method for caproate recovery. With intrinsic chain elongation bacteria in cattle manure, we achieved a maximum caproate production rate of 8.59 g/L/d and the maximum concentration of 11.09 g/L with ethanol as the electron donor. Chain elongators such as Clostridium, Eubacterium, Caproiciproducens were detected. Oleogel beads were fabricated and enabled high mass transfer rates, achieving a cumulative caproate extraction efficiency of 87.39±0.96 % in 180 min. In subsequent desorption process, caproate accounted for 86.18±0.32 % of all carboxylic acids and alcohols desorbed from oleogel beads. This study demonstrates the technical feasibility of producing bioproducts from an abundant agricultural waste.

The impact of particle size in fluidized bed on heat transfer behavior: A review

This review paper explores the significance of fluidized bed heat exchangers in various industrial applications. By delving into the operation of fluidized beds as multiphase flow systems, the aim is to enhance their capabilities and efficiency. Key parameters such as minimum fluidization velocity and local gas holdup are crucial for characterizing the hydrodynamic behavior of materials within fluidized beds. Fluidization, achieved by passing atmospheric air through particulate solids, imparts fluid-like properties to the bed. Fluidized beds serve as reactors where this phenomenon takes place, offering several advantages in industrial processes, including high rates of heat and mass transfer, low pressure drops, and uniform temperature distribution. In future work, a focus on understanding and optimizing the fluidization process will contribute to further advancements in the performance of fluidized bed heat exchangers.

Strongly magnetized accretion in two ultracompact binary systems

ABSTRACT We present the discoveries of two of AM CVn systems, Gaia14aae and SDSS J080449.49+161624.8, which show X-ray pulsations at their orbital periods, indicative of magnetically collimated accretion. Both also show indications of higher rates of mass transfer relative to the expectations from binary evolution driven purely by gravitational radiation, based on existing optical data for Gaia14aae, which show a hotter white dwarf temperature than expected from standard evolutionary models, and X-ray data for SDSS J080449.49+161624.8 which show a luminosity 10−100 times higher than those for other AM CVn at similar orbital periods. The higher mass transfer rates could be driven by magnetic braking from the disc wind interacting with the magnetosphere of the tidally locked accretor. We discuss implications of this additional angular momentum transport mechanism for evolution and gravitational wave detectability of AM CVn objects.

Numerical modelling and process simulation of a post-combustion CO2 capture pilot plant based on a membrane contactor unit

Hollow fiber membrane contactors (HFMC) have gained prominence in post-combustion CO2 capture applications due to their potential for high mass transfer rates, compactness, modularity and versatility. In this work, two pilot plant design have been proposed, an innovative solution which foresees the membrane contactor as CO2 absorption reactor, and a conventional one based on a packed column absorber. A one-dimensional model based on the resistance-in-series method has been developed for the membrane module and validated against experimental data from literature. The other process units have been simulated in Aspen Plus V11. According to the model results the membrane contactor unit is able to guarantee same levels of CO2 removal rates with improved energy performances compared to the conventional packed column absorber. In particular, if the same reactor volume is considered for the two absorber configurations, a reduction in the specific reboiler duty (SRD) of 8.5% is estimated. On the other hand, if the same liquid-to-gas (L/G) ratio is applied, the HFMC is able to guarantee a required reactor volume almost halved (45% reduction). These substantial improvements of the CO2 capture process could lead to lower investment cost and better economic indicators of the CO2 capture plant.