Distillate Production Research Articles

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

Among the various humidification dehumidification desalination (HDD) system configurations, the air-heated cycle has demonstrated promising results in small lab-scale setup investigations, whereas pilot-scale studies are lacking. This study theoretically and experimentally investigates the performance of a pilot-scale flat-plate solar air collector-powered HDD unit. An optical-thermal model for a solar air collector and a transport model based on heat and mass transfer for the dehumidifier have been developed and validated using experimental data. The triangular-shaped turbulators on the absorber plate of a solar collector with relative roughness pitches of 2.3, 4.61, and 6.92 are built and optimized for maximum distillate yield. Perforated turbulators with open area ratios of 5.5 %, 12.25 %, and 21.8 % are evaluated. To reduce distillate production costs in the HDD system, naturally available wood apple shell with drilled holes is tested in the humidifier. Outdoor test results revealed that at an average solar intensity of 712 W/m2, the proposed system achieved a maximum distillate yield and gain output ratio of 17.34 kg/day and 0.65, respectively. Wood apple shell packing demonstrated better distillate yield, gain output ratio, and humidifier performance potential factor compared to the commercially available raschig ring and cascade mini-ring packings. Moreover, the optimal performance of the solar air collector with solid turbulators was obtained at a relative roughness pitch of 4.61 due to sufficient longitudinal space to effectively prevent flow separation and reattachment of the free shear layer. Turbulators with a 12.25 % open area ratio exhibited the highest Nusselt number and low friction factor.

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

The incorporation of fins on the flat absorber of a basin is known to improve thermal efficiency and distillate production by increasing the surface area exposed to sunlight. However, the presence of fins creates shading issues, which negatively impact the productivity of distillers. To address this problem, researchers are currently seeking a solution. In this study, a performance comparison was conducted between conical solar distillers equipped with copper conical fins (4 cm in diameter and 2 cm in height) and copper conical fins filled with sand. The fins, painted black, were placed at various spacings (0 cm, 1 cm, and 2 cm) on the bottom of the basin, with a water depth of 2 cm. Experimental data indicated that the conical solar distiller employing copper conical fins (CSD-CCF) attained productivity values of 640 mL/m2, 565 mL/m2, and 530 mL/m2, whereas the conical solar distiller utilizing copper conical fins filled with sand (CSD-CCF&S) achieved productivity values of 775 mL/m2, 690 mL/m2, and 645 mL/m2 at the corresponding spacing configurations. The conventional conical solar distiller devoid of fins (TCSD) yielded a maximum output of 480 mL/m2. The cumulative yield of the conical solar distiller using copper conical fins (CSD-CCF) exhibited yield values of 33.33 %, 17.71 %, and 10.41 % at 0 cm, 1 cm, and 2 cm spacing, respectively, compared to the traditional conical solar distiller (TCSD). Moreover, the conical solar distiller using copper conical fins filled with sand (CSD-CCF&S) exhibited improved yield values of 61.46 %, 43.75 %, and 34.37 % at 0 cm, 1 cm, and 2 cm spacing, respectively, in comparison to the traditional conical solar distiller (TCSD). The study demonstrates that the utilization of copper conical fins filled with sand enhances the performance of solar distillers, and greater spacing between the fins contributes to reduced shading.

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

The global demand for potable water is rising, prompting the development of various energy systems for distilled water production. However, the significance of utilizing multicomponent working fluids in these systems has been largely overlooked. This study presents computer modeling of three HDH-based distillation units powered by two conventional heat pump cycles, namely, the simple and vapor injection heat pumps (first and second models) and an innovative heat pump cycle with an ejector expander (third model). The significance of the research lies in its pioneering investigation of utilizing two- and three-component mixtures in heat pump-based desalination units, which has not been previously explored. The study's primary aim is to determine whether using multicomponent working fluids instead of pure fluids or introducing structural modifications can more effectively enhance the performance of heat pump-based distillation units. The proposed models are simulated using EES and MATLAB software, with the study focusing on energetic, exergetic, exergoeconomic, and heat exchanger modeling to evaluate the feasibility of the configurations. The findings revealed that the structural modifications in the third scenario using R134a resulted in the highest GOR, with improvements of 44 % and 26.03 %, respectively, compared to the other scenarios. However, utilizing binary blend R22/R142b with different compositions improved the GOR of the first to three scenarios by 41.26 %, 29.06 %, and 11.87 %, respectively. Furthermore, in this case, the unit cost of distilled water for the first, second, and third scenarios increased by 12.87 %, 14.32 %, and 12.70 %, respectively. Finally, the first scenario has the highest NPV of 4.40 M$ and the shortest PP of 8.13 years. Therefore, utilizing the blend in a simple heat pump proves to be more efficient and cost-effective than implementing structural modifications.

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

The aim of this investigation is to ascertain the optimal arrangement of aluminum spheres, each with a consistent diameter of 2 cm, to serve as a cost-efficient means of energy storage for augmenting the efficacy of conical solar distillation apparatus. For this purpose, three identical conical stills were manufactured. Experimental procedures were conducted over a two-day timeframe. Initially, on the first day, the first distiller operated without any aluminum spheres, while the second and third distillers were equipped with aluminum spheres positioned at intervals of 3 cm and 4 cm, respectively. Subsequently, on the second day, the initial distillation process did not involve the presence of aluminum spheres. Nevertheless, in subsequent distillations, aluminum spheres were introduced near the base of the vessel, with respective spacings of 5 cm and 6 cm for the second and third distillations. Throughout the experiment, the brine within the vessels maintained a depth of 2 cm. The investigation revealed that the highest distillation productivity, measured at 8400 g/m^2, was attained when employing aluminum spheres with a diameter of 2 cm and spaced 3 cm apart. In contrast, distillation yields were diminished when aluminum spheres were spaced at intervals of 4, 5, and 6 cm, as well as in the absence of aluminum spheres, resulting in yields of 7750, 7200, 6700, and 5750 g/m^2, respectively. The optimal separation distance between the aluminum spheres was determined to be 3 cm, resulting in a significant enhancement of 46.08 %. Ultimately, the utilization of conical solar stills coupled with aluminum spheres as an economical energy storage medium, featuring aluminum spheres with a diameter of 2 cm and spaced 3 cm apart, emerges as the most efficacious option.

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

Solar desalination may become the sustainable solution to mitigate freshwater scarcity with growing demand. However, conventional solar stills for desalination are limited to low production efficiency caused by low/unavailable solar irradiation. Current research in thermal energy storage (TES) for solar desalination utilizes phase change materials (PCM) to store solar heat, ensuring uninterrupted energy for distillate production. Some PCMs have high melting point which would not melt entirely during low solar radiation periods; hence, this study investigates on the addition of conductive particles in PCMs. This study reports the results from experiments combining various types of PCMs and conductive particles in a solar distiller. Petroleum jelly (PJ) and paraffin wax (PW), along with aluminium scrap and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanopowder as conductive particles, were tested in single-slope solar stills to evaluate their performance under varying solar irradiation in a tropical climate country. It can be concluded that the addition of PW as PCM has increased the efficiency of the solar still significantly, and the addition of conductive particles has shown further notable improvements. Interestingly, the relatively expensive Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles and the cost-effective Aluminium scrap chip exhibited similar performance levels. Among the different sets of experiments, solar still with PW and Aluminium scrap was 17.98 % efficient with a yield of 0.457 kg/m2 per day, and its production was 2.8 times higher than the conventional solar still. The solar still with Al2O3 nanoparticle embedded PW showed an increase in productivity by 27 % compared to the still with aluminium scrap mixed PW; where the water yield is 0.342 kg/m2 per day, 0.038 kg/m2 more than the solar still with aluminium scrap mixed PW. The cost of water produced per litre was up to 0.011 US$/litre. This study opens a pathway for further investigation on the efficiency and productivity associated with different categories of conductive particles usually associated with PCM in solar still research in the tropics.

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

The increasing need for sustainable methods to remove pharmaceutical contaminants like cephalexin and improve water desalination is critical. This study explores ZnO/nZVI nanoparticles synthesized with Jackfruit peel extracts as eco-friendly, cost-effective adsorbents, enhancing water purification in solar desalination systems. This work used a matte black paint coating within a double slope U-shaped solar distiller (DSUD) in a discontinuous experimental setting to examine potential improvements in solar distillation performance. Activated carbon (AC) and bioactive powdered nanoparticles of ZnO/nZVI (nano zerovalent iron), produced from jackfruit peel extracts (JP) were combined in a synergistic way. The effectiveness of cephalexin removal was assessed taking into account the JPAC solution parameters, reaction duration, ZnO/nZVI concentrations in the nanocomposite dosage, and initial nanocomposite concentration. The best conditions for cephalexin adsorption were found to be pH 5 and reaction time of 50 min, which resulted in high absorption efficiencies of 94.74% (nZVI) and 97.53% (ZnO) at room temperature with a JPAC dose of 2.50 g L⁻1. The efficiency of the eco-friendly adsorbent in getting rid of cephalexin was calculated using “pseudo-second-order kinetics” for nanocomposites, which is consistent with the “Langmuir” isothermal absorption process. The nanocomposites as absorbent materials in solar thermal desalination processes, efficient heat transmission and energy storage have been established. JPAC and the addition of steel balls (S) with a silver hue to the DSUD improved the internal heat transfer mechanisms. Thermodynamic of Gibbs free energy and the Laplacian method (TGL), two thermodynamic concepts, were used to extensively study the temperature dynamics of the DSUD with SJPAC components. For ZnO/JPAC, an exceptional distillate production rate was noted from 8:00 to 18:00, with a noteworthy 4.932 L/m2 output in winter and 5.833 L/m2 per day in summer. Using silver balls, ZnO/JPAC generated significant yields over a 24-h period: 8.957 L/m2 in summer and 7.253 L/m2 in winter, with an ideal energy efficiency of 51.05%. The unique advancements in TGL procedures and their environmental consequences are presented in this paper. The field of thermal energy transduction will advance if silver balls are used in DSUD for the synthesis of JPAC, ZnO/JPAC, and nZVI/JPAC, as supported by the theoretical insights presented here.

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

This study investigates the enhanced performance of hemispherical solar stills by integrating charcoal balls. The method showcases improved efficiency by augmenting heat transfer mechanisms and enhancing solar radiation absorption. Reducing the surface tension of basin water is a solution to increase its heating, enhancing the softwater yield of solar stills. The novelty of the research lies in the innovative integration of charcoal balls to improve the performance of hemispherical solar stills. This method presents a unique approach to enhancing heat transfer and evaporation dynamics, potentially revolutionizing the efficiency of solar desalination systems. Therefore, the impact of charcoal balls at a diameter of 1 cm on the performance of distillation productivity was studied. A hemispherical solar still containing charcoal balls (HSS-CB) was compared with a simple hemispherical solar still (SHSS) in the same conditions. Experiments were conducted at El-Oued-Algeria in June 2024. The method employed in this research offers distinct advantages, primarily in its ability to enhance solar still efficiency by incorporating charcoal balls. These advantages stem from the increased surface area for heat transfer, improved solar radiation absorption, and potential enhancement of evaporation and condensation processes. Cumulative return results for SHSS and HSS-CB are 4.80 and 6.20 L/m2/day, respectively. The rate of improvement in the cumulative return was 29.16 % for SHSS using the quantity of coal powder. It is recommended that charcoal balls be used to boost solar stills productivity.

Experimental investigation of distilled water production performance of conventional solar stills using CaCl2·6H2O phase change material reinforced with SrCl2·6H2O and graphene-based nanoparticles

This study aims to enhance the performance of conventional single-slope basin-type solar stills by integrating phase change materials (PCMs) and nanoparticles. Calcium chloride hexahydrate, known for its high heat storage capacity, was selected as the primary PCM. Strontium chloride hexahydrate was added as a nucleating agent to address the supercooling tendency. Additionally, graphene oxide (GO) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), which have not been previously used in solar stills or compared for their performance, were incorporated into the PCM to utilize their photothermal properties and enhance solar energy absorption. The integration of GO and GNP with the PCM-nucleating agent combination resulted in daily total distilled water productions of 5424ml/m2 and 5032 ml/m2, respectively. The integration of GO with the PCM-nucleating agent combination provided the most significant improvement in efficiency, with a 54.44 % increase compared to the standard still, a 15.4 % increase compared to the still using only the nucleating agent, and an 8 % increase compared to the still incorporating GNP.

Enhanced distilled water productivity using an innovative semi-cylindrical tent-shaped solar still coupled with evacuated tubes

Despite advances in enhancing the output of conventional solar stills, the pursuit of the most efficient solar distillation technique remains ongoing. Evacuated tubes, known for their superior thermal capacity compared to traditional single-basin solar stills, offer a promising solution for high-yield distillation. This study evaluates the performance of a semi-cylindrical tent-shaped solar still coupled with evacuated tubes (SCTSCET) against a conventional single-basin, single-slope solar still, used as a benchmark. Experiments conducted in Amman, Jordan, in May 2023, demonstrate that the SCTSCET significantly outperforms the conventional solar still in distilled water production. The SCTSCET achieved a daily yield of up to 9.7 liters, which is approximately 288 % higher than the 2.5 liters produced by the conventional still. This increased productivity is due to a 45.7 % enhancement in heat capacity provided by the evacuated tubes, which raised the water basin temperature to 61.4 °C, compared to 41.2 °C in the conventional still. This higher temperature facilitated a faster evaporation rate and improved water output. Additionally, the SCTSCET exhibited a 10 % higher hourly thermal efficiency and a peak exergy efficiency of 5.7 %, compared to 3.4 % for the conventional still, highlighting its superior ability to harness and utilize solar energy for distillation.

Studying the Characteristics of Tank Oil Sludge

Oil sludge is one of the main pollutants generated by the oil industry. Due to serious pollution and increasing oil production, problems arise every year in the effective treatment of oil sludge. The current study examines the composition and physicochemical characteristics of oil sludge, as well as traditional and new methods for processing oil sludge. With the tightening of environmental protection requirements, oil sludge quality reduction, recycling, and harmless treatment technologies will become necessary in the future. The primary task was to determine the composition of tank oil sludge, separate it from mechanical impurities, and study the influence of ultrasonic treatment and subsequent atmospheric distillation on the extract. The separation of the concentrate and the composition of the tank oil sludge, using an extracted mixture of hexane and benzene, are considered. The use of modern SEM methods, elemental analysis, NMR analysis, IR, ultrasound, and GC–mass spectrometry made it possible to characterize the organic part of reservoir oil sludge and its distillation products. First, 300 g of tank oil sludge was preheated and mixed with 300 mL of solvent (hexane:benzene = 1:1). After mixing with the solvent, the result mixture was filtered. Then, it was placed in an ultrasonic bath and exposed to ultrasound at a frequency of 100 kHz for 30 min. After processing, it was extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus at a temperature of 65 °C to isolate the extract. The resulting extract was analyzed on a gas chromatograph with mass detection. The composition of the extract was as follows (in %): hexane—83.99; total hydrocarbon isomers—7.12; n-hydrocarbons—2.52; benzene—6.37%. At a temperature of 85 °C, the benzene yield was 65.85%. It has been established that the fractions obtained through the distillation of oil sludge at temperatures of 65–85 °C have improved dissolving capacity. It has also been shown that the use of these fractions promotes an increase in the content of hydrocarbon isomers by 12–13% in the extract composition.

Improvement of low-cost solar-powered desalination technologies in low-light intensity

Enhancing the efficiency of low-cost solar-powered desalination technologies, such as solar stills (SS), is essential for ensuring continuous access to freshwater in remote, water-stressed areas, particularly during cloudy or rainy days when the performance of conventional SS systems is compromised. This study introduces an innovative stepped solar still design, optimized for ease of operation, maintenance, environmental compatibility, and improved efficiency, especially under low-light conditions. The impact of the inlet mass flow rate on the desalination process was investigated to enhance distilled water production. Light absorption and step hot spot temperatures were further improved by incorporating natural and cost-effective absorbers, such as carbon, and an innovative soil-carbon combination. The synergy of this soil-carbon combination, enhancing light absorption, heat transfer, and storage through increased surface contact during radiation exposure and its distribution during shutdown, led to a 12.8% and 3% increase in distilled water production over the 4-hour test duration, compared to the baseline and carbon-only tests, respectively. This innovative design, combined with the use of a soil and carbon mixture, significantly improves the performance of solar distillation systems. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable, low-cost, and energy-efficient solutions for freshwater provision in remote areas, addressing both water scarcity and energy conservation challenges.

Optimized irrigation through solar desalination: Exploring the impact of water temperature in wastewater treatment and phosphate fertilizer removal

Could rationalizing irrigation techniques be accomplished with solar desalination? This practical and theoretical study explores the optimization of a solar desalination unit employing the novel Humidification Dehumidification (HDH) method to evaluate its potential in irrigation to provide an answer to that topic. The performance of the system is examined in the first section of the research concerning raising the evaporator temperature and the ensuing temperature difference. The daily distillate production rate for the HDH system is 25 kg/m², and the results show that it has a global efficiency of 58 %. Using wastewater and saltwater polluted with phosphate fertilizers, the HDH system is evaluated in the second section of the study. The findings show that more than 98 % of ionic species were removed, besides presenting a potentially effective response to the complicated water treatment issues facing the agricultural industry.

Saccharification of fructans and simultaneous alcoholic fermentation for sustainable production of agave distillates

ABSTRACT In a world where climate change and sustainability are at the forefront, innovative solutions are more pressing than ever. In the production process of distillates, the critical stage is the cooking of agave for thermal hydrolysis of fructans. This stage determines the efficiency of the process, incurs the highest production cost, and has a detrimental impact on the environment. In this study, we investigate the saccharification of agave fructans in fresh juice using fructanases produced in situ by Kluyveromyces marxianus as an alternative to traditional agave cooking. furthermore, we explore both sequential and simultaneous alcoholic fermentation processes using a native mixed culture to improve the overall yield and obtain a distillate with enjoyable sensory characteristics. The results show that saccharification and simultaneous fermentation allow for obtaining a fermented product containing an average of 7% alcohol. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis shows that the distillate is essentially an ethanol – water mixture with a broad profile and high concentration of volatile compounds. The composition of the distilled product provides a well-balanced sensory experience that is highly valued by consumers. Hence, for the first time, a novel, efficient, low-cost, and sustainable process for producing agave distillates has been successfully designed.

Research on the obtaining of distillates from fermented grain and fruit raw materials using periodic devices

The work provides data on the technology for producing distillates during the joint processing of fruit and grain raw materials, using batch devices and continuous distillation units. Factors constraining the production of fruit distillates in the Russian Federation are considered. A method for processing fruit raw materials using existing equipment of distilleries is proposed. Using a laboratory batch distillation unit, the technological process for the industrial production of distillates using continuous distillation units was simulated. The features of the production of distillates from grain and fruit raw materials in a laboratory batch distillation unit using the double distillation method are considered. Based on the results of the studies, it was established that there is a technological possibility of using continuous-action devices, implemented on the basis of distillation units of distilleries, to obtain distillates with original organoleptic characteristics based on grain and fruit raw materials. Samples of unaged distillate with organoleptic characteristics inherent in the original raw material were obtained. A hardware and technological scheme for a continuous operation installation for the production of distillates from fermented grain and fruit raw materials has been developed. It has been revealed that the process of distillation of grain-fruit mash on devices operating under atmospheric pressure may be accompanied by the formation of carbon deposits of undissolved substances on the structural elements of the distillation apparatus. In the process of distilling mash from grain and fruit raw materials, the methyl alcohol content in the product can reach 0.2%, which must be taken into account when planning production. Recommendations have been developed for the implementation of the technological process for the production of distillates from grain and fruit raw materials on the technological equipment of alcohol factories.

Integrated membrane distillation and absorption chiller driven by solar energy: Concept and analysis

Solar energy linked to absorption chiller system is used to supply the heating and cooling energies to membrane distillation (MD) process. The heating load is taken directly from the solar energy system. The cooling load is provided by the absorption chiller system, which converts the solar energy into refrigeration power. Using a solar collector area of 60 m2 and MD feed flow rate of 600 kg/h, the maximum distillate production for a single MD can reach 61.5 kg/h, which corresponds to a recovery ratio of 10.2% and a gain output ratio (GOR) of 3.2. Increasing the MD feed flow rate necessitates enlarging the solar collector area to meet the escalating energy demand. An additional MD unit was also integrated and powered by the internal energy of the absorption chiller system. The total distillate production approaches 83 kg/h and the GOR enhances to 4.5. The condenser stream of the two integrated MD units is quenched by the refrigeration power of the absorption chiller system under split and joint scenarios. The split scenario was found to outperform the joint option in terms of providing higher average distillate production over the period of daily sunshine hours. However, the joint scenario can activate both MD units only if a larger solar collector of 100 m2 is employed and the condenser of the absorption chiller system is operated at 40 °C. Similarly, the split scenario can activate the two MD units only if split ratio equal or higher than 60% is enforced.

Production of sweet potato distilled beverage: Economic evaluation via enzymatic and acid hydrolysis

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the feasibility of utilizing sweet potato waste for distilled beverage production in two process scenarios: (i) acid hydrolysis and (ii) enzymatic hydrolysis. Laboratory experiments were conducted using in natura sweet potato waste and the data obtained were used to design a production system capable of producing 1000 L of distillate per day. Net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and discounted payback indicators were used for economic analysis, with a minimum attractiveness rate (MARR) of 15%. The initial investment for the projects was BRL 1 139 610.86 (USD 223 146.80) for enzymatic hydrolysis and BRL 1 314 824.54 (USD 257 455.36) for acid hydrolysis. Packaging costs were identified as the greatest expenses in the process. Assuming a selling price of BRL 14.50 (USD 2.84), the enzymatic hydrolysis process demonstrated an NPV of BRL 4 792 520.77 (USD 938 421.92) and IRR of 83.39%, and the acid hydrolysis process showed an NPV of BRL 2 191 636.78 (USD 429 143.68) and IRR of 42.49%. Consequently, establishing a production plant for distilled beverages proved to be more economically attractive when employing the enzymatic hydrolysis process and fermentation simultaneously, resulting in a return on investment within 1.46 years of operation. Upon scrutinizing the gain matrix, it became apparent that critical factors with the potential to affect the project's feasibility detrimentally, if increased, included the cost of acquiring packaging, the final volumetric fraction of the distilled beverage, and the tax rate. Nevertheless, an upturn in the selling price of the beverage and a process improvement yield both have the potential to underpin the project effectively.