Intensification Technology Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effect of Sustainable Drying Techniques and Intensification Technologies on Color Profile of Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables

Evaluation of the Effect of Sustainable Drying Techniques and Intensification Technologies on Color Profile of Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables

Advances in the use of process intensification technologies for the chemo-catalytic synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural from sugars

Advances in the use of process intensification technologies for the chemo-catalytic synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural from sugars

Microwave Application in Biomass Conversion: A Review

AbstractBiomass resources are abundant and have huge production capacity. Reasonably and efficiently converting biomass can not only alleviate the depletion of fossil resources but also protect the environment and promote the green and sustainable development of human society. Microwave is one of the currently highly regarded process intensification technologies. This paper reviews the research progress of microwave technology in biomass pyrolysis, biomass pretreatment, and biomass conversion, and analyzes its technical characteristics. Finally, it summarizes and prospects the application of microwave in the field of biomass conversion.

Effect of Integrated Weed Management Practices in Rice (Oryza sativa) Under SRI

An experimental study was conducted at the Annamalai University Experimental Farm in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, between February and May 2023. The objective of this work is to chemically manage the developing weeds in rice during vegetative development using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technology. Additionally, the study aims to identify the weed flora in the experimental field. In this study, a Randomised Block Design with three replications was employed. The experimental treatments comprised optimal combinations of chemical and mechanical techniques for weed management. The experiment was structured in a randomised block design, consisting of seven treatments, and subsequently reproduced three times. Among the several treatments, the application of Penoxsulam + Butachlor @ 2L/ha (PE) on 3 days after transplantation (DAT) for rice, and the use of Conoweeder twice on 25 and 35 DAT (rice), effectively decreased weed density and thus reduced weed biomass. This led to an improvement in crop development and production. The greater plant height, drying matter potential (DMP), and grain yield seen with the application of Penoxsulam + Butachlor @ 2L/ha (PE) on 3 days after transplantation (DAT), and Conoweeder twice on 25 and 35 DAT, may be attributed to the effective management of a weed-free environment, especially during critical growth phases of the crop. Suppression of agricultural weed competition facilitated increased growth and development of rice crop, resulting in elevated grain and straw yield.

Optimization-based design of structure and operation parameters simultaneously for real-world distillation column based on rate-based model

Simultaneously optimizing the structure and operating parameters of distillation columns based on rigorous rate-based models is critical for various process intensification technologies to achieve their intended purpose in real-world distillation columns. However, efficiently optimizing a distillation column based on rate-based models while considering the column hydraulics is far from practical. The biggest obstacle in using rigorous models for distillation columns in an equation-oriented environment is ensuring a robust solution for large-scale, strongly coupled nonlinear models, along with the simultaneous optimization of integer and continuous variables. In this study, a new optimization framework was introduced. It incorporated a pseudo-transient simulation method to ensure convergence of the simulation in equation-oriented environment. Additionally, an efficient relaxation method transformed the mixed integer nonlinear programming problem into a nonlinear programming problem, facilitating simultaneous optimization of both the integer variable representing column structure and the continuous variables governing column operation. Three examples, including a complex intensified catalytic distillation column, were optimized to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed framework. Specifically, its advantages in terms of mathematical optimality and industrial feasibility were illustrated.

Gas-liquid countercurrent flow characteristics in a microbubble column reactor

Countercurrent flow mode is widely utilized in many chemical unit operations due to its effective enhancement of mass transfer driving force. While the microbubble column reactor has garnered attention for its substantial gas–liquid specific surface area and fast mass transfer rate under the concurrent flow condition, countercurrent flow microbubble column reactors remain relatively underexplored. Consequently, in this study a novel microbubble generator device featuring gas–liquid co-crossing a microfiltration membrane was developed. This device could generate microbubbles with narrow size distribution, and proved suitable for integration into the countercurrent microbubble column reactor. Further investigation ensued to elucidate the operational principles of this dispersion method. Finally, the hydrodynamic behavior of the countercurrent microbubble column reactor was examined. Remarkably, a gas–liquid-specific surface area 2300 m2/m3 was reached, surpassing that of conventional bubble column reactors by a significant margin. New gas–liquid chemical processes and process intensification technologies could be developed accordingly.

Development of technology for intensification of oil production using emulsion based on natural gasoline and solutions of nitrite compounds

This article focuses on the issue of enhancing oil production by eliminating asphalt, resin, and paraffin deposits (ARPD). These deposits pose significant challenges, including equipment clogging, reduced well productivity, and increased maintenance costs. Moreover, paraffin deposits can damage well equipment, cause accidents, and halt hydrocarbon production. The study involved laboratory and field experiments at the Uzen field to evaluate the efficiency of removing and dissolving paraffin using an emulsion composed of gas gasoline and nitrite compound solutions. Previous studies conducted at NGDU Uzenneft were critically analyzed for comparison. The scientific innovation of this research lies in the development of an emulsion based on gas gasoline and nitrite compound solutions to remove ARPD. The composition was designed to exclude highly aggressive components. It utilized a previously developed emulsion base and incorporated ammonium nitrite, slightly acidified with hydrogen chloride (0.1% by mass), to promote an exothermic reaction.The effectiveness of this technology was measured by changes in daily oil production rates, the duration of the treatment's effect, and changes in the well productivity coefficient before and after treatment.Results indicate that the developed technology successfully removed paraffin from the bottomhole zone of oil wells and increased oil production in 5 out of 6 wells at the Uzen field. The positive effect lasted 17-27 days, with oil inflow increasing by 17-174%. This led to a total additional oil production of 1528 tons from the five wells. Keywords: bottomhole formation zone; asphalt-resin-paraffin deposits; nitrite composition; surfactants; enhanced oil recovery.

Analysis of possibilities for stabilizing hydrocarbon production depending on the stage of development

Of key importance for planning the sustainable development of territories is the potential for stable production of hydrocarbon reserves, which can be expressed by the time of its duration. In the practice of developing oil and gas fields, two methods are known to stabilize production: through geological and technological measures that increase the productivity of wells and by regulating their operating modes. The second method, on the contrary, involves limiting the growth of selections at the initial stage of development. Due to this, the further decline in production turns out to be slower. Accordingly, the need for geological and technological measures is also decreasing. To describe the quantitative characteristics of production stabilization in both cases, a mathematical apparatus has been developed, based on the equations of state of hydrocarbons, the laws of underground hydrodynamics, as well as the work of specialists in the field of analysis and forecasting of the production of hydrocarbon reserves. It has been established that the processes of development of recoverable reserves of both oil and gas are subject to the same laws, and therefore can be described by means of one generalizing equation. Based on the equation, formulas are derived for calculating the duration of a stable production period depending on both the efficiency of intensification technologies and the degree of capacity redundancy, as well as the availability of recoverable reserves and the degree of their production. Calculations of the duration of the stable production stage for specific geological and technological conditions are presented. Keywords: hydrocarbon production; geological and technological measures; operating mode; reserves development.

Livelihood Diversity of Rural Communities Without Legal Access to Forest Resources: The Case of Kerinci Seblat National Park in Bengkulu Province

Kerinci Seblat National Park in Bengkulu, Indonesia, was gazetted by the Indonesian government, and its overlaps with forests occupied by most indigenous communities made their farming activities in the area illegal. People were prohibited from accessing and expanding their farming areas in the national park, threatening their livelihoods. The livelihood diversity index (LDI) and livelihood asset index (LAI) were used to explore the livelihood systems of these communities. This study also examines the effect of livelihood assets on livelihood diversity and analyzes livelihood strategy choices using Giddens’ structuration theory. A quantitative survey combined with in-depth interviews was conducted in two villages with different land types: wetlands (rice fields) and drylands (farmlands). This study found that the communities diversified their livelihoods into eight types of livelihood strategies. Almost all livelihood indicators were different, and the differences in livelihood asset indicators affected the LDI. As a process of structuration, communities have diversified their livelihoods into farm (e.g., annual and perennial crops), off-farm (e.g., farm wages), and non-farm (e.g., services and government transfer) activities. Rural households have modified their social and physical structures to secure their livelihoods by optimizing agricultural intensification technologies or by seeking non-agricultural income. Households decide whether to specialize or diversify their livelihoods based on factors such as the area of cultivated land, number of crops cultivated, distance of the farming location from the house, total household income, non-farm income, and reciprocal relationships.

Comprehensive Analysis of Pressure Drop Phenomena in Rotating Packed Bed Distillation: An In-Depth Investigation.

A rotating packed bed (RPB) is an innovative intensification technology that improves its separation capabilities in high-gravity conditions. This process increases efficiency with smaller equipment size and footprint than conventional packed columns. Although significant advancements have been made regarding RPBs, most studies only focused on single or dual rotor configurations in addressing dry pressure drop. Hence, multiple rotor systems in industrial settings can enhance economic efficiency by minimizing the necessity for numerous RPBs. This study investigated the pressure drops and holdup in a three-stage rotor-based RPB under actual process conditions using natural gas as the feed. A novel pressure drop correlation was introduced based on the nitrogen removal process from the natural gas in continuous RPB distillation operations. Consequently, the correlation between centrifugal acceleration, turbulent, and momentum effects demonstrated remarkable accuracy within ±15%. This outcome also highlighted the importance of meticulous design considerations in RPB-based applications due to the complex correlation between centrifugal forces, liquid holdup, and gas flow rates. The reflux feed ratio, liquid holdup, rotating speed, and F-factor effects were examined to comprehend the RPB distillation process. Overall, the correlations between the critical parameters offered crucial insights to prevent process upsets (such as flooding), contributing to advancing RPBs in practical industrial settings.

Degradation of tetracycline by combining hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) and ultraviolet (UV)

Abstract Antibiotics have become a new type of organic pollutant. Traditional methods of antibiotic treatment have several problems, including low treatment efficiency, high cost, and low safety. As an emerging process intensification technology, hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) can significantly enhance degradation efficiency coupling with other treatment means. This work studies the degradation effect of a representative antibiotic, tetracycline, by combining HC and UV. The effect of various operating factors, including inlet pressure, initial concentration, pH, and temperature, is analyzed. It is found that HC/UV can obtain 1.7∼4.2 times more effectiveness than that of sole use of HC or UV.

Mechanism analysis and performance evaluation of clean and efficient recovery of N-heptanol/N-hexanol from wastewater via extractive distillation with green mixed entrainer

A clean and sustainable process for separating n-heptanol/n-hexanol/water industrial mixing system by extractive distillation via mixing organic solvent with ionic liquid as an entrainer was proposed. The mechanism of intermolecular microscopic interaction was explored by quantum chemistry calculation. By using multi-objective optimization, the optimal operating parameters of the process were obtained. In addition, process intensification technology was introduced, which improved the problems of high cost and high energy consumption in the conventional extractive distillation process. Finally, multiple performances were evaluated and analyzed for different processes. It was found that the coupled heat integration and heat pump technology to assist the extractive distillation process saved 10.45% in terms of economy, reduced gas emissions by 49.00%, and reduced energy consumption by 48.99% compared to the basic extractive distillation process. This confirmed the reliability and feasibility of implementing the process intensification technology. This work demonstrates the application of organic solvent mixed with ionic liquid as entrainer and process intensification technology in the extractive distillation process, providing guidance and reference for the design of the extractive distillation process.

Bubble mass transfer in fluids under gravity: a review of theoretical models and intensification technologies in industry

Bubble mass transfer is a common phenomenon in industrial applications. In this paper, bubble dynamics in both still and turbulent flow were introduced first, followed by the mass transfer properties of a single bubble and bubble swarms. Then, bubble mass transfer models for different scenarios were summarized, including three classical models, extended models, eddy diffusion and whirlpool theoretical models, and semi- or empirical correlations. Finally, existing methods for mass transfer intensification in industries were reviewed. Despite extensive researches, the mechanism for bubble mass transfer has not been fully understood. Models are commonly limited to some specific conditions and the accuracy is limited, especially for bubble swarms and bubble mass transfer in turbulent and non-Newtonian fluids. Also, the mass transfer intensification methods have their own limitations. Additional exploration of knowledge on bubble mass transfer models and further improvement in mass transfer intensification technologies are still required in the future.

Prediction of Hydrodynamic Parameters of the State of the Bottomhole Zone of Wells Using Machine Learning Methods

The relevance of the development of a methodology for the operational assessment of the bottom-hole formation zone (the permeability of the bottom-hole formation zone and the skin factor) is primarily due to economic considerations, since existing approaches to its definition based on hydrodynamic studies lead to shortages and increased risks of failure to ensure the output of the well. In this regard, the use of modern methods of working with big data, such as deep learning of artificial neural networks, will ensure monitoring of the condition of the bottom-hole zone of the well formation without stopping them for hydrodynamic tests, which will reduce losses for oil production enterprises. It will allow for operational analysis for effective and timely application of intensification technologies, enhanced oil recovery. The authors analyzed the existing methods for determining the bottom-hole characteristics of the formation and machine learning approaches in the direction of solving this problem. The article presents a methodology for the operational assessment of the state of the bottom-hole formation zone: the permeability of the near bottomhole zone (NBHZ) and the skin factor using artificial neural network training approaches based on geological, operational data and the results of interpretation of hydrodynamic studies on the example of sandstones of oil fields in the Perm Region. A fully connected neural network was used to predict the NBHZ permeability. The article presents the results of testing various neural network architectures: the number of layers and neurons in layers with the choice of the best one. Some techniques were used to prevent over-training of models. The author’s methodology for assessing the skin factor of wells is proposed using a comprehensive analysis of the constructed statistical models and training models of artificial neural networks to solve the regression problem. In future studies, it is planned to use recurrent and convolutional neural networks to study the dynamic components of the formation of the bottom-hole formation zone and create an integrated approach to solve the problem.

Comparative analysis of process intensification technologies (PIT) for improved cell disruption and lipid recovery in Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1 microalgae

SummaryThis study explores enhancing lipid recovery from the lipid‐rich marine microalgae Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1, known for its robust cell wall posing challenges, which necessitates energy‐intensive cell‐disruption for efficient intracellular lipid extraction. Despite advancements in other microalgae, there is lack of reports on efficient cell disruption for Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1 which is vital to reduce the energy costs and minimising the downstream process while maximising lipid yields. Three process intensification technologies (PIT) – microwave treatment, autoclave treatment and ultrasonication were employed on wet Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1 cells to improve the lipid extraction efficiency. Assessing the disruption effectiveness via lipid content, suspension turbidity and particle size distribution, alongside scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for cellular morphology changes post‐PIT treatments, this study indicates all three methods reduced particle size with prolonged treatment time, implying successful cell wall disruption and intracellular component release. Ultrasonication, especially at 50 W power for 10 min, exhibited the highest efficacy, yielding lipid content of 67.76 ± 0.03%. Microscopic analysis unveiled ultrasonication‐induced cell shrinkage and increased membrane permeability, supporting its effectiveness in enhancing solvent penetration for improved lipid recovery. This research underscores PIT techniques' potential as sustainable, energy‐efficient strategies for lipid extraction from Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1 microalgae.

Agroecological dimension of sustainable intensification technologies adoption in northern Ghana

Agroecological dimension of sustainable intensification technologies adoption in northern Ghana

Life cycle assessment for evaluation of novel solvents and technologies: A case study of flavonoids extraction from Ginkgo biloba leaves

Innovative solvents such as deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and process intensification technologies assisted by ultrasound have been demonstrated to be promising pathways for enhancing solid-liquid extraction. Nevertheless, quantitative and systematic knowledge of their environmental impact is still limited. In this work, a case study of flavonoids extraction from Ginkgo biloba leaves was evaluated by using life cycle assessment (LCA) for comparison of three extraction scenarios. The first used DES as extractant (DESE), and the other two adopted ethanol, including heat reflux extraction (HRE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Among eight key midpoints investigated, all these from UAE were 10.0 %–80.0 % lower than from DESE and HRE except water consumption. The UAE was the eco-friendliest option due to its higher extraction yield, shorter duration and lower solvent consumption. The DESE exhibited the lowest water consumption, the highest freshwater ecotoxicity and human carcinogenic toxicity, while HRE had the highest impacts for the other 6 midpoints. Moreover, solvent production was the key contributor for all the categories. The standardized sensitivity analysis showed that the overall environmental footprint can be further decreased by 15.4 % for DESE pathways via substituting choline chloride/glycerine with choline chloride/ethylene glycol. Furthermore, all pathways using DESs had higher standardized impacts than those employing ethanol from sugarcane or wood. Replacing ethanol from maize with other feedstocks can significantly lessen the overall impacts, among which the UAE using ethanol from sugarcane demonstrated the least environmental impacts. The promotion of DESs as “green and sustainable” alternative to traditional solvents requires careful consideration.

Eco-efficiency analysis and intensification of the monochlorobenzene separation process through double-effect strategy

Distillation is an energy-intensive operation with high capital and operational costs. For this reason, intensification technologies have been developed to significantly reduce the energy usage, utility costs, and carbon footprint of modern chemical plants. In this work, a double-effect intensification strategy with heat integration was proposed for an industrial-scale monochlorobenzene separation process that can be used in a retrofit design. The conventional process and the intensification configurations were designed by simulation in UniSim software. A utility plant with cooling water and steam generation sections was also considered for realistic results regarding water consumption, CO2 emissions, and utility costs. Additionally, in order to establish a qualitative and quantitative overall analysis, such indicators were grouped in a joint evaluation method using the Comparative Eco-Efficiency Index. The proposed configuration provides savings of 60.15 % and 61.79 % in energy and water consumption, respectively; therefore, savings of 60.15 % and 60.20 % in CO2 emissions and utility costs were achieved, respectively, which increased the process's eco-efficiency by 84.57 % and decreased the TAC criterion by 29.65 %. Thus, the new design prove to be a convenient strategy since it significantly improved the original process performance in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Understanding Resource Recycling and Land Management to Upscale Zero-Tillage Potato Cultivation in the Coastal Indian Sundarbans

Upscaling sustainable intensification (SI) technologies is crucial to enhancing the resilience of fragile farming systems and vulnerable livelihoods of smallholder farmers. It is also critical to shape the future land-use and land-cover changes in a region. Zero-tillage potato cultivation (ZTPC), introduced as an SI intervention in parts of the Indian Sundarbans, has demonstrated promises of rapid upscaling, and thus, changes in the seasonal land-use pattern in the region. This study aims to understand the socioecological complexity of farming systems to comprehend how the nascent stage of ZTPC thrives at the farm level and what preconditions are necessary to upscale them. The objectives are to analyse the farm resource recycling pattern in ZTPC, and map and simulate its system’s complexity to strategize ZTPC upscaling in the region. The analysis of farm resource recycling data reveals that ZTPC stability hinges on managing trade-offs in resource allocations, specifically involving straw, organic manure, sweet water, and family labour. The decision to manage such trade-offs depends on farm type characterizations by their landholdings, distance from the homestead, pond, and cattle ownership, competing crops, and family composition. Using a semiquantitative systems model developed through fuzzy cognitive mapping, the study underscores the significance of effective training, input support, enterprise diversification by introducing livestock, timely tuber supply, access to critical irrigation, and capacity building of local institutions as the essential preconditions to sustain and upscale ZTPC. This research contributes a systems perspective to predict agricultural land use within technology transfer initiatives, providing insights into how farm- and extra-farm factors influence resource allocations for ZTPC. Public extension offices must understand the trade-offs associated with straw, organic matter, and harvested water and design differentiated supports for different farm types. The most compelling interventions to upscale ZTPC includes farm diversification by introducing livestock through institutional convergence, pragmatic agroforestry initiatives to enhance on-farm biomass and fuel production, building awareness and integrating alternative energy use to save straw and cow dung, building social capital to ensure access to sweet irrigation water, and developing and/or strengthening farmer collectives to ensure the supply of quality tuber and marketing of farm produce.

Strategies to overcome stagnation in agricultural adoption despite awareness and interest: a case study of conservation agriculture in South Asia

Abstract The Eastern Gangetic Plains are a densely populated region of South Asia with comparatively low productivity yet a strong potential to intensify production to meet growing food demands. Conservation agriculture-based sustainable intensification (CASI) has gained academic and policy traction in the region, yet despite considerable promotional activities, uptake remains limited. Based on emerging evidence delving beyond a binary classification of adoption, this qualitative study seeks to explore the experiences and perspectives of smallholder farmers who express positive sentiments about CASI, yet have not progressed to (autonomous) adoption. After thematic coding of semi-structured interviews with 44 experimenting farmers and 38 interested non-users, ten common themes emerged that explain why farmers stagnate in their adoption process. Seven of the ten themes were non-specific to CASI and would constraint promotion and uptake of any agri-system change, highlighting the need for contextual clarity when promoting practice changes in smallholder systems. We summaries this to propose the ‘four T's’ that are required to be addressed to enable agricultural change in smallholder systems: Targeting; Training; Targeted incentives; and Time. Through this more nuanced evaluation approach, we argue the need for a stronger focus on enabling environments rather than technological performance evaluations generically, if promotional efforts are to be successful and emerging sustainable intensification technologies are to be adopted by smallholder farmers.