Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhen Feng, Daoyin Liu, Wangle Zhang, Hao Feng, J. Ruud van Ommen
Summary: Fluidization of nanoparticle agglomerates is a promising technique for processing nanoparticles. This study measured the elutriation fraction of silica nanoparticle agglomerates in a vibro-fluidized bed under stable operation conditions. The results showed that the elutriation fraction increased significantly with fluidizing gas velocity but only varied slightly with vibration strength.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hamed Hoorijani, Reza Zarghami, Kamal Nosrati, Navid Mostoufi
Summary: The study investigated the hydrodynamics of fluidization of hydrophilic titanium nanoparticles with vibration, showing that vibration reduces the minimum fluidization velocity, has a significant effect on agglomerates, and causes changes in energy and structure.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Suyang Pan, Jiliang Ma, Daoyin Liu, Xiaoping Chen, Cai Liang
Summary: This paper studies the liquid transport behaviors in a top-sprayed fluidized bed using bed conductance analysis, pressure fluctuation analysis, and bubble image processing. The results show that liquid initially gets trapped in agglomerates before converting to free liquid and spreading from the upper-middle bed to the bottom bed. The disintegrating pattern of agglomerates affects the increase and saturation of free liquid in the bed. The liquid transport process is accelerated by increasing superficial air velocity and particle diameter, while it slows down with increased liquid viscosity and surface tension.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tomonori Fukasawa, Junji Izumi, Shunki Yoshimura, Toru Ishigami, Kunihiro Fukui
Summary: The recycling and reutilization of powdery/dust waste are increasingly important for a sustainable environment and cost reduction. This study investigates component separation using a vibrating fluidized bed and the effects of particle properties on agglomerate formation and destruction. Test powders of rutile and anatase titanium oxide and zinc oxide were used, and changes in the powder layer height and pressure drop were observed. The Ergun equation was utilized to compute agglomerate size and evaluate formation and destruction, and the relationship between equilibrium agglomerate size and vibration intensity was examined.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yadong Zhang, Yani Dong, Guannan Lv, Liang Dong, Yuemin Zhao, Chenlong Duan, Enhui Zhou, Wei Hua
Summary: This study used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure micro-forces between particles and investigate the impact of different operational parameters on the formation of particle clusters in gas-solid fluidized bed separation process. The findings help understand the mechanism of liquid bridge formation and fracture, providing a theoretical basis to prevent particle cluster formation. Results indicate that the extrusion liquid bridge is the main factor for particle liquid bridge formation when relative humidity (RH) is less than 40%, while the relationships between liquid film thickness (h), liquid film volume (Vsq), and RH are linear. However, these relationships become nonlinear when RH is greater than 40%.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jia Wei Chew, W. Casey Q. LaMarche, Ray A. Cocco
Summary: As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the commercialization of the fluidized bed reactor, it is evident that fluidized bed technology has undergone significant advancements in the past century. With the development of sophisticated models, experimentation techniques, and statistical tools, as well as the utilization of computational platforms and AI, the application of fluidized bed technology is expected to become more cost-effective and efficient.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanjiao Li, Kun Hong, Chenyang Zhou, Yuemin Zhao, Chenlong Duan, Liang Dong
Summary: This study investigates the mechanism of vibration energy transfer and dissipation in fluidized beds, and describes the response mechanism of the beds to resonance effect. An evaluation index for energy dissipation rate is proposed, and a new natural frequency model is established to accurately predict the performance of fluidized beds.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Yihao Chi, Hong Xiao, Zhihai Zhang, M. M. Nadakatti, Zhongxia Qian
Summary: This article establishes and analyzes a simulation model to study the influence of vibration frequency and amplitude on the ballast bed tamping operation in the turnout areas. Parameter optimization suggestions are provided based on the research findings.
COMPUTATIONAL PARTICLE MECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jiaying Wang, Zeneng Sun, Yuanyuan Shao, Jesse Zhu
Summary: Circulating fluidized bed combustors are commonly used gas-solid convertors globally. Different operating regimes have been suggested by researchers, but there is still no universally accepted conclusion. Analysis of reported data supports the operation of the bottom part in the bubbling regime and the upper part as an entrained bed in commercial boilers.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanjiao Li, Chenyang Zhou, Guannan Lv, Yongxin Ren, Yuemin Zhao, Qingxia Liu, Zhonghao Rao, Liang Dong
Summary: This study proposed a novel method to predict the minimum fluidization velocity (u(mf)) in a pulsed gas-solid fluidized bed (PGFD) combined with the soft sphere model. A theoretical model of u(mf) was derived for PGFD based on experimental stress analysis of particles, showing good agreement with existing literature data.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Guannan Yang, Haiqi Lai, Wei Lin, Jing Tong, Zhen Peng, Jun Cao, Jiye Luo, Yu Zhang, Chengqiang Cui
Summary: This study explores the structure-property relationship of sintered metal nano/microparticles from the perspective of the agglomerate size effect. A linear correlation between the agglomerate size in the particle paste and the size of large-scale cavities in the sintered structure is revealed, along with a negative correlation between the cavity size and the shear strength of the sintered structure. A quantitative model is proposed to predict the overall strength of the sintered structure, which fits the experimental results well. The model emphasizes the importance of relative agglomerate size or relative cavity size in defining the final sintering properties.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anqi Li, Shuanghe Meng, Kai Huang, Wuqiang Yang, Mao Ye
Summary: In this study, the effects of concentration models on the electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) measurements of gas-fluidized beds were experimentally investigated. The results showed that the concentration models can significantly influence the measured solid concentrations and the threshold selection for identifying bubbles and emulsion phase in gas-fluidized beds. A new concentration model based on a power function was proposed, and the optimal exponent alpha was determined through experimental fitting.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhan Du, Fan Liu, Jiayi Liu, Feng Pan, Chuanlin Fan, Jianbo Zhang
Summary: A green process is proposed to produce Na2S from waste Na2SO4 through hydrogen agglomerate fluidized bed reduction of BaSO4. The new process is more environmentally friendly, highly efficient, and low-cost.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liangliang Fu, Qingjin Zhang, Guangwen Xu, Dingrong Bai
Summary: This study investigates the fluidization characteristics of a laboratory fluidized bed at temperatures up to 1650 degrees C using pressure fluctuation analysis. The results show that the behavior of gas-solid flows in the bed changes at a crucial temperature of approximately 1400 degrees C, due to the strengthening of inter-particle forces. These findings provide a better understanding of ultra-high temperature fluidized beds and can promote their research and development for industrial applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Woobin Lim, Yulim Jeong, Wonjae Lee, Byoungseung Yoo
Summary: This study investigated the effect of protein type (milk protein isolate or soybean protein isolate) and maltodextrin concentration on the physical and rheological properties of agglomerated high-protein powders. It was found that the addition of maltodextrin as a binder significantly improved solubility and altered the particle size, wettability, and porosity of the agglomerates. The results suggest that the choice of protein and binder in the agglomeration process plays a crucial role in determining the properties of high-protein powders.
FOOD SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yingshuang Zhang, Hongru Jiang, Kangyu Wang, Hui Wang, Chongqing Wang
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yingshuang Zhang, Hongru Jiang, Hui Wang, Chongqing Wang
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianchao Wang, Dongbei Yue, Hui Wang
Summary: This study introduces a novel method of hydrophilization by coating non-PVC microplastics with Fe3O4 nanoparticles to facilitate the flotation separation of PVC from microplastic mixtures, resulting in efficient recycling of PVC.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yichen Du, Yingshuang Zhang, Hongru Jiang, Tianshu Li, Maozhi Luo, Ling Wang, Chongqing Wang, Hui Wang
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ronald W. Breault, Justin Weber, Jingsi Yang
Summary: This study introduces a new correlation to describe the saturation carrying capacity of risers in a circulating fluidized bed, applicable to Geldart Group B particles; analysis reveals significant differences in the functionality of saturation carrying capacity for small and large particles.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongru Jiang, Yingshuang Zhang, Chongqing Wang, Hui Wang
Summary: A novel and clean flotation method utilizing aluminum coating was established to separate PVC and PC microplastics. Response surface methodology combined with Box-Behnken design was used to optimize modification, resulting in microplastics recovery and purity exceeding 99.65%. The aluminum coating offers significant benefits over other modifications in terms of reaction temperature, treatment time, and pollution prevention.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jingsi Yang, Venkatesh Meda, Lifeng Zhang, Michael Nickerson
Summary: The urgent need for sustainable sources of nutrients due to the worldwide pressure on food consumption has led to the development of the tribo-electrostatic separation (T-ES) technique. This technique, which charges particles through physical contact and separates them in an electric field, has shown promise in fractionation of protein and starch in various crops. However, challenges and gaps in the understanding of the charging mechanism and conflicting conclusions in published papers highlight the need for further research.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zike Huang, Bo Hu, Hui Wang
Summary: This article reviews classical and advanced methods for microplastic analysis, including various analytical techniques, to provide technical support for addressing microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongru Jiang, Jiming Su, Yingshuang Zhang, Kai Bian, Zhiyi Wang, Hui Wang, Chongqing Wang
Summary: The global demand for personal protective equipment, especially disposable face masks, has greatly increased due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Disposable face masks may become a potential source of microplastics, which has gained significant attention. In this study, the detailed sources of microplastics released from disposable face masks were identified using laser direct infrared spectroscopy. Polypropylene and polyurethane were found to be the major contributors to released microplastics. The melt-blown fabric was the dominant source, while previous studies underestimated the contribution of the mask rope. The study also investigated the effects of environmental factors on microplastics release, finding that temperature, incubation time, wearing time, as well as acidity, alkalinity, sodium chloride, and humic acid were all significant factors. The study further proposed a novel flotation removal system combined with cocoamidopropyl betaine to efficiently remove microplastics from water, providing insights into microplastics release from disposable face masks and a potential strategy for controlling microplastic pollution.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongru Jiang, Jiaqi Bu, Kai Bian, Jiming Su, Zhiyi Wang, Han Sun, Hui Wang, Yingshuang Zhang, Chongqing Wang
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) are released into the environment due to the widespread usage and improper management of plastics. This study found that exposure to the natural environment increases the hydrophilicity of MPs. The flotation efficiency of different types of MPs decreased to zero after six months of natural incubation in rivers. Surfactants were applied to enhance the hydrophobicity and flotation efficiency of MPs.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yingshuan Zhang, Qiang Wang, Nuerbiya Yalikun, Hongru Jiang, Hui Wang, Chongqing Wang, Dingkai Hu, Yanlong Hu
Summary: This research proposed a froth flotation method controlled by wettability regulation strategies to separate heterogeneous waste plastics, especially the separation of hydrophilic plastics from hydrophobic hazardous plastics. By introducing the catalysis of green tea extract-reducing iron nanoparticles, successful separation and recovery of the waste plastics were achieved.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jiming Su, Fupeng Zhang, Chuanxiu Yu, Yingshuang Zhang, Jianchao Wang, Chongqing Wang, Hui Wang, Hongru Jiang
Summary: This review discusses the application of machine learning in microplastics research. By analyzing datasets and feature extraction methods from relevant literature, environmental scientists can better construct microplastics datasets. Commonly used machine learning algorithms and methods for improving and evaluating model performance are also discussed. Additionally, other applications of machine learning in microplastics studies are explored, revealing its great potential.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zike Huang, Hui Wang
Summary: The study of plastic photoaging is significant for controlling plastic pollution, but there is lack of research on the perspective of polymer structure. In this study, we used flow cytometry to investigate the capacity of different types of plastics to generate microplastics and the impact of photoaging on plastics. The results showed that flow cytometry can quantify small microplastics and nanoplastics, and photoaging accelerates the generation of microplastics and roughens plastic surface. Moreover, photoaging introduces oxygen-containing groups onto plastic surface, changing the wettability. Although it has adverse effects, new processes and materials can still be developed based on plastic photoaging. This study contributes to a better understanding of plastic photoaging from the perspective of polymer structure, which is important for controlling plastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zike Huang, Hui Wang
Summary: Plastic flotation has a promising application prospect in waste plastic recycling, but the surface reconstruction effect may worsen the separation efficiency. To overcome this issue, the role of environmental factors, especially ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, on the reconstruction of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups needs to be explored. In this study, we hydrophilized six common plastics using Fenton aging and polyaluminum chloride (PAC) modification, and investigated the UV irradiation-surface reconstruction effect through flotation experiments. The results showed that UV irradiation significantly enhanced the surface reconstruction effect of hydrophilic plastics and the wettability of plastic surfaces could be regulated. Based on these findings, a novel UV irradiation-flotation process was successfully developed for the separation of PVC, ABS, and polyester.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Atsuto Kogane, Kenya Kuwagi, Yoshihide Mawatari, Libby Davoren, Jonathan P. K. Seville, David J. Parker
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)