Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tomasz Plusa, Jan Talaga, Andrzej Duda, Piotr Duda
Summary: This paper presents the results of measurements in uncovered baffled and unbaffled stirred tanks, using Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) to simulate mixing dynamics. Three turbulence models were verified and simulations were performed in both steady- and transient-state approaches. A simplified numerical model without the central vortex was proposed to reduce computational time, which can be used for designing and optimizing the mixing process.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Debmalya Mukherjee, Nirvik Sen, Krishna Kumar Singh, Shilpi Saha, Anuradha Mayya, Kalsanka Trivikram Shenoy
Summary: In this study, a novel non-invasive technique using an ultrasonic sensor was developed to estimate mixing time in an unbaffled stirred tank. The method was validated and used to determine mixing time under different operating and geometrical conditions.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
A. Zak, F. Alberini, F. Maluta, T. Moucha, G. Montante, A. Paglianti
Summary: This study investigates a gas-liquid stirred tank of high aspect ratio that replicates the geometry of typical industrial aerated fermenters. The liquid phase homogenization dynamics and gas phase spatial distribution are determined using Electrical Resistance Tomography. The reliability of the collected data is quantitatively evaluated by comparing results obtained from vertical and horizontal arrangements of electrodes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fatemeh Safari-Alamuti, Akshay Bhalerao, Alexandra E. Komrakova, Marcio B. Machado, Suzanne M. Kresta
Summary: This paper investigates the liquid drawdown and dispersion in stirred tanks at high hold-up using six variables. The results suggest that scaling with mixing energy captures the information better than scaling with power consumption. The correlation between cl32-cd and Jcd/m is strong across different impeller geometries, tank configurations, and hold-ups.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mengke Guo, Zhuotai Jia, Shuaifeng Zhang, Bo Kong, Minghui Xie, Qinghua Zhang, Chao Yang
Summary: The study focuses on the application of V-shaped punched baffle in gas-liquid systems and compares its performance with standard baffles. The results indicate that V-shaped baffles can enhance fluid mixing and improve gas dispersion and turbulence, especially VSPB-2.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mehrrad Saadatmand, Mehak Mehta, Kelly Walsh, Matthew Lau, Bashir Siddique, Jason E. E. Fernandez
Summary: Mixing of liquids is essential in biopharmaceutical drug manufacturing. Traditional at-scale mixing studies are expensive and not always representative. This study proposes an alternative method using surrogate solutions and computational fluid dynamic simulations to accurately predict mixing parameters.
PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mei Wu, Nico Jurtz, Lena Hohl, Matthias Kraume
Summary: This study investigates the mixing performance and power consumption of four dual-impeller configurations in a stirred tank using the mean age theory (MAT) approach, the fully transient techniques (FTT), and experiments. A novel method is developed to apply the MAT method to multi-impeller systems for the first time based on the scaled mean age probability distribution curve. The MAT approach provides a three-dimensional tracer distribution within the vessel, which is validated by FTT and experiments. The predicted mixing time from the MAT approach shows a deviation within 20% compared to the experimental data, with a good degree of accuracy compared to FTT and correlations.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
M. Kolano, J. Danke, M. Kraume
Summary: In this study, stirring experiments were conducted in a pilot scale tank to investigate the mixing behavior of biogas fermenters using side-entering axial impellers. The analysis revealed three general propeller flow types resulting from the interplay of elastic and inertial forces. A new correlation between axial flow rate and thrust was derived, enabling the prediction of mixing times with good accuracy independently of propeller geometry and mostly rheology below a critical elasticity number.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jian Peng, Wei Sun, Haisheng Han, Le Xie, Yao Xiao
Summary: In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was used to investigate liquid-liquid mixing behavior, while the population balance model (PBM) was used to characterize droplet size distribution. The study found that impeller position, stirring speed, and the number of impellers significantly affect mixing efficiency.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Giuseppe Forte, Federico Alberini, Mark Simmons, Hugh E. Stitt
Summary: This study developed a method to evaluate gas-liquid mixing regimes using acoustic emission data, and successfully identified different operating conditions with high accuracy in various flow regimes.
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ondrej Gebousky, Kristyna Idzakovicova, Jan Haidl
Summary: In the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, ensuring the cleanliness and sterility of the process environment is crucial. The study focuses on the mixing time in an atypical reactor using two experimental techniques, conductometry and decolorization, and fills the knowledge gap on the mixing performance in such vessels. The experimental results propose correlations for the design of standard and atypical vessels and highlight the impact of segregated vortex formation on vessel mixing characteristics.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Michael Hurley, Murray Rudman, Jie Wu
Summary: Unbaffled mixing systems have advantages in power consumption for solids suspension, but the oscillations within the tank are a drawback. Experimental studies have shown oscillations in settling solids and variations in input power with constant impeller speed and determined the frequency and amplitude of these oscillations in different configurations. The oscillations are influenced by impeller size, type, and clearance, as well as solids concentration, but not by liquid surface condition. The oscillation frequency is related to the circulation time in the tank and exhibits distinguishing features from previously observed macro-instabilities.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Timothy Ayodeji Oluwadero, Catherine Xuereb, Joelle Aubin, Martine Poux
Summary: This investigation explores the influence of jet nozzle orientation on mixing time in a cylindrical tank. It aims to find nozzle positions that enhance mixing performance and understand the relevant parameters. The study uses a water tank and measures mixing time through an inert tracer and spectrophotometry. The findings demonstrate that jet nozzle position significantly affects mixing time. It evaluates the accuracy of existing jet turbulence and circulation models for predicting mixing time at different nozzle positions. Results show that the models accurately predict mixing time for centrally aligned and upward-pointing jet nozzle positions, but with varying proportionality constants for other nozzle positions.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuan Yao, Zuohua Liu, Guocan Zheng, Changyuan Tao, Yundong Wang, Benjun Xi
Summary: This study proposes a new mixer combining an elliptical uncovered unbaffled stirred tank with a rigid-flexible impeller to improve solid-liquid suspension performance. Comparisons were made between the elliptical and circular uncovered unbaffled stirred tanks under equal liquid height and volume. The results show that the elliptical system reduces suspension speed and power consumption significantly, improves solid homogeneity, achieves chaotic mixing at lower power consumption, and exhibits secondary motions that contribute to better solid suspension.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Grace E. Cunningham, Shreyasi Deshpande, Mark J. H. Simmons, Jonathan O'Sullivan
Summary: This study explores the use of traditional mixer-viscometer techniques to infer viscosity from torque-speed data during batch mixing processes. The non-linearity in torque-speed data at lower fill levels presents challenges, which may require non-linear modelling techniques or data driven models to overcome.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Serena Lima, Valeria Villanova, Franco Grisafi, Alberto Brucato, Francesca Scargiali
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Serena Lima, Peter S. C. Schulze, Lisa M. Schuler, Ralf Rautenberger, Daniela Morales-Sanchez, Tamara F. Santos, Hugo Pereira, Joao C. S. Varela, Francesca Scargiali, Rene H. Wijffels, Viswanath Kiron
Summary: The periodic emission of light pulses by LEDs can stimulate growth or induce high value biocompounds in microalgae. Low-frequency flashing light can increase the productivity of proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments in algae biomass.
JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pasquale Iannotta, Giuseppe Caputo, Francesca Scargiali, Sonia Longo, Maurizio Cellura, Alberto Brucato
Summary: This study evaluated the environmental performance of an integrated process based on supercritical water gasification and oxidation using life cycle assessment. The process showed reduced impacts in different categories and achieved a favorable positive life cycle energy balance, demonstrating good environmental performance.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
F. Vassallo, F. Giacalone, F. Scargiali, A. Tamburini, A. Cipollina, G. Micale
Summary: Thermolytic solutions can be used to regenerate ammonium bicarbonate aqueous solution to restore its initial concentration. Among the investigated processes, only vapor stripping is found to be viable for such applications.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Valeria Villanova, Christian Galasso, Federica Fiorini, Serena Lima, Mark Broenstrup, Clementina Sansone, Christophe Brunet, Alberto Brucato, Francesca Scargiali
Summary: This study isolated various microbial strains from saltern ponds in Sicily, Italy, and investigated their growth capacity under different salinity conditions, as well as analyzed their metabolomic profiles and pigment production. Some strains were found to synthesize known bioactive molecules and exhibit bioactivity on human cells.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alessandro Tamburini, Alberto Brucato, Michele Ciofalo, Gaetano Gagliano, Giorgio Micale, Francesca Scargiali
Summary: RANS simulations were conducted on laboratory scale unbaffled tanks and baffled tanks stirred by a Rushton turbine, comparing the performance of different turbulence models and finding varying optimal choices for different Reynolds numbers.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rosaria Arena, Serena Lima, Valeria Villanova, Nadia Moukri, Eleonora Curcuraci, Concetta Messina, Andrea Santulli, Francesca Scargiali
Summary: This study investigates the potential of developing a regional-based microalgal industry in Sicily by collecting local microalgal strains and cultivating them under different conditions. The results show that environmental stresses such as temperature and salt have significant impacts on the growth performance and biochemical composition of microalgae, laying the foundation for future utilization of Sicily's natural biodiversity.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Serena Lima, Alberto Brucato, Giuseppe Caputo, Luca Schembri, Francesca Scargiali
Summary: By developing a model, researchers were able to predict the growth of microalgae in reactors with different configurations. Furthermore, they found that biomass and lipid content of the microalgae changed under different light intensities and reactor configurations.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Serena Lima, Alberto Brucato, Giuseppe Caputo, Franco Grisafi, Francesca Scargiali
Summary: In this study, municipal wastewater was treated using microalgal/activated sludge consortia to achieve a positive interaction between microalgae and heterotrophic bacteria for bioremediation. The strain of Chlorella sp CW2 was isolated and characterized, and its combination with activated sludge in different ratios was evaluated for wastewater treatment. The best results were obtained with a ratio of 1:2 and 2:1 for Chlorella sp CW2 and activated sludge, achieving COD, total nitrogen, and total phosphorous removal efficiencies of 81.39%, 86.12%, and 82.89% respectively. Analysis of the residual biomass suggested that the most promising sample for valorization was the combination of Chlorella sp CW2 and activated sludge in a ratio of 1:5.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Serena Lima, Jep Lokesh, Peter S. C. Schulze, Rene H. Wijffels, Viswanath Kiron, Francesca Scargiali, Sebastian Petters, Hans C. Bernstein, Daniela Morales-Sanchez
Summary: This study investigates the adaptation of Nannochloropsis gaditana to different flashing light frequencies. The results show that under low frequency flashing lights, the accumulation of photopigments increases, photosynthetic efficiency improves, and the expression of genes related to triacylglycerol biosynthesis is significantly increased.
JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
F. Grisafi, A. Brucato, G. Caputo, S. Lima, F. Scargiali
Summary: This paper introduces a set of models for simulating batch dissolution of polydisperse particles in stirred vessels. These models cover all scenarios of particle batch dissolution and have been experimentally validated.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Serena Lima, Elisa I. Garcia-Lopez, Alaa Adawy, Giuseppe Marci, Francesca Scargiali
Summary: In this study, a two-step process was used to valorize recalcitrant Chlorella sp. microalgal biomass by extracting the sugar content and converting it into 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF). The first step optimized the pretreatment of the biomass to maximize carbohydrate release and hydrolysis. The second step involved the catalytic isomerization/dehydration of monosaccharides to yield 5-HMF using niobium-based catalysts.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luigi Gurreri, Mirko Calanni Rindina, Antonella Luciano, Serena Lima, Francesca Scargiali, Debora Fino, Giuseppe Mancini
Summary: Microalgae and cyanobacteria are valuable resources for producing biofuels/bioenergy, biomaterials, and biochemicals. Although microalgal systems can involve waste stream valorization and green chemistry, their sustainability is uncertain, hindering their large-scale application. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) based on primary data for microalgal pilot to industrial-scale plants are lacking uniformity and transparency. The review identified electricity consumption and infrastructure as major hotspots, and recommended the use of renewable energy and sunlight for biomass photosynthesis. Upstream processes and suitable reactors, locations, and harvesting methods also impact the environmental profile. Biofuels are not competitive, but multi-product biorefinery scenarios show promise. Co-product valorization, waste stream utilization, renewable energy deployment, and compound productivity need enhancement for high-value microalgal compounds. More LCA studies on large-scale plants, particularly integrated biorefinery concepts, are required for sustainable commercial systems.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Marco Maniscalco, Fabiola La Paglia, Pasquale Iannotta, Giuseppe Caputo, Francesca Scargiali, Franco Grisa, Alberto Brucato
Summary: This study focused on the thermal degradation characteristics and kinetic of a plastic mixture primarily composed of LDPE and PP, finding that liquid yield increased with temperature while solid and gas phase yields decreased accordingly.
JOURNAL OF THE ENERGY INSTITUTE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xinping Zhang, Yuxin Guo, Xiaoyang Liu, Shun-Yu Wu, Ya-Xuan Zhu, Shao-Zhe Wang, Qiu-Yi Duan, Ke-Fei Xu, Zi-Heng Li, Xiao-Yu Zhu, Guang-Yu Pan, Fu-Gen Wu
Summary: This study develops a nanotrigger HCFT for simultaneous photodynamic therapy and light-triggered ferroptosis therapy. The nanotrigger can relieve tumor hypoxia, induce enhanced photodynamic reaction, and facilitate the continuation of Fenton reaction, ultimately leading to lethal ferroptosis in tumor cells.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Olumide Bolarinwa Ayodele, Toyin Daniel Shittu, Olayinka S. Togunwa, Dan Yu, Zhen-Yu Tian
Summary: This study focused on the semihydrogenation of acetylene in an ethylene-rich stream using two alloyed Pt catalysts PtCu and PtCo. The PtCu catalyst showed higher activity and ethylene yield compared to PtCo due to its higher unoccupied Pt d-orbital density. This indicates that alloying Pt with Cu is more promising for industrial relevant SHA catalyst.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guowei Chen, Wen-Cheng Chen, Yaozu Su, Ruicheng Wang, Jia-Ming Jin, Hui Liang, Bingxue Tan, Dehua Hu, Shaomin Ji, Hao-Li Zhang, Yanping Huo, Yuguang Ma
Summary: This study proposes an intramolecular dual-locking design for organic luminescent materials, achieving high luminescence efficiency and performance for deep-blue organic light-emitting diodes. The material also exhibits unique mechanochromic luminescence behavior and strong fatigue resistance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Joren van Stee, Gregory Hermans, Jinu Joseph John, Koen Binnemans, Tom Van Gerven
Summary: This work presents a continuous solvent extraction method for the separation of cobalt and nickel in a millifluidic system using Cyphos IL 101 (C101) as the extractant. The optimal conditions for extraction performance and solvent properties were determined by investigating the effects of channel length, flow rate, and temperature. The performance of a developed manifold structure was compared to a single-channel system, and excellent separation results were achieved. The continuous separation process using the manifold structure resulted in high purity cobalt and nickel products.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yan Xu, Jingai Jiang, Xinyi Lv, Hui Li, Dongliang Yang, Wenjun Wang, Yanling Hu, Longcai Liu, Xiaochen Dong, Yu Cai
Summary: A programmed gas release nanoparticle was developed to address the challenges in treating diabetic infected wounds. It effectively removes drug-resistant pathogens and remodels the wound microenvironment using NO and H2S. The nanoparticle can eliminate bacteria and promote wound healing through antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tong Xia, Zhilin Xi, Lianquan Suo, Chen Wang
Summary: This study investigated a highly efficient coal dust suppressant with low initial viscosity and high adhesion-solidification properties. The results demonstrated that the dust suppressant formed a network of multiple hydrogen bonding cross-linking and achieved effective adhesion and solidification of coal dust through various chemical reactions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinzhi Cai, Zhenshan Li
Summary: A density functional theory-based rate equation was developed to predict the gas-solid reaction kinetics of CaO carbonation with CO2 in calcium looping. The negative activation energy of CaO carbonation close to equilibrium was accurately predicted through experimental validation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianxiong Chen, Fuhao Ren, Ningning Yin, Jie Mao
Summary: This study presents an economically efficient and easily implementable surface modification approach to enhance the high-temperature electrical insulation and energy storage performance of polymer dielectrics. The self-assembly of high-insulation-performance boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) on the film surface through electrostatic interactions effectively impedes charge injection from electrodes while promoting charge dissipation and heat transfer.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zijian Li, Zhaohui Yang, Shao Wang, Hongxia Luo, Zhimin Xue, Zhenghui Liu, Tiancheng Mu
Summary: This study reports a strategy for upgrading polyester plastics into value-added chemicals using electrocatalytic methods. By inducing the targeted transfer of *OH species, polyethylene terephthalate was successfully upgraded into potassium diformate with high purity. This work not only develops an excellent electrocatalyst, but also provides guidance for the design of medium entropy metal oxides.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Navneet Singh Shekhawat, Surendra Kumar Patra, Ashok Kumar Patra, Bamaprasad Bag
Summary: This study primarily focuses on developing a sulphur dyeing process at room temperature using bacterial Lysate, which is environmentally friendly, energy and cost effective, and sustainable. The process shows promising improvements in dye uptake and fastness properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dengjia Shen, Hongyang Ma, Madani Khan, Benjamin S. Hsiao
Summary: This study developed cationic PVC nanofibrous membranes with high filtration and adsorption capability for the removal of bacteria and hexavalent chromium ions from wastewater. The membranes demonstrated remarkable performance in terms of filtration efficiency and maximum adsorption capacity. Additionally, modified nanofibrous membranes were produced using recycled materials and showed excellent retention rates in dynamic adsorption processes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoyan Wang, Zhikun Wang, Ben Jia, Chunling Li, Shuangqing Sun, Songqing Hu
Summary: Inspired by photosystem II, self-supported Fe-doped NiCoP nanowire arrays modified with carboxylate were constructed to boost industrial-level overall water splitting by employing the concerted proton-coupled electron transfer mechanism. The introduction of Fe and carboxyl ligand led to improved catalytic activity for HER and OER, and NCFCP@NF exhibited long-term durability for overall water splitting.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pengyao Yu, Ge Yang, Yongming Chai, Lubomira Tosheva, Chunzheng Wang, Heqing Jiang, Chenguang Liu, Hailing Guo
Summary: Thin LTA zeolite membranes were prepared through secondary growth of nano LTA seeds in a highly reactive gel, resulting in membranes with superior permeability and selectivity in gas separation applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Baiqin Zhou, Huiping Li, Ziyu Wang, Hui Huang, Yujun Wang, Ruichun Yang, Ranran Huo, Xiaoyan Xu, Ting Zhou, Xiaochen Dong
Summary: The use of machine learning to predict the performance of specific adsorbents in phosphate adsorption shows great promise in saving time and revealing underlying mechanisms. However, the small size of the dataset and insufficient detailed information limits the model training process and the accuracy of results. To address this, the study employs a fuzzing strategy that replaces detailed numeric information with descriptive text messages on the physiochemical properties of adsorbents. This strategy allows the recovery of discarded samples with limited information, leading to accurate prediction of adsorption amount, capacity, and kinetics. The study also finds that phosphate uptake by adsorbents is generally through physisorption, with some involvement of chemisorption. The framework established in this study provides a practical approach for quickly predicting phosphate adsorption performance in urgent scenarios, using easily accessible information.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Paula Alejandra Lamprea Pineda, Joren Bruneel, Kristof Demeestere, Lisa Deraedt, Tex Goetschalckx, Herman Van Langenhove, Christophe Walgraeve
Summary: This study evaluates the use of four esterified fatty acids and three vegetable oils as absorption liquids for hydrophobic VOCs. The experimental results show that isopropyl myristate is the most efficient liquid for absorbing the target VOCs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2024)