Prediction of B20 Storage Tank Precipitate Removal Based on Biodiesel Monoglyceride Content

Precipitate in B20 fuel stored in storage tanks can accumulate at the bottom level of the tank and affect the fuel filter, clogging in the fuel distribution and engine system. This study examines the precipitate formation prediction in B20 fuel based on the monoglyceride content in biodiesel. This research used a modified CSFT method of ASTM D7501 for the precipitation test. Monopalmitin was added to biodiesel with a variation of monoglyceride content. Each biodiesel sample was then blended with petroleum diesel fuel to produce two groups of samples. Each sample was separately soaked in the cooling chamber at constant and room temperature for 21 days. The bottom layer of each B20 fuel sample stored in the measuring cylinder was then pipetted and filtered, washed with petro-ether, vacuum-dried, and weighed for a constant amount of precipitate retained on the filter. The simulation results show that the ratios between the amount of collected precipitate at the bottom layer of the 2-liter measuring cylinder and the total amount of collected precipitate for the 2-liter measuring cylinder increased with the monoglyceride content biodiesel. This ratio was used to predict the amount of accumulated sludge for a given volume of B20 fuel loaded into the storage tank. This study shows the effect of monoglyceride content on the precipitation behaviour in the storage tank concerning general tank storage dimension parameters and B20 loading frequency. This approach can be applied to estimate the sludge removal frequency for biodiesel storage.

Ionic Liquids as Components of Systems for Metal Extraction

This review addresses research and development on the use of ionic liquids as extractants and diluents in the solvent extraction of metals. Primary attention is given to the efficiency and selectivity of metal extraction from industrial wastewater with ionic liquids composed of various cations and anions. The review covers literature sources published in the period of 2010–2021. The bibliography includes 98 references dedicated to research on the extraction and separation of lanthanides (17 sources), actinides (5 sources), heavy metals (35 sources), noble metals, including the platinum group (16 sources), and some other metals.

Recent Developments in Supercapacitor Electrodes: A Mini Review

The use of nonrenewable fossil fuels for energy has increased in recent decades, posing a serious threat to human life. As a result, it is critical to build environmentally friendly and low-cost reliable and renewable energy storage solutions. The supercapacitor is a future energy device because of its higher power density and outstanding cyclic stability with a quick charge and discharge process. Supercapacitors, on the other hand, have a lower energy density than regular batteries. It is well known that the electrochemical characteristic of supercapacitors is strongly dependent on electrode materials. The current review highlights advance in the TMOs for supercapacitor electrodes. In addition, the newly discovered hybrid/pseudo-supercapacitors have been discussed. Metal oxides that are employed as electrode materials are the focus of this study. The discovery of nanostructured electrode materials continues to be a major focus of supercapacitor research. To create high-performance electrode materials from a morphological standpoint, various efforts have been attempted. Lastly, we analyze the supercapacitor’s evolving trend and our perspective for the future generations of supercapacitors.

Experimental Study on Absorption Behavior and Efficiency of Brine in Hazardous Gas Absorption Treatment

There have been studies recently on bubble-column scrubbers with low cost and high efficiency for the absorption and treatment of hazardous gases in the event of a chemical spill. Bubble columns are vulnerable to freezing at temperatures below zero because the absorbents generally do not circulate. To address this issue, this study focused on the applicability, absorbed amount, and performance of brine as an absorbent. Under three different temperatures, i.e., −5 °C, −8 °C and −10 °C we examined brine (NaCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2) by varying the concentration required at each temperature. Following the experiments, CaCl2 brine was determined as the optimal brine for its absorption performance and affordability. Based on the experimental results, the absorption performance for ammonia, ethylene oxide, and methylamine, which are hazardous and water-soluble gases among accident preparedness substances (APS), was tested by using ASEPN PLUS. Our results suggested although the efficiency dropped by about 5% to 25% when brine was used as an absorbent, it can be used at the low temperatures because the gas solubility increased with decreasing temperature. Therefore, if brine, as an alternative, is used at temperatures about 15 °C, it can operate efficiently and stably without deterioration in the absorption performance. Given our experimental results and design data on the absorbed amount and absorbent replacement period for major hazardous gases are utilized to prevent bubble columns from freezing, it can be commercially used for small and medium-sized enterprises because it can help reduce installation and operation costs.

Development of Integrated Electrocoagulation-Sedimentation (IECS) in Continuous Mode for Turbidity and Color Removal

The present work focused on the development and evaluation of a compact electrocoagulation (EC) reactor, combined between EC and clarifier processes in continuous modes for decolorization and turbidity removal, named the integrated electrocoagulation-sedimentation reactor (IECS). The experiments were firstly conducted in the four-liter batch column in order to optimize the EC configuration and operation condition. The removal kinetics were also investigated and predicted for kinetic correlations. After various optimization steps, the IECS reactor was conducted, consisting of EC and clarifier compartments. Liquid flow pattern in EC compartment was examined through resident time distribution technique for defining the number of EC units and divided baffles. In summary, four units of EC were placed in the EC compartment of the IECS reactor with 90% in the width of three baffles. Each EC unit had two pairs of aluminum electrode plats in monopolar arrangement with a 1.5 cm gap and required a current density of 13.5 mA/cm2. For the clarifier compartment, it was mainly designed based on the batch settling test for separating the precipitated particles. The treatment performance of the IECS reactor was tested at different liquid flows in order to reduce the pollutant to a certain level. For the individual condition, liquid flow rates of 3 and 1 L/min were defined for turbidity and color, respectively. If both pollutants are presented simultaneously, a liquid flow rate of 1–2 L/min can be used for decreasing turbidity from 250 to <20 NTU and color from 6000 to <300 ADMI.

Evaluation of the Heat Produced by the Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Wet Food Processing Residues and Model Compounds

Hydrothermal liquefaction has proven itself as a promising pathway to the valorisation of low-value wet food residues. The chemistry is complex and many questions remain about the underlying mechanism of the transformation. Little is known about the heat of reaction, or even the thermal effects, of the hydrothermal liquefaction of real biomass and its constituents. This paper explores different methods to evaluate the heat released during the liquefaction of blackcurrant pomace and brewers’ spent grains. Some model compounds have also been evaluated, such as lignin, cellulose and glutamic acid. Exothermic behaviour was observed for blackcurrant pomace and brewers’ spent grains. Results obtained in a continuous reactor are similar to those obtained in a batch reactor. The heat release has been estimated between 1 MJ/kg and 3 MJ/kg for blackcurrant pomace and brewers’ spent grains, respectively. Liquefaction of cellulose and glucose also exhibit exothermic behaviour, while the transformation of lignin and glutamic acid present a slightly endothermic behaviour.

Study on Behavior of the Heat Exchanger with Conically-Corrugated Tubes and HDD Baffles

Baffles with holes in different diameters (or HDD baffles) and conically-corrugated tubes are respectively longitudinal flow baffle and high-efficiency heat exchange tubes proposed by the author. In this paper, vibrations of tube bundles with HDD baffles and fluid flow as well as heat transfer inside conically-corrugated tubes were numerically simulated, and the heat exchanger with conically-corrugated tubes and HDD baffles was tested for the heat transfer efficiency. It is found that compared with the traditional segmental baffles, tube bundle vibrations in heat exchangers, if using the HDD baffles, can be significantly reduced. Regarding heat transfer efficiency, conically-corrugated tubes are much better than smooth tubes and even better than other high-efficiency heat transfer tubes. Compared with the traditional heat exchangers, heat exchangers constructed with conically-corrugated tubes and the HDD baffles can provide better heat transfer efficiency and less tube bundle vibration.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate from Cuttlebone Assisted by the Biosurfactant L-rhamnose Monohydrate for Biomedical Materials

The motivation of this research work is to develop novel medical material from cuttlebone (calcium source) by L-rhamnose monohydrate (biosurfactant) for aged people. The process can be synthesized biphasic calcium phosphate which is eco-friendly to environment. One of the most important aspects for this work is to use cuttlebone as a naturally occurring calcium source from a local beach in Thailand. It usually contains 90% calcium carbonate. The objective of this research work is to synthesize the biphasic calcium phosphate by hydrothermal reaction. Critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) of 10, 20, 100, 500 and 1000 of L-rhamnose monohydrate were used to control particle size and shape. XRD revealed a mixture of β-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite powder. SEM reported that the size of particles can be effectively controlled by the addition of L-rhamnose monohydrate, and with the addition of surfactant, size uniformity was achieved. The cytotoxicity test was reported to be in the range of 70–75%. It was remarkable to note that biphasic calcium phosphate synthesized from cuttlebone with the aid of L-rhamnose monohydrate will be considered an excellent candidate as a scaffold material.

Predicted Mutual Solubilities in Water + C5-C12 Hydrocarbon Systems. Results at 298 K

Mutual solubilities of water with n-alkanes, cycloalkanes, iso-alkanes (branched alkanes), alkenes, alkynes, alkadienes, and alkylbenzenes were calculated at 298 K for 153 systems not yet measured. Recommended data for 64 systems reported in the literature were compared with the predicted values. The solubility of the hydrocarbons in water was calculated with a thermodynamically based equation, which depends on specific properties of the hydrocarbon. The concentration in the second coexisting liquid phase (water in hydrocarbon) was calculated using liquid-liquid equilibrium with an equation of state, which takes into account the self-association of water and co-association of water with π-bonds of the hydrocarbons.

Raman Calibration Models for Chemical Species Determination in CO2-Loaded Aqueous MEA Solutions Using PLS and ANN Techniques

The improvement in energy efficiency is recognized as one of the significant parameters for achieving our net-zero emissions target by 2050. One exciting area for development is conventional carbon capture technologies. Current amine absorption-based systems for carbon capture operate at suboptimal conditions resulting in an efficiency loss, causing a high operational expenditure. Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative speciation of CO2-loaded alkanolamine systems and their interactions can improve the equipment design and define optimal operating conditions. This work investigates the potential of Raman spectroscopy as an in situ monitoring tool for determining chemical species concentration in the CO2-loaded aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA) solutions. Experimental information on chemical speciation and vapour-liquid equilibrium was collected at a range of process parameters. Then, partial least squares (PLS) regression and an artificial neural network (ANN) were applied separately to develop two Raman species calibration models where the Kent–Eisenberg model correlated the species concentrations. The data were paired and randomly distributed into calibration and test datasets. A quantitative analysis based on the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean squared error (RMSE) was performed to select the optimal model parameters for the PLS and ANN approach. The R2 values of above 0.90 are observed for both cases indicating that both regression techniques can satisfactorily predict species concentration. ANN models are slightly more accurate than PLS. However, PLS (being a white box model) allows the analysis of spectral variables using a weight plot.