Gasoline pre-blending processes for efficient ethanol recovery: effects of process parameters and process modifications for improved performance

With over 20 billion gallons of bio-ethanol produced annually, optimization of bio-ethanol production processes is a major priority for sustainability research. Recent research has made great strides toward improving the efficiency of bio-ethanol production through the development of gasoline pre-blending processes which use liquid–liquid phase separation to eliminate excess water with minimal energy input. This paper investigates the effects of process parameters on the performance and efficiency of this class of processes, offering a design basis for engineers developing new processes along with a broader understanding of their potential performance and economic value. Also explored are a range of process modifications capable of improving process performance. It has been found that blending ratio and initial alcohol concentration are the key parameters in determining ethanol recovery, with the number of liquid–liquid contact stages and the temperature also being significant. It has also been shown that temperature-swing decanting can significantly improve alcohol recovery, reducing ethanol losses by as much as 33% in a typical gasoline pre-blending setup.The authors would like to thank Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability (IDEAS) and the National Research Foundation of South Africa for providing financial support for carrying out this work. Dr. M.J. Fernandez-Torres thanks the visiting researcher program, at the University of South Africa, for financial support

Simultaneous environmental and economic process synthesis of Isobutane Alkylation

This multidisciplinary study concerns the optimal design of processes with a view to both maximizing profit and minimizing environmental impacts. This can be achieved by a combination of traditional chemical process design methods, measurements of environmental impacts and advanced mathematical optimization techniques. More to the point, this paper presents a hybrid simulation-multiobjective optimization approach that at once optimizes the production cost and minimizes the associated environmental impacts of isobutane alkylation. This approach has also made it possible to obtain the flowsheet configurations and process variables that are needed to manufacture isooctane in a way that satisfies the above-stated double aim. The problem is formulated as a Generalized Disjunctive Programming problem and solved using state-of-the-art logic-based algorithms. It is shown, starting from existing alternatives for the process, that it is possible to systematically generate a superstructure that includes alternatives not previously considered. The optimal solution, in the form a Pareto curve, includes different structural alternatives from which the most suitable design can be selected. To evaluate the environmental impact, Life Cycle Assessment based on two different indicators is employed: Ecoindicator 99 and Global Warming Potential.Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (CTQ2012-37039-C02-02)

Economic and environmental assessment of directly converting CO2 into a gasoline fuel

The threat posed by Climate Change demands urgent action on finding clean energy solutions with a view to cutting fossil fuel consumption. However, a sudden stop in the use of fossil fuels is not possible without a profound disruption of the economy. This transition is expected to take several decades, and therefore every type of renewable energy should be considered as part of the solution mix. In this work, we propose including gasoline synthesized from atmospheric CO2 as one possible interim solution while the transition away from liquid fossil fuels intensifies. To that end, we have designed a novel process that produces green gasoline in one stage on an industrial scale. This contrasts with the two or three stages needed in the classical Fischer-Tropsch based processes. Furthermore, we have optimized this process through mass and heat integration, and propose three different options that make the most of the waste streams. Finally, we have studied a total of 144 realistic scenarios that take into account the origin of H2 and CO2 as well as their environmental impacts and costs. According to our findings, such a process will be capable of producing high-quality gasoline to be manufactured competitively in the near future. The significance of our findings is that it is realistic to reduce carbon emissions while also promoting the circular economy.The authors J.A.C and M.J.F.T thank Generalitat Valenciana for the financial support under the project PROMETEO 2020/064

Systematic Tools for the Conceptual Design of Inherently Safer Chemical Processes

Society is continuously facing challenges for safer chemical plants design, which is usually driven by economic criteria during the early steps of the design process, relegating safety concerns to the latest stages. This paper highlights the synergy of merging Process System Engineering tools with inherent safety principles. First, we design a superstructure that comprises several alternatives for streams, equipment, and process conditions, which exhibit different performance of economic and inherently safer indicators, the total annualized cost, and the Dow’s Fire and Explosion Index, respectively. The solution to this multiobjective problem is given by a Pareto set of solutions that indicates the existing trade-off between both objectives. The capabilities of the proposed framework are illustrated through two case studies, which solutions provide valuable insights into the design problem and are intended to guide decision-makers toward the adoption of inherently safer process alternatives.The authors acknowledge financial support from “Proyectos de l+D para grupos de investigación emergentes GV/2016/005” (Conselleria d’Educació, Investigació, Cultura i Esport, GENERALITAT VALENCIANA) and from the Spanish “Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad” (CTQ2016-77968-C3-02-P, AEI/FEDER, UE)

Co2+ sorption capacity indicators of La Plata region´s soils. Insights and correlations with soil properties

Notwithstanding soil act as a pollutant sink, its Co sorption capacity presents still controversial results. Here, Co2+ sorption on soil samples from La Plata (Argentina) was analyzed. Four sorption indicators were used: Kdis (estimated from the entire sorption isotherm), KF1 (estimated from the lineal part of the sorption isotherm), Kdx, (solid-solution distribution coefficient) and Kr, a dimensionless parameter recently developed. Pearson correlation coefficients between the parameters and soil properties were calculated. Significant and negative correlations with silt were obtained, while significant and positive correlations were established with clay and smectite content. Soil clay fractions were isolated and Co2+ sorption was evaluated, observing relatively high removal. The correlations with kaolinite, magnetite and Mn and Fe oxides showed debatable results: Kdis could be more sensitive than Kr to magnetite variations while Kr seems to be more sensitive to Mn changes. KF1 presented similar behavior to Kr. The studied soils presented a high Co2+ sorption capacity, making them an effective barrier of this pollutant, avoiding its passage to groundwater and crops.Fil: Montes, María Luciana. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Física; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Física La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Física La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Fernandez M. A. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Tecnología de Recursos Minerales y Cerámica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Tecnología de Recursos Minerales y Cerámica; ArgentinaFil: Brendle, J. Université Haute-alsace. Institut de Science Des Matériaux de Mulhouse.; FranciaFil: Michelin, L.. Université Haute-alsace. Institut de Science Des Matériaux de Mulhouse.; FranciaFil: Taylor, Marcela Andrea. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Física La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Física La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Torres Sanchez, Rosa Maria. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Tecnología de Recursos Minerales y Cerámica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Tecnología de Recursos Minerales y Cerámica; Argentin

Raisins and additional walking have distinct effects on plasma lipids and inflammatory cytokines

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Raisins are a significant source of dietary fiber and polyphenols, which may reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by affecting lipoprotein metabolism and inflammation. Walking represents a low intensity exercise intervention that may also reduce CVD risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of consuming raisins, increasing steps walked, or a combination of these interventions on blood pressure, plasma lipids, glucose, insulin and inflammatory cytokines.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Thirty-four men and postmenopausal women were matched for weight and gender and randomly assigned to consume 1 cup raisins/d (RAISIN), increase the amount of steps walked/d (WALK) or a combination of both interventions (RAISINS + WALK). The subjects completed a 2 wk run-in period, followed by a 6 wk intervention. Systolic blood pressure was reduced for all subjects (P = 0.008). Plasma total cholesterol was decreased by 9.4% for all subjects (P < 0.005), which was explained by a 13.7% reduction in plasma LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) (P < 0.001). Plasma triglycerides (TG) concentrations were decreased by 19.5% for WALK (P < 0.05 for group effect). Plasma TNF-α was decreased from 3.5 ng/L to 2.1 ng/L for RAISIN (P < 0.025 for time and group × time effect). All subjects had a reduction in plasma sICAM-1 (P < 0.01).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This research shows that simple lifestyle modifications such as adding raisins to the diet or increasing steps walked have distinct beneficial effects on CVD risk.</p

MILP method for objective reduction in multi-objective optimization

A procedure for reducing objectives in a multi-objective optimization problem given a set of Pareto solutions is presented. Three different models are detailed, which achieve three different degrees of objective reduction. These models are based on maintaining the dominance structure of the problem. To compare the performance of the proposed models, these are tested with pure mathematical cases and with actual data from previous works in the field of multi-objective optimization. The first model provides the reduced subset of objectives that do not alter the dominance structure of the problem at all. The second model determines the minimum subset of objectives that alters the dominance structure with an upper predefined limit for the error. The last model provides the subset of objectives with a previously defined cardinality, which achieves the minimum error. The possibility of different inputs introduces flexibility into the models, which accounts for the preferences of the decision-maker.The authors acknowledge financial support from the Spanish “Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad” (CTQ2016-77968-C3-2-P, AEI/FEDER, UE)

Selective Fractionation And Isolation Of Allelopathic Compounds From Helianthus Annuus L. Leaves By Means Of High-Pressure Techniques

The allelopathic potential of Helianthus annuus L. leaves was study based on bio-directed chemical fractionation approach. Aerial parts of H. annuus were extracted by means of SFE using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) and ESE using CO2+50% EtOH/H2O (varying ethanol in water from 0 to 100%). Extractions were carried out at 400 bar, 55 °C, 20 g/min and for 4 h. Then, extracts were fractionated in three separators at the following conditions: S1: 200 bar/45 °C; S2: 90 bar/40 °C; and S3: 1 atm/30 °C. ESE obtained higher overall yields than scCO2 and the use of water as cosolvent (CO2+50% H2O) resulted in a S3 fraction free from chlorophylls and rich in bioactive compounds. 14 compounds, including fatty acids, terpenes, flavonoids and heliannuols, were isolated from this fraction. After performing the bioassay on pure compounds, heliannuol D, tambulin, pinoresinol and sesquiterpene 10-oxo-isodauc-3-en-15-al showed the most effective inhibitor profiles

Diseño de estrategias conjuntas UA-centros de secundaria para el fomento del conocimiento de disciplinas científico-técnicas

Continuando con la línea emprendida por el Instituto Universitario de Ingeniería de Procesos Químicos, para desarrollar actividades de fomento del conocimiento de disciplinas de ciencia y tecnología, se ha convocado el “VI Certamen de Proyectos Educativos de Ingeniería Química” durante el curso 2013-2014. Con dicha actividad se pretende promover el interés por estudios relacionados con las disciplinas científico-técnicas, entre los alumnos de ESO, con una mejor conceptualización, comprensión y caracterización de los temas. Para ello, se diseñan, planifican y desarrollan acciones entre profesorado de la UA y centros de secundaria, sobre el papel de la Química en la industria para mejorar la calidad de vida. En la presente edición del certamen se han inscrito 13 centros, que han presentado un total de 20 proyectos, relacionados con los siguientes temas: la Ingeniería Química y el medio ambiente, la Ingeniería Química y la industria alimentaria, la Ingeniería Química y el mundo de los plásticos, la Ingeniería Química y la energía y la Ingeniería Química «Verde» sostenible

Observation of Pulsed Gamma-rays Above 25 GeV from the Crab Pulsar with MAGIC

One fundamental question about pulsars concerns the mechanism of their pulsed electromagnetic emission. Measuring the high-end region of a pulsar's spectrum would shed light on this question. By developing a new electronic trigger, we lowered the threshold of the Major Atmospheric gamma-ray Imaging Cherenkov (MAGIC) telescope to 25 GeV. In this configuration, we detected pulsed gamma-rays from the Crab pulsar that were greater than 25 GeV, revealing a relatively high cutoff energy in the phase-averaged spectrum. This indicates that the emission occurs far out in the magnetosphere, hence excluding the polar-cap scenario as a possible explanation of our measurement. The high cutoff energy also challenges the slot-gap scenario.Comment: Slight modification of the analysis: Fitting a more general function to the combined data set of COMPTEL, EGRET and MAGIC. Final result and conclusion is unchange