Discrete element modelling of fluidised bed spray granulation

A novel discrete element spray granulation model capturing the key features of fluidised bed hydrodynamics, liquid-solid contacting and agglomeration is presented. The model computes the motion of every individual particle and droplet in the system, considering the gas phase as a continuum. Micro scale processes such as particle-particle collisions, droplet-particle coalescence and agglomeration are directly taken into account by simple closure models. Simulations of the hydrodynamic behaviour of a batch granulation process are presented to demonstrate the potential of the model for creating\ud insight into the influence of several key process conditions such as fluidisation velocity, spray rate and spray pattern on powder product characteristics

Towards an online mitigation strategy for N2O emissions through principal components analysis and clustering techniques

Emission of N2O represents an increasing concern in wastewater treatment, in particular for its large contribution to the plant's carbon footprint (CFP). In view of the potential introduction of more stringent regulations regarding wastewater treatment plants' CFP, there is a growing need for advanced monitoring with online implementation of mitigation strategies for N2O emissions. Mechanistic kinetic modelling in full-scale applications, are often represented by a very detailed representation of the biological mechanisms resulting in an elevated uncertainty on the many parameters used while limited by a poor representation of hydrodynamics. This is particularly true for current N2O kinetic models. In this paper, a possible full-scale implementation of a data mining approach linking plant-specific dynamics to N2O production is proposed. A data mining approach was tested on full-scale data along with different clustering techniques to identify process criticalities. The algorithm was designed to provide an applicable solution for full-scale plants' control logics aimed at online N2O emission mitigation. Results show the ability of the algorithm to isolate specific N2O emission pathways, and highlight possible solutions towards emission control

Nato disaster relief operations : an analysis of an underexposed field of activity of the Alliance

Natural disasters are happening more frequently and are becoming increasingly destructive. In the wake of this trend, NATO has increased its prominence in international disaster relief assistance. Consequently, critics have expressed doubts whether disaster relief operations are an appropriate field of activity for the Alliance. The purpose of the dissertation is to justify NATO’s involvement by revealing that disaster relief operations are in accordance with the founding principles of the Alliance and further by demonstrating its added value. Apported by a case study, an extensive literature review shows that NATO’s involvement is indeed appropriate and above all effective, although there are still areas for improvement

Oral squamous cell carcinoma; some epidemiological and clinicopathological aspects

Waal, I. van der [Promotor