Thermodynamics of Mixtures Containing Amines. XV. Liquid–Liquid Equilibria for Benzylamine + CH3(CH2)nCH3 (n = 8, 9, 10, 12, 14)

Coexistence curves for the liquid−liquid equilibria (LLE) of 1-phenylmethanamine (benzylamine) + CH3(CH2)nCH3 (n = 8, 9, 10, 12, 14) have been determined using the critical opalescence method by means of a laser scattering technique. All of the LLE curves show an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), which increases with increasing n. For systems including a given n-alkane, the UCST decreases in the sequence aniline > 2-methylaniline (o-toluidine) > benzylamine > N-methylaniline > pyridine. This means that amine−amine interactions become weaker in the same order. Most of the DISQUAC interaction parameters for the aliphatic/amine (a,n) and aromatic/ amine (b,n) contacts previously determined for solutions with aniline, o-toluidine, or N-methylaniline have been used for the representation of the LLE data. Only the first dispersive interaction parameter of the (a,n) contact has been modified. The coordinates of the critical points are correctly represented by the model

Reactive distillation in a dividing-wall column: Model development, simulation and error analysis

A process model of a reactive dividing wall column process is developed and tested by comparing simulation results to data from pilot-plant experiments. In general, the experimental data and the model prediction agree well in a simple comparison. By means of a sensitivity and error analysis both the influence of the choice of the model and the influence of uncertainties of the input parameters on the simulation results are studied. It is shown that the insight gained by such an enhanced analysis by far exceeds that from a simple comparison, and that such a simple comparison can easily lead to erroneous conclusions

INES - Interface between experiments and simulation

The development of chemical processes is usually based on both experiments (often in pilot plants), and process simulation. Design of experiments, data evaluation and reconciliation, model development and validation are essential steps in this procedure. Different tools and approaches are available for each of these tasks but in the process developer's workflow, they are usually not supported in an integrated way. Therefore, in the project INES, on which this paper reports, a new interface between experiments and simulation for process design was created, and integrated in a tool box which comprehensively supports process design. It contains modules for data selection and reconciliation, sensitivity analysis, and model validation and -adjustment. Methods from the literature are suitably combined to support the overall goal. The chosen methods, their combination and implementation are described and examples are given which demonstrate the benefits of the new interactive tool in the process development workflow

Efficient Approach for Calculating Pareto Boundaries under Uncertainties in Chemical Process Design

Taking account of uncertain model parameters in simulation-based flowsheet optimization is crucial in order to quantify the reliability of the optimization results. Since chemical process design is a multicriteria optimization (MCO) task, methods to deal with uncertain Pareto boundaries are needed. The simplest of such methods consists of a sensitivity analysis of the Pareto boundary. In this work, it is shown how going beyond sensitivity analysis can yield favorable process designs not seen by sensitivity analysis alone. This is achieved by taking uncertainties into account by worst and best case Pareto boundaries or by considering the robustness of the Pareto boundary with respect to uncertain model parameters as additional objectives. In order to increase computational efficiency, for the first time, an adaptive scalarization approach is used to deal with uncertainties in MCO. The methods are illustrated by the calculation of a NQ curve of a distillation column

Infection prevention and control for COVID-19 response in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh: an intra-action review

Abstract Background Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is critical in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and is one of the pillars of the WHO COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan 2020. We conducted an Intra-Action Review (IAR) of IPC response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, to identify best practices, challenges, and recommendations for improvement of the current and future responses. Methods We conducted two meetings with 54 participants purposively selected from different organizations and agencies involved in the frontline implementation of IPC in Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh. We used the IPC trigger questions from the WHO country COVID-19 IAR: trigger question database to guide the discussions. Meeting notes and transcripts were then analyzed manually using content analysis, and results were presented in text and quotes. Results Best practices included: assessments, a response plan, a working group, trainings, early case identification and isolation, hand hygiene in Health Facilities (HFs), monitoring and feedback, general masking in HFs, supportive supervision, design, infrastructure and environmental controls in Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Isolation and Treatment Centers (SARI ITCs) and HFs and waste management. Challenges included: frequent breakdown of incinerators, limited PPE supply, inconsistent adherence to IPC, lack of availability of uniforms for health workers, in particular cultural and gender appropriate uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Recommendations from the IAR were: (1) to promote the institutionalization of IPC, programs in HFs (2) establishment of IPC monitoring mechanisms in all HCFs, (3) strengthening IPC education and training in health care facilities, and (4) strengthen public health and social measures in communities. Conclusion Establishing IPC programmes that include monitoring and continuous training are critical in promoting consistent and adaptive IPC practices. Response to a pandemic crisis combined with concurrent emergencies, such as protracted displacement of populations with many diverse actors, can only be successful with highly coordinated planning, leadership, resource mobilization, and close supervision