Juan Camilo Acevedo-Páez

Bio: Juan Camilo Acevedo-Páez is an academic researcher from Université de Sherbrooke. The author has contributed to research in topics: Biodiesel & Transesterification. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 6 publications receiving 26 citations. Previous affiliations of Juan Camilo Acevedo-Páez include Pontifical Bolivarian University.

Metodología para la estandarización del modelo normativo en centrales eléctricas de Norte de Santander – Grupo EPM

Abstract: This document defines the methodology for standardizing the normative management model of CENS - Grupo EPM. To develop this methodology, a diagnosis of the current model was conducted using a structured questionnaire that determined the extent of the staff´s knowledge of policy management. Applied normative elements and implemented management systems were also analyzed, identifying those requirements that can be fulfilled through regulatory means. Finally, the current regulatory model of CENS was compared with the model of other electrical companies in Colombia and Mexico, highlighting flaws that require adaptations to the current regulatory model. Those adaptations will contribute to the successful execution of the processes and will help to meet the requirements of the management systems, all of which aim to strengthen the rules regarding the four regulatory elements discussed in Bussines Process Management.

Enzymatic Transesterification of Waste Frying Oil from Local Restaurants in East Colombia Using a Combined Lipase System

Abstract: The search for innovation and biotechnological strategies in the biodiesel production chain have become a topic of interest for scientific community owing the importance of renewable energy sources. This work aimed to implement an enzymatic transesterification process to obtain biodiesel from waste frying oil (WFO). The transesterification was performed by varying reaction times (8 h, 12 h and 16 h), enzyme concentrations of lipase XX 25 split (14%, 16% and 18%), pH of reaction media (6, 7 and 8) and reaction temperature (35, 38 and 40 °C) with a fixed alcohol–oil molar ratio of 3:1. The optimum operating conditions were selected to quantify the amount of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) generated. The highest biodiesel production was reached with an enzyme concentration of 14%, reaction time of 8 h, pH of 7 and temperature of 38 °C. It was estimated a FAMEs production of 42.86% for the selected experiment; however, best physicochemical characteristics of biodiesel were achieved with an enzyme concentration of 16% and reaction time of 8 h. Results suggested that enzymatic transesterification process was favorable because the amount of methyl esters obtained was similar to the content of fatty acids in the WFO.

Study of the production of biodiesel by enzymatic and chemical processes from used cooking oil

Abstract: The biodiesel production was analyzed by chemical and enzymatic processes, from used cooking oil (UCO), evaluating the quality and yield of the product obtained in each method. For the chemical process, an acid esterification followed by a basic transesterification was developed, (reaction temperature: 60 °C, oil:methanol 1:6 molar ratio, concentration of KOH catalyst: 1% w/w reaction times: 55 and 70 min); and enzymatic transesterification (temperature: 38 °C, oil:methanol 1:3 molar ratio, enzyme concentration lipase XX 25 split liquid: 5%, reaction times: 3 and 6 hours). Physicochemical properties (i.e. density, kinematic viscosity, moisture content, fatty acid profile, percentage of acidity, peroxides index and saponification) of the raw material were determined. Results showed the presence of oleic acid (42.45%) and palmitic acid (33.52%). The highest yield obtained was from the chemical transesterification under the conditions of 60 °C, 1% KOH and 70 min with a conversion percentage of 96.15% and an acid number of 1.33 mmKOH/g, compared to the enzymatic transesterification which registered a high acid number of 6.91 mmKOH/g and conversion percentage of 48.81% under the conditions of 38 °C, 5% of enzyme lipase and 3 hours.

Herramienta de evaluación de gestión para la toma de decisiones en la Fundación V&C basada en la NTC ISO 9001:2015

Abstract: El objetivo de la presente investigación es el diseño de una herramienta de evaluación de gestión para la toma de decisiones en la Fundación Valor y Compromiso (V&C), con el apoyo de los líderes de proceso que aportaron información mediante la aplicacion de una encuesta, esta técnica permitió obtener un diagnóstico de la empresa en cuanto al uso de la herramienta actual. Seguidamente, se llevo a cabo la selección de los indicadores de gestión más significativos en cada proceso y el diseño de su respectiva ficha técnica. Luego, se consolidaron los resultados obtenidos del año 2019 en un instrumento de evaluación integral. En la siguiente etapa, se implementó una prueba piloto a los líderes de proceso, responsables del seguimiento y control de los indicadores de gestión, midiendo el desempeño de cada indicador a través de la calificación obtenida con relación a una meta proyectada. De esta forma, la herramienta de evaluación de gestión aporta al mejoramiento continuo de la organización, y se connota como un instrumento para la planeación y revisión de actividades. Asimismo, esta herramienta facilita la toma de decisión sobre las acciones preventivas y correctivas en los procesos que presentan un bajo o alto desempeño, mejorando los procesos más críticos como gestión comercial y gestión social, y manteniendo los procesos con mejor desempeño como jurídica y contratación y compras, según los resultados obtenidos en la prueba piloto realizada.

Synthesis and application of Granular activated carbon from biomass waste materials for water treatment: A review

Abstract: There is an increased global demand for activated carbon (AC) in application of water treatment and purification. Water pollutants that have exhibited a greater removal efficiency by AC included but not limited to heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, natural organic matter, disinfection by-products, and microplastics. Granular activated carbon (GAC) is mostly used in aqueous solutions and adsorption columns for water treatment. Commercial AC is not only costly, but also obtained from non-renewable sources. This has prompted the search for alternative renewable materials for AC production. Biomass wastes present a great potential of such materials because of their availability and carbonaceous nature. This in turn can reduce on the adverse environmental effects caused by poor disposal of these wastes. The challenges associated with biomass waste based GAC are their low strength and attrition resistance which make them easily disintegrate under aqueous phase. This paper provides a comprehensive review on recent advances in production of biomass waste based GAC for water treatment and highlights future research directions. Production parameters such as granulation conditions, use of binders, carbonization, activation methods, and their effect on textural properties are discussed. Factors influencing the adsorption capacities of the derived GACs, adsorption models, adsorption mechanisms, and their regeneration potentials are reviewed. The literature reveals that biomass waste materials can produce GAC for use in water treatment with possibilities of being regenerated. Nonetheless, there is a need to explore 1) the effect of preparation pathways on the adsorptive properties of biomass derived GAC, 2) sustainable production of biomass derived GAC based on life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis, and 3) adsorption mechanisms of GAC for removal of contaminants of emerging concerns such as microplastics and unregulated disinfection by-products.

Introduction to Enzymes

Abstract: The following has been excerpted from a very popular Worthington publication which was originally published in 1972 as the Manual of Clinical Enzyme Measurements. While some of the presentation may seem somewhat dated, the basic concepts are still helpful for researchers who must use enzymes but who have little background in enzymology.