Showing papers in "Chemical Engineering & Technology in 1990"

Large‐scale anaerobic/aerobic treatment of complex industrial wastewater using immobilized biomass in fluidized bed and air‐lift suspension reactors

Abstract: Results are presented on pilot and full-scale pretreatment of industrial wastewater in an anaerobic 2-stage fluidized bed reactor for CH 4 -production and laboratory and pilot scale post-treatment of the anaerobic effluent, which contains NH 4 + and HS − in an aerobic air-lift suspension reactor for the production of NO 3 − and SO 4 2−

Formation of Di‐isobutene, main by‐product of methyl tertiary butyl ethyl ether synthesis catalyzed by ion exchange resin

Abstract: An experimental set-up is presented for the measurement of steady-state reaction rates in the liquid phase methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) synthesis from isobutene and methanol using ion exchange resin as catalyst. This apparatus was used for a separate investigation of the main side reaction, i.e., the formation of isobutene dimers (DIB), in the temperature range between 60 and 90°C. The reaction catalyzed by Amberlyst 15 (A15) showed no steady-state behaviour, but the catalytic activity declined at a rate dependent on the reaction conditions. Time constants for activity loss were determined in the range from 3.5 to 30 h. The deactivated A15 catalyst could be regenerated through MTBE synthesis experiment. Deactivation is assumed to be caused by blocking of the microparticle gel phase by higher isobutene oligomers. The DIB formation, using 1-butene as solvent, was of 2nd order with respect to isobutene and showed an apparent activation energy of about 40 kJ/mol.

Batch cooling crystallization at constant supersaturation: Technique and experimental results

Abstract: A new laboratory plant for batch cooling crystallization is described, which allows to maintain the supersaturation at a constant level during an experimental run. A method for continuous supersaturation measurements has been developed, using a density meter and a hydrocyclone. Experimental results obtained from a seeded solution in constant supersaturation cooling mode and at constant cooling rate are compared. In the case of a constant cooling rate, the supersaturation passes through a sharp maximum, whereby effective nucleation is enhanced. As a consequence, a smaller median crystal size is obtained than for cooling at constant supersaturation. Equation for controlled cooling at a constant supersaturation require an accurate description of the effective rate of nucleation. Therefore, the mechanical stress, to which the crystals are subjected, must be included as the main source of new nuclei. This is shown by the influence of stirrer on batch time.

Residence time distribution and hold-up in a cocurrent upflow packed bed reactor at elevated pressure

Abstract: The residence time distribution in liquid phase was measured in a cocurrent upflow packed bed reactor for the system methanol-hydrogen at low Reynolds numbers and at elevated pressure. The plug flow with axial dispersion model was used to describe mixing in the system. The imperfect pulse method was used to measure the system response to a tracer pulse input. The parameters were calculated using the weighted moments method. The influence of the weighting factor was investigated. The experimental and theoretical outputs, as calculated by convolution, agreed very well. Different types of correlations were used for the Bodenstein number and liquid hold-up. From these correlations, the optimal one was selected for each parameter. A comparison was made between the ordinary moments and the weighted moments methods which led to the conclusion that the latter method is superior with respect to the accuracy of the estimated parameters and therefore strongly recommended.

Fluid dynamics of pulsed sieve plate extraction columns

Abstract: Etude de l'hydrodynamique dans deux colonnes pulsees a plateaux perfores (diametres = 80 et 225 mm, hauteur active = 4,3 m) avec trois geometries differentes de plateau et en utilisant les systemes: toluene/eau, n-butyl acetate/eau, n-butanol/eau

Determination of flooding gas velocity and liquid hold-up at flooding in packed columns for gas/liquid systems.

Abstract: A new model of suspended bed of droplets for describing the vaour or gas the vapour or gas velocity at the flooding point in packed of columns for rectification and absorption under vacuum and normal pressure is presented metallic, ceramic and plastic packings with diameters of 8–90 mm as well on sheet metal and gauze packings, in a wide range of liquid and vapour loads. Approximately 650 literature measurements and own data were evaluated. The mean relative error in determining the gas velocity at flooding point is less than ±5%. On the basis of the double layer model, a new equation was derived for the hold-up at flooding point, which is needed for the calculation of the flooding gas velocity. An example of calculations for sample applications is also included.

Influence of feed solids concentration on the performance of hydrocyclones

Abstract: Even though the influence of solids concentration in the feed on the separation efficiency of hydrocyclones has long been recognized, a systematic research on the change in pressure drop across the hydrocyclone and the latter's separation characteristics has thus far been lacking. If all other operating parameters are kept constant, an increase in feed concentration generally leads to a coarser cut size, reduced sharpness of separation and a rise in pressure drop. Apart from the particles hindering one another's radial motion, the limited capacity of the apex valve and the changes in the flow field within the hydrocyclone cause additional particles to be entrained by the overflow. The flow ratio thus becomes an additional parameter in determining the cyclone efficiency. A theoretical model, which takes these effects into account, has been developed and successfully tested against experimental data.

Adsorption and catalytic reactions of NO and NH3 on activated carbon

Abstract: In industrial processes, the reduction of nitrogen oxides by ammonia on activated carbons is carried out at temperatures between 90 and 190 o C. Adsorption of NO and NH 3 on the catalyst was investigated separately. Reaction models for NO-reduction by carbon and ammonia were derived from experiments carried out in an integral reactor. In each case, the formation of an adsorbed (NO 2 )-complex is an important step. The kinetics of both reaction was described by modified Langmuir-Hinshelwood equations

Biological treatment of effluents from a coal tar refinery using immobilized biomass

Abstract: An airlift-loop reactor with a fluidized bed was used for the microbiological removal of a complex mixture of aromatic substances originating from coal tar process waters. A specially adapted mixed microbial culture derived from several soil and sludge samples was immobilized on fluidized sand particles and retained in a reactor at high biomas concentrations of 3 to 16 g dry matter per liter, depending on the COD-load. In a two-stage pilot plant, those aromatic substances which passed through the first stage either unaltered or only partially oxidized were effectively eliminated by the immobilized biomass in the second stage. Whereas most of the waste water components such as phenols and quinoline were already degraded by a conventional activated sludge system in the first stage, the majority of nitrogen-containing aromatic bases could be sufficiently eliminated with specially adapted micro-organisms in the second stage. Although the COD-feed load was increased to 12 and 15 kg m−3 d−1 in the first and second stages, respectively, it was removed to the extent of 87% on the average with an overall residence time varying between 11.5 and 29 h.

Critical temperatures and pressures and high temperature vapour pressures of seven alcohols

Abstract: Critical temperatures and pressures have been determined experimentally for the four lowest n-alcohols, 2-propanol, 2-butanol, and 2-methyl-1-propanol. In addition, vapour pressure data were obtained for the same alcohols in the temperature range approaching the critical point. The measurements are reproduced by the simplified Clausius-Clapeyron equation with the constants and standard deviation

Sodium compounds as catalysts for methanol dehydrogenation to water-free formaldehyde

Abstract: Catalysts based on alkali compds. were active in the dehydrogenation of MeOH in absence of O. Na2CO3 doped with In showed a selectivity of ?75% for MeOH conversion ?60%. [on SciFinder (R)]

On supersaturation during mass crystallization from solution

Abstract: Presentation et discussion des resultats obtenus au cours d'etudes theorique et experimentale de la sursaturation en se limitant a des substances solubles (c*>0,1 mol/l) presentant preferentiellement un mecanisme secondaire de nucleation

Influence of geometric and thermophysical properties of reaction layer on sulphur dioxide oxidation in transient conditions

Abstract: The sulphur dioxide to sulphur trioxide oxidation process in a fixed bed catalytic reactor is simulated in the case of cyclic change in the direction of the reaction mixture feed. It is shown that, for transient condition, the amount of catalyst in the reactor may be substantially reduced by its partial substitution with inert material of suitable form, dimensions and thermophysical properties, at the end of the layer. This makes the direct regenerative heat transfer process in these zones controllable, producing the same conversion and overall height of the layer. The results are significant for sulphuric acid production from gases poor in sulphur dioxide.

A fluid‐dynamically based model of bubble column reactors

Abstract: A heterogeneous fluid dynamic model has been developed to describe the complex flow structure of two-phase in bubble columns. The equation of continuity and momentum balances form the basis of the model. Coupling of the two phases occurs via an interaction force, deduced by a force balance around a single rising bubble. Multiphase flow mixing processes are taken into consideration by introducing turbulent viscosities of the two phases involved. The Simulation program was extended to reactive system, taking into account the mass balances of a second order gas-liquid chemical reaction as well as the different absorption/reaction regimes. The gas phase concentration profiles show pronounced axial and radial dependences, while the liquid phase can be regarded as a CSTR with respect to the liquid component. With reference to the gaseous component, which is being absorbed in the liquid phase, the degree of back mixing does not show CSTR behaviour as the influence of different absorption conditions in different axial and radial reactor positions is superposed on that of turbulent motion of the liquid carrier of the dissolved gaseous component.

Heavy metal recovery by extraction and permeation in incineration preocesses

Abstract: Incineration processes are critical for the environment. SO2 and NOX removal with processes is nowadays commonplace. Up to now, heavy metal were recovered via precipitation. The alternative use of liquid ion exchange techniques offers an easy re-use of the heavy metals, which are obtained as concentrates. A separation process is described, starting from laboratory experiments and ending with pilot plant field tests. A cost comparison for extraction, permeation and precipitation gives the scope of the necessary expenses for such environmentally controlled processes.

Study on regeneration of diesel particulate filter using a laboratory reactor

Abstract: Regeneration of diesel particulate filters can be accomplished by complete combustion of a collected particulate A reactor has been developed for study of the regeneration in the presence of catalysts, additives and ignition aids This reactor allows an accurate measurement of soot ignition temperatures and a kinetic study of soot oxidation with an undisturbed soot layer and under a defined gas composition Results of various investigations carried out with this reactor are presented

Mass transfer in countercurrent and cocurrent bubble columns

Abstract: The hydrodynamic and mass transfer characteristics in countercurrent, cocurrent and liquid batch operations with various Newtonian liquids were studied experimentally using the same bubble column. Taking the effect of gas sparger geometries, operating variables and liquid properties into account, empirical correlations were obtained for the gas hold-up and the volumetric liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient.

The implications of carboxylic acid properties

Abstract: Some properties of carboxylic acids are reviewed, with emphasis on recent experimental data, Qualified, consistent latent heat of vaporization data were developed for the series and a two-population viewpoint is suggested. The equation of state formulated by Grenzheuser [1] is also recommended as a practical tool, and its further development is urged.

Absorption of NO2/N2O4 in nitric acid

Abstract: Laboratory-scale measurements were performed on the absorption of NO2 gas into diluted nitric acid. The concentration of NO2 gas, which represents an NO2/N2O4 equilibrium, varied from 1000 to 20000 ppm, the carrier gas being nitrogen. The concentration of nitric acid ranged from 15 to 60 mass-%. The absorption experiments were carried out in a double stirred cell, with a defined gas/liquid interface as the mass transfer area. The liquid phase was conducted periodically and the gas phase continuously. Mass flow rates were determined. The well-known film model of absorption was used for analyzing the experimental results. Only the N2O4 species was considered to pass the gas/liquid interface. The measured data yielded values of H(k D1)1/2 as well as their variation with temperature and nitric acid concentration.

Selection and design of aerobic bioreactors

Abstract: Compared to chemical reactors, there are additional requirements to be considered when selecting and designing a bioreactor. The cultivated organisms and most of the desired products are to a greater or lesser extent sensitive to temperature, pH and Shear stress. Furthermore, sterilization often plays an important role in maintaining a monoseptic process. Many design procedures for chemical reactors can be applied but requirements which are relevant to the biological system are sometimes decisive. Consequently, it is useful to first consider the essential features of the organisms with respect to the selection and design of bioreactors. Attention must be paid to the fermentation medium because its flow behaviour can range from slightly viscous and Newtonian to highly viscous, non-Newtonian. Many papers deal with low viscosity fermentation broths [1–5]. However, little is known about the design of bioreactors for highly viscous non-Newtonian liquids. Fundamentals for the design of bioreactors are presented. It has been attempted to apply theoretical equations suitable for both, low viscosity Newtonian and high viscosity non-Newtonian fermentation broths. Apart from the calculation procedure for the OTR-values, the difference between global and local values within bioreactor is demonstrated by means of velocity and shear stress profiles. Special requirements for bioreactors such as prevention of excessive foaming, shear sensitivity of micro-organisms and cell-lines and effective sterilization are also discussed.

Contribution to solving the problem of dioxins generated during waste incineration

Abstract: Limitation des emissions de dioxine et de polychloro dibenzofuranes lors de l'incineration de dechet solide

Influence of gas flow on heat transfer in film condensation

Abstract: For the dimensioning of condensers in film condensation, the heat transfer coefficient between film surface and cooled tube wall must be known. Generally, Nusselt equations are used which have been verified by experiments. When there is no significant gas flow, a large number of equations correlate the experimental. data very well. The description of heat transfer enhancement by a significant gas flow is not sufficiently covered by the available literature. For film wise condensation in a vertical tube, a calculation method is presented which reproduces this phenomenon characterized by the interfacial shear stress at the film surface. This method is based on the assumption that, in the proximity of gas flow, the condensation process also affects the interfacial shear stress. A comparison with known experimental local Nusselt numbers showed a good agreement with water as the fluid. For test fluid MWA, which was used by Blangetti, the measured values show only a moderate agreement with theoretical calculations. Possibly, this is related to entertainment which occurred during measurements at film Reynolds numbers of over 80.

Foam breaking by high speed rotors

Abstract: The first part of this paper presents a relationship for the minimum velocity of rotating installations for foam breaking. The derivation is based on equilibrium of inertia and surface forces. Inertia forces occur during the acceleration of foam bubbles and act mainly at the plateau borders. High and definite acceleration can be obtained with a deformer composed of a rotor and a stator. The surface force is due to the dynamic surface tension because surface-active solutions react to a rapid change in surface area by altering their surface tension. The theoretical relationship is compared with experimental results of minimum velocities needed to break foams produced from aqueous solutions of detergents. The equation presented here explains why measured minimum velocities often range between 10 and 20 m/s. The second part of the paper deals with condensation of continuously generated foam in a closed system. In the process of condensation, foam is not completely separated into liquid and gas phase but turns into foam with small bubbles and high density. The collapse of this condensed foam must be considered for the control of persistent foams in a closed system. The collapse of foams made of aqueous solutions of different surface-active agents has been investigated. Different highly surface-active agents show small variations in times of coalescence. A relationship for the lifetime is given, which is based on laminar flow along plateau borders. Recommendations are made with respect to the geometry of the foam breaker, scale-up and operating variables such as rotational speed of the foam breaker and gas flow rate.

Characterization of Cu and K containing Fe/Mn oxide catalysts for fischer-tropsch synthesis†

Abstract: Copper and potassium containing Fe/Mn oxide catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis were investigated by X-ray microprobe technique, scanning electron microscopy, low-temperature argon sorption and carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide chemisorption at −80°C. The specific surface areas of the catalysts depend on the preparation method, e.g. addition of K or Cu by coprecipitation leads to an increase while impregnation results in a decrease in surface area. The resulting samples are inhomogeneous, as shown by all method. Mn and especially K accumulated on the surface of the catalysts. Addition of Cu and K considerably altered the selectivity and activity of the Fe/Mn oxide catalyst. High potassium contents produced high olefin to paraffin ratios but these catalysts became rapidly deactivated. Copper and a very small addition of potassium led to a very low olefin to paraffin ratio but showed a high and constant activity.

Measurements with multi‐point microprobes: Effect of suspended solids on the hydrodynamics of bubble columns for application in chemical and biotechnological processes

Abstract: Etude dans deux colonnes a bulles (diametres=0,3 et 0,2 m; hauteurs= 11 et 5 m) avec des vitesses de gaz entre 0 et 10 cm/s et en utilisant des particules solides de polypropylene, polystyrene ou d'amberlite en concentrations comprises entre 0 et 10% en volume. Determination des valeurs experimentales locales des principaux parametres hydrodynamiques (retenue gaz, dimension bulle, aire interfaciale) en fonction de certaines proprietes (concentration, densite et dimension des particules)

Computation of plate columns for NOx absorption by a new stage‐to‐stage method

Abstract: A new stage-to-stage method has been developed for the calculation of NXx absorption columns. Each stage of the absorption column is simulated as a combination of a bubble column reactor (absorption) and an adiabatic plug for reactor (oxidation). The bubble column reactor is modelled as two single stirred tank reactors, one as a gas-phase and one as a liquid-phase reactor, both coupled by mass and heat transfer. In this hydrodynamic model, a dynamic approach is adopted, in which the gas-phase transport of N2O4 is the limiting step for the absorption. A gas-phasepseudo-enhancement for factor for N2O4 is therefore introduced. The balance equations for a single phase of the bubble column are solved with a Newton-Raphson algorithm. The entire column calculation is divided into a gas and a liquid side. On both sides, the stage-to-stage method is applied in such way that the overall calculation is performed as a loop process. The direction of the loop calculation follows that of the flow: gas-side upwards and liquid-side downwards.

Deasphaltization and demetalling of heavy crude oils and distillation residues with CO2

Abstract: Deasphaltization of heavy crude oils and distillation residues may reduce the metal content of these oils to such an extend that the upgrading of deasphaltized oil in a catalytic process becomes economically feasible. Experimental results of deasphaltization of Boscan crude from Venezuela, using subcritical and supercritical carbon dioxide as deasphaltizing agent, are presented. Deasphaltization and demetalling with CO2 in the supercritical state is more effective. Under favorable conditions, the deasphaltized oil contains practically no asphaltenes and the metal content is reduced by 690 wt-%. The influence of n-heptane or n-pentane addition to the crude, which lowers viscosity and promotes flocculation, is also discussed. Furthermore, a multistage deasphaltization process is more efficient than a single stage process.

Modelling of a fluidized bed bioreactor for immobilized enzymes (Part 1)

Abstract: In the first part of this contribution, a mathematical model was presented for a liquid fluidized bed using immobilized enzymes, with reversible Michaelis-Menten kinetics. This part is focused on the experimental results. The reaction kinetics of native and immobilized enzymes was determined in continuous stirred tank reactors under comparable conditions. The influence of external mass transfer was investigated in a fixed bed reactor column. The extend of pore diffusional resistance was examined in a continuous stirred tank reactor and with a numerical simulation. Hydrodynamics was measured in different reactor columns (diameter dt = 0.052 − 0.225 m; length L: 1.0–2.0m) and with a static mixer. Further, the concentration profile was determined in a fluidized bed reactor with side stream analysis for different biocatalyst samples, fluid velocities and bed heights. The simulation of experimental results indicates that they are well described by the developed model. Furthermore, the model is well suited to predicting the influence of specific parameters on the effective kinetics of the biocatalyst and the expansion of the fluidized bed.

Modern carbon fibres from polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐polyheteroaromatics with preferred orientation

Abstract: This contribution presents the mechanical data of high performance carbon fibres currently available on the market, based on experimental studies on stabilization and pyrolysis of PAN (SAF) from Courtaulds. The effects of stabilization and carbonization temperatures on the properties as well as on the ultra- and crystalline structures of the fibres are shown in more detail.

Growth rate dispersion in a continuous sucrose crystallizer and its effect on CSD

Abstract: A Random Crystal Growth (RCG)model is proposed to predict CSD in a continuous MSMPR crystallizer when the crystals exhibit growth rate dispersion. RCG model links two well-known models of growth rate dispersion, namely the Random Fluctuation (RF) and Constant Crystal Growth (CCG) Models. Monte Carlo simulation has been employed to solve the model equations. Predicted results are compared with experimental CSD data on sucrose reported by Bennett.