scholarly journals Comparative Technoeconomic Process Analysis of Industrial-Scale Microencapsulation of Bioactives in Cross-Linked Alginate

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Strobel ◽  
Lucille Knowles ◽  
Nitin Nitin ◽  
Herbert Scher ◽  
Tina Jeoh
Keyword(s):  
Capital Investment ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Batch Process ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Industrial Scale ◽  
Technoeconomic Analysis ◽  
Process Economics ◽  
External Gelation ◽  
Annual Operating Cost

<div>The food, chemical, and biotechnology industries offer many potential applications for calcium alginate microencapsulation, but this technique is largely confined to the laboratory bench due to scalability challenges. Scaling up the traditional external gelation method requires several costly unit operations. Alternatively, a consolidated process accomplishes alginate cross-linking in situ during spray-drying to form cross-linked alginate microcapsules (‘the CLAMs process’). This work examined the process economics of these two microencapsulation processes through technoeconomic analysis. Parallel batch process models were constructed in SuperPro Designer, initially for encapsulating emulsified fish oil. At all production scales examined, the capital investment and annual operating cost were lower for the CLAMs process. Modifying the external gelation process marginally improved the process economics, but costs remained elevated. The CLAMs process’ economic advantage stemmed from reducing the number of unit procedures, which lowered the equipment purchase cost and the dependent components of capital investment and annual operating cost. Upon modifying the models for microencapsulating hydrophilic cargo (e.g. enzymes, vitamins, microbial concentrates), the CLAMs process remained favorable at all cargo material costs and cargo loadings examined. This work demonstrates the utility of technoeconomic analysis for evaluating microencapsulation processes and may justify applying the CLAMs process at the industrial scale. </div>

scholarly journals Comparative Technoeconomic Process Analysis of Industrial-Scale Microencapsulation of Bioactives in Cross-Linked Alginate

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Strobel ◽  
Lucille Knowles ◽  
Nitin Nitin ◽  
Herbert Scher ◽  
Tina Jeoh
Keyword(s):  
Capital Investment ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Batch Process ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Industrial Scale ◽  
Technoeconomic Analysis ◽  
Process Economics ◽  
External Gelation ◽  
Annual Operating Cost

<div>The food, chemical, and biotechnology industries offer many potential applications for calcium alginate microencapsulation, but this technique is largely confined to the laboratory bench due to scalability challenges. Scaling up the traditional external gelation method requires several costly unit operations. Alternatively, a consolidated process accomplishes alginate cross-linking in situ during spray-drying to form cross-linked alginate microcapsules (‘the CLAMs process’). This work examined the process economics of these two microencapsulation processes through technoeconomic analysis. Parallel batch process models were constructed in SuperPro Designer, initially for encapsulating emulsified fish oil. At all production scales examined, the capital investment and annual operating cost were lower for the CLAMs process. Modifying the external gelation process marginally improved the process economics, but costs remained elevated. The CLAMs process’ economic advantage stemmed from reducing the number of unit procedures, which lowered the equipment purchase cost and the dependent components of capital investment and annual operating cost. Upon modifying the models for microencapsulating hydrophilic cargo (e.g. enzymes, vitamins, microbial concentrates), the CLAMs process remained favorable at all cargo material costs and cargo loadings examined. This work demonstrates the utility of technoeconomic analysis for evaluating microencapsulation processes and may justify applying the CLAMs process at the industrial scale. </div>

Exploring the effects of physical punishment on aggressive behavior and peer victimization: a conditional process analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrik Söderberg ◽  
Kaj Bjorkqvist ◽  
Karin Österman
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Aggressive Behavior ◽  
Peer Victimization ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Physical Punishment ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conditional Process Analysis

Purpose – Recent studies indicate that exposure to physical punishment is associated with both aggressive behavior and peer victimization at school. The purpose of this paper is to explore the bidirectional relationship between aggressive behavior and peer victimization as outcomes of physical punishment, as well as the role of depressive symptoms. Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 2,424 Finnish upper primary school pupils (1,282 girls, 1,148 boys, mean age=14.2, SD=1.0) completed an online survey during class. Two conditional process models were applied using a macro for SPSS developed by Hayes (2012). Findings – Exposure to physical punishment was found to be associated with both aggressive behavior and peer victimization at school. The effect on victimization was partially mediated by aggressive behavior and depressive symptoms, whereas the effect on aggressive behavior was partially mediated by peer victimization experiences but not by depressive symptoms. The relationship between physical punishment and peer victimization was somewhat stronger for girls than for boys, but this effect was not accounted for by gender differences in depressive symptoms or aggressive behavior. Originality/value – Few studies to date have addressed the connection between aggressive behavior and peer victimization as outcomes of physical punishment. In addition, the study expands on the concept of “victim personality” by examining the mediating role of depressive symptoms. Methodologically, the study is an example of how the statistical software SPSS can be used for multiple mediation and conditional process analysis as an alternative to SEM analyses.

Modelling blockchain-based business processes: a comparative analysis of BPMN vs CMMN

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 638-657
Author(s):  
Fredrik Milani ◽  
Luciano Garcia-Banuelos ◽  
Svitlana Filipova ◽  
Mariia Markovska
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Disruptive Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Block Chain ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeBlockchain technology is increasingly positioned as a promising and disruptive technology. Such a promise has attracted companies to explore how blockchain technology can be used to gain significant benefits. Process models play a cardinal role when seeking to improve business processes as they are the foundation of process analysis and redesign. This paper examines how blockchain-oriented processes can be conceptually modelled with activity- (BPMN) and artifact-centric (CMMN) modelling paradigms.Design/methodology/approachThis paper discusses how commonly occurring patterns, specific to block-chain-based applications, can be modelled with BPMN and CMMN. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of both notations for accurately representing blockchain-specific patterns are discussed.FindingsThe main finding of this paper is that neither BPMN nor CMMN can adequately and accurately represent certain patterns specific for blockchain-oriented processes. BPMN, while supporting most of the patterns, does not provide sufficient support to represent tokenization. CMMN, on the other hand, does not provide support to distinguish between activities executed and data stored on-chain versus off-chain.Originality/valueThe paper provides insight into the strengths and weaknesses of BPMN and CMMN for modelling processes to be supported by blockchain. This will serve to aid analysts to produce better process models for communication purposes and, thereby, facilitate development of blockchain-based solutions.

scholarly journals Is Astronomical Research Appropriate for Developing Countries?

2001 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael. S. Snowden
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Modern Science ◽  
Research And Teaching ◽  
Annual Operating Cost ◽  
Astronomical Research ◽  
Physics Department ◽  
European Renaissance

AbstractAn unproductive 45-cm astronomical telescope, given by JICA (Japan) to Sri Lanka, raises general questions as to the reasons for unproductive pure science in developing countries. Before installation, site, maintenance, and scientific objectives were discussed. The facility was launched with a conference organised by the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs. Unfortunately, no research or significant education has resulted after four years. The annual operating cost is U.S. $5000 per year, including salary for a trainee, maintenance, and a modest promotional programme. Comparison with a similar installation in Auckland suggests lack of funding or technical competence do not explain the failure in Sri Lanka. The facility in New Zealand, on the roof of Auckland University’s Physics Department, has a slightly smaller budget but has led to modest but useful research and teaching. Lack of financial backing and expertise are often blamed for weak science in developing countries, but examination shows most of these countries have adequately skilled people, and plenty of resources for religion and military. General lack of motivation for science appears to be the principal reason. This lack of interest and highly inefficient bureaucracies are common to scientifically unproductive countries. They mostly lack the cultural and philosphical base of the European Renaissance that motivate the pursuit of modern science, an activity that violates human preferences. There are excellent facilities (ESO, SAAO, Cerro Tololo, and GONG) in some of these same countries, when administered from the West.

Improvements in Fuel Flexibility and Operating Cost Reduction at CSU Drake Station With Targeted In-Furnace Injection™ Technology

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Towell ◽  
Tom Martinez ◽  
David Hightower ◽  
Richard Maxey ◽  
Gerry Snow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Reduction ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Powder River Basin ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Fuel Flexibility ◽  
Annual Operating Cost ◽  
Environmental Emissions ◽  
Operating Strategies ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Powder River Basin Coal

Power generating stations are under continuous pressure to achieve maximum availability, highest efficiency, and minimum environmental emissions at the lowest possible cost. In recent years, increased fuel flexibility has become more critical financially and operationally than ever before. Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) has been very progressive in adopting and implementing benchmark technologies and operating strategies to help achieve these goals across their diversified generation portfolio, and in particular at four operating coal units representing 462 megawatts in the system. One key strategy employed at CSU’s Martin Drake Station has been to continuously evaluate and test alternative coal feedstocks which have potential to reduce cost while maintaining capacity, fuel supply security, availability, and efficiency. These tests would not have been possible without the use of Fuel Tech’s Targeted In-Furnace Injection™ (TIFI®) technology to control slagging and fouling, reduce forced outages and load drops, and enhance unit efficiency. The TIFI process involves the use of two different forms of fluid dynamics modeling coupled with a virtual reality engine. Together, these simulation methods create a running duplicate of a given furnace with injection overlays and dosage maps to predict the precise trajectory of an injected chemical, helping to ensure as close to 100% coverage of the targeted zones as possible. With TIFI installed on Units 6 and 7 at Martin Drake Station, the operators were able to blend Powder River Basin coal with design fuel up to double the percentages previously achievable. Using TIFI, the plant was able to maintain full load generation, better control slagging deposits, show improvements in heat absorption, and reduce attemperator spray flows over previous blend trials. Including the cost of the TIFI program, the station has demonstrated a potential annual operating cost reduction approaching $4.9 million. Effective return on TIFI program investment is 4:1.

scholarly journals Cost-benefit Analysis of Cabbage Grown Using a Plasticulture and Seepage Bare Ground Production System in Florida

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 699-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas G. Paranhos ◽  
Charles E. Barrett ◽  
Lincoln Zotarelli ◽  
Tatiana Borisova ◽  
Rebecca Darnell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Return On Investment ◽  
Capital Investment ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Planting Dates ◽  
Market Prices

Seepage is characterized as an inefficient irrigation method with regard to water and nutrient use. There is a need for an economically viable irrigation alternative to seepage, which increases crop productivity and profitability in Florida. The use of plastic mulch and drip irrigation for cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) production increases plant population per area and reduces the irrigation water requirement. However, plasticulture has a high capital investment and operating cost. The objectives of this study were to compare the profitability of plasticulture cabbage production and traditional seepage bare ground irrigation systems for Florida cabbage production, and to determine the breakeven point for cabbage grown under plasticulture given a range of market prices. The preharvest cost per acre for the plasticulture system was significantly higher than the cost for the seepage system ($4726 and $3035 per acre, respectively). However, for all planting dates considered in this study, the plasticulture system resulted in a significant increase in marketable yields when compared with the seepage system. The resulting increase in potential revenue offset the increase in preharvest costs and assured a positive net return on investment over the whole range market prices. It was also observed that low air temperatures combined with reduced solar radiation can prevent optimum plant development for cabbage transplanted between November and mid-December. Therefore, the return on investment may be reduced during less favorable climatic conditions for cabbage growth, making the plasticulture system less economically desirable for certain planting dates.

scholarly journals Addressing production bottlenecks and brownstock washer optimization via a membrane concentration system

TAPPI Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 467-478
Author(s):  
DIEGO F. RIVERA ◽  
MAX KLEIMAN-LYNCH ◽  
BRENT D. KELLER ◽  
STEPHEN F. FRAYNE
Keyword(s):  
Black Liquor ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Membrane System ◽  
Wash Water ◽  
Pulp Mills ◽  
Membrane Systems ◽  
Annual Operating Cost ◽  
Production Increase ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pulp Production

Advancements in membrane systems indicate that they will soon be robust enough to concentrate weak black liquor. To date, the economic impact of membrane systems on brownstock washing in kraft mills has not been studied and is necessary to understand the viability of these emerging systems and their best utilization. This study investigated the savings that a membrane system can generate related to brownstock washing. We found that evaporation costs are the primary barrier for mills seeking to increase wash water usage. Without these additional evaporation costs, we showed that our hypothetical 1000 tons/day bleached and brown pulp mills can achieve annual savings of over $1.0 MM when operating at higher dilution factors and fixed pulp production rate. We then investigated the impact of increasing pulp production on mills limited by their equipment. In washer-limited mill examples, we calculated that membrane systems can reduce the annual operating cost for a 7% production increase by 91%. Similarly, in evaporator-limited mill examples, membrane systems can reduce the annual operating cost for a 7% production increase by 86%. These results indicated that membrane systems make a production increase significantly more feasible for these equipment-limited mills.

scholarly journals A Two-Stage Configuration Method of Integrated Community Energy System Considering Demand Response

2021 ◽  
Vol 252 ◽  
pp. 03011
Author(s):  
Jianfeng Yang ◽  
Tianxiang Xie ◽  
Chang Zhang ◽  
Jie Dong ◽  
Jianhao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Demand Response ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Operating Efficiency ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Two Stage ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Low Emission ◽  
Investment Cost ◽  
Annual Operating Cost

The integrated community energy system (ICES) has aroused considerable attention for its low emission and high operating efficiency. The existing configuration methods for ICES with multi-energy sectors ignored the controllable load. In this paper, a two-stage configuration method of ICES is developed to achieve the minimum annual investing and operating cost. At the first stage, the capacities of components in ICES are optimized to minimize the annual investment cost of ICES. At the second stage, the annual operating cost including the electricity and gas purchase costs and the component maintenance cost is minimized to satisfy the energy load. The controllable load under the time-of-use energy price in seasonal typical days is considered in the second stage. Relevant simulations are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed configuration method for ICES. Considering the controllable load, comparative simulations illustrate that the proposed configuration method can significantly reduce the battery investment cost.

scholarly journals Techno-Economic Assessment of Polysaccharide Extraction from Baobab: A Scale Up Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 9915
Author(s):  
Maria Dimopoulou ◽  
Vivian Offiah ◽  
Kolawole Falade ◽  
Alan M. Smith ◽  
Vassilis Kontogiorgos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Operating Cost ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
Technoeconomic Analysis ◽  
A Value ◽  
The Uk

This research studied the commercial exploitation of an indigenous African crop in order to formulate high value products, with a potential significant impact on the local economy. More specifically, the present work investigated the extraction of polysaccharides from baobab in a bench-scale unit, focusing on the overall yield and the techno-economic assessment of the extraction process. Preliminary technoeconomic analysis for two scenarios (with and without ethanol recycling) was performed to determine the economic viability of the process and the development of the baobab market both in Nigeria and the UK. A full economic analysis was undertaken for each of the two scenarios, considering all operating and capital costs, and the production cost of baobab polysaccharides was estimated based on a constant return on investment. Combining the operating cost with the average polysaccharide yield, the minimum profitable selling price in the UK was estimated to be between £23 and £35 per 100 g of polysaccharide, which is comparable to the commercial selling price of high purity polysaccharides. An assessment of a scaled-up plant was also performed under Nigerian conditions and the results showed that such an investment is potentially viable and profitable, with a minimum profitable selling price of £27 per 100 g, a value comparable to the UK-based scenarios.

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