scholarly journals Polymeric Microfiltration Membranes Modification by Supercritical Solvent Impregnation—Potential Application in Open Surgical Wound Ventilation

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (15) ◽  
pp. 4572
Author(s):  
Mariusz Nowak ◽  
Dusan Misic ◽  
Anna Trusek ◽  
Irena Zizovic
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Potential Application ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Thoracic Cavity ◽  
Cavity Model ◽  
Supercritical Solvent ◽  
Microfiltration Membranes ◽  
The Impact

This study investigated supercritical solvent impregnation of polyamide microfiltration membranes with carvacrol and the potential application of the modified membranes in ventilation of open surgical wounds. The impregnation process was conducted in batch mode at a temperature of 40 °C under pressures of 10, 15, and 20 MPa for contact times from 1 to 6 h. FTIR was applied to confirm the presence of carvacrol on the membrane surface. In the next step, the impact of the modification on the membrane structure was studied using scanning electron and ion beam microscopy and cross-filtration tests. Further, the release of carvacrol in carbon dioxide was determined, and finally, an open thoracic cavity model was applied to evaluate the efficiency of carvacrol-loaded membranes in contamination prevention. Carvacrol loadings of up to 43 wt.% were obtained under the selected operating conditions. The swelling effect was detectable. However, its impact on membrane functionality was minor. An average of 18.3 µg of carvacrol was released from membranes per liter of carbon dioxide for the flow of interest. Membranes with 30–34 wt.% carvacrol were efficient in the open thoracic cavity model applied, reducing the contamination levels by 27% compared to insufflation with standard membranes.

scholarly journals Functional Modification of Cellulose Acetate Microfiltration Membranes by Supercritical Solvent Impregnation

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 411
Author(s):  
Irena Zizovic ◽  
Marcin Tyrka ◽  
Konrad Matyja ◽  
Ivana Moric ◽  
Lidija Senerovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cellulose Acetate ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Cross Flow ◽  
Batch Mode ◽  
Impregnation Process ◽  
Supercritical Solvent ◽  
Cross Flow Filtration ◽  
Microfiltration Membranes ◽  
The Impact

This study investigates the modification of commercial cellulose acetate microfiltration membranes by supercritical solvent impregnation with thymol to provide them with antibacterial properties. The impregnation process was conducted in a batch mode, and the effect of pressure and processing time on thymol loading was followed. The impact of the modification on the membrane’s microstructure was analyzed using scanning electron and ion-beam microscopy, and membranes’ functionality was tested in a cross-flow filtration system. The antibiofilm properties of the obtained materials were studied against Staphyloccocus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while membranes’ blocking in contact with bacteria was examined for S. aureus and Escherichia coli. The results revealed a fast impregnation process with high thymol loadings achievable after just 0.5 h at 15 MPa and 20 MPa. The presence of 20% of thymol provided strong antibiofilm properties against the tested strains without affecting the membrane’s functionality. The study showed that these strong antibacterial properties could be implemented to the commercial membranes’ defined polymeric structure in a short and environmentally friendly process.

scholarly journals Tanning Wastewater Treatment by Ultrafiltration: Process Efficiency and Fouling Behavior

Membranes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 461
Author(s):  
Fu Yang ◽  
Zhengkun Huang ◽  
Jun Huang ◽  
Chongde Wu ◽  
Rongqing Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Shear Rate ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Process Efficiency ◽  
Transmembrane Pressure ◽  
Leather Industry ◽  
Pore Blocking ◽  
The Impact

Ultrafiltration is a promising, environment-friendly alternative to the current physicochemical-based tannery wastewater treatment. In this work, ultrafiltration was employed to treat the tanning wastewater as an upstream process of the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system in the leather industry. The filtration efficiency and fouling behaviors were analyzed to assess the impact of membrane material and operating conditions (shear rate on the membrane surface and transmembrane pressure). The models of resistance-in-series, fouling propensity, and pore blocking were used to provide a comprehensive analysis of such a process. The results show that the process efficiency is strongly dependent on the operating conditions, while the membranes of either PES or PVDF showed similar filtration performance and fouling behavior. Reversible resistance was the main obstacle for such process. Cake formation was the main pore blocking mechanism during such process, which was independent on the operating conditions and membrane materials. The increase in shear rate significantly increased the steady-state permeation flux, thus, the filtration efficiency was improved, which resulted from both the reduction in reversible resistance and the slow-down of fouling layer accumulate rate. This is the first time that the fouling behaviors of tanning wastewater ultrafiltration were comprehensively evaluated, thus providing crucial guidance for further scientific investigation and industrial application.

Structural Design Considerations for Tubular Power Tower Receivers Operating at 650°C

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ty W. Neises ◽  
Michael J. Wagner ◽  
Allison K. Gray
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
High Pressure ◽  
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Outlet Temperature ◽  
Power Cycles ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Supercritical Carbon

Research of advanced power cycles has shown supercritical carbon dioxide power cycles may have thermal efficiency benefits relative to steam cycles at temperatures around 500–700°C. To realize these benefits for CSP, it is necessary to increase the maximum outlet temperature of current tower designs. Research at NREL is investigating a concept that uses high-pressure supercritical carbon dioxide as the heat transfer fluid to achieve a 650°C receiver outlet temperature. At these operating conditions, creep becomes an important factor in the design of a tubular receiver and contemporary design assumptions for both solar and traditional boiler applications must be revisited and revised. This paper discusses lessons learned for high-pressure, high-temperature tubular receiver design. An analysis of a simplified receiver tube is discussed, and the results show the limiting stress mechanisms in the tube and the impact on the maximum allowable flux as design parameters vary. Results of this preliminary analysis indicate an underlying trade-off between tube thickness and the maximum allowable flux on the tube. Future work will expand the scope of design variables considered and attempt to optimize the design based on cost and performance metrics.

scholarly journals Air Backwash Efficiency on Organic Fouling of UF Membranes Applied to Shellfish Hatchery Effluents

Membranes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clémence Cordier ◽  
Christophe Stavrakakis ◽  
Patrick Sauvade ◽  
Franz Coelho ◽  
Philippe Moulin
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Particle Removal ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Significant Information ◽  
Dead End ◽  
Biodiversity Preservation ◽  
Organic Fouling ◽  
Uf Membranes ◽  
The Impact

Among all the techniques studied to overcome fouling generated in dead-end filtration, the injection of air during backwashes proved to be the most effective. Indeed, shear stress engendered by the two-phase flow enhanced particle removal on membrane surface. This work aims to study the injection of air to drain the membranes before backwash. Firstly, the efficiency of this backwash procedure was evaluated during the ultrafiltration of seawater on a semi industrial pilot plant using different operating conditions. Then, the treatment of seawater, doped with oyster gametes to simulate the filtration of shellfish hatchery effluents, was performed to confirm the hydraulic performance of the air backwash. Indeed, the release of gametes, expulsed by exotic bivalves in the natural environment, could be a risk for the biodiversity preservation. The impact of air backwash on the integrity of oocytes and spermatozoa was identified using flow cytometry and microscopic analyses. When oyster gametes were added, their retention by ultrafiltration was validated. The impact of air backwash on these species viability was a significant information point for the implementation of this process on shellfish production farms.

scholarly journals Nitrous oxide, ammonia and methane from Australian meat chicken houses measured under commercial operating conditions and with mitigation strategies applied

2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (9) ◽  
pp. 1404 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. G. Wiedemann ◽  
F. A. Phillips ◽  
T. A. Naylor ◽  
E. J. McGahan ◽  
O. B. Keane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Litter Depth ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Equivalents ◽  
The Impact

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia emissions are important environmental impacts from meat chicken houses. This study measured ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) in two trials from paired, commercial meat chicken houses using standard (control) and mitigation strategies. In Trial 1, emissions from houses with standard litter depth of 47 mm (LD47) or increased litter depth of 67 mm (LD67) were compared. When standardised to a 42-day-old bird, emissions were 11.9 g NH3/bird, 0.30 g N2O/bird and 0.16 g CH4/bird from the LD47 and 11.7 g NH3/bird, 0.69 g N2O/bird and 0.12 g CH4/bird from the LD67. Emissions per kilogram of manure N were 0.14 and 0.11 for NH3-N, 0.003 and 0.005 N2O-N and CH4 conversion factors were 0.08% and 0.05%. Total direct and indirect GHG emissions reported in carbon dioxide equivalents were found to be higher in LD67 in response to the elevated direct N2O emissions. Trial 2 compared the impact of reduced crude protein (CP19.8) and a standard diet (CP21.3) developed using least-cost ration formulation, on emissions. Emissions per bird for the CP19.8 diet were 7.7 g NH3/bird, 0.39 g N2O/bird and 0.14 g CH4/bird, while emissions from birds fed the CP21.3 diet were 10.6 g NH3/bird, 0.42 g N2O/bird and 0.19 g CH4/bird. Significant differences were observed only in the NH3 results, where emissions were reduced by 27% for the low-CP diet. Because of the low emission levels, total mitigation potential from indirect GHG emissions was relatively small in Trial 2, corresponding to 11 t carbon dioxide equivalents/year per million birds.

scholarly journals Modeling of H2 Permeation through Electroless Pore-Plated Composite Pd Membranes Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Membranes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Alberto Fernández ◽  
Cintia Casado ◽  
David Alique ◽  
José Antonio Calles ◽  
Javier Marugán
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Experimental Data ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Hydrogen Permeation ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Molar Fraction ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Cfd Modeling ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

This work focused on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of H2/N2 separation in a membrane permeator module containing a supported dense Pd-based membrane that was prepared using electroless pore-plating (ELP-PP). An easy-to-implement model was developed based on a source–sink pair formulation of the species transport and continuity equations. The model also included the Darcy–Forcheimer formulation for modeling the porous stainless steel (PSS) membrane support and Sieverts’ law for computing the H2 permeation flow through the dense palladium film. Two different reactor configurations were studied, which involved varying the hydrogen flow permeation direction (in–out or out–in). A wide range of experimental data was simulated by considering the impact of the operating conditions on the H2 separation, such as the feed pressure and the H2 concentration in the inlet stream. Simulations of the membrane permeator device showed an excellent agreement between the predicted and experimental data (measured as permeate and retentate flows and H2 separation). Molar fraction profiles inside the permeator device for both configurations showed that concentration polarization near the membrane surface was not a limit for the hydrogen permeation but could be useful information for membrane reactor design, as it showed the optimal length of the reactor.

Analysis and Optimization of the Coupled Parameters of the Graz Cycle

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brentan R. Alexander ◽  
Ahmed F. Ghoniem
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Optimization Algorithm ◽  
Coal Gasification ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Lifetime Cost ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Pure Oxygen ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
System Parameters ◽  
The Impact

The Graz Cycle is a unique power cycle design that has been proposed for the conversion of coal derived syngas or natural gas into mechanical energy while capturing carbon dioxide. The hydrocarbon is burned in pure oxygen, and water is condensed before a portion of the products are recycled back. Previous analyses have shown theoretical efficiencies of 56.12% [1]. Such a high theoretical efficiency, combined with carbon dioxide capture, makes this cycle design highly attractive. Little previous work has gone into optimizing the Graz Cycle design. Optimizing complex power cycles is complicated by the fact that a change in the operating conditions of one component of the cycle can alter temperatures and pressures around the rest of the cycle, impacting the performance of other cycle machinery. This paper addresses this issue through the application of a multivariable optimization algorithm. We have developed a model for the Graz Cycle using simplified equations of state and verified the results against previous studies. This model predicts a cycle efficiency of 56.72%, while the orginal calculation shows a value of 56.12% [1]. These values do not account for efficiency losses in the liquefaction and sequestration of carbon dioxide, or the efficiency penalty associated with coal gasification when syngas is used. A sensitivity analysis was performed on our model in order to identify the impact of key system parameters, including cycle temperatures, pressures, and molar flow rates, on the efficiency. This procedure, which amounts to changing one parameter at a time to maximize efficiency, resulted in an optimized efficiency of 57.84%. A computational optimization algorithm based on a simulated annealing scheme was then devised and used to alter system parameters simultaneously. An overall theoretical efficiency of 60.11% was achieved using this method. Another optimization scheme which accounts for hardware limitations and plant capital costs was also studied. This optimization yielded an efficiency of 58.76% while limiting the system high pressure to 110 bar. The results reveal that complex relationships between plant costs, fuel costs, and overall efficiency can be taken into account in a single unified analysis that minimizes a plant’s lifetime cost per unit of output. We demonstrate that the optimized cycle is actually simpler that the original cycle, without losing efficiency.

scholarly journals Case studies of clinical hemodialysis membranes: influences of membrane morphology and biocompatibility on uremic blood-membrane interactions and inflammatory biomarkers

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heloisa Westphalen ◽  
Shaghayegh Saadati ◽  
Ubong Eduok ◽  
Amira Abdelrasoul ◽  
Ahmed Shoker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Cascade Reactions ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Dialysis Session ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Membrane Materials ◽  
The Impact

Abstract End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients depend on hemodialysis (HD) as a life-sustaining treatment, but HD membrane properties play a critical role in blood activation during HD and can lead to severe patient outcomes. This study reports on a series of investigations on the common clinical HD membranes available in Canadian hospitals to explore the key reasons behind their susceptibility to blood activation and unstable cytokine. Clinical HD membranes composed of cellulose triacetate (CTA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone: polyarylethersulfone (PAES: PVP) were thoroughly characterized in terms of morphology and chemical composition. Membrane-surface interactions with uremic blood samples after HD treatment were probed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic techniques in order to understand changes in chemistry on membrane fibers. In addition, as part of this innovative study, we utilized Molecular Modeling Docking to examine the interactions of human blood proteins and membrane models to gain an in-depth understanding of functional group types responsible for perceived interactions. In-vitro adsorption of fibrinogen on different clinical HD membranes was compared at similar clinical operating conditions. Samples were collected from dialysis patients to ascertain the extent of inflammatory biomarkers released, before, during (30 and 90 min) and after dialysis (4 h). Collected blood samples were analyzed using Luminex assays for the inflammatory biomarkers of Serpin/Antithrombin-III, Properdin, C5a, 1L-1α, 1L-1β, TNF-α, IL6, and vWF. We have likewise incubated uremic blood in vitro with the two membrane materials to determine the impact that membrane materials pose in favor of activation away from the hydrodynamics influences. The results of our morphological, chemical, spectroscopic, and in vitro incubation analyses indicate that CTA membranes have a smoother surface and higher biocompatibility than PAES: PVP membranes, however, it has smaller pore size distribution, which results in poor clearance of a broad spectrum of uremic toxins. However, the rougher surface and greater hydrophilicity of PAES: PVP membranes increases red blood cell rupture at the membrane surface, which promotes protein adsorption and biochemical cascade reactions. Molecular docking studies indicate sulfone functional groups play an important role in the adsorption of proteins and receptors. PAES: PVP membranes result in slower but greater adsorption of fibrinogen, but are more likely to experience reversible and irreversible fouling as well as backfiltration. Our major finding is that a single dialysis session, even with a more biocompatible membrane such as CTA, increases the levels of complement and inflammation factors, but to a milder extent than dialysis with a PAES membrane.

Truck Tire Operating Temperatures on Flat and Curved Test Surfaces

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. LaClair ◽  
C. Zarak
Keyword(s):  
Flat Surface ◽  
Operating Temperature ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Load Pressure ◽  
Truck Tire ◽  
Endurance Testing ◽  
Operating Temperatures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Tread Rubber ◽  
Cylindrical Test

Abstract Operating temperature is critical to the endurance life of a tire. Fundamental differences between operations of a tire on a flat surface, as experienced in normal highway use, and on a cylindrical test drum may result in a substantially higher tire temperature in the latter case. Nonetheless, cylindrical road wheels are widely used in the industry for tire endurance testing. This paper discusses the important effects of surface curvature on truck tire endurance testing and highlights the impact that curvature has on tire operating temperature. Temperature measurements made during testing on flat and curved surfaces under a range of load, pressure and speed conditions are presented. New tires and re-treaded tires of the same casing construction were evaluated to determine the effect that the tread rubber and pattern have on operating temperatures on the flat and curved test surfaces. The results of this study are used to suggest conditions on a road wheel that provide highway-equivalent operating conditions for truck tire endurance testing.

Climate-forced changes of bio-productivity of Belorussian terrestrial ecosystems

2019 ◽  
pp. 77-88
Author(s):  
S. A. Lysenko
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Precipitation Amount ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Vegetation Period ◽  
Climatic Trend ◽  
Vegetation Growth ◽  
Current Century ◽  
The Impact

The spatial and temporal particularities of Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) changes over territory of Belarus in the current century and their relationship with climate change were investigated. The rise of NDVI is observed at approximately 84% of the Belarus area. The statistically significant growth of NDVI has exhibited at nearly 35% of the studied area (t-test at 95% confidence interval), which are mainly forests and undeveloped areas. Croplands vegetation index is largely descending. The main factor of croplands bio-productivity interannual variability is precipitation amount in vegetation period. This factor determines more than 60% of the croplands NDVI dispersion. The long-term changes of NDVI could be explained by combination of two factors: photosynthesis intensifying action of carbon dioxide and vegetation growth suppressing action of air warming with almost unchanged precipitation amount. If the observed climatic trend continues the croplands bio-productivity in many Belarus regions could be decreased at more than 20% in comparison with 2000 year. The impact of climate change on the bio-productivity of undeveloped lands is only slightly noticed on the background of its growth in conditions of rising level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

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