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Volume 9
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Processes, Volume 9, Issue 5 (May 2021) – 175 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technology, where biofilm grows on the protected surfaces of small carrier elements, has become a proven technology for nitrogen removal in sidestream deammonification processes implemented at more than 30 full-scale facilities worldwide. Lessons learned have shown that the MBBR, with its slow-growing anammox bacteria safely retained in the reactor, provides a stable and robust system, but it has also become clear that dedicated control strategies should be in place, especially for more complex wastewaters such as reject water from thermal hydrolysis processes (THP). With real-time optimisation using online sensors, long-term stability is secured and operation facilitated. View this paper
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20 pages, 4969 KiB  
Article
Simulation and Experimental Study of the Influence of the Baffles on Solar Chimney Power Plant System
by Haixia Wang, Jusheng Chen, Ping Dai, Fujiang Zhang and Qingling Li
Processes 2021, 9(5), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050902 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2296
Abstract
The solar chimney power plant system (abbreviated as SCPPS) is a clean and pollution-free facility for generating electric power. To improve the generating efficiency, a bank of baffles can be arranged under the collector in SCPPS. ANSYS Fluent 18.2 was used to numerically [...] Read more.
The solar chimney power plant system (abbreviated as SCPPS) is a clean and pollution-free facility for generating electric power. To improve the generating efficiency, a bank of baffles can be arranged under the collector in SCPPS. ANSYS Fluent 18.2 was used to numerically simulate 3D models of SCPPS with or without baffles, and an experimental apparatus was built for verification. There are seven different types of model discussed here: the SCPPS without baffles (prototype), and other six types of models with different baffles (a-type, b-type, c-type, d-type, e-type, and f-type). The pressure fields, temperature fields, velocity fields, and power outputs of different models under the different baffles are discussed. It is shown that the addition of baffles in the system can increase the temperature field, pressure field, velocity field, and power output to varying degrees, but b-type baffles better improve the temperature and velocity uniformity of the system, and intensify the output power. For b-type, the simulation of the systems with five different baffle numbers (3, 4, 6, 8, and 12, respectively) was carried out, and it was concluded that the system with 12 baffles is the best in improving the system performance. It can be seen that the more the number of baffles, the better the performance of SCPPS. The experiments are also verified the simulation. Full article
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24 pages, 3141 KiB  
Article
Offset-Free Economic MPC Based on Modifier Adaptation: Investigation of Several Gradient-Estimation Techniques
by Marco Vaccari, Dominique Bonvin, Federico Pelagagge and Gabriele Pannocchia
Processes 2021, 9(5), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050901 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1827
Abstract
Various offset-free economic model predictive control schemes that include a disturbance model and the modifier-adaptation principle have been proposed in recent years. These schemes are able to reach plant optimality asymptotically even in the presence of plant–model mismatch. All schemes are affected by [...] Read more.
Various offset-free economic model predictive control schemes that include a disturbance model and the modifier-adaptation principle have been proposed in recent years. These schemes are able to reach plant optimality asymptotically even in the presence of plant–model mismatch. All schemes are affected by a major issue that is common to all modifier-adaptation formulations, namely, plant optimality (note that convergence per se does not require perfect plant gradients) requires perfect knowledge of static plant gradients, which is a piece of information not known in most practical applications. To address this issue, we present two gradient-estimation techniques, one based on Broyden’s update and the other one on linear regression. We apply these techniques for the estimation of either the plant gradients or the modifiers directly. The resulting economic MPC schemes are tested in a simulation and compared on two benchmark examples of different complexity with respect to both convergence speed and robustness to measurement noise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Model Learning Predictive Control for Industrial Processes)
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20 pages, 1868 KiB  
Article
Bacterial Succession Pattern during the Fermentation Process in Whole-Plant Corn Silage Processed in Different Geographical Areas of Northern China
by Chao Wang, Hongyan Han, Lin Sun, Na Na, Haiwen Xu, Shujuan Chang, Yun Jiang and Yanlin Xue
Processes 2021, 9(5), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050900 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2146
Abstract
Whole-plant corn silage is a predominant forage for livestock that is processed in Heilongjiang province (Daqing city and Longjiang county), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (Helin county and Tumet Left Banner) and Shanxi province (Taigu and Shanyin counties) of North China; it was sampled [...] Read more.
Whole-plant corn silage is a predominant forage for livestock that is processed in Heilongjiang province (Daqing city and Longjiang county), Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (Helin county and Tumet Left Banner) and Shanxi province (Taigu and Shanyin counties) of North China; it was sampled at 0, 5, 14, 45 and 90 days after ensiling. Bacterial community and fermentation quality were analysed. During fermentation, the pH was reduced to below 4.0, lactic acid increased to above 73 g/kg DM (p < 0.05) and Lactobacillus dominated the bacterial community and had a reducing abundance after 14 days. In the final silages, butyric acid was not detected, and the contents of acetic acid and ammonia nitrogen were below 35 g/kg DM and 100 g/kg total nitrogen, respectively. Compared with silages from Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia, silages from Shanxi contained less Lactobacillus and more Leuconostoc (p < 0.05), and had a separating bacterial community from 14 to 90 days. Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with pH in all the silages (p < 0.05), and positively correlated with lactic and acetic acid in silages from Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia (p < 0.05). The results show that the final silages had satisfactory fermentation quality. During the ensilage process, silages from Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia had similar bacterial-succession patterns; the activity of Lactobacillus formed and maintained good fermentation quality in whole-plant corn silage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Microbial Fermentation Processes)
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13 pages, 2116 KiB  
Article
Gain-Scheduled Model Predictive Control for a Commercial Vehicle Air Brake System
by Dawei Hu, Gangyan Li and Feng Deng
Processes 2021, 9(5), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050899 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2925
Abstract
This paper presents a control-oriented Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) model for commercial vehicle air brake systems with the electro-pneumatic proportional valve based on the nonlinear mathematical model, a set of discrete-time linearized models at different target pressures with the q-Markov Cover system identification method. [...] Read more.
This paper presents a control-oriented Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) model for commercial vehicle air brake systems with the electro-pneumatic proportional valve based on the nonlinear mathematical model, a set of discrete-time linearized models at different target pressures with the q-Markov Cover system identification method. The scheduled parameters for the LPV model were the brake chamber pressure, which was controlled by the electro-pneumatic proportional valve. On the basis of the LPV model, a family of Model Predictive Control (MPC) controllers with a Kalman filter was designed at each operation point. Then, the gain-scheduled MPC was designed over the entire operating range with the switched strategy, which was validated by experimental data. Furthermore, compared with the PID controller, the performance of the system was improved with a gain-scheduled MPC controller. Full article
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21 pages, 7274 KiB  
Article
Study on Hull Optimization Process Considering Operational Efficiency in Waves
by Beom-Soo Kim, Min-Jae Oh, Jae-Hoon Lee, Yong-Hwan Kim and Myung-Il Roh
Processes 2021, 9(5), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050898 - 19 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2847
Abstract
This study investigates the optimization of the hull form of a tanker, considering the operational efficiency in waves, in accordance with the recent Energy Efficiency Design Index regulation. For this purpose, the total resistance and speed loss of the ship under representative sea [...] Read more.
This study investigates the optimization of the hull form of a tanker, considering the operational efficiency in waves, in accordance with the recent Energy Efficiency Design Index regulation. For this purpose, the total resistance and speed loss of the ship under representative sea conditions were minimized simultaneously. The total resistance was divided into three components: calm water resistance, added resistance due to wind, and to waves. The first two components were calculated using regression formulas, and the last component was estimated using the strip theory, far-field method, and the short-wave correction formula. Next, prismatic coefficient, waterline length, waterplane area, and flare angle were selected as design variables from the perspective of operational efficiency. The hull form was described as a combination of cross-sectional curves. A combination of the method shifting these sections in the longitudinal direction and the Free-Form Deformation method was used to deform the hull. As a result of applying the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm to a tanker, the hull was deformed thinner and longer, and it was determined that the total resistance and speed loss were reduced by 3.58 and 10.2%, respectively. In particular, the added resistance due to waves decreased significantly compared to the calm water resistance, which implies that the present tendency differs from conventional ship design that optimizes only the calm water resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theoretical and Numerical Marine Hydrodynamics)
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11 pages, 4430 KiB  
Article
System Design of a Vehicle Based on the Matrix Approach Using Functional Analysis of the Maintenance
by Dušan Mežnar
Processes 2021, 9(5), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050897 - 19 May 2021
Viewed by 1636
Abstract
The use of extended standard functional analysis of maintenance in the design phase of vehicle structure analysis is presented for the first time, where a matrix of the degree of importance of modules or parts, a matrix size between costs and benefits (costs–benefits), [...] Read more.
The use of extended standard functional analysis of maintenance in the design phase of vehicle structure analysis is presented for the first time, where a matrix of the degree of importance of modules or parts, a matrix size between costs and benefits (costs–benefits), and a logistic support matrix (support index and repair time) are used. The use of these methods allows a designer to be able to determine, in the very early phase of the construction process, the important factors (structure, component price, reliability, repair costs, response time, logistic supportability) that have a major impact on vehicle maintenance. Extended functional analysis also allows us to define critical structures in the project specification of vehicles. A crucial issue in functional analysis is the very extensive implementation of research, drawing conclusions and findings with the basic goal of determining a set of indicators for the verification of assumptions and hypotheses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
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17 pages, 5818 KiB  
Article
Effect of Heat Resource Effectiveness Change on Rice Potential Yield in Southern China
by Qing Ye, Xiaoguang Yang, Wenjuan Xie, Junmeng Yao and Zhe Cai
Processes 2021, 9(5), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050896 - 19 May 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1805
Abstract
During the rice growing season, farmers’ decisions about cropping systems and seed varieties directly affect the utilization of heat resource, and eventually affect the potential yield. In this study, we used the hourly accumulated temperature model to calculate the available heat resource as [...] Read more.
During the rice growing season, farmers’ decisions about cropping systems and seed varieties directly affect the utilization of heat resource, and eventually affect the potential yield. In this study, we used the hourly accumulated temperature model to calculate the available heat resource as well as the effective heat resource in southern China. We conducted a spatiotemporal analysis of the heat resource effectiveness during rice growing season and an impact assessment of heat resource effectiveness on rice potential yield and cereal yield reduction. The results showed that, during the period of 1951–2015, heat resource effectiveness generally declined in the rice cropping area of southern China. And this decrease worsened during the most recent three decades compared with the period of 1951–1980. A strong correlation was detected between heat resource effectiveness and rice potential yield in the study area. When the effective heat resource during the growing season increased by 1 °C·d, rice potential yield would increase by 14 kg ha−1. For each percentage increase in heat resource effectiveness, the rice potential yield reduction rate would go down by 0.65%. This agro-climatological study aims to offer a scientific basis for rice production decisions in southern China, such as when to plant, which varieties to choose and so on. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing and Properties Analysis of Grain Foods)
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10 pages, 25098 KiB  
Article
A Modeling Application for GHG Fluxes Estimates in Betel Nuts Plantations in Taiwan
by Adriano Palma, Chen-Yeon Chu, Francesco Petracchini, Mei-Ling Yeh, Cheng-Ting Wu and Yu-Chen Lai
Processes 2021, 9(5), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050895 - 19 May 2021
Viewed by 1768
Abstract
Perennial woody crops could have a positive impact on carbon balance, absorbing carbon during growing season and storing it for several years, whereas annual crops do not have this particular effect. Usually, techniques for GHG (greenhouse gases) flux measurements have limited spatial representativeness, [...] Read more.
Perennial woody crops could have a positive impact on carbon balance, absorbing carbon during growing season and storing it for several years, whereas annual crops do not have this particular effect. Usually, techniques for GHG (greenhouse gases) flux measurements have limited spatial representativeness, with some difficulties to extend leaf measurements to field scale. Models, especially if supported by remote sensing data, allow for upscaling the monitoring of these fluxes. The aim of this work was to evaluate the carbon fluxes (gross primary production, GPP; net ecosystem production, NEP) of the betel nut cultivars in Taiwan by a vegetation photosynthesis model (VPM). The model permitted estimating seasonal dynamics of GPP in a moist tropical evergreen forest. These plantations are very common in Taiwan and their role could be significant in environmental and development policies even though, until now, the consumption of the fruit of this tree is at the center of controversy due to their use and effects on the population. To obtain estimates of carbon fluxes on a large area that would appreciate its spatial variability, a model based on physiological processes was used. This model incorporated a series of procedures and monthly mean meteorological data, light use efficiency, and satellite enhanced vegetation index (EVI) were used as inputs. An additional purpose of this work was to compare the carbon uptake of different cultivars in Taiwan and Italy. Using a different model, always based on light use efficiency, a similar project was carried on Italian vineyards, with other climate conditions and different agricultural practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Biohydrogen and Bioprocesses)
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13 pages, 2326 KiB  
Article
Propylene Glycol Improves Stability of the Anti-Inflammatory Compounds in Scutellaria baicalensis Extract
by Tseng-Ting Kao, Ming-Chao Wang, Yi-Hsuan Chen, Yu-Tung Chung and Pai-An Hwang
Processes 2021, 9(5), 894; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050894 - 19 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2813
Abstract
Scutellaria baicalensis root extracts have been useful for external skin care and have been commercialized for years. Here, a comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the difference between 20% propylene glycol (PG) and water used as the storage solvent for a time course [...] Read more.
Scutellaria baicalensis root extracts have been useful for external skin care and have been commercialized for years. Here, a comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the difference between 20% propylene glycol (PG) and water used as the storage solvent for a time course analysis of their remaining biological activities and ingredient compositions versus their freshly prepared conditions. Of the four major components in the 20% PG solvent, more than 80% of the components were retained after storage for two months, but in water only baicalin and wogonin were retained. The relative antibacterial activities, antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory activities of the 20% PG solvent group were better than those of the water solvent group. Taken together, we demonstrated that these activities improved when PG, a common solvent used in many product formulas, was used as the storage solvent for the S. baicalensis extract. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Application of Microbiology in Agriculture and Medicine)
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23 pages, 1221 KiB  
Article
Multi-Step Subcritical Water Extracts of Fucus vesiculosus L. and Codium tomentosum Stackhouse: Composition, Health-Benefits and Safety
by Cristina Soares, Paula Paíga, Marta Marques, Tânia Neto, Ana Paula Carvalho, Alexandre Paiva, Pedro Simões, Leonor Costa, Ana Bernardo, Naiara Fernández, Edgar Pinto, Agostinho Almeida, Maria Rosário Bronze, Cristina Delerue-Matos and Clara Grosso
Processes 2021, 9(5), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050893 - 19 May 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3824
Abstract
Mental health and active aging are two of the main concerns in the 21st century. To search for new neuroprotective compounds, extracts of Codium tomentosum Stackhouse and Fucus vesiculosus L. were obtained through multi-step (four step) subcritical water extraction using a temperature gradient. [...] Read more.
Mental health and active aging are two of the main concerns in the 21st century. To search for new neuroprotective compounds, extracts of Codium tomentosum Stackhouse and Fucus vesiculosus L. were obtained through multi-step (four step) subcritical water extraction using a temperature gradient. The safety assessment of the extracts was performed by screening pharmaceutical compounds and pesticides by UHPLC-MS/MS, and iodine and arsenic levels by ICP-MS. Although the extracts were free of pharmaceutical compounds and pesticides, the presence of arsenic and high iodine contents were found in the first two extraction steps. Thus, the health-benefits were only evaluated for the fractions obtained in steps 3 and 4 from the extraction process. These fractions were tested against five brain enzymes implicated in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and major depression etiology as well as against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, having been observed a strong enzyme inhibition and radical scavenging activities for the step 4 fractions from both seaweed species. Regarding the variation of the chemical composition during the extraction, step 1 fractions were the richest in phenolic compounds. With the increase in temperature, Maillard reaction, caramelization and thermo-oxidation occurred, and the resulting products positively affected the antioxidant capacity and the neuroprotective effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biological Processes and Systems)
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16 pages, 27114 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Hydrogen Storage Performance of MgH2 by the Catalysis of a Novel Intersected Y2O3/NiO Hybrid
by Yushan Liu, Shun Wang, Zhenglong Li, Mingxia Gao, Yongfeng Liu, Wenping Sun and Hongge Pan
Processes 2021, 9(5), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050892 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2634
Abstract
MgH2 is one of the most promising hydrogen storage materials due to its high hydrogen storage capacity and favorable reversibility, but it suffers from stable thermodynamics and poor dynamics. In the present work, an intersected Y2O3/NiO hybrid with [...] Read more.
MgH2 is one of the most promising hydrogen storage materials due to its high hydrogen storage capacity and favorable reversibility, but it suffers from stable thermodynamics and poor dynamics. In the present work, an intersected Y2O3/NiO hybrid with spherical hollow structure is synthesized. When introduced to MgH2 via ball-milling, the Y2O3/NiO hollow spheres are crushed into ultrafine particles, which are homogenously dispersed in MgH2, showing a highly effective catalysis. With an optimized addition of 10 wt% of the hybrid, the initial dehydrogenation peak temperature of MgH2 is reduced to 277 °C, lowered by 109 °C compared with that of the bare MgH2, which is further reduced to 261 °C in the second cycle. There is ca. 6.6 wt% H2 released at 275 °C within 60 min. For the fully dehydrogenation product, hydrogenation initiates at almost room temperature, and a hydrogenation capacity of 5.9 wt% is achieved at 150 °C within 150 min. There is still 5.2 wt% H2 desorbed after 50 cycles at a moderate cyclic condition, corresponding to the capacity retention of 79.2%. The crystal structure and morphology of the Y2O3/NiO hybrid is well preserved during cycling, showing long-term catalysis to the hydrogen storage of MgH2. The Y2O3/NiO hybrid also inhibits the agglomeration of MgH2 particles during cycling, favoring the cyclic stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art of Energy Storage and Conversion Materials)
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14 pages, 4309 KiB  
Article
Effect of Thermal Energy and Ultrasonication on Mixing Efficiency in Passive Micromixers
by Fahizan Mahmud, Khairul Fikri Tamrin, Shahrol Mohamaddan and Nobuo Watanabe
Processes 2021, 9(5), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050891 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2113
Abstract
Micromixing is a key process in microfluidics technology. However, rapid and efficient fluid mixing is difficult to achieve inside the microchannels due to unfavourable laminar flow. Active micromixers employing ultrasound and thermal energy are effective in enhancing the micromixing process; however, integration of [...] Read more.
Micromixing is a key process in microfluidics technology. However, rapid and efficient fluid mixing is difficult to achieve inside the microchannels due to unfavourable laminar flow. Active micromixers employing ultrasound and thermal energy are effective in enhancing the micromixing process; however, integration of these energy sources within the devices is a non-trivial task. In this study, ultrasound and thermal energy have been extraneously applied at the upstream of the micromixer to significantly reduce fabrication complexity. A novel Dean micromixer was laser-fabricated to passively increase mixing performance and compared with T- and Y-micromixers at Reynolds numbers between 5 to 100. The micromixers had a relatively higher mixing index at lower Reynolds number, attributed to higher residence time. Dean micromixer exhibits higher mixing performance (about 27% better) than T- and Y-micromixers for 40 ≤ Re ≤ 100. Influence of ultrasound and heat on mixing is more significant at 5 ≤ Re ≤ 20 due to the prolonged mechanical effects. It can be observed that mixing index increases by about 6% to 10% once the temperature of the sonicated fluids increases from 30 °C to 60 °C. The proposed method is potentially useful as direct contact of the inductive energy sources may cause unwanted substrate damage and structural deformation especially for applications in biological analysis and chemical synthesis. Full article
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13 pages, 1512 KiB  
Article
Infrared Irradiation Drying Impact on Bee Pollen: Case Study on the Phenolic Composition of Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Salix atrocinerea Brot. Pollens
by Maria G. Campos, Christian Frigerio, Otilia Bobiş, Adriana C. Urcan and Nelson G. M. Gomes
Processes 2021, 9(5), 890; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050890 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2867
Abstract
Bee pollen is commonly reputed as a rich source of nutrients, both for bees and humans. Its composition is well balanced and can be taken as a stand-alone food or as supplement, including for the elderly owing its low caloric value. However, storage [...] Read more.
Bee pollen is commonly reputed as a rich source of nutrients, both for bees and humans. Its composition is well balanced and can be taken as a stand-alone food or as supplement, including for the elderly owing its low caloric value. However, storage conditions frequently lead to product degradation, namely due to the high moisture content that enable the proliferation of molds and bacteria. Herein, an infrared (IR)-based technology is proposed as a mean to determine moisture content, setting also a new scalable approach for the development of a drying technology to be used for bee pollen processing, which can be carried out in a short time, without impacting the phenolic and flavonoid content and associated bioactive effects. Proof-of-concept was attained with an IR moisture analyzer, bee pollen samples from Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Salix atrocinerea Brot. being selected as models. Impact of the IR radiation towards the phenolic and flavonoid profiles was screened by HPLC/DAD profiling and radical scavenging ability by the DPPH assay. The IR-based approach shows good reproducibility while simultaneously reducing drying time and energy consumption, thus implying a low environmental impact and being suitable for industrial scale-up once no degradation has been found to occur during the radiation process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)
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10 pages, 2996 KiB  
Article
Efficient Removal of Cr (VI) with Biochar and Optimized Parameters by Response Surface Methodology
by Hao Peng, Jing Guo, Hongzhi Qiu, Caiqiong Wang, Chenyu Zhang, Zhihui Hao, Yating Rao and Yanhong Gong
Processes 2021, 9(5), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050889 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2087
Abstract
A highly efficient reduction process of Cr (VI) with biochar was conducted in this paper. The results showed that nearly 100% Cr (VI) was reduced at selected reaction conditions: Dosage of biochar at m (C)/m(Cr) = 3.0, reaction temperature of 90 °C, reaction [...] Read more.
A highly efficient reduction process of Cr (VI) with biochar was conducted in this paper. The results showed that nearly 100% Cr (VI) was reduced at selected reaction conditions: Dosage of biochar at m (C)/m(Cr) = 3.0, reaction temperature of 90 °C, reaction time of60 min, and concentration of H2SO4 of 20 g/L. The reduction kinetics analysis demonstrated that the reduction of Cr (VI) fitted well with the pseudo-first-order model and the apparent activation energy was calculated to be 40.24 kJ/mol. Response surface methodology confirmed that all of the experimental parameters had a positive effect on the reduction of Cr (VI). The influence of each parameter on the reduction process followed the order: Dosage of biochar>concentration of H2SO4>reaction temperature >reaction time. This paper provides a versatile strategy for the treatment of wastewater containing Cr (VI) and shows a bright tomorrow for wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Technologies for Water and Wastewater Treatment)
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17 pages, 3013 KiB  
Article
Copperpod Plant Synthesized AgNPs Enhance Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effect in Cancer Cell Lines
by Balashanmugam Pannerselvam, Devasena Thiyagarajan, Annamalai Pazhani, Kalaichelvan Pudupalayam Thangavelu, Hyung Joo Kim and Senthil Kumaran Rangarajulu
Processes 2021, 9(5), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050888 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2327
Abstract
The utilization of biological resources on the manufacture of nano silver has attracted the interest of researchers to develop an eco-friendly, cost-effective technology in nanomaterials production. In the present study, plant-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using aqueous leaf extracts of the Copperpod [...] Read more.
The utilization of biological resources on the manufacture of nano silver has attracted the interest of researchers to develop an eco-friendly, cost-effective technology in nanomaterials production. In the present study, plant-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using aqueous leaf extracts of the Copperpod plant, which was well characterized. The ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric study showed a maximum absorbance peak at 425 nm, and the observation of transmission electron microscopic features revealed that the nanoparticles size ranged between 20 and 70 nm. The synthesized AgNPs were tested for in vitro cytotoxic effects against cancerous cells, such as HepG2, A549 and MCF-7 cells. The findings showed that the IC50 values of AgNPs against cancerous cells viz., HepG2, MCF-7 and A549 cells, were observed to be 69 µg/mL, 62 µg/mL and 53 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the apoptosis property was analysed using propidium iodide and acridine orange-ethidium bromide via the DNA fragmentation technique. Thus, the outcomes of the current analysis presume that the plant mediated AgNPs obtained from a synthesized Copperpod plant possess significant anti-cancer properties against various cancerous cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanomaterials and Their Applications)
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13 pages, 2167 KiB  
Article
Factors Affecting Detoxification of Softwood Enzymatic Hydrolysates Using Sodium Dithionite
by Dimitrios Ilanidis, Stefan Stagge, Björn Alriksson and Leif J. Jönsson
Processes 2021, 9(5), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050887 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1719
Abstract
Conditioning of lignocellulosic hydrolysates with sulfur oxyanions, such as dithionite, is one of the most potent methods to improve the fermentability by counteracting effects of inhibitory by-products generated during hydrothermal pretreatment under acidic conditions. The effects of pH, treatment temperature, and dithionite dosage [...] Read more.
Conditioning of lignocellulosic hydrolysates with sulfur oxyanions, such as dithionite, is one of the most potent methods to improve the fermentability by counteracting effects of inhibitory by-products generated during hydrothermal pretreatment under acidic conditions. The effects of pH, treatment temperature, and dithionite dosage were explored in experiments with softwood hydrolysates, sodium dithionite, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Treatments with dithionite at pH 5.5 or 8.5 gave similar results with regard to ethanol productivity and yield on initial glucose, and both were always at least ~20% higher than for treatment at pH 2.5. Experiments in the dithionite concentration range 5.0–12.5 mM and the temperature range 23–110 °C indicated that treatment at around 75 °C and using intermediate dithionite dosage was the best option (p ≤ 0.05). The investigation indicates that selection of the optimal temperature and dithionite dosage offers great benefits for the efficient fermentation of hydrolysates from lignin-rich biomass, such as softwood residues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bioprocess Technology)
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19 pages, 12557 KiB  
Article
Effect of Flow Rate on Turbulence Dissipation Rate Distribution in a Multiphase Pump
by Zongliu Huang, Guangtai Shi, Xiaobing Liu and Haigang Wen
Processes 2021, 9(5), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050886 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1685
Abstract
The turbulence dissipation will cause the increment of energy loss in the multiphase pump and deteriorate the pump performance. In order to research the turbulence dissipation rate distribution characteristics in the pressurized unit of the multiphase pump, the spiral axial flow type multiphase [...] Read more.
The turbulence dissipation will cause the increment of energy loss in the multiphase pump and deteriorate the pump performance. In order to research the turbulence dissipation rate distribution characteristics in the pressurized unit of the multiphase pump, the spiral axial flow type multiphase pump is researched numerically in the present study. This research is focused on the turbulence dissipation rate distribution characteristics in the directions of inlet to outlet, hub to rim, and in the circumferential direction of the rotating impeller blades. Numerical simulation based on the RANS (Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations) and the k-ω SST (Shear Stress Transport) turbulence model has been carried out. The numerical method is verified by comparing the numerical results with the experimental data. Results show that the regions of the large turbulence dissipation rate are mainly at the inlet and outlet of the rotating impeller and static impeller, while it is almost zero from the inlet to the middle of outlet in the suction surface and pressure surface of the first-stage rotating impeller blades. The turbulence dissipation rate is increased gradually from the hub to the rim of the inlet section of the first-stage rotating impeller, while it is decreased firstly and then increased on the middle and outlet sections. The turbulence dissipation rate distributes unevenly in the circumferential direction on the outlet section. The maximum value of the turbulence dissipation rate occurs at 0.9 times of the rated flow rate, while the minimum value at 1.5 times of the rated flow rate. Four turning points in the turbulence dissipation rate distribution that are the same as the number of impeller blades occur at 0.5 times the blade height at 0.9 times the rated flow rate condition. The turbulence dissipation rate distribution characteristics in the pressurized unit of the multiphase pump have been studied carefully in this paper, and the research results have an important significance for improving the performance of the multiphase pump theoretically. Full article
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18 pages, 3167 KiB  
Article
Production, Characterization and Commercial Formulation of a Biosurfactant from Candida tropicalis UCP0996 and Its Application in Decontamination of Petroleum Pollutants
by Darne Germano Almeida, Rita de Cássia Freire Soares da Silva, Hugo Morais Meira, Pedro Pinto Ferreira Brasileiro, Elias José Silva, Juliana Moura Luna, Raquel Diniz Rufino and Leonie Asfora Sarubbo
Processes 2021, 9(5), 885; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050885 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2610
Abstract
Contamination by oil and its derivatives causes serious damage to the environment, motivating the development of innovative technologies for the removal of these contaminants, such as the use of biosurfactants. In the present study, the biosurfactant from Candida tropicalis UCP0996 produced in the [...] Read more.
Contamination by oil and its derivatives causes serious damage to the environment, motivating the development of innovative technologies for the removal of these contaminants, such as the use of biosurfactants. In the present study, the biosurfactant from Candida tropicalis UCP0996 produced in the low cost-medium formulated with molasses, residual frying oil, and corn steep liquor, was characterized and its toxicity, formulation, and application in removal and biodegradation of oil were investigated. The surface tension of the medium was reduced to 30.4 mN/m, yielding 4.11 g/L of isolated biosurfactant after 120 h. Tests under extreme environmental conditions indicated the stability of the biosurfactant. Chemical characterization by thin layer chromatography (TLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (CG-MS) revealed the glycolipidic nature of the biosurfactant. The isolated biosurfactant showed no toxicity against the microcrustacean Artemia salina, while the properties of the formulated biosurfactant remained stable during 120 days of storage. The biosurfactant removed 66.18% of motor oil adsorbed in marine stones and dispersed 70.95% of oil in seawater. The biosurfactant was also able to increase by 70% the degradation of motor oil by seawater indigenous microorganisms, showing great potential to be applied as a commercial additive in the bioremediation of oil spills. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biotechnology for Environmental Remediation and Restoration)
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13 pages, 1719 KiB  
Article
A Food-Grade Resin with LDH–Salicylate to Extend Mozzarella Cheese Shelf Life
by Laura Quintieri, Valeria Bugatti, Leonardo Caputo, Luigi Vertuccio and Giuliana Gorrasi
Processes 2021, 9(5), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050884 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2567
Abstract
Mozzarella cheese can be considered by far the world’s most popular Italian dairy product. Extending the shelf life of mozzarella cheese is an important issue in the dairy industry due to the high risk of contamination by several bacteria species, including spoilage pseudomonads. [...] Read more.
Mozzarella cheese can be considered by far the world’s most popular Italian dairy product. Extending the shelf life of mozzarella cheese is an important issue in the dairy industry due to the high risk of contamination by several bacteria species, including spoilage pseudomonads. In this work, active packaging was prepared by coating traditional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers of “ovoline” mozzarella cheese with a food-grade resin mixed with a layered double hydroxide (LDH) in which salicylate anion was intercalatedby ionic exchange.. This antimicrobial molecule is listed in EC-Directive 10/2011/EC of 14 January 2011. Morphological arrangement of the molecule into the LDH layers was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and controlled release followed by UV spectroscopy. Then, active trays were used to pack the mozzarella cheeses stored for 20 days at 4 °C and under thermal abuse (15 °C). Samples from both conditions showed coliform reduction (by ca. 2 log CFU/g) throughout the storage period. Depending on temperature, total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., yeasts, and mold loads were reduced in the first 3 days; at 4 °C. Slower acidification and lower proteolysis were also found in treated samples in comparison to control ones. The fitting of the Gompertz function to coliforms and spoilage pseudomonads highlighted an increase in the shelf life of mozzarella cheese of ca. 2 days at 4 °C. These results suggest that salicylate–LDH-coated PET may be applied to extend the shelf-life of mozzarella cheese and also counteract its spoilage if accidental interruptions to refrigeration occur. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Antimicrobial in Bioengineering)
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18 pages, 24371 KiB  
Article
Intergenerational Externalities Influence for Exploitation Process of Rare Metal Minerals
by Shijie Ding, Mengxian Wang and Hongwei Zhang
Processes 2021, 9(5), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050883 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1844
Abstract
Rare metal minerals are important strategic resources. Promoting the sustainable development of their mining process is not only related to energy and environmental issues, but also directly affects the sustainable development of the entire supply chain. Considering the influence of intergenerational externalities on [...] Read more.
Rare metal minerals are important strategic resources. Promoting the sustainable development of their mining process is not only related to energy and environmental issues, but also directly affects the sustainable development of the entire supply chain. Considering the influence of intergenerational externalities on the equilibrium in the rare metal mineral exploitation process is of critical significance to maintaining the sustainable development of rare metal minerals and securing a sustainable resource exploitation process. This paper develops a sustainability analysis model based on an intergenerational externalities influence and examines the influence of the shift in comprehensive production cost burden through the whole supply chain, which aims at the sustainable development of the exploitation process of rare metal minerals. The results indicate that in a vertically linked industrial chain, the upstream and downstream structure of the supply chain and the type of production cost are the factors that determine sustainable development. Upstream suppliers or countries should design their production systems based on their own circumstances. Specifically, when an upstream country has a low technological level for mineral exploitation processes and high development costs, a resource tax would be more effective in mediating sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction in Process Industry)
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17 pages, 3086 KiB  
Review
The Role of Pyrolysis and Gasification in a Carbon Negative Economy
by Robert C. Brown
Processes 2021, 9(5), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050882 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 7461
Abstract
The International Panel on Climate Change and the 2015 Climate Summit in Paris have recommended that efforts to reduce carbon emissions be coupled with carbon removal from the atmosphere. Carbon negative energy combines net carbon removal with the production of energy products or [...] Read more.
The International Panel on Climate Change and the 2015 Climate Summit in Paris have recommended that efforts to reduce carbon emissions be coupled with carbon removal from the atmosphere. Carbon negative energy combines net carbon removal with the production of energy products or other revenue-generating products beyond sequestered carbon. Even though both biochemical and thermochemical approaches to carbon negative energy can be envisioned, this paper considers the prospects for the latter including pyrolysis and gasification. The fundamentals of these two processes are described to better understand how they would be integrated with carbon removal. Characteristics of pyrolysis and gasification are related to the kinds of sequestration agents they would produce, the scale of their deployment, the fraction of biomass carbon that could ultimately sequestered, the challenges of effectively sequestering these different forms of carbon and the economics of thermochemical carbon negative energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gasification Processing of Biomass and Refuse Derived Fuel)
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13 pages, 5858 KiB  
Article
Independent Variation of Reynolds Number, Wall Shear Stress and Flow Velocity for Cleaning Experiments: A Geometrically Flexible Parallel Plate Flow Cell
by Lakshmi Narasiman Vijayasarathi, Bernhard Spies, Daniel Schiochet Nasato, Heiko Briesen and Petra Foerst
Processes 2021, 9(5), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050881 - 18 May 2021
Viewed by 1630
Abstract
For a long time, determining the factors influencing the cleaning of technical surfaces in the food and beverage industry has been of significant interest. In this study, an innovative test setup with a newly designed parallel plate flow cell was implemented to assess [...] Read more.
For a long time, determining the factors influencing the cleaning of technical surfaces in the food and beverage industry has been of significant interest. In this study, an innovative test setup with a newly designed parallel plate flow cell was implemented to assess the cleaning of soluble molecular fouling materials, which allows for the independent variation of flow parameters, such as the Reynolds number, velocity, and wall shear stress. The test setup used fluorescence spectroscopy; it was found to produce reliable measurements of cleaning, and the results were confirmed with the help of another fluorescent tracer. A comparison of cleaning times for both equipment revealed that the cleaning times tend to have a geometrically independent power-law relationship with the wall shear stress and velocity, and they were used to directly correlate the cleaning times of the used soluble fouling material. However, the Reynolds number showed a geometric dependence on cleaning times. Nevertheless, on dividing the Reynolds number with respective channel characteristic lengths, geometric independence was observed, and, therefore, a correlation was obtained. We also suggest that complex fouling materials should still be investigated to elucidate their cleaning mechanisms better and test for parameter influences on complex cleaning mechanisms. Full article
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15 pages, 4709 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Approach for Mixing Time Characterization and Scale-Up in Geometrical Nonsimilar Stirred Vessels Equipped with Eccentric Multi-Impeller Systems—An Industrial Perspective
by Michael C. Martinetz, Florian Kaiser, Martin Kellner, Dominik Schlosser, Andreas Lange, Michaela Brueckner-Pichler, Cécile Brocard and Miroslav Šoóš
Processes 2021, 9(5), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050880 - 17 May 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3002
Abstract
Multipurpose stirring and blending vessels equipped with various impeller systems are indispensable in the pharmaceutical industry because of the high flexibility necessary during multiproduct manufacturing. On the other hand, process scale-up and scale-down during process development and transfer from bench or pilot to [...] Read more.
Multipurpose stirring and blending vessels equipped with various impeller systems are indispensable in the pharmaceutical industry because of the high flexibility necessary during multiproduct manufacturing. On the other hand, process scale-up and scale-down during process development and transfer from bench or pilot to manufacturing scale, or the design of so-called scale-down models (SDMs), is a difficult task due to the geometrical differences of used vessels. The present work comprises a hybrid approach to predict mixing times from pilot to manufacturing scale for geometrical nonsimilar vessels equipped with single top, bottom or multiple eccentrically located impellers. The developed hybrid approach is based on the experimental characterization of mixing time in the dedicated equipment and evaluation of the vessel-averaged energy dissipation rate employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using single-phase steady-state simulations. Obtained data are consequently used to develop a correlation of mixing time as a function of vessel filling volume and vessel-averaged energy dissipation rate, which enables the prediction of mixing times in specific vessels based on the process parameters. Predicted mixing times are in good agreement with those simulated using time-dependent CFD simulations for tested operating conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Model Validation Procedures)
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11 pages, 224 KiB  
Article
Application of Selected Inoculant Producing Antifungal and Fibrinolytic Substances on Rye Silage with Different Wilting Time
by Seong-Shin Lee, Jeong-Seok Choi, Dimas Hand Vidya Paradhipta, Young-Ho Joo, Hyuk-Jun Lee, Hyeon-Tak Noh, Dong-Hyeon Kim and Sam-Churl Kim
Processes 2021, 9(5), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050879 - 17 May 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1639
Abstract
This research was conducted to determine the effects of selected inoculant on the silage with different wilting times. The ryes were unwilted or wilted for 12 h. Each rye forage was ensiled for 100 d in quadruplicate with commercial inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum [...] Read more.
This research was conducted to determine the effects of selected inoculant on the silage with different wilting times. The ryes were unwilted or wilted for 12 h. Each rye forage was ensiled for 100 d in quadruplicate with commercial inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum sp.; LPT) or selected inoculant (Lactobacillus brevis 100D8 and Leuconostoc holzapfelii 5H4 at 1:1 ratio; MIX). In vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility were highest in the unwilted MIX silages (p < 0.05), and the concentration of ruminal acetate was increased in MIX silages (p < 0.001; 61.4% vs. 60.3%) by the increase of neutral detergent fiber digestibility. The concentration of ruminal ammonia-N was increased in wilted silages (p < 0.001; 34.8% vs. 21.1%). The yeast count was lower in the MIX silages than in the LPT silages (p < 0.05) due to a higher concentration of acetate in MIX silages (p < 0.05). Aerobic stability was highest in the wilted MIX silages (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the MIX inoculation increased aerobic stability and improved fiber digestibility. As a result of the wilting process, ammonia-N in silage decreased but ruminal ammonia-N increased. Notably, the wilted silage with applied mixed inoculant had the highest aerobic stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Processes for Development of Fermentation-Based Products)
17 pages, 1579 KiB  
Article
Enhancement of Thermophilic Biogas Production from Palm Oil Mill Effluent by pH Adjustment and Effluent Recycling
by Apinya Singkhala, Chonticha Mamimin, Alissara Reungsang and Sompong O-Thong
Processes 2021, 9(5), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050878 - 17 May 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3267
Abstract
A sudden pH drops always inhibits the anaerobic digestion (AD) reactor for biogas production from palm oil mill effluent (POME). The pH adjustment of POME by oil palm ash addition and the biogas effluent recycling effect on the preventing of pH drop and [...] Read more.
A sudden pH drops always inhibits the anaerobic digestion (AD) reactor for biogas production from palm oil mill effluent (POME). The pH adjustment of POME by oil palm ash addition and the biogas effluent recycling effect on the preventing of pH drop and change of the archaea community was investigated. The pH adjustment of POME to 7.5 increased the methane yield two times more than raw POME (pH 4.3). The optimal dose for pH adjustment by oil palm ash addition was 5% w/v with a methane yield of 440 mL-CH4/gVS. The optimal dose for pH adjustment by biogas effluent recycling was 20% v/v with a methane yield of 351 mL-CH4/gVS. Methane production from POME in a continuous reactor with pH adjustment by 5% w/v oil palm ash and 20% v/v biogas effluent recycling was 19.1 ± 0.25 and 13.8 ± 0.3 m3 CH4/m3-POME, respectively. The pH adjustment by oil palm ash enhanced methane production for the long-term operation with the stability of pH, alkalinity, and archaea community. Oil palm ash increased the number of Methanosarcina mazei and Methanothermobacter defluvii. Oil palm ash is a cost-effective alkali material as a source of buffer and trace metals for preventing the pH drop and the increased methanogen population in the AD process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anaerobic Bioenergy Production Technology and Anaerobic Biogas Production)
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16 pages, 1332 KiB  
Article
Optimization and Analysis of Liquid Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Agro-Industrial Wastes via Mixture Design
by Roberto Eloy Hernández Regalado, Tobias Weide, Daniel Baumkötter, Lukas Wettwer, Jurek Häner, Elmar Brügging and Jens Tränckner
Processes 2021, 9(5), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050877 - 17 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2273
Abstract
Anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) is a widely employed technique to produce biogas from simultaneous digestion of various biomasses. However, the selection of the optimal proportions of the substrates in the mixtures presents a challenge. This research used a mixture design to investigate the interactions [...] Read more.
Anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) is a widely employed technique to produce biogas from simultaneous digestion of various biomasses. However, the selection of the optimal proportions of the substrates in the mixtures presents a challenge. This research used a mixture design to investigate the interactions between the liquid fraction of piglet manure (PM), cow manure (CWM), and starch wastewater (SWW). A modified Gompertz model was used to identify the statistically significant parameters of the methane production curves. The optimal compositions of the mixtures were identified based on multi-objective optimization of the maximal methane yield (YCH4) and maximal methane specific production rate (rCH4) parameters. The study was validated using a double mixture of PM and CWM and a triple mixture. The estimated degradation rates for both mixtures were faster than the predicted ones. The absolute relative errors of rCH4 were 27.41% for the double mixture and 5.59% for the triple mixture, while the relative errors of YCH4 were 4.64% for the double mixture and 10.05% for the triple mixture. These relative errors are within the normal limits of a process with high variability like AD. Thus, mixture design supported by the tested models is suitable for the definition of practically advisable mixtures of substrates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprocess Design and Optimization)
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16 pages, 2790 KiB  
Article
Optimization of a Recombinant Lectin Production in Pichia pastoris Using Crude Glycerol in a Fed-Batch System
by Dulce Palmerín-Carreño, Dania Martínez-Alarcón, José Luis Dena-Beltrán, Lineth Juliana Vega-Rojas, Alejandro Blanco-Labra, Antonio Escobedo-Reyes and Teresa García-Gasca
Processes 2021, 9(5), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050876 - 17 May 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3635
Abstract
The production of heterologous proteins for medical use is an important area of interest. The optimization of the bioprocesses includes the improvement of time, costs, and unit operations. Our study shows that a lectin fraction from Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) (TBLF) [...] Read more.
The production of heterologous proteins for medical use is an important area of interest. The optimization of the bioprocesses includes the improvement of time, costs, and unit operations. Our study shows that a lectin fraction from Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) (TBLF) has cytotoxic effects on colon cancer cells and in vivo antitumorigenic activity. However, the low-yield, time-consuming, and expensive process made us focus on the development of a strategy to obtain a recombinant lectin using engineered Pichia pastoris yeast. Pure glycerol is one of the most expensive supplies; therefore, we worked on process optimization using crude glycerol from biodiesel production. Recombinant lectin (rTBL-1) production and purification were evaluated for the first time by an experimental design where crude glycerol (G65) was used and compared against pure glycerol (G99) in a controlled stirred-tank bioreactor with a fed-batch system. The recombinant lectin was detected and identified by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and UHPLC–ESI–QTOF/MS analysis. The results show that the recombinant lectin can be produced from G65 with no significant differences with respect to G99: the reaction rates were 2.04 and 1.43 mg L−1 h−1, and the yields were 264.95 and 274.67 mgL−1, respectively. The current low cost of crude glycerol and our results show the possibility of producing heterologous proteins using this substrate with high productivity. Full article
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13 pages, 3481 KiB  
Article
Application of Evaporative Cooling Technology in Transformer for Mine Tunnels
by Hualin Shi, Bin Xiong, Xiangrong Liu, Kangjie Huang, Xinhua Cai and Guobiao Gu
Processes 2021, 9(5), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050875 - 17 May 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2122
Abstract
The traditional dry-type mine transformer has some disadvantages, such as incomplete fire prevention, large volume, high loss and not enough environmental protection. Based on evaporative cooling technology, this paper proposes a scheme of mine transformer using fluorocarbon as coolant which can truly realize [...] Read more.
The traditional dry-type mine transformer has some disadvantages, such as incomplete fire prevention, large volume, high loss and not enough environmental protection. Based on evaporative cooling technology, this paper proposes a scheme of mine transformer using fluorocarbon as coolant which can truly realize the incombustible transformer scheme and meet the strict environmental requirements. The transformer adopts three-dimensional wound core structure to reduce the loss and improve the anti-short-circuit ability. The volume of transformer is greatly reduced due to the efficient heat dissipation ability of evaporative cooling technology. The scheme of plate fin heat exchanger is more suitable for the ventilation condition of the mine. The filling technology is used to reduce the amount of expensive coolant. Through the life cycle cost analysis, evaporative cooling transformer has better economic benefits than traditional mine transformer, but also has better safety benefits. A prototype is manufactured and tested, and the results show that the prototype meets the requirements of IEC standard temperature rise limit and achieves the expected requirements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Concepts and Applications of Electric Machines)
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13 pages, 1820 KiB  
Review
Protein L—More Than Just an Affinity Ligand
by Stefan Kittler, Mihail Besleaga, Julian Ebner and Oliver Spadiut
Processes 2021, 9(5), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050874 - 17 May 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5094
Abstract
In the past 30 years, highly specific drugs, known as antibodies, have conquered the biopharmaceutical market. In addition to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), antibody fragments are successfully applied. However, recombinant production faces challenges. Process analytical tools for monitoring and controlling production processes are scarce [...] Read more.
In the past 30 years, highly specific drugs, known as antibodies, have conquered the biopharmaceutical market. In addition to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), antibody fragments are successfully applied. However, recombinant production faces challenges. Process analytical tools for monitoring and controlling production processes are scarce and time-intensive. In the downstream process (DSP), affinity ligands are established as the primary and most important step, while the application of other methods is challenging. The use of these affinity ligands as monitoring tools would enable a platform technology to monitor process steps in the USP and DSP. In this review, we highlight the current applications of affinity ligands (proteins A, G, and L) and discuss further applications as process analytical tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bioprocess Technology)
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15 pages, 559 KiB  
Article
A TITO Control Strategy to Increase Productivity in Uncertain Exothermic Continuous Chemical Reactors
by Ricardo Aguilar-López, Juan Luis Mata-Machuca and Valeria Godinez-Cantillo
Processes 2021, 9(5), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050873 - 16 May 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2775
Abstract
In this manuscript, a two-input two-output (TITO) control strategy for an exothermic continuous chemical reactor is presented. The control tasks of the continuous chemical reactor are related to temperature regulation by a standard proportional-integral (PI) controller. The selected set point increases reactor productivity [...] Read more.
In this manuscript, a two-input two-output (TITO) control strategy for an exothermic continuous chemical reactor is presented. The control tasks of the continuous chemical reactor are related to temperature regulation by a standard proportional-integral (PI) controller. The selected set point increases reactor productivity due to the temperature effect and prevents potential thermal runaway, and the temperature increases until it reaches isothermal operating conditions. Then, an optimal controller is activated to increase the mass reactor productivity. The optimal control strategy is based on a Euler-Lagrange framework, in which the corresponding Lagrangian is based on the model equations of the reactor, and the optimal controller is coupled with an uncertainty estimator to infer the unknown terms required by the proposed controller. As a benchmark, a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with a Van de Vusse chemical reaction is considered as an application case study. Notably, the proposed methodology is generally applicable to any continuous stirred tank reactor. The results of numerical experiments verify the satisfactory performance of the proposed control strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural Networks, Fuzzy Systems and Other Computational Intelligence Techniques for Advanced Process Control)
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