Journal Description
Processes
Processes
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on processes in chemistry, biology, materials, energy, environment, food, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and allied engineering fields published monthly online by MDPI. The Systems and Control Division of the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (CSChE S&C Division) and the Brazilian Association of Chemical Engineering (ABEQ) are affiliated with Processes and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges. Please visit Society Collaborations for more details.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), CAPlus / SciFinder, Inspec, and many other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision provided to authors approximately 11.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2021).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
2.847 (2020)
;
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.824 (2020)
Latest Articles
Compensation of Voltage Sags and Swells Using Dynamic Voltage Restorer Based on Bi-Directional H-Bridge AC/AC Converter
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091541 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2021
Abstract
In this paper, the compensation of voltage sags and swells using a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) based on a bi-directional AC/AC converter is presented for stabilizing single-phase AC line voltage. The H-bridge AC/AC converter with bi-directional switches and without bulk capacitor is adopted
[...] Read more.
In this paper, the compensation of voltage sags and swells using a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) based on a bi-directional AC/AC converter is presented for stabilizing single-phase AC line voltage. The H-bridge AC/AC converter with bi-directional switches and without bulk capacitor is adopted as the power topology of the proposed system. The proposed novel topology of DVR is adopted to compensate both voltage sag and swell conditions. Additionally, the power factor is closed to unity because a bulk capacitor is not required. The inner and outer loop control is proposed to improve the response with gain scaling; gain control is adopted to reduce the overshoot. Finally, a 2 kVA prototype has been implemented to verify the performance and accuracy of the control method for the DVR system. The peak efficiency of the system is up to 94%, and it can compensate 50% voltage swells and 25% voltage sags.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Power Electronics Technologies in Power System)
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Open AccessArticle
Cholesky Factorization Based Online Sequential Multiple Kernel Extreme Learning Machine Algorithm for a Cement Clinker Free Lime Content Prediction Model
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1540; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091540 (registering DOI) - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Aiming at the difficulty in real-time measuring and the long offline measurement cycle for the content of cement clinker free lime (fCaO), it is very important to build an online prediction model for fCaO content. In this work, on the basis of Cholesky
[...] Read more.
Aiming at the difficulty in real-time measuring and the long offline measurement cycle for the content of cement clinker free lime (fCaO), it is very important to build an online prediction model for fCaO content. In this work, on the basis of Cholesky factorization, the online sequential multiple kernel extreme learning machine algorithm (COS-MKELM) is proposed. The LDL form Cholesky factorization of the matrix is introduced to avoid the large operation amount of inverse matrix calculation. In addition, the stored initial information is utilized to realize online model identification. Then, three regression datasets are used to test the performance of the COS-MKELM algorithm. Finally, an online prediction model for fCaO content is built based on COS-MKELM. Experimental results demonstrate that the fCaO content model improves the performance in terms of learning efficiency, regression accuracy, and generalization ability. In addition, the online prediction model can be corrected in real-time when the production conditions of cement clinker change.
Full article
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Partitional Clustering-Hybridized Neuro-Fuzzy Classification Evolved through Parallel Evolutionary Computing and Applied to Energy Decomposition for Demand-Side Management in a Smart Home
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1539; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091539 (registering DOI) - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
The key advantage of smart meters over rotating-disc meters is their ability to transmit electric energy consumption data to power utilities’ remote data centers. Besides enabling the automated collection of consumers’ electric energy consumption data for billing purposes, data gathered by smart meters
[...] Read more.
The key advantage of smart meters over rotating-disc meters is their ability to transmit electric energy consumption data to power utilities’ remote data centers. Besides enabling the automated collection of consumers’ electric energy consumption data for billing purposes, data gathered by smart meters and analyzed through Artificial Intelligence (AI) make the realization of consumer-centric use cases possible. A smart meter installed in a domestic sector of an electrical grid and used for the realization of consumer-centric use cases is located at the entry point of a household/building’s electrical grid connection and can gather composite/circuit-level electric energy consumption data. However, it is not able to decompose its measured circuit-level electric energy consumption into appliance-level electric energy consumption. In this research, we present an AI model, a neuro-fuzzy classifier integrated with partitional clustering and metaheuristically optimized through parallel-computing-accelerated evolutionary computing, that performs energy decomposition on smart meter data in residential demand-side management, where a publicly available UK-DALE (UK Domestic Appliance-Level Electricity) dataset is used to experimentally test the presented model to classify the On/Off status of monitored electrical appliances. As shown in this research, the presented AI model is effective at providing energy decomposition for domestic consumers. Further, energy decomposition can be provided for industrial as well as commercial consumers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications and Stability Analysis for Intelligent Control Systems)
Open AccessArticle
Optimization Design of Centrifugal Pump Flow Control System Based on Adaptive Control
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1538; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091538 (registering DOI) - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
In this paper, in order to improve the control characteristics of the centrifugal pump flow control system, a mathematical model of the centrifugal pump flow control system was established based on an analysis of the basic structures, such as the frequency converter, motor,
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In this paper, in order to improve the control characteristics of the centrifugal pump flow control system, a mathematical model of the centrifugal pump flow control system was established based on an analysis of the basic structures, such as the frequency converter, motor, and centrifugal pump. Based on the adaptive control theory, the recursive least squares algorithm with a forgetting factor was used to estimate the real-time parameters of the centrifugal pump control system, and the self-tuning PID control method was used to optimize the mathematical model of the centrifugal pump flow control system. The simulation results showed that the adjustment time of the optimized system was shortened by 16.58%, and the maximum overshoot was reduced by 83.90%, which improved the rapidity and stability of the transient response of the system. This showed that adaptive control had a significant effect on improving the robustness and anti-interference ability of the centrifugal pump control system. In order to further verify the accuracy of the self-tuning PID control method, a flow adaptive control system test platform was built. The test results showed that under the conditions of constant frequency and variable frequency, the actual flow rate of the centrifugal pump was always kept near the set flow rate, the error was small, and it had better real-time followability. The research results showed that adaptive control could revise the parameters in real-time according to changes to the centrifugal pump control system, which improved the stability and robustness of the system. Therefore, adaptive PID control could effectively improve the adaptability of centrifugal pumps to various complex working conditions and improve the working efficiency of centrifugal pumps.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Modern Technologies and Manufacturing Systems)
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Continuous Cooling Crystallization in a Coiled Flow Inverter Crystallizer Technology—Design, Characterization, and Hurdles
by
, , , , and
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1537; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091537 (registering DOI) - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Continuous small-scale production is currently of utmost interest for fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. For this purpose, equipment and process concepts in consideration of the hurdles for solids handling are required to transfer conventional batch processing to continuous operation. Based on empirical equations, pressure
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Continuous small-scale production is currently of utmost interest for fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. For this purpose, equipment and process concepts in consideration of the hurdles for solids handling are required to transfer conventional batch processing to continuous operation. Based on empirical equations, pressure loss constraints, and an expandable modular system, a coiled flow inverter (CFI) crystallizer with an inner diameter of 1.6 mm was designed. It was characterized concerning its residence time behavior, tested for operation with seed crystals or an ultrasonic seed crystal unit, and evaluated for different purging mechanisms for stable operation. The residence time behavior in the CFI corresponds to ideal plug flow behavior. Crystal growth using seed crystals was demonstrated in the CFI for two amino acids. For fewer seed crystals, higher crystal growth rates were determined, while at the same time, secondary nucleation was observed. Feasibility for the interconnection of a sonicated seeding crystal unit could be shown. However, the hurdles are also identified and discussed. Prophylactic flushing combined with a photosensor for distinguishing between solvent and suspension phase can lead to stable and resource-efficient operation. The small-scale CFI technology was investigated in detail, and the limits and opportunities of the technology are presented here.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Continuous Crystallization Processes and Product Design)
Open AccessArticle
Performance Studies and Energy-Saving Analysis of a Solar Water-Heating System
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091536 (registering DOI) - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
This paper proposed an experimental test: the solar water-heating system was been monitored for a whole year to analyze collector performance in an actual operation process. Heat-collecting efficiency, heating capacity, power consumption, and heat required were analyzed theoretically. Results showed that solar irradiance
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This paper proposed an experimental test: the solar water-heating system was been monitored for a whole year to analyze collector performance in an actual operation process. Heat-collecting efficiency, heating capacity, power consumption, and heat required were analyzed theoretically. Results showed that solar irradiance and ambient temperature were positively correlated with heat collection efficiency, and the daily average heat collection efficiency was up to 56.63%. In winter, the auxiliary heat source consumed the most power, almost all of which bears the heat of users. The heat collection in summer met the demand for hot water, and the guarantee rate of solar energy could reach 100%. The energy saving properties and CO2 emission reduction were analyzed. This system had a significant effect on the energy-saving effect and environmental protection. The analysis showed that the hot-water system can fully meet the design requirements under the condition of relatively sufficient solar energy, and can operate stably, which has a certain guiding significance for the design and application of large-scale solar hot-water systems.
Full article
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Operation of Submerged Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactors at 20 °C: Effect of Solids Retention Time on Flux, Mixed Liquor Characteristics and Performance
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1525; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091525 (registering DOI) - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Four flat-sheet submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactors ran for 242 days on a simulated domestic wastewater with low Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and high suspended solids. Organic loading was maintained around 1.0 g COD L−1 day−1, while solids retention time (SRT)
[...] Read more.
Four flat-sheet submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactors ran for 242 days on a simulated domestic wastewater with low Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and high suspended solids. Organic loading was maintained around 1.0 g COD L−1 day−1, while solids retention time (SRT) was varied from 20–90 days. This was achieved at a constant membrane flux, maintained by adjusting transmembrane pressure (TMP) in the range 1.8-9.8 kPa. Membrane fouling was assessed based on the required TMP, with mixed liquors characterised using capillary suction time, frozen image centrifugation and quantification of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). SRT had a significant effect on these parameters: fouling was least at an SRT of 30 days and highest at 60 days, with some reduction as this extended to 90 days. Operation at SRT <30 days showed no further benefits. Although operation at a short SRT was optimal for membrane performance it led to lower specific methane productivity, higher biomass yields and higher effluent COD. Short SRT may also have accelerated the loss of essential trace elements, leading to reduced performance under these conditions. A COD-based mass balance was conducted, including both biomass and methane dissolved in the effluent.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Processes)
Open AccessArticle
Quantitative Analysis Regarding the Incidents to the Pipelines of Petroleum Products for an Efficient Use of the Specific Transportation Infrastructure
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1535; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091535 (registering DOI) - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
The transportation infrastructure for petroleum products contains complex pipeline systems, developed on a global scale and totaling investments of hundreds of millions of dollars. The operation and maintenance of these systems have to be performed in relation to the analysis of incidents of
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The transportation infrastructure for petroleum products contains complex pipeline systems, developed on a global scale and totaling investments of hundreds of millions of dollars. The operation and maintenance of these systems have to be performed in relation to the analysis of incidents of various types, which take place in various areas of the world. The present paper aims to analyze in as much detail as possible, from a statistical point of view, the case of the pipeline system for petroleum products in Romania in order to streamline the operation of this critical infrastructure for Romania. Through the statistical tools, we established the hierarchies of the causes of the analyzed incidents, weights of the effects generated by these sources of accidents, and correlations between various parameters, in order to create a useful plan of measures and actions in the efficient operation of the pipeline system. The importance and topicality of the subject is also demonstrated by the major negative impact of the accidents in this sector, through product leaks from pipes in the soil and in watercourses, which generate significant pollution values, thus influencing the balance of the environment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy and Efficient Use of Resources)
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
On-site Investigation of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi According to Type of Poultry Houses in South Korea
by
and
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1534; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091534 (registering DOI) - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
A field survey was conducted to quantify indoor exposure levels and emission rates of airborne microorganisms generated from domestic poultry buildings. There were three types of poultry buildings (caged layer house, broiler house, and layer house with manure belt), classified by the mode
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A field survey was conducted to quantify indoor exposure levels and emission rates of airborne microorganisms generated from domestic poultry buildings. There were three types of poultry buildings (caged layer house, broiler house, and layer house with manure belt), classified by the mode of manure treatment and ventilation, investigated in this study. Nine sites for each poultry building were selected and visited for measuring the exposure level and emission rate of airborne microorganisms. The total number of airborne bacteria and fungi among the airborne microorganisms were analysed based on the incubation method. Their emission rates were estimated by dividing the emission amount, which was calculated through multiplying indoor concentration (cfu/m3) by ventilation rate (m3/h), into the indoor area(m2) and the number of poultries reared in the poultry building. The mean exposure levels of the total airborne bacteria and fungi in the poultry building were 7.92 (SD:2.66) log (cfu m-3) and 4.92 (SD:1.79) log (cfu m-3), respectively. Emission rates of airborne microorganisms in poultry buildings were estimated to be 0.263 (±0.088) log (cfu hen-1h-1) and 0.839 (±0.371) log (cfu m-2h-1) for total airborne bacteria, and 0.066 (±0.031) log (cfu hen-1h-1) and 0.617 (±0.235) log (cfu m-2h-1) for total airborne fungi. The distribution patterns of the total airborne bacteria and fungi were similar regardless of poultry building type. Among poultry buildings, the broiler house showed the highest exposure level and emission rate of total airborne bacteria and fungi, followed by the layer house with manure belt and the caged layer house (p<0.05). The finding that the broiler house showed the highest exposure level and emission rate of airborne microorganisms could be attributed to sawdust, which can be dispersed into the air by the movement of the poultry when it is utilized as bedding material. Thus, a work environmental management solution for optimally reducing airborne microorganism exposure is necessary for the broiler house.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Quality Control of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi)
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Cell Length Growth in the Fission Yeast Cell Cycle: Is It (Bi)linear or (Bi)exponential?
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091533 (registering DOI) - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
Fission yeast is commonly used as a model organism in eukaryotic cell growth studies. To describe the cells’ length growth patterns during the mitotic cycle, different models have been proposed previously as linear, exponential, bilinear and biexponential ones. The task of discriminating among
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Fission yeast is commonly used as a model organism in eukaryotic cell growth studies. To describe the cells’ length growth patterns during the mitotic cycle, different models have been proposed previously as linear, exponential, bilinear and biexponential ones. The task of discriminating among these patterns is still challenging. Here, we have analyzed 298 individual cells altogether, namely from three different steady-state cultures (wild-type, wee1-50 mutant and pom1Δ mutant). We have concluded that in 190 cases (63.8%) the bilinear model was more adequate than either the linear or the exponential ones. These 190 cells were further examined by separately analyzing the linear segments of the best fitted bilinear models. Linear and exponential functions have been fitted to these growth segments to determine whether the previously fitted bilinear functions were really correct. The majority of these growth segments were found to be linear; nonetheless, a significant number of exponential ones were also detected. However, exponential ones occurred mainly in cases of rather short segments (<40 min), where there were not enough data for an accurate model fitting. By contrast, in long enough growth segments (≥40 min), linear patterns highly dominated over exponential ones, verifying that overall growth is probably bilinear.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Microbial Fermentation Processes)
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Implications of Soil Potentially Toxic Elements Contamination, Distribution and Health Risk at Hunan’s Xikuangshan Mine
by
, , , , , , , , and
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1532; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091532 (registering DOI) - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
A field survey was conducted to determine the pollution grade, sources, potential ecological risk, and health risk of soil potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Xikuangshan Mine (XKS), the largest antimony (Sb) deposit in the world. A total of 106 topsoil samples were collected
[...] Read more.
A field survey was conducted to determine the pollution grade, sources, potential ecological risk, and health risk of soil potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Xikuangshan Mine (XKS), the largest antimony (Sb) deposit in the world. A total of 106 topsoil samples were collected from 6 sites in XKS to measure the concentrations of PTEs Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Hg, and Sb. The results show that the average concentrations of these elements at all six sites were generally greater than their corresponding background values in Hunan province, especially Sb, Hg, and As. Correlation and principal component analyses suggested that Cd, Zn, Pb, Hg, and Sb were primarily released from mining and other industrial and human activities, while Cr and As were mainly impacted by the parent material from pedogenesis. A risk index analysis showed that, overall, sites were at very high ecological risk, and Sb is the highest ecological risk factor, followed by Cd and Hg. According to health risk assessment, oral ingestion is the main non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk exposure route. The higher potentially non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks happen to the local children who live in the vicinity of mining area. It revealed that the mining and smelting processes of XKS have negatively influenced the local people, therefore, we should pay increasing attention to this practical issue and take effective measures to protect the ecology of XKS.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Remediation of Soil Pollutants)
Open AccessArticle
Numerical Simulation of the Effect of Different Numbers of Inlet Nozzles on Vortex Tubes
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091531 (registering DOI) - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
In order to broaden the application of vortex tubes (VOTU) in industry and to improve the efficiency of cooling and heating, numerical simulations of vortex tubes were carried out. In this study, the temperature, velocity, and pressure fields of three VOTUs with inlet
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In order to broaden the application of vortex tubes (VOTU) in industry and to improve the efficiency of cooling and heating, numerical simulations of vortex tubes were carried out. In this study, the temperature, velocity, and pressure fields of three VOTUs with inlet nozzles of 2, 3, and 6 were investigated at different inlet pressures based on previous experimental data and by three-dimensional numerical simulation. It was found that the increase of inlet pressure leads to the increase of energy separation between the hot and cold ends of the three VOTUs. As the number of inlets increases, the pressure difference between the tube wall and the core region gradually strengthens. In contrast, the pressure in the tube center is not affected by the inlet pressure. The number of nozzles affects the inlet and outlet temperatures of the VOTU. When the number of nozzles is 3, and the inlet pressure is 0.6 MPa, the VOTU shows the maximum hot and cold outlet temperature difference of 66 K. The maximum velocity of VOTU appears at the connection of the inlet and vortex chamber, so the inlet is tangential to VOTU, which is beneficial to reduce the loss of gas energy. The wall thickness of the inlet increases gradually to avoid the high-speed gas flow on the erosion of the wall surface. This study has profound guidance for the one-dimensional design of VOTUs.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental and Numerical Methods in Fluid Mechanics and Energy)
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Open AccessArticle
Real-Time Monitoring of Microalgal Biomass in Pilot-Scale Photobioreactors Using Nephelometry
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091530 (registering DOI) - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
The increasing cultivation of microalgae in photobioreactors warrants efficient and non-invasive methods to quantify biomass density in real time. Nephelometric turbidity assessment, a method that measures light scatter by particles in suspension, was introduced already several decades ago but was only recently validated
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The increasing cultivation of microalgae in photobioreactors warrants efficient and non-invasive methods to quantify biomass density in real time. Nephelometric turbidity assessment, a method that measures light scatter by particles in suspension, was introduced already several decades ago but was only recently validated as a high-throughput tool to monitor microalgae biomass. The light scatter depends on the density of the suspended particles as well as on their physical properties, but so far there are hardly any accounts on how nephelometric assessment relates to classic methods such as dry weight and spectrophotometric measurement across a broad biomass density range for different microalgae species. Here, we monitored biomass density online and in real time during the semi-continuous cultivation of three commercial microalgae species Chloromonas typhlos, Microchloropsis gaditana and Porphyridium purpureum in pilot-scale photobioreactors, and relate nephelometric turbidity to dry weight and optical density. The results confirm a relatively strong (R² = 0.87–0.93) and nonlinear relationship between turbidity and biomass density that differs among the three species. Overall, we demonstrate how nephelometry can be used to monitor microalgal biomass in photobioreactors, and provide the necessary means to estimate the biomass density of the studied species from turbidity data to facilitate automated biomass monitoring.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art: Microalgae Processing and Extraction of Biomaterials)
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Experimental Simulation of Hydrate Formation Process in a Circulating Device
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1529; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091529 (registering DOI) - 28 Aug 2021
Abstract
This paper focuses on the model of gas hydrate formation in an experimental device, which allows the circulation of the resulting mixture (water and gas) and significantly accelerates the process of hydrate formation in the laboratory. A 3D model was developed to better
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This paper focuses on the model of gas hydrate formation in an experimental device, which allows the circulation of the resulting mixture (water and gas) and significantly accelerates the process of hydrate formation in the laboratory. A 3D model was developed to better imagine the placement of individual parts of the device. The kinetics of hydrate formation were predicted from equilibrium values of chemical potentials. The aim of solving the equations of state gases in the mathematical model was to optimize the parameters involved in the formation of hydrates. The prediction of the mathematical model was verified by numerical simulation. The mathematical model and numerical simulation predict the chemical reaction evolving over time and determine the amount of crystallized water in the reactor. A remarkable finding is that the deviation of the model and simulation at the initiation the calculation of crystallized water starts at 76% and decreases over time to 2%. Subsequently, the number of moles of bound gas in the hydrate acquires the same percentage deviations. The amount of water supplied to the reactor is expressed by both methods identically with a maximum deviation of 0.10%. The different character is shown by the number of moles of gas remaining in the reactor. At the beginning of the calculation, the deviation of both methods is 0%, but over time the deviation slowly increases, and at the end it expresses the number of moles in the reactor with a deviation of 0.14%. By previous detection, we can confirm that the model successfully determines the amount of methane hydrate formed in the reactor of the experimental equipment. With the attached pictures from the realized experiment, we confirmed that the proposed method of hydrate production is tested and takes minutes. The article calculates the energy efficiency of natural gas hydrate in the proposed experimental device.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental and Numerical Methods in Fluid Mechanics and Energy)
Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Effect of Zinc Pyrithione against Airborne Fungi and Bacteria Growth Collected onto New and Loaded HVAC Fibrous Filters
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1528; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091528 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
Microbial growth onto HVAC filters was observed in real conditions with possible degradation of the indoor air quality. The filtration performance of marketed antimicrobial filters containing zinc pyrithione was tested under laboratory conditions and compared to that of similar filters with the same
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Microbial growth onto HVAC filters was observed in real conditions with possible degradation of the indoor air quality. The filtration performance of marketed antimicrobial filters containing zinc pyrithione was tested under laboratory conditions and compared to that of similar filters with the same classification, F7 (EN779:2002). The filtration performance of the two tested filters during loading with PM10 particles was quantified in an experimental setup with filter pressure drop measurement and particle counting upstream and downstream of the filters. The microbial growth on the new and loaded filters, both contaminated with a microbial airborne consortium composed of two bacteria (Gram-positive and -negative) and fungi, was quantified by colony-forming units after conditioning the filters for a few days under controlled temperature (25 °C) and humidity (50% or 90% relative humidity). The results reveal that there was no degradation of the filtration performance of the filters treated with the antimicrobial agent. The efficiency of the antimicrobial treatment, i.e., the ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms during the incubation period, was significant with the new filters regarding the fungal growth, but the results demonstrate that the antimicrobial treatment became inefficient with the loaded filters.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Quality Control of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi)
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Open AccessReview
Challenges towards Targeted Drug Delivery in Cancer Nanomedicines
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091527 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
Despite cancer nanomedicine celebrates already thirty years since its introduction, together with the achievements and progress in cancer treatment area, it still undergoes serious disadvantages that must be addressed. Since the first observation that macromolecules tend to accumulate in tumor tissue due to
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Despite cancer nanomedicine celebrates already thirty years since its introduction, together with the achievements and progress in cancer treatment area, it still undergoes serious disadvantages that must be addressed. Since the first observation that macromolecules tend to accumulate in tumor tissue due to fenestrated endothelial of vasculature, considered as the “royal gate” in drug delivery field, more than dozens of nanoformulations have been approved and introduced into the practice for cancer treatment. Lipid, polymeric, and hybrid nanocarriers are biocompatible nano-drug delivery systems (NDDs) having suitable physicochemical properties and modulate payload release in response to specific chemical or physical stimuli. Biopharmaceutical properties of NDDs and their efficacy in animal models and humans can significantly affect their impact and perspective in nanomedicine. One of the future directions could be focusing on personalized cancer treatment, considering the heterogeneity and complexity of each patient tumor tissue and the designing of multifunctional targeted NDDs combining synthetic nanomaterials and biological components, like cellular membranes, circulating proteins, RNAi/DNAi, which enforce the efficacy of NDDs and boost their therapeutic effect.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy)
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Open AccessArticle
CFD Simulation and Performance Investigation on a Novel Bionic Spider-Web-Type Flow Field for PEM Fuel Cells
by
and
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1526; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091526 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
The products generated by the electrochemical reaction in the PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) are mainly concentrated in the flow field on the cathode side of the bipolar plate, and the oxygen introduced on the cathode has higher requirements to improve its diffusion performance
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The products generated by the electrochemical reaction in the PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) are mainly concentrated in the flow field on the cathode side of the bipolar plate, and the oxygen introduced on the cathode has higher requirements to improve its diffusion performance by using the flow field structure. For this reason, the optimization of the cathode flow field of the PEMFC is essential. Inspired by the structure of a spider web, this paper proposes a novel spider-web-type flow field. In this kind of flow field, the shape of a polygonal structure and the number of layers of spiral flow channels are the two most crucial variables. In order to explore the impact of these two variables on the cathode flow field, complete three-dimensional PEMFC models with different values of the two variables were established, and the models were simulated by the method of CFD. By observing the results of oxygen distribution, the water removal performance and fuel cell output performance of different schemes, the optimal scheme of the polygonal structure and layer number are determined. Compared with the traditional flow field, it is proved that the optimization scheme is desirable in improving the performance of the cathode flow field in PEMFC.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Fuel Cell Technology)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
A Preliminary Assessment of the ‘Greenness’ of Halide-Free Ionic Liquids—An MCDA Based Approach
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091524 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
With the growing interests in non-aqueous media for diversified applications, ionic liquids (ILs) are frequently considered as green solvents. While the environmental, health, and safety assessments of the commercially developed ILs and their ‘greenness’ status are in debate, research focus is shifting towards
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With the growing interests in non-aqueous media for diversified applications, ionic liquids (ILs) are frequently considered as green solvents. While the environmental, health, and safety assessments of the commercially developed ILs and their ‘greenness’ status are in debate, research focus is shifting towards the application of halide-free ILs for diversified applications. To clarify the situation on their greenness, and to understand if they really possess safe characteristics, we performed an initial assessment of 193 halide free ionic liquids composed of four groups of cations (imidazolium, pyridinium, pyrrodilinium, piperidinum) and 5 groups of anions (acetate, propionate, butyrate, alkanesulfonates, alkylsulfates). The ‘Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solutions’ (TOPSIS), a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) tool that allows ranking many alternatives is applied by carrying out the assessment against 14 criteria that includes hazard statements, precautionary statements, biodegradability, and toxicity towards different organisms. The ranking results obtained against the set of criteria considered show that the halide free ILs placed between recommended polar solvents: methanol and ethanol can be considered to be safer alternatives in terms of ‘greenness’. The study in this work provides an initial assessment of the halide-free ionic liquids evaluated against 14 criteria in terms of their safety characteristics (“green character”) using the MCDA-TOPSIS approach.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Deep Eutectic Solvents: New Green Solvents)
Open AccessArticle
A Numerical Study on Axial Pump Performance for Large Cavitation Tunnel Operation
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1523; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091523 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
In this paper, a numerical investigation was carried out on the performances of a designed axial flow pump for a large cavitation tunnel. From this, the flow characteristics, force, and torque performance of the axial flow pump were investigated, and the rotating speeds
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In this paper, a numerical investigation was carried out on the performances of a designed axial flow pump for a large cavitation tunnel. From this, the flow characteristics, force, and torque performance of the axial flow pump were investigated, and the rotating speeds of the impeller satisfying the test section speed performances required in the large cavitation tunnel were estimated. The axial flow pump was modeled such that the impeller, stator, and nacelle were located in a cylindrical tunnel. The calculations were carried out for incompressible steady-state turbulent flow considering the impeller rotating. The performance of the pump was confirmed, finding that the head gain was caused by the pressure jump downstream of the pump. The performance of the stator was confirmed to be good enough to refine the tangential flow due to the impeller rotating. To investigate the operating performance of the large cavitation tunnel, the head loss of the entire tunnel without the pump was obtained from a numerical analysis. The operating points were estimated from the specific speed–head coefficient curves, and it was found that the present numerical results were in good agreement with the experiments.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theoretical and Numerical Marine Hydrodynamics)
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Gaseous Chlorine Dioxide Treatment on the Quality Characteristics of Buckwheat-Based Composite Flour and Storage Stability of Fresh Noodles
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1522; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091522 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
In this study, the effects of gaseous chlorine dioxide treatment on the physicochemical properties of buckwheat-based composited flour (buckwheat-wheat-gluten) and shelf-life of fresh buckwheat noodles (FBNs), as well as the textural qualities and sensory properties of noodles were investigated. Chlorine dioxide treatment significantly
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In this study, the effects of gaseous chlorine dioxide treatment on the physicochemical properties of buckwheat-based composited flour (buckwheat-wheat-gluten) and shelf-life of fresh buckwheat noodles (FBNs), as well as the textural qualities and sensory properties of noodles were investigated. Chlorine dioxide treatment significantly reduced the total plate count (TPC) and the total flavonoids content in the mixed flour (p < 0.05), but the whiteness, development time and stability time were all increased. During storage, the microbial growth and darkening rate of FBNs made from chlorine dioxide treated buckwheat-based composite flour (CDBF) were delayed significantly, slowing the deterioration and improving storage stability of buckwheat noodles. In addition, chlorine dioxide treatment had no apparent adverse effect on the cooking loss and sensory characteristics during noodle storage. This finding would provide a new concept for the production of “low bacterial buckwheat-based flour” and have important consequences for the application of gaseous chlorine dioxide in food industry.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing and Properties Analysis of Grain Foods)
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