Gas absorption with chemical reaction is an important unit operation in the chemical and petroleum industries for the selective removal of components from industrial gas streams. Apart from choosing absorption media, the most difficult problems facing the design engineer are the sizing and performance prediction of the absorption tower due to the scarcity of fundamental design data, especially when novel absorption media and/or packings are used. The solubility of carbon dioxide in 2 and 3 M solutions of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP), which is a newly introduced absorbent, was determined at 20, 40, 60 and 80 °C and for CO₂ partial pressures ranging from approximately 1 to 100 kPa. The results were interpreted with a modified Kent-Eisenberg model which predicted the present and previous experimental results well. The absorption capacities of AMP and monoethanolamine (MEA) solutions were also compared. Detailed concentration and temperature measurements were reported for the absorption of carbon dioxide from air into NaOH, MEA and AMP solutions. A full-length absorber (0.1 m ID, packed with 12.7 mm Berl Saddles up to heights of 6.55 m) was used. It was operated in countercurrent mode and at 30 to 75 % flooding velocities which are typical for gas absorber operations. The following ranges of operating conditions were employed: superficial gas flow rate 11.1 to 14.8 mol/m² s; superficial liquid flow rate 9.5 to 13.5 m³/m² h; feed CO₂ concentration 11.5 to 19.8 %; total absorbent concentration 1.2 to 3.8 kmol/m³; liquid feed temperature 14 to 20 °C; total pressure 103 kPa. The measurements for the CO₂-NaOH and CO₂-MEA systems were compared with predictions from a previously developed mathematical model. Generally good agreement was obtained except at high CO₂ loadings of MEA solutions. Compared with MEA, AMP was found to have superior CO₂ absorption capacities and inferior mass transfer rates. A new procedure, called the Pilot Plant Technique (PPT), for designing gas absorbers with chemical reactions has been developed. The PPT is primarily intended for designing absorbers for which fundamental design information is lacking. It is based on the premise that full-length absorption columns can be sized by making a minimum number of tests using a small-scale pilot plant. Two special features of the PPT are (i) the details of hydrodynamic parameters (i.e. mass transfer coefficients, effective interfacial area and liquid hold-up) and the physico-chemical information of the system (e.g. reaction mechanism, reaction rate constants) need not be known and (ii) complex calculations are avoided. Using the PPT to size the height or to predict the performance of a given full-length absorber, the specific absorption rate, which is the essential information, can be measured directly using the pilot plant model (PPM) column if both columns have the same hydrodynamic conditions. This can be achieved by using the same type and size of packing in the PPM and the full-length columns and ensuring that the end and wall effects are negligible. The PPM column must also be operated at the same superficial fluid velocities as those of the full-length column. The specific absorption rate was then obtained from the gradient of the fluid composition profile along the PPM column. The validity of the PPT was demonstrated by determining the height and predicting the performance of the full-length column in which carbon dioxide was absorbed from air by aqueous solutions of NaOH and AMP at various operating conditions; good agreement was obtained. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department of / Graduate

Mass transfer rates have been measured for streams of CO₂ bubbles of controlled frequency being absorbed into water in cocurrent pipeline flow. Superficial liquid Reynolds number varied from 1810 to 24000. Mass transfer coefficients based on equivalent spherical areas were between 0.6 and 4.5 cm/min. For 5/16- and 5/8 inch I.D. tubes oriented both horizontally and vertically, the mass transfer coefficients were proportional to (Reynolds number)⁰•⁵² and (tube diameter) ⁻⁰•⁸⁵ at high Reynolds number. Bubble velocities were measured for all test sections and flow conditions. Photographs of bubbles in turbulent flow were obtained by a high speed flash technique. The mass transfer results support a postulated mechanism of surface renewal by turbulent eddies which result from the mean flow of liquid through the tube. Two theoretical approaches have been described in an attempt to relate the surface renewal rate to the pipe flow turbulence. A model based on mixing length theory gives good agreement with the experimental results. In this model the larger scales of motion dominate. A second model was based on the assumption that the very small scales dominate. The flow and convective diffusion equations were solved for idealized viscous eddy cells which represent the small motions. The size, velocity and mass transfer rate of these cells were linked to the turbulent energy spectrum for both solid/liquid and gas/liquid interfaces. The predicted dependence of mass transfer coefficient on Schmidt number and energy dissipation is identical with experimental results for solid surfaces. However, the Reynolds number dependence (Re•⁶⁹) is higher than for the present experiments. Nevertheless, the eddy cell model maybe valid for bubbles and solids in sufficiently highly developed turbulence. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Chemical and Biological Engineering, Department of / Graduate

No description available.

The subject of soil absorption is an old one, dating back to before 1850. The nature of soil absorption has been, and still is, a puzzle, in spite of the vast amount of work that has been done in the last few years. Two theories have been held as the cause of the absorption. The first is that the absorption is chemical, the compounds being changed into insoluble ones by double decomposition. The second is that the salts or radicals are physically held, that is, adsorbed by the soil particles. These theories have been held separately and combined.

No description available.

No description available.

Investigations of soil parameters, infiltration testing, and storm observations are used to determine the infiltration characteristics for three Central Florida stormwater holding basins. Basic soil parameters are investigated and a value for available soil water storage is computed from these data. In-situ permeability and infiltration tests are used to obtain field permeability and infiltration rates. Infiltration test results may be applied to infiltration theory. Data from infiltration tests may be verified using available soil water storage computed from soil parameters. The effect of soil cover conditions is noted and investigated using the drum infiltrometer. Storm observations are used to confirm infiltration models. Infrequency of rainfall activity limited the number and reliability of observations. The effects of precipitation frequency and input intensity to the pond also noted in storm observations. A design procedure incorporating infiltration in stormwater retention basins is presented. This design procedure is based on infiltration theory and observed pond operation.

M. Tech. Chemical Engineering. / Discusses the reactive properties of oxalate molecules on the surface of activated carbons (ACs) so that they can bind selectively with base metals. Therefore, the experimental plan covered three main axes of study: Chemical modification of AC adsorbent and characterization, adsorption studies in batch and continuous modes, and adsorption modelling.

Les activités humaines ont généré une augmentation importante de la concentration de gaz à effet de serre (GES) au cours des 150 dernières années, ce qui est relié à plusieurs problèmes environnementaux, tels que le réchauffement planétaire et les changements climatiques. Le secteur agricole contribue de 8 à 10% aux émissions totales de GES dans l'atmosphère, et les principaux GES émis sont le dioxyde de carbone (CO₂), le méthane (CH₄) et l’oxyde nitreux (N₂O). Le contrôle et la quantification de ces émissions requièrent des technologies qui permettent de les capturer et ou les dégrader, par exemple par adsorption. L'objectif du présent projet est de caractériser des matériaux qui puissent être utilisés comme adsorbants des GES et de décrire leurs cinétiques d’adsorption afin d’avoir l’information qui permette de sélectionner des adsorbants pour capturer le CH₄ et le N₂O à des basses concentrations et à température et pression ambiantes. Pour adsorber le CH₄, des adsorbants commerciaux et synthétiques ont été utilisés. Les adsorbants choisis ont été des zéolithes, un biocharbon conditionné au laboratoire et un ZIF (« Zeolitic imidazolate framework », ZIF-8) synthétisé au laboratoire. Ce dernier a été employé aussi pour adsorber du N₂O. La capacité d’adsorption de CH₄ et de N₂O a été évaluée pour chaque adsorbant par de tests dynamiques d’adsorption du gaz sous conditions ambiantes. Des zéolithes commerciales sous forme de billes ou d’extrudés et de poudre ont été caractérisées physiquement et chimiquement afin de corréler leurs propriétés avec la capacité d'adsorption de CH₄. L’effet de la structure et de la composition chimique sur la capacité d'adsorption de CH₄ ont été analysées. La capacité d'adsorption du CH₄ par les zéolithes commerciales a été étudiée à 30°C, à pression atmosphérique et à pressions partielles du CH₄ inférieures à 0,40 kPa (4000 ppm CH₄). L’isotherme d’adsorption de Freundlich a ajusté correctement aux données expérimentales. Il a été observé que la capacité d’adsorption du CH₄ augmentait avec la surface spécifique et le volume de pores, tandis qu’elle diminuait avec le rapport Si/Al et la température. Egalement, les zéolites sous forme de poudre ont présenté des capacités d’adsorption du CH₄ plus élevées que les zéolithes sous forme de billes ou d’extrudés. Du biocharbon obtenu par torréfaction du carton ciré a été traité chimiquement avec KOH et caractérisé. La caractérisation physique, chimique et thermique du carton ciré torréfié et des échantillons traités chimiquement permet de prédire la durabilité des échantillons et de corréler ses propriétés avec sa capacité d’adsorption. La capacité d'adsorption du CH₄ par le biocharbon a été étudiée à 30°C, à pression atmosphérique et à pressions partielles du CH₄ inférieures à 0,40 kPa (4000 ppm CH₄). L’isotherme d’adsorption de Freundlich a ajusté les données expérimentales. La capacité d'adsorption augmentait avec le temps de torréfaction et diminuait avec le traitement chimique. Le ZIF-8 a été obtenu par synthèse solvothermale et caractérisé physiquement et chimiquement afin de corréler ses propriétés avec sa capacité d'adsorption du CH₄ et du N₂O. La capacité d'adsorption du CH₄ et du N₂O a été étudiée à 30 °C et à pression atmosphérique, tandis que les pressions partielles du CH₄ et N₂O ont été inférieures à 0,40 kPa pour le CH₄ (4000 ppm CH₄) et à 0,10 kPa pour le N₂O (1000 ppm N₂O). L’isotherme d’adsorption de Freundlich ajuste correctement les donnés expérimentales. En plus, de l’adsorption d’un mélange de CH₄ et N₂O a été étudié et la courbe de percé du CH₄ est affecté pour le N₂O. Parmi les différents matériaux utilisés lors de l’adsorption du CH₄ à 30 ºC et à pressions partielles de CH₄ inférieures à 0,40 kPa (4000 ppm CH₄), les biocharbons présentent la capacité d’adsorption la plus élevée, suivis par le ZIF-8 et les zéolithes commerciales. / Human activities contributed with a significant increase in GHG concentrations over the past 150 years and they are related to environmental issues, such as global warming and climate change. The agricultural sector contributes 8 to 10% of total GHG emissions to the atmosphere, being carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) the main GHGs emitted. The control and quantification of these emissions requires technologies which can capture and or degrade these GHG, for example by adsorption. The objective of this project is to characterize adsorbents and to describe their adsorption kinetics in order to select the most suitable for the adsorption of CH₄ and N₂O at low concentration and at ambient temperature. For CH₄ adsorption, commercial and synthesized adsorbents were tested. The selected adsorbents were commercial zeolites, laboratory conditioned biochar and synthesized ZIF ("Zeolitic imidazolate framework"). ZIF was also used for N₂O adsorption. The adsorption capacity of CH₄ and N₂O for each adsorbent was evaluated by dynamic adsorption tests of the gas under atmospheric conditions. Commercial zeolites, in the form of pellets and powders, were physically and chemically characterized in order to correlate their properties with its CH₄ adsorption capacity. The effect of zeolites structure and chemical composition on the adsorption capacity of CH₄ was evaluated for zeolites in the form of pellets and powders. CH₄ adsorption capacity of commercial zeolites was studied at 30 °C, atmospheric pressure and at CH₄ partial pressures lower than 0.40 kPa (4000 ppm CH₄). Freundlich isotherm fitted the experimental data of CH₄ adsorption. The adsorption capacity of CH₄ increased with the surface area and pore volume, while decreased with the Si/Al ratio and temperature. Furthermore, the zeolites in powder form exhibited higher CH₄ adsorption capacities than those of zeolites in pellets. The torrefied cardboard was chemically treated with KOH and it was physically, chemically and thermally characterized to correlate its properties with its CH₄ adsorption capacity and to predict the durability of the samples. The adsorption capacity of CH₄ of torrefied cardboard was studied at 30 °C, atmospheric pressure and CH₄ partial pressures lower than 0.40 kPa (4000 ppm CH4). The Freundlich adsorption isotherm fitted correctly the experimental data. CH4 adsorption capacity increased with torrefaction time and decreased with chemical treatment. ZIF-8 was obtained by solvothermal synthesis and was physically and chemically characterized in order to correlate its properties with its adsorption capacity of CH₄ and N₂O. The adsorption capacity of CH₄ and N₂O was studied at 30 °C and atmospheric pressure, while the partial pressures of CH₄ and N₂O evaluated were lower than 0.40 kPa for CH₄ (4000 ppm CH₄) and lower than 0.10 kPa for N2O (1000 ppm N₂O). The experimental adsorption of CH₄ an N₂O was fitted by Freundlich isotherm. Furthermore, the adsorption of a mixture of CH₄ and N₂O was evaluated, being CH₄ breakthrough influenced in the presence of N₂O. Among the different materials used for CH₄ adsorption at 30 ºC and partial pressures lower than 0.40 kPa (4000 ppm CH₄), biocharbons presented the highest adsorption capacity, followed by ZIF- 8 and commercial zeolites.

Water and CO adsorptions were studied over the stoichiometric and the oxygen-deficient Cu₂O(111) surfaces, using thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Water is the only desorbing species detected in TDS and the extent of dissociation is unaffected by the surface condition: ≃ 0.25 monolayers of water dissociate on Cu₂O(111) regardless of surface condition. The local defect environment around oxygen vacancies does not play a significant role in the activity of the Cu₂O(111) surface for the dissociation of water. CO is found to bind molecularly to the surface through the carbon atom and with a heat of adsorption of 22 kcal/mol, higher value than that of CO on Cu₂O(100) (16.7 kcal/mol). This suggests that the local geometry of adsorption sites may play an important role in the way CO binds to Cu₂O surfaces. Electronic changes upon CO adsorption and the higher heat of adsorption indicate an increased σ-donor character for CO, with some π-backbonding interactions. The local defect environment around oxygen vacancies does not appear to affect CO adsorption on Cu₂O(111) surfaces. / Master of Science