Yes / The deodorization of the refined palm oil process is simulated here using ASPEN HYSYS. In the absence of a library molecular distillation (MD) process in ASPEN HYSYS, first, a single flash vessel is considered to represent a falling film MD process which is simulated for a binary system taken from the literature and the model predictions are compared with the published work based on ASPEN PLUS and DISMOL. Second, the developed MD process is extended to simulate the deodorization process. Parameter estimation technique is used to estimate the Antoine’s parameters based on literature data to calculate the pure component vapor pressure. The model predictions are then validated against the patented results of refining edible oil rich in natural carotenes and vitamin E and simulation results were found to be in good agreement, within a 2% error of the patented results. Third, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is employed to develop non-linear second-order polynomial equations based model for the deodorization process and the effects of various operating parameters on the performance of the process are studied. Finally, an optimization framework is developed to maximize the concentration of beta-carotene, tocopherol and free fatty acid while optimizing the feed flow rate, temperature and pressure subject to process constrains. The optimum results of feed flow rate, temperature, and pressure were determined as 1291 kg/h, 147 C and 0.0007 kPa respectively, and the concentration responses of beta- carotene, tocopherol and free fatty acid were found to be 0.000575, 0.000937 and 0.999840 respectively. / Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand for providing financial support (Grant code: PSU2554-022)

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering / Youqi Wang / Textile fabrics and textile composite materials demonstrate exceptional mechanical properties, including high stiffness, high strength to weight ratio, damage tolerance, chemical resistance, high temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion. Recent advances in weaving techniques have caused various textile fabrics to gain applications in high performance products, such as aircrafts frames, aircrafts engine blades, ballistic panels, helmets, aerospace components, racing car bodies, net-shape joints and blood vessels. Fabric mechanical properties are determined by fabric internal architectures and fabric micro-geometries are determined by the textile manufacturing process. As the need for high performance textile materials increases, textile preforms with improved thickness and more complex structures are designed and manufactured. Therefore, the study of textile fabrics requires a reliable and efficient CAD/CAM tool that models fabric micro-geometry through computer simulation and links the manufacturing process with fabric micro-geometry, mechanical properties and weavability. Dynamic Weaving Process Simulation is developed to simulate the entire textile process. It employs the digital element approach to simulate weaving actions, reed motion, boundary tension and fiber-to-fiber contact and friction. Dynamic Weaving Process Simulation models a Jacquard loom machine, in which the weaving process primarily consists of four steps: weft insertion, beating up, weaving and taking up. Dynamic Weaving Process Simulation simulates these steps according to the underlying loom kinematics and kinetics. First, a weft yarn moves to the fell position under displacement constraints, followed by a beating-up action performed by reed elements. Warp yarns then change positions according to the yarn interlacing pattern defined by a weaving matrix, and taking-up action is simulated to collect woven fabric for continuous weaving process simulation. A Jacquard loom machine individually controls each warp yarn for maximum flexibility of warp motion, managed by the weaving matrix in simulation. Constant boundary tension is implemented to simulate the spring at each warp end. In addition, process simulation adopts re-mesh function to store woven fabric and add new weft yarns for continuous weaving simulation. Dynamic Weaving Process Simulation fully models loom kinetics and kinematics involved in the weaving process. However, the step-by-step simulation of the 3D weaving process requires additional calculation time and computer resource. In order to promote simulation efficiency, enable finer yarn discretization and improve accuracy of fabric micro geometry, parallel computing is implemented in this research and efficiency promotion is presented in this dissertation. The Dynamic Weaving Process Simulation model links fabric micro-geometry with the manufacturing process, allowing determination of weavability of specific weaving pattern and process design. Effects of various weaving process parameters on fabric micro-geometry, fabric mechanical properties and weavability can be investigated with the simulation method.

Traditionally the reactor is recognised as the `heart' of a chemical process system and hence the focus on this part of the system is usually quite detailed. Steam reforming, however, due to the `building block' nature of its reaction products is unusual and generally is perceived as a `utility' to other reaction processes and hence the focus is drawn " towards the 'main' reaction processes of the system. Additionally as a `mature' process, steam reforming is often treated as sufficiently defined for the requirements within the overall chemical process. For both primary and secondary steam reformers several models of varying complexity were developed which allowed assessment of issues raised about previous models and model improvements; drawing on the advancements in modelling that have not only allowed the possibility of increasing the scope of simulations but also increased confidence in the simulation results. Despite the complex nature of the steam reforming systems, a surprisingly simplistic model is demonstrated to perform well, however, to improve on existing designs and maximise the capability of current designs it is shown that more complex models are required. After model development the natural course is to optimisation. This is a powerful tool which must be used carefully as significant issues remain around its employment. Despite the remaining concerns, some simple optimisation cases showed the potential of the models developed in this work and although not exhaustive demonstrated the benefits of optimisation.

- Einführung in die Thematik des Hebelflechtens - Ermittlung der mechanisch-/tribologischen Kennwerte von Fadenmaterialien - FE-Modellbildung der Fadenmaterialien im Flechtprozess - FE-Simulation eines Zugversuches mit implementierten Werkstoffdaten und Definition eines einfachen Schädigungskriteriums - Prozesssimulation des Flechtvorganges

La siguiente propuesta de implementación está formada por tres capítulos en el primero se está considerando el marco teórico investigado de fuentes con revistas indexadas y respaldado por autores especialistas en los temas de confiabilidad, mantenibilidad definición, evolución, técnica, aplicación y tipos de mantenimiento. En el segundo capítulo la situación y diagnostico actual de la empresa, identificación del activo más relevante y el impacto económico que genera. En el tercer capítulo se muestra la propuesta de la implementación con respecto al diagnóstico que se realizó en los capítulos anteriores. En el cuarto capítulo se muestra la simulación del proceso actual del activo, así como la aplicación de la metodología del RCM, en el cual podemos evaluar la viabilidad de dicha implementación. Finalmente, las conclusiones y recomendaciones. / The following implementation proposal consists of three chapters. In the first one is considering the theoretical framework researched from sources with indexes journals and supported by specialist authors in terms of reliability, maintainability, definition, evolution, technique, application and types of maintenance. The second chapter is about the situation and current diagnosis of the company, identification of the most relevant asset and the economic impact it generates. The third chapter shows the proposal of the implementation with respect to the diagnosis that was made in the previous chapter. The fourth chapter shows the simulation of the current asset process, as well as the application of the RCM methodology, in which we can evaluate the feasibility of such implementation. Finally, the conclusions and recommendations. / Tesis

Foi realizado um estudo de desenvolvimento de projeto conceitual de uma unidade produtora de triacetina a partir de glicerol, como forma de aumentar a viabilidade de produção de biodiesel. A esterificação de glicerol com ácido acético envolve três reações de acetilação reversíveis consecutivas. Em cada etapa, água é produzida, resultando em conversão limitada e baixa seletividade. Uma forma de aumentar a seletividade da triacetina consiste em remover continuamente a água do meio reacional, de modo a alterar o equilíbrio. Foram considerados dois processos baseados em cinéticas diferentes. O processo A proposto baseia-se no sistema reacional descrito por Mufrodi et al. (2012), que emprega ácido sulfúrico como catalisador e o processo B baseia-se no sistema descrito por Galan et al. (2009), que consiste na esterificação de glicerol utilizando ácido acético em excesso como catalisador. Os dois processos foram simulados usando uma coluna de destilação reativa com hexano como potencializador do arraste de água, e diferentes configurações foram estudadas usando o simulador Aspen Plus®. As especificações do processo conceitual de uma unidade industrial otimizada, capaz de processar o glicerol produzido em uma unidade típica produtora de biodiesel, foram estimadas para os dois processos em termos de mínimo consumo específico de energia e produção de triacetina de pureza molar de 99,9%, com conversão completa de glicerol. O processo A se mostrou mais eficiente em termos energéticos, requerendo cerca de 20% da carga térmica requerida no processo B, além de ser mais compacto na quantidade de operações unitárias necessárias. / A conceptual process design study was carried out, aimed at the design of a triacetin production unit from glycerol, as a way to increase the feasibility of biodiesel production. Glycerol esterification with acetic acid involves three consecutive reversible acetylation reactions. In each step, water is produced, resulting in limited conversion and low selectivity. One way to increase the selectivity of triacetin is to continuously remove water from the reaction medium in order to shift the equilibrium. Two processes were considered, based on different kinetics. Process A is based on the reaction system described by Mufrodi et al. (2012), which employs sulfuric acid as catalyst, and process B is based on the system described by Galan et al. (2009), which consists of the esterification of glycerol using acetic acid in excess as catalyst. Both processes were simulated using a reactive distillation column and hexane as a water entrainment booster, and different configurations were studied by using the Aspen Plus® simulator. The conceptual process specifications of an optimized industrial plant capable of processing glycerol produced in a typical Brazilian biodiesel producer facility were estimated, for both processes, in order to minimize the specific energy consumption and produce triacetin with a molar purity of 99.9%, with complete conversion of glycerol. Process A showed to be more energy efficient, requiring about 20% of the heat duty required in process B, and being more compact in the necessary quantity of unit operations.

Os sistemas térmicos operam na maior parte do tempo fora de suas condições nominais de projeto. Nos sistemas de refrigeração industrial, a operação com carga térmica parcial ocorre em função de diversos fatores e o consumo de energia apresenta grande variação em função do ciclo de operação. Neste trabalho é proposta a otimização energética dos sistemas frigoríficos por compressão a vapor através da operação com regime variável para o ciclo frigorífico, especificamente através da operação com set-point de temperatura de evaporação variável. Para tanto é desenvolvido um modelo matemático para simulação dinâmica de um sistema de refrigeração industrial por compressão a vapor com refrigerante amônia (R-717) para o congelamento de alimentos composto basicamente de túnel de congelamento por circulação forçada de ar, evaporador com recirculação de líquido, reservatório de líquido a baixa pressão, compressores parafuso e condensador evaporativo atmosférico. São analisados através de simulação dois métodos para a variação do setpoint de temperatura de evaporação: a máxima temperatura de evaporação admissível e a minimização da potência no compressor. Os dois métodos são comparados ao sistema de controle de capacidade atualmente utilizado em instalações industriais. / Thermal systems operate most of the time at off-design conditions. In industrial refrigeration systems, the operation in partial loads occurs for many different reasons and the power consumption is a function of the refrigeration cycle pressures. This work proposes an energetic optimization of the compression refrigeration systems by the operation with a variable refrigeration cycle, specifically, by the operation with a variable suction temperature set-point. For this purpose it is developed a mathematical model for dynamic simulation of a industrial refrigeration compression system for food freezing with ammonia refrigerant (R717) formed by an air blast belt freezer, liquid overfeed evaporators, low pressure receiver, screw compressors and evaporative condenser. Two procedures for the suction temperature set-point variation are analyzed by simulation: the maximum suction temperature permitted and the compressor power consumption minimization. Both methods are compared with the capacity control system used in present industrial facilities.

The demands for efficient utilization of ore bodies and proper risk management in the mining industry have resulted in a new cross-disciplinary subject called geometallurgy. Geometallurgy connects geological, mineral processing and subsequent downstream processing information together to provide a comprehensive model to be used in production planning and management. A geometallurgical program is an industrial application of geometallurgy. Various approaches that are employed in geometallurgical programs include the traditional way, which uses chemical elements, the proxy method, which applies small-scale tests, and the mineralogical approach using mineralogy or the combination of those. The mineralogical approach provides the most comprehensive and versatile way to treat geometallurgical data. Therefore it was selected as a basis for this study. For the mineralogical approach, quantitative mineralogical information is needed both for the deposit and the process. The geological model must describe the minerals present, give their chemical composition, report their mass proportions (modal composition) in the ore body and describe the ore texture. The process model must be capable of using mineralogical information provided by the geological model to forecast the metallurgical performance of different geological volumes and periods. A literature survey showed that areas, where more development is needed for using the mineralogical approach, are: 1) quick and inexpensive techniques for reliable modal analysis of the ore samples; 2) ore textural characterization of the ore to forecast the liberation distribution of the ore when crushed and ground; 3) unit operation models based on particle properties (at mineral liberation level) and 4) a system capable of handling all this information and transferring it to production model. This study focuses on developing tools in these areas. A number of methods for obtaining mineral grades were evaluated with a focus on geometallurgical applicability, precision, and trueness. A new technique developed called combined method uses both quantitative X-ray powder diffraction with Rietveld refinement and the Element-to-Mineral Conversion method. The method not only delivers the required turnover for geometallurgy but also overcomes the shortcomings if X-ray powder diffraction or Element-to-Mineral Conversion were used alone. Characterization of ore texture before and after breakage provides valuable insights about the fracture pattern in comminution, the population of particles for specific ore texture and their relation to parent ore texture. In the context of the mineralogical approach to geometallurgy, predicting the particle population from ore texture is a critical step to establish an interface between geology and mineral processing. A new method called Association Indicator Matrix developed to assess breakage pattern of ore texture and analyze mineral association. The results of ore texture and particle analysis were used to generate particle population from ore texture by applying particle size distribution and breakage frequencies. The outcome matches well with experimental data specifically for magnetite ore texture. In geometallurgy, process models can be classified based on in which level the ore, i.e. the feed stream to the processing plant and each unit operation, is defined and what information subsequent streams carry. The most comprehensive level of mineral processing models is the particle-based one which includes practically all necessary information on streams for modeling unit operations. Within this study, a particle-based unit operation model was built for wet low-intensity magnetic separation, and existing size classification and grinding models were evaluated to be used in particle level. A property-based model of magnetic beneficiation plant was created based on one of the LKAB operating plants in mineral and particle level and the results were compared. Two different feeds to the plant were used. The results revealed that in the particle level, the process model is more sensitive to changes in feed property than any other levels. Particle level is more capable for process optimization for different geometallurgical domains.

Local thermodynamic models are practical alternatives to computationally expensive rigorous models that involve implicit computational procedures and often complement them to accelerate computation for real-time optimization and control. Human-centered strategies for development of these models are based on approximation of theoretical models. Genetic Programming (GP) system can extract knowledge from the given data in the form of symbolic expressions. This research describes a fully data driven automatic self-evolving algorithm that builds appropriate approximating formulae for local models using genetic programming. No a-priori information on the type of mixture (ideal/non ideal etc.) or assumptions are necessary. The approach involves synthesis of models for a given set of variables and mathematical operators that may relate them. The selection of variables is automated through principal component analysis and heuristics. For each candidate model, the model parameters are optimized in the inner integrated nested loop. The trade-off between accuracy and model complexity is addressed through incorporation of the Minimum Description Length (MDL) into the fitness (objective) function. Statistical tools including residual analysis are used to evaluate performance of models. Adjusted R-square is used to test model's accuracy, and F-test is used to test if the terms in the model are necessary. The analysis of the performance of the models generated with the data driven approach depicts theoretically expected range of compositional dependence of partition coefficients and limits of ideal gas as well as ideal solution behavior. Finally, the model built by GP integrated into a steady state and dynamic flow sheet simulator to show the benefits of using such models in simulation. The test systems were propane-propylene for ideal solutions and acetone-water for non-ideal. The result shows that, the generated models are accurate for the whole range of data and the performance is tunable. The generated local models can indeed be used as empirical models go beyond elimination of the local model updating procedures to further enhance the utility of the approach for deployment of real-time applications.

In this thesis we have described the role of meetings in software development and their impact on process improvement. We have investigated some factors; which could be used to improve organization process e.g. strategic management, understanding of business and its processes, learning and evaluation of resources. A survey has been conducted with the help of a questionnaire to analyze the meeting practices in the small and medium scale software companies. A process model and a simulation have been designed to measure the impacts of meetings on the productivity of organizations which claim the utilization of agile process. The designed model is an extension of Hamid & Madnick’s process model and the simulation is a newly developed web based application that performs meeting scheduling. The application is developed with the concept of Software As A Service (SAAS) by using the Framework Symfony and programming languages PHP and MySQL.