Biological processes have been proven to be economical and effective for control of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with concentration of <1,000 mg C/m3 and VOCs such as toluene, xylenes, and dichloromethane(DCM) have been shown to be biodegradable. An activated sludge tank can be used as a bioscrubber for the purpose. Into the tank, an air stream is introduced through the spargers originally for aeration. Water-soluble contaminants in the air stream are absorbed into the mixed liquid and, subsequently, degraded by the microorganisms in the aeration tank. In this study, a pilot-scale activated-sludge tank (0.4 m¡Ñ0.4 m in cross-sectional area and 3 m in water depth) was used as a bioscrubber to study the treatability of gas-borne toluene, xylenes, and DCM. Synthetic gases with the three VOCs with concentrations in the rang of 250-1000 ppm (measured as methane) were used as the test gases. Effects of volumetric aeration rate (Q/V), influent VOC concentration, and submerged liquid depth on the removal efficiency of the influent VOCs were tested. Results show that with Q/V = 3.75-11.25 m3/m2.h, pH = 6-8, MLSS (mixed liquor suspended soilds concentration) = 1600-2800 mg/L, and submerged liquid depth D = 1.1 m, removal efficiencies were 93.1, 93.9, and 98.8%, respectively, for toluene, xylenes, and DCM. The removal efficiencies were nearly independent of the operating conditions.

P-xylene is one of the highly influential commodities in the petrochemical industry. It is used to make 90% of the world’s third largest plastic production, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). With a continuously increasing demand, the current technology’s high energy intensity has become a growing concern. Membrane separation technology is a potential low-energy alternative. Polymeric membranes were investigated in a pervaporation experiment to separate xylene isomers. Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) as well as polyimides (PIM-PI), including thermally cross-linked PIM-1, PIM-6FDA-OH and thermally-rearranged PIM-6FDA-OH were investigated as potential candidates. Although they exhibited extremely high permeability to xylenes, selectivity towards p-xylene was poor. This was attributed to the polymers low chemical resistance which was apparent in their strong tendency to swell in xylenes. Consequently, a perfluoro-polymer, Teflon AF 2400, with a high chemical resistance was tested, which resulted in a slightly improved selectivity. A super acid sulfonated perfluoro-polymer (Nafion-H) was used as reactive membrane for xylenes isomerization. The membrane exhibited high catalytic activity, resulting in 19.5% p-xylene yield at 75ᵒC compared to 20% p-xylene yield at 450ᵒC in commercial fixed bed reactors. Nafion-H membrane outperforms the commercial technology with significant energy savings.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:51:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:58:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Dissertacao (Mestrado) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN-SP

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:51:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:58:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Dissertacao (Mestrado) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN-SP

La performance des procédés de séparation des xylènes utilisant des adsorbants nanoporeux est liée aux propriétés de transport et de sélectivité des zéolithes faujasite du type BaX. Les zéolithes conventionnelles présentent un grand volume de micropores et une bonne sélectivité vis-à-vis du paraxylène. Cependant, la diffusion intracristalline est un processus lent qui limite l'efficacité des zéolithes. Par conséquent, l'utilisation de zéolithes hiérarchiques a été proposée comme alternative pour améliorer les propriétés de transport par l'introduction d'un réseau poreux supplémentaire. Dans cette thèse, deux types de zéolithes hiérarchiques BaX sont considérés: les agrégats de nanoparticules (NA - des agrégats de petites particules avec des mésopores entre eux) et les zéolithes Layer-Like (LL), formées par un réseau de couches zéolitiques (présentant des mésopores entre les couches et au sein des couches). Afin de mieux comprendre le rôle joué par la surface externe et par la porosité supplémentaire dans les zéolithes hiérarchiques (NA et LL), ces zéolithes ont été caractérisées en termes de quantité et de qualité de la surface externe par différentes techniques de caractérisation (diffraction des rayons X, adsorption de N2, porosimétrie, microscopie, infrarouge et résonance magnétique nucléaire). L'adsorption et la diffusion des xylènes ont été évaluées par thermogravimétrie et par batch, en phase gazeuse et liquide, respectivement. Les expériences réalisées en phase liquide permettent d’observer une amélioration importante de la diffusion des xylènes dans les zéolithes hiérarchiques. Néanmoins, une perte significative de la para-sélectivité dans les zéolites BaX hiérarchiques est observée par rapport aux zéolites BaX conventionnelles. L'étude de la diffusion en phase gazeuse a permis d'identifier des barrières de surface, qui sont absentes en phase liquide. Cela peut indiquer qu’à forte concentration , le passage des molécules à travers la surface est moins perturbé. Ceci renforce l'intérêt d’utiliser les zéolithes hiérarchiques pour la séparation des xylènes qui est opérée en phase liquide / The performance of xylene separation processes using nanoporous adsorbents is related to both the transport and selectivity properties of the used faujasite zeolites (BaX). Conventional zeolites exhibit a large volume of micropores and a good selectivity to paraxylene (px). However, intracrystalline diffusion is a slow process which limits the efficiency of the zeolites. Therefore, the use of hierarchical zeolites has been proposed as an alternative to improve transport properties by the introduction of an additional porous network. In this thesis, two types of BaX hierarchical zeolites are considered: Nanoparticles aggregates (NA - aggregates of small particles with mesopores between them) and Layer-like zeolite (LL - array of zeolite layers, with the presence of inter and intra-layers mesopores). In order to better understand the role played by the external surface and by the additional porosity in hierarchical zeolites (NA and LL), these zeolites were characterized in terms of quantity and quality of the external surface by the application of different characterization techniques (X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption, porosimetry, microscopy, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance). The xylene adsorption and diffusion were evaluated in gas and liquid phase, by means of thermogravimetry and batch experiments, respectively. Through the experiments in liquid phase, it is noticed that the xylene diffusion in hierarchical zeolites is considerably improved. On the other hand, a significant loss in px-selectivity in hierarchical BaX zeolites is observed compared to conventional BaX zeolites. The study of diffusion in gas phase allowed the identification of surface barriers, which are not present in the liquid phase. This may be an indication that, when the concentration around the surface is large (liquid phase), the passage of molecules across the surface is less/not disturbed. This reinforces the interest of using hierarchical zeolite for xylene separation which is carried out in liquid phase

ABSTRACT COMPARISON OF SORPTION CAPACITIES OF HYDROCARBONS ON DIFFERENT SAMPLES OF MCM-41 AYDOGDU, Birsu M. Sc., Department of Chemical Engineering Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Hayrettin Y&Uuml / CEL Co-Supervisor: Prof. Dr. G&uuml / rkan KARAKAS January 2013, 69 pages MCM-41(Mobil Composition Matter-41) is one of the three members of M41S family and has a highly ordered hexagonal honeycomb like structure with a narrow pore size distribution in mesopore range, high surface area, high pore volume and high thermal stability. These features make MCM-41 proper to use for adsorption, catalysis, ion exchange and separation processes. . In this study sorption capacities of C8 aromatics (o-, m-, p-xylene and ethylbenzene at 30 &deg / C, 50 &deg / C and 65 &deg / C) on a MCM-41 sample synthesized in our laboratory were determined gravimetrically by using a commercial automated electro balance system and compared with results obtained in a previous and similar MSc thesis study with a sample of different origin and characteristics / specifically low BET surface area (492 m2/g). MCM-41 sample was synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis method with cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAMBr as surfactant) and tetraethyl ortosilicate (TEOS as silica source) in basic conditions. This MCM-41 sample was calcined at 540 oC for 8 h and characterized by XRD, nitrogen adsorption at 77 K, TGA, TEM, SEM and SEM-EDX. According to XRD data, main characteristic peak for synthesized MCM-41 was obtained at 2&theta / =2.28&deg / . Three small reflection peaks can be seen at 2&theta / values of 2.59, 4.27&deg / and 4.5&deg / . XRD pattern of the MCM-41, indicated that the desired structure of MCM-41 was successfully synthesized. Surface area, pore volume and average pore diameter were obtained from the nitrogen adsorption data at 77 K as 1154 m2/g, 1.306 cm3/g and 2.75 nm respectively. TGA analysis showed that the 540 oC is proper for the calcination. SEM -EDX analysis gave an oxygen atomic concentration 66.40% and silicon atomic concentration 33.60%. These results showed that the chemical composition of the synthesize material was in almost pure SiO2 form. The adsorbed amount for all isomers at the same pressure decreased as the temperature of the adsorption isotherms increases as expected for physical adsorption. Nitrogen adsorption of MCM-41 in this study showed type IV isotherm with H2 type hysteresis loop according the IUPAC classification. However, for o-,m-, and p-xylene an approximately linear increase in the adsorbed amount as a function of relative pressure was observed from the adsorption isotherms. Except for adsorption isotherms of m-xylene and p-xylene at 65 oC all isotherms of xylenes showed hysteresis loops. Hysteresis loops narrowed down with increasing temperature. p-xylene and m-xylene adsorption isotherms at 65 oC were reversible and did not show any hysteresis loop. Ethylbenzene adsorption isotherms at 30 oC, 50 &deg / C and 65 oC also showed a linear increase in the adsorption amount as a function of relative pressure like xylenes. At 50 &deg / C and 65 oC adsorption isotherms of ethylbenzene were reversible without a hysteresis loop. For all adsorbates volume of adsorbed amounts were calculated on the assumption that they exist as saturated liquids at the isotherm temperature and found to be significantly lower than pore volume obtained from nitrogen adsorption isotherm at 77K. Sorption capacities of these hydrocarbons on MCM-41 were also very low when compared to values found in a previous study which involved a MCM-41 sample of significantly lower surface area ( 492 m2/g ). This may be attributed to structure degradation which requires further investigation.

Depuis plusieurs années, IFPEN développe des adsorbants à base de zéolithe faujasite pour le procédé de séparation des xylènes. Dans ce cadre, cette thèse a permis de rationaliser les origines de la sélectivité des isomères du xylène dans les zéolithes faujasites. Pour ce faire, une nouvelle approche est proposée. L'objectif est d'établir un modèle à la fois explicatif et prédictif qui permet de relier la sélectivité à un certain nombre de paramètres caractéristiques du système, appelés descripteurs. Après la proposition d'un plan d'expériences contenant une soixantaine d'adsorbants, leur préparation et leur test étaient effectués en utilisant des outils adéquats automatisés et parallélisés. L'analyse statistique descriptive faite sur l'ensemble des 43 propriétés d'adsorption évaluées a révélé l'existence de 4 différentes classes d'adsorbants. L'étape de construction du modèle était précédée par l'identification et le calcul des descripteurs. Ceux qui sont retenus caractérisent, essentiellement, l'état de confinement responsable de la sélectivité au sein de la zéolithe. On cite la taille des cations des sites II, l'occupation des sites III ou encore la saturation des sites II. Deux méthodes statistiques étaient utilisées pour construire les relations structures-propriétés. Tout d'abord, la régression linéaire multiple avec comme variables explicatives les 3 descripteurs cités. Le modèle explicatif retenu prédit avec un coefficient de corrélation R² de 0,78. Aussi, l'analyse discriminante était utilisée. Ces mêmes 3 descripteurs ont servi à prédire l'affectation des adsorbants dans les 4 classes identifiées avec un pourcentage de prédiction total de 76% / For several years, IFPEN develops based faujasite adsorbents for the xylene separation process. In this context, this thesis allowed to streamline the selectivity origins of xylene isomers in faujasite zeolites. To do it, a new approach is proposed. The objective is to establish, at the same time, an explanatory and predictive model which allows to relate the selectivity to a number of characteristic parameters of the system, called descriptors. After the proposal of an experimental design containing about sixty adsorbents, their preparation and their test were made by using automated and paralleled adequate tools. A descriptive statistical analysis made on 43 evaluated adsorption properties revealed the existence of 4 various classes of adsorbents. The stage of the model construction was preceded by the identification and the calculation of descriptors. Those who are retained characterize, essentially, the confinement state responsible for the selectivity within the zeolite. We quote the sites II cations size, the sites III occupation or still the sites II saturation. Two statistical methods were used to build the structures-properties relationship. First, a multiple linear regression with, as predictive variables, the 3 quoted descriptors. The retained explanatory model predicts with a correlation coefficient R² = 0,78. So, the discriminant analysis was used. The same 3 descriptors served to predict the affectation of adsorbents in the 4 identified classes with a total prediction percentage of 76 %

Hidrocarbonetos aromáticos conhecidos como BTEX (benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno e xilenos) estão entre os maiores problemas de poluição ambiental. Estes compostos são reconhecidos por sua recalcitrância em ambientes anóxicos, e a remoção destes hidrocarbonetos, de sítios anaeróbios contaminados é dependente da atividade de uma população de microrganismos adaptados capazes de promover a biodegradação destes compostos, nestas condições. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho buscou purificar, caracterizar e utilizar cultura desnitrificante, como inóculo para desenvolvimento de biofilme, em reator anaeróbio de leito fixo preenchido com espumas de poliuretano, além de avaliar o potencial deste biofilme em promover a biodegradação dos compostos de BTEX. Células da cultura apresentaram coloração Gram negativa, com morfologia de cocos (diplococos e cocobacilos). A cultura foi capaz de crescer, sob condições desnitrificantes, utilizando diferentes substratos. A cultura não apresentou capacidade de crescer sob condições sulfetogênicas. Velocidades de crescimento ('mü') de 0,046/h e 0,050/h e tempos de geração (Tg) de 15,1 horas e 13,9 horas foram obtidos para as células crescidas em benzeno e etilbenzeno, respectivamente. A cultura purificada foi utilizada para formar biofilme em RAHLF. Em todas as condições de alimentação as quais os reatores foram submetidos houve remoção da matéria orgânica, nitrato e dos hidrocarbonetos. A menor eficiência de remoção de hidrocarbonetos foi de 89,4%, obtida durante a alimentação dos reatores com benzeno. A matéria orgânica (DQO) foi removida com eficiência média de 87,1%. A eficiência média de remoção de nitrato foi de 94%. O sequenciamento das amostras revelou que o biofilme do RAHLF1 foi formado, principalmente, por espécies de Paracoccus, Pseudomonas e Bacteroides, enquanto que no RAHLF2, alimentado com etilbenzeno, observou-se espécies dos gêneros: Paracoccus, Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas e Variovorax / The monoaromatic hydrocarbons known as BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) are among the greatest environmental pollution problems. These compounds are known by their recalcitrance in anoxic environments, and the removal of these toxics from anaerobic contaminated sites depends on the presence of an adapted microbial population capable of to promote the biodegradation of these compounds under such condition. Thus, in the current study a denitrifying culture was purified, characterized and used as inoculum to form a biofilm in a horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass reactor filled with polyurethane foam, and to assess the potential of this biofilm to promote BTEX compounds biodegradation. Culture cells were Gram negative, with coccus (diplococcus and cocobacilli) morphology. The culture was able to grow, under denitrifying conditions, using different substrates. No growth was seen in sulfate-reducing conditions. Growth velocity('mü') of 0.046/h and 0.050/h, and generation time of 15.1 and 13.9 hours were obtained for cultures isolated in the presence of benzene and ethylbenzene, respectively. The purified culture was used to form a biofilm inside RAHLF. At all feeding conditions the reactors were submitted the organic matter, nitrate and hydrocarbons were removed. The smallest hydrocarbons removal efficiency was 89.4%, obtained during benzene feeding. The organic matter (COD) was removed with mean efficiency of 87.1%. The mean efficiency of nitrate removal was 94.0%. Sequencing of samples showed that the RAHLF1 biofilm was composed specially for Paracoccus, Pseudomonas and Bacteroides species. Biofilm of RAHLF2 reactor, obtained from ethylbenzene feeding, was composed by Paracoccus, Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas and Variovorax species

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:51:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T14:10:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Tese (Doutoramento) / IPEN/T / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN-SP

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:51:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T14:10:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / A contaminação de águas subterrâneas por hidrocarbonetos provenientes de postos de abastecimento de combustível tem sido objeto de crescente preocupação dos organismos ambientais de todo o mundo. Os compostos Benzeno, Tolueno, Etilbenzeno e Xilenos (BTEX), presentes nesses combustíveis, são extremamente tóxicos à saúde humana e podem inviabilizar a exploração de aqüíferos por eles contaminados e conseqüentemente os poços utilizados para abastecimento. Neste trabalho, foi realizado um diagnóstico da qualidade da água, com informações e análises, com o objetivo de retratar a situação dos poços artesianos destinados ao abastecimento de água, doméstico e comercial, na área urbana do município de Santo André, São Paulo. Foram avaliadas a presença dos micro poluentes BTEX, após a ocorrência de vazamentos de gasolina de tanques de armazenamento de combustível próximos a estes poços, em diferentes locais do município. Foram avaliados também parâmetros físico-químicos (cor, turbidez e cloro residual) bem como os elementos-traço, metais e os ânions fluoreto, sulfato, cloreto, nitrato e fosfato, como também os bacteriológicos (coliformes totais e termotolerantes, bactérias heterotróficas). Na definição dos locais amostrados, procurou-se primeiramente avaliar a série histórica de contaminação ambiental por postos de gasolina, avaliando o conjunto de informações do órgão ambiental do Estado e a representatividade espacial do problema. Para gerenciamento da qualidade da água subterrânea foi adotada a metodologia utilizada pela Companhia de Tecnologia de Saneamento Ambiental (CETESB), sendo realizado uma identificação prévia de Áreas Potenciais (AP) de contaminação, organizando um banco de dados sobre &#61472;&#61472;lixões e locais abandonados; cadastramento dos postos de serviço e poços utilizados pela população e inventário industrial com plantas ativas e abandonadas, levando-se em consideração o porte e a geração de resíduos (com o SEMASA), dessa forma priorizando os locais de monitoramento. Foi feito um cadastro dos locais e realizada uma investigação preliminar das áreas suspeitas. A amostragem e o monitoramento foram realizados e os resultados foram comparados com os valores orientadores para água subterrânea estabelecidos pela CETESB. Os resultados mostraram que nos doze poços avaliados, não foram encontrados valores de BTEX acima do permitido pela Portaria 518/2004 do Ministério de Saúde, em que o teor máximo permitido para o benzeno é de 5 µg L-1. Foi observado que em três poços há contaminação por nitrato, que é responsável pela indução da metaemoglobinemia. Foram avaliados também os possíveis processos ou mecanismos de remediação natural (biodegradação) ou induzida. / Tese (Doutoramento) / IPEN/T / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN-SP