The body of literature on the impact of emulsion particle size on oxidation rates is unclear. This could be because emulsions are typically polydisperse and the oxidation rate of individual droplets is impossible to discern. Flow cytometry is a technique for studying individual cells and their subpopulations using fluorescence technologies. It is possible that individual emulsion droplets could also be characterized by flow cytometry as a novel approach for studying lipid oxidation. Typical emulsion droplets are too small to be visualized by flow cytometer, so emulsions were prepared to have droplets > 2 μm; weighting agent and xanthan gum were added to minimize creaming during storage. A radical-sensitive lipid-soluble fluorescence probe (BODIPY665/676) was added to the lipid used to prepare the emulsion so that the susceptibility of individual emulsion droplets could be determined. The results showed that in a polydisperse emulsion system, small droplets were oxidized faster than large droplets. Using mixtures of emulsions with and without prooxidants, it was possible to see the transfer of prooxidants between droplets, a process that is influenced by surfactant and salt concentrations. For example, surfactants micelles can transfer prooxidants to neighboring non-oxidized droplets and cause fluorescence loss when surfactant concentration was higher than critical micelle concentration (CMC). Transfer of prooxidants was promoted by adding NaCl and free fatty acid which could be attributed to the lower CMC. This study showed the potential for applying flow cytometry on oxidation of individual emulsion droplets.

With the world’s increasing usage of electronic devices such as mobile devices and batteries, improving the reliability and performance of these devices has become more and more important. Besides the common overheating issues, low-temperature environments can also cause performance degradation or failure to these devices. Research on thermal switches and thermal regulators aims to improve the thermal management of electronic devices across a range of operating conditions. However, continuous tuning of thermal transport with all-solid-state systems is still challenging. The primary purpose of this work is to propose and demonstrate compressible foams as novel variable thermal resistors and thermal regulators to control device temperature under various input heat flux and ambient temperature. The graphene/PDMS foam is first tested in this work to demonstrate promising performance as a thermal regulator, with continuous tuning capability and a system switching ratio over ~4. Then, the dependence of the thermal conductivity of polymer foams during compression is studied, where the thermal conductivity is measured using a customized system based on an infrared microscope. Unexpectedly, the thermal conductivity decreases slightly at a compression level of more than 10x, in contrast to common theories that the thermal conductivity would increase with the mass density. A simple “spring model” is proposed as a limit where the ligaments do not build contacts during compression. Our results now fall in between the “spring model” and other common theories and can be explained. To gain further insights, a molecular dynamic simulation is performed on a graphene random nanofoam on the nanoscale. The result also shows that the effective thermal conductivity along the compression direction is not sensitive to the mass density, consistent with our experimental data on the macroscopic scale. This work provides useful insights into dynamic thermal management of electronic devices.

This dissertation focuses on studying membrane air dehumidification for a membrane moisture exchanger in a membrane heat pump system. The study has two parts: an optimization of membrane moisture exchanger for air dehumidification in the macroscale, and diffusion of water vapor in polymer nanocomposites membrane for humid air dehumidification in the nanoscale. In the first part of the research, the mass transport of water vapor molecules through hydrophilic silica nanochannel chains in hydrophobic polyurethane matrix was studied by simulations and experiments for different membrane moisture exchanger design configurations. The mass transport across the polymer nanocomposite membrane occurs with the diffusion of moist air water vapor molecules in the membrane moisture exchanger in a membrane heat pump air conditioning system for air dehumidification purposes. The hydrophobic polyurethane matrix containing the hydrophilic silica nanochannel chains membrane is responsible for transporting water vapor molecules from the feed side to the permeate side of the membrane without allowing air molecules to pass through.In the second part of the research, diffusion analysis of the polymer nanocomposite membrane were performed in the nanoscale for the polymer nanocomposite membrane. The diffusion phenomena through the polymer, the polymer nanocomposite without modifying the silica surfaces, and the polymer nanocomposite with two different silica modified surfaces were studied in order to obtain the highest water vapor removal through the membrane. Different membrane moisture exchanger configurations for optimal water vapor removal were compared to get the desired membrane moisture exchanger design using the finite element method (FEM) with the COMSOL Multiphysics software package. The prediction of mass transport through different membrane configurations can be done by obtaining the mass flux value for each configuration. An experimental setup of one membrane moisture exchanger design was introduced to verify the simulation results. Also, for different membrane structures, permeability was measured according to the ASTM E-96 method. The prediction of water vapor diffusion through the polymer nanocomposite was studied by molecular dynamics simulation with the MAPS 4.3 and LAMMPS software packages. As a new nanocomposite material used in air dehumidification application, water vapor diffusivity through Silica-Polyurethane nanocomposite membranes was measured by the random movement of water vapor molecules through the formed nanochannels in the nanocomposite. For the diffusivity value, the Einstein's relationship was employed for the movement of each single water vapor molecule during the simulation time for all suggested membranes. The results of the proposed research will contribute to enhancing the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems by choosing the membrane moisture exchanger configuration which maximizes water vapor removal while, at the same time, enhancing the silica surfaces with the desired surface modifier that will maximize diffusion through the membrane itself.

This diploma thesis deals with the separation process of air polutant on air scrubber. Absorption of carbon dioxide was carried out into 1 % solution of sodium hydroxide. Theoretical part is aimed at mass transportation, theory of absorption and examples of scrubbers. Experimental part focuses on some operating characteristics of scrubber and on optimisation of two-phase flow. The influence of hydrodynamic conditions on the absorption efficiency was found.

In this thesis. a three dimensional heat transfer model of heated airflow through the upper human respiratory tract consisting of nasal, oral, trachea, and the first two generations of bronchi is developed using computational fluid dynamics simulation software. Various studies have been carried out in the literature investigating the heat and mass transfer characteristics in the upper human respiratory tract, and the study focuses on assessing the injury taking place in the upper human respiratory tract and identifying acute tissue damage based on level of exposure. The model considered is for the simultaneous oronasal breathing during the inspiration phase with high volumetric flow rate of 90/liters minute and a surrounding air temperature of 100 degrees centigrade. The study of the heat and mass transfer, aerosol deposition and flow characteristics in the upper human respiratory tract using computational fluid mechanics simulation requires access to a two dimensional or three dimensional model for the human respiratory tract. Depicting an exact model is a complex task since it involves the prolonged use of imaging devices on the human body. Hence a three dimensional geometric representation of the human upper respiratory tract is developed consisting of nasal cavity, oral cavity, nasopharynx, pharynx, oropharynx, trachea and first two generations of the bronchi. The respiratory tract is modeled circular in cross-section and varying diameter for various portions as identified in this study. The dimensions are referenced from the literature herein. Based on the dimensions, a simplified model representing the human upper respiratory tract is generated.This model will be useful in studying the flow characteristics and could assist in treatment of injuries to the human respiratory tract as well as help optimize drug delivery mechanism and dosages. Also a methodology is proposed to measure the characteristic dimension of the human nasal and oral cavity at the inlet/outlet points which are classified as internal measurements.

Este estudio es parte del proyecto FONDECYT N° 1120234 “Geodinámica y tendencia evolutiva del sistema litoral de la mega ensenada de Coquimbo: hacia una prognosis de amenazas naturales para escenarios de cambios ambientales endógenos y exógenos. / Memoria para optar al título de Geógrafo / Se estudia la transferencia de masa entre la desembocadura del río Limarí, bahía Tongoy y bahía Barnes a través de la integración de unidades costeras, identificando las formas de acumulación, las relaciones morfosedimentológicas en los grupos de formas existentes y el transporte de masa en el litoral. Para la identificación de las formas de acumulación en las áreas de estudio, fue necesario realizar una descripción geomorfológica, identificando formas fluviales, fluviomarinas, terrazas marinas y formas eólicas. Para el análisis de las relaciones morfosedimentológicas se hizo necesario realizar análisis granulométrico según los procedimientos de distribución textural y morfoscópico de arenas, además de la mineralogía. Para el transporte de masa litoral se utilizó técnicas cualitativas a través del análisis multitemporal del ambiente de depositación, en un rango temporal de 27 años, analizando imágenes satelitales LandSat de los años 1987,1997, 2004 y 2011. Los resultados alcanzados denotan el fuerte control estructural y la orientación dominantemente oblicua de las bahías como factores que posibilitan la sedimentación de este sistema litoral, operando los principios de efecto de ensenada en éstas. Se considera que la fuente de abastecimiento de las bahías Tongoy y Barnes proviene de la cuenca del río Limarí, pero es necesario también considerar otros medios de transporte de sedimentos que no necesariamente tiene relación con el río ni su zona de descarga. El análisis multitemporal de las imágenes satelitales refleja que la transferencia de masa entre los diferentes sistemas se debe en el período reciente a condiciones que sobrepasen el umbral de transporte de sedimentos, esas condiciones se deben al aumento en la intensidad y torrencialidad de las precipitaciones. Las formas que reflejan cambios en los ambientes de depositación corresponden a flechas litorales y campos dunares las cuales son áreas sensibles a los aportes de sedimentos entre los sistemas. / It is studied that mass transfer between the Limarí river mouth, Tongoy bay and Barnes bay across of the integration of costal units, identifying accumulation forms, morphosedimentological, relations in the groups of existing forms and the mass transport in the coast. For identifying forms of accumulation in the areas of study, it was necessary to make a geomorphological description, identifying fluvial forms, river-marine, marine terraces and aeolian forms. For the analysis of morphosedimentological relations, it became necessary to perform granulometric analysis according to the procedures of textural distribution and sand morphocopic, including the mineralogy. For the transport of littoral mass we used qualitative techniques through the multitemporary analysis the depositional environment, a temporary range of 27 years, analyzing Landsat satellite images of the years 1987, 1997, 2004 and 2011. The results show the strong structural control and oblique orientation dominantly of the bays as factors that enable the sedimentation of the coastal system, operating the effect of cove principles in them. It is considered that the source of supply for Tongoy and Barnes bays comes from Limarí river basin, but it is also necessary to consider other transport means of sediments that does not necessarily have relation to the river or its discharge zone. The multi-temporal analysis of satellite images reflects that the mass transfer between the different systems ocurred in the recent period due to conditions that exceeded the threshold of sediment transport, these conditions are due to increase in the intensity and heavy rainfall. The forms that reflect changes in the deposition environments correspond to coastal arrows and dune fields which are sensitive areas to the contributions of sediments between systems.

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) using permanganate has been increasingly applied to deplete mass from dense nonaqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) source zones. However, uncertainty in the performance of ISCO on DNAPL contaminants is partially attributable to a limited understanding of interactions between the oxidant, subsurface hydrology, and DNAPL mass transfer, resulting in failure to optimize ISCO applications. To investigate these interactions, a factorial design experiment was conducted using one-dimensional flow through tube reactors to determine how groundwater velocity, permanganate concentration, and DNAPL type affected DNAPL mass depletion rates. DNAPL mass depletion rates were found to increase with increasing groundwater velocity, or increasing oxidant concentration. An interaction occurred between the two factors, where high oxidant concentrations had little impact on mass depletion rates at high velocities. High oxidant concentration systems experienced gas generation. Mass depletion rates were fastest at high velocities, but required additional oxidant mass and pore volume addition to achieve complete mass depletion. Lower-velocity systems were more efficient with respect to oxidant mass and pore volume requirements, but mass depletion rates were reduced.

Biofilms of the bovine rumen bacterium Actinobacillus succinogenes have demonstrated their exceptional capabilities as biocatalysts for high productivity, titre and yield production of succinic acid (SA). Succinic acid is set to become a significant building block chemical in the biobased economy. Although substantial progress has been made towards understanding the productive aspect of this microorganism with regard to its metabolic limits and performance on unrefined biorefinery stream substrates, more research is still required to address other challenges. One aspect is to understand how the biofilm biocatalyst is affected by bioreactor conditions, which would help in developing stable and highly active biofilms. For this reason the aim of this thesis was (i) to characterise how the accumulation of acid metabolites in continuous operation impacts A. succinogenes biofilms with respect to biofilm development, biofilm structure and cell activity within the biofilm, (ii) to show how shear conditions in the fermenter can be used to manipulate the biofilm structure and viable cell content of biofilms, leading to improved cell-based succinic acid productivities, and lastly (iii) to investigate the internal mass transfer effects on biofilm performance, further showing the role played by differences in shear and acid accumulation conditions in this respect. The first part of the study addressed the interaction between the biofilm and the accumulation of metabolites produced. The results showed that biofilms of A. succinogenes develop rapidly and with high activity when cultivated under low product accumulation (LPA) conditions (< 10 g L-1 SA). High product accumulation (HPA) conditions considerably slowed down biofilm development, and increased cell mortality. Under HPA conditions some cells exhibited severe elongation while maintaining a cross-sectional diameter like the rod/cocci-shaped cells predominantly found in LPA conditions. The elongated cells formed in HPA conditions were found to be more viable and thus more resistant than the clusters of rod-shaped or cocci-shaped cells. The global microscopic structure of the HPA biofilms also differed significantly from that of the LPA biofilms. Although both exhibited shedding after 4 days of growth, the LPA biofilms were more homogenous (less patchy), thicker and had high viability throughout the biofilm depth. In the second part of the study, two custom-designed bioreactors were used to evaluate the effect of shear on the biofilms. The first bioreactor allowed for in situ removal of small biofilm samples used for microscopic imaging. The second bioreactor allowed for complete removal of all biofilm and was used to analyse biofilm composition and productivity. Results clearly indicated that high shear biofilm cultivation in LPA conditions has beneficial morphological, viability and cell-based productivity characteristics. The smooth, low-porosity biofilms obtained under high shear and LPA conditions had an average cell viability of 79% (over a 3-day cultivation period) compared with the low shear value of 57%, also developed under LPA conditions. The EPS content of the high shear biofilm was 58% compared with 7% of the low shear equivalent. The cell-based (EPS excluded) succinic acid productivity for the high shear biofilm was 2.4 g g-1DCW h-1 compared with the 0.8 g g-1DCW h-1 for the low shear biofilm. This threefold increase in productivity obtained from the second bioreactor corresponded to the cell viability differences obtained from the first bioreactor. Clear evidence was provided for shear-induced shaping of the biofilm which resulted in improved volumetric glucose turnover attributes within the biofilm matrix. The last section of the study investigated internal mass transfer effects in biofilm fermentations of Actinobacillus succinogenes by performing batch fermentations using attached and resuspended biofilms as biocatalysts. In the latter, the biofilms were resuspended after initial development to simulate mass transfer-free fermentations. Intrinsic kinetics for succinic acid production obtained from resuspended fermentations predicted faster production rates than for the attached biofilm runs (biofilm thicknesses in the range of 120–200 µm), indicating internal mass transfer limitations. A developed biofilm reaction diffusion model gave good prediction of attached biofilm batch operation results by accounting for internal mass transfer in the biofilm. Biofilm effectiveness factors ranged from 75% to 97% for all batches at the inception of batch conditions, but increased with the progression of batch operation due to the increased succinic acid titres which inhibited the production rates. Analysis of pseudo-steady-state continuous fermentation data from the literature, as well as from the second part of the study, using the model developed, showed that active biofilm thickness and effectiveness factors were dependent on the shear conditions and succinic acid titres in the biofilm reactors. A simplified algorithm was developed to estimate the pseudo-steady-state glucose penetration and biofilm effectiveness of A. succinogenes biofilms without the requirement to solve the overall mass transfer model. The results clearly showed that internal mass transfer needs to be considered in biofilm fermentations involving A. succinogenes as high biomass concentrations may not always equate to increased productivities if mass transfer effects dominate. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / NRF / Chemical Engineering / PhD / Unrestricted

There exist several different numerical models for predicting bubble coalescence and breakup using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Various combinations of these models will be employed to model a bioreactor process in a stirred reactor tank. A mass transfer coefficient, Kla, has been calculated and compared to those found experimentally by Thermo-Fisher Scientific, to validate the accuracy of currently available mathematical models for population balance equations. These include various combinations of bubble breakup and coalescence models coupled with the calculation of mass transfer coefficients.

Binary mass transfer is a common phenomenon is stellar astrophysics. If the mass transfer proceeds on dynamical timescale, the binary can undergo a catastrophic interaction accompanied by tremendous loss of mass, angular momentum, and energy. This so-called common envelope evolution phase is a crucial step in the formation of close binaries composed of compact objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes), which includes progenitors of gravitational wave sources de- tected by LIGO. By improving existing models of binary mass transfer we can correct the predictions of common envelope evolution and constraint the rates of close binaries composed of compact objects. In this work, we introduce new model of binary mass transfer. We will treat the mass transfer as a special case of stellar wind. We will rely on the assumption that the Roche potential sets up a de Laval nozzle around the first Lagrange point. The mass is then transferred through the nozzle. Our binary mass transfer model predicts mass transfer rates in the same order of magnitude as the standard models which use the Bernoulli's law. But the advantage of our model is that it is extendable to account for radiation.