CHE 4180 Chemical Engineering Projects - Proposal for Year 2016 Project code: Babak1 Project Title: Design of a continuous packed bed adsorption column used for elimination of dye from water by Al/NCC Beads Project type: Experimental Proposed by: Dr. Babak Salamati Student requirement for this project: 2 Brief description of the project: Continuous sorption processes behave in much the same way as ion exchange process in its operation [1]. When wastewater is introduced at the top of a clean bed of sorbent, most solute removal initially occurs in a rather narrow band at the top of the column, referred as the sorption zone. The performance of packed beds sorption process is described through the concept of the breakthrough curve. The time for breakthrough appearance and the shape of the breakthrough curve are very important characteristics for determining the operation and the dynamic response of a sorption column. The general position of the breakthrough curve along the volume axis depends on the capacity of the column with respect to the feed concentration and flow rate. The breakthrough curve would be a step function for favorable separations, i.e., there would be an instantaneous jump in the effluent concentration from zero to the feed concentration once the column capacity is reached [2-3]. There are parameters affecting the behaviour of the sorbent in the column to affect the breakthrough curves such as the flowrate, column size, column diameter, void volume etc. The students are required to use the existing data to design a lab scale adsorption column which will be used for removal of dyes using Al/NCC adsorbents. The students may need to use Comsol for mathematical modeling of the system. Knowledge on fluid mechanics and separation process is necessary. Students with handson skills are more encouraged to go for this project. [1] Z. Aksu and F. Gönen, "Biosorption of phenol by immobilized activated sludge in a continuous packed bed: Prediction of breakthrough curves," Process Biochemistry, vol. 39, pp. 599-613, 2004. [2] Z. Aksu, et al., "Biosorption of chromium(VI) ions by Mowital®B30H resin immobilized activated sludge in a packed bed: Comparison with granular activated carbon," Process Biochemistry, vol. 38, pp. 175-186, 2002. [3] A. C. Texier, et al., "Fixed-bed study for lanthanide (La, Eu, Yb) ions removal from aqueous solutions by immobilized Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Experimental data and modelization," Chemosphere, vol. 47, pp. 333-342, 2002.
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CHE 4180 Chemical Engineering Projects - Proposal for Year 2016
Project code: Babak1
Project Title: Design of a continuous packed bed adsorption column used for elimination of
dye from water by Al/NCC Beads
Project type: Experimental
Proposed by: Dr. Babak Salamati
Student requirement for this project:
2
Brief description of the project:
Continuous sorption processes behave in much the same way as ion exchange process in its
operation [1]. When wastewater is introduced at the top of a clean bed of sorbent, most solute
removal initially occurs in a rather narrow band at the top of the column, referred as the sorption
zone. The performance of packed beds sorption process is described through the concept of the
breakthrough curve. The time for breakthrough appearance and the shape of the breakthrough
curve are very important characteristics for determining the operation and the dynamic response
of a sorption column. The general position of the breakthrough curve along the volume axis
depends on the capacity of the column with respect to the feed concentration and flow rate. The
breakthrough curve would be a step function for favorable separations, i.e., there would be an
instantaneous jump in the effluent concentration from zero to the feed concentration once the
column capacity is reached [2-3]. There are parameters affecting the behaviour of the sorbent
in the column to affect the breakthrough curves such as the flowrate, column size, column
diameter, void volume etc. The students are required to use the existing data to design a lab
scale adsorption column which will be used for removal of dyes using Al/NCC adsorbents. The
students may need to use Comsol for mathematical modeling of the system. Knowledge on fluid
mechanics and separation process is necessary. Students with handson skills are more
encouraged to go for this project.
[1] Z. Aksu and F. Gönen, "Biosorption of phenol by immobilized activated sludge in a
continuous packed bed: Prediction of breakthrough curves," Process Biochemistry, vol. 39, pp.
599-613, 2004.
[2] Z. Aksu, et al., "Biosorption of chromium(VI) ions by Mowital®B30H resin
immobilized activated sludge in a packed bed: Comparison with granular activated carbon,"
Process Biochemistry, vol. 38, pp. 175-186, 2002.
[3] A. C. Texier, et al., "Fixed-bed study for lanthanide (La, Eu, Yb) ions removal from
aqueous solutions by immobilized Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Experimental data and
modelization," Chemosphere, vol. 47, pp. 333-342, 2002.
Specific objective of the project: The main objective of this research is to design and fabricate an upflow adsorption column to be used
for methylyn blue dye removal using Alginate/NCC beads.
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
Yes all the Material/software is available. Workshop work may be required.
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project
UV-Viz for test run,
Project code: Babak2D
Project Title: Design of a continuous plug flow packed reactor for ultrasonic assisted
biodiesel production using heterogeneous catalyst
Project type: Process/Equipment Design
Proposed by: Dr. Babak Salamati
Student requirement for this project:
2
Brief description of the project:
Biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, FAME) is an alternative fuel for diesel engines produced
by chemically reacting a vegetable oil or animal fat with an alcohol. Vegetable oils are
becoming a promising alternative to diesel fuel because they are renewable in nature and can
be produced locally and in environmentally friendly ways. However, the problem with
substituting triglycerides in vegetable oils for diesel fuel is mostly associated with high
viscosity, low volatility and polyunsaturated characters. These can be changed in at least by
four ways: pyrolysis, microemulsion, dilution and transesterification. The most common way
to produce biodiesel is through ransesterification, especially catalyzed transesterification. In
general, there are three categories of catalysts used for biodiesel production: alkalis, acids, and
enzymes [1]. The alkali and acid catalysts include homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts
Conventionally, the biodiesel production is performed by transesterification of vegetable oils
with methanol in the presence of homogeneous basic catalysts, such as sodium or potassium
hydroxides, carbonates or alkoxides. However, these catalytic systems suffer problems such as
difficulty in removing the basic catalysts after the reaction, production of large amount of
wastewater and emulsification [2]. Another problem is that the product is associated with the
soaps that are known to emulsify the biodiesel with glycerin, especially if ethanol is used.
Therefore, heterogeneous catalysts are promising for the transesterification reaction of
vegetable oils to produce biodiesel. Unlike homogeneous, heterogeneous catalysts are
environmentally benign and could be operated in continuous processes. Moreover they can be
reused and regenerated. However a high molar ratio of alcohol to oil, large amount of catalyst
and high temperature and pressure are required when utilizing heterogeneous catalyst to
produce biodiesel. Using heterogenous catalyst can also make the continiuous system more
feasable since it could be packed in a reactor. By this the need for separation of the catalyst
could be ignored and a higher yield of production could be expected. Use of ultrasonic is a
transesterification system could reduce the reaction time due to better contact between the
reactants [3].
The students are required to use the existing data to design a lab scale plug flow reactor assisted
with ultrasonic, which will be used for transesterification of palm oil. The students may need
to use Comsol for mathematical modeling of the system. Knowledge on fluid mechanics and
reaction engineering is necessary. Students with handson skills are more encouraged to go for
this project.
References:
[1] B. Salamatinia, et al., "Alkaline earth metal oxide catalysts for biodiesel production
from Palm oil: Elucidation of process behaviors and modeling using response surface
methodology," Iranian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, vol. 32, pp. 113-126,
2013.
[2] H. Mootabadi, et al., "Ultrasonic-assisted biodiesel production process from palm oil
using alkaline earth metal oxides as the heterogeneous catalysts," Fuel, vol. 89, pp. 1818-1825,
2010.
[3] B. Salamatinia, et al., "Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted heterogeneous biodiesel
production from palm oil: A response surface methodology approach," Fuel Processing
Technology, vol. 91, pp. 441-448, 2010.
Specific objective of the project: The main objective of this research is to design and fabricate a plug flow reactor having an ultrasonic
pre-mixing tank packed with heterogenous catalyst i.e. SrO - BaO to be used for transesterification of
palm oil.
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
Yes all the Material/software is available.
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project
Mechanical Workshop
Project code: Babak3
Project Title: Synthesis and Characterization of CuO/HNT nano particles using GN-Process
method
Project code: Babak4
Project Title: Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO/HNT nano particles using combustion
method GN-Process method
Project type: Experimental
Proposed by: Dr. Babak Salamati
Student requirement for this project:
2 + 2
Brief description of the project:
Heterogeneous metal oxide-based catalysts are reported for important processes such as the
Fischer–Tropsch, alkylation, transesterification, oxidation of volatile organic compounds, and
the reduction of NOx [1]. A number of catalysts, such as Ru, Rh, Pd and Pt, have shown high
catalytic activity for different processes. However, their scarcity and high cost have prevented
large-scale application. Cu and Zn based catalysts are favoured because of their global
abundance and availability [2]. CuO and ZnO are binary transition metal oxide used in a wide
range of industrial applications as a catalyst, such as hydrogenation, dehydrogenation,
petroleum refining, methanation, etc. [3-4]. The magnetic and mechanical properties of nano-
structured material have attracted much attention, which highlights the importance of this study.
However, catalysts usually require a support to enhance their surface area. The synthesis
method has considerable effect on the structural properties of the resulting catalysts. In addition,
the nature and frequency of flaws generated during synthesis could have a large affect on the
catalytic activity [5]. The nanostructure of the catalyst can be improved to ensure both a fast
process having higher yields.
Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) is a type of 1:1 layer silicate clay mineral which is made up of
tetrahedral (Si-O) and an octahedral (Al-OH) sheet identical to those in kaolinite [6-7]. Due to
its tubular form, HNT has attracted many interests in applications such as membrane technology
[8], adsorption [9], reinforcement of polymers [10], drug delivery [11] and self healing
polymers [12]. Strong structure of HNTs makes them a potential support for nano structure
catalysts.
GNP for Nano Catalyst Synthesis
GNP is a combustion synthesis method to prepare complex oxide ceramic powders. A precursor
is prepared by combining glycine with metal nitrates in their appropriate stoichiometric ratios
in an aqueous solution. The precursor is then heated to evaporate excess water to achieve a
viscous liquid and then it is further heated to initiate auto ignition. Combustion is usually
assisted with a fuel; however, depending on the precursor material, self-sustained combustion
is expected [13]. Ceramic powders of complex oxides with a high specific surface area have
been produced by this method [2, 13]. This method is relatively inexpensive for producing fine,
homogeneous powders.
References:
[1] D. W. Lee and B. R. Yoo, "Advanced metal oxide (supported) catalysts: Synthesis and
applications," Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, vol. 20, pp. 3947-3959, 2014.
[2] Y. Chen, et al., "Nickel catalyst prepared via glycine nitrate process for partial oxidation
of methane to syngas," Catalysis Communications, vol. 9, pp. 1418-1425, 2008.
[3] M. Crişan, et al., "Sol-gel based alumina powders with catalytic applications," Applied
Surface Science, vol. 258, pp. 448-455, 2011.
[4] S. K. Yadav and P. Jeevanandam, "Synthesis of NiO-Al2O3 nanocomposites by sol-gel
process and their use as catalyst for the oxidation of styrene," Journal of Alloys and
Compounds, vol. 610, pp. 567-574, 2014.
[5] F. Meshkani and M. Rezaei, "Preparation of mesoporous nanocrystalline iron based
catalysts for high temperature water gas shift reaction: Effect of preparation factors," Chemical
Engineering Journal, vol. 260, pp. 107-116, 2015.
[6] G. J. Churchman, et al., "Characteristics of fine pores in some halloysites," Clay
Minerals, vol. 30, pp. 89-98, 1995.
[7] E. Joussein, et al., "Halloysite clay minerals - A review," Clay Minerals, vol. 40, pp.
383-426, 2005.
[8] L. Jiang, et al., "Simultaneous reinforcement and toughening of polyurethane
composites with carbon nanotube/halloysite nanotube hybrids," Composites Science and
Technology, vol. 91, pp. 98-103, 2014.
[9] Y. Du and P. Zheng, "Adsorption and photodegradation of methylene blue on TiO2-
halloysite adsorbents," Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2014.
[10] W. Wu, et al., "Morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(butylene
succinate) reinforced with halloysite nanotube," Polymer Composites, vol. 35, pp. 847-855,
2014.
[11] H. Schmitt, et al., "Melt-blended halloysite nanotubes/wheat starch nanocomposites as
drug delivery system," Polymer Engineering and Science, 2014.
[12] J. D. D. Melo, et al., "Encapsulation of solvent into halloysite nanotubes to promote
self-healing ability in polymers," Advanced Composite Materials, 2014.
[13] S.-l. Lin and Z.-m. Yan, "Synthesis of complex oxides by glycine-nitrate combustion
and their electrochemical characteristics," Chinese Journal of Power Sources, vol. 24, pp. 283-
287, 2000.
Specific objective of the project:
The main objective of this research is to synthesis CuO/HNT nano particles which could be
used as a nanocatalyst for different applications. After succesfully synthesis, the prepared
nanopowders would be characterized by X-ray diffractometry, FESEM/TEM imaging, EDX
compositional analysis, FTIR, BET, and TGA analysis. A number of samples are prepared to
study the effect of calcination time, reaction stoichiometry, temperature etc.
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
Yes all the chemicals are available
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project
FESEM, XRD, Furnace, FTIR, TGA, BET, Syringe Pump
Project code: Bahman1
Project Title: Synthesis and Characterization of Nano Crystalline Cupric Oxide (CuO)
Powder
Project type: Experimental
Proposed by: Dr Bahman Amini Horri
Student requirement for this project:
2
Brief description of the project:
Research problem and the solution:
Cupric oxide (CuO) powders are of particular interest because of their interesting properties
and promising applications in batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, gas sensors, bio sensors,
nanofluid, catalysis, photodetectors, energetic materials, field emissions, superhydrophobic
surfaces, and removal of arsenic and organic pollutants from waste water. However, these novel
properties can be improved by synthesis CuO nanostructures that shown excellent performance
comparing to bulk powders.
Various nanostructures of CuO are synthesized in the forms of nanowire, nanorod,
nanoneedle, nano-flower and nanoparticle. In the past few decades, a variety of methods have
been proposed to produce CuO nanoparticles with different sizes and shapes such as thermal
oxidation, sonochemical, combustion, and precipitation.
In this study, it is proposed to use a novel and generic sol–gel method (developed for the
production of high purity nanopowders of metal oxides) using sodium alginate
(Na-ALG , NaC6H7O6) which can function as ion-exchange material. Sodium alginate (is a
polymer extracted from brown seaweed and readily dissolves in water. It forms a gel if it is
brought into contact with an aqueous solution of metal ions (e.g. copper nitrate), whereby the
sodium ion in the polymer structure is replaced by the metal ion (copper (II) ions). CuO
nanopowders is then synthesized by thermal decomposition of copper-alginate synthesized by
the above sol-gel method.
Specific objective of the project:
1- To assess the application of the generic sol-gel method using sodium-alginate in order
to synthesize nanocrystalline cupric oxide (CuO) powder.
2- To analyse the effect of sodium-alginate weight percent on the size, shape, and
properties of the calcined nanocrystalline cupric oxide (CuO) powder
3- To evaluate the effect of calcination temeprature on physical properties including
particle size, particle shape, surface area, chemical structure/composition of synthesized
CuO.
Scope of the project:
In this study, the students will make six samples (by two different sodium-alginate wt.% at three
calcination temepratures). All six smaples would be characterized by TGA, FTIR, FESEM,
XRD, and BET. The objecives of this work are designed to be fulfilled within 11 weeks as
follows:
2 weeks: project planning, preliminary research, literature review.
2 weeks: synthesizing the samples.
4 weeks: Characterization of the samples (XRD, BET, FESEM, TGA, FTIR).
3 Weeks: Data analysis, report writing, presentation preparation
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
All chemicals, except of copper nitrate are available in the chemical store. Copper nitrate will
be purchased by releasing the FYP fund (Feb/2016).
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project:
The samples will be synthesized within the first 2-4 weeks in the new lab using the following
instrument:
Synthesis: Extrusion dripping pump: avaialble
Drying: in an oven; available
Calcination: using my research group tubular furnace
The obtained samples would be characterized using:
Week 3-4: Thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC):
Available
Week 4-6: X-ray Diffraction (XRD): available
Week 5-7: Scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM, and EDX): avaialble
Week 6-7: Surface area meaurements (by BET): available
Week 7-8: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR): available
Project code: Bahman2
Project Title: Synthesis and Characterization of Uniform Crystalline Nickel Oxalate
Powder
Project type: Experimental
Proposed by: Dr Bahman Amini Horri
Student requirement for this project:
2
Brief description of the project:
Research problem and the solution: Synthesizing crystalline particles with uniform particle size and shape is considered as an
essential parameter in application of the powder materials that are used in specific research
areas and reproducible material. Some examples of these applications include gas sensors,
catalysts, adsorbents, pigments, lubricants, drugs, prosthetic dentistry, etc. These days, a
number of research groups of material scientists and engineers in different parts of the world
have focused on establishing scientific principles under functional powders of tailored
characteristics could be generated.
Nickel oxalate is believed to have a potential precursor material for the production of NiO and
Ni nano-particles, as some of the material scientists published useful work on this material.
However, following those findings, there’s believe that there exists room for further research
work in this area. As such, attempts were made in this study to explore more about the
production of uniform fine particles of nickel oxalate by precipitation process under different
experimental conditions.
In this study, solvothermal precipitation method via the oxalate route is proposed to be used as
a method to control the size and shape of nickel oxalate particles. Crystalline particles of nickel
oxalate are synthesized using oxalic acid and nickel nitrate precursor. Nickel oxalate is
precipitated as the product in a hydrothermal reactor. The reaction can be done at 20-100 °C.
Then the particles of nickel oxalate would be dryed of in an oven at 50-70 °C. Calcination of
the sample in a furnace at 350-600 °C can result in Ni or NiO nanoparticles. The appropriate
temeprature for calcination would be determined from thermogravimetric results (TGA).
Specific objective of the project:
1- To assess the application of the solvothermal precipitation method via oxalate route in
order to control the size and shape of crystalline nickel oxalate powder.
2- To analyse the effect of reaction time and temperature on the size and shape of the
calcined crystalline nickel oxalate powder.
3- To evaluate the physical properties including particle size, particle shape, surface area,
chemical structure/composition of calcined nickel oxide.
Scope of the project:
In this study, the students will make 12 samples (at 4 different temperatures and at 3 different
reaction time). All 12 smaples would be characterized by SEM/FESEM, TGA, and FTIR. 3
out of 12 samples will be selected to be calcined at 500 - 600 °C for further analsys by FESEM,
XRD, and BET. The objecives of this work are designed to be fulfilled within 11 weeks as
follows:
2 weeks: project planning, preliminary research, literature review.
2 weeks: synthesizing the samples.
4 weeks: Characterization of the samples (XRD, BET, SEM, TGA, FTIR).
3 Weeks: Data analysis, report writing, presentation preparation
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
All chemicals are available in the chemical store. If the balance of the FYP grant is enough,
another small furnace will be purchased to decrease the waiting queue for the available tubular
furnace in my research group upon releasing of the grant for FYP (Feb 2016)
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project:
The samples will be synthesized within the first 2-4 weeks in the new lab using the following
instrument:
Synthesis: in a flask (glass) reactor equiped with a condenser: avaialble
Separation: centrifuging: available
Drying: in an oven: available
Calcination: using my research group tubular furnace
The obtained samples would be characterized using:
Week 3-4: Thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC):
Available
Week 4-6: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM): avaialble
Week 5-7: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD): available
Week 6-7: Surface area meaurements (by BET): available
Project Title: Design and evaluating the performance of a compact decentralized greywater
treatment system
Project type: Experimental / Simulation / Modeling / Process or Equipment Design
Proposed by: Dr. Poh Phaik Eong and Dr. Darwin Gouwanda
Student requirement for this project:
2 (per project)
Brief description of the project:
Greywater is generated from various activities such as shower, laundry and kitchen preparation
in a household that uses water. Treatment and reuse of greywater for non-potable activities has
the potential to reduce water scarcity issues as the demand for freshwater can be reduced.
Current greywater treatment systems are typically complicated and expensive (i.e.: requiring
various unit operations) in order to treat greywater to suitable standards.
Therefore, students involved in this project will propose, fabricate and evaluate a design
compact greywater treatment system with low energy requirement, consisting of a single unit
that can treat greywater to Class IV of Malaysia’s National Water Quality Standards. It is
expected that the outcome of this project will contribute to reduce the nation’s reliance on
freshwater for non-potable usage. Students that have great interest in equipment design and
fabrication are encouraged to take up this project.
Specific objective of the project:
The main objective is to develop a compact decentralized greywater treatment system for small-
scale treatment. Specific objectives of this project are listed below:
1. To conduct a literature review to identify advantages and shortcoming of currently available
greywater treatment systems.
2. To propose a design of a single system for greywater treatment to produce non-potable treated
effluent that achieves the Malaysia’s National Water Quality Standards (Class IV – for
irrigation).
3. To fabricate and evaluate the performance of the proposed greywater treatment system on
the treatment of bathroom/kitchen/laundry greywater.
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
Yes. All chemicals are available in the laboratory. However, we will need to do early planning
to purchase materials for fabrication of the greywater treatment system.
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project Spectrophotometer and reactor for wastewater analysis (2 units available)– Week 6-10
Oven for drying of solids and preparation of material – Week 4-8
Incubator (1 unit available) for bacteria enumeration study –Week 6-10
Project code: Poh3
Project Title: Investigating the effect of storage time on the performance of dehydrated
thermophilic mixed culture for palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment
Project type: Experimental / Simulation / Modeling / Process or Equipment Design
Proposed by: Dr. Poh Phaik Eong
Student requirement for this project:
2
Brief description of the project:
Preservation of mixed bacterial culture is an important application for ease of storage and
handling. One of the most commonly chosen methods of preservation is drying due to the many
advantages it gives. Conversion of mixed culture into dry particulates greatly reduces its volume
and enables more flexible transportation at room temperature. Conversion into dried product is
beneficial especially in the case of thermophilic mixed culture, which in its semi-liquid form
will have to be transported in a heated pressure vessel to prevent decline in the thermophile
population and overpressurisation. Relatively inexpensive and easily scalable convective
drying has been proposed for application in microorganism preservation. Before the product
can be commercialized, it is important to study the length of storage time on the performance
of the dehydrated microbes to set a suitable shelf life for the product. Students that are
disciplined (punctual, organized) and interested in biological treatment of wastewater are
encouraged to attempt this project.
Specific objective of the project:
The main objective is to investigate the effect of storage time on the performance of dehydrated
thermophilic mixed culture for POME treatment. Specific objectives of the project are listed
below:
1. To produce dried thermophilic mixed culture (with and without protectants) using hot air
circulation oven.
2. To study the influence of protectants on the survivability of microbes and the decay rate
under storage.
3. To evaluate the performance of the dehydrated microbes under different storage period on
thermophilic POME treatment.
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
Most of the chemicals are available in the laboratory but some of the consumables needs to be
restocked prior start of FYP. i.e.: Tryptic soy broth, anaerobic sachets and COD vials.
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project Hot Air Circulation Oven and Mass Balance – 5 days
Hirayama Autoclave – 2 times per week (3 hours each)
Biobase Biosafety Cabinet – 2 times per week (6 hours each)
RedLine Incubator –7 weeks of lab at 55 ℃ (65% of overall space)
Project code: Poh4M
Project Title: Application of ADM1 to thermophilic treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent
(POME) using UASB-HCPB reactor
Project type: Experimental / Simulation / Modeling / Process or Equipment Design
Proposed by: Dr. Poh Phaik Eong and Dr. Darwin Gouwanda
Student requirement for this project:
2 (per project)
Brief description of the project:
Palm oil industry contributes largely to Malaysia’s economic with the export of crude palm oil
(CPO) and other end products to many parts of the world. Due to the increasing demand of
palm oil in many parts of the world, the production of crude palm oil (CPO) has steadily
increased over the years. Nevertheless, the increased CPO production simultaneously created
huge amount of wastewater discharge – palm oil mill effluent (POME) from palm oil mills.
Many efforts were made to prevent POME from polluting the water sources and also emission
of greenhouse gases through production of methane from biodegradation. This includes the
introduction of high-rate anaerobic reactors for POME treatment. One of the most significant
problems which deters palm oil mills to adopt high-rate anaerobic reactors is the sensitivity of
these reactors. Performance of anaerobic reactors are dependent on various parameters that will
affect the growth of bacteria in the system. One of the most common problem is the variation
of POME characteristics based on different seasons and fruit species. This may lead to changes
in the reactor conditions that will influence the quality of biogas produced by the reactor.
Change in the quality of biogas is undesirable as it will reduce the efficiency of turbines or
cause corrosion to equipment due to high composition of hydrogen sulphide. As a result, there
is a need to devise an effective control system to respond to changes in operating conditions.
Before an effective control system can be devised and having an automated system, there is a
need to understand and develop a model that could predict the output of the anaerobic digestion
proecess. Therefore, the specific objectives of this project are as listed below:
Specific objective of the project:
1. To modify the anaerobic digestion model 1 (ADM1) to suit thermophilic treatment of
Palm Oil Mill Effluent.
2. Compare the ADM1 model for thermophilic treatment to other existing control models.
3. To investigate the different packing on thermophilic POME treatment performance and
changes to the modified ADM1.
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
Chemicals not required for this project
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project Not applicable
Project code: Poo1
Project Title: Self-healing coatings for corrosion resistance of automobile industry Project type: Experimental / Simulation / Modeling / Process or Equipment Design
Proposed by: Poovarasi Balan
Student requirement for this project:
2
Brief description of the project:
Corrosion is a major issue in industry. In the past, chromate has been used to pre-treat the metals
in order to delay the corrosion of metal. We have used silanes as environmental friendly
coatings by incorporating nano-particles. In this project, we will focus on obtaining self-healing
coatings. New additives need to be added in order to measure the self-healing characteristics of
the coatings under study, which can serve as self-healing coatings on cars. This is done by using
using heat-expansion encapsulations. Self healing coatings are the future of coatings industry.
Some prominent industries are already looking into these technologies.
Specific objective of the project:
1. To identify and assess different technologies which are self-healable that has been
used in automobile industries
2. To propose the suitable additives that can be used for self-healing properties
alongside with silane coatings
3. To develop coating that can self-heal and evaluate their corrosion behavior by
studying surface morphology and electrochemical methods
Suggested timeline:
3 weeks – project planning, literature review and experimental design
8 weeks – development of containers, characterization
2 weeks – preparation of presentation slides and report writing
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
Partially. Other chemicals will be ordered in January.
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project
1. Zeta Potential measurements
2. UV-Vis
3. FESEM
4. EIS and DC
Project code: Poo2
Project Title: Corrosion and biofouling resistance of chitosan-grafted – polydopamine
coating on stainless steel
Project type: Experimental / Simulation / Modeling / Process or Equipment Design
Carbon emissions are contributed by antroprogenic activities and increased carbon footprint
can cause hazardous effects towards environment. In the efforts of becoming a green campus,
a proper research mechanism is important in identifying the sources of carbon footprint,
evaluation and ways to reduce them.
Specific objective of the project:
1. Identify the carbon footprint emission sources, data collection and carbon footprint
calculation
2. Design carbon footprint calculation and ways to reduce carbon emission
Suggested timeline:
3 weeks: project planning and design of study;
8 weeks: data collection and modelling
2 weeks: preparing presentation slides and report writing)
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
N/A
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project
LCA software
Project code: Ram1M
Project Title: Dynamic Process Simulation for assessing plant efficiency
(Industry Project: Have an option to have intern with Linde Malaysia)
Project type: Simulation
Proposed by: Dr. R. Nagasundara Ramanan/ Mr. Yong Niam Pyng (Linde Malaysia)
Dr. Bahman Amini Horri
Student requirement for this project:
2
Brief description of the project:
Briefly describe the research problem and the solution.
The demand for the chemicals are increasing due to the increase in world population and its
consumption. To meet the market demand, the production capacity of the existing plants will
be varied and often new chemical plants will be built. In both the cases, the plant efficiency is
an important decision making tool to evaluate the economics of the plant. This has been
evaluated based on material and energy balances with the various inputs from the processes.
The main aim of this project is to build a tool based on Excel/HYSYS/Aspen plus to simulate
the plant efficiency from the real time data of Mox-Linde plant.
Specific objective of the project:
1. To evaluate the mass and energy balance of the plant provided by Linde – to check
current plant efficiency.
2. To simulate the condition and efficiency at design or commisioning – ensure tool are
reliable, and design data are correct
3. To evaluate the key parameters required to simulate the tools – matching plant control
method and equipment design. Ensuring the key parameter are manipulable for plant
tuning/improvement.
4. To develop a tool based on key parameters. Simulation tools will be developed in Aspen
or Hysis, with output developed into VBA for linking to excel, to provide easier
interface and linkage to Historian.
Note: The students have given the opportunity to know the process through intern
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
This needs Aspen plus/HYSYS/Excel software, which are available in the campus.
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project
Project code: Ram2M
Project Title: Feasibility study of bio refinery by evaluating the composition of algae
and co-products
Project type: Simulation
Proposed by: Dr. R. Nagasundara Ramanan,
Dr. Bahman Amini Horri
Student requirement for this project:
6
Brief description of the project:
Briefly describe the research problem and the solution.
Microalgae are considered to be one of the oldest microorganisms that grow 100 times faster than terrestrial plants yet utilizing the simple nutrients source and CO2. A variety of strains are available for producing lipids which can be converted to Biodiesel, a non-toxic and greener fuel. However producing Biodiesel alone from microalgae involves multistep process and hence the estimated cost of producing the product (US$4.34 per gallon) is higher than the current price of diesel. Hence there need a process that could target for multiproducts rather than just focusing on one product. By producing different chemicals such as biodiesel, hydrogen and propylene glycol, the price of biodiesel could be further reduced to US$2.79 per gallon which is similar to the current price of diesel. Even though, the price could be reduced, the incorporation of many chemicals need separate processing units including reactors and separators which lead to high capital cost. Alternatively, the price could be reduced by targeting high value products such as proteins, pigments and omega 3 fatty acids along with the production of biodiesel. This would need just multiple separation units rather than separate reactor for each product. Thus, the aim of this research project is to identify feasible processing technologies for producing different high and medium value products along with biodiesel using selected strains of microalgae. Specific objective of the project:
1. To evaluate the strains, products and process options based on the detailed composition
of the algae and sustainability (2 weeks).
2. To develop a simulation using Aspen plus (7 weeks).
3. To estimated the product yield and quality based on the feed characterisitics (1week)
Note: priority to the Design project students
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
This needs Aspen plus which is available in the campus.
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project
Project code: Ram3
Project Title: Optimization of extraction of geraniin from the rind of rambutan
Project type: Experimental
Proposed by: Dr. R. Nagasundara Ramanan
Student requirement for this project:
4
Brief description of the project:
Briefly describe the research problem and the solution. Rambutan is one of the indigenous fruit of Malaysia and its peel (rind as shown in the figure) is discarded as waste by the fruit canning industry. However, the peel is rich in geraniin a phenolic compound possessing various health benefits. Geraniin could be used to treat cancer, hypertension, malaria, hepatitis and diabetes. Presently, graniin is extracted using ethanolic extraction which cost around 37% of processing cost. Presently, the product is quantified using High performance liquid chromatography which requires longer time for processing many number of samples. The aims of this project are to develop a faster quantification tool based on thin layer chromatography and to optimize the condition of extraction through response surface methodology.
Specific objective of the project:
Sub-project 1
1. To evaluate the effect of different solvent for the separation of geraniin from other
impurities in thin layer chromatography
2. To determine the retardation factor and to quantify the band using densitometer
3. To compare the quantification using high performace liquid chromatography
Sub-project 2 1. To evaluate the important factors for the extraction of geraniin through factorial
screening
2. To optimize the extraction of geraniin through response surface methodology
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
All the necessary chemicals will be purchased via FYP consumables.
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project
1. Thin layer chromatography (School of Medicine)
2. Biorad Densitometer
3. High performance liquid chromatography ( weekly 16 h from week 2 to 12)(I will ask
Isha to create a spreadsheet to see the usage frequency for equipment which are in high
demand)
Project code: Ram4
Project Title: Preservation for recombinant Escherichia coli using combined osmotic
shock and drying
Project type: Experimental
Proposed by: Dr. R. Nagasundara Ramanan
Student requirement for this project:
2
Brief description of the project:
Briefly describe the research problem and the solution.
Escherichia coli is widely used for recombinant protein production. Currently, glycerol
cryopreservation is used to preserve and to transport bacteria like recombinant E. coli for
future revival and applications such as fermentation. The addition of glycerol mitigates the
crystal formation of the cells at lower temperature (-80oC). Lower temperature protects the
biomolecules such as protein from denaturation and halts the cellular activity. However, the
cell viability and subsequent production of protein may affect due to the extreme change in
temperature. Further, cryopreservation technique is an energy intensive technique to
maintain the stock. Thus alternative approach is warranted to overcome the aforementioned
problem. The present project aims to develop a technique based on combined osmotic shock
and drying to preserve the Escherichia coli for future use.
Specific objective of the project:
Sub-project 1
1. To evaluate the effect of concentration of sugars and time for determining the
subsequent growth of Escherichia coli
2. To evaluate the effect of drying kinetics on the subsequent growth of Escherichia coli
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
Sucrose, and choline based ionic liquids are available. Trehalose (purchased vial FYP budget)
and media for growth will be purchased via FYP budget
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project
4. Orbital Shaker (week 3 to 10, 2 days a week)
5. Oven (week 3 to 10, 2 days a week)
6. Microplate reader
7. Centrifuge
8. Normal Microscope (week 4 to 8)
9. Atomic force microscope (week 6 to 10)
10. Scanning Electron Microscope (Week 8 to 10)
Project code: Saman1, Saman2
Project Title:
1. Investigation of improved inter-particle models for two-phase packed bed
hydrodynamics.
2. Investigation of multiple hydrodynamic states (hysteresis) in two-phase packed bed
fluid flow systems
Project type: Experimental
Proposed by: Saman Ilankoon
Student requirement for this project:
2 for each proposed project
Brief description of the project:
General Description:
Modelling of two-phase hydrodynamics in packed bed systems (eg. trickle bed reactors) is
crucial to number of industrial applications in chemical, petroleum, petrochemical and waste
water treatment industries such as hydrogenation, hydrotreating, hydrocracking,
hydrodesulfurization, oxidation and removal of dissolved organic compounds from industrial
wastewaters. An understanding of underlying flow mechanisms in these systems is essential to
accurately model and design the packed bed reactor systems. The particle bed systems typically
employ both non-porous and porous particles and there have been a number of studies of fluid
flow in two-phase systems.
Project 1: However, the effect of particle porosity on liquid holdup in packed bed hydrodynamics has not
been extensively studied. Packed bed in a trickle bed reactor typically constitutes porous
particles that are mainly in the size range of millimeters. Thus, the porosity of the packed
particles has two distinct length scales, namely that of the channels between the particles and
that within the particles. This means that the liquid holdup within the particles will not have the
same effect on fluid flow as the holdup between the particles. The use of a direct relationship
between the liquid holdup and the flow permeability of the system is thus not entirely
appropriate and the inter- and intra-particle liquid contents must be considered separately.
However, none of the previous works in two-phase packed bed systems have addressed this
important question. In order to investigate this, two-phase (both liquid and gas flow) fluid flow
experiments in a packed bed system will be purposed in this project and the experimental results
will be used to develop improved inter-particle flow models. It will also provide better
understanding about underlying flow mechanisms in trickle bed reactors.
Project 2:
Multiple hydrodynamics states or hysteresis in trickle bed reactor systems has also been
observed by several researchers. Typically liquid holdup hysteresis and pressure drop hysteresis
have been reported in the trickle bed reactor literature. Rather than studying this effect some
investigators simply eliminated this by initially pre-wetting the experimental system, but Maiti
et al., (2006) reviewed the hysteresis effects in TBRs. In addition, Maiti et al., (2008) introduced
a new framework and a number of hypotheses have also been proposed to explain hysteresis
behaviour. Ilankoon (supervisor of this proposed project) and Neethling (2012) explained the
liquid holdup hysteresis behaviour in single-phase packed bed systems by performing novel set
of experiments and demonstrated that the dominant cause is a change in the number of liquid
rivulets flowing through the bed as the liquid flow rate is varied rather than a change in the
shape or structure of the individual rivulets (Ilankoon and Neethling, 2012, 2013). In order to
verify the same effect for two-phase packed bed systems (liquid and gas flow), fluid flow
experiments in a laboratory TBR system will be purposed in this project and the experimental
results will be used to explain hysteresis behaviour in two-phase fluid flow systems.
Specific objectives of the project:
Project 1:
1. To evaluate the applicability of the single phase inter-particle flow model in two-phase
fluid flow systems.
2. To develop an improved theoritical model that predicts two-phase fluid flow behaviour.
Project 2:
1. To evaluate the possible mechanisms for hysteresis in two-phase fluid flow systems.
2. To develop an improved model for two-phase hydrodynamics that accounts liquid
holdup hysteresis in the system.
Are all chemicals available in the laboratory? If not, when do you intend to purchase the
chemicals and the funding source?
No, the materials will be purchased in Jan 2016 using FYP budgets.
State the processing and analytical equipment needed for the project. Indicate their
availability (how many), and the timeline the equipment will be used by your students in
this project
Packed bed system - available (will be used for 12 weeks)
Peristaltic pump - Not sure about the availability (7-8 weeks)
Compressed air supply (7-8 weeks)
Liquid distributor - will be designed
Packing materials - available (will be used for 12 weeks)
Balance - Not sure about the availability (7-8 weeks)
Deionised water (7-8 weeks)
Project code: Syed1D
Project Title: Lake Thermal Energy Conversion (LTEC).
Proposed by: Syed Tauqir Haider
Student requirement for this project:
6 Students, 3 Groups.
Brief description of the project:
LTEC as a renewable energy technology will produce electricity using temperature gradient
between lake water and hot solar water reserve, concept is derived from the Ocean Thermal
Energy Conversion (OTEC). OCTE is a marine renewable energy technology that harnesses the
solar energy absorbed by the oceans to generate electric power.
Figure: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)
OTEC uses the ocean’s warm surface water with a temperature of around 25°C (77°F) to
vaporize a working fluid, which has a low-boiling point, such as ammonia. The vapor expands