-A mathematical model using classical cake-filtration theory and the surface-renewal concept is formulated for describing cross-flow microfiltration under dynamic and steady-state conditions. The model can predict the permeate flux and cake buildup in the filter. The three basic parameters of the model are the membrane resistance, specific cake resistance and rate of surface renewal. The model is able to correlate experimental permeate flow rate data in the microfiltration of fermentation broths in laboratory-and pilotscale units with an average root-mean-square (RMS) error of 4.6%. The experimental data are also compared against the critical-flux model of cross-flow microfiltration, which has average RMS errors of 6.3, 5.5 and 6.1% for the cases of cake filtration, intermediate blocking and complete blocking mechanisms, respectively.

-Effects of K addition on the performance of supported Fe catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) were studied in a slurry reactor at 240 to 270°C, 2.0 to 4.0 MPa and syngas H 2 /CO = 1.0. The catalysts were characterized by N 2 adsorption, H 2 temperature programmed reduction, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A strong interaction was observed between Fe and K, which inhibited the reduction of Fe catalyst. Addition of potassium increased the production of heavy hydrocarbons (C20+).

-This work deals with experimental and numerical studies of a 3-D transient free-surface two-phase flow in a bench-scale channel flow. The aim was to determine how well the homogeneous model can predict the fluid dynamics behavior and to validate the model. The model was validated with experimental data acquired for two hydrodynamic situations. The mathematical model was based on the mass conservation equations for liquid and gas phases and on the momentum conservation equation for the mixture, assuming interpenetrating, continuum and homogeneous hypotheses. Turbulence has been considered for the mixture through the standard k-ε model. The numerical methods were the finite volume method with pressure-velocity coupling and a numerical grid on a generalized Cartesian coordinate system. Good qualitative and quantitative agreements were found for both cases, making the prediction of the fluid dynamics behavior quite robust.

-This paper describes the modelling and control of a pH neutralization process using a Local Linear Model Tree (LOLIMOT) and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The Direct and Inverse model building using LOLIMOT and ANFIS structures is described and compared. The direct and inverse models of the pH system are identified based on experimental data for the LOLIMOT and ANFIS structures. The identified models are implemented in the experimental pH system with IMC structure using a GUI developed in the MATLAB -SIMULINK platform. The main aim is to illustrate the online modelling and control of the experimental setup. The results of real-time control of an experimental pH process using the Internal Model Control (IMC) strategy are also presented.

-Experiments were carried out on the preparation and characterization of dispersions of sand in ethylene glycol-water (50-50%) mixture. The dispersions were prepared by stirred bead milling of 20-30 μm sand (in water) followed by dilution with water and ethylene glycol. The influence of temperature (31-45 °C), particle concentration (< 2 vol %) and ultrasonication on the viscosity of sand-ethylene glycol-water dispersions was studied. The thermal conductivity of dispersions as a function of particle concentration and ultrasonication has also been investigated. Correlations were developed for the prediction of relative viscosity and thermal conductivity ratio of the dispersions. Our results indicate that the sand-ethylene glycol-water dispersions, prepared by stirred bead milling and ultrasonication, have potential as coolants.