Effects of the porous medium and water-silver biological nanofluid on the performance of a newly designed heat sink by using first and second laws of thermodynamics

The aim of this numerical investigation is to evaluate the laminar forced convection of biologically synthesized water-silver nanofluid through a heat sink (HS) filled with porous foam (PHS) using first and second laws of thermodynamics. The impacts of inlet velocity (V = 0.5–3 m·s⁻¹) and volume fraction of nanofluid (φ = 0–1%) on the performance metrics of HS are assessed and the outcomes are compared with those of the non-porous HS (NHS). The outcomes revealed that for both the PHS and NHS, the increase of V causes an intensification in convection coefficient, pumping power, and entropy generation due to fluid friction, while the maximum CPU temperature, thermal resistance, and entropy generation due to the heat transfer reduces by boosting V. Also, it was found that the augmentation of V results in intensification in convection coefficient, pumping power, overall hydrothermal performance, and frictional entropy generation, while the opposite is true for maximum CPU temperature, thermal resistance, and thermal entropy generation. Furthermore, it was reported that, except for φ = 0.5%, the overall hydrothermal performance of NHS is better than that of PHS, while PHS has better second-law performance than NHS in all the studied cases. Also, it can be concluded that the best hydrothermal performance for PHS belongs to φ = 1% and V = 0.5 m·s⁻¹, while for NHS, these values are 1% and 2 m·s⁻¹.     

Particle collision behavior and heat transfer performance in a Na2SO4 circulating fluidized bed evaporator

The particle collision behavior and heat transfer performance are investigated to reveal the heat transfer enhancement and fouling prevention mechanism in a Na₂SO₄ circulating fluidized bed evaporator. The particle collision signals are analyzed with standard deviation by varying the amount of added particles ε (1%–3%), circulation flow velocity u (0.37–1.78 m·s^-1), and heat flux q (7.29–12.14 kW·m^-2). The results show that the enhancement factor reach up to 14.6% by adding polytetrafluoroethylene particles at ε = 3%, u = 1.78 m·s^-1, and q = 7.29 kW·m^-2. Both the standard deviation of the particle collision signal and enhancement factor increase with the increase in the amount of added particles. The standard deviation increases with the increase in circulation flow velocity; however, the enhancement factor initially decreases and then increases. The standard deviation slightly decreases with the increase in heat flux at low circulation flow velocity, but initially increases and then decreases at high circulation flow velocity. The enhancement factor decreases with the increase in heat flux. The enhancement factor in Na₂SO₄ solution is superior to that in water at high amount of added particles. The empirical correlation for heat transfer is established, and the model results agree well with the experimental data.     

Catalytic decomposition and mass transfer of aqueous ozone promoted by Fe-Mn-Cu/γ-Al2O3 in a rotating packed bed

This study investigated catalytic decomposition and mass transfer of aqueous ozone promoted by Fe-Mn-Cu/γ-Al₂O₃ (Cat) in a rotating packed bed (RPB) for the first time. The results showed that the value of the overall decomposition rate constant of ozone (K_c) and overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient (K_La) are 4.28×10^-3 s^-1 and 11.60×10^-3 s^-1 respectively at an initial pH of 6, β of 40, of 60 mg·L^-1 and Q_L of 85 L·h^-1 in deionized water, respectively. Meanwhile, the K_c and K_La values of Fenhe water are 0.88×10^-3 s^-1 and 2.51×10^-3 s^-1 lower than deionized water, respectively. In addition, the K_c and K_La values in deionized water for the Cat/O₃-RPB system are 44.86% and 47.41% higher than that for the Cat/O₃-BR (bubbling reactor) system, respectively, indicating that the high gravity technology can facilitate the decomposition and mass transfer of ozone in heterogeneous catalytic ozonation and provide some insights into the industrial wastewater.     

Void fraction measurement and calculation model of vertical upward co-current air–water slug flow

The focus of this paper is on the measurement and calculation model of void fraction for the vertical upward co-current air–water slug flow in a circular tube of 15 mm inner diameter. High-speed photography and optical probes were utilized, with water superficial velocity ranging from 0.089 to 0.65 m·s^-1 and gas superficial velocity ranging from 0.049 to 0.65 m·s^-1. A new void fraction model based on the local parameters was proposed, disposing the slug flow as a combination of Taylor bubbles and liquid slugs. In the Taylor bubble region, correction factors of liquid film thickness C_δ and nose shape C_Z^* were proposed to calculate α_TB. In the liquid slug region, the radial void fraction distribution profiles were obtained to calculate α_LS, by employing the image processing technique based on supervised machine learning. Results showed that the void fraction proportion in Taylor bubbles occupied crucial contribution to the overall void fraction. Multiple types of void fraction predictive correlations were assessed using the present data. The performance of the Schmidt model was optimal, while some models for slug flow performed not outstanding. Additionally, a predictive correlation was correlated between the central local void fraction and the cross-sectional averaged void fraction, as a straightforward form of the void fraction calculation model. The predictive correlation showed a good agreement with the present experimental data, as well as the data of Olerni et al., indicating that the new model was effective and applicable under the slug flow conditions.     

温度对氨基酸同系物在盐酸二甲双胍水溶液中体积和黏度特性的影响(英文)

Density(ρ)and viscosity(η)are measured for glycine,DL-α-alanine DL-α-valine,and DL-α-leucine in 0.05,0.10,0.15 and 0.20 mol·L-1aqueous metformin hydrochloride at 308.15,313.15 and 318.15 K.The measured values are used to estimate some important parameters,such as partial molal volume Vφ,standard partial molal volume0Vφ,transfer volume 0 ΔVφ,hydration number nH,the second derivative of infinite dilution of partial molal volume with respect to temperature,viz.,2 0 2 Vφ /T,viscosity B-coefficient,variation of B with temperature,viz., dB/dT,free energy of activation per mole of solvent0 * 1 Δμand solute 0* 2 Δμof the amino acids.These parameters are interpreted in terms of solute-solute and solute-solvent interactions and structure making/breaking ability of solutes in the given solution.In addition,0Vφ, 0 ΔVφ,viscosity B-coefficient,ΔB and 0* 2 Δμare split into group contributions(3NH COO +-)and CH2 of the amino acids using their linear correlation and their behavior is discussed.     

Chemical looping gasification of sewage sludge using copper slag modified by NiO as an oxygen carrier

Chemical looping gasification (CLG) provides a novel approach to dispose the sewage sludge. In order to improve the reactivity of the calcined copper slag, NiO modification is considered as one of the good solutions. The copper slag calcined at 1100 ℃ doped with 20 wt% NiO (Ni20-CS) was used as an oxygen carrier (OC) in sludge CLG in the work. The modification of NiO can evidently enhance the reactivity of copper slag to promote the sludge conversion, especially for sludge char conversion. The carbon conversion and valid gas yield (V_g) increase from 67.02% and 0.23 m³·kg^-1 using the original OC to 78.34% and 0.29 m³·kg^-1 using the Ni20-CS OC, respectively. The increase of equivalent coefficient (Ω) facilitates the sludge conversion and a suitable Ω value is determined at 0.47 to obtain the highest valid gas yield (0.29 m³·kg^-1). A suitable steam content is assigned at 27.22% to obtain the maximum carbon conversion of 87.09%, where an acceptable LHV of 12.63 MJ·m^-3 and V_g of 0.39 m³·kg^-1 are obtained. Although the reactivity of Ni20-CS OC gradually decreases with the increase in cycle numbers because of the generation of NiFe₂O_4-δ species, the deposition of sludge ash containing many metallic elements is beneficial to the sludge conversion. As a result, the carbon conversion shows a slight uptrend with the increase of cycle numbers in sludge CLG. It indicates that the Ni20-CS sample is a good OC for sludge CLG.     

Hydrodynamics of air–kerosene bubble column under elevated pressure in homogeneous flow regime

A multiphase computational fluid dynamics(CFD) model coupled with the population balance equation(PBE) was developed in a homogeneous air–kerosene bubble column under elevated pressure(P). The specific pressure drop(DP/L), gas holdup(a_G), and Sauter mean diameter(d_(32)) were experimentally measured in the bubble column with 1.8 m height and 0.1 m inner diameter, which was operated at a superficial gas velocity of 12.3 mm·s~(-1), and P = 1–35 bar(1 bar = 10~5 Pa). A modified drag coefficient model was proposed to consider the effect of bubble swarm and pressure on hydrodynamics of the bubble column.The Luo breakage model was modified to account for liquid density, viscosity, surface tension and gas density. The DP/L, a_G, and d_(32) obtained from the CFD model were compared with experimental data,and the gas density-dependent parameters of the CFD model were identified. With increasing P from 1 to 35 bar, the aGvaried from 5.4% to 7.2% and the d_(32) decreased from 2.3 to 1.5 mm. The CFD-PBE model is applicable to predict hydrodynamics of pressurized bubble columns for gas–organic liquid in the homogeneous regime.     

Green bio-synthesis of Ni/montmorillonite nanocomposite using extract of Allium jesdianum as the nano-catalyst for electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol

In this work, synthesis of Ni nanoparticles was carried out successfully by water extract of Allium jesdianum as a biochemical reducing agent in the presence of montmorillonite clay (MMT) as a natural solid support for the first time. Then the electrochemical activity of the synthesized nanocomposite was investigated in methanol electrocatalytic oxidation. MMT with high cation exchange capacity and nano layer structure was exposed to ion exchange conditions in nickel solution. Then Ni²⁺ ion exchanged form was used in this process as a source of ions and also capping agent. Water extract of Allium jesdianum used as a reducing agent due to abundant availability of phenolic and flavonoid contents. The synthesized Ni/MMT nanocomposite was characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The surface of prepared modified electrode has been characterized using SEM to evaluate the morphology, showing uniform dispersion of Ni nanoparticles with mean diameter of 12 to 20 nm. The modified carbon paste electrode was then used in methanol electrocatalytic oxidation reaction. Methanol oxidation on the proposed modified electrode surface occurs at 0.6 V and 0.3 V in alkaline and acidic medium respectively. Also, the results showed the better performance of modified electrode toward methanol electrocatalytic oxidation in comparison with carbon paste electrode that is modified by ion exchanged MMT. Charge transfer coefficients and apparent charge transfer rate constant for the modified electrode in the absence of methanol in alkaline medium were respectively found as: α_a = 0.53, α_c = 0.37 and k_s = 1.6×10^-1 s^-1. Also, the average value of catalytic rate constant for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol by the prepared nano-catalyst was estimated to be about 0.9 L·mol^-1·s^-1 by chronoamperometry technique. The prepared electrode was also effective for electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol and formaldehyde in alkaline medium.     

Numerical simulation and experimental study of gas cyclone–liquid jet separator for fine particle separation

To address the shortcomings of existing particulate matter trapping technology, especially the low separation efficiency of fine particles, herein, a novel gas cyclone–liquid jet separator was developed to research fine particle trapping. First, numerical simulation methods were used to investigate the flow field characteristics and dust removal efficiency of the separator under different working conditions,and to determined suitable experimental conditions for subsequent dust removal experiment...     

用定标粒子理论研究不同温度下2-甲基-2-丙醇与腈二元液相混合物的超额热力学参数和超音速度理论估值(英文)

Density, ρ, ultrasonic speed, u, and viscosity, η, of binary mixtures of 2-methyl-2-propanol (2M2P) with acetonitrile (AN), propionitrile (PN) and butyronitrile (BN) including those of pure liquids are measured over the entire composition range at temperatures 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15 K. From these experimental data, the excess available volume, E a V , excess free volume, E f V , excess isothermal compressibility, E T β , excess thermal expansion coefficient, E α , and excess internal pressure, E i π , are calculated. The variation of these properties with composition and temperature are discussed in terms of molecular interactions between unlike molecules of the mixtures. It is found that the values of E a V , E f V , E T β and E α are positive and those of E i π are negative for all the mixtures at each temperature studied, indicating the presence of weak interactions between 2M2P and AN/PN/BN molecules. The variations of E a V , E f V , E T β , E α and E i π values with composition indicate that the interactions in these mixtures follow the order: ANPNBN, i.e., the 2M2P-nitrile interaction decreases with the increase of alkyl chain length in these nitrile molecules. In addition, the theoretical ultrasonic velocity is calculated using the scaled particle theory and compared with the experimental values.     

Cu-3-trz-PMo12的合成、结构及催化氧化碘离子性能

采用水热法合成了一例新的多酸基有机-无机杂化物,通过X射线单晶衍射、傅里叶变换红外光谱（IR）、热分析测试（TG）、X射线衍射分析（XRD）、扫描电子显微镜（SEM）、元素分析对化合物进行了表征。X射线单晶衍射分析结果表明,化合物的结构式为（PMo₁₂O₄₀） ［Cu₆（C₂H₄N₄）₆］（PMo₁₂O₄₀）?H₂O（简称为Cu-3-trz-PMo₁₂）,属于三方晶系,R-3空间群,晶胞参数a=1.756 66（3） nm、b=1.756 66（3） nm、c=2.303 24（6） nm、α=β=90°、γ=120°、V=6.155 2（3） nm³、Z=3、R₁=0.023 8、wR₂=0.059 2。化合物是由6个3-氨基-1,2,4-三氮唑、6个Cu⁺、两个经典的Keggin型［PMo₁₂O₄₀］^3-及一个间隙水分子组成的二聚体,两个这样的二聚体通过氢键交替相连形成次级单元,每个次级单元之间又通过氢键作用进而形成一个三维超分子结构。催化研究表明,该非均相催化剂在催化过氧化氢氧化碘离子中表现出较为优异的催化活性且具有较稳定的可重复性。     

Flow characteristics simulation of spiral coil reactor used in the thermochemical energy storage system

According to environmental and energy issues, renewable energy has been vigorously promoted. Now solar power is widely used in many areas but it is limited by the weather conditions and cannot work continuously. Heat storage is a considerable solution for this problem and thermochemical energy storage is the most promising way because of its great energy density and stability. However, this technology is not mature enough to be applied to the industry. The reactor is an important component in the thermochemical energy storage system where the charging and discharging process happens. In this paper, a spiral coil is proposed and used as a reactor in the thermochemical energy storage system. The advantages of the spiral coil include simple structure, small volume, and so on. To investigate the flow characteristics, the simulation was carried out based on energy-minimization multi-scale model (EMMS) and Eulerian two-phase model. CaCO₃ particles were chosen as the reactants. Particle distribution was shown in the results. The gas initial velocity was set to 2 m·s^-1, 3 m·s^-1, and 4 m·s^-1. When the particles flowed in the coil, gravity, centrifugal force and drag force influenced their flow. With the Reynold numbers increasing, centrifugal and drag force got larger. Accumulation phenomenon existed in the coil and results showed with the gas velocity increasing, accumulation moved from the bottom to the outer wall of the coil. Besides, the accumulation phenomenon was stabilized when φ > 720°. Also due to the centrifugal force, a secondary flow formed, which means solid particles moved from the inside wall to the outside wall. This secondary flow could promote turbulence and mixing of particles and gas. In addition, when the particle volume fraction is reduced from 0.2 to 0.1, the accumulation at the bottom of the coil decreases, and the unevenness of the velocity distribution becomes larger.     

多乙烯多胺桥联受阻酚类抗氧剂的合成及其清除DPPH·性能

以二乙烯三胺和三乙烯四胺为桥联基,β-(3,5-二叔丁基-4-羟基苯基)丙酰氯为抗氧化功能基团,通过酰胺化缩合反应合成了两类具有不同对位桥联基团的受阻酚类抗氧剂。采用傅里叶红外光谱和核磁共振氢谱证实了合成的多乙烯多胺桥联受阻酚类抗氧剂的化学结构。DPPH法研究了多乙烯多胺桥联受阻酚类抗氧剂清除自由基的性能,并探索了酚羟基个数和对位桥联基结构对受阻酚类抗氧剂清除自由基性能的影响。结果表明,多乙烯多胺桥联受阻酚类抗氧剂具有良好的清除DPPH·能力,且随着抗氧剂分子中酚羟基个数的增加,清除DPPH·的活性增加,分子中含有4个酚羟基的三乙烯四胺受阻酚类抗氧剂的抗氧化效率（AE）达到2.65×10^-2 L/(mol·s)。对位桥联基结构对受阻酚类抗氧剂清除DPPH·能力有较大影响,季戊四醇为桥联基的受阻酚类抗氧剂1010清除DPPH·能力最强,其抗氧化效率（AE）为3.08×10^-2L/(mol·s);乙二胺为核的1.0代树枝状受阻酚类抗氧剂清除DPPH·能力最弱,其抗氧化效率（AE）为2.60×10^-2 L/(mol·s)。     

Hydrophobic modification of SAPO-34 membranes for improvement of stability under wet condition

SAPO-34 zeolite membranes show high efficiency for CO₂/CH₄ separation but suffer from the reduction of separation performance when exposed to humid atmosphere. In this work, n-dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS) was used to modify the hollow fibers supported SAPO-34 membranes to increase the external surface hydrophobicity and thus sustain their performance under moisture environment. The modified membranes were fully characterized. Their separation performance was extensively investigated in both dry and wet gaseous systems and compared with the un-modified ones. The un-modified SAPO-34 membrane exhibited a high separation selectivity of 160 and CO₂ permeance of 1.18×10^-6 mol·m^-2·s^-1·Pa^-1 for separation of dry CO₂/CH₄ at 298 K. However, its separation selectivity declined to 0.9 and the CO₂ permeance was only about 1.7×10^-8 mol·m^-2·s^-1·Pa^-1 for wet CO₂/CH₄ at same temperature. High temperature (e.g. 353 K) could reduce the effect of moisture to improve SAPO-34 separation selectivity, but further increasing temperature (e.g. 373 K) led to decrease in CO₂/CH₄ separation selectivity. A significant decrease of selectivity was observed at higher pressure drop. The modified SAPO-34 membrane showed decreased CO₂ permeance but increased separation selectivity for dry CO₂/CH₄ gas mixture, and super performance for wet CO₂/CH₄ gas mixture due to the improved hydrophobicity of membrane surface. A separation selectivity of 65 and CO₂ permeance of 4.73×10^-8 mol·m^-2·s^-1·Pa^-1 for wet CO₂/CH₄ mixture can be observed at 353 K with a pressure drop of 0.4 MPa. Furthermore, the modified membrane exhibited stable separation performance during the 120-hour test for wet CO₂/CH₄ mixture at 353 K. The hydrophobic modification paves a way for SAPO-34 membranes in real applications.     

An experimental study of immiscible liquid–liquid dispersions in a pump–mixer of mixer–settler

Drop size distribution(DSD) or mean droplet size(d32) and liquid holdup are two key parameters in a liquid–liquid extraction process. Understanding and accurately predicting those parameters are of great importance in the optimal design of extraction columns as well as mixer–settlers. In this paper, the method of built-in endoscopic probe combined with pulse laser was adopted to measure the droplet size in liquid–liquid dispersions with a pump-impeller in a rectangular mixer. The dispersion law of droplets with holdup range 1% to 24% in batch process and larger flow ratio range 1/5 to 5/1 in continuous process was studied. Under the batch operation condition, the DSD abided by log-normal distribution. With the increase of impeller speed or decrease of dispersed phase holdup, the d32 decreased. In addition, a prediction model of d32 of kerosene/deionized system was established as d_(32)/D = 0.13(1 + 5.9φ)We~(-0.6). Under the continuous operation condition, the general model for droplet size prediction of kerosene/water system was presented as d_(32)/D = C_3(1 + C_4φ)We~(-0.6). For the surfactant system and extraction system, the prediction models met a general model as d_(32)/D = bφ~nWe~(-0.6).     

Using ultrasound to improve the sequential post-synthesis modification method for making mesoporous Y zeolites

Mesoporous Y zeolites were prepared by the sequential chemical dealumination (using chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, H₄EDTA, and citric acid aqueous solutions) and alkaline desilication (using sodium hydroxide, NaOH, aqueous solutions) treatments. Specifically, the ultrasound-assisted alkaline treatment (i.e., ultrasonic treatment) was proposed as the alternative to conventional alkaline treatments which are performed under hydrothermal conditions. In comparison with the hydrothermal alkaline treatment, the ultrasonic treatment showed the comparatively enhanced efficiency (with the reduced treatment time, i.e., 5 min vs. 30 min, all with 0.2 mol·L⁻¹ NaOH at 65°C) in treating the dealuminated Y zeolites for creating mesoporosity. For example, after the treatment of a dealuminated zeolite Y (using 0.1 mol·L⁻¹ H₄EDTA at 100°C for 6 h), the ultrasonic treatment produced the mesoporous zeolite Y with the specific external surface area (S_external) of 160 m²·g⁻¹ and mesopore volume (V_meso) of 0.22 cm³·g⁻¹, being slightly higher than that by the conventional method (i.e., S_external = 128 m²·g⁻¹ and V_meso = 0.19 cm³·g⁻¹). The acidic property and catalytic activity (in catalytic cracking of n-octane) of mesoporous Y zeolites obtained by the two methods were comparable. The ultrasonic desilication treatment was found to be generic, also being effective to treat the dealuminated Y zeolites by citric acid. Additionally, the first step of chemical dealumination treatment was crucial to enable the effective creation of mesopores in the parent Y zeolite (with a silicon-to-aluminium ratio, Si/Al= 2.6) regardless of the subsequent alkaline desilication treatment (i.e., ultrasonic or hydrothermal). Therefore, appropriate selection of the condition of the chemical dealumination treatment based on the property of parent zeolites, such as Si/Al ratio and crystallinity, is important for making mesoporous zeolites effectively.     

基于径向力平衡的鼓泡塔二维流体力学模型

提出了一种鼓泡塔二维轴对称流体力学模型,模型中将气泡所受的升力以及湍动扩散力作为形成塔内气含率稳定分布的主要机制.采用Fluent 6.3流体力学软件求解模型,能得到稳定的二维流场,气含率与液速分布与实验值吻合良好,模型能准确反映表观气速(0.12～0.62 m·s^-1)以及塔径(ø200 mm、ø500 mm、ø800 mm)对流型的影响.利用该模型对更大直径鼓泡塔的流动参数进行了预测,结果与文献给出的经验关联式相符.     

Intensification of zirconium and hafnium separation through the hollow fiber renewal liquid membrane technique using synergistic mixture of TBP and Cyanex-272 as extractant

The novel synergistic mixture of TBP and Cyanex-272 is used as the extractant in the hollow fiber renewal liquid membrane(HFRLM) technique for Zr/Hf separation.The effects of the chemical and operational parameters such as HNO_3 concentration in the donor phase,NH4 F concentration in the acceptor phase,Cyanex-272 and TBP concentration in the liquid membrane phase,the lumen and shell side flow rates,and aqueous/organic volume ratio on the mass transfer and separation performance of HFRLM method were investigated.The obtained results reveal the intensification potential of proposed HFRLM technique for selective extraction of Zr over Hf with separation factor higher than 100.The HFRLM method provides two times higher mass transfer flux in comparison with hollow fiber supported liquid membrane(HFSLM).Also,the HFRLM method shows satisfactory stability for 700 min of continuous operation.The Zr ion transport through the LM phase follows the coupled co-transport mechanism and the diffusion in the renewal layer is recognized as the rate-controlling step in the HFRLM process.Moreover,the Zr mass transfer coefficient and molar flux in the HFRLM method are calculated in the range of 1×10~(-8)to 8.4×10~(-7) m·s~(-1) and 4.9×10~(-6) to 20.1×10~(-6) mol·m~(-2)·s~(-1),respectively.     

Infrared thin layer drying of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigmas: Mass transfer parameters and quality assessment

Saffron is the most precious and expensive agricultural product. A dehydration treatment is necessary to convert Crocus sativus L. stigmas into saffron spice. To the best of our knowledge, no information on mass transfer parameters of saffron stigmas is available in the literature. This study aimed at investigating the moisture transfer parameters and quality attributes of saffron stigmas under infrared treatment at different temperatures(60,70, …, 110 °C). It was observed that the dehydration process of the samples occurred in a short accelerating rate period at the start followed by a falling rate period. The effective moisture diffusivity and convective mass transfer coefficient were determined by using the Dincer and Dost model. The diffusivity values varied from1.1103 × 10~(-10)m~2·s~(-1)to 4.1397 × 10~(-10)m~2·s~(-1) and mass transfer coefficient varied in the range of 2.6433 × 10~(-7)–8.7203 × 10~(-7)m·s~(-1). The activation energy was obtained to be 27.86 k J·mol~(-1). The quality assessment results showed that the total crocin content increased, when the temperature increased up to90 °C but, in higher temperatures, the amount of crocin decreased slightly. The total safranal content of the samples decreased slightly when drying temperature increased from 60 °C to 70 °C and then continuously increased up to 110 °C. Also, the amount of picrocrocin increased from 83.1 to 93.3 as the drying temperature increased from 60 °C to 100 °C.     

Effects of internals on phase holdup and backmixing in a slightlyexpanded-bed reactor with gas-liquid concurrent upflow

Five different internals were designed, and their effects on phase holdup and backmixing were investigated in a gas-liquid concurrent upflow reactor where the spherical alumina packing particles of three diameters (3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 mm) were slightly expanded under the conditions of varied superficial gas velocities (6.77×10^-2-3.61×10^-1 m·s^-1) and superficial liquid velocities (9.47×10^-4-2.17×10^-3 m·s^-1). The experimental results show that the gas holdup increases with the superficial gas velocity and particle size, opposite to the variational trend of liquid holdup. When an internal component is installed amid the upflow reactor, a higher gas holdup, a less liquid holdup and a larger Peclet number characterizing the weaker backmixing are obtained compared to those in the bed without internals under the same operating conditions. Additionally, the minimal backmixing is observed in the reactor equipped with the internals with a novel multi-step design. Finally, empirical correlations were proposed for estimating gas holdup, liquid holdup and Peclet number with the relative deviations within 11%, 12% and 25%, respectively.