Understanding the role of restructuring in flocculation: The application of a population balance model

The effect of shear on floc properties was observed through population balance to comprehend the mechanisms of flocculation, in particular the role of restructuring. Little fundamental attention has been given before to the shear influence responsible for creating compact aggregates, while the floc characteristics might differ in other conditions. It is crucial to understand how aggregates evolve to steady state, if their properties are to be ‘tailored’ to suit subsequent solid-liquid separation. From a previous experimental study (Langmuir 18(6) (2002) 1974), restructuring was observed to occur extensively in the flocculation of latex particles in couette-flow, and was proposed to be responsible for the decrease in floc size on their transition to equilibrium. On the other hand, flocs of larger primary particles were more susceptible to breakage, with densification occurring as a result of fragmentation and re-aggregation. Denser flocs were found when structural deformation dominated, particularly in the initial stage of the process, while comparatively tenuous ones were observed when formation and breakage kinetics were the governing mechanisms. The distinct manners in which aggregates of different primary particle sizes evolved with time, were replicated with a population balance that incorporated the floc structural variation; verifying that restructuring indeed played a crucial role under certain flocculation conditions.     

Multi-wavelength spectroscopic and chromatography study on the photocatalytic oxidation of natural organic matter

The effect of TiO₂ photocatalytic oxidation on the natural organic matter (NOM) properties of two Australian surface waters were quantified using UV-vis spectroscopy, high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) with a multi-wavelength UV detector, liquid chromatography with organic carbon detector (LC-OCD), and trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) analyses. Both the UV absorbance at wavelengths greater than 250 nm and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content decreased significantly with treatment, although complete mineralization of NOM could not be achieved. Multi-wavelength UV detection of HPSEC analysis was shown to be useful to display further changes to NOM composition and molecular weight profiles because the organic molecules was transformed into compounds that absorb weakly at the typical detection wavelength of 250-260 nm. The multi-wavelength HPSEC results also revealed that photocatalytic oxidation yields by-products with a low aromaticity and low molecular weight. The LC-OCD chromatograms indicated that low molecular acids and neutral compounds remained after photocatalytic oxidation. Those groups of compounds did not seem to contribute significantly to the formation of trihalomethanes.     

OLEDs 面临的挑战

尽管基于有机发光二极管(OLED)的显示器的优点已被广泛认同,但是这项技术,尤其是其有源器件的产品在开拓市场份额上,依然非常艰难.是什么阻碍了OLEDs显示器获得更广泛的认可呢?     

CFD modelling for a TiO2-coated glass-bead photoreactor irradiated by optical fibres: Photocatalytic degradation of oxalic acid

Computational fluid dynamics coupled with the radiant transport equation was used to simulate oxalic acid photodegradation in a TiO₂-coated glass-bead photoreactor irradiated by end-emitting optical fibre (EEOF) or side-emitting optical fibre (SEOF) bundles. Light irradiance distributions in the photoreactor were modelled for specular, partially specular and diffusive reactor wall reflectivities with specularly reflective reactor walls best representing the experimental data. The light irradiance distribution for the SEOF bundle was found to be more uniform along the fibre length than for the EEOF bundle. Under the experimental radiant power input (108 mW) the EEOF and SEOF bundles exhibited similar oxalic acid photodegradation rates. However, the developed model demonstrated that at incident radiant power more than ten times greater than the experimental power used, a uniform light distribution gave faster oxalic acid photodegradation with the relative improvement of the SEOF bundle over the EEOF bundle increasing with increasing radiant power. This was attributed to increased electron-hole recombination in photocatalytic surfaces close to the EEOF tip, induced by the increased light irradiance in this region. The model also demonstrated a constant light irradiance profile along the length of a SEOF bundle giving an improved photocatalytic performance when compared to linear or exponentially decaying light profiles.     

Risk analysis and protection measures in a carbon nanofiber manufacturing enterprise: An exploratory investigation

The emerging US carbon nano-manufacturing sector accounts for 40% of nanotechnology product marketplace, thus, there is a significant potential for increased risks arising from workers' exposure to carbon nanofibers (CNF). This research aims at developing a low-cost/evidence-based tool, thereby, increasing the sustainability of CNF manufacturing firms. The following specific aims achieve the study objective: Aim 1 — To present a technical discussion of the proposed concept for risk analysis and protection measures; Aim 2 — To describe the manufacturing process utilized for the CNF production; Aim 3 — To describe the hazards typically encountered in a CNF manufacturing facility; and, Aim 4 — To document the application of the proposed tool for risk analysis and intervention strategy development.In this study, a four-step methodology was developed to protect worker health in the nano-manufacturing enterprise through the generation of improvement actions (i.e., suggested changes in the hazard/work environment characteristics and individual capabilities without specifying how changes are made) followed by interventions (i.e., workplace solutions which specify how changes are being implemented). The methodology was implemented in a CNF manufacturing enterprise in the Midwest of the US. The data collected were based on detailed observations and interviews with worker and management personnel.A detailed flow process analysis was conducted for the nano-manufacturing operation. Eleven hazards were identified at the facility. Analysis indicated that the computed risk scores ranged from moderate (i.e., requiring one to start with incremental changes, then, explore substantial changes, if needed) to very high (i.e., substantial changes should be planned in the short term, followed by incremental changes). A detailed intervention plan was presented for the identified hazards on the basis of criteria of applicability, cost, benefit and feasibility. Management personnel were in agreement with the findings of the study.In conclusion, a low-cost/evidence-based tool was developed and implemented to assess and manage the risks associated with exposure to CNF production in a manufacturing enterprise. Preliminary validation of the tool suggests that management personnel were in agreement with the study findings. Further application of the systematic methodology is warranted.