Design and analysis of a state observer for the temperature front of a retification column

In order to achieve optimal energy-saving, load-dependent operation of rectification columns, development and implementation of model-based control concepts are necessary. This paper reports on the design and step-by-step testing of a state observer for the estimation of two state variables which cannot be measured directly, namely the vapour rate and the location of mass transfer zone (temperature front) in the stripping section of a production column. The procedure is described, and the relevant simulation and operation results are presented and discussed. Initial experience, gained when the concept was put into practical operation, is reported.     

Evaluation of calcium hydroxide contents in pozzolanic cement pastes by a chemical extraction method

The aim of the study is to investigate the calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) contents in pozzolanic cement pastes analyzed by the chemical extraction method and thermal analysis (DTA/TG). The second part of the study involves the carbonation of pozzolanic cement pastes and its influence on Ca(OH)₂ reduction. The Ca(OH)₂ contents in cement pastes after being subjected to accelerated carbonation were investigated by a chemical extraction method and compared to those values from DTA/TG analysis. The experimental results show that the chemical method reveals overall results comparable to those from DTA/TG analysis. However, in case of pastes containing high amounts of mineral admixtures or pastes subjected to carbonation which contain very low Ca(OH)₂, only the chemical method yields precise reliable results by showing the pseudo-negative contents.     

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RNA amplification chip with parallel microchannels and droplet positioning using capillary valves

We present results from the MicroActive project which develops an instrument for molecular diagnostics. The instrument is first tested for patient screening for a group of viruses causing cervical cancer. Two disposable polymer chips with reagents stored on-chip are developed and will be inserted into the instrument for each patient sample analysis. The first chip will perform nucleic acid extraction from patient epithelial cervical cells, while mRNA amplification and fluorescent detection takes place in the second chip. This paper reports results on the amplification chip. Purified sample is inserted into the chip and split into ten smaller droplets for simultaneous amplification and detection of ten viruses. The droplets move in parallel channels, each with two chamber extensions containing dried reagents. Experimental results on parallel droplet movement using one external pump combined with hydrophobic restrictions show that the parallel droplet positions can be controlled. There are four valves with increasing burst pressures between 800 and 4,500 Pa in each parallel channel, positioning the droplets in metering zones and reaction chambers. The re-hydration times for the dried reagents in micro chambers have been monitored. After sample insertion, uniform concentration of the reagents in the droplet was reached after respectively 60 s and 10 min. These times are acceptable for successful amplification. Finally we show positive amplification of HPV type 16 viruses in a micro chamber.