A geometric solution to the largest-free-sphere problem in zeolite frameworks

We have applied Delaunay triangulation to models of the known zeolite frameworks. We show that this well-established technique from computational geometry provides for each framework; (i) the location and shape of the open pores and channels, (ii) the diameter of the largest possible included sphere, and indirectly (iii) the diameter of the largest-free-sphere that can diffuse through the framework by at least one lattice translation. Since Delaunay triangulation naturally locates the empty spaces within a set of points, it provides a powerful computer-automated tool for determining the physical characteristics of pores and channels of zeolite frameworks. Such tools will further enhance the usefulness of large databases of hypothetical framework materials.

Here, we tabulate results for the 165 zeolite frameworks that are presently listed in the Atlas of Zeolite Frameworks. Of the known zeolites, refined as pure silicates, the largest included sphere occurs in the TSC framework, with a diameter of 16.39 Å. The largest-free-sphere has a diameter of 11.33 Å, for diffusion along the [0 0 1] direction in the VFI framework.     

Design and characterization of a multistage,mechanically stirred column absorber

A multistage, mechanically stirred column absorber has been designed and built with a modular construction, based on preliminary experiments with a test column. The column has been characterized as a gas-liquid contactor by its gas holdup, gas and liquid axial dispersion, mixing times, oxygen transfer coefficients and power consumptions, determined as a function of gas velocity, liquid velocity and impeller speed for one and two impellers per stage.Gassed power was correlated with ungassed power, gas rate and impeller speed. The gas phase axial mixing was essentially plug flow and the liquid phase axial mixing varied between 5 and 12 equivalent stages.Oxygen transfer coefficients were correlated with power consumptions and aeration rates by the equation K_La γ (P/V)^a(υ_sg)^b. The oxygen transfer coefficients with single stiffer stages were 25% above those for the double stirrer stages for equal power consumption and gas rates. Except for the low aeration and high power consumption extremes, the column showed superior oxygen transfer performance. in comparison to tubular loop and tank fermenters.     

Analysis of polymer blend morphology by transmission and reflection light scattering techniques

Optical inspection is a potentially powerful and practical tool to collect information on polymer blend morphology for on-line quality and process control. This paper describes two approaches for the characterization of polymer blend materials by multiple light scattering. A quantitative evaluation of spectral turbidimetry (scattering of transmitted light) is presented and an adaptation of this technique for monitoring particle size, independent of the volume fraction is demonstrated. Such a procedure is applicable to materials in film form. A different approach is presented for the analysis of nearly spherical particles in optically thick samples: the diffuse reflection pattern surrounding the position of incidence of a focused light beam on the surface of the turbid medium is scanned by a single side imaging system. A spectral pseudo-transmittance signal processing technique provides particle size information again independent of the volume fraction: Both techniques have been tested using well characterized polystyrene microspheres suspended in water as well as poly(methyl) (methacrylate)/polystyrene polymer blends.     

Strength after heating of unfired refractories containing chemical bonding agents

Conclusions Out of all the experimental bonding agents used in the production of unfired magnesite and magnesite-chromite refractories: SDW; MgSO₄,· 7H₂O; MgSO₄·7H₂O + H₃BO₃; (NaPO₃)_n, the greatest strength on heating is provided by the addition of 2% (NaPO₃)_n.An addition of boric acid to the refractories using the MgSO₄,·7H₂O bonding agent helps to strengthen the refractories in the 500–900°C interval; at a higher temperature the refractories with the magnesium sulfate plus boric acid bonding have no advantages in their strength properties over the articles with the magnesium sulfate bonding agent only.The magnesite-chromite articles with the chemical bonding agent have better strength in the 1000–1400°C interval than the magnesite articles. This is explained by the spinelformation reactions which occur at these temperatures.On the basis of these studies (NaPO₃)_n and also MgSO₄,· 7H₂O with an addition of H₃BO₃ can be recommended as chemical bonding agents for unfired magnesite-chromite refractories.Translated from Ogneupory, No. 1, pp. 48–52, January, 1979.     

Slag resistance of vibration-cast refractory concretes with an aluminosiliceous composition

The slag resistance of refractory concretes prepared from mechanically activated aluminosiliceous binding suspensions is investigated. The composition of the binding part of vibration-cast refractory mixtures strongly affects their slag resistance. A good effect is obtained by introducing finely milled corundum-, zircon- and chromium-containing additives. The concretes were tested in the lining of a heating well and in the lining of the doors of the charging gates of open-hearth furnaces.Translated from Ogneupory, No. 2, pp. 28 – 30, February, 1996.     

Lamellar thickening behaviour of nylon-6,6 crystal by annealing

Nylon-6,6 — a typical polyamide — was annealed in the swollen state in glycerol to promote the partial melting of the polymer crystal. The recrystallization or lamellar thickening of nylon-6,6 crystal following partial melting was easily induced by this annealing, and the lamellar thickness of the crystal increased stepwise by $\text{1}\text{2}$ monomer unit length with increasing annealing temperature or annealing time. In addition, another distinct layer-thickening mechanism was observed which led to approximately doubling (and frequently quadrupling) the straight stem length of the lamellar crystal for all samples annealed under adequate conditions. New melting endotherms corresponding to these layer thicknesses (range of long spacings 140–180Å) were obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.) at temperatures ranging from 270° to 282°C. The mechanism of lamellar thickening is discussed with reference to the experimental results.     

Simulation of catalytic fluidized bed reactors by a transient axial dispersion model with invariant physical properties and nonlinear chemical reactions

This paper presents a transient axial dispersion model for an isothermal, catalytic fluidized bed reactor, which is frequently employed in synthetic production processes including coal gasification and liquefaction. A non-linear chemical reaction is considered to occur in the reactor. This model of a fluidized bed reactor takes into account the axial dispersion in the three phases, bubble, cloud-wake and emulsion. The physical properties along the axial coordinate are invariant in the model. Transient characteristics of the gas reactant, and the length of the transient period have been examined based on the model. The model compares favorably with experimental data in the steady state condition.     

A comprehensive study on co2-interphase mass transfer in vertical cocurrent and countercurrent gas-liquid flow

Cocurrent and countercurrent absorption and desorption of CO₂ in water was investigated in tall bubble columns (length 440 and 720 cm, diameter 15 and 20 cm, respectively). Operating conditions were applied which provided for high interphase mass transfer rates. Under these circumstances the relative gas holdup varies considerably with axial position whereas the mean bubble diameter measured at two points was found to be approximately constant. The measured data permit the calculation of local values of interfacial areas, superficial gas velocities, and frequency factors for bubble coalescence and break up. A dispersion model which takes into account the hydrostatic head and a variable gas velocity was applied to describe the measured concentration profiles in both phases. If increased mass transfer coefficients at the column bottom and measured local values of the hold up were used a striking agreement between experimental and predicted profiles could be obtained. The findings lead to a more sophisticated picture of the complex behaviour of gas-liquid dispersions at high interphase mass transfer rates.     

Transient behaviour of encapsulated enzyme reactor systems

Mathematical models are developed for the transient behaviour of encapsulated enzyme reactor systems such as the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and the packed bed tubular reactor. The rate processes taking place in the encapsulated enzyme bed are approximated by using a combined rate control model of enzyme reaction and membrane diffusion. The change in transient substrate concentration is obtained by using the developed rate expression in the material balance over the substrate as a function of time for the CSTR and as a function of time and position for the packed bed tubular reactor. The effects of various parameters such as the enzymic reaction rate constant, Michaelis constant, diffusional resistance of membranes, and Peclet number on the substrate concentration distribution, which varies with respect to operating time, are investigated. This study affords insight into the transient operating characteristics of the encapsulated enzyme reactor system. The results should be useful in understanding the start-up performance of the reactor systems and to control such reactor systems at desired operating conditions.