Stochastic modeling of segregation in a motionless mixer

The mixing of particles with different characteristics is generally accompanied by segregation which prevents the particles from attaining the randomly mixed state. A discrete steady-state Markov chain model was employed to model the axial segregation of solid particles in a motionless mixer. Three systems containing particles of different sizes and/or densities were studied. One step transition probabilities of the model were experimentally determined. The model can predict the concentration profiles, the degrees of mixedness, and the equilibrium states of these particle systems blended by passing the particles through a motionless mixer. Experimental results are in good agreement with those predicted from the model.     

Optimal synthesis of process systems Necessary condition for optimal system and its use in synthesis of systems

The necessary condition for the optimal process system structure which includes both the optimal interconnection and optimal design of processing units is derived in terms of the structural parameters. The structural parameters are essentially splitting factors of process streams connecting processing units. The necessary condition requires the structural parameters and the design vectors to satisfy the weak maximum condition of the Hamiltonian type scalar functions. On the basis of the condition, a search method, evolutionary search for optimal structure (ESOS), for attaining the optimal structure starting from a simple structure is developed and its convergence is proved. An example of synthesizing a reactor-separator system illustrates its use.     

Multivariate statistical analysis of solids mixing

The applicability of multivariate statistics to the analysis of mixing processes and mixtures of multicomponent solid particles in a drum mixer has been successfully demonstrated. The applications include (1) test of sampling techniques, (2) test of the completely random state, (3) test of the completely segregated state, and (4) definition of a mixing index for a multicomponent mixture.     

The Direct Synthesis of β-hydroxy-acids by Lithium Naphthalene and Acetic Acid

Lithium naphthalene reacts with acetic acid to give α-anion of lithium acetate. The reaction of this anion with various ketones gives the corresponding β-hydroxy-acids in good yield.     

Methodology to resolve the transport equation with the discrete ordinates code TORT into the IPEN/MB-01 reactor

Resolution of the steady-state Neutron Transport Equation in a nuclear pool reactor is usually achieved by means of two different numerical methods: Monte Carlo (stochastic) and Discrete Ordinates (deterministic). The Discrete Ordinates method solves the Neutron Transport Equation for a set of selected directions, obtaining a set of directional equations and solutions for each equation which are the angular flux. In order to deal with the energy dependence, an energy multi-group approximation is commonly performed, obtaining a set of equations depending on the number of energy groups. In addition, spatial discretization is also required and the problem is solved by sweeping the geometry mesh. However, special cross-sections are required due to the energy and directional discretization, thus a methodology based on NJOY99 code capabilities has been used. Finally, in order to demonstrate the capability of this method, the 3D discrete ordinates code TORT has been applied to resolve the IPEN/MB-01 reactor.