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Design and Characterization of a Continuous Melt Milling Process Tailoring Submicron Drug Particles
Energy-Efficient Production of Microchloropsis salina Biomass with High CO₂ Fixation Yield in Open Thin-Layer Cascade Photobioreactors

Journal Description

Processes

Processes is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on processes/systems in chemistry, biology, material, energy, environment, food, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, automation control, catalysis, separation, particle and allied engineering fields published monthly online by MDPI. The Systems and Control Division of the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (CSChE S&C Division) and the Brazilian Association of Chemical Engineering (ABEQ) are affiliated with Processes and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges. Please visit Society Collaborations for more details.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Ei Compendex, Inspec, AGRIS, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Engineering, Chemical) / CiteScore - Q2 (Chemical Engineering (miscellaneous))
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Impact Factor: 2.8 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.0 (2023)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2227-9717

Latest Articles

19 pages, 700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fault Diagnosis of an Excitation System Using a Fuzzy Neural Network Optimized by a Novel Adaptive Grey Wolf Optimizer

by Xinghe Fu, Dingyu Guo, Kai Hou, Hongchao Zhu, Wu Chen and Da Xu

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2032; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092032 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

As the excitation system is the core control component of a synchronous condenser system, its fault diagnosis is crucial for maximizing the reactive power compensation capability of the synchronous condenser. To achieve accurate diagnosis of excitation system faults, this paper proposes a novel [...] Read more.

As the excitation system is the core control component of a synchronous condenser system, its fault diagnosis is crucial for maximizing the reactive power compensation capability of the synchronous condenser. To achieve accurate diagnosis of excitation system faults, this paper proposes a novel adaptive grey wolf optimizer (AGWO) to optimize the initial weights and biases of the fuzzy neural network (FNN), thereby enhancing the diagnostic performance of the FNN model. Firstly, an improved nonlinear convergence factor is introduced to balance the algorithm’s global exploration and local exploitation capabilities. Secondly, a new adaptive position update strategy that enhances the interaction capability of the position information is proposed to improve the algorithm’s ability to jump out of the local optimum and accelerate the convergence speed. In addition, it is demonstrated that the proposed AGWO algorithm has global convergence. By selecting real fault waveforms of the excitation system for case validation, the results show that the proposed AGWO has a better convergence performance compared to the grey wolf optimizer (GWO), particle swarm optimization (PSO), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and marine predator algorithm (MPA). Specifically, compared to the FNN and GWO-FNN models, the AGWO-FNN model improves average diagnostic accuracy on the test set by 4.2% and 2.5%, respectively. Therefore, the proposed AGWO-FNN effectively enhances the accuracy of fault diagnosis in the excitation system and exhibits stronger diagnostic capability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Drive Systems: Control Technology, Fault Diagnosis and Fault Tolerance)

13 pages, 3240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mass Transfer Kinetics of Volatile Organic Compound Desorption from a Novel Adsorbent

by Jiale Zheng, Chuanruo Yang, Ming Xue, Xingchun Li and Xinglei Zhao

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2031; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092031 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

The adsorption isotherms and intraparticle mass transfer coefficients of a novel adsorbent with various VOCs at different temperatures during the desorption process are investigated. Firstly, the adsorption isotherms of an HCP-5 adsorbent with o-xylene and ethyl acetate systems were determined at temperatures ranging [...] Read more.

The adsorption isotherms and intraparticle mass transfer coefficients of a novel adsorbent with various VOCs at different temperatures during the desorption process are investigated. Firstly, the adsorption isotherms of an HCP-5 adsorbent with o-xylene and ethyl acetate systems were determined at temperatures ranging from 30 to 160 °C, and the data were fitted using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation. Subsequently, a mathematical model for the fixed-bed desorption breakthrough of VOCs was established. By combining with fixed-bed desorption breakthrough experiments, the intraparticle mass transfer coefficients of o-xylene and ethyl acetate during the desorption process at different temperatures were obtained through the least squares method. This study revealed that the intraparticle mass transfer coefficients of o-xylene and ethyl acetate during the desorption process were basically equal. The intraparticle mass transfer coefficients increased and then decreased with temperature during the desorption process. Compared with the adsorption process, the contribution of surface diffusion inside the adsorbent pores to intraparticle mass transfer decreased during the desorption process, leading to a significant decrease in the intraparticle mass transfer coefficients, which were approximately one-twentieth of those during the adsorption process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Heat and Mass Transfer Technologies)

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27 pages, 11936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation in Mixed Fine-Grained Sedimentary Rocks and Practice of Volumetric Fracturing Stimulation Techniques

by Hong Mao, Yinghao Shen, Yao Yuan, Kunyu Wu, Lin Xie, Jianhong Huang, Haoting Xing and Youyu Wan

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092030 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Yingxiongling shale oil is considered a critical area for future crude oil production in the Qaidam Basin. However, the unique features of the Yingxiongling area, such as extraordinary thickness, hybrid sedimentary, and extensive reformation, are faced with several challenges, including an unclear understanding [...] Read more.

Yingxiongling shale oil is considered a critical area for future crude oil production in the Qaidam Basin. However, the unique features of the Yingxiongling area, such as extraordinary thickness, hybrid sedimentary, and extensive reformation, are faced with several challenges, including an unclear understanding of the main controlling factors for hydraulic fracturing propagation, difficulties in selecting engineering sweet layers, and difficulties in optimizing the corresponding fracturing schemes, which restrict the effective development of production. This study focuses on mixed fine-grained sedimentary rocks, employing a high-resolution integrated three-dimensional geological-geomechanical model to simulate fracture propagation. By combining laboratory core experiments, a holistic investigation of the controlling factors was conducted, revealing that hydraulic fracture propagation in mixed fine-grained sedimentary rocks is mainly influenced by rock brittleness, natural fractures, stress, varying lithologies, and fracturing parameters. A comprehensive compressibility evaluation standard was established, considering brittleness, stress contrast, and natural fracture density, with weights of 0.3, 0.23, and 0.47. In light of the high brittleness, substantial interlayer stress differences, and localized developing natural microfractures in the Yingxiongling mixed fine-grained sedimentary rock reservoir, this study examined the influence of various construction parameters on the propagation of hydraulic fractures and optimized these parameters accordingly. Based on the practical application in the field, a “three-stage” stimulation strategy was proposed, which involves using high-viscosity fluid in the front to create the main fracture, low-viscosity fluid with sand-laden slugs to create volume fractures, and continuous high-viscosity fluid carried sand to maintain the conductivity of the fracture network. The resulting oil and gas seepage area corresponding to the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) matched the actual well spacing of 500 m, achieving the effect of full utilization. The understanding of the controlling factors for fracture expansion, the compressibility evaluation standard, and the main process technology developed in this study effectively guide the optimization of transformation programs for mixed fine-grained sedimentary rocks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phase Change, Interphase Coupling, and Multiphase Transport in Porous Structures)

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17 pages, 10333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiphysics to Investigate the Thermal and Mechanical Responses in Hard Disk Drive Components Due to the Reflow Soldering Process

by Napatsorn Kimaporn, Chawit Samakkarn and Jatuporn Thongsri

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2029; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092029 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

In hard disk drive (HDD) manufacturing, a reflow soldering process (RSP) implements heat generated by the welding tip to melt a solder ball for bonding the following essential HDD components: a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and a printed circuit cable (PCC). Since the [...] Read more.

In hard disk drive (HDD) manufacturing, a reflow soldering process (RSP) implements heat generated by the welding tip to melt a solder ball for bonding the following essential HDD components: a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and a printed circuit cable (PCC). Since the mentioned components are tiny and comprise many thin material layers, an experiment to study thermal and mechanical responses is complex and not worth it. Therefore, a static state multiphysics consisting of thermal analysis (TA) and structural analysis (SA) was employed to investigate both responses. First, the experiment was established to mimic the RSP, measuring the temperature generated by the actual welding tip. Then, the measured temperature was defined as the boundary conditions with the pressing force (F) for the TA and SA based on the actual operating conditions. As expected, the TA results revealed the temperature distribution in the HDD components, which was consistent with the theory and results from previous work and confirmed this work’s credibility. Significantly, the SA reported severe total deformation (δ) in FPC’s top and bottom ends. The maximum δ was 0.72–0.88 mm for the F of 0–1 N. The stronger the F, the greater the δ. This research highlights that multiphysics can investigate both responses in HDD components as slight as 0.1–100 microns thick, which can be used to develop a high-efficacy RSP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Analysis, Modeling and Simulation in Engineering Processes)

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11 pages, 2249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Energy from Pickled Chili Waste in Microbial Fuel Cells

by Rojas-Flores Segundo, De La Cruz-Noriega Magaly, Nélida Milly Otiniano, Nancy Soto-Deza, Nicole Terrones-Rodriguez, De La Cruz-Cerquin Mayra, Cabanillas-Chirinos Luis and Luis M. Angelats-Silva

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2028; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092028 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

The amount of waste from agriculture has significantly increased in recent decades due to the growing demand for food. Meanwhile, providing electricity to remote areas remains a challenge due to the high installation costs. Single-chamber fuel cells offer a promising solution as they [...] Read more.

The amount of waste from agriculture has significantly increased in recent decades due to the growing demand for food. Meanwhile, providing electricity to remote areas remains a challenge due to the high installation costs. Single-chamber fuel cells offer a promising solution as they can effectively generate electric power and treat organic waste. For this reason, the main objective of this research is to utilize pickled chili waste as fuel in SC-MFCs (single-chamber fuel cells), using carbon and zinc electrodes to assess its potential as a sustainable alternative fuel source. The fuel cells exhibited a maximum electric current and voltage of 5.565 ± 0.182 mA with 0.963 ± 0.033 V of voltage, respectively, with a substrate electrical conductivity of 113.526 ± 6.154 mS/cm with a pH of 6.62 ± 0.42 on the twelfth day. The internal resistance measured was 46.582 ± 6.845 Ω, and the maximum power density reached 148.128 ± 8.914 mW/cm² at a current density of 3.657 A/cm². Additionally, the microorganisms Pseudomonas taiwanensis and Candida parapsilosis were identified with 100% identity in the anode electrode. This study demonstrates that pickled chili residues can successfully generate bioelectricity and light an LED bulb connected to MFCs in series with a voltage of 2.67 V. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural and Industrial Waste Recovery Technology and Process Optimization)

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17 pages, 5128 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solid-State Fermentation-Assisted Extraction of Flavonoids from Grape Pomace Using Co-Cultures

by Arturo Siller-Sánchez, Cristóbal N. Aguilar, Mónica L. Chávez-González, Juan A. Ascacio-Valdés, Deepak Kumar Verma and Miguel Aguilar-González

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2027; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092027 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Eighty percent of grape production is destined for the wine industry, which generates various types of waste, of which grape pomace is the main one, accounting for 50–60% of waste created during processing. This waste could be a promising source of bioactive compounds [...] Read more.

Eighty percent of grape production is destined for the wine industry, which generates various types of waste, of which grape pomace is the main one, accounting for 50–60% of waste created during processing. This waste could be a promising source of bioactive compounds (e.g., flavonoids and tannin), which are known for their antioxidant properties. Although these byproducts pose disposal challenges, they can be utilized as a substrate for solid-state fermentation bioprocess using co-cultures, where different microorganisms can interact and complement each other, improving the efficiency of metabolite production or substrate degradation. This study investigates the extraction of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of the compounds from grape pomace in the solid-state fermentation bioprocess, comparing fungal and yeast monocultures, and then exploring the use of two co-cultures (P. stipites/A. niger GH1 and S. cerevisiae/A. niger) on the flavonoid extractive process. Fermentation kinetics were evaluated over 120 h, with sampling done every 12 h. Initially, yeasts were used to reduce the content of simple sugars in the medium, and fungus was added at 24 h into the process due to its ability to produce a broad spectrum of extracellular enzymes, allowing a higher efficiency in substrate degradation. Competition or antagonism during co-culture leads to significantly higher production of compounds, which are recovered using different solvents. The evaluation included phenolic compounds (total polyphenols, condensed tannins, and total flavonoids), antioxidant activity (DPPH●/FRAP), molecular characterization (HPLC-MS), and structural microscopy during the bioprocess. The highest titers obtained were 62.46 g/L for total flavonoids and 32.04 g/L for condensed tannins, using acetone as the solvent in co-culture with P. stipitis after 120 h of fermentation. Characterization identified 38 compounds, highlighting families of flavonols, hydroxybenzoic acids, and hydroxycinnamic acids. The co-culture of P. stipitis and A. niger GH1 significantly improved the extraction yield of bioactive compounds through solid-state fermentation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Extraction Processes of Biotechnological Drugs of Plant Origin)

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1 pages, 120 KiB

Open AccessRetraction

RETRACTED: Wang et al. Power Cable Status Evaluation Method Based on Electrical Tree Growth and Data Association Rules. Processes 2023, 11, 2900

by Leixiong Wang, Bo Wang, Hengrui Ma, Jiaxing Zhang, Yifan He, Hongxia Wang and Hanqi Zhang

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2026; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092026 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

The journal retracts the article titled “Power Cable Status Evaluation Method Based on Electrical Tree Growth and Data Association Rules” [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)

15 pages, 6449 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Application of Wood Biowaste Chemically Modified by Bi₂O₃ as a Sorbent Material for Wastewater Treatment

by Nena Velinov, Miljana Radović Vučić, Ivan Jerman, Dragana Marković Nikolić, Goran Nikolić, Danijela Bojić and Aleksandar Bojić

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2025; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092025 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Textile dyes discharged into aquatic systems can have significant environmental impacts, causing water pollution and toxicity to aquatic life, and constituting a human health risk. To manage these effects, the sorption ability of wood biowaste chemically modified by Bi₂O₃ for [...] Read more.

Textile dyes discharged into aquatic systems can have significant environmental impacts, causing water pollution and toxicity to aquatic life, and constituting a human health risk. To manage these effects, the sorption ability of wood biowaste chemically modified by Bi₂O₃ for textile dye removal was investigated. Sorbent characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy, and elemental analysis by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method for the specific surface area, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR). The optimization of the sorption process was carried out, and optimal parameters, such as contact time, pH, the dose of sorbent, the concentration of dye, and temperature, were defined. Also, desorption studies were conducted. Kinetics and isotherms studies were carried out, and the data fits to a pseudo-second order model (r² ≥ 0.99) and Langmuir model (r² ≥ 0.99), indicating that the process occurs in the monolayer form and the dye sorption depends on the active sites of the sorbent surface. The maximal sorption capacity of the sorbent was 434.75 mg/g. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Adsorbent Materials for Wastewater Treatment)

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13 pages, 6387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of CO₂ Adsorption on Modified Activated Carbons Derived from Okara Powder Waste: Impacts of Ammonia Impregnation

by Tuan-Dung Hoang, Yan Liu and Minh Thang Le

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2024; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092024 - 20 Sep 2024

The activated carbons (ACs) derived from okara powder waste with high surface areas were modified with ammonia aqueous solution impregnation in an autoclave to enhance their CO₂ adsorption properties. The impregnated ACs were characterized, where the chemical composition and properties of the [...] Read more.

The activated carbons (ACs) derived from okara powder waste with high surface areas were modified with ammonia aqueous solution impregnation in an autoclave to enhance their CO₂ adsorption properties. The impregnated ACs were characterized, where the chemical composition and properties of the ACs were analyzed by SEM-EDX and FTIR. Activated carbons were functionalized with ammonia aqueous solution (25%) through a hydrothermal process within 24, 48, and 72 h. The adsorption performance of CO₂ onto carbon samples was experimentally evaluated through a TPD CO₂ measurement. FTIR spectra confirm the N-containing in N-modified activated carbons and the presence of the –C=O stretch and N-H groups. CO₂ uptakes of activated carbons are 0.24; 1.78; 2.24; and 1.26 mmol/g, which are relatively comparable with those of activated carbons studied in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Biochar in Environmental Research)

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26 pages, 4366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

G20 Countries and Sustainable Development: Do They Live up to Their Promises on CO₂ Emissions?

by Rafael Freitas Souza, Henrique Camano Rodrigues Cal, Fabiano Guasti Lima, Hamilton Luiz Corrêa, Francisco Lledo Santos and Rodrigo Bruno Zanin

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2023; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092023 (registering DOI) - 19 Sep 2024

The aim of this study was to analyze and measure idiosyncratic differences in CO₂ emission trends over time and between the different geographical contexts of the G20 signatory countries and to assess whether these countries are fulfilling their carbon emission reduction commitments, [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to analyze and measure idiosyncratic differences in CO₂ emission trends over time and between the different geographical contexts of the G20 signatory countries and to assess whether these countries are fulfilling their carbon emission reduction commitments, as stipulated in the G20 sustainable development agendas. To this end, a multilevel mixed-effects model was used, considering CO₂ emissions data from 1950 to 2021 sourced from the World Bank. The research model captured approximately 93.05% of the joint variance in the data and showed (i) a positive relationship between the increase in CO₂ emissions and the creation of the G20 [CI90: +0.0080; + 0.1317]; (ii) that every year, CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere are increased by an average of 0.0165 [CI95: +0.0009; +0.0321] billion tons by the G20 countries; (iii) that only Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have demonstrated a commitment to CO₂ emissions reduction, showing a decreasing rate of CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere; and (iv) that there seems to be a mismatch between the speed at which the G20 proposes climate policies and the speed at which these countries emit CO₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Modern Carbon-Negative Technologies for CO₂ Capture)

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44 pages, 8150 KiB

Open AccessReview

Theories, Techniques and Materials for Sealing Coalbed Methane Extraction Boreholes in Underground Mines: A Review

by Ruiqing Bi, Miaomiao Guo, Shuai Wang, Yunguang Zhang, Xiaopeng Si, Xuexi Chen and Liang Zhang

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2022; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092022 - 19 Sep 2024

To further enhance the intelligent technology, platformisation, and systematisation of coalbed methane extraction sealing technology, this paper analyses the research progress of theories, technologies, and sealing materials related to coalbed methane extraction sealing and systematically summarises the latest achievements of the basic theories, [...] Read more.

To further enhance the intelligent technology, platformisation, and systematisation of coalbed methane extraction sealing technology, this paper analyses the research progress of theories, technologies, and sealing materials related to coalbed methane extraction sealing and systematically summarises the latest achievements of the basic theories, key technologies, and sealing materials of coalbed methane extraction. Considering the increasing mining depth, advancements in intelligent technology, and the evolving landscape of coalbed methane development, it is particularly important to establish a more comprehensive coalbed methane extraction borehole sealing system. Based on this, future development trends and research prospects are proposed: In terms of coalbed-methane-extraction-related theories, there should be a stronger focus on fundamental research such as on gas flow within the coal matrix. For coalbed methane extraction borehole sealing technologies and devices, efforts should be made to enhance research on intelligent, platform-based, and systematic approaches, while adapting to the application of directional long borehole sealing processes. In terms of coalbed methane extraction borehole leakage detection, non-contact measurement and non-destructive monitoring methods should be employed to achieve dynamic monitoring and early warning of methane leaks, integrating these technologies into coalbed methane extraction system platforms. For coalbed methane extraction borehole sealing materials, further development is needed for liquid sealing materials that address borehole creep and the development of fractures in surrounding rock, as well as solid sealing materials with Poisson’s ratios similar to that of the surrounding rock mass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring, Process Control, Simulation, and Optimization in Coal Mining)

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17 pages, 1926 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Plasticizers Concentration on Thermal, Mechanical, and Physicochemical Properties on Starch Films

by Elena-Emilia Sirbu, Alin Dinita, Maria Tănase, Alexandra-Ileana Portoacă, Andreea Bondarev, Cristina-Emanuela Enascuta and Catalina Calin

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2021; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092021 - 19 Sep 2024

The increasing demand for sustainable packaging materials has driven the exploration of biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastics. This study investigates the thermal and mechanical properties of starch-based films plasticized with varying concentrations of glycerol and sorbitol. Cornstarch films were prepared with glycerol and [...] Read more.

The increasing demand for sustainable packaging materials has driven the exploration of biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastics. This study investigates the thermal and mechanical properties of starch-based films plasticized with varying concentrations of glycerol and sorbitol. Cornstarch films were prepared with glycerol and sorbitol plasticizers in different ratios, and their physical characteristics, including swelling index, water solubility, and thermal stability, were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile testing. The results indicate that the incorporation of plasticizers significantly influenced the films’ properties. Films with higher glycerol content exhibited greater flexibility and solubility, while sorbitol-plasticized films showed enhanced thermal stability. The combination of both plasticizers yielded films with balanced properties suitable for food packaging applications. This study demonstrates the potential of glycerol and sorbitol as effective plasticizers in developing biodegradable starch-based films, offering a promising alternative to conventional plastic packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Features, Reviews and Perspectives for the 10th Anniversary of Processes)

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19 pages, 3479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Multi-Parameter Optimization of Conical Roller Line Processing Technology Based on Satisfaction Function

by Zhiguo Wang, Yecheng Xi and Xinhua Xiao

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2020; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092020 - 19 Sep 2024

In the process of conical roller line processing, there will be problems such as low precision of processing parameters, long processing time, low utilization rate of machine tools, high rejection rate, and high processing cost, which will lead to low production efficiency. In [...] Read more.

In the process of conical roller line processing, there will be problems such as low precision of processing parameters, long processing time, low utilization rate of machine tools, high rejection rate, and high processing cost, which will lead to low production efficiency. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to iteratively optimize the size parameters, including inner diameter, ovality, and taper. By obtaining the optimal parameter combination, the size parameters in the production process are kept consistent, that is, the accuracy and performance of the workpiece during the processing are guaranteed so as to avoid the problem of quality difference, improve the production efficiency and reduce the processing cost. In view of the fact that there are often some constraints on the accuracy and efficiency in the machining process of tapered roller lines, how to optimize the parameters affecting the accuracy and the parameters affecting the efficiency to achieve balance between accuracy and efficiency in order to better meet the needs of customers for multi-objective optimization of the machining process has become the focus of research. Based on the existing research, this paper explores the multi-parameter optimization modeling and application in the machining process of tapered roller lines by constructing a satisfaction function, and then uses a genetic algorithm to iteratively search for the optimal solution by simulating natural selection and the genetic mechanism. Based on Python software v3.12, the production process of tapered roller bearings is simulated. The AHP analytic hierarchy process and CRITIC weight method are used to redistribute the parameter weights respectively. After eight iterations, it is concluded that the weight value assigned by the AHP analytic hierarchy process makes the satisfaction function value reach the best value of 0.99795 and tend to converge stably. The optimized parameter configuration significantly improves the machining accuracy and production efficiency of the tapered roller line. The optimal parameter combination is obtained: inner diameter: 9.9982 mm, ovality: 0.7 mm, taper: 0.5 degrees, production efficiency: 101.0.97 piece/h. In order to verify the optimization effect, the single value (X) and moving extreme difference (R_s) control charts in the measurement value control chart are used to analyze and verify the tolerance values of important parameters in the processing technology of the tapered roller line. The results show that the data points are all within the control limit, indicating that the processing process is in a statistical control state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)

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14 pages, 8716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tailoring the Surface of Sintered Magnesia–Chromia Catalyst with a Sol–Gel Auto-Combustion Technique

by Thirukumaran Periyasamy, Shakila Parveen Asrafali and Jaewoong Lee

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2019; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092019 - 19 Sep 2024

The research presented in this work explores two methods for synthesizing supported metal catalysts: wet impregnation method (IM) and sol–gel auto-combustion method (AC). These techniques were used to create a series of magnesium oxide (MgO)-based materials, including pure MgO and MgO-supported chromia catalysts, [...] Read more.

The research presented in this work explores two methods for synthesizing supported metal catalysts: wet impregnation method (IM) and sol–gel auto-combustion method (AC). These techniques were used to create a series of magnesium oxide (MgO)-based materials, including pure MgO and MgO-supported chromia catalysts, CrMgX, varying the weight percentage of chromium. The specific materials synthesized are unmodified MgO; MgO loaded with 1, 3, and 5 wt% CrO₃ via impregnation; and counterparts prepared with the same loadings using Cr (NO₃)₃ via sol–gel auto-combustion method. After synthesis, various characterization techniques were utilized to analyze the samples comprehensively. These methods encompass FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and BET surface area analysis. The investigation revealed a clear distinction between the two synthesis methods. While the impregnation method resulted in a greater degree of interaction between the metal oxides, the sol–gel auto-combustion approach yielded materials with superior textural and morphological properties. Significantly, the BET analysis demonstrated that all the MgO and CrMgX catalysts possessed high surface areas. In particular, the CrMg 3 (AC) catalysts synthesized via sol–gel auto-combustion exhibited an exceptional surface area of 72 m² g⁻¹, which is the highest value reported for such materials in the existing literature. This remarkable surface area directly translates to enhanced catalytic activity, making these materials strong contenders for various industrial applications. The research effectively highlights the potential of sol–gel auto-combustion as a method for producing catalysts with outstanding textural properties, a crucial factor for developing high-performance catalysts for industrial processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interfacial Structure-Mediated Controllable Adhesion and Assembly)

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18 pages, 6286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Gas Production Characteristics of No. 3 Coal Seam Coalbed Methane Well in the Zhengbei Block and the Optimization of Favorable Development Areas

by Cong Zhang, Qiujia Hu, Chunchun Liu, Huimin Jia, Guangjie Sang, Dingquan Wu, Kexin Li and Qian Wang

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2018; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092018 - 19 Sep 2024

The characteristics and influencing factors of gas production in CBM wells are analyzed based on the field geological data and the productivity data of coalbed methane (CBM) wells in the Zhengbei block, and then the favorable areas are divided. The results show that [...] Read more.

The characteristics and influencing factors of gas production in CBM wells are analyzed based on the field geological data and the productivity data of coalbed methane (CBM) wells in the Zhengbei block, and then the favorable areas are divided. The results show that the average gas production of No. 3 coal seam CBM wells in the study area is in the range of 0~1793 m³/d, with an average of 250.97 m³/d; 80% of the wells are less than 500 m³/d, and there are fewer wells above 1000 m³/d. The average gas production is positively correlated with gas content, critical desorption pressure, permeability, Young’s modulus, and Schlumberger ratio, and negatively correlated with fracture index, fault fractal dimension, Poisson’s ratio, and horizontal stress difference coefficient. The relationship between coal seam thickness and the minimum horizontal principal stress is not strong. The low-yield wells have the characteristics of multiple pump-stopping disturbances, unstable casing pressure control, overly rapid pressure reduction in the single-phase flow stage, sand and pulverized coal production, and high-yield water in the later stage during the drainage process. It may be caused by the small difference in compressive strength between the roof and floor and the coal seam, and the small difference in the Young’s modulus of the floor. The difference between the two high-yield wells is large, and the fracturing cracks are easily controlled in the coal seam and extend along the level. The production control factors from strong to weak are as follows: critical desorption pressure, permeability, Schlumberger ratio, fault fractal dimension, Young’s modulus, horizontal stress difference coefficient, minimum horizontal principal stress, gas content, Poisson’s ratio, fracture index, coal seam thickness. The type I development unit (development of favorable areas) of the Zhengbei block is interspersed with the north and south of the block on the plane, and the III development unit is mainly located in the east of the block and near the Z-56 well. The comprehensive index has a significant positive correlation with the gas production, and the prediction results are accurate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Enhancing Unconventional Oil/Gas Recovery, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 5383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Equivalent Density Tool and Depressurisation Mechanism of Suction-Type Depressurisation Cycle

by Meipeng Ren, Xingquan Zhang, Renjun Xie, Junyan Wang, Zhaopeng Zhu, Xuebin Cheng and Liangbin Dou

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2017; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092017 - 19 Sep 2024

In order to further regulate equivalent circulating density (ECD), a novel downhole apparatus for reducing circulating pressure in high-temperature and high-pressure wells, the suction-type ECD reduction tool, was devised. The utilisation of this tool enables the bottomhole pressure of the equivalent circulating density [...] Read more.

In order to further regulate equivalent circulating density (ECD), a novel downhole apparatus for reducing circulating pressure in high-temperature and high-pressure wells, the suction-type ECD reduction tool, was devised. The utilisation of this tool enables the bottomhole pressure of the equivalent circulating density to be attained in close proximity to its hydrostatic pressure, thereby facilitating the attainment of deeper drilling depths. The tool is composed primarily of a screw motor, scroll blades, annular seals, universal joints, and drilling columns. The tool operates by utilising the suction effect and hydraulic energy extracted from the circulating fluid by the screw motor, which is then converted into mechanical energy to create suction and enhance the flow energy of the drilling fluid within the annulus at the bottom of the well, thereby reducing the equivalent circulating density. Furthermore, based on ANSYS-FLUENT analysis simulations, the alteration of pressure drop characteristics in response to varying drilling fluid densities, displacements, and tool sizes was modelled. The simulation results demonstrate that the pressure drop effect is 1.0 MPa when the drilling fluid density is 1.2 g/cm³, 1.7 MPa when the drilling fluid density is 1.5 g/cm³, and 1.9 MPa when the drilling fluid density is 1.8 g/cm³. A pressure drop of approximately 2.3 MPa was observed when the drilling fluid density was 2.0 g/cm³. The maximum pressure drop is achievable with a flow rate ranging from 1500 to 2500 L/min. A maximum pressure drop of 2.3 MPa is observed when the flow rate is within the range of 1500 to 2500 L/min. Two distinct viscosity values (0.02 and 0.06 kg/(m·s)) were employed to assess the impact of viscosity on pressure drop characteristics in a suction-type ECD tool. The results demonstrated that the pressure drop remained largely unaltered, indicating that viscosity had minimal influence on this parameter. The flow rate emerged as the primary factor affecting pressure drop, with viscosity exerting a relatively minor effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)

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9 pages, 1093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Drying Methods on the Antioxidant Capacity and Bioactive and Phenolic Constituents in the Aerial Parts of Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) Grown Naturally in the Taurus Mountains in the Mediterranean Region

by Fahad AlJuhaimi, Isam A. Mohamed Ahmed, Mehmet Musa Özcan, Nurhan Uslu and Emad Karrar

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2016; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092016 - 19 Sep 2024

This research revealed the effect of drying processes on the bioactive properties of marjoram leaves. The total carotenoid content in marjoram leaves ranged between 60.96 µg/g (fresh) and 189.78 µg/g (oven-dried), whereas the total flavonoid content ranged between 949.33 mg CE/100 g (control) [...] Read more.

This research revealed the effect of drying processes on the bioactive properties of marjoram leaves. The total carotenoid content in marjoram leaves ranged between 60.96 µg/g (fresh) and 189.78 µg/g (oven-dried), whereas the total flavonoid content ranged between 949.33 mg CE/100 g (control) and 16,958.59 mg CE/100 g (oven-dried). The total phenolic amounts in marjoram leaves were between 259.17 mg GAE/100 g (fresh) and 1264.17 mg GAE/100 g (oven-dried), while the antioxidant activity values were between 45.23% (fresh) and 77.29% (oven-dried). The 1,2-dihydroxybenzene and (+)-catechin amounts in marjoram leaves were between 19.54 (microwave-dried) and 165.26 (oven-dried) to 20.97 (fresh) and 46.99 mg/100 g (oven-dried), respectively. The kaempferol content in the marjoram plant was specified between 11.45 mg/100 g (fresh) and 43.05 mg/100 g (oven-dried). In general, the quantities of phenolic constituents in the marjoram leaves dried in both drying systems increased compared with fresh samples (except 1,2-dihydroxybenzene, p-coumaric acid, and resveratrol in the microwave-dried samples). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Extraction Processes of Biotechnological Drugs of Plant Origin)

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25 pages, 13281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dilation Potential Analysis of Low-Permeability Sandstone Reservoir under Water Injection in the West Oilfield of the South China Sea

by Huan Chen, Yanfeng Cao, Jifei Yu, Yingwen Ma, Yanfang Gao, Shaowei Wu, Hui Yuan, Minghua Zou, Dengke Li, Xinjiang Yan and Jianlin Peng

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2015; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092015 - 19 Sep 2024

At present, many offshore oil fields are facing problems, such as pollution-induced near-well zone blockage, poor inter-well connectivity, and strong vertical heterogeneity, which lead to insufficient formation energy and low production in the middle and late stages of development. It is necessary to [...] Read more.

At present, many offshore oil fields are facing problems, such as pollution-induced near-well zone blockage, poor inter-well connectivity, and strong vertical heterogeneity, which lead to insufficient formation energy and low production in the middle and late stages of development. It is necessary to develop a new technology to overcome these issues. In this regard, water-injection-induced dilation technology, which was already proven to have positive effects on loose sandstone reservoirs, was controversially applied to an offshore low-permeability reservoir. To investigate whether the water-injection-induced dilation technology is suitable, experiments were conducted to analyze the dilation potential of offshore low-permeability sandstone reservoirs, namely, X-ray diffraction, laser particle size analysis, physical simulation, computed tomography scan, and electron microscope scanning experiments. The X-ray diffraction experiments showed that the samples had more than 80% non-clay mineral content and a high brittleness index, which meant more complex microfractures under water injection. Particle size analysis experiments revealed that the particle size was mainly between 10 μm and 100 μm, and thus belonged to coarse silty sand. According to the sorting grade, the sample particle size distribution was uniform and the reservoir was more prone to dilation. The true triaxial physical simulation showed that a volumetric dilation zone occurred around the wellbore, where complicated microfractures occurred. This paper provides adequate evidence and mechanisms of dilation potential for an offshore low-permeability sandstone reservoir. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phase Change, Interphase Coupling, and Multiphase Transport in Porous Structures)

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13 pages, 2606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Catalytic Potential-Guided Design of Multi-Enzymatic System for DHA Production from Glycerol

by Carolina Fernández-Pizarro, Lorena Wilson and Oscar Romero

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2014; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092014 - 19 Sep 2024

The growing demand for sustainable chemical production has spurred significant interest in biocatalysis. This study is framed within the biocatalytic production of 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA) from glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel manufacturing. The main goal of this study is to address the challenge of [...] Read more.

The growing demand for sustainable chemical production has spurred significant interest in biocatalysis. This study is framed within the biocatalytic production of 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (DHA) from glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel manufacturing. The main goal of this study is to address the challenge of identifying the optimal operating conditions. To achieve this, catalytic potential, a lumped parameter that considers both the activity and stability of immobilized biocatalysts, was used to guide the design of a multi-enzymatic system. The multi-enzymatic system comprises glycerol dehydrogenase (GlyDH) and NADH oxidase (NOX). The enzymatic oxidation of glycerol to DHA catalyzed by GlyDH requires the cofactor NAD+. The integration of NOX into a one-pot reactor allows for the in situ regeneration of NAD+, enhancing the overall efficiency of the process. Furthermore, immobilization on Ni⁺² agarose chelated supports, combined with post-immobilization modifications (glutaraldehyde crosslinking for GlyDH), significantly improved the stability and activity of both enzymes. The catalytic potential enabled the identification of the optimal operating conditions, which were 30 °C and pH 7.5, favoring NOX stability. This work establishes a framework for the rational design and optimization of multi-enzymatic systems. It highlights the crucial interplay between individual enzyme properties and process conditions to achieve efficient and sustainable biocatalytic transformations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Enzymes in Sustainable Biocatalysis)

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1 pages, 135 KiB

Open AccessRetraction

RETRACTED: Wan Basri et al. A Sugarcane-Bagasse-Based Adsorbent Employed for Mitigating Eutrophication Threats and Producing Biodiesel Simultaneously. Processes 2019, 7, 572

by Wan Nurain Farahah Wan Basri, Hanita Daud, Man Kee Lam, Chin Kui Cheng, Wen Da Oh, Wen Nee Tan, Maizatul Shima Shaharun, Yin Fong Yeong, Ujang Paman, Katsuki Kusakabe, Evizal Abdul Kadir, Pau Loke Show and Jun Wei Lim

Processes 2024, 12(9), 2013; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12092013 - 19 Sep 2024

The journal retracts the article titled “A Sugarcane-Bagasse-Based Adsorbent Employed for Mitigating Eutrophication Threats and Producing Biodiesel Simultaneously” [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Green Processes)

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