Applied Chemical Engineering

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of trinary power plants, focusing on the efficiency of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) configurations and regenerative heating methods. Despite advancements in nuclear and renewable energy, fossil fuels still dominate electricity generation, necessitating improved efficiency in existing power plants. The study reveals that low-pressure mixing-type heaters provide higher efficiency compared to surface heaters, with net efficiencies of 0.099%, 0.227%, and 0.425% at deaerator pressures of 0.12, 0.3, and 0.7 MPa, respectively. The analysis highlights the impact of feedwater temperature on the thermal efficiency of steam turbine units (STUs), noting that while optimal feedwater temperatures enhance efficiency, they can reduce STU capacity. The study identifies configurations for regenerative heating that optimize exhaust gas temperatures, facilitating additional electricity production through a low-boiling working fluid in the ORC. The findings indicate that R245fa refrigerant is optimal for ORC without recuperative heater, achieving maximum net power at a feedwater temperature of 115°C. For ORC with a recuperative heater, R236ea is preferred for temperatures between 115°C and 154.5°C, while R245fa is optimal for higher temperatures. The results also demonstrate that trinary power plants with recuperators achieve greater efficiency and net capacity compared to double-circuit systems, with notable improvements in thermal efficiency attributed to effective regeneration schemes. This research underscores the potential for optimizing existing domestic power units to enhance their efficiency and performance without significant financial or technical burden, thereby contributing to more sustainable energy generation.

Abstract This research brings in the advancement of sustainable, high-performance engineering solutions where catalytic surface coatings are pursued to integrate with fused deposition modeling printed sustainable materials. The work is centered on optimization of catalytic coatings for higher efficiency and durability, which is innovatively linked with the advance chemical engineering. In probing the influence of different catalytic materials and deposition methods on FDM-printed substrates, we applied advanced surface functionalization, nano-engineering, and computational modeling techniques. Among other elements, this research approach utilized ANN with PSO algorithms in optimizing the parametric setting that best yielded high catalytic performance. The results obtained show considerable improvements in catalytic activity and the coating's lifetime, promising such applications in energy, environmental, and chemical industries. This study not only draws attention to the potential of FDM-printed sustainable materials but also demonstrates the potential of chemical engineering innovations for optimizing catalytic surface coatings toward the development of high-performance, sustainable technologies.

Abstract The first observation of an inverse nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) echo in the laboratory coordinate system was recorded in cobalt nanofilms utilizing a nanosecond-scale magnetic video-pulse. This study extends that work by investigating a similar phenomenon, this time within the rotating coordinate frame in cobalt micropowders and nanowires. The nuclear spin system’s response within the domain walls of these cobalt structures was analyzed under the combined influence of radio-frequency (RF) fields and a microsecond magnetic video-pulse. As a result, an echo signal analogous to an inversion echo in a rotating coordinate system was produced. The amplitude of the magnetic video-pulse required to generate this echo signal serves as an estimate of the domain wall pinning strength in the micropowders and nanowires. Additionally, this paper discusses the unique electroless synthesis method for cobalt nanowires within an external magnetic field utilized in this research. The experimental findings on domain wall pinning forces in these systems are presented, with potential applications including advances in logic and memory devices, sensors, rare earth magnets, medical hyperthermia, and beyond.

Abstract The demand for the development of sustainable manufacturing processes is enhanced by the necessity to optimize polymer composites, particularly in the context of fused deposition modeling (FDM). This research aims to enhance sustainable polymer composites to improve the surface metamorphosis during FDM processes. Various eco-friendly polymer matrices were integrated with novel composite reinforcements to evaluate their impact on surface quality, structural integrity, and the performance of FDM-printed components. Key surface features, including roughness (Ra), texture, and function, were quantified through both experimental and computational methods. The optimized composites led to a significant reduction in surface roughness, with Ra values improving by up to 45% compared to standard filaments. In addition, tensile strength was increased by 30% and flexural strength by 20% relative to unmodified polymer composites. Optimization strategies, guided by green chemistry principles and materials science, successfully enhanced surface finishes and functional properties, aligning with sustainability goals. The results demonstrate that optimized sustainable polymer composites can significantly improve the quality and performance of FDM prints, supporting more efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. This study contributes to advancing materials and processes in line with sustainability principles and surface engineering.