UGsymCPE - 2019

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/17698

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item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Undergraduate Research Symposium Chemical and Process Engineering 2019 (Pre Text)
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Rathnasiri, PG
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Variation of antioxidant and phenolic compounds with fermentation of Morinda citrifolia fruit juice
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Samarasiri, BMH; Chandrasiri, PDTA; Gunawardena, SHP; Rathnasiri, PG
Antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenolic content (TPC) are two major areas of studies on noni juice due to their correlation with therapeutic value. In this study, the variation of antioxidant capacity using DPPH scavenging activity and the number of phenolic compounds in noni juice using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent assay with the fermentation time and optimum process conditions for fermentation of noni juice were studied. Results show that AC is maximum around the second fermentation week, while TPC is maximum around the first fermentation week, and fresh juice has less AC and more TPC than fermented juice.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Use of microaeration to remove sulfur from sulfate rich latex wastewater
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Dissanayake, DMKNL; Maduwanthi, MDT; Rajapaksha, TM; Rathnasiri, PG; Rathnasiri, PG
Latex processing industry generates wastewater with high sulphate content which is converted into hydrogen sulphide in an anaerobic digester. Disposal of this latex wastewater has created severe environmental and health hazard. This study develops a strategy to remove sulphate by performing microaeration. Two lab scale anaerobic reactors were operated, as fully anaerobic and anaerobic with microaeration. These reactors are semi-continuously fed with synthetic latex wastewater contains COD/SO4-2 ratio of 3. After the stabilization, oxygen loading conditions as 4, 6, 7 mg/day were performed stepwise to enable the microaeration condition without inhibition. Bio gas composition, COD, SO4-2, S-2, H2S and oxygen reduction potential (ORP) are the measured parameters.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Textile dye decolorization & bioelectricity generation in a microbial fuel cell
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Imalsha, DT; Kumari, WMSS; Walawege, OE; Gunawardena, SHP; Ariyadasa, TU; Rathnasiri, PG
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) have been gained a considerable attention during past few decades due to its ability to treat wastewater effluents while generating bioelectricity. In this study anode to cathode area ratio was varied to maximize the output voltage simultaneously achieving the required color reduction. The highest voltage was observed as 515mV from anode to cathode area ratio of 3:1 on the 7th day from the beginning. At the latter stage, all arrangements show more than 85% color reduction at 200h. Therefore, it can be concluded that electrode area ratio has no significant effect for the fractional color reduction.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Study of performance of packed bed reactive distillation column for the esterification process
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Mahar, MMM; Nizmy, MNM; Gunasekara, M; Rathnasiri, PG
In this effort, the batch reactive distillation performance was studied by the production of butyl acetate in a batch packed bed reactive distillation column. Esterification of butan-1-ol with acetic acid to produce butyl acetate and water with homogenous hydrochloric acid as a catalyst was considered. This system was chosen because the reaction is reversible and the boiling point of reactants and products are different. The reaction was carried out with and without a distillation column and shows that the reactive distillation is more efficient from the conventional process (reactor and then separation). The concentration of butyl acetate increases from 12.38% to 31.74% at the best condition of feed mole ratio of 2.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Stability of USAB reactor under shock loads
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Eranga, KS; Fernando, GVDL; Rathnasiri, PG; Rathnasiri, PG
Anaerobic digestion is a key area in wastewater treatment. Especially in treating high concentration wastewater such as dairy wastewater. It is crucial because dairy waste water can change in COD and BOD values drastically. This work compares the overall performance and biogas production of intermittent UASB reactor treating dairy wastewater and subjected to shock loads. Stable reactor showed a slight increase in methane gas production under applied fat shocks. Moreover, the intermittent systems did not present significant variations on the effluent COD removal efficiency consequent of the fat shock. The shock lasted for two intermittent cycles. Results from the anaerobic reactor which was intermittently operated confirm the effect on reactor performance under fat shocks in detail.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Employing indigenous microalgae for third generation biofuel production
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Maduwanthi, MKC; Nuwanthika, WHC; Withanage, PK; Ariyadasa, TU; Rathnasiri, PG
Microalgae have been identified as a potential source for biofuel production by the researches. Cell disruption and chlorophyll removal of microalgae biomass are the most critical factors, which determine the lipid extraction yield and the biodiesel quality. Thus, the chlorophyll removal and cell disruption before lipid extraction is a mandatory step for the microalgae biodiesel production. This research investigated the growth rate and different pretreatment methods on lipid yield for selected microalgae species. Desmodesmus sp., Scenedesmus sp. & Closteriopsis sp. are the selected indigenous microalgae species, which were isolated from the Beira Lake, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Desmodesmus sp has shown the highest growth rate compared to other two species. Moreover, most suitable cell disruption method, which gave the highest lipid yield for each species were different.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Pretreatment of rice straw to intermediate bio-refinery chemical, HMF
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Madushan, DPL; Thathsara, PDT; Subasinghe, T; Rathnasiri, PG
The conversion of biomass to chemicals on an industrial scale at a competitive cost requires the development of biorefineries analogous to petrochemical refineries. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a promising platform chemical. Our objective of this experiment is the conversion of rice straw to HMF. There were three main stages of the process, pretreatment of rice straw, hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose, and dehydration of glucose to HMF. Optimum operating conditions for the process were calculated by conversion of raw material and yield of the products. The research aims to efficiently and effectively convert rice straw to HMF.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Multicomponent adsorption of heavy metals onto coconut shell char: kinetic and equilibrium study
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Perera, RACD; Madushika, MHG; Anupama, KADU; Amarasinghe, BMWPK; Rathnasiri, PG
Coconut shell (CS) charcoal is a potential low-cost adsorbent. Ni(II) and Zn(II) ions in wastewater removal by adsorption is studied in the research using CS char. Results showed that, the maximum adsorption capacity for the Ni(II) ions system was 14.81% in solution of 50 mg/l. The adsorption data for single component systems fitted with Langmuir isotherm and followed pseudo-second order kinetic model. Increase in initial ion concentration reduces the percentage removal in both single component systems. In the multi-component system, the ion removal increases and then decreases. CS char is a somewhat good adsorbent as the removal efficiencies are close to 20%. Higher dosage should be used for better results. Key words: Adsorption, Coconut shell char, Multicomponent system.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Investigation of microalgae carotenoids as potential nutraceutical compounds
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Fernando, MAS; Hansika, NPS; Ariyadasa, T; Rathnasiri, PG
Haemotococcus pluvalis is a microalgae specie which is recognized as a potential source of astaxanthin accumulation. By selecting two governing cultivation parameters in the form of illumination and initial phosphorous concentration, the optimum stage of accumulated astaxanthin quantity was observed during the experiment. The cultivation of microalgae was conducted for three experimental setups in photo-bioreactors under varied light intensities and initial phosphorus concentrations, with external aeration of constant rate. The biomass growth and accumulated astaxanthin content were evaluated by spectrophotometric method. As by results obtained, the maximum of astaxanthin quantity was observed under the light intensity of 3500Lux and phosphorous concentration of 1.75mM.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Hydrolysis of ethyl acetate using low cost heterogeneous catalysts
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Fernando, MKS; Rajapaksha, UBD; Gunasekara, M; Rathnasiri, PG
The hydrolysis of ethyl acetate is an important reaction in process engineering applications. In industrial scale the reaction is carried out under presence of homogeneous acid catalyst which leads to several environmental problems including generation of acidic waste, corrosion of equipment, wastage of catalyst and difficulties in catalyst separation. The objective of the research is to study the suitability of carbon based heterogeneous catalyst for the hydrolysis reaction of ethyl acetate. As the carbon based heterogeneous catalysts have several advantages over homogeneous acid catalysts including low cost of preparation, slower deactivation, abundance, cost effectiveness, higher stability, large number of active sites and minimal interference with the final products. According to the local availability, physical characteristics and practical applicability, saw dust, paddy husk and activated carbon are selected for the catalysis. These substances are pretreated using concentrated hydrochloric by wet impregnation method. Hydrolysis reaction experiments were done under constant temperature and catalyst loading. The percentage conversion of ethyl acetate was analysed in each sample using acid base titration method. The activated carbon catalyst showed better heterogeneous catalyst characteristics for hydrolysis of ethyl acetate out of the selected carbon based substances.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Effect of biofilm growth in anaerobic reactor treating dairy wastewater
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Eranda, JADV; Kalpani, WHA; Darshana, WAC; Rathnasiri, PG; Rathnasiri, PG
In this study, attention was given to anaerobic digestion of dairy wastewater, which has higher COD levels and a nutritional rich media for microbial growth. Generally, Fixed Bed Biofilm Reactors are significant in treating dairy wastewater due to its capability of retaining microorganisms. This research is being carried out to examine the stability of biofilms under different shock load conditions. Initially, a lab scale reactor was experimented. Next, a pilot scale reactor with packing material was run and variations of the parameters were observed. However, due to several issues, a stable point was not obtained throughout the operation of the pilot scale reactor. Recommendations could be made on studies carried out as further research on biofilm formation, its stability under shock loads and COD reducing efficiency.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Quantitative risk analysis of a fuel storage tank
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Attanayake, DDS; Senarathana, NACJD; Madushanka, DR; Gunasekara, M; Rathnasiri, PG
Quantification of risks has become an indispensable element with modern day systems as it provides an insight into the magnitude of the probable loss prior to the commencement of projects. A methodology for quantifying the explosion risk associated with atmospheric liquid fuel storage tanks was developed utilizing the bowtie and fault-tree analyzes. Possible threats that could lead to an explosion and influence of preventive and protective measures were determined taking account of literature data. The expected loss in LKR was determined by introducing an impact radius and taking in to account the monetary value of the assets inside the afflicted area.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Adsorption and desorption studies of heavy metals on to coconut shell char
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Abesekara, MS; Kosvinna, KNR; Amarasinghe, BMWPK; Rathnasiri, PG
Heavy metals in wastewater can be removed by several methods including adsorption. Activated carbon (AC) is widely used, but expensive adsorbent. Since AC derived from coconut shell (CS) is a good adsorbent, coconut shell char (CSC) as well might be an effective low-cost adsorbent. It was studied the possibilities of using CSC as an adsorbent. Results showed that, CSC has 13% and 12% removal efficiencies for Zn2+ and Ni2+ from solutions of 50 mg/l. Furthermore, desorption abilities of H2SO4, NaOH, Distilled water and NaCl as desorbing agents were analysed and found H2SO4 to be the most effective desorbing agent.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Applicability of chitosan for the removal of fat from coconut milk-based wastewater
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Peiris, ATDN; Sanjeewa, GIN; Gunawardena, SHP; Rathnasiri, PG
Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the possibility of using Chitosan, a bio polymer for the removal of fat originated from coconut milk. Identification of optimum parametric conditions for fat adsorptivity was conducted using a synthetic wastewater prepared from commercially available coconut milk. Chitosan powder was made into beads to avoid interferences in taking spectrophotometric readings. Experimental results indicated that chitosan is a potential substance to be used in this context.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Biomass gasification in a bubbling fluidized bed reactor
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Dodawatta, DVBK; Indula, UD; Maddumage, MDRS; Wijesekere, GAT; Narayana, M; Rathnasiri, PG
The effect of secondary air flow rate and particle size on the combustion temperature inside the bubbling fluidized bed reactor was reviewed. The experiments were carried out for four particle sizes with varied secondary air flow rates. From the results it was evident that the secondary air flow rate has a larger impact on the temperature of the freeboard zone. The temperature profiles show that a maximum temperature is achievable when the magnitude of the secondary air flow rate is lower than that of the primary air flow rate. It was concluded that desired maximum temperature can be achieved regardless of the particle size through the optimum secondary air flow rates for each particle size.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Effect of particle size on optimum air levels required for packed bed combustion of biomass
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Arunasiri, RADS; Samaranayake, AWN; Samarawickrama, SLTM; Silva, SAB; Narayana, M; Rathnasiri, PG
A relation between the particle size and excess air flow rate for packed bed combustion of biomass has been the objective of this research project. Particles of square cubes of different dimensions and different air flow rates have been used in a 40cm×40cm×80cm combustion chamber to determine the above mentioned relation. The combustion rate has been determined by measuring the rate of combustion of the packed bed. A probe was utilized to measure the flue gas temperature at the exit. A mathematical model is developed relating these parameters.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Efficient production of dimethylfuran (DMF) from hydroxylmethylfurfural (HMF) using catalytic hydrogenation reaction
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Kekulawala, KVLW; Udayakumara, HPCS; Subasinghe, T.; Rathnasiri, PG
In a time of steady decline in oil reserves, instability in oil prices, strong environmental legislation and global warming concerns, researchers and oil companies are actively seeking cost - effective processes to convert renewable biomass resources into biofuels and other value-added chemicals. Dimethylfuran (DMF) has attracted attention as a dense energy compound with similar gasoline fuel properties. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a versatile platform chemical that can serve as an intermediate for different chemical products and biofuels, is one of the main biomass-derived compounds. (Biradar) This paper describes Hydroxymethylfurfural catalytic hydrogenation to Dimethylfuran (DMF) in different reaction conditions. Hydrogenation from HMF to DMF has been studied with a batch Hydrosynthasis autoclave reactor for conventional Ru / C and Pd / C. Optimum conditions were achieved through the experiment at different temperatures and reaction times.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Evaluation of DMF as an efficient fuel for direct injection spark ignition (DISI) engine
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Jayasinghe, MVDDM; Karunathilake, WPD; Ranathunga, RAML; Subasinghe, T; Rathnasiri, PG
Alternative fuels are very important when considering the power requirements in the modern world today. Biofuels were introduced to satisfy these requirements which will play a major role in future. 2,5-dimethylfuran known as DMF was developed as a new biofuel and it has several advantages over others as a gasoline alternative biofuel. But when we talking about automobiles, engine modification are needed to make use of biofuels. Our research is about evaluation of DMF as an efficient fuel for direct injection spark ignition engine. A mounted four stroke direct injection spark ignition engine (DISI) with 100CC capacity, was used to perform the research. Also supporting instruments were required with engine to take the measurements which were needed to check the performance through analysing results. ‘Single cylinder multi fuel VCR engine test rig’; a special multi fuel testing system was used to get testing results. DMF, ethanol with different percentages by volume and pure petrol samples were tested under different engine conditions. When analysing results, a mathematical model was developed with considering various engine specifications. Brake power, indicated power, friction power, and heat losses were considered. Also, specific fuel consumption, mechanical efficiency, brake thermal efficiency, indicated thermal efficiency and volumetric efficiency were calculated because these are the main facts required to check the engine performance. Using our results various graphs are plotted between different parameters of engine and fuels.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Hot water washing of rice husk for ash removal
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Bandara, YW; Gamage, HGPP; Gunarathne, RMDS; Rathnasiri, PG
The improvement of combustion quality of rice husk can be achieved by water washing as pre-treatment. Particle size and temperature are important parameters to consider when washing biomass. Conductivity of the washing water was measured to identify the leaching behaviour of ash constituents. Up to 25.2% of ash removal was observed at 750C with 1-1.4mm particle size sample. Compositions of ash constituents were determined to calculate fouling tendency index. Results shows a significant reduction of ash constituents; Fe, K, Al, Ti and P as water temperature increases. In contrast Ca, Mg and Na got increased by water washing.

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