Experimental study on coalescer efficiency for liquid-liquid separation

Experimental study on coalescer efficiency for liquid-liquid separation

por | Jul 8, 2024 | Publications, Results - Draw solution

The global community acknowledges water demand and accessibility as major challenges impacting human well-being. Forward Osmosis (FO) desalination coupled with concentrate solar power might represent a promising solution to combine water production with renewable sources. This work assesses the performance of a liquid-liquid separator (coalescer), an important component of the FO process, when using a polymeric thermo-responsive draw agent (PAGB2000). Experimental characterization of the coalescer is carried out for different regeneration temperatures (from 50 to 80 °C), residence time, draw concentration (from 0.30 to 0.60) and metal meshes. The separation efficiency of the coalescer can be as high as 95% for high residence time and regeneration temperatures (> 70 °C). Eventually, an analytical expression of the coalescer efficiency as function of the main operating parameters is proposed both to support desalination plant design and to enable understanding its applicability beyond its original context.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2024.117840

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Authors:

Igor Matteo Carraretto, Davide Scapinello, Riccardo Bellini, Riccardo Simonetti, Luca Molinaroli, Luigi Pietro Maria Colombo, Giampaolo Manzolini – Dipartimento di Energia, Politecnico di Milano, Via Lambruschini 4, Milano 20156, Italy

Turbo Expo 2024 – Turbomachinery Technical Conference & Exposition

Turbo Expo 2024 – Turbomachinery Technical Conference & Exposition

por | Jun 30, 2024 | Events

Together, our project partners, TEMISth, POLIMI and LUT embarked on a groundbreaking journey!

Together, our project partners, TEMISTH and POLIMI and LUT were pleased to attend the prestigious Turbo Expo (Turbomachinery Technical Conference & Exposition) in London, England, United Kingdom, from June 24-28, 2024.

About the event

TEMISTH and POLIMI showcased their latest work on Preliminary characterization of the desolination project demo plant: design and off-design operability.

Marco Astolfi, from Politecnico di Milano (our project coordinator) was invited to present the project and participate in discussions to share ideas and gather suggestions from the supercritical CO2 community.

LUT played an active role in several panel discussions, focusing on lessons learned from past and ongoing experimental sCO2 projects.

The conference offered valuable opportunities for networking and exchanging insights with colleagues from around the world.

Attendees also had the chance to engage with a series of high-quality scientific presentations. The event proved to be a source of inspiration, providing the LUT team with fresh ideas for both current and future projects.

TURBO EXPO 2024: International conference

This year’s event focused on the critical steps needed to achieve a net-zero future in propulsion and power. Attendees explored disruptive technologies that go beyond traditional gas turbine solutions, including advancements in hydrogen. The program also highlighted the broader ecosystem supporting sustainable products, such as green energy for low-carbon synthetic fuels, as well as key areas like certification, regulations, and economies of scale. Participants contributed to shaping the collective roadmap towards a more innovative and sustainable future.

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Experimental Isochoric Apparatus for Bubble Points Determination: Application to CO2 Binary Mixtures as Advanced Working Fluids

Experimental Isochoric Apparatus for Bubble Points Determination: Application to CO2 Binary Mixtures as Advanced Working Fluids

por | Jun 21, 2024 | Publications, Results - CO2 Mixtures in thermodynamic cycles

Carbon dioxide binarFIGy mixtures are increasingly considered as working fluids in transcritical power cycles, due to the capability to perform liquid-phase compression even at high environmental temperatures. However, a robust thermodynamic model is essential for optimal and reliable design conditions. It is widely recognized that fine-tuning the equation of state with experimental vapor-liquid equilibrium data of the mixture significantly enhances its reliability.

In this work, a new apparatus dedicated to vapour-liquid equilibrium measurements of mixtures is presented. The proposed method consists of a constant-volume system, where bubble points are identified from the divergence of slope of the isochoric lines between the two-phase and liquid regions, in the temperature-pressure plane. The temperature and pressure limits of the apparatus are 503 K and 25 MPa. Bubble points of CO2 binary mixtures with hexafluorobenzene (C6F6) and n-pentane (C5H12) have been measured and compared with previous literature data for validation purposes. Then, the CO2 mixture with octafluorocyclobutane (c-C4F8) is experimentally studied, addressing a literature gap in bubble point data.

The data are used to calibrate the thermodynamic model, leading to affordable design conditions of the power cycle compared to the non-optimized thermodynamics scenario, in a concentrated solar power tower plant.

 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijft.2024.100742

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Authors:

  • M. Doninelli, G. Di Marcoberardino, C.M Invernizzi and P. Iora – Università degli Studi di Brescia, Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica ed Industriale, via Branze, 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy

Webinar on opportunities for GCC member countries within the HORIZON EUROPE programme

Webinar on opportunities for GCC member countries within the HORIZON EUROPE programme

por | Jun 14, 2024 | Cluster event

 On June 10th, Dr. Giampaolo Manzolini, from Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) presented the DESOLINATION project (funded by the Horizon 2020 programme), at a webinar convened to explore collaborative opportunities within its new Research & Innovation programme, Horizon Europe, among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries encompass the Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Kuwait, State of Qatar, Sultanate of Oman, and United Arab Emirates.

Organized jointly by the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition and the EU-GCC Dialogue on Economic Diversification,

the webinar was designed to offer a comprehensive overview of the Horizon Europe Programme, focusing particularly on the avenues open to GCC nations. It emphasized the collaboration framework under Pillar II “Excellence Science,” highlighting ongoing joint projects and sharing best practices for engagement in the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions. Furthermore, the event addressed opportunities within Mission Innovation, a global initiative, and underscored potential pathways within the European Innovation Council.

The primary goal of the webinar was to promote enhanced collaboration among GCC countries within the Horizon Europe framework, especially in sectors of mutual interest. By facilitating knowledge sharing and fostering strategic partnerships, the webinar aimed to bolster research and innovation capacities across the region. This initiative ultimately seeks to empower GCC nations to collectively tackle shared challenges and capitalize on opportunities in science, technology, and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Horizon Europe funding, co-investment opportunities, and the program’s impact on clean energy and academic cooperation.

How can I access Horizon Europe funds?

To access Horizon Europe funds, you need to submit a proposal through the official Horizon Europe portal. Ensure your project aligns with the program’s objectives and meets the eligibility criteria.

What are the co-investment opportunities with the European Innovation Council?

The European Innovation Council offers co-investment opportunities for high-risk, high-reward projects. These include grants, equity investments, and blended finance options to support innovative ventures.

How does Horizon Europe support clean energy solutions?

Horizon Europe funds projects that aim to develop and implement clean energy solutions. This includes research and innovation in renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy systems.

Can academic institutions participate in Horizon Europe?

Yes, academic institutions are encouraged to participate in Horizon Europe. The program supports collaborative research projects, fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and other stakeholders.

What is the impact of Horizon Europe on regional academic cooperation?

Horizon Europe enhances regional academic cooperation by funding joint research projects, facilitating knowledge exchange, and building networks between institutions across Europe and beyond.

How can I stay updated on Horizon Europe opportunities?

To stay updated on Horizon Europe opportunities, subscribe to the official newsletter, follow relevant social media channels, and regularly check the Horizon Europe portal for the latest calls and announcements.

41st UIT International Heat Transfer Conference in Naples | June 19-21, 2024

41st UIT International Heat Transfer Conference in Naples | June 19-21, 2024

por | May 28, 2024 | Events

This week, our project coordinator presented DESOLINATION's work at the 41st UIT International Heat Transfer Conference!

From June 19 until 21, Igor Matteo Carraretto, PhD candidate at Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI – our project coordinator), shared valuable insights gleaned from the DESOLINATION project. Funded under Horizon 2020, DESOLINATION aims to revolutionize desalination processes in arid regions through innovative decarbonization strategies.

His presentation highlighted the project’s pioneering efforts in integrating various technologies such as Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), advanced power production cycles, and Forward Osmosis (FO) systems. These technologies are pivotal in achieving sustainable and eco-friendly desalination solutions, particularly crucial for water-scarce regions.

Looking ahead, the project seeks to foster collaborations and knowledge exchange among experts and researchers. Igor emphasized the importance of engaging with the Italian Thermo-Fluid-Dynamic Association and connecting with researchers specializing in desalination projects involving thermo-responsive polymers. This outreach aims to further expand the project’s impact and accelerate innovations that address critical challenges in water and energy sustainability.

See Our Presentation

Don't miss our latest publication on our Experimental study on coalescer efficiency for liquid-liquid separation!

Discover how innovative solutions are addressing the global water crisis! Our latest research explores the potential of combining Forward Osmosis (FO) desalination with concentrated solar power to produce water sustainably. We delve into the performance of a liquid-liquid separator (coalescer) using a cutting-edge polymeric thermo-responsive draw agent (PAGB2000). Learn how different conditions, such as regeneration temperatures and draw concentrations, impact the efficiency of this crucial FO component. With separation efficiency reaching up to 95%, this study offers valuable insights for desalination plant design and broader applications.

 

Read more to uncover the future of water production!

About the conference

The Conference aims to provide scientific information to the UIT Members and to the Scientific and Industrial Community at large. Researchers from Universities, Research Institutions and Industries involved in the Organization will pursue the goal of providing a Forum for the exposure and the exchange of scientific and technical information. The Conference will give the opportunity to discuss the state of the art and to present experimental, analytical and numerical results in recent research.

Learn More about the event