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Batch time requirements are provided for the separation of binary zeotropic mixtures in two different multivessel columns (with and without vapor bypass), a non-cyclic two-vessel column and a regular batch column based on dynamic simulations. The first three columns are operated as closed (total reflux) systems and the regular batch column is operated as an open (partial reflux) system. We analyze the effects of feed composition, relative volatility and product specification on the time requirements. The multivessel arrangements perform better than the regular batch column, which requires from 4.00 to 34.67% more time to complete a given separation. The elimination of the vapor bypass in the multivessel column is impractical though it has a positive effect on the batch time requirements. Thus, the multivessel column, with the vapor stream bypassing the intermediate vessel, is proposed as the best candidate for a binary zeotropic mixture with low concentration of light component, low relative volatility and high product purity demand. Furthermore, an experimental multivessel column with vapor bypass is built and the corresponding experiments verify the simulations.

Background: Alanine dehydrogenase (AlaDH) belongs to oxidoreductases, and it exists in several different bacteria species and plays a key role in microbial carbon and nitrogen metabolism, spore formation and photosynthesis. In addition, AlaDH can also be applied in biosynthesis of L-alanine from cheap carbon source, such as glucose. Results: To achieve a better performance of L-alanine accumulation, system evaluation and comparison of different AlaDH with potential application value are essential. In this study, enzymatic properties of AlaDH from Bacillus subtilis 168 (BsAlaDH), Bacillus cereus (BcAlaDH), Mycobacterium smegmatis MC2 155 (MsAlaDH) and Geobacillus stearothermophilus (GsAlaDH) were firstly carefully investigated. Four different AlaDHs have few similarities in optimum temperature and optimum pH, while they also exhibited significant differences in enzyme activity, substrate affinity and enzymatic reaction rate. The wild E. coli BL21 with these four AlaDHs could produce 7.19 g/L, 7.81 g/L, 6.39 g/L and 6.52 g/L of L-alanine from 20 g/L glucose, respectively. To further increase the L-alanine titer, competitive pathways for L-alanine synthesis were completely blocked in E. coli. The final strain M-6 could produce 80.46 g/L of L-alanine with a yield of 1.02 g/g glucose after 63 h fed-batch fermentation, representing the highest yield for microbial L-alanine production. Conclusions: Enzyme assay, biochemical characterization and structure analysis of BsAlaDH, BcAlaDH, MsAlaDH and GsAlaDH were carried out. In addition, application potential of these four AlaDHs in L-alanine productions were explored. The strategies here can be applied for developing L-alanine producing strains with high titers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the surface quality of low-carbon hot-rolled steel plates, the upwarping and black line defects were investigated by means of XRF (X-ray diffractometer), OM (optical microscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EBSD (electron back scatter diffraction). The results showed that the micro area compositions under surface upwarping and black line defects were mainly made of secondary oxide particles, steelmaking slag and mould flux respectively. According to the metallographic structure, inclusion compositions and grains texture analysis, it could be concluded that surface defects on hot rolled plates were attributed to the entrapment of ladle slag or mould flux, gas bubbles, micro-cracks of casting slab in the steelmaking process, rolled-in scale and unreasonable sizing press rolling parameters during the rolling process, and the position and formation process of typical surface defects on hot rolled plates were discussed in detail. Finally, it concluded that the slag entrapment and solidification hook should be controlled during continuous casting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similar to biological muscles, the actuator materials can function as artificial muscles by directly converting an external stimulus in the form of electrical or chemical energy into a mechanical response through the reversible changes in material dimensions. As a new type of high surface-area actuator materials, nanoporous metals represent a novel class of smart electrodes that undergo reversible dimensional changes when applying an electronic voltage on the surface. The dimensional changes in nanoporous metal/polymer composite still originate from the surface stress of nanoporous metal. Additionally, this surface stress can be modulated by the co-adsorbed sulfate counter-ions that are present in the doped polymer chains coating matrix upon the application of an external potential. Nanoporous metals fabricated by dealloying have received extensive attention in many areas, such as catalysis/electrocatalysis, energy conversion/storage, and sensing/biosensing. In this review, we focus on the recent developments of dealloyed nanoporous metals in the application of actuation. In particular, we summarize the experimental strategies in the studies and highlight the recent advances in the actuator materials. Finally, we conclude with outlook and perspectives with respect to future research on dealloyed nanoporous metals in applications of actuation in electrochemical or chemical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]