Bioprocess Feasibility Study: Recovery of C4 Binding Protein (C4BP) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) as Separate Products
Sponsors: McKinzie Fruchtl, Chris Lyle, Arkansas Research Alliance | Pel-Freeze
This project examines separation processes to purify two proteins, immunoglobulin M (IgM) and C4 binding protein (C4BP), from plasma processing waste. The goal is to design and develop two high-value product streams, namely IgM and C4BP, present in this waste and typically discarded. We are studying the technical and economic feasibility of two potential processes that utilize either membrane or chromatography technologies. C4BP and IgM are valuable biologics used in therapeutic and diagnostic applications, respectively.
Team Members: Brady Jones, Chau Tran, Courtney Wilmoth, Jahilit Flores, Layton Stockwell, Noah Koch
Instructors: Dr. Bob Beitle (CHEG), Dr. Keisha Walters (CHEG)
Briquetting of Petroleum Coke Slag for Dewatering: Mitigating Water and Dust Contamination
Sponsors: CVR Energy, The Monarch Cement Company, University of Arkansas Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering
This project addresses CVR Energy’s issue of dust and water contamination in Petroleum Coke slag by designing an innovative briquetting process. The proposed solution involves taking slag directly from the gasifier, mixing it with a corn starch gel, and compressing it in a briquetting machine to dewater the material. Excess water is recycled within the system to produce the gel and feed back into the gasifier, effectively tackling both contamination concerns. The team is focused on developing an environmentally friendly and economically feasible process. This approach aims to provide a sustainable and efficient solution to the problem at hand.
Team Members: Hope Nehmelman, Nghi Ngo, Alfredo Carillo, Elizabeth Schuler, Jean Gabin Yallou Castillo, Karina De Garcia Rodriquez
Instructor: Dr. Michael Ackerson (CHEG)
Comparison of the Economic Feasibility of PFAS Treatment: Coal Fly Ash Separation v. Electrocoagulation
Since PFAS treatment is a current large area of research in chemical processing, the goal of this project is to compare the economic feasibility of some different currently proposed methods of treating this wastewater (with a focus on treating 6.2FTSA PFAS). Using thesis papers and our undergraduate research experience, we aim to compare coal fly ash absorption to electrocoagulation—comparing the price of the plant using ASPEN and CAPCOST simulation, the environmental benefits through previous peer research findings, treatment of process byproducts, and the possible lifespan of the plant. Our plant will be a full-treatment plant, as we expect this to yield the most direct comparison of the two processing types. The conclusion of the project is to describe why there isn’t a current “best” technique or technology for treating such a common and harmful byproduct.
Team Members: Holiday Derosier, Calyn Wisdom, Kaitlyn Crites, Logan Reichard-Hurt
Creating Fuel from Municipal Plastics Using Catalytic Cracking
This project examines the economic feasibility of creating gasoline, diesel, and heavy oil from LDPE, HDPE, and PP plastics using the HiCOP method with a fluidized bed reactor. The goal of this project is to expand the types and amounts of plastics accepted in municipal recycling facilities from PET and HDPE to LDPE, HDPE, PP, and PET. HiCOP is a relatively new process that utilizes catalytic cracking of plastics in a reactor instead of traditional pyrolysis. HiCOP operates under milder conditions, is safer, reduces energy consumption, and typically achieves a higher yield compared to traditional pyrolysis.
Team Members: Carson Thornton, Declan Greenhaw, Fatima Cartagena, and Jessica Johnson
Desalination Plant Design
Our project proposal is to build a desalination plant for purifying seawater. The process consists of two main phases: chemical pretreatment and reverse osmosis filtration.
The pretreatment phase follows the accepted convention for seawater filtration. It begins with screening large contaminants, followed by coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation to reduce water turbidity. Pretreatment also includes chlorination and subsequent dechlorination to minimize fouling in the filtration membrane. In the reverse osmosis filtration phase, the water is pumped into filter banks. Reverse osmosis was selected for its lower energy costs and ability to produce a purer brine compared to alternative methods. At the end of the process, two product streams are produced: pure water and untreated brine. The pure water is sold as a product, while the untreated brine is either sold or processed on-site.
Team Members: Tyler Veach, Yexalen Lopez, Jeff Le, Lane Wilkins
EthoHydrate: The Hydration of Ethene to Produce Ethanol
This project aims to produce cosmetic-grade ethanol through the hydration of ethene, utilizing phosphoric acid as a catalyst. We will focus on designing a highly efficient process with a fixed molar ratio in the reaction of ethene with heated steam, maximizing reactant incorporation into the desired product and yielding a high conversion rate. This process will not only enhance profitability but also simplify overall production, contributing to improved operational efficiency. The simulation tool Aspen Plus will be used to model the process, ensuring economic feasibility and product quality.
Team Members: Thais Fernandez, Nadia Higareda, Vivian Howard, Sydney Riopel
Instructor: Dr. Jamie Hestekin
FUELING THE FUTURE OF FRAGRANCES: A STUDY ON ETHANOL SYNTHESIS
To synthetically create ethanol, an ethylene feed must be hydrated and purified. Ethylene is typically hydrated through steam and requires a catalyst. The purification of the ethanol product requires a distillation column to remove impurities. After distilling ethanol, the goal is to produce ethanol that is 95% pure. To achieve this, our plant will pursue the catalytic hydration of ethylene. The ethanol produced will later be utilized as a solvent in creating a pH-reactive fragrance. Ethanol is also used frequently as biofuel, so the potential to use this in renewable energy applications will also be explored.
Team Members: Karla Adrian-Caceres, Austin Cranna, Madeline Mondebello, Ryan Montgomery
Instructor: Dr. Jamie A Hestekin (CHEG)
Hangout: Fermentation of Potato Feedstock and Ethanol Distillation for Low Hangover Vodka Beverage
This project designs and manufactures potato vodka. The group designs and optimizes a process to create vodka, starting with the creation of a potato mash that undergoes a fermentation reaction, followed by straining the fermented mash, distilling the alcohol product, and separating the methanol. Finally, the vodka product undergoes dilution, with the addition of no-sugar sweeteners and electrolytes. Aspen+ simulates the fermentation and distillation processes, as well as the dilution and additives. The group is additionally studying ways to reduce hangover symptoms, such as using enzymes and microbes.
We recommend testing this product for low hangover confirmation.
Team Members : Brendan Miklos, Savanah Godwin, Vashanti Storr, Courtney Batts
Instructor: Dr. Jamie Hestekin (CHEG)
Optimizing Silver Electrolytic Reactors for Water Purification Systems in Space Exploration
Sponsor: Rogelio Garcia Fernandez, Dean Muirhead, Phillip Hicks. JETS II Amentum | NASA
This senior design project focuses on improving Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) for space exploration, particularly water recovery systems. We are examining changes to the Water Processor Assembly (WPA), with efforts focused on a silver electrolytic reactor (SER) design that adds ionic silver as a biocide. Central to the team’s efforts is the modeling of various SER configurations using COMSOL Multiphysics to integrate static mixing elements. Results will address an electrode bridging issue and improve reliability and performance. This information will guide WPA modifications for use in the ISS (International Space Station), other commercial ventures, Gateway, or the Mars campaign.
Team Members: Austen Lee, Cody Milliken, Chris Newton, Trevor Sonnen, Steven Vong,
Scott Williams
Instructors: Dr. Bob Beitle (CHEG), Dr. Keisha Walters (CHEG)
Pollutants to Power: Converting Captured Carbon Dioxide to Methanol
Point source Carbon capture is a leading method of mitigating the climate impact of energy production, involving everything from vehicle transportation to power plants. Captured carbon emissions can then be used to form synthetic fuels and other products. This process requires a reaction of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and a catalyst. Research into more efficient catalytic conversions of carbon dioxide to fuels such as alkanes, methanol, and formate has increased the potential uses of carbon capture. The purpose of this project is to design a process using carbon dioxide and hydrogen to produce methanol utilizing a copper-based catalyst.
Team members: Stephen Cockmon, Hope Coffman, Katelyn Glenn, Grace Li, Emilyann Reeve
Instructor: Dr. Jamie Hestekin