CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Author: NIETO DRAGHI CARLOS EDUARDO.
Year: 2003.
University: ROVIRA I VIRGILI [www.urv.cat].
Place of defense: INGENIERIA QUÍMICA.
Place of preparation: ESCOLA TÉCNICA SUPERIOR D'ENGINYERIA QUÍMICA (E.T.S.E.Q.).

Summary: The peculiar behavior observed by the water at different thermodynamic conditions and in the presence of other substances, knowledge and understanding of the properties of such systems are among the main motivations of this work. For this reason, there has been an extensive study of the intrinsic relationship between the local structure of the system, from a microscopic, and the dynamic properties of transport, in the case of pure water as in the case of aqueous mixtures organic solvents (such as alcohols, ketones sulfóxidos and benzene) by means of molecular dynamics simulation. Additionally have developed new analytical tools and simulation algorithms intended to provide a better description and understanding of the physical processes involved in the different microscopic properties studied. The results have enabled us to relate in a straightforward way the local tetrahedral structure of the water molecules, created by the presence of hydrogen bridges, and the value that reaches the degree of auto-difusión in terms of density liquid. The analysis of the simulation results show that the presence of different types of solute and the breaking of symmetry has resulted in increased life-span of the bridge hydrogen present in the mixture, encouraging the formation of string that fact justifies the increase in the viscosity of the mixture. Moreover, it has calculated the ratio Soret to aqueous solutions of organic compounds mentioned above. Our simulations reproduce the camibo sign observed in these systems getting excellent quantitative agreement with the experimental data and, as far as our knowledge is concerned, this is the first time that such results in such systems are presented using molecular dynamics simulation. Lastly has done an analysis of the properties of benzene dissolved in supercritical water in a position where it has been possible to demonstrate that, in order to dissolve the benzene in supercritical water, including car in a gas electrostatic model Benzene is a prerequisite . Have been calculated several properties of the mixture as self - diffusion coefficients and disseminating Maxwell-Stefan and coefficient of viscosity and dielectric constant at supercritical conditions to obtain a good agreement with experimental data available.

Author: GARCIA IBAÑEZ PILAR.
Year: 2003.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID [www.ucm.es].
Place of preparation: CIEMAT.

Author: MOLINA NAVARRETE M. JOSE.
Year: 2003.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID [www.ucm.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS QUҍMICAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CC QUҍMICA.

Summary: In this paper the investigaciÃÂ charges has been determined solubility of the compounds orgÃÂ ¡nicos involved in oxidaciÃÂ ³ n partial phenol with perÃÂ ³ xido of hidrÃÂ ³ geno in diÃÂ ³ xido carbon supercrÃÂtico as a means of reacciÃÂ ³ nn and in the presence of a catalyst zeolÃÂtico, silicalita of tatanio, mÃÂ It s known as TS-1.Como main products are obtained catechol and hydroquinone, ademÃÂ ¡s of pequeÃÂ ± as quantities of benzoquinone as a result of the sobreoxidaciÃÂ charges of hidroquinona.Este study includes determinaciÃÂ charges and modelizaciÃÂ ³ n dela solubility behavior of each solute and blends in diÃÂ ³ xido carbon supercrÃÂtico, data that are essential to raise the subsequent reacciÃÂ charges of oxidaciÃÂ charges by this new vÃÂa, untouched so far. In the first part of the report reviews the properties of fluids supercrÃÂticos and goodness of diÃÂ ³ xido carbon as a possible means of reacciÃÂ ³ n.Seguidamente, explores different mÃÂ © all experimental apply for deteminaciÃÂ charges of solubilities, empleÃÂ ¡ndose in this If a team diseÃÂ ± ado and constructed in the Department of IngenierÃÂa QuÃÂmica of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, based on a instalaciÃÂ ³ n discontinuous with recirculaciÃÂ ³ n. Of the solutes studied phenol is introducing greater solubility in diÃÂ ³ xido carbon supercrÃÂtico, while hydroquinone is less soluble compound as a result of its low presiÃÂ charges of vapor.Por other hand, his isÃÂ ³ mere ortho (caterol) 8.5 times mÃÂ ¡s soluble because of qu presents minors forces interacciÃÂ ³ n soluto - soluto by bridges hidrÃÂ ³ geno.Por ÃÂ fourth last, was derminÃÂ ³ solubility of benzoquinone in diÃÂ ³ xido carbon supercrÃÂtico intermediate between that of the phenol and catechol . Once the solubilities of the different solutes is pasÃÂ ³ studying the behavior of multicomponent blends between these solutes. According to the results obtained in this work, it can be said that from the point of view of the solubilities of the compounds involved in hidroxilaciÃÂ charges of phenol in diÃÂ ³ xido carbon supercrÃÂtico, conditions operaciÃÂ ³ n mÃÂ ¡s favorable to perform the reacciÃÂ ³ n proposal are a temperature of 75C and a presiÃÂ charges of 200-275 bar.

Author: LIÉBANES VILLA M. DOLORES.
Year: 2004.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID [www.ucm.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE GEOGRAFÍA E HISTORIA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS QUÍMICAS.

Summary: The aim of the thesis is to obtain information necessary for the development of new systems for drying alperujo with greater efficiency in the contact sólido-gas at temperatures much lower than in the current rotating kilns (600Â ° C), and thus a product Dry better quality at lower cost and with less environmental impact. Assumes that it is possible to optimize the process of drying alperjo through a thorough and exhaustive study of decado in different systems such as fixed bed and fluidized bed. Achieving this goal will mean achieving three major outcomes: to know how to get a product of high quality dry for subsequent uses (especially obtaining pomace oil quality food), reduce energy costs and equipment respect to the rotating furnace, and reduce the environmental impact (especially by reducing emissions of particulate matter). The thesis contains the results of several studies of various kinds, which connect with each other until its final application in the development of a dryer-scale pilot plant based mainly in a fluidized bed suited for drying alperujo. These studies can be classified into two distinct groups: kinetic characterization alperujo and drying. The first group includes studies aimed at the characterization of alperujo: particle size, properties fluidodinámicas, its moisture balance depending on the conditions under which it is exposed and the thermodynamic analysis of certain aspects concerning the interaction of water with the solid. The second group is conducting a study of the kinetics of drying alperujo through different methods: the forced convection drying in fixed bed and fluidized bed, and the application of a technique combined convección-microondas plate fine. Collected data is carried out a model of the process through the use of empirical models. It applies a new kinetic model of order n, not only provides the best results adjustment to the experimental data, but also allows the correlation of the adjustment parameters with the main variables of the process. The results of drying in a fluidized bed pilot plant show that is achieved energy savings of 30% on revolving furnace, with zero emissions of particulate matter when applied a combination of bed fludizado and mobile, and allow you to run a drying softer conditions that guarantee product quality dry.

Author: GARCÍA MARTÍN JULIA.
Year: 2004.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID [www.ucm.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS QUIMICAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS QUÍMICAS.

Summary: The use of wood pulp obtained introduces a problem in the manufacturing process: the presence of substances extraction of timber in the process water and its deposition on paper and equipment. This problem of formation of deposits is compounded by the current trend of production, which translates into economic losses. The work has focused on subject knowledge depositable rooted in the substance of the madere of extractive Eucalyptus globulus. Selected six items of wood representative is to conduct a study with different solvent extraction, up defining the most appropriate for the case study. It was part of studies extraction laboratory-scale, and later testing of a pilot plant scale. Samples were caracterizán through extracted gas chromatography, ensayándose different techniques for sample preparation and analysis. The material extracted are packaged so that it is safe to explore their tendency to form deposits. It rehearses the trend of deposition of the samples drawn from the field of the six items in question. This phase will necessitate modification of a device for studying the depositabilidad and optimization of their operating conditions for the area studied. The follow-up to the deposition of matter lipófila takes place from the weight of deposits, as well as its hiding power, studied different experimental conditions of deposition. The study was completed by the determination of the chemical composition of deposits formed in the different experimental conditions.

Author: MHICH ABDESLAM.
Year: 2004.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID [www.ucm.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS QUÍMICAS.
Place of preparation: U.C.M. FACULTAD DE QUÍMICA.

Summary: The combination of chemical composition, with possible structural controls available now, allows us to develop new properties almost ilimitadas.Manipulando these variables, can be reached at improving the properties of the material, not just mechanical, but also its resistance to corrosion and specify his magnetic behavior. The fundamental objective of this work is to study the corrosion resistance of various types of amorphous materials, nanocristalino and crystalline Fe and Co-based alloy with Cr, in different media and its corrosive influence on their porpiedades magnéticas.Para it were used, firstly, electrochemical techniques, gravity for determining its laws kinetics and electron microscopy techniques neighborhood for determining the corrosion products accompanied by EDS and XRD grazing angle for especificación.Además determined its coercive field as his imanación . It has been concluded that the state of the material significantly influence the corrosion resistance and that the addition of Cr both improves the corrosion resistance in general.

Author: OCAÑA ZARCEÑO M. ÁNGELES.
Year: 2004.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID [www.ucm.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS QUÍMICAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS QUÍMICAS (COMPLUTENSE).

Summary: This thesis has been accomplished in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid under the direction of Associate Professors M. Dolores Romero Diaz and Jose Antonio Martin Streets. The purpose of the investigation has been the synthesis of materials type hidrotalcita and derivatives and its posteriro application in catalysis basic, reactions apoxidación and condensation. We have synthesized material type hidrotalcita using various cations: Mg2 +, Al3 +, Cu2 +, Ni2 +, Zn2 +, Mn2 +, NH4 +, Ba2 +, Fe2 +, Co2 +, Ca2 + and Cr3 +. Solid These have been tested in the descommposición isopropanol. It has conducted a detailed study of the epoxidación of olefins using these catalysts habiendoase conducted the selection of siguientees variable method epoxidación, olefine, reaction temperature, the catalyst calcination temperature, an active agent for hydrogen peroxide and disolvente.Por last kinetic study of the epoxidación of ciclohexeno as well as reuse of catalyst.

Author: ALONSO CARREÑO MÓNICA.
Year: 2004.
University: OVIEDO [www.uniovi.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE QUÍMICAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE QUÍMICA.

Summary: Most of Maleic anhydride produced at present is done through the oxidation of butane on VPO catalysts. The study of this system is interesting both from the industrial point of view because of the importance of this product as a chemical intermediate, and from the scientific point of view given the complexity of the system. Over the past 30 years there is a growing interest in this process, focusing on two key aspects: the development of catalysts and new technologies. The technologies employed are technologies fixed bed, fluidized bed, and bed fluidzado circulating. This work focuses on the development of a new technology that takes several years to develop in laboratories around the world and for the first time is studied here on a scale close to the industry. This project s has carried out in collaboration at an early stage with the company DuPont Iberica SA, which resulted in its Maleic anhydride plant THF installed in Asturias through technology circulating fluidized bed reactor, CFB later, and in a second phase in collaboration with the company HALDOR TOPSOE A / S. The work has two distinct parts. In the first part there has been a steady-state kinetic study in a fixed bed reactor dimensions close to the industrial scale. We have studied the influence of operating variables such as temperature, oxygen concentration, concentration of butane and space weather. Subsequently, a study has been made of heat transfer in fixed bed to determine experimentally, one of the parameters that most affect their behavior, the heat transfer through the wall of the same. In the second part of this work has been carried out in a steady-state kinetic study in a membrane reactor of the same dimensions as the fixed bed and coming and inner diameter similar to that used in the industry, (34 mm). SE has studied the influence of specific parameters of this reactor, such as permeation flow and oxygen concentration in the permeate flow. Besides the comparison has been made regarding production of Maleic anhydride with the fixed bed under the same conditions overall operation (total flow, bath temperature and concentrations of oxygen and butane). Finally, it has conducted a modeling fixed bed reactor assuming piston flow, a one-dimensional heterogeneous model for the heat transfer model and Buchanan as kinetic model. The last part of the work involves modeling of the reactor membrane. The membrane was characterized using the model dusty gas (DGM). The model of flow in employee retention modeling membrane reactor is based on an equation similar to the deduced by the DGM for the case of pure gas. The coefficient of heat transfer through the wall obtained experimentally was negligible. Using the same kinetic model, the parameters have been calculated from the equation Arrehenius and the overall coefficient of heat transfer for the membrane reactor.

Author: PEREZ RODRIGUEZ IVAN MANUEL.
Year: 2004.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID [www.ucm.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CC QUIMICAS.
Place of preparation: FAC CC. QUIMICOS.

Summary: The replacement deLJenol in phenolic resins is one of the possible ways to circumvent the impact. Its cost. Spbreel m: edo final product. The  ¡ignina is a chemical compound whose structure is very similar wing of the phenolic resins, which in principle offers good prospects as a substitute for phenol. In this work, has studied the feasibility of resins novolacas with partial replacement of phenol by a lignosulphonate ammonium conifer. The intended application for the resin, which requires a set of specifications, it is as a constituent of the felt textiles that are used in automobiles. All study curing has referred to a resin pattern, commercial. The experimental side, obviously, begins with the synthesis and characterization of resins which then will be cured. These two ligno-resinas, according ellignosulfonato joins the mix as it is or modified by hidroximetilación. Moreover, in both cases were tested two proportions of curing agent (HMTA), 9 yel 15% by weight. The next part consists of curing them and the determination of the kinetics of this reaction. The data obtained are consistent with various kinetic models, isotermos and dynamic isoconversión. The application of these models has helped establish parameters lascinéticas curing of various resins tested. After this part is the development of TTT diagrams (Transformación-Tiempo-Temperatura) curing all lasresiria. "Ssiritetizadas. Estosdiagramas are useful for checking the status of the resin along its curing, eS say, reporting on the gel and vitrification of the same, an issue that could determine their áplicabilidad. The next stage of the research focuses on determining I comportamientoviscoelástico of cured resins. Extrapolation of these data leads to the development of the nomogram of reduced frequency, which is very useful for tracking module storage. Resins for any frequency and / or temperature. The party culminates with a pilot study on the stability of resins when subjected to the action of heat. The data also have enabled the kinetics of the reactions of degradaciónque occur during esteproceso. While his behavior during the curing process does not reach the level of the resin business with the 9% of HMTA, share common in the industry, its application to the manufacture of textiles felt could not be ruled out. There ligno-resina of tested, as the NL30 with 15% of HMTA, queHproporciona results generally acceptable.

Author: ABELLAN MORENO MARIA JOSE.
Year: 2004.
University: CANTABRIA [www.unican.es].
Place of defense: E.T.S. ING. IND. Y TELECOMUNICACION.
Place of preparation: E.T.S. ING. IND. Y TELECOMUNICACION.

Summary: This thesis has been carried out a comparative study of 2 different configurations of a process based on the use of selective membranes for the separation and concentration in a simultaneous phase recipient of metal compounds present in aqueous solution. The use of copper as homogeneous catalyst improves the efficiency of the oxidation process, however gives the treated effluent characteristic ecotoxicity. The recovery of catalyst metálizo for subsequent reuse contributes to the sustainable development of processes WPO. Initially, the technology was selected for extraction non-dispersive contactors in hollow fiber used in other applications within the research group. The methodology was applied to obtain the characteristic design tools consisting of i) definition of the separation system including the concentration step ii) experimental design, and iii) mathematical modeling and identification of parameters. Then and even though the pertracción emulsion technology is a very new concept creation and therefore less developed are considered the possibility of their use to carry out the recovery of copper. Verified feasibility pilot applied the methodology described above, reaching obtaining tools process design, mathematical model and parameters that characterize the transport system. Finally, it has conducted a study comparing the results obtained with the two configurations membrane selected and has been demonstrated experimentally the feasibility of reusing copper recovered as a catalyst for oxidation advanced WPO.

Author: ALDACO GARCIA RUBEN.
Year: 2004.
University: CANTABRIA [www.unican.es].
Place of defense: E.T.S. ING. INDUSTRIALES Y TELECOMUNICACION.
Place of preparation: E.T.S. ING. INDUSTRIALES Y TELECOMUNICACION.

Summary: The objectives and principles of the community policy in the field of environment are aimed at the prevention, reduction and where possible to eliminate pollution, giving priority to intervention in origin and ensuring sound management of natural resources in accordance with principle pollution prevention. In this regard, the recovery of fluorides wastewater industrriales is presented as a technical objective of the priority given fluoride industry requirements of the IPPC Directive (Law 16/2002 on Integrated Prevention and Control of Pollution) and the need for integration of environmental quality in industrial management. The development of technologies for the removal of fluoride should focus its efforts on those able to integrate the security of a high-efficiency, economy of the process and environmental protection in order to contribute to sustainable development. This paper presents the study of industrial water treatment with fluoride crystallisation in a fluidized bed by obtaining synthetic calcium fluoride characteristics suitable for recovery in the production of hydrofluoric acid. To this end deals with the study in several stages: 1. Study comportmiento of cristaliación of calcium fluoride in fluidized bed and influence of the process variables: oversaturation, superficial velocity, recirculation, plant material crystallization. 2. Study of the physical and chemical properties of pellets of calcium fluoride obtained in the process of crystallization in fluidized bed reactor using sand silica sand and limestone as planting materials in order to determine the viability of recovery of synthetic calcium fluoride as a subject premium in the production of hydrofluoric acid. 3. Influence of the superficial velocity in the reactor, waterlogging and the particle size of limestone sand used as planting material on the kinetics of growth of pellet calcium fluoride. Finally, it presents a model that describes the growth velocity of pellets according to the experimental results obtained in the range of variables studied.

Author: CASADO COTERILLO CLARA.
Year: 2004.
University: CANTABRIA [www.unican.es].
Place of defense: E.T.S. ING. INDUSTRIALES Y TELECOMUNICACION.
Place of preparation: E.T.S. ING. INDUSTRIALES Y TELECOMUNICACION.

Summary: This work has been done in the context of projects PPQ2000-0240 And BQU2002-03357, funded by the Ministry of Education and Science, as well as the short-term stays of research conducted at the Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM, Montpellier, France) Low monitoring Dr. Anne Julbe, and the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Hiroshima (Japan) under the direction of Professor Masashi Asaeda. The Pervaporación (PV) is a component of selective evaporation of a liquid diet to put it in contact with a semipermeable membrane. By not depend on the chemical equilibrium, it is a process more efficient distillation some difficult separations. This thesis proposes the use of ceramic membranes for dehydration industrial organic solvents through pervaporación. To this end, this paper is divided into several phases which are listed below: 1. Functional characterization of ceramic membranes commercial PV, depending on the flow rate and selectivity in trials of separation of a mixture standard water / isopropanol, in the range of temperatures 50-90Â § C and varying the water content in food from the merger initial 20-25%. 2. Summaries of membranes sílice-zirconia in an effort to improve stability at high temperatures and concentrations of water. Membranes sílice-zirconia have been prepared using sol-gel method of two routes: (1) the path of the polymer gel and slip-casting, through collaboration with Dr. A. Julbe (IEM, France) and (2) the path of the sun and hot coating colloidal thanks to the collaboration of Professor M. Asaeda (Hiroshima University, Japan). It has been characterized the structure and morphology of these membranes through techniques such as FE-SEM, adsorición nitrogen, FTIR, XRD. The PV functional characterization has been carried out on the separation of synthetic mixtures of water and isopropanol. 3. Development of industrial applications using ceramic membranes, in particular, the enhancement of a current cetónica wastewater from the manufacturing process of an antioxidant for synthetic rubber, and the recovery of acetone and tetrahydrofuran industrial effluent contaminated with water. In the first case, we studied the behavior of two membranes silica business in the latter operation of a membrane commercial zeolite NaA. In both cases, the study has been conducted in the temperature range of interest for the industry.

Author: MARQUES MORAN JOSE ANGEL.
Year: 2004.
University: CANTABRIA [www.unican.es].
Place of defense: E.T.S. ING. INDUSTRIALES Y TELECOMUNICACION.
Place of preparation: E.T.S. ING. INDUSTRIALES Y TELECOMUNICACION.

Summary: In this Doctoral Thesis explores technology injection driving Calcium hydroxide (solid) at low temperature to obtain a reduction of the content of sulfur dioxide in gaseous waste streams. We have designed, constructed and operated a pilot plant, laboratory-scale, based on a flow reactor, which makes it possible to obtain experimental data in times of contact on the order of seconds, typical of intalaciones combustion of fossil fuels, principal sources of waste gases with acidic components. The variables addressed in this process are: molar ratio Calcium / Sulfur, relative humidity and gas, reaction temperature, concentration of sulfur dioxide in gas, the presence of CO2 and contact time gas-sólido, with the target variable analysis the concentration of SO2 in the output of the reactor to obtain performance elimination of SO2 in gas phase. The results obtained by applying a commercial software Neuronal Network (Multilayer structure King Perceptron 6:4:1) suggests that the most significant variables in the process and the different conditions were studied relative humidity, the ratio Ca / S, and the length of residence. We have different mathematical models applied to the gas desulfurization reaction to the description of the injection process in driving from the experimental results obtained. These models are based on different approaches in the kinetic equation: i) Approaches mecanísticas: based on the application of microscopic models of core and decreasing grain, and the macroscopic model is not ideal for adsorption on the surface of solids. Ii) non-linear empirical approach: based on the implementation of a Network Neuronal Multicapa, for predicting the concentration of SO2 in the gas phase through the entrances of all experimental values ranging intervals variables considered for the study of the behavior of the desulfurization process, with interest the contribution of this tool for modeling of chemical processes in the various factors involved.

Author: MALDONADO Y VERVER VARGAS JESÚS BERNARDO.
Year: 2004.
University: POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID [www.upm.es].
Place of defense: ESCUELA TÉCNICA SUPERIOR DE INGENIEROS DE CAMINOS CANALES Y PUERTOS.
Place of preparation: E.T.S.I.C.C. Y P..

Summary: The current concern to recover water that has been used in doversos processes and operations of the industry, increasingly called into serious problems in the same industry and technicians to solve this problem. Within Industry Quesera that inquietudy need is becoming more dominant and worrying that in order to obtain food, such as milk and its derivatives is required to employ another increasingly scarce resource, drinking water. E this research has tried to resolve this problem, the quality of water used for drinking almost pollute waste which in turn pollute, it will degrade and hará'difícilsu reutilizaciónpara benefit of all beings on this planet. The reutilizaciónde that water definitely help, both industry to humanity, lograrno fully recover, but if vislumbrarotro future. That intenciónha forced the author of this work interiorizarseen methods and techniques for obtaining and processing of milk and its derivatives such as, cheese, whey, butter, cream, yogurty other less important. This was achieved through a strong and abundant literature search, in different ways, such as libraries, Internet, databases, etc.. The many varieties of cheeses around the world, highlights the problem so vast recover water that is used by the cheese industry. Coupled with this variety, there is also that of animals that are capable of producing milk for a variety of compositions such as the contents of fat, protein, casein, vitamins and other components that make producirsus derived from such diverse characteristics, as are taste consistency, toughness, porosity, moisture content, salt, protein, fat, etc.. which are commercially harvested at different costs and prices. It was also necessary to know the various mñetodos of cuantificaciónde amounts of water used, yields milk / cheese and principalmentela quantity of materials considered contaminants such coa water. This, in turn, requirióde analyzing physical, chemical and microbiological, to know the concentration of materials recognized as contaminants. The clustering of these contaminants in tests or trials was condeteminaciones of Chemical Oxygen Demand, OxígenoDisuelto, DemandaBioquimicade oxygen, nitrites, nitrates, Solid Totals Dissolved Solids, Total hardness, hardness Cálcica, Hardness Magnésica, Chlorides, sulphates and phosphates, as compounds Organic and inorganic in general. As physical evidence or analysis identified Conductívidad, pHy temperature. Determinations were made or capacities of the flow of water discharged into the purifying plant, which together with the Quantitative Analysis achieved in llegóa know the intensity of the problem so often mentioned. The results have been presented with the help of Hidrogramas, tables, figures, photographs, photocopies, bringing together all informaciónrecopilada and obtained experimentation done and thorough analysis verified, for the delivery of those results in a comprehensible manner, together with conclusions, suggestions and recommendations for additional work or future concerns of researchers.

Author: GARCÍA MORALES MOISÉS.
Year: 2004.
University: HUELVA [www.uhu.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS EXPERIMENTALES.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS EXPERIMENTALES.

Summary: The present report deals with the amendment of bitumen for road use of polymer waste. The objectives of this study were, first, to deepen the knowledge of the behavior of termomecánico bitumen modified by the addition of polymers. Moreover, this study aims to analyze the feasibility of reusing these polymers with environmental purposes. Most of the work is devoted to the study of the rheological and microstructural modified binders, and the relationships between them appear. In addition, the study addresses of variables related to the formulation and processing of these systems.

Author: Martínez Gallegos Juan Francisco.
Year: 2004.
University: GRANADA [www.ugr.es].
Place of defense: Facultad de Ciencias.
Place of preparation: Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Ciencias.

Summary: In this dissertation is intended to characterize alfa-amilasas and their interactions with non-ionic surfactants such as ethoxylated fatty alcohols and alquilpoliglucósidos that could be included in detergent formulations aimed at removing dirt home amylaceous on hard surfaces. In experiments using soluble starch potato as a substrate. The enzyme studied was a alfa-amilasa commercial Bacillus licheniformis. It was found that the ratio between the reaction rate and the initial concentration of enzyme, presents a maximum at pH equal to 7.5 with significant reductions at pH lower, and fewer defendants at pH higher, and the pH control must be very efficient. We developed a new methodology for studying the thermal deactivation of enzymes, keeping the enzyme solutions to the reaction temperature during different time periods prior to this, allowing obtain the order of deactivation and co

Author: COCA SANZ MÓNICA.
Year: 2005.
University: VALLADOLID [www.uva.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS.

Summary: Molasses is one of the main products of the sugar industry. Due to its high content of fermentable sugars and its low cost is often used as a raw material in fermentation processes. These industries generate high amounts of effluent known as vinaza, intensely dark and high organic content that makes unfeasible disposal. Generally, the Vinaza undergoes a process of anaerobic digestion to reduce the organic load, this being an alternative widely used because of its economic viability, related to the production of biogas. The anaerobic treatment is often combined with aerobic treatment to further reduce the organic content of the effluent wastewater. Although anaerobic treatment / aerobic is very efficient in terms of removal of organic matter, the intense dark of the Vinaza barely decreases due to the presence of dyes not biodegradable. The colored discharge effluent can cause serious damage channels receivers due to the decrease in sunlight, reducing the photosynthetic activity and the decrease in the concentration of dissolved oxygen. Therefore, before the increase in legislative restrictions and responsibility of the industry to the environment, we must develop treatments that reduce significantly the color of wastewater generated in the industries of fermentation of molasses, minimizing its negative impact on the environment. However, the complex composition of this type of wastewater hinders the establishment of a bleaching process viable and effective. Faced with this challenge, the use of ozone technology is emerging as a powerful and clean oxidation, whose application to the treatment of wastewater containing compounds not biodegradable increasing every day. For these reasons, it has been selected chemical oxidation process with ozone as a treatment for removing color from the wastewater treatment anaerobic / aerobic of Vinaza. In this study is first analyzed the nature and molecular weight of colors present in the effluent from industrial fermentation of molasses. As the dye came from the sugar process, we have identified more stages that favor the formation of color, in order to reduce and / or prevent their formation, which would decrease dye effluents. Once the colors of nature, a study has been made of ozone treatment of wastewater from biological treatment anaerobic / aerobic of vinaza to reduce their color and organic content. First, it has analyzed the influence of various parameters of reaction, as the mass flow of ozone food, pH, temperature and the presence of inhibitors, in the efficacy of treatment with ozone in order to select the best operating conditions. Then, a study has been made of the speed of the reaction process gas-líquido identifying the regime and the constant kinetic reaction between ozone and colored compounds. To complete the study, we compared the efficacy of treatment with ozone oxidation with the other processes that provide oxidation with hydrogen peroxide, Fenton reagent or combination of ozone with hydrogen peroxide. Given the results, one can conclude that the color of the waste water is essentially due to the presence of melanoidinas high molecular weight. These dyes are derived primarily from the stages of evaporation and crystallization process sugar. The ozone treatment is presented as a process of oxidation effective in reducing the color of wastewater, due to direct reactions between ozon 8 oy the 508 colors. The reactions of oxidation can be considered fast, pseudo first-order with respect to ozone and occur in the liquid film, and the transfer of the area plays a key role in the effectiveness of treatment. The combination of ozone with hydrogen peroxide helps to increase the performance of removal of organic matter due to a higher contribution of indirect oxidation reactions. Other treatments oxidation with hydrogen peroxide or reactive Fenton not diminish color or organic content of waste water due to its complex matrix organic and organic.

Author: RAMIREZ RANGEL ELIANA.
Year: 2005.
University: POLITÉCNICA DE CATALUÑA [www.upc.edu].
Place of defense: Dept. d'Enginyeria Química, pavelló G,.
Place of preparation: ETSEIB, EDIFICI H PLANTA 4 Campus SUD.

Summary: Hydrogenation is a major industrial chemical process. A wide variety of chemicals is obtained by catalytic hydrogenation. One typical heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation process is the production of margarine and shortenings from vegetable oils. The hydrogenation of double bonds in fats and oils has the purpose of providing products with the desired melting profile and texture, according to their final use. The hydrogenated oil is more stable and less sensitive to oxidation. The classic process is carried out in batch reactors where the oil, hydrogen, and catalyst nickel powder are mixed intensively at temperatures between 373 K and 423 K. In this case, the compound to be hydrogenated and or the reaction products are liquid at process conditions; the reaction rate is limited by the concentration of hydrogen on the catalyst surface. The low reaction rate is caused by the low solubility of hydrogen and the high mass-transfer resistance in the liquid phase, which leads to a depletion of hydrogen at the catalyst surface. In the presence of double bonds, this lack of hydrogen also gives rise to double-bond migration and cis-trans-isomerization. Despite of the fact that isomerization of cis-trans configuration increases the melting point, conflicting conclusions have resulted from studies on trans fatty acids. In several studies, these isomers formed during hydrogenation of fatty edible oils have shown to have similar effects as saturated fats increasing serum cholesterol levels in the blood, believed to be a major cause of heart desease. For this reason, apprehension and public awareness have risen regarding the potential health hazards of trans fatty acids intake in the human diet. The aim of this research is to study continuous single-phase hydrogenation of sunflower oil on supported palladium catalysts using supercritical fluids as a reaction solvent. This would be an alternative process for producing a wide variety of end products having different characteristics (iodine value, trans-fatty acid content and saturated content mainly) of industrial foodstuffs interest to be used as low cholesterol precursors for margarine and shortening bases in the next few years. In addition, the objective of the study is to show, on a lab-scale, the potential of heterogeneous catalytic reactions under supercritical single-phase conditions. This thesis is based on the material published in several technical papers and one patent, which can be found at the end of the thesis. The tesis is structured as follows: Chapter 1 consists of a background, to explain the idea of use supercritical fluids in the hydrogenation of fats and oils, to describe the state of the art and what are the aims of this research. Chapter 2 presents a theoretical study for modelling the vapor-liquid high pressure equilibrium for sunflower oil/hydrogen/C3H8 system as well as for sunflower oil/hydrogen/DME in order to determine suitable operating conditions (concentrations, temperatures and pressures) which can bring all hydrogenation reactants and products into a homogeneous reactive fluid phase. Chapter 3 establishes a better understanding of how operating variables affect the rate of reaction, conversion and final product distribution in a continuous recycle reactor as well as the experimental conditions where a potential CSTR process could be operated to obtain end-products with industrial foodstuff of interest. As an extension of these results, the kinetics of the reaction is worked out. Chapter 4 it is a consequence of the results of the previous chapter and 8 develop 3da s the study of the intraparticle diffusion-reaction mechanisms in supercritical sunflower oil hydrogenation on Pd/C catalyst. The final chapter contains the experimental details of this thesis. The last part lists the main conclusions, discusses the prospects for further investigations and presents the bibliopraphy and the appendixes.

Author: Witt Hans JÒ¶rg.
Year: 2005.
University: ROVIRA I VIRGILI [www.urv.cat].
Place of defense: Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Química.
Place of preparation: Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Química.

Summary: This research project deals with the design and evaluation of social competency building in an academic organization. This topic is relevant, as the workforce of the future must posses a very different competency-set. In an ever-changing environment the academic organizations must provide the human resources capable of managing current and future challenges. The hypothesis of this research proposes social competency building as an enabler to improving technical capabilities. Innovative ways have to be found in order to enhance the technical knowledge through social skills. By means of integrated project work, empowered teams and social interventions, higher levels of performance can be obtained. A survey process was developed to validate the hypothesis. As a result, a new competency-based educational model was designed and partially implemented at the Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Química ETSEQ. To facilitate the implementation of the model a partnership between the ETSEQ and Dow Chemical Ibérica was established with the purpose of providing support to the change process that the new model implied and expertise and educational materials to facilitate the development of key competencies starting from client orientation. After nearly a decade of intense research it can be concluded that the hypothesis stands the test. Already the application of selected team work competencies shows considerable tangible improvement. The implementation of the proposed improvements would lead to greater productivity gains and ultimately represent a step forward towards the human resource needs of tomorrow. To that end, the author will be hired as an associate Professor to support the implementation and the expansion of this model on to other departments and ultimately deploying this research in other universities. To conclude, the referees of the International Journal of Engineering Education have evaluated this thesis work and have qualified it as innovative and universal. It is regarded universal in the sense that it might be deployed to any engineering program throughout the world. In addition, the ETSEQ has received several external recognitions, like "Education Quality Award"; "Vicens Vives Honor to Education Quality", Generalitat de Catalunya, 2001; Award granted by the University Coordination Council of the Spanish Education and Science Ministry to the best practices of teaching and learning; Recognition provided by two chemical industry associations: FEIQUE and CEFIC.

Author: GOMEZ RODRIGUEZ PEDRO MANUEL.
Year: 2005.
University: CANTABRIA [www.unican.es].
Place of defense: E.T.s.DE INGENIEROS INDUSTRIALES Y DE TELEC..
Place of preparation: E.T.S.DE INGENIEROS INDUSTRIALES Y DE TELEC..

Summary: The aims of EU policy is R & D and innovation are routed to the development of clean technologies and energy and environmentally friendly, and promoting sustainable development in the European Union. In this regard, the objective of this work has focused on the development of a general methodology for the design of Membrane separation processes based on the use of Pervaporación (NC). This technology has become an economic alternative and easy to operate to the conventional processes of dehydration of organic compounds. This paper has examined the applications covering a broad range gradient separation Drive: i) pervaporación of mixing methanol ii) dehydration of cyclohexane iii) styrene dehydration. In the pilot study were used both as a commercial polymeric membranes new membranes manufactured in the laboratory and work at both laboratory and pilot plant. The design of hybrid processes that integrate conventional technologies and pervaporación has also been considered. For this purpose has dealt with the study in three basic steps: 1 .- Synthesis: characterization and selection of membrane hydrophilic praa dehydration of methanol and cyclohexane styrene through studies vaibilidad laboratory-scale. This membranes were tested both commercial and manufactured in the laboratory from SPEEK and SPPEK. After an experimental design, we studied the influence of variables operation producing values of flux and selectivity. 2 .- Analysis: at this stage is modeled transport material fetching characteristic parameters necessary for purposes of design were estimated permeability values and parameters that describe the influence of operating conditions on the performance of the process. Behavior change of scale in the dehydration of cyclohexane and styrene was discussed in pilot plant. In dehydration cyclohexane and styrene was discussed in pilot plant. The dehydration of cyclohexane, developed a mathematical model to describe transport of matter is under conditions not istoermas allowing study the influence of operating conditions. 3 .- optimization: the influence of operating conditions on the performance of the dehydration of cyclohexane allowed to conduct a rigorous optimization stage focuses on minimizing the area of membrane necessary to achieve a desired level of purification.