Multi-objective optimization to improve energy, economic and, environmental life cycle assessment in waste-to-energy plant.

This paper presents a multi-objective optimization (MOO) of waste-to-energy (WtE) to investigate optimized solutions for thermal, economic, and environmental objectives. These objectives are represented by net efficiency, total cost in treating waste, and environmental impact. Integration of the environmental objective is conducted using life cycle assessment (LCA) with endpoint single score method covering direct combustion, reagent production and infrastructure, ash management, and energy recovery.

Enhancing Capillary-Driven Flow for Paper-Based Microfluidic Channels.

Paper-based microfluidic devices have received considerable interest due to their benefits with regards to low manufacturing costs, simplicity, and the wide scope of applications. However, limitations including sample retention in paper matrix and evaporation as well as low liquid flow rates have often been overlooked. This paper presents a paper-based capillary-driven flow system that speeds up flow rates by utilizing narrow gap geometry between two parallel surfaces separated by a spacer.

Heat and mass transfer models to understand the drying mechanisms of a porous substrate.

While drying of paper and paper coatings is expensive, with significant energy requirements, the rate controlling mechanisms are not currently fully understood. Two two-dimensional models are used as a first approximation to predict the heat transfer during hot air drying and to evaluate the role of various parameters on the drying rates of porous coatings. The models help determine the structural limiting factors during the drying process, while applying for the first time the recently known values of coating thermal diffusivity.

Paper-based microfluidics: fabrication technique and dynamics of capillary-driven surface flow.

Paper-based devices provide an alternative technology for simple, low-cost, portable, and disposable diagnostic tools for many applications, including clinical diagnosis, food quality control, and environmental monitoring. In this study we report a two-step fabrication process for creating two-dimensional microfluidic channels to move liquids on a hydrophobized paper surface. A highly hydrophobic surface was created on paper by TiO2 nanoparticle coating using a high-speed, roll-to-roll liquid flame spray technique.

Temperature effects on dynamic water absorption into paper.

Mechanisms controlling short time water absorption and the effect of temperature on water absorption into paper were investigated by analyzing previously published data. A dynamic contact angle effect caused by contact line friction explained the liquid uptake dynamics at short times. The water absorption rate increase with temperature is suggested to be controlled by the molecular processes occurring in front of the advancing liquid front.