Desenvolvimento de nanocompósito (hidroxiapatita/ poliuretano) pela gelação (gelling) de poli ( álcool vinílico) (PVA) para remoção de metais pesados

Removing microcontaminants from effluents is a challenge today, because of its high cost and low efficiency, especially in the treatment of effluents containing heavy metals. An alternative that has emerged is the use of biodegradable nanocomposites, which exhibit good removal and recovery performances, in addition to its low cost. With this in mind, the present study aimed to develop and characterize a nanocomposite based on hydroxyapatite (HAP), polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for removing heavy metals. Thus, the research was conducted in several steps: i)- Physico-chemical and microbiological hospital effluent characterization; ii)- Production of hydroxyapatite by aqueous precipitation technique, and their characterization; iii)- Production of the nanocomposite in which the hydroxyapatite was added to the polyurethane prepolymers and then the polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxyapatite film was produced; iv)- Polyvinyl composite without film PU/HAp was also produced in the proportions of 20 and 40% HAp; v)- The composites was characterized by the techniques of XRD, FTIR, SEM / EDS, BET, Zeta Potential and TGA; vi)- The sisal and coconut fibres were washed and dried for comparative tests of adsorption; vii)- Adsorption tests for evaluating the removal of heavy metals (nickel and cadmium). Initial screening adsorption capacity (HAp; PU/HAp - 20 and 40%; PU / HAp / PVA), kinetic studies of adsorption of Cd (II) by HAp; multifactorial design analysis (factorial design) for identifying the most important variables in the adsorption of Cd (II) by composite PU/HAp. Also comparative analysis of adsorption of Cd and Ni by composite PU/HAp were conducted, as well as comparative tests of adsorption of Cd (coconut fibre) and Ni (sisal fibre). It was possible to verify that the composite PU/HAp 40% showed better effectiveness for the removal of Cd (II) and Ni (II), above 80%, equivalent to the lignocellulosic fibre used and HAp produced. As main conclusion, it can be referred that the composite PU/HAp 40% is an effective adsorvent to wastewater treatment for heavy metal removal, with low cost and high efficiency

Desenvolvimento de um protótipo para alimentação de pós para aspersão térmica em tocha de plasma

The nanometric powders have special features that usually result in new properties, originating applications or expanding them in various fields of knowledge. Because having a high area/volume ratio, phenomena such as superficial strength of adsorption becomes greater than the weight of the powder which makes more difficult its handling. The high power of agglomeration of these powders requires study and development of equipments to enable its management into the plasma torch. The objective of this work is to develop a powder feeder which can solve the mainly problems about insertion of powder into the thermal spray developed in the laboratory of plasmas, which are carried out with plasma torch arc not transferred (plasma spray). Therefore, it was made a aluminum s powder feeder and tests were performed to verify their operation and determine its rate of deposition by spraying powders of niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) with particle sizes less than 250 mesh (<0.063 mm). We used masses of 0.5 g - 1.0 g and 1.5 g of each powder in tests lasting 15 seconds - 20 to 25 seconds for each mass. The tests were performed in two ways: at atmospheric pressure using argon gas with a flow of 9 l / min as carrier gas and through a Venturi pipe also using argon gas with a flow of 9 l / min as carrier gas and with a flow of 20 l/min as the feed gas passing through the Venturi pipe. The powder feeder developed in this paper is very easy to be handling and building, resulting in feeding rate of 0.25 cm3/min - 1.37 cm3/min. The TiO2 showed higher feeding rates than the Nb2O5 in all tests, and the best rates were obtained with tests using mass 1.5 g and time of 15 seconds, reaching feeding rate of 1.37 cm3/min. The flow of feed had low interference in feeding rate during the tests

Síntese citrato-hidrotermal e caracterização eletroquímica de LSCF para aplicação como catodo em célula a combustível de temperatura intermediária

The lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxide (La1-xSrxCo1-yFeyO3 LSCF) is the most commonly used material for application as cathode in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs), mainly due to their high mixed ionic electronic conductivity between 600 and 800ºC. In this study, LSCF powders with different compositions were synthesized via a combination between citrate and hydrothermal methods. As-prepared powders were calcined from 700 to 900°C and then characterized by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, thermal analyses, particle size analyses, nitrogen adsorption (BET) and scanning electronic microscopy. Films of composition La0,6Sr0,4Co0,2Fe0,8O3 (LSCF6428), powders calcined at 900°C, were screen-printed on gadolinium doped ceria (CGO) substrates and sintered between 1150 and 1200°C. The effects of level of sintering on the microstructure and electrochemical performance of electrodes were evaluated by scanning electronic microscopy and impedance spectroscopy. Area specific resistance (ASR) exhibited strong relation with the microstructure of the electrodes. The best electrochemical performance (0.18 ohm.cm2 at 800°C) was obtained for the cathode sintered at 1200°C for 2 h. The electrochemical activity can be further improved through surface activation by impregnation with PrOx, in this case the electrode area specific resistance decreases to values as low as 0.12 ohm.cm2 (800°C), 0.17 ohm.cm2 (750°C) and 0.31 ohm.cm2 (700°C). The results indicate that the citrate-hydrothermal method is suitable for the attainment of LSCF particulates with potential application as cathode component in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs)

Purificação da glicerina bruta obtida a partir da transesterificação do óleo de algodão

The crude glycerine is a raw material that can be used in a wide variety of products. Even with all the impurities inherent in the process of being obtained, the crude glycerin is already in a marketable product. However, the market is much more favorable to the commercialization of purified glycerine. The glycerin is a byproduct gotten from the process of transesterification of waste oils and fats in the production of biodiesel. More recently, the deployment of the new Federal Law of Brazil, related to the implementation of energy resources, forces, from 2008, the increase of 2% biodiesel in diesel common with prospects for 5% (B5). Therefore, it is indispensable that new routes of purification as well as new markets are developed. The objective of this work was to purify, through ion exchange, the crude glycerin, obtained from the reaction of transesterification of cottonseed oil. The cottonseed oil was characterized as the fatty acid composition and physical-chemical properties. The process of ion exchange was conducted in batch. In this process were used strong cation, low anion resins and a mixed resin used to de-ionize water. The purified glycerin was characterized as the content of metals. Tests were performed with activated charcoal adsorption, and for this, it was made tests of time contact with coal as well as quantity of coal used. The time of activation, the amount of the activation solution, the contact time of the glycerol solution in resins, the amount and type of resin applied were evaluated. Considering the analysis made with activated charcoal, when the glycerin solution was treated using the resins individually it was observed that in the conditions for treatment with 10 g of resin, 5 hours of contact with each resin and 50 mL of glycerin solution, its conductivity decreased to a cationic resin, increased to the anionic resin and had a variable value with respect to resin mixed. In the treatment in series, there was a constant decrease in the conductivity of the solution of glycerin. Considering two types of treatment, in series and individually, the content of glycerol in glycerin pre-purified solution with the different resins varied from 12,46 to 29.51% (diluted solution). In analysis performed without the use of activated charcoal, the behavior of the conductivity of the solution of glycerin were similar to results for treatment with activated charcoal, both in series as individually. The solution of glycerin pre-purified had a glycerol content varying from 8.3 to 25.7% (diluted solution). In relation to pH, it had a behavior in accordance with the expected: acid for the glycerin solution treated with cationic resin, basic when the glycerin solution was treated with the anionic resin and neutral when treated with the mixed resin, independent of the kind of procedure used (with or without coal, resins individually or in series). In relation to the color of the glycerin pre-purified solution, the resin that showed the best result was the anionic (colorless), however this does not mean that the solution is more in pure glycerol. The chromatographic analysis of the solutions obtained after the passage through the resins indicated that the treatment was effective by the presence of only one component (glycerol), not considering the solvent of the analysis

Aplicação de microemulsões na solubilização de frações pesadas de petróleo

This work presents studies related to the use of microemulsions in the solubilization of heavy crude oil fractions responsible by the formation of deposits. The first stage of the work was addressed to the construction of phases diagrams, with the intention of determining the area within which the microemulsion is formed. The following systems were studied: UNITOL L 90 n-Butanol - Water - Kerosene (system 1); UNITOL L 90 - n-Butanol - Water - Xylene (system 2); UNITOL L 90 n-Butanol - Water - Kerosene/Xylene 10% (system 3); UNITOL L 90 - Sec-Butanol - Water - Xylene (system 4). In parallel experiments of physical adsorption were carried out by the static method, with the intention of simulating natural conditions of reservoirs. Crude oil of the Fazenda Belém field (Rio Grande do Norte), was used as solute, xylene as solvent and the Assu sandstone (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil) and Botucatu sandstone (Paraná, Brazil) as rock reservoirs. The curves of adsorption presented the S format type, in agreement with the classification proposed by Giles, Smith and Huitson (1974). The solubilization process was accomplished in the batch method, by varying the time of agitation, the microemulsions and the solid/solution ratio. The experiments showed that the microemulsions presented high efficiency in the solubilization of the crude oil adsorbed on the sandstones. System 2 presented an efficiency of 99% for the Assu sandstone and 97% for the Botucatu sandstone

Preparação e caracterização de um material híbrido, à base de vermiculita modificada com quitosana, para a remoção de íons de chumbo presentes em efluentes sintéticos

Actually, surveys have been developed for obtaining new materials and methodologies that aim to minimize environmental problems due to discharges of industrial effluents contaminated with heavy metals. The adsorption has been used as an alternative technology effectively, economically viable and potentially important for the reduction of metals, especially when using natural adsorbents such as certain types of clay. Chitosan, a polymer of natural origin, present in the shells of crustaceans and insects, has also been used for this purpose. Among the clays, vermiculite is distinguished by its good ion exchange capacity and in its expanded form enhances its properties by greatly increasing its specific surface. This study aimed to evaluate the functionality of the hybrid material obtained through the modification of expanded vermiculite with chitosan in the removal of lead ions (II) in aqueous solution. The material was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) in order to evaluate the efficiency of modification of matrix, the vermiculite, the organic material, chitosan. The thermal stability of the material and the ratio clay / polymer was evaluated by thermogravimetry. To evaluate the surface of the material was used in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and (BET). The BET analysis revealed a significant increase in surface area of vermiculite that after interaction with chitosan, was obtained a value of 21, 6156 m2 / g. Adsorption tests were performed according to the particle size, concentration and time. The results show that the capacity of removal of ions through the vermiculite was on average 88.4% for lead in concentrations ranging from 20-200 mg / L and 64.2% in the concentration range of 1000 mg / L. Regarding the particle size, there was an increase in adsorption with decreasing particle size. In fuction to the time of contact, was observed adsorption equilibrium in 60 minutes with adsorption capacity. The data of the isotherms were fitted to equation Freundlich. The kinetic study of adsorption showed that the pseudo second- order model best describes the adsorption adsorption, having been found following values K2=0,024 g. mg-1 min-1and Qmax=25,75 mg/g, value very close to the calculated Qe = 26.31 mg / g. From the results we can conclude that the material can be used in wastewater treatment systems as a source of metal ions adsorbent due to its high adsorption capacity

Desenvolvimento de uma unidade laboratorial para quantificação de BTX como poluentes atmosféricos, usando microextração em fase sólida

This dissertation aims the development of an experimental device to determine quantitatively the content of benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX) in the atmosphere. BTX are extremely volatile solvents, and therefore play an important role in atmospheric chemistry, being precursors in the tropospheric ozone formation. In this work a BTX new standard gas was produced in nitrogen for stagnant systems. The aim of this dissertation is to develop a new method, simple and cheaper, to quantify and monitor BTX in air using solid phase microextraction/ gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME/CG/MS). The features of the calibration method proposed are presented in this dissertation. SPME sampling was carried out under non-equilibrium conditions using a Carboxen/PDMS fiber exposed for 10 min standard gas mixtures. It is observed that the main parameters that affect the extraction process are sampling time and concentration. The results of the BTX multicomponent system studied have shown a linear and a nonlinear range. In the non-linear range, it is remarkable the effect of competition by selective adsorption with the following affinity order p-xylene > toluene > benzene. This behavior represents a limitation of the method, however being in accordance with the literature. Furthermore, this behavior does not prevent the application of the technique out of the non-linear region to quantify the BTX contents in the atmosphere.

Nano emulsões aplicadas a recuperação avançada de petróleo

A exploração de petróleo está a cada dia em circunstâncias mais adversas, no que diz respeito à profundidade dos poços como também, em relação à fluidez do óleo. Os reservatórios de descobertas recentes não possuem energia própria para produzir ou os métodos convencionais não são eficientes para fazer com que esses reservatórios tenham uma vida útil elevada, devido a alterações das propriedades físico-químicas, como por exemplo a viscosidade, que torna o deslocamento do óleo pelos poros do reservatório até a superfície cada vez mais complexo. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo estudar a preparação, caracterização e a utilização de nanoemulsões obtidas a partir de sistemas microemulsionados, com e sem a presença de polímero. Esses sistemas foram aplicados como método químico de recuperação de petróleo, com o intuito de obter maior eficiência de volume de óleo deslocado. O interesse por esse tipo de sistema existe devido a sua baixa tensão superficial, o pequeno tamanho de gotícula e, principalmente, pelo baixo percentual de matéria ativa presente em sua composição. Os ensaios realizados para caracterizar esses sistemas foram: aspecto físico, medidas de tamanho de gotícula, índice de polidispersão, tensão superficial, pH e condutividade. Ensaios de reologia e de adsorção dos sistemas foram realizados com o objetivo de avaliar sua influencia na recuperação de petróleo. Os ensaios de recuperação foram realizados em um equipamento que simula as condições de um reservatório de petróleo, utilizando plugs de rocha arenito Botucatu. Esses plugs foram saturados com salmoura (KCl 2%) e com petróleo proveniente da Bacia Potiguar do campo de Ubarana. Após essas etapas foi realizada a recuperação convencional utilizando a salmoura e, por último, foi injetada, a nanoemulsão, como método de recuperação avançada. Os sistemas obtidos variaram de 0% à 0,4% de polímero. Os ensaios de tamanhos de partícula obtiveram como resultado uma variação de 9,22 a 14,8 nm, caracterizando que as nanoemulsões estão dentro da faixa de tamanho inerente a esse tipo de sistema. Para ensaios de tensão superficial os valores foram na faixa de 33,6 a 39,7 dynas/cm, valores semelhantes à microemulsões e bem abaixo da tensão superficial da água. Os resultados obtidos para os valores de pH e condutividade se mantiveram estáveis ao longo do tempo de armazenamento, essa avaliação indica estabilidade das nanoemulsões estudadas. O teste de recuperação avançada utilizando nanoemulsão com baixo percentual de matéria ativa obteve como resultado de eficiência de deslocamento 39,4%. Porém esse valor foi crescente, de acordo com o aumento do percentual de polímero na nanomeulsão. Os resultados de eficiência de deslocamento de petróleo estão diretamente relacionados com o aumento da viscosidade das nanoemulsões. A nanoemulsão V (0,4% polímero) é o sistema mais viscoso dentre os analisados, e obteve o maior percentual de óleo deslocado (76,7%), resultando na maior eficiência de deslocamento total (90%). Esse estudo mostrou o potencial de sistemas nanoemulsionados, com e sem polímeros, na recuperação avançada de petróleo. Eles apresentam algumas vantagens com relação a outros métodos de recuperação avançada, como: o baixo percentual de matéria ativa, baixo índice de adsorção do polímero, dissolvido em nanoemulsão, na rocha e alta eficiência de recuperação

Obtenção de ferrita de cobalto através de dois métodos de síntese: método de complexação combinando EDTA/Citrato e método hidrotérmico

In this work it was synthesized and characterized the cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) by two methods: complexation combining EDTA/Citrate and hydrothermal investigating the influence of the synthesis conditions on phase formation and on the crystallite size. The powders were mainly characterized by x-ray diffraction. In specific cases, it was also used scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and isotherms of adsorption and desorption of nitrogen (BET method). The study of the crystallite size was based on the interpretation of x-ray diffractograms obtained and estimated by the method of Halder-Wagner-Scherrer and Langford. An experimental design was made in order to assist in quantifying the influence of synthesis conditions on the response variables. The synthesis parameters evaluated in this study were: pH of the reaction medium (8, 9 and 10), the calcination temperature (combined complexation method EDTA/Citrate 600°C, 800°C and 1000°C), synthesis temperature (hydrothermal method 120°C, 140°C and 160°C), calcination time (combined complexation method EDTA/Citrate - 2, 4 and 6 hours) and time of synthesis (hydrothermal method 6, 15 and 24 hours). By the hydrothermal method was possible to produce mesoporous powders with high purity, with an average crystallite size up to 7 nm, with a surface area of 113.44 m²/g in the form of pellets with irregular morphology. By using the method of combined complexation EDTA/Citrate, mesoporous powders were produced with greater purity, crystallite size up to 22nm and 27.95 m²/g of surface area in the form of pellets with a regular morphology of plaques. In the experimental design was found that the hydrothermal method to all the studied parameters (pH, temperature and time) have significant effect on the crystallite size, while to the combined complexation method EDTA/Citrate, only temperature and time were significant

Microemulsões aplicadas ao tratamento de Óleos isolantes

Naphthenic lubricating oils are used in transformers with the purpose of promoting electrical insulation and dissipating heat. The working temperature range of these oils typically lies between 60°C and 90°C and their useful life is 40 years in average. In that temperature range, the oils are decomposed during operation, whereby a small fraction of polar compounds are formed. The presence of these compounds may induce failure and loss of physical, chemical and electrical properties of the oil, thus impairing the transformer operation. By removing these contaminants, one allows the oxidized insulating oil to be reused without damaging the equipment. In view of this, an investigation on the use of surfactants and microemulsions as extracting agents, and modified diatomite as adsorbent, has been proprosed in this work aiming to remove polar substances detected in oxidized transformer oils. The extraction was carried out by a simple-contact technique at room temperature. The system under examination was stirred for about 10 minutes, after which it was allowed to settle at 25°C until complete phase separation. In another experimental approach, adsorption equilibrium data were obtained by using a batch system operating at temperatures of 60, 80 and 100°C. Analytical techniques involving determination of the Total Acidity Number (TAN) and infrared spectrophotometry have been employed when monitoring the decomposition and recovery processes of the oils. The acquired results indicated that the microemulsion extraction system comprising Triton® X114 as surfactant proved to be more effective in removing polar compounds, with a decrease in TAN index from 0.19 to 0.01 mg KOH/g, which is consistent with the limits established for new transformer oils (maximal TAN = 0.03 mg KOH/g). In the adsorption studies, the best adsorption capacity values were as high as 0.1606 meq.g/g during conventional adsoprtion procedures using natural bauxite, and as high as 0.016 meq.g/g for the system diatomite/Tensiofix® 8426. Comparatively in this case, a negative effect could be observed on the adsorption phenomenon due to microemulsion impregnation on the surface of the diatomite

Impactos do estresse salino e da cobertura morta nas características químicas do solo e no desenvolvimento do amaranto

Availability of good quality water has been reduced vertiginously, over the last decade, in the world. In some regions, the water resources have high concentration of the dissolved salts, these characteristics of the water make it s use impossible. Water quality can be a limitation for irrigated agriculture, principally in regions of arid or semiarid climate where the water resources are generally saline and are exposed at high evaporation ratio. For that reason, precipitation of the salts occurs near the soil surface and those salts themselves cumulate in the vegetal tissue, reducing the soil fertility and crop production. The adoption of tolerant crop to the water salinity and soil salinity, adaptable to the climatic conditions is other emergent necessity. This work had the goal of studying the effects of four salinity levels of the irrigation water salinity and use of mulch, dried leaves of Forest mangrove (Acacia mangiumWilld), in cultivated soil with amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus, BRS Alegria variety), in greenhouse. It was utilized the transplant of plants to PVC columns, containing 30 kg of silty loam soil, 10 days after emerging, with space of 50 x 50 cm between lines. Treatments were composed by combination of four levels of salinity (0.147; 1.500; 3.000 e 4.500 dS m-1), obtained by addition NaCl (commercial) to irrigation water and soil with and without protection, by mulch. A factorial system 4 x 2 was used with four repetitions, totalizing 32 parcels. The concentrations of nutrients in soil solution have been evaluated, in the dry matter of the vegetal tissue (roots, stem, leaves and raceme residue), at the end of the vegetative cycle. The use of soil protection reduced time for the beginning inflorescence of plants, at the same time, the increase of the salinity delayed this phase of amaranth development. The use of the mulch effectively increased the height, stem diameter, area of the larger leaf, humidity and dry matter content and amaranth grain production. The vegetal species showed salinity tolerance to experimented levels. The adopted treatments did not affect the pH values, exchangeable cation contents, electrical conductivity of soil solution (EC1:5) and saturated extract (ECSE), and Ca+2, Mg+, Fe+2 and Mn+2 contents, in the soil solution. The increase of the salinity concentration in the irrigation water inhibited the mineralization process of the organic matter (OM) and, consequently, the efficiency in the it´s utilization by plants, at the same time, produced increase in the values of the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and potassium adsorption ratio (PAR), in the soil solution. Therefore, the use of the mulch did not affect the first three parameters. The protein and nutrient contents: K+, Ca+2, P, Mg+2 e Cu+2, in amaranth grains, were improved by tillage condition. The raceme residues showed chemical/nutritional composition that makes advantageous its application in animal ration. In this context, it follows that amaranth tolerate the saline stress, of the irrigation water, until 4.500 dS m-1, temperature and relative humidity of the air predominant in the experimental environment

Biossorção utilizando alga marinha (sargassum sp.) aplicada em meio orgânico

In this work, biosorption process was used to remove heavy metals from used automotive lubricating oils by a bus fleet from Natal-RN-Brazil. This oil was characterized to determine the physical-chemistry properties. It was also characterized the used oil with the aim of determining and quantifying the heavy metal concentration. Fe and Cu were the metals existent in large concentration and these metals were choused to be studied in solubilization process. For the biosorption process was used the seaweed Sargassum sp for the study of influencing of the metals presents separately and with other metals. It was also studied the effect of the protonation treatment of alga with the objective to know the best efficiency of heavy metals removal. The study of the solubilization showed that the presence of more than a metal favors the solubilization of the metals presents in the oil and consequently, it favors the biosorption process, what becomes interesting the perspective application in the heavy metals removal in lubricating oils used, because the presence of more than a heavy metal favors the solubility of all metals present. It was observed that the iron and copper metals, which are present in large concentration, the protonated biosorbtent was more effective. In this study we used as biomass the marine alga Sargassum sp to study the influence of agitation velocity, temperature and initial biomass concentration on the removal of iron and copper from used lubricant oils. We performed an experimental design and a kinetic study. The experiments were carried out with samples of used lubricant oil and predetermined amounts of algae, allowing sufficient time for the mixture to obtain equilibrium under controlled conditions. The results showed that, under the conditions studied, the larger the amount of biomass present, the lower the adsorption capacity of the iron and of the copper, likely due to a decrease in interface contact area. The experimental design led us to conclude that a function can be obtained that shows the degree of influence of each one of the system variables

Estudo de uma coluna de absorção recheada para desidratação do gás natural utilizando microemulsão como absorvente

During natural gas processing, water removal is considered as a fundamental step in that combination of hydrocarbons and water favors the formation of hydrates. The gas produced in the Potiguar Basin (Brazil) presents high water content (approximately 15000 ppm) and its dehydration is achieved via absorption and adsorption operations. This process is carried out at the Gas Treatment Unit (GTU) in Guamaré (GMR), in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. However, it is a costly process, which does not provide satisfactory results when water contents as low as 0.5 ppm are required as the exit of the GTU. In view of this, microemulsions research is regarded as an alternative to natural gas dehydration activities. Microemulsions can be used as desiccant fluids because of their unique proprieties, namely solubilization enhancement, reduction in interfacial tensions and large interfacial area between continuous and dispersed phases. These are actually important parameters to ensure the efficiency of an absorption column. In this work, the formulation of the desiccant fluid was determined via phases diagram construction, employing there nonionic surfactants (RDG 60, UNTL L60 and AMD 60) and a nonpolar fluid provided by Petrobras GMR (Brazil) typically comprising low-molecular weight liquid hydrocarbons ( a solvent commonly know as aguarrás ). From the array of phases diagrams built, four representative formulations have been selected for providing better results: 30% RDG 60-70% aguarrás; 15% RDG 60-15% AMD 60-70% aguarrás, 30% UNTL L60-70% aguarrás, 15% UNTL L60-15% AMD 60-70% aguarrás. Since commercial natural gas is already processed, and therefore dehydrated, it was necessary to moister some sample prior to all assays. It was then allowed to cool down to 13ºC and interacted with wet 8-12 mesh 4A molecular sieve, thus enabling the generation of gas samples with water content (approximately 15000 ppm). The determination of the equilibrium curves was performed based on the dynamic method, which stagnated liquid phase and gas phase at a flow rate of 200 mL min-1. The hydrodynamic study was done with the aim of established the pressure drop and dynamic liquid hold-up. This investigation allowed are to set the working flow rates at 840 mL min-1 for the gas phase and 600 mLmin-1 for the liquid phase. The mass transfer study indicated that the system formed by UNTL L60- turpentine-natural gas the highest value of NUT

Uso da tecnologia de troca iônica no tratamento de águas contaminadas com Nitrato do Aqüífero Dunas-Barreiras, Natal/RN-Brasil

The city of Natal comprises an area of about 170 km² (65,63 squares miles). The Dunas-Barreiras Aquifer is the most important reservoir of the coastal basin of RN. It is being responsible for the water supplying of about 70% of the population, however, due to the sewage disposal system by cesspools and drains, it is presently affected in a great extent by nitrates contamination. Thus, the present work proposes to research the utilization of contaminated water by nitrates of this fountainhead and find cost of the potable water through the ionic exchange technology. This technology consists in the removal of mineral salts by the exchange of cations for one ion of hydrogen (H+), through the passage of water by cationic resin bed and, secondly, by the exchange of the anions for hydroxyl ions (OH-) through a anionic resin bed. The obtained results have showed the waters derived from fountains, big water holes and shallow wells were microbiologically contaminated, while the waters derived from deep wells (above 70 m 76,58 yards) were free of contamination. Thus, only these ones are suitable to the use of ionic technology. The experiments were conducted with the resin IMAC-HP-555 such as kinetic, thermodynamic, and adsorption by fixed bed studies, being obtained several project variables for the experimental column, as follow: work temperature of 25oC; resin maximum capacity maximum e mean of adsorption ==0,01692 g NO3-1/g R e 0,0110 g NO3-1/g R, respectively. On the experimental column were performed breakthrough tests which pointed for an average ideal average speed of work of 13.2 m / h, with an average efficiency of 45% of adsorption, an optimal concentration of NaCl desorption of 8%, and an ideal desorption time of 80 minutes for the equilibrium conditions of water from the Dunas-Barreiras aquifer. Scale projection for ion-exchange column for denitrification, for these variables, using a computer modeling programme, to project the column of ion exchange ROREX-420/2000, obtained a cost for the drinking water denitrified by this system of R$ 0,16 / m3

Flotação por ar dissolvido na clarificação de águas com baixa turbidez utilizando sulfato de alumínio e sementes de Moringa oleifera como coagulantes

This work aims to investigate the process of Dissolved air Flotation (DAF) for clarifying water samples with low turbidity using aluminum sulphate and Moringa oleifera seeds as coagulants. The experimental procedure was carried out in a bench scale flotation unit. The influences on the pre-treatment conditions (coagulant dosage and flocculation time) and flotation parameters (superficial application rate and recirculation rate) were evaluated considering the efficiency of the process. The efficiency was evaluated by determining the turbidity of the untreated and treated water samples. The results obtained showed that turbidity reduction can be obtained very efficiently by using DAF and the latter coagulant in low turbidity water. Using aluminum sulphate in pH´s 5.0 and 6.0 better efficiencies were obtained with low concentrations (15 mg/L), achieving values of 92% of turbidity reduction. In the case of use of Moringa oleifera better efficiencies of reduction of turbidity were reported when using a concentration of 50 mg/L in all range of pH´s, achieving 86% of reduction. The zeta potential was also determined, in an attempt to aid comprehension of the coagulation mechanisms involved. The coagulation mechanisms with Moringa oleifera seeds were shown to be adsorption and charge neutralization, as well as adsorption and bridging. Concerning aluminum sulphate, the predominant mechanisms are adsorption and charge neutralization and enmeshment in a precipitate. The results indicate that for low turbidity water, Moringa oleifera seeds could potentially be a viable substitute for aluminum sulphate