Simulação de processos de adsorção recorrendo ao Aspen Chromatography

As operações de separação por adsorção têm vindo a ganhar importância nos últimos anos, especialmente com o desenvolvimento de técnicas de simulação de leitos móveis em colunas, tal como a cromatografia de Leito Móvel Simulado (Simulated Moving Bed, SMB). Esta tecnologia foi desenvolvida no início dos anos 60 como método alternativo ao processo de Leito Móvel Verdadeiro (True Moving Bed, TMB), de modo a resolver vários dos problemas associados ao movimento da fase sólida, usuais nestes métodos de separação cromatográficos de contracorrente. A tecnologia de SMB tem sido amplamente utilizada em escala industrial principalmente nas indústrias petroquímica e de transformação de açúcares e, mais recentemente, na indústria farmacêutica e de química fina. Nas últimas décadas, o crescente interesse na tecnologia de SMB, fruto do alto rendimento e eficiente consumo de solvente, levou à formulação de diferentes modos de operação, ditos não convencionais, que conseguem unidades mais flexíveis, capazes de aumentar o desempenho de separação e alargar ainda mais a gama de aplicação da tecnologia. Um dos exemplos mais estudados e implementados é o caso do processo Varicol, no qual se procede a um movimento assíncrono de portas. Neste âmbito, o presente trabalho foca-se na simulação, análise e avaliação da tecnologia de SMB para dois casos de separação distintos: a separação de uma mistura de frutose-glucose e a separação de uma mistura racémica de pindolol. Para ambos os casos foram considerados e comparados dois modos de operação da unidade de SMB: o modo convencional e o modo Varicol. Desta forma, foi realizada a implementação e simulação de ambos os casos de separação no simulador de processos Aspen Chromatography, mediante a utilização de duas unidades de SMB distintas (SMB convencional e SMB Varicol). Para a separação da mistura frutose-glucose, no quediz respeito à modelização da unidade de SMB convencional, foram utilizadas duas abordagens: a de um leito móvel verdadeiro (modelo TMB) e a de um leito móvel simulado real (modelo SMB). Para a separação da mistura racémica de pindolol foi considerada apenas a modelização pelo modelo SMB. No caso da separação da mistura frutose-glucose, procedeu-se ainda à otimização de ambas as unidades de SMB convencional e Varicol, com o intuito do aumento das suas produtividades. A otimização foi realizada mediante a aplicação de um procedimento de planeamento experimental, onde as experiências foram planeadas, conduzidas e posteriormente analisadas através da análise de variância (ANOVA). A análise estatística permitiu selecionar os níveis dos fatores de controlo de modo a obter melhores resultados para ambas as unidades de SMB.

Contributo para a determinação simultânea, por cromatografia líquida de alta resolução, de carotenoides, vitamina A e vitamina E em amostras compostas por diferentes matrizes alimentares

Trabalho Final de Mestrado para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Engenharia Química e Biológica

Relatório de estágio

I (Prática Pedagógica)- No que se refere à secção da tese dedicada ao estágio, esta pretende desenvolver uma síntese do que se passou ao longo deste ano lectivo. Durante o ano lectivo 2012/2013, tive a oportunidade de assistir a aulas ministradas pela professora Ana Valente. A tese procura focar variados aspectos das aulas a que assisti. De uma forma geral, o relatório do estágio evidencia vários aspectos: metodologias de ensino, questões motivacionais, relação aluno/professor, questões de disciplina, entre outras. No decorrer das aulas, foi possível constatar muitas dessas questões na prática. Tentei registar as actividades desenvolvidas nas aulas relativas a várias questões, nomeadamente questões relacionadas com a prática do instrumento, assim como outras relacionadas com a noção de musicalidade. Como resultado, esta secção apresenta diversos tipos de estratégias de ensino, ilustrando exemplos práticos que efectivamente se passaram nas aulas. É essencialmente, uma secção dedicada à reflexão sobre metodologias de ensino e estudo. A segunda parte desta secção é relativa à análise das gravações das aulas dadas por mim e pretende sobretudo focar-se na crítica pessoal. É uma parte importante do estágio, em que tenho a oportunidade de observar a minha forma pedagógica de lidar com os alunos. Por fim, a terceira parte do relatório refere-se à observação crítica da abordagem da professora tendo por base o meu ponto de vista. Esta parte pretende essencialmente descrever e analisar a forma como a professora dá as aulas. Com base no que disse anteriormente, esta parte do trabalho mostra mais em detalhe as metodologias e estratégias de ensino utilizadas pela professora em questão. De um modo geral, esta secção pretende descrever as três vertentes que mencionei anteriormente (relatório das aulas, análise das gravações, observação crítica ao método pedagógico da professora).

Micro-generation Evaluation of the Zero Emissions Technologies in the Portuguese Market

Micro-generation is the small scale production of heat and/or electricity from a low carbon source and can be a powerful driver for carbon reduction, behavior change, security of supply and economic value. The energy conversion technologies can include photovoltaic panels, micro combined heat and power, micro wind, heat pumps, solar thermal systems, fuel cells and micro hydro schemes. In this paper, a small research of the availability of the conversion apparatus and the prices for the micro wind turbines and photovoltaic systems is made and a comparison between these two technologies is performed in terms of the availability of the resource and costs. An analysis of the new legal framework published in Portugal is done to realize if the incentives to individualspsila investment in sustainable and local energy production is worth for their point of view. An economic evaluation for these alternatives, accounting with the governmentpsilas incentives should lead, in most cases, into attractive return rates for the investment. Apart from the attractiveness of the investment there are though other aspects that should be taken into account and those are the benefits that these choices have to us all. The idea is that micro-generation will not only make a significant direct contribution to carbon reduction targets, it will also trigger a multiplier effect in behavior change by engaging hearts and minds, and providing more efficient use of energy by householders. The diversified profile of power generation by micro-generators, both in terms of location and timing, should reduce the impact of intermittency or plant failures with significant gains for security of supply.

Fractional order modelling of zero length column desorption response for adsorbents with variable particle sizes

This manuscript analyses the data generated by a Zero Length Column (ZLC) diffusion experimental set-up, for 1,3 Di-isopropyl benzene in a 100% alumina matrix with variable particle size. The time evolution of the phenomena resembles those of fractional order systems, namely those with a fast initial transient followed by long and slow tails. The experimental measurements are best fitted with the Harris model revealing a power law behavior.

Structural stability of adenylate kinase from the sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio gigas

Biophysical Chemistry 110 (2004) 83–92

Marketing : a (ir)racionalidade dos consumidores, numa perspetiva empreendedora

Mestrado em Gestão e Empreendedorismo

Sedimentation pelagique et encroûtements cryptalgaires: les calcaires gremeleux du Carixien portugais

In Portugal, Carixian is generally represented by alternative layers of marly limestones characterized by nodule and lumpy levels. These layers are particularly developped [show preferential development] on passage areas to a sedimentary basin, particularly along the slope of tilted blocks between the Meseta and Berlenga's horst. This facies is included in the range of the «nodular limestone» and of the «ammonitico-rosso». Limestones are radiolaria micrites with fragments of pelagic organisms (ammonoids, thin shelled gastropods). These layers can be affected by intensive bioturbation (Brenha) which is responsible for dismantlement, specially where the initial thickness does not exceed a few centimetres. This process can lead to the isolation of residual nodules (Brenha, São Pedro de Muel, Peniche) which can be mobilised by massive sliding (Peniche). The isolated elements, shell fragments or residual nodules, can also be incrustated, thus developing oncolitic cryptalgal structures. At Brenha the lump structure developed progressively into a sequence overlapping the normal sedimentary one (thick limestone beds alternating with bituminous shales). Cryptalgal structures correspond to rather unstable environment conditions on mobile margins. These structures are known in deep pelagic sediments corresponding to well defined events of the geodynamic evolution (end of the initial rifting). Cryptalgal accretions disappear towards the sedimentary basin, and the nodular levels are less important. In the articulation areas with the Tomar platform, small mounds and cupules (Alcabideque) developed within the alternating marly-limestone levels. They represent the so called «mud mounds» of metric dimensions. The upper part of these «mud mounds» is hardened, showing track remains and supporting some brachiopods and pectinids. Hence the lumpy facies of Portugal is included among the range of sedimentaty environments and can be used as «geodynamic tracer».

Validação de um método de cromatografia de alta eficiência para determinação de conservantes em géneros alimentícios

Trabalho Final de Mestrado para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Engenharia Química e Biológica

Broad-temperature range spectroscopy of the two-centre modular redox metalloprotein Desulfovibrio desulfuricans desulfoferrodoxin

Dalton Trans., 2003, 3328-3338

Foresight methodologies to understand changes in the labour process. Experience from Portugal

The foresight and scenario building methods can be an interesting reference for social sciences, especially in terms of innovative methods for labour process analysis. A scenario – as a central concept for the prospective analysis – can be considered as a rich and detailed portrait of a plausible future world. It can be a useful tool for policy-makers to grasp problems clearly and comprehensively, and to better pinpoint challenges as well as opportunities in an overall framework. The features of the foresight methods are being used in some labour policy making experiences. Case studies developed in Portugal will be presented, and some conclusions will be drawn in order to organise a set of principles for foresight analysis applied to the European project WORKS on the work organisation re-structuring in the knowledge society, and on the work design methods for new management structures of virtual organisations.

Performance of concrete made with aggregates recycled from precasting industry waste: influence of the crushing process

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the influence of the crushing process used to obtain recycled concrete aggregates on the performance of concrete made with those aggregates. Two crushing methods were considered: primary crushing, using a jaw crusher, and primary plus secondary crushing (PSC), using a jaw crusher followed by a hammer mill. Besides natural aggregates (NA), these two processes were also used to crush three types of concrete made in laboratory (L20, L45 e L65) and three more others from the precast industry (P20, P45 e P65). The coarse natural aggregates were totally replaced by coarse recycled concrete aggregates. The recycled aggregates concrete mixes were compared with reference concrete mixes made using only NA, and the following properties related to the mechanical and durability performance were tested: compressive strength; splitting tensile strength; modulus of elasticity; carbonation resistance; chloride penetration resistance; water absorption by capillarity; water absorption by immersion; and shrinkage. The results show that the PSC process leads to better performances, especially in the durability properties. © 2014 RILEM

A complex protocol layer as a linux user-space process

With the current complexity of communication protocols, implementing its layers totally in the kernel of the operating system is too cumbersome, and it does not allow use of the capabilities only available in user space processes. However, building protocols as user space processes must not impair the responsiveness of the communication. Therefore, in this paper we present a layer of a communication protocol, which, due to its complexity, was implemented in a user space process. Lower layers of the protocol are, for responsiveness issues, implemented in the kernel. This protocol was developed to support large-scale power-line communication (PLC) with timing requirements.

Comparative analysis of drills for composite laminates

The characteristics of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics allow a very broad range of uses. Drilling is often necessary to assemble different components, but this can lead to various forms of damage, such as delamination which is the most severe. However, a reduced thrust force can decrease the risk of delamination. In this work, two variables of the drilling process were compared: tool material and geometry, as well as the effect of feed rate and cutting speed. The parameters that were analyzed include: thrust force, delamination extension and mechanical strength through open-hole tensile test, bearing test, and flexural test on drilled plates. The present work shows that a proper combination of all the factors involved in drilling operations, like tool material, tool geometry and cutting parameters, such as feed rate or cutting speed, can lead to the reduction of delamination damage and, consequently, to the enhancement of the mechanical properties of laminated parts in complex structures, evaluated by open-hole, bearing, or flexural tests.

Comparative study about heating systems for pultrusion process

Different heating systems have been used in pultrusion, where the most widely used heaters are planar resistances. The primary objective of this study was to develop an improved heating system and compare its performance with that of a system with planar resistances. In this study, thermography was used to better understand the temperature profile along the die. Finite element analysis was performed to determine the amount of energy consumed by the heating systems. Improvements were made to the die to test the new heating system, and it was found that the new system reduced the setup time and energy consumption by approximately 57%.