by Komoneed | Dec 1, 2024
Today, more than ever, enzymes and microorganisms are being used to increase sustainable production. This is particularly true in industries such as pharmaceuticals and (bio)chemicals. In these and other industries, researchers within universities, R&D organisations and other institutes, as well as within industry want to know under which conditions these biological cells grow. While it is essential and important to know how and under what conditions they grow faster, researchers need the full story. That means they are just as interested in what makes them grow slower or abnormally. It is also essential to learn about the influence of nutrients or additives to understand the underlying biological processes.
For research organisations the accurate measurement and control of low flows of liquids and gases is often required. What is low flow? The real values will be application dependent but might be as low as 0.014 to 0.7 mL/min of N2 to around 600 kg/h in liquid applications.
Bronkhorst excels in this arena and their customers are many and varied. In the area of biological cell growth, for one recent application the organisation sought to learn more about the conditions under which a population of microorganisms will grow. Flow control was used to give an accurate and steady flow of aqueous liquid while they varied an array of other parameters.
It was essential for them to investigate under which conditions a population of microorganisms can grow. For this they would vary one typical parameter, whilst other parameters, such as temperature, pressure and nutrient concentration, needed to be kept constant.
For this recent application, a research organisation contacted Bronkhorst. They had an application where they were struggling to stabilize the low flow in an aqueous stream — in this case their range was 30 to 200 mL/min. They had two reactors that needed to be kept in balance. They had tried to find a balance but were regularly emptying one of the reactors. To that end, their desire was that the liquid levels of two reactor vessels containing these microorganisms needed to be accurately and repeatably kept at a stable, constant value using flow control.
After consideration, Bronkhorst supplied two of their liquid mass flow instruments. In this case it was their mini CORI-FLOW series. The CORI-FLOW series uses the Coriolis effect which was first postulated as an explanation of the deflection of flowing air moving in a rotating system. In fact, the Coriolis effect is a mass inertia effect. A Coriolis-based mass flow meter is particularly suitable when you want to measure the mass flow of varying or unknown gas or liquid mixtures or for measuring supercritical gases. Besides measuring direct mass flows which eliminates inaccuracies due to the physical properties of the fluid, these devices are highly accurate and have a high repeatability. The Coriolis flow meter is the ultimate flexible, reliable and extremely accurate flow meter.
In this application, each CORI-FLOW was inserted in the circulation system in between the reactor vessels, with the aim to provide a continuous flow of aqueous liquid.
The main reactor was approximately 1 litre and the researchers allowed the micro-organisms to grow in the reactor within an aqueous environment. Regular sampling of the main reactor gave them information of the number of cells and the cell growth rate. The researchers also identified temperature as an important parameter. Too low temperatures will hold back the microorganisms and slow or stop them from growing, and too high temperatures are detrimental to the longevity of the microorganisms themselves.
For this sophisticated application, the liquid mass flow instrument with a control valve provides a signal to a control unit. That control unit is ‘in charge’ of a pump. The pump speeds or slows in response to the flow measurement and the control action, making for a very precise flow in this line. From there the liquid then flows from the main reactor to a second reactor. In this case the second reactor is much smaller than the main reactor and has a volume of about 200 mL. Using the same methodology, the fluid is again moved via the direct control pump scenario, described above, back to the main reactor. What is now set up is a continuous circulation, in which the flow is very steady. The process continues day and night for as long as the research requires.
While it sounds like smooth sailing, a further complication was identified. The microorganisms in this experiment were approximately 3 μm diameter. That provided a further challenge as all the microorganisms needed to be kept alive and they needed to be in perfect health (without any damage) during the process of circulation. For this Bronkhorst advised the researchers to use peristaltic pumps in their process to keep their microorganisms fit and healthy.
The Control Unit/s and setpoints were run within the research organisation’s systems; however, it was further determined that, in this application both the flow controller and pump combinations would best have the same capacities. This simplified the operation and helped the levels in both reactors remain at the same, stable value.
Bronkhorst’s flow meter range includes:
Thermal Mass Flow meters & controllers for gases and liquids
Coriolis Mass Flow Meters & Controllers for gases and liquids
Ultrasonic Meters for liquids
Pressure Controllers for gases and liquids
Control Valves and Control Electronica and accessories
In this case the correct flow meter was a Coriolis-based mass flow meter. This technology is particularly suitable when you want to measure the mass flow of varying or unknown gas or liquid mixtures or for measuring supercritical gases. The fundamental theory for a Coriolis meter is direct mass flow measurement. There are no estimations or assumptions or inaccuracies due to the physical properties of the fluid. A CORI-FLOW from Bronkhorst is thus highly accurate and they have high repeatability. For many users, the Coriolis flow meter is the ultimate flexible, reliable and extremely accurate flow meter.
The original article was published as an Application Note by Bronkhorst High-Tech B.V.
by Komoneed | Nov 29, 2024
Two Queensland councils* have opted for Australian-manufactured screening technology to protect the efficiency of their wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
In choosing horizontal in-channel rotary drum screening technology engineered by CST Wastewater Solutions, the councils also sought to curtail risks of process and environmental spills from blockages.
CST Wastewater Solutions’ full stainless steel drum technology — with fine pre-screening down to 200 µm — provides a first line of defence against detritus in municipal and industrial wastewater streams entering vital water treatment processes within the WWTPs involved.
The company explained that an integral part of its new, locally manufactured rotary drum screens and auger extractors is industry-best screening, which provides 50% finer apertures for greater waste-solids extraction and recovery.
Drum screens reduce maintenance costs and extend equipment life by preventing clogging and build-up of solids, and prevent the formation of filtrate crusting on the primary clarifier, which is essential for the treatment plant to operate optimally.
CST Wastewater Solutions Managing Director Michael Bambridge said the in-channel (or in-tank) drum screens are custom-engineered for unique local conditions, including widely varying flow rates and inflow content. He added that the systems also recognise the need to cater to municipal and industrial companies that cannot afford to have large in-house engineering and maintenance teams.
One of the latest Queensland installations involved twin screw screens, constructed from full 316 grade stainless steel, with each screen capable of handling 230 L of inflow a second. The Australian-manufactured screens replaced imported screens that were less than 10 years old.
“The second twin-screen installation, with fine drum screening down to 3 mm and 400 L/s capacity, was installed by a major utility operating in a marine environment that was impressed with the performance and durability of existing CST screening technology,” Bambridge said.
“Existing high performance, low maintenance and, importantly, the prompt availability of local service expertise were among the prime reasons for this major authority introducing further CST technologies to maintain and enhance the performance of a WWTP operating in a marine environment,” he added.
CST has drum screens with holes as fine as 2 mm that have been operating for more than 10 years in Queensland.
Bambridge said that rather than opting for one-size-fits-all imported technologies — with potential downtime and supply chain issues when they need service — many local authorities and industrial WWTP operators value the availability of local engineering expertise.
“Good local service is an essential complement to good equipment. Imported equipment is always at the mercy of supply chain delays and cost. Such equipment could be useless the first time it broke down, until it is repaired,” he said.
“Then, both municipal and industrial organisations face the risk of non-compliance of licence conditions and downstream blocking, flooding, production interruptions, and environmental and groundwater hazards.”
CST has been progressively moving towards Australian manufacturing since COVID affected supply chains. It has now achieved full Australian design and manufacture of the following ranges:
Internally fed rotary drums — Model RDs
In-channel horizontal rotary drum — Model FS
Screw screens and associated equipment — Model SF
*The municipalities cannot be named for client contractual reasons
Top image caption: Drum screens are installed to remove solids from wastewater, protect downstream equipment and improve efficiency. Images courtesy of CST Wastewater Solutions.
by Kate Mothes | Nov 29, 2024
When a brave black cat’s world is turned upside down after a massive flood, its courage and wits are put to the test.
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article ‘Flow’ Follows a Courageous Black Cat Navigating a World Suddenly Plunged Underwater appeared first on Colossal.
by Komoneed | Nov 29, 2024
All over the world, floods have been increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change. A new study led by researchers at University of British Columbia (UBC) shows that protecting key ecosystems across Canada could reduce the risk of flooding in over half of urban areas in the country that are at high risk. […]
The post Safeguarding Natural Areas Can Protect Cities From Flooding, Canadian Study Finds appeared first on EcoWatch.
by Komoneed | Nov 29, 2024
November 2024 Newsletter Recap: COP29
jschoshinski
Wed, 11/27/2024 – 14:14
Did you miss the Climatelinks November newsletter? We’ve got you covered. Please find a recap of the November ‘COP29’ theme below. You won’t want to miss this short list of top resources and blogs from the month. Subscribe to our newsletter today. Do you want to contribute to the Climatelinks community? Send us a resource, blog, or event.
The 29th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC, ended last week in Baku, Azerbaijan. COP29 was an opportunity for governments, NGOs, public and private businesses, and civil society to make ambitious climate pledges. At previous COPs, USAID launched or announced its participation in a variety of climate initiatives that work towards building a more climate-secure future.
Fresh Blog Posts
Two Years, $380+ Million: Lessons Learned from USAID’s Climate Finance for Development Accelerator
At COP26, USAID’s Climate Finance for Development Accelerator (CFDA) launched with a goal of mobilizing $2.5 billion in public and private investment for climate by 2030. In two years of operations, CFDA has mobilized $380.7 million in sustainable investments and worked with partners to strengthen local ecosystems in over 60 countries. This blog outlines some of CFDA’s biggest lessons learned for catalyzing investment in the climate finance space.
Bridging the Adaptation Finance Gap Across Africa
Climate finance was a popular topic of conversation for governments, donors, and other stakeholders at COP29. In Africa, limited capacity and resources to develop proposals coupled with complex proposal requirements and high competition for limited funds have resulted in only a fraction of the available climate adaptation funding reaching the region. The African Adaptation Initiative, launched at COP21 and supported by USAID’s Climate Adaptation Support Activity, is working to bridge this climate finance gap.
Empowering Female Farmers: Introducing Solar Water Pumps in Rural Senegal
At COP29, one of the thematic days was focused on food, agriculture, and water in recognition that these sectors are both threatened by climate change and have a role to play in providing solutions to the crisis. USAID’s Scaling Up Renewable Energy Senegal program works at the intersection of agriculture, water, and energy through its efforts to expand access to solar solutions that increase the productivity of small businesses and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities.
Accessible Data Makes Renewable Energy Projects Possible Worldwide
Energy and science, technology, innovation, and digitalization were two of the thematic days at COP29. One example of how digital technologies can promote clean energy and address the climate crisis is the USAID-National Renewable Energy Laboratory Partnership’s Renewable Energy Data Explore. This geospatial analysis tool provides free global renewable energy resource data to inform policy, investment, and deployment decisions for solar, wind, and other energy resources.
Beyond Blueprints: Accelerate Implementation Now
USAID’s Comprehensive Action for Climate Change Initiative (CACCI) was launched at COP26 with the goal of identifying promising mitigation and adaptation investment opportunities with private sector partners to help countries meet their climate commitments and strengthen their climate resilience. Since then, CACCI has made progress on several fronts, including by increasing climate policy ambition, mobilizing the private sector, enhancing accountability and transparency, and bridging the gap between intention and results.
Tracking Impact: A Look Back at Past COP Initiatives Ahead of COP29
The annual COP is a chance to take stock of what progress has been made to meet climate goals. At previous COPs, USAID has launched climate initiatives related to climate finance, resilience, climate risk management, and more. This roundup of recent Climatelinks blogs highlights the progress driven by some of these initiatives.
New Resources
USAID 2024 Climate Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Series
USAID programs with climate change benefits are required to report against a set of standard indicators. The 2024 Climate MEL webinar series was developed to improve reporting on these indicators. USAID staff and implementing partners are encouraged to review this series to explore key climate reporting topics, gain knowledge to inform annual reporting processes, and learn tips and tricks for navigating reporting and ensuring the quality of data in technical areas.
Sustainable Banking Alliance Learning Report: Engaging Local Financial Institutions to Integrate Climate Finance Best Practices
At COP27, USAID announced the launch of the Sustainable Banking Alliance (SBA), an initiative that partners with banks and microfinanciers to increase access to climate finance, promote the integration of climate finance best practices, and increase climate investments. This “how-to guide” builds on lessons learned from SBA initiatives in Colombia and Egypt and provides guidance to USAID, specifically to Mission staff, on how to engage with financial institutions to integrate climate finance best practices.
Investing in Resilience: Blue Carbon Ecosystems, Communities, and Finance for the Indo-Pacific
“Blue carbon” is carbon stored by coastal and marine ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrass beds, coastal wetlands and marshes, tidal flats, and by marine organisms themselves. USAID’s Investing in Resilience report brings together evidence and analyses that can help USAID Mission staff, partners, host country governments, and communities advance blue carbon initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region.
Livelihood-Focused Climate Risk Assessment: Stress Testing Livelihood Options in the World’s Largest Terrestrial Transboundary Conservation Area
Climate change impacts are already being felt across the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area. In recent years, residents have reported significant impacts to their livelihoods due to a combination of decreased rainfall, higher incidences of drought, changes in the timing of seasons, more hotter days and heat waves, and dwindling supplies of water. This Climate Risk Assessment seeks to answer how and in what ways a changing climate limits progress towards diversifying livelihoods for KAZA’s resident communities.
Climate Risk Management Spotlight
Climate Risk Management Resources and Training
Climate Risk Management (CRM) enhances the resilience and sustainability of USAID’s initiatives. By systematically assessing, addressing, and adaptively managing climate risks, CRM ensures effective use of U.S. taxpayer dollars. To promote CRM, USAID has produced a variety of resources and online trainings.
Call for Content
Share your events and resources or write a blog related to an upcoming monthly theme! Check out our upcoming themes to see if your climate work aligns:
December 2024: Year in Review
2024 Cross-cutting Themes: Systems Change and Locally Led Development
January 2025: Innovation
If your USAID-related climate change work relates to these themes, Climatelinks would love to feature your work and share your resources. Send us a resource or blog.
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Here’s a recap of the November ‘COP29’ theme. You won’t want to miss this short list of top resources and blogs from the month.
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