Novel High Capacity Oligomers for Low Cost CO2 Capture

The novel concept of using a molecule possessing both physi-sorbing and chemi-sorbing properties for post-combustion CO2 capture was explored and mixtures of aminosilicones and hydroxyterminated polyethers had the best performance characteristics of materials examined. The optimal solvent composition was a 60/40 blend of GAP-1/TEG and a continuous bench-top absorption/desorption unit was constructed and operated. Plant and process models were developed for this new system based on an existing coal-fired power plant and data from the laboratory experiments were used to calculate an overall COE for a coal-fired power plant fitted with this capture technology. A reduction in energy penalty, from 30% to 18%, versus an optimized 30% MEA capture system was calculated with a concomitant COE decrease from 73% to 41% for the new aminosilicone solvent system

Implementation of an Emergency Department Split-Flow Process at Saint Vincent Hospital

Emergency Departments (ED) are faced with the challenges of increasing demand and constrained capacity, resulting in the need for hospitals to improve efficiency and patient care. In response, some have implemented a concept known as a split-flow process in their ED. The purpose of our project was to develop recommendations for the implementation of a split-flow process at Saint Vincent’s ED in Worcester, MA. We analyzed current ED processes and developed a discrete-event simulation to project the effect of split-flow on ED performance metrics. We present recommendations for staffing assignments, physical layouts, and resources required for a successful implementation. To our knowledge, this is the first simulation model used to guide the implementation of a split-flow process in an ED

Beaver Instinct: Nature's Contribution to the Restoration of the Santa Fe River Ecosystem

This Interactive Qualifying Project assessed the impact of beavers on the Santa Fe River and surrounding community. The group gathered data from the Santa Fe Girls' School and the Santa Fe Indian School. We took measurements both upstream and downstream of the beaver habitat. The group then assessed the impacts of beaver habitats and found that beaver ponds help revitalize aquifers. Then the group assessed the impact of beaver habitats on human activities and found no direct consequences from the beaver habitat on the Santa Fe Airport. We created an education platform for the sharing of information on the Santa Fe River, designed to facilitate communication between those studying the river. We also created a video aimed at providing ways of managing beaver flooding

Preparation and performance of high-impact polystyrene (HIPS)/nano-TiO2 nanocomposites

High-impact polystyrene (HIPS)/nano-TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by surface pretreatment of nano-TiO2 with special structure dispersing agent (TAS) and master batch manufacturing technology. The results show that when the nano-TiO2 content is 2%, the notched impact strength, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of HIPS/nano-TiO2 nanocomposites increased to a maximum. This result indicates that nano-TiO2 has both toughening and reinforcing effects on HIPS. The heat-deflection temperature and flame-retardance of HIPS/nano-TiO2 nanocomposites are also obviously improved as the nano-TiO2 content is increased. The nanocomposites manufactured by the two-step method have better mechanical properties than that made by a one-step method. HIPS/nano-TiO2 nanocomposites are also non-Newtonian and pseudoplastic fluids