Techno Press
Tp_Editing System.E (TES.E)
Login Search
You logged in as...

mwt
 
CONTENTS
Volume 17, Number 1, January 2026
 

Abstract
This study focused on the separation of a benzene-water mixture using the air gap membrane distillation. The hydrophobic microporous membrane made up of poly-tetrafluoroethylene of 0.22 micron average pore size was used in the membrane module of the air gap membrane distillation experimental setup. The heat transfer and mass transfer correlations have been developed. It was found that the heat transfer and mass transfer coefficient increases from 523.27 to 1786.36 W/m2K, and 1.08 × 10-1 to 1.99 × 10-1 cm/s, respectively, on increasing the feed bulk inlet temperature from 40 to 60°C at a feed flow rate of 5 lpm under a 3 mm air gap in the membrane module. The effect of fouling phenomena on permeate flux and membrane characteristics was also investigated, and it was found that the permeate flux decreased from 6.50 kg/m2h to 6.38 kg/m2h under 420 hr. This clearly shows that negligible fouling was encountered on the membrane surface during continuous usage of the air gap membrane distillation setup. The membrane before and after 420 hr was characterized quantitatively and qualitatively using atomic force microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope. The average pore size for the new membrane, used membrane after 420 hr and water wash membrane was analyzed using Image J software. Pore Size Distribution is plotted which confirms that the membrane characteristics were not affected to an extent. This clearly shows the stand alone capability of air gap membrane distillation process for separation of organic compounds from aqueous solution.

Key Words
air gap membrane distillation; FE-SEM and AFM; heat and mass transfer correlation; poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene

Address
Divya Gaur, Sushant Upadhyaya, Kailash Singh, Rajeshwar Kholapure: Department of Chemical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur – 302017, India

Abstract
Forward Osmosis (FO) is the subject of many current studies, given existing and future conditions around the world. This work is the continuation of the series of research that implicates Artificial Neural Networks in the processes of membrane separation. Three databases (with the same size of 193 points), two learning algorithms, two function transfers, five subdivisions of the database, and eleven (11) inputs were used with the aim to extract the optimal QSPR-NN model which is chosen based on the best values of coefficient of correlation (R) and the Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). QSPR-NN (Quantitative Structure-Property Relationships - Neural Networks) model obtained was characterized by eleven (11) neurons on the input layer, fourteen (14) neurons in the hidden layer, and one (1) neuron in the output layer, the Bayesian regularization (Trainbr) was the learning algorithm, tangent sigmoid (Tansig), and purelin were the transfers functions for the hidden and output layers respectively. The performance of the QSPR-NN optimal model obtained was demonstrated with a higher value of (R = 0.9895) and low Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE = 4.3683%), and other errors as RER and RPD more than 2.5 and equal to 21.4356 and 3.4290 respectively, the (NSE) more than 0.9. Furthermore, the comparison with other work in the same orientation demonstrated the excellence of our model developed in this work compared to the others.

Key Words
artificial neural networks; forward osmosis; organic molecules; prediction; rejection

Address
Fouad Kratbi, Yamina Ammi, Salah Hanini: Laboratory of Biomaterials and Transport Phenomena (LBMPT), University of Medea, Algeria

Abstract
Cesium (Cs) contamination in water, particularly after nuclear incidents, poses significant environmental and health risks. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of various coagulants—alum, ferric chloride (FeCl3), poly aluminum chloride (PAC), and poly aluminum hydroxide chloride silicate (PACl)—with and without turbidity-inducing materials, as well as the Cs removal efficiency of Prussian blue (PB). Laboratory-scale jar tests were conducted using raw water spiked with Cs-133 and analyzed using ICP-MS. FeCl3 achieved the highest removal among coagulants (13.5%), while turbidity-inducing materials increased Cs removal to 37% due to increased particle-mediated adsorption and flocculation. PB demonstrated the highest efficiency (>99.9% removal at 10 mg/L), although its combination with PACl did not further enhance removal. These findings confirm PB as the most promising adsorbent for Cs removal and show that turbidity-enhancing strategies can improve coagulation outcomes. Further optimization of PB handling, immobilization, and large-scale implementation is needed to ensure safe and practical adoption in water treatment facilities.

Key Words
cesium; coagulation; prussian blue; radioactive pollution; turbidity

Address
Muhammad Yaqub, Changyeon Woo, Seongbeom Kim, Wontae Lee: Department of Environmental Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, 61 Daehak–ro, Gumi 39177, Republic of Korea


Abstract
Surface water quality deterioration presents critical challenges for drinking water production in arid regions, where sustainable treatment solutions are essential. This study investigates Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) mucilage as a natural coagulant aid for turbidity removal from Ain Zada dam water in northeastern Algeria. We systematically evaluated coagulation-flocculation parameters including pH (4-10), four coagulants (aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride, ferric sulfate, ferric chloride) at 100-500 mg L-1, mixing conditions, settling time, pre-chlorination, and OFI mucilage (10-150 mL). Jar tests on water with 74-201 NTU turbidity revealed mixed organic-inorganic composition (60-70% organic colloids). A key finding is coagulant-specific compatibility with OFI mucilage: aluminum-based coagulants showed significant enhancement (aluminum sulfate improved from 57.69% to 75.77%; aluminum chloride from 68.61% to 81.85% with 10 mL mucilage per liter), while iron-based coagulants exhibited reduced efficiency (ferric sulfate decreased from 76.19% to 70.59%; ferric chloride from 79.62% to 74.43%), indicating fundamentally distinct chemical interactions between metal hydroxide surface chemistry and anionic mucilage polysaccharides. Pre-chlorination enhanced treatment to 82.85% removal while enabling 75% coagulant dose reduction. This work provides mechanistic insights into cactus-derived biopolymer integration in conventional water treatment, establishing design guidelines for sustainable implementation in arid regions where Opuntia ficus-indica is abundant.

Key Words
coagulant aid; coagulation-flocculation; mucilage; Opuntia ficus indica; surface water treatment; turbidity removal

Address
Mohammed Tiaiba: Environment and Health Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences and Earth and Universe Sciences, Dept. of Agricultural Sciences, Mohamed El-Bachir El-Ibrahimi University, Bordj Bou Arreridj, 34000, Algeria

Belkacem Merzouk: Laboratory of Water, Environment and Renewable Energies, Faculty of Technology, University of M'sila, Dept. of Hydraulics, University Pole, Road Bordj Bou Arreridj, M'sila 28000, Algeria

Abstract
The treatment of oil-contaminated industrial wastewater presents a significant challenge due to its associated environmental and economic implications. While this research proposes a simple automated system, based on three valve separator controlled by conductivity sensor, it explores the fundamental principles governing the separation and removal of immiscible oils from wastewater, offering a practical approach to separator design. This article examines the factors influencing oil-water separation efficiency, including key physical properties of the oil (density and viscosity), oil droplet size, and the flow rate of the influent water. Furthermore, the importance of optimized operating conditions, such as maintaining the flow stability within the laminar system, is addressed. The impact of minimum influent water flow rate on oil separator dimensions, specifically length and width, and the relationship between these dimensions and flow regime stability are also investigated. A theoretical analysis of spherical oil droplet trajectory, incorporating relevant influencing parameters, is presented for the design and dimensioning of the oil separator. A two-compartment oil separator model is presented. The first compartment functions as a sludge collector, facilitating the sedimentation of solids such as seeds and mud. The second compartment enables oil-water separation via flotation and decantation, exploiting the lower density of oils relative to the wastewater. The oil separator incorporates an inlet and two outlet ports, each equipped with solenoid valves for automated control. These valves are actuated by a conductivity sensor. A process flow diagram detailing the automated operation of the three solenoid valves is provided.

Key Words
automatic; conductivity sensor; dimensioning; oil-separator; oil-water; solenoid valves; trajectory

Address
Melouka Bellil: Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Mustapha Stambouli University of Mascara, Avenue Cheikh El Khaldi, Route de Mammounia, Dz-29000 Mascara, Algeria

Sabrina Dahmani, Ali Bellil: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Sciences and Technology of Oran-Mohamed Boudiaf (USTO-MB), El Mnaouar, BP 1505, Bir El Djir 31000, Oran, Algeria


Techno-Press: Publishers of international journals and conference proceedings.       Copyright © 2026 Techno-Press ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
P.O. Box 33, Yuseong, Daejeon 34186 Korea.
General Inquiries: info@techno-press.com / Journal Administration: admin@techno-press.com