Polyethylene from Ethanol - Revision history

Daniele Pugliesi: /* Conceptual Design */

2018-11-30T00:49:08Z

Conceptual Design

Daniele Pugliesi at 00:47, 30 November 2018

2018-11-30T00:47:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:47, 30 November 2018
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	==Introduction: Polyethylene==		==Introduction: Polyethylene==
	Polyethylene (PE) is a polymer of long chains of the monomer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene ethylene] (IUPAC name "''ethene''"). It is one of the world’s most common plastics, with a wide range of uses and over 60 million tons produced worldwide every year. Several different categories exist, based on density and branching. Common types are high-density PE ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDPE HDPE]; plastic # 2) and low-density PE ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-density_polyethylene LDPE]; plastic # 4). Polyethylene is not biodegradable, therefore significant environmental issues are associated with its use. Recycling of PE is relatively straightforward. When disposables are involved, every effort should be made to replace PE with biodegradable alternatives. However, resistance to biodegradation can also be a desired effect for some applications. For example, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geomembranes geomembranes] are often made of HDPE and are widely used as liners for fish ponds, constructed wetlands and biogas digesters. Its resistance to degradation also warrants its use in the natural gas industry in transporting natural gas underground in high density PE pipes. Excellent chemical resistance of PE allows for widespread use in storage applications. PE is also useful as a material for digital fabrication. It can be used in the [[RepRap]] 3D printer.		Polyethylene (PE) is a polymer of long chains derived from the monomer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene ethylene] (IUPAC name "''ethene''"). It is one of the world’s most common plastics, with a wide range of uses and over 60 million tons produced worldwide every year. Several different categories exist, based on density and branching. Common types are high-density PE ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDPE HDPE]; plastic # 2) and low-density PE ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-density_polyethylene LDPE]; plastic # 4). Polyethylene is not biodegradable, therefore significant environmental issues are associated with its use. Recycling of PE is relatively straightforward. When disposables are involved, every effort should be made to replace PE with biodegradable alternatives. However, resistance to biodegradation can also be a desired effect for some applications. For example, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geomembranes geomembranes] are often made of HDPE and are widely used as liners for fish ponds, constructed wetlands and biogas digesters. Its resistance to degradation also warrants its use in the natural gas industry in transporting natural gas underground in high density PE pipes. Excellent chemical resistance of PE allows for widespread use in storage applications. PE is also useful as a material for digital fabrication. It can be used in the [[RepRap]] 3D printer.

	==Polyethylene from ethanol two step conversion==		==Polyethylene from ethanol two step conversion==
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	A. Selecting a catalyst. AlO3 can be utilized as an initial catalyst after production by the aluminium extractor. A base wash with KOH or NaOH can be used to increase the specificity of catalyst. Improvements to the catalyst can be incrementally made as OSE technology becomes available. The current proposal calls for a AlO3 doped with TiO2, a demonstrated highly efficient and selective catalyst.		A. Selecting a catalyst. AlO3 can be utilized as an initial catalyst after production by the aluminium extractor. A base wash with KOH or NaOH can be used to increase the specificity of catalyst. Improvements to the catalyst can be incrementally made as OSE technology becomes available. The current proposal calls for a AlO3 doped with TiO2, a demonstrated highly efficient and selective catalyst.
	B. Constructing a reactor chamber capable of mixing the catalyst and substrates under optimal conditions. The reactor chamber must allow control over temperature, pressure, addition and removal of catalyst, control of feedrate and interaction time of substrate, and separation of production and should incorporate features that allow easy reconfiguration and recycling of catalysts, solvents, and unconverted substrate.		B. Constructing a reactor chamber capable of mixing the catalyst and substrates under optimal conditions. The reactor chamber must allow control over temperature, pressure, addition and removal of catalyst, control of feedrate and interaction time of substrate, and separation of production and should incorporate features that allow easy reconfiguration and recycling of catalysts, solvents, and unconverted substrate.
	C. A three phase temperature (50, 0, -70 C) fractionation ~~condeser~~ will be used to remove byproducts, unreacted substrate, and inert gas, producing high purity ethylene suitable for polymerization.		C. A three phase temperature (50, 0, -70 °C) fractionation condenser will be used to remove byproducts, unreacted substrate, and inert gas, producing high purity ethylene suitable for polymerization.
	D. Methods for measurement of ethylene yield and purity must be further investigated (maybe using spectroscopic methods).		D. Methods for measurement of ethylene yield and purity must be further investigated (maybe using spectroscopic methods).

Poli: /* Process design */

2012-06-16T15:22:55Z

Process design

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:22, 16 June 2012
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	== Process design ==		== Process design ==
	Producing polyethylene from locally produced base materials and open source hardware will require the production of high purity molecules and machines capable of conversion at high efficiency and selectivity. The project can be broken down based on producing high quality substrates: ethanol, ethylene, and polyethylene. The tasks need to be further divided into catalyst selection, hardware components, and substrate requirements to be worked on separately as part of the scrum process. Dehydration of ethanol to ethylene, will be the first goal of the project as it has the largest value margin between substrate and product and the catalyst requirements are within the scope of OSE's currently proposed product ecology.

	===Design Rationale===		===Design Rationale===
	The design rationale for the OSE agroecological approach is based upon OSE standards. The process design is meant to produce a needed product ecology using local feedstocks. By starting with high purity substrate and selective catalysts purification steps can be minimized and the process conducted on a small scale. A fluid bed reactor is a key piece of hardware that is used by the industry due to its superior performance. An OSE reactor is designed to be reconfigurable to a number of processes and be of appropriate scale.		The design rationale for the OSE agroecological approach is based upon OSE standards. The process design is meant to produce a needed product ecology using local feedstocks. By starting with high purity substrate and selective catalysts purification steps can be minimized and the process conducted on a small scale. A fluid bed reactor is a key piece of hardware that is used by the industry due to its superior performance. An OSE reactor is designed to be reconfigurable to a number of processes and be of appropriate scale.

			Producing polyethylene from locally produced base materials and open source hardware will require the production of high purity molecules and machines capable of conversion at high efficiency and selectivity. The project can be broken down based on producing high quality substrates: ethanol, ethylene, and polyethylene. The tasks need to be further divided into catalyst selection, hardware components, and substrate requirements to be worked on separately as part of the scrum process. Dehydration of ethanol to ethylene, will be the first goal of the project as it has the largest value margin between substrate and product and the catalyst requirements are within the scope of OSE's currently proposed product ecology.

	Starting with commodity ethanol will allow OSE to apply itself to an area where the open source information and demonstration is lacking. Reactor and catalysts are selected based upon demonstrated and easily available chemicals and could open a new sector to open source entrepnuers. Demonstration of a few base applications thermomolding and greenhouse glazing will allow incremental development. Production of feedstock will be conducted as part of an integrated plant at FeF and fermentation and purification technology built to utilize it.		Starting with commodity ethanol will allow OSE to apply itself to an area where the open source information and demonstration is lacking. Reactor and catalysts are selected based upon demonstrated and easily available chemicals and could open a new sector to open source entrepnuers. Demonstration of a few base applications thermomolding and greenhouse glazing will allow incremental development. Production of feedstock will be conducted as part of an integrated plant at FeF and fermentation and purification technology built to utilize it.

Poli: /* System Engineering Breakdown Diagram */

2012-06-16T15:18:40Z

System Engineering Breakdown Diagram

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:18, 16 June 2012
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	[[File:Preliminary polyethylene SEBD (2).png \| center \| 300 pixels]]		[[File:Preliminary polyethylene SEBD (2).png \| center \| 300 pixels]]

			[[File:Detailed_Fluidized_bed_reactor_for_ethylene_production.jpg\|300px\| Component configuration for ethanol dehydration to ethylene]]
			[[File:Detailed_fluidized_bed_reactor_for_polyethylene_polymerization.jpg\|300px\| Component configuration for ethylene polymerization]]

	== Process design ==		== Process design ==

Poli: /* Process design */

2012-06-16T15:17:36Z

Process design

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:17, 16 June 2012
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	== Process design ==		== Process design ==
			Producing polyethylene from locally produced base materials and open source hardware will require the production of high purity molecules and machines capable of conversion at high efficiency and selectivity. The project can be broken down based on producing high quality substrates: ethanol, ethylene, and polyethylene. The tasks need to be further divided into catalyst selection, hardware components, and substrate requirements to be worked on separately as part of the scrum process. Dehydration of ethanol to ethylene, will be the first goal of the project as it has the largest value margin between substrate and product and the catalyst requirements are within the scope of OSE's currently proposed product ecology.

	~~Producing polyethylene from locally produced base materials and open source hardware will require~~ the ~~production of~~ high purity ~~molecules~~ and ~~machines capable of conversion at high efficiency and selectivity. The project~~ can be ~~broken down~~ the ~~three aims~~ of ~~producing high quality ethanol, ethylene, and polyethylene~~. ~~The tasks need~~ to be ~~further divided into catalyst selection, hardware components,~~ and ~~substrate requirements to~~ be ~~worked on separately as part~~ of the ~~scrum process~~. ~~Task 2, the dehydration~~ of ~~ethanol to ethylene,~~ will be ~~the first goal~~ of ~~the project as it has the largest value margin between substrate~~ and ~~product~~ and ~~the catalyst requirements are within the scope of OSE's currently proposed product ecology~~.		===Design Rationale===
			The design rationale for the OSE agroecological approach is based upon OSE standards. The process design is meant to produce a needed product ecology using local feedstocks. By starting with high purity substrate and selective catalysts purification steps can be minimized and the process conducted on a small scale. A fluid bed reactor is a key piece of hardware that is used by the industry due to its superior performance. An OSE reactor is designed to be reconfigurable to a number of processes and be of appropriate scale.

			Starting with commodity ethanol will allow OSE to apply itself to an area where the open source information and demonstration is lacking. Reactor and catalysts are selected based upon demonstrated and easily available chemicals and could open a new sector to open source entrepnuers. Demonstration of a few base applications thermomolding and greenhouse glazing will allow incremental development. Production of feedstock will be conducted as part of an integrated plant at FeF and fermentation and purification technology built to utilize it.

	~~1. Production of ethanol on-site from sorghum utilizing yeast fermentation.~~		Tools including catalysts and process control should be developed to be multipurpose and modular. Development of multiple uses at once will maintain that focus. The [[aluminosilicate chemistry]] learned from this process may allow other products.
	~~A. Selection of yeast~~ and~~/or bacterial strains that are optimal for sorghum fermentation~~ and ~~finding their optimal conditions~~.
	~~B. Construction~~ of ~~fermentation equipment~~.		===Information architecture===
	~~C. Construction of distillation equipment capable of operating under vacuum, which could possibly be attached to fermentation chamber~~.
	~~D. Method for measuring alcohol purity.~~
	Measuring specific gravity is means of getting a rough estimating ethanol yield and with internal improvements can achieve higher accuracy. Measurements against as internal standard and a pure ethanol standard can improve hydrometers accuracy.

	2. Dehydration of ethanol using a catalyst and fluid bed reactor.		===Conceptual Design===
	A. Selecting a catalyst. AlO3 can be utilized as an initial catalyst after production by the aluminium extractor. A base wash with KOH or NaOH can be used to increase the specificity of catalyst. Improvements to the catalyst can be incrementally made as OSE technology becomes available.		1. Dehydration of ethanol using a catalyst and fluid bed reactor.
	B. Constructing a reactor chamber capable of mixing the catalyst and substrates under optimal conditions. ~~Reactor~~ chamber must allow control over temperature, pressure, addition and removal of catalyst, control of feedrate and interaction time of substrate, and separation of production and should incorporate features that allow easy reconfiguration and recycling of catalysts, solvents, and unconverted substrate.		A. Selecting a catalyst. AlO3 can be utilized as an initial catalyst after production by the aluminium extractor. A base wash with KOH or NaOH can be used to increase the specificity of catalyst. Improvements to the catalyst can be incrementally made as OSE technology becomes available. The current proposal calls for a AlO3 doped with TiO2, a demonstrated highly efficient and selective catalyst.
	C. A fractionation ~~column~~ will be used to remove byproducts, unreacted substrate, and inert gas, producing high purity ethylene suitable for polymerization.		B. Constructing a reactor chamber capable of mixing the catalyst and substrates under optimal conditions. The reactor chamber must allow control over temperature, pressure, addition and removal of catalyst, control of feedrate and interaction time of substrate, and separation of production and should incorporate features that allow easy reconfiguration and recycling of catalysts, solvents, and unconverted substrate.
	C. ~~Measurement~~ of ethylene yield and purity using spectroscopic methods.		C. A three phase temperature (50, 0, -70 C) fractionation condeser will be used to remove byproducts, unreacted substrate, and inert gas, producing high purity ethylene suitable for polymerization.
			D. Methods for measurement of ethylene yield and purity must be further investigated (maybe using spectroscopic methods).

	3. Polymerization of polyethylene from ethylene using ~~transition metal~~ catalyst and fluid bed reactor.		2. Polymerization of polyethylene from ethylene using Ziegler-Natta catalyst and fluid bed reactor.
	A. Selection of a catalyst for polymerization.		A. Selection of a components of catalyst for polymerization: triethylalumina, Ti/Mg Cl, electron donating solvent.
	B. Optimal configuration of reactor for polyethylene polymerization.		B. Optimal configuration of reactor for polyethylene polymerization.
	C. Measurement of PE yield and purity.		C. Measurement of PE yield and purity.
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	E. Investigate production of other polymers such as polyethylene vinyl acetate (for greenhouse materials).		E. Investigate production of other polymers such as polyethylene vinyl acetate (for greenhouse materials).

	4.Extrusion to final product		3.Extrusion to final product
	A. Identify most desirable products for OSE product ecology and research optimal extrusion processes. Materials for greenhouses or windows are a high priority as mentioned by Marcin and this application could be the first aim. Identify ways to maximize translucence, increase UV resistance and filtering, and maximize material use with strength and durability (film versus panels)		A. Identify most desirable products for OSE product ecology and research optimal extrusion processes. Materials for greenhouses or windows are a high priority as mentioned by Marcin and this application could be the first aim. Identify ways to maximize translucence, increase UV resistance and filtering, and maximize material use with strength and durability (film versus panels)
	B. Value adding processes such as tensile polymer incorporation or shaping into useful products.		B. Value adding processes such as tensile polymer incorporation or shaping into useful products.

	~~===Design Rationale===~~		4. Production of ethanol on-site from sorghum utilizing yeast fermentation.
	~~The design rationale~~ for ~~the OSE agroecological approach is based upon OSE standards~~. ~~The process design is meant~~ to ~~produce a needed product ecology using local feedstocks~~. ~~By starting with high~~ purity ~~substrate and selective catalysts purification steps can be minimized and the process conducted on a small scale~~. ~~A fluid bed reactor~~ is a ~~key piece of hardware that is used by the industry due to its superior performance~~. ~~An OSE reactor is designed to be reconfigurable to~~ a ~~number of processes and be of appropriate scale~~.		A. Selection of yeast and/or bacterial strains that are optimal for sorghum fermentation and finding their optimal conditions.
			B. Construction of fermentation equipment.
			C. Construction of distillation equipment capable of operating under vacuum, which could possibly be attached to fermentation chamber.
			D. Method for measuring alcohol purity.
			Measuring specific gravity is means of getting a rough estimating ethanol yield and with internal improvements can achieve higher accuracy. Measurements against as internal standard and a pure ethanol standard can improve hydrometers accuracy.

	Starting with commodity ethanol will allow OSE to apply itself to an area where the open source information and demonstration is lacking. Reactor and catalysts are selected based upon demonstrated and easily available chemicals and could open a new sector to open source entrepnuers. Demonstration of a few base applications thermomolding and greenhouse glazing will allow incremental development. Production of feedstock will be conducted as part of an integrated plant at FeF and fermentation and purification technology built to utilize it.		===Specifications===
			Conformity to OSE specifications and eventual use of entirely locally produced components.
	~~Tools including catalysts and process control should be developed~~ to ~~be multipurpose~~ and ~~modular. Development~~ of ~~multiple uses at once will maintain that focus. The [[aluminosilicate chemistry]] learned from this process may allow other products~~.

	~~===Information architecture===~~		Ability to produce high and low density polymers for use in thermomolding in injection, die, and blow molding.

	~~===Conceptual Design===~~		Later ability to incorporate comonomers.

	~~===Specifications===~~
	~~Ability to produce high and low density polymers.~~ Later ability to incorporate comonomers.

	===Interface design===		===Interface design===
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	===Safety Concerns===		===Safety Concerns===

	Both ethanol and ethene are flammable, so be careful to ensure against vapor ignition. Initial runs should be done in small batch sizes to ensure greater safety. Ethanol is toxic to the liver but poisoning symptoms should be obvious. Ethylene gas is highly flammable and should be kept away from any source of sparks or static electricity. Technicians running this process should wear a lab coat, eye protection and gloves.		Both ethanol and ethene are flammable, so be careful to ensure against vapor ignition. Initial runs should be done in small batch sizes to ensure greater safety. Ethanol is toxic to the liver but poisoning symptoms should be obvious. Ethylene gas is highly flammable and should be kept away from any source of sparks or static electricity. Technicians running this process should wear a lab coat, eye protection and gloves. A thermal and impact jacket will be a modular piece of the reactor design. A secondary firebrick jacket will be used for this application and can incorporate venting to prevent buildup of dangerous gases.

Poli at 14:54, 16 June 2012

2012-06-16T14:54:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:54, 16 June 2012
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	Completed work: system process reviewed, OSE concept, SEBD preliminary, catalysts reviewed, 1st generation catalysts proposed, preliminary reactor protocols outlined.		Completed work: system process reviewed, OSE concept, SEBD preliminary, catalysts reviewed, 1st generation catalysts proposed, preliminary reactor protocols outlined.

			==Documentation Brief==
			A thorough review of the process of creating polyethylene from ethanol is underway on [[Polyethylene from Ethanol/Research Development]]. Catalysts for the two-step process have been reviewed and an OSE protocol derived. Assistance is needed summarize unreviewed literature and provide summaries of important information. An examination of the processes full product (substrate and catalysts) ecology is needed and proposals for import replacements for petroleum derived substrates investigated and proposed. A thorough review of the operation of an [[Fluidized_bed_reactor#FBR_for_bioplastic_production \| FBR]] applied to the proposal is needed.

	==Current Challenge==		==Current Challenge==
	Current blockages to further development include review by a subject matter expert to evaluate and critique the current proposal. Help from interested parties with technical review and people is needed to work on [[Ethanol \| substrate production]] and [[Polyethylene_from_Ethanol/Research_Development#High_purity_ethylene_product_purification \| purification]], and [[Polyethylene_from_Ethanol/Bill_of_Materials \| sourcing information for catalysts]]. Expertise in fluid mechanics is needed for the [[Fluidized_bed_reactor#Prototype_1 \| reactor]] design. Graphic design or CAD of the system would be a big benefit to many aspects of the proposal. Development work for applications, specifically greenhouse coverings is needed.		Current blockages to further development include review by a subject matter expert to evaluate and critique the current proposal. Help from interested parties with technical review and people is needed to work on [[Ethanol \| substrate production]] and [[Polyethylene_from_Ethanol/Research_Development#High_purity_ethylene_product_purification \| purification]], and [[Polyethylene_from_Ethanol/Bill_of_Materials \| sourcing information for catalysts]]. Expertise in fluid mechanics is needed for the [[Fluidized_bed_reactor#Prototype_1 \| reactor]] design. Graphic design or CAD of the system would be a big benefit to many aspects of the proposal. Development work for applications, specifically greenhouse coverings is needed.

	~~==Documentation Brief==~~
	A thorough review of the process of creating polyethylene from ethanol is underway on [[Polyethylene from Ethanol/Research Development]]. Scaled catalyst protocols are underway. An examination of the processes full product ecology is needed. Assistance is needed summarize unreviewed literature and provide summaries of important information. A thorough review of the operation of an [[Fluidized_bed_reactor#FBR_for_bioplastic_production \| FBR]] applied to the proposal.

	==System Engineering Breakdown Diagram==		==System Engineering Breakdown Diagram==

Poli: /* Current Challenge */

2012-06-16T14:47:56Z

Current Challenge

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 16 June 2012
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	==Current Challenge==		==Current Challenge==
	Current blockages to further development include review by a subject matter expert to evaluate and critique the current proposal. Help from interested parties with technical review and people is needed to work on [[Ethanol \| substrate production]] and [[Polyethylene_from_Ethanol/Research_Development#High_purity_ethylene_product_purification \| purification]], and [[Polyethylene_from_Ethanol/Bill_of_Materials \| sourcing information for catalysts]]. Expertise in fluid mechanics is needed for the [[~~Fluidized bed reactor~~ \| reactor]] design. Graphic design or CAD of the system would be a big benefit to many aspects of the proposal. Development work for applications, specifically greenhouse coverings is needed.		Current blockages to further development include review by a subject matter expert to evaluate and critique the current proposal. Help from interested parties with technical review and people is needed to work on [[Ethanol \| substrate production]] and [[Polyethylene_from_Ethanol/Research_Development#High_purity_ethylene_product_purification \| purification]], and [[Polyethylene_from_Ethanol/Bill_of_Materials \| sourcing information for catalysts]]. Expertise in fluid mechanics is needed for the [[Fluidized_bed_reactor#Prototype_1 \| reactor]] design. Graphic design or CAD of the system would be a big benefit to many aspects of the proposal. Development work for applications, specifically greenhouse coverings is needed.

	==Documentation Brief==		==Documentation Brief==

Poli: /* Status Brief */

2012-06-16T14:46:23Z

Status Brief

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:46, 16 June 2012
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	An OSE project to replace this process with a constructive route from organic feedstocks rather than degradative oil based processes is currently in the research and development phase. The process is being developed [[Extreme Manufacturing]] system and according to OSE guidelines. A literature review on [[Polyethylene from Ethanol/Research Development]] details the major steps of the process, technologies employed, and applicable details to an OSE standard. Scrum project management will be a used if a team comes together or an individual wants to take on a project.		An OSE project to replace this process with a constructive route from organic feedstocks rather than degradative oil based processes is currently in the research and development phase. The process is being developed [[Extreme Manufacturing]] system and according to OSE guidelines. A literature review on [[Polyethylene from Ethanol/Research Development]] details the major steps of the process, technologies employed, and applicable details to an OSE standard. Scrum project management will be a used if a team comes together or an individual wants to take on a project.

	Completed work: system process reviewed, OSE concept, SEBD preliminary, catalysts reviewed, 1st generation catalysts proposed, preliminary reactor protocols outlined.		Completed work: system process reviewed, OSE concept, SEBD preliminary, catalysts reviewed, 1st generation catalysts proposed, preliminary reactor protocols outlined.

Poli at 14:45, 16 June 2012

2012-06-16T14:45:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:45, 16 June 2012
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	An OSE project to replace this process with a constructive route from organic feedstocks rather than degradative oil based processes is currently in the research and development phase. The process is being developed [[Extreme Manufacturing]] system and according to OSE guidelines. A literature review on [[Polyethylene from Ethanol/Research Development]] details the major steps of the process, technologies employed, and applicable details to an OSE standard. Scrum project management will be a used if a team comes together or an individual wants to take on a project.		An OSE project to replace this process with a constructive route from organic feedstocks rather than degradative oil based processes is currently in the research and development phase. The process is being developed [[Extreme Manufacturing]] system and according to OSE guidelines. A literature review on [[Polyethylene from Ethanol/Research Development]] details the major steps of the process, technologies employed, and applicable details to an OSE standard. Scrum project management will be a used if a team comes together or an individual wants to take on a project.
	Current blockages: Help with technical review and people with experience in the field is needed. Expertise in fluid mechanics is needed for the reactor design. Graphic design or CAD of the system would be a big benefit. Interested autodidacts. Sourcing info.
	Completed work: system process reviewed, OSE concept, SEBD preliminary, catalysts reviewed, 1st generation catalysts proposed, preliminary reactor protocols outlined.		Completed work: system process reviewed, OSE concept, SEBD preliminary, catalysts reviewed, 1st generation catalysts proposed, preliminary reactor protocols outlined.

			==Current Challenge==
			Current blockages to further development include review by a subject matter expert to evaluate and critique the current proposal. Help from interested parties with technical review and people is needed to work on [[Ethanol \| substrate production]] and [[Polyethylene_from_Ethanol/Research_Development#High_purity_ethylene_product_purification \| purification]], and [[Polyethylene_from_Ethanol/Bill_of_Materials \| sourcing information for catalysts]]. Expertise in fluid mechanics is needed for the [[Fluidized bed reactor \| reactor]] design. Graphic design or CAD of the system would be a big benefit to many aspects of the proposal. Development work for applications, specifically greenhouse coverings is needed.

	==Documentation Brief==		==Documentation Brief==
			A thorough review of the process of creating polyethylene from ethanol is underway on [[Polyethylene from Ethanol/Research Development]]. Scaled catalyst protocols are underway. An examination of the processes full product ecology is needed. Assistance is needed summarize unreviewed literature and provide summaries of important information. A thorough review of the operation of an [[Fluidized_bed_reactor#FBR_for_bioplastic_production \| FBR]] applied to the proposal.
	A thorough review of the process of creating polyethylene from ethanol is underway on [[Polyethylene from Ethanol/Research Development]]. Scaled catalyst protocols are underway. An examination of the processes full product ecology is needed. Assistance is needed summarize unreviewed literature and provide summaries of important information. A thorough review of the operation of an FBR applied to the ~~proposed design~~.

	==System Engineering Breakdown Diagram==		==System Engineering Breakdown Diagram==

Poli: /* Status Brief */

2012-06-02T14:13:47Z

Status Brief

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:13, 2 June 2012
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	An OSE project to replace this process with a constructive route from organic feedstocks rather than degradative oil based processes is currently in the research and development phase. The process is being developed [[Extreme Manufacturing]] system and according to OSE guidelines. A literature review on [[Polyethylene from Ethanol/Research Development]] details the major steps of the process, technologies employed, and applicable details to an OSE standard. Scrum project management will be a used if a team comes together or an individual wants to take on a project.		An OSE project to replace this process with a constructive route from organic feedstocks rather than degradative oil based processes is currently in the research and development phase. The process is being developed [[Extreme Manufacturing]] system and according to OSE guidelines. A literature review on [[Polyethylene from Ethanol/Research Development]] details the major steps of the process, technologies employed, and applicable details to an OSE standard. Scrum project management will be a used if a team comes together or an individual wants to take on a project.
	Current blockages: Help with technical review and people with experience in the field is needed. Expertise in fluid mechanics is needed for the reactor design. Graphic design or CAD of the system would be a big benefit. Interested autodidacts. Sourcing info.		Current blockages: Help with technical review and people with experience in the field is needed. Expertise in fluid mechanics is needed for the reactor design. Graphic design or CAD of the system would be a big benefit. Interested autodidacts. Sourcing info.
	Completed work: system process reviewed, OSE concept, SEBD preliminary, catalysts reviewed, 1st generation catalysts proposed,		Completed work: system process reviewed, OSE concept, SEBD preliminary, catalysts reviewed, 1st generation catalysts proposed, preliminary reactor protocols outlined.

	==Documentation Brief==		==Documentation Brief==

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:49, 30 November 2018
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	===Conceptual Design===		===Conceptual Design===
	1. Dehydration of ethanol using a catalyst and fluid bed reactor.		1. Dehydration of ethanol using a catalyst and fluid bed reactor.<br/>
	A. Selecting a catalyst. AlO3 can be utilized as an initial catalyst after production by the aluminium extractor. A base wash with KOH or NaOH can be used to increase the specificity of catalyst. Improvements to the catalyst can be incrementally made as OSE technology becomes available. The current proposal calls for a AlO3 doped with TiO2, a demonstrated highly efficient and selective catalyst.		A. Selecting a catalyst. AlO3 can be utilized as an initial catalyst after production by the aluminium extractor. A base wash with KOH or NaOH can be used to increase the specificity of catalyst. Improvements to the catalyst can be incrementally made as OSE technology becomes available. The current proposal calls for a AlO3 doped with TiO2, a demonstrated highly efficient and selective catalyst.<br/>
	B. Constructing a reactor chamber capable of mixing the catalyst and substrates under optimal conditions. The reactor chamber must allow control over temperature, pressure, addition and removal of catalyst, control of feedrate and interaction time of substrate, and separation of production and should incorporate features that allow easy reconfiguration and recycling of catalysts, solvents, and unconverted substrate.		B. Constructing a reactor chamber capable of mixing the catalyst and substrates under optimal conditions. The reactor chamber must allow control over temperature, pressure, addition and removal of catalyst, control of feedrate and interaction time of substrate, and separation of production and should incorporate features that allow easy reconfiguration and recycling of catalysts, solvents, and unconverted substrate.<br/>
	C. A three phase temperature (50, 0, -70 °C) fractionation condenser will be used to remove byproducts, unreacted substrate, and inert gas, producing high purity ethylene suitable for polymerization.		C. A three phase temperature (50, 0, -70 °C) fractionation condenser will be used to remove byproducts, unreacted substrate, and inert gas, producing high purity ethylene suitable for polymerization.<br/>
	D. Methods for measurement of ethylene yield and purity must be further investigated (maybe using spectroscopic methods).		D. Methods for measurement of ethylene yield and purity must be further investigated (maybe using spectroscopic methods).

	2. Polymerization of polyethylene from ethylene using Ziegler-Natta catalyst and fluid bed reactor.		2. Polymerization of polyethylene from ethylene using Ziegler-Natta catalyst and fluid bed reactor.<br/>
	A. Selection of a components of catalyst for polymerization: triethylalumina, Ti/Mg Cl, electron donating solvent.		A. Selection of a components of catalyst for polymerization: triethylalumina, Ti/Mg Cl, electron donating solvent.<br/>
	B. Optimal configuration of reactor for polyethylene polymerization.		B. Optimal configuration of reactor for polyethylene polymerization.<br/>
	C. Measurement of PE yield and purity.		C. Measurement of PE yield and purity.<br/>
	D. Ability to pass newly formed polyethylene to an extruder or storing as pellets for future extrusion.		D. Ability to pass newly formed polyethylene to an extruder or storing as pellets for future extrusion.<br/>
	E. Investigate production of other polymers such as polyethylene vinyl acetate (for greenhouse materials).		E. Investigate production of other polymers such as polyethylene vinyl acetate (for greenhouse materials).

	3.Extrusion to final product		3. Extrusion to final product<br/>
	A. Identify most desirable products for OSE product ecology and research optimal extrusion processes. Materials for greenhouses or windows are a high priority as mentioned by Marcin and this application could be the first aim. Identify ways to maximize translucence, increase UV resistance and filtering, and maximize material use with strength and durability (film versus panels)		A. Identify most desirable products for OSE product ecology and research optimal extrusion processes. Materials for greenhouses or windows are a high priority as mentioned by Marcin and this application could be the first aim. Identify ways to maximize translucence, increase UV resistance and filtering, and maximize material use with strength and durability (film versus panels).<br/>
	B. Value adding processes such as tensile polymer incorporation or shaping into useful products.		B. Value adding processes such as tensile polymer incorporation or shaping into useful products.

	4. Production of ethanol on-site from sorghum utilizing yeast fermentation.		4. Production of ethanol on-site from sorghum utilizing yeast fermentation.<br/>
	A. Selection of yeast and/or bacterial strains that are optimal for sorghum fermentation and finding their optimal conditions.		A. Selection of yeast and/or bacterial strains that are optimal for sorghum fermentation and finding their optimal conditions.<br/>
	B. Construction of fermentation equipment.		B. Construction of fermentation equipment.<br/>
	C. Construction of distillation equipment capable of operating under vacuum, which could possibly be attached to fermentation chamber.		C. Construction of distillation equipment capable of operating under vacuum, which could possibly be attached to fermentation chamber.<br/>
	D. Method for measuring alcohol purity.		D. Method for measuring alcohol purity.
	Measuring specific gravity is means of getting a rough estimating ethanol yield and with internal improvements can achieve higher accuracy. Measurements against as internal standard and a pure ethanol standard can improve hydrometers accuracy.		Measuring specific gravity is means of getting a rough estimating ethanol yield and with internal improvements can achieve higher accuracy. Measurements against as internal standard and a pure ethanol standard can improve hydrometers accuracy.