ISESLab

É com muita alegria que anunciamos essa grande conquista! Projetos aplicam R$ 6 milhões em equipamentos O Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) e a Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos (Finep) anunciaram o resultado de suas chamadas que contemplaram projetos de pesquisa desenvolvidos na Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT). A Chamada Pública CNPq/MCTI/FNDCT Nº 19/2024 – Centros Avançados em Áreas Estratégicas para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Região Amazônica – Pro-Amazônia e a Chamada Pública MCTI/FINEP/FNDCT/2024 são voltados para o desenvolvimento da Amazônia Legal, que compreende Mato Grosso. As pesquisas contempladas estão voltadas para pesquisas em bioenergia, principalmente na produção de hidrogênio. Os projetos receberão investimento de aproximadamente R$ 6 milhões para a instalação e montagem de equipamentos de laboratório, incluindo reatores de fermentação, eletrólise, pirólise, além de equipamentos para preparação de materiais e análises laboratoriais, bem como a implantação de laboratórios de simulação com licença de softwares especializados. A coordenação do projeto está a cargo do professor Júlio Cesar de Carvalho Miranda com a participação de professores de diferentes departamentos como Engenharia Química, com os professores Marcos Paulo Felizardo, Laiane Alves de Andrade e Loyse Tussolini. Também participam os professores do curso de Química, Leonardo Gomes Vasconcelos; Engenharia Elétrica, Danilo Ferreira de Souza e Engenharia Sanitária, Eduardo Beraldo de Morais e Welitom Ttatom Pereira da Silva. A expectativa é, além de contribuir para o desenvolvimento regional, colaborar na formação de recursos humanos na área de bioenergia, com bolsas de iniciação científica para estudantes interessados. Os projetos serão executados pelos programas de Pós-graduação em Ciência de Materiais e Pós-graduação em Engenharia Elétrica, respectivamente nos câmpus universitários do Araguaia e de Cuiabá. As ações são em parceria com o Sustainable Process Technology Laboratory da University of Twente em Eschede/Holanda, Centro Analítica do Laboratório de Pesquisa em Química de Produtos Naturais e Novas Metodologias Sintéticas em Química Orgânica (CALPQPN). Os projetos também serão desenvolvidos pelo Centro de Pesquisa Multiusuária (CPMUA), Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Estudos e Planejamento Energético (NIEPE) e programas de pós Graduação como o Programa de Pós-graduação Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da UFAC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Hídricos da UFMT, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química da UFMT, Programa de Pós-graduação em Gestão e Tecnologia Ambiental da UFMT, Programa de Pós-graduação em Química Tecnologia e Ambiental do IFMT, Programa de Pós-graduação em Engenharia Química da UFG e Especialização em Bioenergia da UFMT. https://lnkd.in/d-fhGT95

We are very excited to announce this great achievement! Projects Invest R$ 6 Million in Equipment The National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the Funding Authority for Studies and Projects (Finep) have announced the results of their calls for proposals that included research projects developed at the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT). The Public Call CNPq/MCTI/FNDCT No. 19/2024 – Advanced Centers in Strategic Areas for Sustainable Development in the Amazon Region – Pro-Amazonia, and the Public Call MCTI/FINEP/FNDCT/2024 are focused on the development of the Legal Amazon, which includes the state of Mato Grosso. The selected research projects focus on bioenergy, particularly in hydrogen production. These projects will receive approximately R$ 6 million in funding for the installation and assembly of laboratory equipment, including fermentation reactors, electrolysis units, pyrolysis equipment, as well as tools for material preparation and laboratory analyses. This also includes the establishment of simulation laboratories with licenses for specialized software. The project is coordinated by Professor Júlio Cesar de Carvalho Miranda, with contributions from professors across various departments, including Chemical Engineering, with professors Marcos Paulo Felizardo, Laiane Alves de Andrade, and Loyse Tussolini. Other participants include Leonardo Gomes Vasconcelos from the Chemistry department; Danilo Ferreira de Souza from Electrical Engineering; and Eduardo Beraldo de Morais and Welitom Ttatom Pereira da Silva from Sanitary Engineering. In addition to contributing to regional development, the initiative aims to support the training of human resources in bioenergy, offering scientific initiation scholarships for interested students. The projects will be carried out by the graduate programs in Materials Science and Electrical Engineering at the university campuses in Araguaia and Cuiabá, respectively. These efforts are in partnership with the Sustainable Process Technology Laboratory at the University of Twente in Enschede, Netherlands, as well as the Analytical Center of the Research Laboratory in Chemistry of Natural Products and New Synthetic Methodologies in Organic Chemistry (CALPQPN). The projects will also involve the Multi-User Research Center (CPMUA), the Interdisciplinary Center for Energy Studies and Planning (NIEPE), and various graduate programs such as the Biodiversity and Biotechnology Program at UFAC, the Graduate Program in Water Resources at UFMT, the Graduate Program in Chemistry at UFMT, the Graduate Program in Environmental Management and Technology at UFMT, the Graduate Program in Chemical Technology and Environment at IFMT, the Graduate Program in Chemical Engineering at UFG, and the Specialization in Bioenergy at UFMT. https://lnkd.in/d-fhGT95

Yes! We were there!

The ISES Lab is proud to make this announcement!

🌍 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A Comprehensive Approach to Sustainability 🌱 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a methodology used to assess the environmental impacts of products, processes, or services from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. It helps identify areas of high resource use, energy consumption, and emissions, offering insights into how organizations can make more sustainable choices. Key Steps of LCA: - Goal and Scope Definition: Define the objectives and boundaries of the assessment. - Inventory Analysis (LCI): Collect data on all inputs (materials, energy) and outputs (emissions, waste) throughout the life cycle. - Impact Assessment (LCIA): Convert the inventory data into environmental impacts such as climate change, water usage, and resource depletion. - Interpretation: Analyze the findings, identify key environmental “hotspots,” and make recommendations for reducing impact. Tools for LCA: - SimaPro: A versatile tool used by industries and researchers to model detailed supply chains and processes, offering rich environmental data. - GaBi: Known for its comprehensive industry-specific datasets, it allows companies to benchmark their environmental performance against industry standards. - OpenLCA: An open-source tool that’s accessible and customizable, making it ideal for academics and smaller enterprises starting with LCA. Results Interpretation: - Hotspot Identification: LCA helps identify the stages or processes that contribute the most to environmental impacts, enabling targeted improvements. - Comparative Analysis: It facilitates the comparison of different products or processes, like comparing bio-based hydrogen production with conventional hydrogen in terms of emissions, energy use, and resource efficiency. - Environmental Impact Categories: Results are grouped into impact categories such as global warming potential, acidification, and resource depletion, giving a holistic view of the environmental footprint. - Sensitivity Analysis: This evaluates how changes in assumptions (e.g., energy sources or raw materials) impact the overall results, ensuring robust and reliable outcomes. Why LCA is Important: LCA plays a crucial role in guiding companies toward sustainable innovation. It helps businesses reduce waste, cut emissions, and improve resource efficiency, while also complying with environmental regulations and achieving sustainability goals. Application in Bio and Green Hydrogen Production: In the context of bio and green hydrogen production, LCA is vital for assessing the entire process, from feedstock cultivation or electrolysis to hydrogen distribution. This ensures that hydrogen is genuinely sustainable and minimizes its environmental footprint, supporting the transition to renewable energy. #ISESLab #UFMT #Sustainability #LCA #GreenHydrogen #BioHydrogen #CircularEconomy #EnergyTransition #EnvironmentalImpact #Renewables

🔬 Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) in Chemical Processes: A Roadmap to Viability 📊 Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) is a critical evaluation used to assess the economic feasibility of chemical processes. It helps bridge the gap between technical innovation and commercial success, ensuring that exciting lab discoveries can lead to real-world impact. 🚶♂️ Steps in a TEA: 1. Process Design & Simulation: Establishing a clear process flow, from raw materials to final products, through simulations in tools like Aspen Plus or MATLAB. This provides insights into material and energy balances. 2. Cost Estimation: Estimating capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) by factoring in equipment, raw materials, utilities, and labor. 3. Market Analysis: Evaluating the demand, competition, and potential pricing strategies for the chemicals or products involved. 4. Economic Evaluation: Calculating metrics such as payback period, internal rate of return (IRR), and net present value (NPV) based on projected cash flows. 📈 Key Indicators: - CAPEX/OPEX: Provides insight into upfront investment and ongoing costs, helping to determine the profitability of scaling up a process. - Net Present Value (NPV): Quantifies the value a process generates over time, discounted to today’s terms. A positive NPV indicates economic viability. - Internal Rate of Return (IRR): Reflects the profitability of the project. A higher IRR compared to the cost of capital suggests a good investment opportunity. - Payback Period: The time it takes for the project to break even. Shorter payback periods reduce financial risk. 🌱 Applying TEA to Bio and Green Hydrogen Production: TEA plays a crucial role in assessing the viability of biohydrogen and green hydrogen technologies. By analyzing the costs of renewable feedstocks, energy consumption, and scaling requirements, TEA helps determine the most cost-effective and sustainable pathways for hydrogen production. This is essential for positioning green hydrogen as a competitive alternative to traditional fossil fuel-derived hydrogen. 🔑 Why Are These Important? These indicators guide decision-makers on whether to proceed with scaling up a process, adjust designs for cost reduction, or invest in further R&D. They also help in comparing different technologies or methods to choose the best economic option. By conducting a thorough TEA, chemical engineers and businesses can make informed decisions that drive sustainable growth and innovation in the industry. #ISESLab #UFMT #ChemicalEngineering #TechnoEconomicAnalysis #Biohydrogen #GreenHydrogen #ProcessOptimization #Sustainability #Innovation

🌿 Optimizing the Purification of Green and Bio Hydrogen for Maximum Efficiency 🌿 As we advance towards a sustainable energy future, the focus on efficient purification processes for green and bio hydrogen is more critical than ever. The quality of hydrogen directly impacts its usability in fuel cells, industrial processes, and energy storage, making purification a vital step. 🔋 Green Hydrogen Purification: Produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, green hydrogen is highly pure but not without potential impurities. The efficiency of purification methods like Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), membrane separation, and cryogenic distillation is key. Membrane separation allows selective passage of hydrogen molecules, effectively removing impurities, while cryogenic distillation separates gases based on their boiling points, though it’s more energy-intensive. These technologies help achieve up to 99.999% purity while striving for cost-effectiveness and minimal energy use. 🌱 Bio Hydrogen Purification: Bio hydrogen, generated from biomass, requires more intensive purification due to a higher level of impurities. Techniques such as the water-gas shift reaction to increase hydrogen yield, amine scrubbing for CO2 removal, and PSA for final purification are commonly used. The challenge lies in balancing thorough purification with energy efficiency to maintain the environmental benefits of bio hydrogen. 🚀 Driving Efficiency in Purification: As the hydrogen economy grows, the emphasis is on refining these purification processes to be more energy-efficient and scalable. Innovations in membrane technology, advanced adsorbents, and integrated purification systems are crucial to reducing energy costs and improving overall process efficiency. 💡 The Road Ahead: With ongoing research and technological advancements, we are on the path to making hydrogen purification not only effective but also a model of efficiency, ensuring that clean hydrogen remains a cornerstone of our sustainable energy future. #ISESLab #UFMT #GreenHydrogen #BioHydrogen #PurificationProcesses #PSA #MembraneSeparation #CryogenicDistillation #WaterGasShift #AmineScrubbing #EnergyEfficiency #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #HydrogenEconomy #Innovation

🔬 Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs): Essential Building Blocks for a Sustainable Future Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) are gaining recognition as crucial intermediates in the transition toward sustainable energy and materials. These short-chain organic acids, such as acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, are produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste, offering a versatile and renewable resource for various industries. 🔎 The Significance of VFAs: VFAs are essential building blocks in the chemical and energy industries. Derived from organic waste streams like agricultural residues and food waste, VFAs are used in: - Bioplastics: VFAs can be converted into biodegradable plastics, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. Biofuels & Biohydrogen: VFAs are precursors for producing biofuels like butanol and ethanol, as well as biohydrogen, crucial for reducing carbon emissions. - Biochemicals: VFAs are key in producing biochemicals used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Animal Feed: Acetic acid, a VFA, is used in animal feed to improve gut health and feed efficiency. ⚙️ Unlocking the Potential: Technologies like Dark Fermentation and Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs) optimize VFA production and conversion, driving innovation across multiple sectors. 🚀 Accelerating a Greener Economy: To fully leverage VFAs, strong government policies and industrial investment are essential. Government incentives can accelerate adoption, while private sector investment drives research and scalability. Together, they can reduce waste, lower emissions, and produce renewable materials and fuels. #ISESLAb #UFMT #VFAs #SustainableIndustry #CircularEconomy #Bioplastics #Biofuels #Biohydrogen #Biochemicals #RenewableEnergy #GreenTech #GovernmentPolicy #IndustrialInvestment

🌱 Turning Wastewater into Revenue Streams: Leveraging COD for Sustainable Gains ⚡ In wastewater management, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is often viewed as a hurdle - a metric indicating the level of organic pollutants needing treatment. However, by reimagining COD not just as a compliance metric but as a resource, we open doors to innovative solutions. Dark Fermentation (DF) and Microbial Electrolysis (MEC) are two cutting-edge processes that utilize the organic content indicated by COD to produce hydrogen gas and other valuable byproducts. This not only helps in reducing pollution levels but also transforms wastewater treatment into a profit-generating operation. By adopting these technologies, industries can: - Reduce Treatment Costs: Lower COD levels efficiently. - Generate Revenue: Produce and sell biofuels like hydrogen. - Achieve Sustainability Goals: Align with environmental regulations and corporate responsibility. It's time to shift perspectives—viewing wastewater not as a liability, but as an opportunity for innovation and profit. 🌍💧 #ISESLab #UFMT #Hydrogen #Sustainability #WastewaterManagement #COD #RenewableEnergy #CircularEconomy #Biotechnology

🔍 Sensitivity Analysis vs. Optimization: Key Differences and Interdependencies 🔧 In the field of data analysis and decision-making, understanding the distinctions and interdependencies between Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization is crucial. These tools, while distinct, complement each other in enhancing our strategic approach to complex problems. 🔎 Sensitivity Analysis: - Purpose: To understand how changes in input variables affect the output of a model. - Application: Used to identify which variables have the most influence on outcomes, aiding in risk assessment and scenario planning. - Process: Involves systematically varying input parameters and observing the resulting changes in output. Outcome: Provides insights into the robustness of a model and highlights critical variables that need closer monitoring. 🛠️ Optimization: - Purpose: To find the best possible solution given a set of constraints and objectives. - Application: Used to maximize or minimize an objective function, ensuring resources are utilized optimally. - Process: Employs algorithms and mathematical models to identify the optimal set of input values that achieve the desired outcome. - Outcome: Provides the most effective and efficient solution to a problem, ensuring the best use of resources. 🎯 Core Difference: Objective Function and Constraints - Optimization Necessity: Optimization is fundamentally driven by an Objective Function and Constraints. - Objective Function: The mathematical expression defining the goal to be maximized or minimized (e.g., profit, cost, efficiency). - Constraints: The limitations or requirements that the solution must satisfy (e.g., resource availability, budget limits). - Interdependency: Without an objective function and constraints, optimization cannot be performed. These elements define the feasible region and guide the search for the optimal solution. 🔧 Complementary Roles: - Sensitivity Analysis enhances Optimization by identifying critical variables and their impact, which helps in refining the objective function and constraints. - Optimization uses the insights from Sensitivity Analysis to adjust and find the most efficient solutions within the defined constraints. - By leveraging Sensitivity Analysis alongside well-defined Objective Functions and Constraints, organizations can ensure their models are robust and drive towards the most efficient and effective solutions. Let’s embrace these powerful tools to enhance our analytical capabilities and decision-making processes! 🚀 #ISESLab #DataScience #Optimization #SensitivityAnalysis #ObjectiveFunction #Constraints #DecisionMaking #RiskManagement #Efficiency #BusinessStrategy #Innovation