Lecture Room - II

Fuel & Energy Engineering, Process Safety Engineering, Waste

& Water Treatment

5th Symposium on Engineering Science (SES) Wednesday April 2, 2014

Biodiesel as an alternate fuel and its initiatives in Pakistan

Rida Zahra Rizvi, Basit Ghauri+1
+

Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
National University of Science and Technology

Abstract
Consumption of energy is the pivotal necessity of our current society. With the depletion in
resources, an earnest need for the alternative sources has become important. On yearly basis,
heaps of fuel is imported by Pakistan which is a heavy burden on the economic state of our
country. Researches have been carried out to seek an alternative method which becomes an
important part in the era of Green technology. Considering this, a fuel is needed which does not
deplete the resources and has economic feasibility. With the availability of renewable resources
of our country, which comprise of oil waste and crops, a fuel like biodiesel can be utilized as an
alternative method for consumption of energy. The paper discusses some of the natural sources
for biodiesel production available within Pakistan that eradicate the need of importing petroleum.
In order to achieve full scale biodiesel production, Pakistan government has initiated projects
such as National Biodiesel Program, Pakistan State Oil initiatives and Alternative Energy
Development Board. International companies have also shown keen interest, regarding the
development of biodiesel industry in Pakistan. However, there are some inevitable challenges
which have been highlighted in the paper. These challenges do not lie in the production, but have
occurred due to lack of co- ordination and lapse in policy making by the concerned departments.
The impact and benefits are also penned down in order to give an overall view of the biodiesels
usage in Pakistan.

Corresponding Emails:
[email protected]
[email protected]

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Fuel & Energy Engineering, Process Safety Engineering, Waste & Water Treatment

A Low Cost Technology for Metal Bearing Effluent

Amna Shoaib, Nabila Aslam and Saba Jawad2
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstracts
The present task concords to the determine Cu(II) removal capacity various fungal i.e.
Aspergillusniger, Aspergilluterreus, Aspergillusflavus, Rhizopusarrhizus, Altenariaalternata,
Trichodermaharzianum and Cunninghamellaechinulata and natural biosorbents i.e. Oryza sativa,
Cicerarietinum, Luffacylindrica,Azadirectaindica and Meliaazedarach from aqueous solution.
Batch experiments were carried out for an initial Cu(II) concentration ranging between 50-500
mg L-1. Experimental results demonstrate A. niger, R. arrhizus and Cicerarietinum husk hold
maximum adsorption efficiency among the all biosorbents. The Langmuir isotherm model is
found to be most suitable for the Cu(II) adsorption than Freundlich isotherm. The maximum
adsorption capacity obtained using the Langmuir isotherm model is 166, 175 and 55 mg g1
for A. nigerR. arrhizusand C. arietinumhusk, respectively.

[email protected]

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5th Symposium on Engineering Science (SES) Wednesday April 2, 2014

Effect of Temperature on the Bio Oil Yield from Pyrolysis of

Maize Stalks in Fluidized Bed Reactor
Najaf Ali, Dr. Mahmood Saleem, Kharam Shahzad, Rana Mujahid Saleem, Arshad Chughtai3
Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore

Abstract
Biomass energy is a clean renewable energy and has gained great attention as an alternate source
of energy in the world. The consumption of fossil fuels has been increasing with the growth of
population and causes the depletion of these resources as well as environmental threat.
Ultimately, the production of sustainable energy has turned out to be the concern of today and its
consumption has been increasing. In the developing countries, the production of biomass energy
is 35% whereas in the developed countries, it is about 14%. Fluidized bed fast pyrolysis is one of
the most promising technologies among the thermochemical conversion processes to convert
waste biomass into liquid fuels due to high biomass conversion efficiency. Pakistan is an
agricultural based country and produces agricultural wastes such as wheat straw, rice straw,
cotton stalks, maize stalks, sugar cane trash, corn stover, tobacco stalks etc in huge volume. The
annual production of these residues is about 84 million tons and conventional use of this waste is
for the purpose of heating, cooking and animal fodder. This agricultural waste is an alternate
potential resource for energy production and its exploitation into liquid fuel using different
technologies should be considered. Consequently, the agricultural wastes which are useless and
produce environmental problems can be made into more valuable energy rich products which are
environment friendly.Fast pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of biomass in the absence of
oxygen at moderate temperature and high heating rate. It is used to convert the waste biomass
into liquid fuel with the advantage of storage and transportation over the combustion and
gasification processes. Fast pyrolysis experiments are carried out in a bench scale fluidized bed
reactor (dia: 100 mm, height: 700 mm) using maize stalks as feedstock shown in fig1. Operating
parameters for the investigation are set as: temperature 350-500C, feed rate 400-1000 g/h,
particle size < 2mm, gas flow rate of nitrogen 2-3 m3/h and moisture content of feed <10 wt %.
Chemical composition of bio oil produced from the pyrolysis of maize stalks is determined by
GC-MS and FTIR analysis whereas co-products such as uncondensable gas is characterized
using GC analyzer and char by bomb calorimeter. The maximum bio oil yield is 32 wt% at the
optimum temperature of 450C.

Email: [email protected]

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Fuel & Energy Engineering, Process Safety Engineering, Waste & Water Treatment

Impacts of Radiations on Humans

Asad Ejaz Khan

Abstract
Propagation of electromagnetic waves through space does not require any media like gases,
water or solid matter. Radiations are colorless, tasteless and odorless. They are dangerous for
human health. Our daily life appliances like cell phones, color televisions, computers etc emit
different amounts of radiations. With the advancement of technology, radioactive rays have an
important role in our daily life. X-rays are common example of radiations in medical fields. They
are helpful in identification of diseases but their over exposure causes health issues.
There is no safe limit of radiations. However, a standard has been made that amount of radiations
should not increase than 5.0 rem /year.
We can make ourselves safe from radiations by adopting following precautionary measures:

Nuclear waste should be buried in proper places i.e away from populated areas.
Persons working near radiations sources should wear proper dresses.
They should visit doctors regularly.
People should take part in cancer screenings according to recommended standards.
People should adopt healthy habits.

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5th Symposium on Engineering Science (SES) Wednesday April 2, 2014

Energy Management System for Process Plants; Challenges and Opportunities

Saqib Sajjad
Energy Efficiency Specialist
ADNOC Group, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstracts
Energy efficiency improvement and optimization of energy aspects in process plants directly
reduces the energy consumption. In addition to the potential benefits in terms of reduction of
operating cost, it also contributes towards sustainability by reduction in emissions. In the energy
starving economies like Pakistan where most of the energy demands are dependent upon the
energy imports, drive for energy efficiency improvement is of utmost importance. Process plants
can contribute in reducing the net energy demand by energy efficiency improvement. The
improvement in energy performance can be realized by implementation of Energy Management
System (EnMS).
EnMS is an integration of numerous processes, techniques and criteria with a
approach to evaluate and improve energy performance. Comprehensive and
methodology, which primarily helps to identify the areas of significant energy uses
potential opportunities of energy efficiency improvement to realize energy saving, is
on almost all the process plants and is widely transferable.

structured
structured
as well as
applicable

This paper describes the process of EnMS implementation on process plants and highlights the
various challenges which are faced during implementation. It also features the potential
opportunities to achieve continual improvement of energy performance. Paper addresses the
following aspects and their significance:

Energy review comprising energy use and consumption analysis, identification of

significant energy uses.
Identification, prioritization and recording of opportunities for improvement.
Setting energy baseline, performance indicators, objectives, targets and action plans.
Competence, training, awareness and communication.
Energy consideration in design and procurement.
Monitoring, measurement and analysis.
Documentation.
Audits and corrective & preventive actions.
Management review.

The information in paper is helpful for anyone planning to implement or improve the energy
management system of process plants, to achieve continual improvement of energy performance.
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Fuel & Energy Engineering, Process Safety Engineering, Waste & Water Treatment

Proximate and Calorific Value Analysis of Selected Combustible Industrial Waste

Muhammad Danyal, Muhammad Junaid, Muhammad Rizwan, Mahmood Saleem4
Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore

Abstract
The choice of a solid material to be used as a fuel depends upon selection of a solid fuel,
combustion system, operating cost, maintenance, transportation and storage.
Selected Combustible industrial wastes samples collected from different industries were
analyzed for their proximate and calorific value analysis according to ASTM (American Society
for Testing Materials) standards.
The higher calorific value which is due to higher volatile matter and fixed carbon in the sample
is desired for power generation while low moisture and ash content should be there. The ash
contents are highest for polymer and leather wastes so instead of having higher calorific values
have the problem of ash handling which is undesirable in combustion system and increases the
cost too.

Corresponding Emails:
M.Danyal: [email protected]
M.Junaid: [email protected]
M.Rizwan: [email protected]
Mahmood Saleem: [email protected]

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5th Symposium on Engineering Science (SES) Wednesday April 2, 2014

Removal of Anionic Dyes from Textile Waste Water by Modified Cationic Starch
Hafiz Muhammad Aamir, Rafi Ullah Khan
Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore

Abstracts
Textile industry is one of the major sources in polluting the natures gift (water) to mankind. In
textile industry the dyeing process is the main process which pollutes water. Large quantities of
water are used up in this process which produce large amount of waste water. This waste water
has high turbidity caused by Dyes. Almost all of these dyes are not consumed properly.
Therefore treatment processes are required to clean up the textile waste water. In the present
work a new flocculant was prepared which is cheap and its impacts on the treated water are not
harmful. It was prepared by reacting the corn starch with hydroxymethyldimethylamine
hydrochloride by dry process. Then It was used as flocculant to study the behaviour of
flocculation. It was used to treat dyestuff (Reactive Acid yellow C.I. 13065) wastewater. The
effects of coagulant dosage and residence time on the flocculation were studied and it was found
that the dyestuff flocculation reached at optimum. The effect of temperature on the preparation
of HMMAHC was also studied. The results depicts that this flocculant has high adsorption
efficiencies.

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Fuel & Energy Engineering, Process Safety Engineering, Waste & Water Treatment

Relief Load Calculation to Mitigate Overpressure Scenarios Caused

by Operational Upsets to Finalize the Relief Valve Size and Flare System
Along With Case Study of Strippers
Yasir Nadeem, Zahid Mahmood5

Abstract
Regarding process safety and risk mitigation during plants operational upsets, traditional
methods and new techniques/best practices not only guide us to risk free working environment,
but also open new horizons to mitigate any catastrophic incidents, which may not happened yet.
For pressurize systems, relief devices are being used to ensure safety of surroundings.
Essentialities of pressure relief valves (PSV/PRV/PZV) are proved to prevent any over pressure
scenarios in the fluid flow lines or equipment systems. Commonly, these situations may be the
resultant of any unwanted flow line blockage, or exposure of system to external flames or
thermal expansion or any other unwanted cause to increase pressure inside the system. Selection
of proper PSV as per requirement is the key factor and depends on governing relief scenario,
back pressure, set pressure and fluid properties. Relief load calculations must be performed very
carefully along with optimizing the flare system.
Case study focused is of; De-Butanizer and De-Iso-Hexanizer of LPG Plants strippers (relief
load calculations in case of Site wide Power Failure) highlights the one of very inimitable
scenario and its required calculations for selection criteria of proper PSV. This area is addressed
very first time from safety point of view, and case study shows a much unexpected settings
which comes up with grim potential of failure.
Purpose of the case study is to highlight this scenario as such an oblivious area which can
become a dramatically staid failure of the system at any time. This case study should be the
guideline for every process engineer to mitigate such scarce cases to save any potential
catastrophic incident.

Corresponding Authors:
[email protected]
[email protected]

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5th Symposium on Engineering Science (SES) Wednesday April 2, 2014

Implementation of Process Safety Management: Challenges and Issues

Naveed Ramzan, Imran Rashid, Rehan Raiz

Abstract
PSM is used for identification and understanding of the hazards involved in a process and then
takes proper control to reduce the hazards so that process related injuries and accidents could be
prevented. In this paper, elements of PSM , phases of PSM implementation along with guidelines
for implementation of the elements of process safety management (PSM) such as management of
change (MOC), process hazard analysis, incident investigation, emergency planning and
response are presented. The PSM implementation issues related to hierarchy of the system,
human behaviors, team formation, repetition of work and hazard analysis techniques is
investigated. It is found that haphazard implementation hierarchy and slow change in people
behavior makes it difficult to implement Process Safety Management. The comprehensive model
describing different teams along with their role and responsibility for implementing PSM and
carrying out PHA is also developed. There are many issues linked with implementation of
process hazard analysis like plant modifications, shut downs and production losses as well as the
behaviour of the design engineer whenever modifications are required. Consequence analysis, an
evaluation of an incident interms of its effects on environment, equipment and people is of great
help. Incident reporting for a company can be improved by ensuring confidentiality and not
exposing the reporting person. Improvement in the operating procedures and preserving
mechanical integrity of the process plant are necessary conditions for the implementation of the
standards. Internal and external audits of the company are the most important part of the PSM
implementation. In general the PSM implementation requires much effort and time but pays off
well if implemented fully.

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Fuel & Energy Engineering, Process Safety Engineering, Waste & Water Treatment

Nanocatalysed Green Degradation of Azo Dye (K2RL) from Aqueous Solution

Dr. M. Shahid Nazir6

Abstract
Drimarene Blue K2RL, azo dye, is found in the waste streams of textile industry by dint of its
poor absorbability to fiber. Its degradation and discoloration is necessary because it is toxic,
carcinogenic, mutagenesis and resistant to degradation. Microemulsified TiO2 nanoparticles
catalyst (MTNC) has been applied to reactive azo dye (Drimarene Blue K2RL) solution under
solar irradiation. MTNC was prepared by reverse microemulsion method, which is simple and
cost effective in controlling the size and yields of catalyst. MTNC was characterized using
techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD),
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and BET. In addition, maximum decoloration of 50 ppm
of K2RL was observed for 90 min at room temperature. Initially degradation rate was high but
after an hour the rate decreased. The maximum degradation was observed after 1.5 hours.

Email: [email protected]

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5th Symposium on Engineering Science (SES) Wednesday April 2, 2014

Heavy Metal a Threat on Environment

SundusAkhtar, AmnaShoaib7
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore

Abstract
Polygonal interaction of metal (copper)-pathogen [Macrophominaphaseolina (Tassi) Goid)]plant (Vignamungo L.) was investigated in Petri plate lined with sterilize filter papers provided
with M. phaseolina and different concentrations of Cu(II) solution (25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm). The
effect of Cu was more profound at 100 ppm however; germination and growth parameters were
declined by 40-99% and by 10-50% at 25-75 ppm. Simultaneous effect of pathogen and Cu was
stimulatory for V. mungo germination and growth at 25 ppm, while this effect was inhibitory at
rest of the metal concentrations. The minimum tolerance was exhibited by the V. mungo
seedlings incorporated with pathogen either alone or combined with 75 and 100 ppm of Cu,
whereas the moderate to maximum tolerance was noticed for rest of the treatments. The study
opens new vistas for the plant growers to simultaneously address biotic and abiotic issues under
food security challenging in Pakistan.

Corresponding Emails:
[email protected]
[email protected]

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Fuel & Energy Engineering, Process Safety Engineering, Waste & Water Treatment

Ways to Prevent Eutrophication

ShizaAslam, Khadija Javed, Zahra Saeed, Muhammad Umar, FarhanNaeem, Yousuf Jamal8
National University of Sciences and Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Institute of Environment Sciences and Engineering

Abstract
Eutrophication means enhanced nourishment and refers to stimulation of aquatic plant growth
by mineral nutrients, particularly combined forms of phosphorus or nitrogen. These excessive
nutrients in a water body support a dense growth of algae and other organisms, decay of which
depletes oxygen of shallow waters.
In realty eutrophication is not necessarily harmful as the word itself means "well-nourished food"
but eutrophication can be speeded up artificially, suppressing the capacity of lakes to readjust
due to overload of nutrients. Well there are a few benefits of eutrophication as it increases
biodiversity entailing algae, fungi, bacteria, and various types of tiny invertebrates and insects.
Birds particularly are attracted to lakes and wetlands affected by eutrophication. Fungi and
bacteria degrade organic matter and breaks down into fertile soil. It also leads to the rise of tall
forests and woodlands by deposition of nitrogen compounds from the air and atmospheric
concentrations of carbon dioxide.
On the other hand eutrophication leads to a large list of disadvantages including Loss of habitat,
Development of hypoxic and anoxic conditions, Acidification of lakes, Increase turbidity, Loss
of tourism/recreation (swimming, boating).
Once a process of eutrophication has begun, it may be hard to curb. But preventions can become
handy like compositing, reduction of fertilizers use, structuring meanders, diversion of pipes,
Riparian buffers and Ultrasonic irradiation. Badly affected lakes can be restored to some extent
by laboriously removing nutrients from the ecosystem through selective fishing or the removal of
excess plant growth. And today reducing Eutrophication should be our key concern.

Email: [email protected]

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