Vicente Martínez Soria - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Vicente Martínez Soria

Separation and Purification Technology, 2016

Journal of Membrane Science, 2018

A polypropylene membrane contactor was used for the recovery of dissolved methane from an anaerob... more A polypropylene membrane contactor was used for the recovery of dissolved methane from an anaerobic reactor effluent. Effect of operational parameters, operation mode and fouling on long-term operation was studied using vacuum pressure or N 2 as sweep gas. Results were analyzed based on the mass transfer estimations. Lower performance was observed in the shell-side mode due to the lower liquid velocity and the probable channeling. Membrane pore wetting was observed with the increase in Q L in the vacuum-pressure mode. This was confirmed with mass transfer resistance analysis, resulting in an estimated wetted pore fraction of between 0.25 and 0.53. The highest removal efficiencies were obtained with the liquid flowing in the lumen side and sweep-gas operation (between 98% and 67% for Q L between 4.1 and 27.2 L h-1), with negligible effect of the N 2 flow rate. In the long-term operation, the impact of membrane fouling was less intense in the lumen side, with longer operation time and more reversible fouling. A complete characterization of the fouling based on water sample analysis concluded that both inorganic and organic foulants were present, probably with higher biofouling presence. A combination of water and chemical cleanings resulted in a recommended protocol based on daily water cleaning.

International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 2017

The performance and feasibility of a pilot unit of biotrickling filter (BTF) for the treatment of... more The performance and feasibility of a pilot unit of biotrickling filter (BTF) for the treatment of industrial emissions polluted by styrene was investigated for one year at a fiber reinforced plastic industrial site. The pilot unit was packed with a structured material with a volume of 0.6 m 3. Monitoring results have shown successful treatment of the industrial styrene emissions working at empty bed residence times (EBRT) between 31 and 66 s. The best performance was obtained after 300 days when a more stable biofilm had been developed, obtaining the highest elimination capacity of 18.8 g m-3 h-1 (removal efficiency of 75.6%) working at 31 s of EBRT. In addition, a photocatalytic reactor was evaluated as pretreatment of the biological process, but results have shown very low capacity for improving the BTF performance due to catalyst deactivation. The economic feasibility of the BTF was evaluated. The total direct cost, excluding capital recovery, of the biotrickling filter technology was estimated in 0.71 € year-1 per Nm 3 h-1 of treated air whereas 2.27 € year-1 per Nm 3 h-1 was obtained for the regenerative catalytic oxidizer equipped with a zeolite pre-concentrator. Results show that this technology is economically and environmentally competitive in comparison with thermal treatment.

Bioresource Technology, 2008

In order to investigate suitable packing materials, a soil amendment composed of granular high mi... more In order to investigate suitable packing materials, a soil amendment composed of granular high mineralized peat (35% organic content) locally available has been evaluated as carrier material for biofiltration of volatile organic compounds in air by comparison with a fibrous peat (95% organic content). Both supports were tested to eliminate ethylbenzene from air streams in laboratory-scale reactors inoculated with a

14th Mediterranean Congress of Chemical Engineering (MeCCE14) Abstracts Publication, 2020

14th Mediterranean Congress of Chemical Engineering (MeCCE14) Abstracts Publication, 2020

International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 2019

The performance and microbial community analysis of an expanded granular sludge bed reactor (EGSB... more The performance and microbial community analysis of an expanded granular sludge bed reactor (EGSB) treating wastewater polluted with mixtures of ethanol and glycol ethers-such as 1-ethoxy-2-propanol (E2P) and 1methoxy-2-propanol (M2P)-were evaluated. The results showed good EGSB performance during start-up (100% of ethanol) in terms of global removal efficiency (RE > 95%). When glycol ethers were added, an initial adaptation period was observed of~20 days. While the RE of M2P became complete, the RE of E2P reached only 65%. The proportion of glycol ethers was gradually increased and at the end of this study only a binary mixture of E2P and M2P was fed. In the last stage, the global RE dropped to 80% and a partial degranulation of the sludge bed occurred, revealing the importance of acetate-yielding compounds as co-substrate for maintaining the granular structure of the sludge. Microbial community analysis showed a relation between the substrate utilized in the reactor and the developed microbial populations, such as Methanosaeta, an acetate consumer, and Methanomethylovorans, a methanol consumer, which were the predominant microorganisms in the archaeal population; the predominant bacterium found was Geobacter, an ethanol consumer; this and Methanosaeta are synthropic partners.

@tic. revista d'innovació educativa, 2017

Este trabajo recoge los resultados de la aplicación de una metodología de aprendizaje basada en p... more Este trabajo recoge los resultados de la aplicación de una metodología de aprendizaje basada en proyectos, mediante el uso mixto de aula inversa y sesiones magistrales participativas, junto con técnicas de creatividad y pensamiento lateral, para integrar los conceptos y procedimientos de la innovación tecnológica e impulsar capacidades propias del espíritu emprendedor entre los estudiantes de máster en Ingeniería Química. La alineación constructiva entre los resultados esperados y las habilidades de aprendizaje con las actividades propuestas y métodos de evaluación fue decisiva en el diseño de la metodología, donde la actividad tractora fue la creación y defensa de un proyecto de innovación. El uso de técnicas de creatividad promovió el pensamiento lateral y la originalidad en la definición de los proyectos. Se utilizaron metodologías activas para provocar el aprendizaje colaborativo, mejorar la participación y promover la motivación intrínseca. Las calificaciones obtenidas por todos los grupos en sus proyectos, a cargo de evaluadores externos, fueron relevantes, lo que indica la calidad y el impacto de sus propuestas. Se mostró una satisfacción general de los estudiantes, con especial énfasis en la trascendencia a nivel profesional, lo que demuestra el potencial de esta metodología para promover capacidades emprendedoras en innovación tecnológica. Palabras clave: educación emprendedora; innovación tecnológica; aprendizaje basado en proyectos; aula inversa; creatividad; metodologías activas; metodologías colaborativas; evaluación. Resum En aquest treball es presenten els resultats de l'aplicació d'una metodologia d'aprenentatge basada en projectes, mitjançant l'ús mixt d'aula inversa i sessions magistrals participatives, així com tècniques de creativitat i pensament lateral, per a integrar els conceptes i procediments de la innovació tecnològica i impulsar capacitats pròpies de l'esperit emprenedor entre els estudiants de màster en Enginyeria Química. L'alineació constructiva entre els resultats esperats i les habilitats d'aprenentatge amb les activitats proposades i mètodes d'avaluació va ser decisiva en el disseny de la metodologia, on l'activitat tractora va ser la creació d'un projecte d'innovació. L'ús de tècniques de creativitat va promoure el pensament lateral i l'originalitat en la definició dels projectes. Es van utilitzar metodologies actives per provocar l'aprenentatge col•laboratiu, millorar la participació i promoure la motivació intrínseca. Les qualificacions obtingudes per tots els grups als seus projectes, a càrrec d'avaluadors externs, van ser rellevants, el que indica la qualitat i l'impacte de les seues propostes. Es va mostrar una satisfacció general dels estudiants, amb especial èmfasi en la transcendència a nivell professional, el que demostra el potencial d'aquesta metodologia per promoure capacitats emprenedores en innovació tecnològica. Paraules clau: Educació emprenedora, innovació tecnològica, aprenentatge basat en projectes, aula inversa, creativitat, metodologies actives, metodologies col•laboratives, avaluació.

Bioreactors and Bioenergy, 2013

ABSTRACT EU environmental policy makes controlling the emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (V... more ABSTRACT EU environmental policy makes controlling the emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in waste gases necessary. Biotrickling filtration, an emergent biotreament, could be a viable technology for the coating sector. In this study, field-scale applications in two different industrial sectors are presented. A full-scale biotrickling system, including an activated carbon-smoothing prefilter, was installed at a furniture facility. Two spray booths were tested. n-Butyl acetate (20–50%) and xylenes (10–30%) were identified as the main solvents of one of the booths, while acetone (85–100%) was the main VOC coming from the other source. Due to the uneven emission pattern, the activated carbon prefilter allowed the VOC fluctuations to be buffered, increasing significantly the removal efficiency (10–20%). The second case consisted of a pilot-scale biotrickling filter tested in a plastic coating facility of the auxiliary automotive sector. In this case, emissions were quite stable, although VOC composition depends on the paint formulation used in the two robotic spray booths connected to the bioreactor. Some paints contained n-butyl acetate, butyl glycol acetate and methyl acetate in a proportion greater than 70% with a small proportion of aromatics (xylenes and ethylbenzene), while other products were mainly composed of naphtha, heavy aromatic fraction (75–100%). The systems were able to comply with legal emission limits under suitable operational conditions; with Empty Bed Residence Time (EBRT) ranging from 20 to 85 s depending on the waste gas source. The composition and pattern emissions were shown to be the crucial parameters determining the performance of the systems. Economic evaluation, including amortization and operational cost, showed a total cost of around 1.5 and 5.0 ε per year per Nm3 h-1 of air to be treated depending on the source.

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 2009

A 0.75-m3 pilot-scale biotrickling filter was run for over 1 yr in a Spanish furniture company to... more A 0.75-m3 pilot-scale biotrickling filter was run for over 1 yr in a Spanish furniture company to evaluate its performance in the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in the emission of two different paint spray booths. The first one was an open front booth used to manually paint furniture, and the second focus was an automatically operated closed booth operated to paint pieces of furniture. In both cases, the VOC emissions were very irregular, with rapid and extreme fluctuations. The pilot plant was operated at an empty bed residence time (EBRT) ranging from 10 to 40 sec, and good removal efficiencies of VOCs were usually obtained. When a buffering activated carbon prefilter was installed, the system performance was improved considerably, so a much better compliance with legal constraints was reached. After different shutdowns in the factory, the period to recover the previous performance of the biotrickling reactor was minimal. A weekend dehydration strategy was developed and implemented to control the pressure drop associated with excessive biomass accumulation.

Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 2010

BACKGROUND: Painting and wood finishing is one industrial sector affected by the European Union e... more BACKGROUND: Painting and wood finishing is one industrial sector affected by the European Union environmental regulations on volatile organic compound (VOC) air emissions. The painting process typically results in high flow rates with low VOC concentrations, so biotrickling filtration could be an economical alternative for controlling air emissions. This study analyses the operation of a pilot unit installed in a furniture facility, and compares its performance with the removal efficiency obtained in the laboratory using a synthetic feed composed of n-butyl acetate, toluene and m-xylene to simulate industrial air emissions. RESULTS: Laboratory studies showed that fluctuating and oscillating VOC feeding adversely affected the performance of the bioreactor in comparison with stationary feeding. The operation of the pilot plant at 35 s of empty bed residence time (EBRT) remained within the legal limits. The installation of an activated carbon prefilter improved considerably the removal efficiency, with emissions kept below 40 mg C m −3 working at 24 s of EBRT. CONCLUSION: Biotrickling filtration has been shown as effective for controlling air emissions from a closed booth operated for automatically painting furniture pieces. Laboratory study can provide valuable data for the scale-up.

Biochemical Engineering Journal, 2011

The performance and feasibility of a biotrickling filter (BTF) pilot unit for the treatment of ex... more The performance and feasibility of a biotrickling filter (BTF) pilot unit for the treatment of exhaust gases from two robotic spray paint booths at a plastic coating facility were investigated. The volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations in the emissions of the exhaust gases from the paint booths were relatively stable, although the VOC composition depended on the applied solvent-paint formulation in the booths. The pilot plant was operated for one year at empty bed residence times (EBRTs) ranging from 30 to 93 s. The performance of the system was affected by the solvent-paint formulations. An EBRT between 30 and 40 s was enough to meet legal requirements for products containing more than 60% biodegradable compounds, whereas a minimum EBRT of 80 s was required for emissions mainly composed of hydrophobic VOCs. The dynamics of the microbial population was carried out by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), indicating a high microbial diversity with composition changes associated with the solvent-paint used. The feasibility of the BTF was evaluated, showing that this technology is economically and environmentally competitive in comparison with thermal treatment technology.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 2007

Three laboratory-scale peat biofilters were operated at 90 s empty bed residence time (EBRT) for ... more Three laboratory-scale peat biofilters were operated at 90 s empty bed residence time (EBRT) for over a year. Biodegradation of ethyl acetate, toluene, or a 1:1 mixture were investigated. In first stage, inlet concentration was progressively increased from 0.4 to 4.5 g/m(3). The maximum elimination capacity (EC) found for ethyl acetate was 190 gC/m(3).h, and it was not affected by toluene. The maximum EC found for toluene as a sole contaminant was 150 gC/m(3).h, but the presence of ethyl acetate decreased the toluene maximum EC to 80 gC/m(3).h. From respirometry monitoring, values of 3.19 g CO(2)/gC and 3.06 g CO(2)/gC for pure ethyl acetate and pure toluene, respectively, were found, with overall yield coefficients of 0.13 g dry biomass produced per gram ethyl acetate consumed and 0.28 g dry biomass produced per gram toluene consumed. CO(2) production in the 1:1 mixture was successfully simulated. Dynamics of living and dead cells were monitored in four sections of the biofilters. Concentrations ranged between 2.6 x 10(9) and 3.0 x 10(10) cells per gram-dry peat for total bacteria, and 2.4 x 10(9)-1.9 x 10(10) cells per gram-dry peat for living bacteria. At high loads loss of bacterial density in the inlet zones, and increase in the dead cells percentages up to 60% was observed. In second stage, long-term performance at an inlet concentration of 1.5 g/m(3) was evaluated to show the process feasibility. Good agreement with previous data was obtained in terms of EC and CO(2) production. Restoration of living cells proportion was also observed.

Membranes

A three-step surface modification consisting of activation with NaOH, functionalisation with a si... more A three-step surface modification consisting of activation with NaOH, functionalisation with a silica precursor and organofluorosilane mixture (FSiT), and curing was applied to a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane for the recovery of dissolved methane (D-CH4) from aqueous streams. Based on the results of a statistical experimental design, the main variables affecting the water contact angle (WCA) were the NaOH concentration and the FSiT ratio and concentration used. The maximum WCA of the modified PVDF (mPVDFmax) was >140° at a NaOH concentration of 5%, an FSiT ratio of 0.55 and an FSiT concentration of 7.2%. The presence of clusters and a lower surface porosity of mPVDF was detected by FESEM analysis. In long-term stability tests with deionised water at 21 L h−1, the WCA of the mPVDF decreased rapidly to around 105°, similar to that of pristine nmPVDF. In contrast, the WCA of the mPVDF was always higher than that of nmPVDF in long-term operation with an anaerobic effluent...

Laboratory scale-studies on the biodegradation of a 1:1:1 wt mixture of three oxygenated volatile... more Laboratory scale-studies on the biodegradation of a 1:1:1 wt mixture of three oxygenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ethanol, ethyl acetate and methyl-ethyl ketone (MEK) in a biotrickling filter were carried out using two identically sized columns, filled with different polypropylene rings. The reactors were seeded with a two-month preconditioned culture from activated sludge. The performance of the biotrickling filters was examined for a continuous period of 4 months at VOC concentration from 125 mg-C/m to 550 mg-C/m and at gas flow rates of around 1.0 m/h, 2.0 m/h and 4.6 m/h, which correspond to gas empty bed residence times (EBRT) of 68 s, 33 s and 16 s, respectively. Similar performance was obtained for both supports. Intermittent flow rate of trickling liquid was shown as beneficial to improve the removal efficiency of the system. A stratification in the substrate consumption was observed from gas composition profiles, with MEK % in the emission greater than 78%. Contin...

To investigate the microbial degradation of ethyl acetate and toluene mixtures in biofiltration, ... more To investigate the microbial degradation of ethyl acetate and toluene mixtures in biofiltration, three laboratory-scale reactors, inoculated with a two-month conditioned culture from activated sludge, were operated for a continuous period of 6 months. Biofilters were packed with a fibrous peat that has been previously shown as an adequate biofilter material for TEX removal. Each reactor was downflow fed with air contaminated with ethyl acetate, toluene or a 1:1 mixture of ethly acetate and toluene, respectively, at a constant EBRT of 90 s. Inlet concentration was progresively increased from 0.1 to 4.0 g m-3. The maximum elimination capacity found for toluene as a sole contaminant was 90 g m-3 h-1, but the presence of ethyl acetate decreased the toluene degradation with a maximum elimination capacity of 35 g m-3 h-1. From gas concentration profiles, a stratification in the substrate consumption was observed: nearly no toluene biodegradation ocurred until ethyl acetate, the easily bio...

Separation and Purification Technology, 2016

The feasibility of an emergent technology for in situ removal/recovery of methane from the efflue... more The feasibility of an emergent technology for in situ removal/recovery of methane from the effluent of an Expanded Granular Sludge Bed (EGSB) anaerobic reactor has been studied. For this purpose, the performances of two commercial hollow fibre degassing contactors with different membrane materials-microporous (polypropylene, PP) and the material properties (porosity, material resistance …) of the membrane and structure (packing density, fibre diameter …) of the modules. Methane removal efficiencies of up to 98% could be achieved, showing the viability of methane removal/recovery using this technology. Simultaneous degassing of CO 2 was also monitored in both modules, showing that the removal efficiency of this gas was considerably lower than for methane. In general terms, the removal of dissolved CO 2 followed a quite similar behaviour from that described for methane. Experimental overall mass transfer coefficients were also obtained.

Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A

Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology

Granular activated carbon addition could promote specific microorganisms which favour the anaerob... more Granular activated carbon addition could promote specific microorganisms which favour the anaerobic removal of non-readily biodegradable solvent compounds through their influence on the degradation (methanogenesis) of intermediates.

Separation and Purification Technology, 2016

Journal of Membrane Science, 2018

A polypropylene membrane contactor was used for the recovery of dissolved methane from an anaerob... more A polypropylene membrane contactor was used for the recovery of dissolved methane from an anaerobic reactor effluent. Effect of operational parameters, operation mode and fouling on long-term operation was studied using vacuum pressure or N 2 as sweep gas. Results were analyzed based on the mass transfer estimations. Lower performance was observed in the shell-side mode due to the lower liquid velocity and the probable channeling. Membrane pore wetting was observed with the increase in Q L in the vacuum-pressure mode. This was confirmed with mass transfer resistance analysis, resulting in an estimated wetted pore fraction of between 0.25 and 0.53. The highest removal efficiencies were obtained with the liquid flowing in the lumen side and sweep-gas operation (between 98% and 67% for Q L between 4.1 and 27.2 L h-1), with negligible effect of the N 2 flow rate. In the long-term operation, the impact of membrane fouling was less intense in the lumen side, with longer operation time and more reversible fouling. A complete characterization of the fouling based on water sample analysis concluded that both inorganic and organic foulants were present, probably with higher biofouling presence. A combination of water and chemical cleanings resulted in a recommended protocol based on daily water cleaning.

International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 2017

The performance and feasibility of a pilot unit of biotrickling filter (BTF) for the treatment of... more The performance and feasibility of a pilot unit of biotrickling filter (BTF) for the treatment of industrial emissions polluted by styrene was investigated for one year at a fiber reinforced plastic industrial site. The pilot unit was packed with a structured material with a volume of 0.6 m 3. Monitoring results have shown successful treatment of the industrial styrene emissions working at empty bed residence times (EBRT) between 31 and 66 s. The best performance was obtained after 300 days when a more stable biofilm had been developed, obtaining the highest elimination capacity of 18.8 g m-3 h-1 (removal efficiency of 75.6%) working at 31 s of EBRT. In addition, a photocatalytic reactor was evaluated as pretreatment of the biological process, but results have shown very low capacity for improving the BTF performance due to catalyst deactivation. The economic feasibility of the BTF was evaluated. The total direct cost, excluding capital recovery, of the biotrickling filter technology was estimated in 0.71 € year-1 per Nm 3 h-1 of treated air whereas 2.27 € year-1 per Nm 3 h-1 was obtained for the regenerative catalytic oxidizer equipped with a zeolite pre-concentrator. Results show that this technology is economically and environmentally competitive in comparison with thermal treatment.

Bioresource Technology, 2008

In order to investigate suitable packing materials, a soil amendment composed of granular high mi... more In order to investigate suitable packing materials, a soil amendment composed of granular high mineralized peat (35% organic content) locally available has been evaluated as carrier material for biofiltration of volatile organic compounds in air by comparison with a fibrous peat (95% organic content). Both supports were tested to eliminate ethylbenzene from air streams in laboratory-scale reactors inoculated with a

14th Mediterranean Congress of Chemical Engineering (MeCCE14) Abstracts Publication, 2020

14th Mediterranean Congress of Chemical Engineering (MeCCE14) Abstracts Publication, 2020

International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 2019

The performance and microbial community analysis of an expanded granular sludge bed reactor (EGSB... more The performance and microbial community analysis of an expanded granular sludge bed reactor (EGSB) treating wastewater polluted with mixtures of ethanol and glycol ethers-such as 1-ethoxy-2-propanol (E2P) and 1methoxy-2-propanol (M2P)-were evaluated. The results showed good EGSB performance during start-up (100% of ethanol) in terms of global removal efficiency (RE > 95%). When glycol ethers were added, an initial adaptation period was observed of~20 days. While the RE of M2P became complete, the RE of E2P reached only 65%. The proportion of glycol ethers was gradually increased and at the end of this study only a binary mixture of E2P and M2P was fed. In the last stage, the global RE dropped to 80% and a partial degranulation of the sludge bed occurred, revealing the importance of acetate-yielding compounds as co-substrate for maintaining the granular structure of the sludge. Microbial community analysis showed a relation between the substrate utilized in the reactor and the developed microbial populations, such as Methanosaeta, an acetate consumer, and Methanomethylovorans, a methanol consumer, which were the predominant microorganisms in the archaeal population; the predominant bacterium found was Geobacter, an ethanol consumer; this and Methanosaeta are synthropic partners.

@tic. revista d'innovació educativa, 2017

Este trabajo recoge los resultados de la aplicación de una metodología de aprendizaje basada en p... more Este trabajo recoge los resultados de la aplicación de una metodología de aprendizaje basada en proyectos, mediante el uso mixto de aula inversa y sesiones magistrales participativas, junto con técnicas de creatividad y pensamiento lateral, para integrar los conceptos y procedimientos de la innovación tecnológica e impulsar capacidades propias del espíritu emprendedor entre los estudiantes de máster en Ingeniería Química. La alineación constructiva entre los resultados esperados y las habilidades de aprendizaje con las actividades propuestas y métodos de evaluación fue decisiva en el diseño de la metodología, donde la actividad tractora fue la creación y defensa de un proyecto de innovación. El uso de técnicas de creatividad promovió el pensamiento lateral y la originalidad en la definición de los proyectos. Se utilizaron metodologías activas para provocar el aprendizaje colaborativo, mejorar la participación y promover la motivación intrínseca. Las calificaciones obtenidas por todos los grupos en sus proyectos, a cargo de evaluadores externos, fueron relevantes, lo que indica la calidad y el impacto de sus propuestas. Se mostró una satisfacción general de los estudiantes, con especial énfasis en la trascendencia a nivel profesional, lo que demuestra el potencial de esta metodología para promover capacidades emprendedoras en innovación tecnológica. Palabras clave: educación emprendedora; innovación tecnológica; aprendizaje basado en proyectos; aula inversa; creatividad; metodologías activas; metodologías colaborativas; evaluación. Resum En aquest treball es presenten els resultats de l'aplicació d'una metodologia d'aprenentatge basada en projectes, mitjançant l'ús mixt d'aula inversa i sessions magistrals participatives, així com tècniques de creativitat i pensament lateral, per a integrar els conceptes i procediments de la innovació tecnològica i impulsar capacitats pròpies de l'esperit emprenedor entre els estudiants de màster en Enginyeria Química. L'alineació constructiva entre els resultats esperats i les habilitats d'aprenentatge amb les activitats proposades i mètodes d'avaluació va ser decisiva en el disseny de la metodologia, on l'activitat tractora va ser la creació d'un projecte d'innovació. L'ús de tècniques de creativitat va promoure el pensament lateral i l'originalitat en la definició dels projectes. Es van utilitzar metodologies actives per provocar l'aprenentatge col•laboratiu, millorar la participació i promoure la motivació intrínseca. Les qualificacions obtingudes per tots els grups als seus projectes, a càrrec d'avaluadors externs, van ser rellevants, el que indica la qualitat i l'impacte de les seues propostes. Es va mostrar una satisfacció general dels estudiants, amb especial èmfasi en la transcendència a nivell professional, el que demostra el potencial d'aquesta metodologia per promoure capacitats emprenedores en innovació tecnològica. Paraules clau: Educació emprenedora, innovació tecnològica, aprenentatge basat en projectes, aula inversa, creativitat, metodologies actives, metodologies col•laboratives, avaluació.

Bioreactors and Bioenergy, 2013

ABSTRACT EU environmental policy makes controlling the emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (V... more ABSTRACT EU environmental policy makes controlling the emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in waste gases necessary. Biotrickling filtration, an emergent biotreament, could be a viable technology for the coating sector. In this study, field-scale applications in two different industrial sectors are presented. A full-scale biotrickling system, including an activated carbon-smoothing prefilter, was installed at a furniture facility. Two spray booths were tested. n-Butyl acetate (20–50%) and xylenes (10–30%) were identified as the main solvents of one of the booths, while acetone (85–100%) was the main VOC coming from the other source. Due to the uneven emission pattern, the activated carbon prefilter allowed the VOC fluctuations to be buffered, increasing significantly the removal efficiency (10–20%). The second case consisted of a pilot-scale biotrickling filter tested in a plastic coating facility of the auxiliary automotive sector. In this case, emissions were quite stable, although VOC composition depends on the paint formulation used in the two robotic spray booths connected to the bioreactor. Some paints contained n-butyl acetate, butyl glycol acetate and methyl acetate in a proportion greater than 70% with a small proportion of aromatics (xylenes and ethylbenzene), while other products were mainly composed of naphtha, heavy aromatic fraction (75–100%). The systems were able to comply with legal emission limits under suitable operational conditions; with Empty Bed Residence Time (EBRT) ranging from 20 to 85 s depending on the waste gas source. The composition and pattern emissions were shown to be the crucial parameters determining the performance of the systems. Economic evaluation, including amortization and operational cost, showed a total cost of around 1.5 and 5.0 ε per year per Nm3 h-1 of air to be treated depending on the source.

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 2009

A 0.75-m3 pilot-scale biotrickling filter was run for over 1 yr in a Spanish furniture company to... more A 0.75-m3 pilot-scale biotrickling filter was run for over 1 yr in a Spanish furniture company to evaluate its performance in the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in the emission of two different paint spray booths. The first one was an open front booth used to manually paint furniture, and the second focus was an automatically operated closed booth operated to paint pieces of furniture. In both cases, the VOC emissions were very irregular, with rapid and extreme fluctuations. The pilot plant was operated at an empty bed residence time (EBRT) ranging from 10 to 40 sec, and good removal efficiencies of VOCs were usually obtained. When a buffering activated carbon prefilter was installed, the system performance was improved considerably, so a much better compliance with legal constraints was reached. After different shutdowns in the factory, the period to recover the previous performance of the biotrickling reactor was minimal. A weekend dehydration strategy was developed and implemented to control the pressure drop associated with excessive biomass accumulation.

Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology, 2010

BACKGROUND: Painting and wood finishing is one industrial sector affected by the European Union e... more BACKGROUND: Painting and wood finishing is one industrial sector affected by the European Union environmental regulations on volatile organic compound (VOC) air emissions. The painting process typically results in high flow rates with low VOC concentrations, so biotrickling filtration could be an economical alternative for controlling air emissions. This study analyses the operation of a pilot unit installed in a furniture facility, and compares its performance with the removal efficiency obtained in the laboratory using a synthetic feed composed of n-butyl acetate, toluene and m-xylene to simulate industrial air emissions. RESULTS: Laboratory studies showed that fluctuating and oscillating VOC feeding adversely affected the performance of the bioreactor in comparison with stationary feeding. The operation of the pilot plant at 35 s of empty bed residence time (EBRT) remained within the legal limits. The installation of an activated carbon prefilter improved considerably the removal efficiency, with emissions kept below 40 mg C m −3 working at 24 s of EBRT. CONCLUSION: Biotrickling filtration has been shown as effective for controlling air emissions from a closed booth operated for automatically painting furniture pieces. Laboratory study can provide valuable data for the scale-up.

Biochemical Engineering Journal, 2011

The performance and feasibility of a biotrickling filter (BTF) pilot unit for the treatment of ex... more The performance and feasibility of a biotrickling filter (BTF) pilot unit for the treatment of exhaust gases from two robotic spray paint booths at a plastic coating facility were investigated. The volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations in the emissions of the exhaust gases from the paint booths were relatively stable, although the VOC composition depended on the applied solvent-paint formulation in the booths. The pilot plant was operated for one year at empty bed residence times (EBRTs) ranging from 30 to 93 s. The performance of the system was affected by the solvent-paint formulations. An EBRT between 30 and 40 s was enough to meet legal requirements for products containing more than 60% biodegradable compounds, whereas a minimum EBRT of 80 s was required for emissions mainly composed of hydrophobic VOCs. The dynamics of the microbial population was carried out by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), indicating a high microbial diversity with composition changes associated with the solvent-paint used. The feasibility of the BTF was evaluated, showing that this technology is economically and environmentally competitive in comparison with thermal treatment technology.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 2007

Three laboratory-scale peat biofilters were operated at 90 s empty bed residence time (EBRT) for ... more Three laboratory-scale peat biofilters were operated at 90 s empty bed residence time (EBRT) for over a year. Biodegradation of ethyl acetate, toluene, or a 1:1 mixture were investigated. In first stage, inlet concentration was progressively increased from 0.4 to 4.5 g/m(3). The maximum elimination capacity (EC) found for ethyl acetate was 190 gC/m(3).h, and it was not affected by toluene. The maximum EC found for toluene as a sole contaminant was 150 gC/m(3).h, but the presence of ethyl acetate decreased the toluene maximum EC to 80 gC/m(3).h. From respirometry monitoring, values of 3.19 g CO(2)/gC and 3.06 g CO(2)/gC for pure ethyl acetate and pure toluene, respectively, were found, with overall yield coefficients of 0.13 g dry biomass produced per gram ethyl acetate consumed and 0.28 g dry biomass produced per gram toluene consumed. CO(2) production in the 1:1 mixture was successfully simulated. Dynamics of living and dead cells were monitored in four sections of the biofilters. Concentrations ranged between 2.6 x 10(9) and 3.0 x 10(10) cells per gram-dry peat for total bacteria, and 2.4 x 10(9)-1.9 x 10(10) cells per gram-dry peat for living bacteria. At high loads loss of bacterial density in the inlet zones, and increase in the dead cells percentages up to 60% was observed. In second stage, long-term performance at an inlet concentration of 1.5 g/m(3) was evaluated to show the process feasibility. Good agreement with previous data was obtained in terms of EC and CO(2) production. Restoration of living cells proportion was also observed.

Membranes

A three-step surface modification consisting of activation with NaOH, functionalisation with a si... more A three-step surface modification consisting of activation with NaOH, functionalisation with a silica precursor and organofluorosilane mixture (FSiT), and curing was applied to a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane for the recovery of dissolved methane (D-CH4) from aqueous streams. Based on the results of a statistical experimental design, the main variables affecting the water contact angle (WCA) were the NaOH concentration and the FSiT ratio and concentration used. The maximum WCA of the modified PVDF (mPVDFmax) was >140° at a NaOH concentration of 5%, an FSiT ratio of 0.55 and an FSiT concentration of 7.2%. The presence of clusters and a lower surface porosity of mPVDF was detected by FESEM analysis. In long-term stability tests with deionised water at 21 L h−1, the WCA of the mPVDF decreased rapidly to around 105°, similar to that of pristine nmPVDF. In contrast, the WCA of the mPVDF was always higher than that of nmPVDF in long-term operation with an anaerobic effluent...

Laboratory scale-studies on the biodegradation of a 1:1:1 wt mixture of three oxygenated volatile... more Laboratory scale-studies on the biodegradation of a 1:1:1 wt mixture of three oxygenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ethanol, ethyl acetate and methyl-ethyl ketone (MEK) in a biotrickling filter were carried out using two identically sized columns, filled with different polypropylene rings. The reactors were seeded with a two-month preconditioned culture from activated sludge. The performance of the biotrickling filters was examined for a continuous period of 4 months at VOC concentration from 125 mg-C/m to 550 mg-C/m and at gas flow rates of around 1.0 m/h, 2.0 m/h and 4.6 m/h, which correspond to gas empty bed residence times (EBRT) of 68 s, 33 s and 16 s, respectively. Similar performance was obtained for both supports. Intermittent flow rate of trickling liquid was shown as beneficial to improve the removal efficiency of the system. A stratification in the substrate consumption was observed from gas composition profiles, with MEK % in the emission greater than 78%. Contin...

To investigate the microbial degradation of ethyl acetate and toluene mixtures in biofiltration, ... more To investigate the microbial degradation of ethyl acetate and toluene mixtures in biofiltration, three laboratory-scale reactors, inoculated with a two-month conditioned culture from activated sludge, were operated for a continuous period of 6 months. Biofilters were packed with a fibrous peat that has been previously shown as an adequate biofilter material for TEX removal. Each reactor was downflow fed with air contaminated with ethyl acetate, toluene or a 1:1 mixture of ethly acetate and toluene, respectively, at a constant EBRT of 90 s. Inlet concentration was progresively increased from 0.1 to 4.0 g m-3. The maximum elimination capacity found for toluene as a sole contaminant was 90 g m-3 h-1, but the presence of ethyl acetate decreased the toluene degradation with a maximum elimination capacity of 35 g m-3 h-1. From gas concentration profiles, a stratification in the substrate consumption was observed: nearly no toluene biodegradation ocurred until ethyl acetate, the easily bio...

Separation and Purification Technology, 2016

The feasibility of an emergent technology for in situ removal/recovery of methane from the efflue... more The feasibility of an emergent technology for in situ removal/recovery of methane from the effluent of an Expanded Granular Sludge Bed (EGSB) anaerobic reactor has been studied. For this purpose, the performances of two commercial hollow fibre degassing contactors with different membrane materials-microporous (polypropylene, PP) and the material properties (porosity, material resistance …) of the membrane and structure (packing density, fibre diameter …) of the modules. Methane removal efficiencies of up to 98% could be achieved, showing the viability of methane removal/recovery using this technology. Simultaneous degassing of CO 2 was also monitored in both modules, showing that the removal efficiency of this gas was considerably lower than for methane. In general terms, the removal of dissolved CO 2 followed a quite similar behaviour from that described for methane. Experimental overall mass transfer coefficients were also obtained.

Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A

Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology

Granular activated carbon addition could promote specific microorganisms which favour the anaerob... more Granular activated carbon addition could promote specific microorganisms which favour the anaerobic removal of non-readily biodegradable solvent compounds through their influence on the degradation (methanogenesis) of intermediates.