Undergraduate Research Symposium Chemical and Process Engineering

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item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Adsorption and desorption studies of heavy metals on to coconut shell char
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Abesekara, MS; Kosvinna, KNR; Amarasinghe, BMWPK; Rathnasiri, PG
Heavy metals in wastewater can be removed by several methods including adsorption. Activated carbon (AC) is widely used, but expensive adsorbent. Since AC derived from coconut shell (CS) is a good adsorbent, coconut shell char (CSC) as well might be an effective low-cost adsorbent. It was studied the possibilities of using CSC as an adsorbent. Results showed that, CSC has 13% and 12% removal efficiencies for Zn2+ and Ni2+ from solutions of 50 mg/l. Furthermore, desorption abilities of H2SO4, NaOH, Distilled water and NaCl as desorbing agents were analysed and found H2SO4 to be the most effective desorbing agent.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Applicability of chitosan for the removal of fat from coconut milk-based wastewater
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Peiris, ATDN; Sanjeewa, GIN; Gunawardena, SHP; Rathnasiri, PG
Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the possibility of using Chitosan, a bio polymer for the removal of fat originated from coconut milk. Identification of optimum parametric conditions for fat adsorptivity was conducted using a synthetic wastewater prepared from commercially available coconut milk. Chitosan powder was made into beads to avoid interferences in taking spectrophotometric readings. Experimental results indicated that chitosan is a potential substance to be used in this context.
item: Conference-Abstract
Biodiesel production using rendered oil from waste chicken skin
(Department of Chemical & Process Engineering University of Moratuwa., 2023-08-17) Wickramathilaka, A; Gunarathne, S; Rathnayake, M; Walpalage, S; Gunawardena, S; Narayana, M; Gunasekera, M
Biodiesel is a prominent biofuel that can be locally produced from various feedstock options to replace/blend with diesel. This study explores the feasibility of biodiesel production from waste chicken skin in the laboratory-scale. The average yield of rendered oil obtained from waste chicken skin is 280 mL/kg. The rendered chicken skin oil displayed minimal impurities and exhibited a yellow color, demonstrating the presence of natural pigments. To determine the suitability of the rendered oil for biodiesel production, experimental tests were conducted to measure the Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content and Acid Value (AV). The FFA content was found to be less than 3%, indicating the possibility of direct conversion of rendered chicken skin oil into biodiesel via transesterification. The biodiesel yield obtained from the rendered chicken skin oil samples ranged with an average yield of 43%. The results demonstrate the potential of waste chicken skin as a viable feedstock for local biodiesel production. While density and net calorific value are nearly the same, biodiesel samples display significantly lower kinematic viscosity, suggesting improved flow characteristics while reporting a higher flash point than that of diesel, indicating the requirement of a higher ignition temperature. Further, an economic analysis was also performed to evaluate the overall production cost of a scaled-up biodiesel production plant from waste chicken skin. This study demonstrates the potential of waste chicken skin as a viable feedstock for biodiesel production and supports important findings for future developments of commercial scale biodiesel production from locally available bio-waste/food-waste sources.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Biomass gasification in a bubbling fluidized bed reactor
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Dodawatta, DVBK; Indula, UD; Maddumage, MDRS; Wijesekere, GAT; Narayana, M; Rathnasiri, PG
The effect of secondary air flow rate and particle size on the combustion temperature inside the bubbling fluidized bed reactor was reviewed. The experiments were carried out for four particle sizes with varied secondary air flow rates. From the results it was evident that the secondary air flow rate has a larger impact on the temperature of the freeboard zone. The temperature profiles show that a maximum temperature is achievable when the magnitude of the secondary air flow rate is lower than that of the primary air flow rate. It was concluded that desired maximum temperature can be achieved regardless of the particle size through the optimum secondary air flow rates for each particle size.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Biomass torrefaction for cofiring in coal power plant
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Karunathilaka, SASAL; Ratnayake, RMKGJ; Rathnasiri, PG
Torrifaction is a thermochemical process used to enhance the energy content of biomass. This study is based on torrefaction of wood materials with different qualities. The suitable ranges of temperatures for torrefaction were evaluated using TGA analysis. Type of biomass, temperature residence time for torrefaction plays a vital role in an effective torrefaction process. The torrefaction process is then carried out according to the results obtained via TGA analysis to obtain an efficient torrefaction process.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Carbonization of urban bio waste in Sri Lanka
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Bandara, AMHS; Gunathilaka, T; Pieirs, KCA; Narayana, M; Rathnasiri, PG
The research scope was set to study the compatibility of applying torrefaction for bio-waste of Sri Lanka. For this purpose, it was decided to analyze the before and after torrefaction properties of a sample with Sri Lankan municipal solid bio waste composition; with the use of ultimate and proximate analysis. A laboratory scale reactor was made to undertake the conventional torrefaction process with N2 purging. Heat was supplied for the reactor using a 3 kW heating coil and insulations were made around the reactor to minimize the heat loss during the torrefaction. The reactor temperature was controlled to maintain at desired temperature with a maximum of 350OC using LabVIEW software.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
ChemECon 2020 – Solutions Worth Spreading (Pre Text)
(Department of Chemical & Process Engineering University of Moratuwa, 2020-03) Rathnasiri, PG
item: Conference-Abstract
ChemECon 2023 Solutions worth spreading (Pre Text)
(Department of Chemical & Process Engineering University of Moratuwa., 2023-08-17) Walpalage, S; Gunawardena, S; Narayana, M; Gunasekera, M
Proceedings of ChemECon 2023 Solutions worth spreading
item: Conference-Abstract
Dye sensitized solar cells using natural dyes derived from chaetomorpha, microcladia borealis, elisolandia elongate and sea lettuce
(Department of Chemical & Process Engineering University of Moratuwa., 2023-08-17) Illlankoon, HMUB; Sumudushantha, WANT; De Alwis, A; Perera, U; Walpalage, S; Gunawardena, S; Narayana, M; Gunasekera, M
Natural dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a promising area in renewable energy. These innovative devices employ natural dyes extracted from plants to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. The dyes (anthocyanins in berries or chlorophyll in green plants), act as sensitizers, absorbing sunlight and generating excited electrons. One of the significant advantages of natural DSSCs is their eco-friendly nature, as they utilize renewable resources and have a low environmental impact compared to traditional solar cells. Moreover, their production is cost-effective and can be easily scaled up for industrial applications. With ongoing R&D efforts, natural DSSCs have the potential to contribute significantly to a cleaner and sustainable energy future. Reinforcing above, this study investigated the efficiencies of DSSCs produced using dyes of novel seaweed varieties (Microcladia borealis, Ellisolendia elongata, sea lettuce and Chaetomorpha) from shallow seas in Sri Lanka. Dye extracts from sea weeds have been studied sparsely with DSSCs. This research dives into the extensive color resources contained in the Sri Lankan seaweeds. The absorption of the dye and the electron emitting efficiency of the dye showed a clear relationship which can be further used in research for better dyes without following the full procedure of producing the cell. Additionally, the research opens a path for further research whether nano TiO is a mandatory factor in producing a DSSC. The highest efficiency was shown by dye extracted from Microcladia borealis which was 1.7x10 %.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Effect of biofilm growth in anaerobic reactor treating dairy wastewater
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Eranda, JADV; Kalpani, WHA; Darshana, WAC; Rathnasiri, PG; Rathnasiri, PG
In this study, attention was given to anaerobic digestion of dairy wastewater, which has higher COD levels and a nutritional rich media for microbial growth. Generally, Fixed Bed Biofilm Reactors are significant in treating dairy wastewater due to its capability of retaining microorganisms. This research is being carried out to examine the stability of biofilms under different shock load conditions. Initially, a lab scale reactor was experimented. Next, a pilot scale reactor with packing material was run and variations of the parameters were observed. However, due to several issues, a stable point was not obtained throughout the operation of the pilot scale reactor. Recommendations could be made on studies carried out as further research on biofilm formation, its stability under shock loads and COD reducing efficiency.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Effect of co-digestion on the lipid inhibition in anaerobic digestion of desiccated coconut wastewater
(Department of Chemical & Process Engineering University of Moratuwa, 2020) Anjana, WTC; Jayathunga, P; Rathnasiri, PG; Rathnasiri, PG
Seven anaerobic batch reactors were run varying the Desiccated Coconut wastewater (DC) to Food Waste (FW) ratio at room temperature and the daily gas production and CH4 content was determined. Mono digestion of DC wastewater with a lipid concentration of 1600 mg/L showed significant lipid inhibition. All the co-digestion experiments resulted in enhanced biogas production. The highest methane percentage of 78.19% was obtained in the reactor with the DC:FW ratio of 3:2. The results suggest that the application of co-digestion effectively overcome the lipid inhibition in the anaerobic digestion of desiccated coconut wastewater with an enhanced methane production.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Effect of micro aeration on anaerobic treatment of sulphate and ammonia rich wastewater
(Department of Chemical & Process Engineering University of Moratuwa, 2020-03) Priyadarshika, SKMRP; Wittahachchi, RM; Costa, KPCL; Rathnasiri, PG; Rathnasiri, PG
Microaeration is a stratergy applied during anaerobic conversion to improve treatment efficicency. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of microaeration on a combined effect of sulphate and ammonia present in latex wastewater. Wastewater obtained from skim latex processing plant contains high ammonia content apart from high sulphate oncentration. the latex wastewater was treated anaerobically in two sequential anaerobic reactors with two treatment steps and the reactors were semi continuously fed with hydraulic retention time(hrt) of 14 days. After 7 weeks of operation first reactor was microaerated using an oxygen permeable polymeric membrane. during micro aeration of latex wastewater sulphate and ammonia removed by sulphur reducing ammonium oxidation(srao) mechanism. Micraeration result in cod recduction enhancement by 24% in during first treatment step.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Effect of particle size on optimum air levels required for packed bed combustion of biomass
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Arunasiri, RADS; Samaranayake, AWN; Samarawickrama, SLTM; Silva, SAB; Narayana, M; Rathnasiri, PG
A relation between the particle size and excess air flow rate for packed bed combustion of biomass has been the objective of this research project. Particles of square cubes of different dimensions and different air flow rates have been used in a 40cm×40cm×80cm combustion chamber to determine the above mentioned relation. The combustion rate has been determined by measuring the rate of combustion of the packed bed. A probe was utilized to measure the flue gas temperature at the exit. A mathematical model is developed relating these parameters.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Effect of saltwater on cementitious capillary crystalline waterproofing
(Department of Chemical & Process Engineering University of Moratuwa, 2020-03) Gallage, KGCS; Jayanath, JHC; Kasun, NHT; Mallawarachchi, D; Amarasinghe, ADUS; Rathnasiri, PG
The present studies examine the performance of cementitious capillary crystalline waterproofing coating(CCCW) with Saltwater. As Sri Lanka is a developing country, many underground constructions are being built in coastal areas. This paper aims to review the waterproofing ability of coating on concrete with water, saltwater and seawater. As the main component of seawater is NaCl and the average salt concentration of seawater is 35000 ppm, different concentrations from 8750 ppm to 70000 ppm of saltwater samples are examined. Additionally, a seawater sample is examined as well. Existing results show that there is an effect from saltwater.
item: Conference-Abstract
Effect of the filler materials in urea formaldehyde adhesives used in wood composite manufacturing industry
(Department of Chemical & Process Engineering University of Moratuwa., 2023-08-17) Chandrarathna, AHMHG; Weerakoon, SJ; Sethunga, DSMDP; Walpalage, S; Gunawardena, S; Narayana, S; Gunasekera, M
This research examines the effect of filler materials on urea formaldehyde (UF) adhesives used in the wood composite manufacturing industry. The study compares the performance of wheat flour, a commonlyused but expensivefiller, with coal fly ash and wood fly ash, waste productswith adverse environmental impacts. The objectives include evaluating the impact of coal fly ash and wood fly ash fillers on adhesive viscosity and the mechanical properties (bending strength and modulus of elasticity) of wood composites and comparing the results with wheat flour. Viscosity measurements conducted with a Brookfield viscosity meter indicate a significant increase in UF adhesive viscosity over time with the addition of wheat flour. Wood fly ash shows minimal impact on viscosity, while coal fly ash contributes moderately compared to wheat flour and wood fly ash. Bending tests (ASTM D790) and empirical equations, following EN-325 sampling standards, are employed to assess the effect of filler materials and concentration on bending strength and modulusof elasticity in the final wood composites. Plywood bonded with coal fly ash demonstrates the highest bending strength and modulus of elasticity, with wheat flour as the reference filler. Both wheat flour and coal fly ash exhibit improved bending strength with increasing filler concentration, whilewood fly ash exhibits the opposite effect. In conclusion, coal fly ash proves to be a suitable substitute for wheat flour as a filler in urea formaldehyde adhesives, providing satisfactory adhesive properties and enhancing the performance of wood composites.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Effect of urea-based activators on reinforcing activity of silica in natural rubber-based compounds
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Ambewela, D; Bhashini, JWM; Elvitigala, PSH; Gunapala, O; Rathnasiri, PG
Silica-filled rubber compounds has a high demand for making white and colored rubber products. Silica-filler has high reinforcing ability compared to other white-fillers. Traditionally, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used to block the acidic silanol groups covering the surface of silica to prevent agglomeration of filler. The present research made an attempt to replace PEG with commercially available urea-based activator Rhenofit-1987. Similar to PEG the Rhenofit-1987 structure includes hydroxyl groups. Additionally, it has amine groups which accelerate vulcanization by building additional links with rubber. To check the reinforcing activity of Rhenofit-1987, the series of Natural rubber-based silica-filled compounds were prepared by partially and fully replacing PEG with Rhenofit-1987. Obtained test results showed improved tensile and tear strength of compounds consisting of Rhenofit-1987 which confirm that Rhenofit-1987 has better reinforcing activity of silica than PEG.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Efficient production of dimethylfuran (DMF) from hydroxylmethylfurfural (HMF) using catalytic hydrogenation reaction
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Kekulawala, KVLW; Udayakumara, HPCS; Subasinghe, T.; Rathnasiri, PG
In a time of steady decline in oil reserves, instability in oil prices, strong environmental legislation and global warming concerns, researchers and oil companies are actively seeking cost - effective processes to convert renewable biomass resources into biofuels and other value-added chemicals. Dimethylfuran (DMF) has attracted attention as a dense energy compound with similar gasoline fuel properties. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a versatile platform chemical that can serve as an intermediate for different chemical products and biofuels, is one of the main biomass-derived compounds. (Biradar) This paper describes Hydroxymethylfurfural catalytic hydrogenation to Dimethylfuran (DMF) in different reaction conditions. Hydrogenation from HMF to DMF has been studied with a batch Hydrosynthasis autoclave reactor for conventional Ru / C and Pd / C. Optimum conditions were achieved through the experiment at different temperatures and reaction times.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Employing indigenous microalgae for third generation biofuel production
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Maduwanthi, MKC; Nuwanthika, WHC; Withanage, PK; Ariyadasa, TU; Rathnasiri, PG
Microalgae have been identified as a potential source for biofuel production by the researches. Cell disruption and chlorophyll removal of microalgae biomass are the most critical factors, which determine the lipid extraction yield and the biodiesel quality. Thus, the chlorophyll removal and cell disruption before lipid extraction is a mandatory step for the microalgae biodiesel production. This research investigated the growth rate and different pretreatment methods on lipid yield for selected microalgae species. Desmodesmus sp., Scenedesmus sp. & Closteriopsis sp. are the selected indigenous microalgae species, which were isolated from the Beira Lake, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Desmodesmus sp has shown the highest growth rate compared to other two species. Moreover, most suitable cell disruption method, which gave the highest lipid yield for each species were different.
item: Conference-Abstract
Enhancing the sustainability of microalgae biomass generation for production of alpha-linolenic acid via integration of reverse osmosis (ro) reject streams
(Department of Chemical & Process Engineering University of Moratuwa., 2023-08-17) Wickramasinghe, S; Ovitigala, M; Ariyadasa, TU; Walpalage, S; Gunawardena, S; Narayana, M; Gunasekera, M
Industrial reverse osmosis (RO) reject streams are a significant source of pollution in surface water bodies and requires effective treatment. Microalgae-based treatment of RO reject streams is an interesting approach as it generates valuable biomass concurrent to bioremediation. This approach also enhances the sustainability of microalgae biomass production by eliminating the requirement of external nutrient supply and reducing the freshwater footprint. However, there is a significant gap in research on utilization of RO reject streams generated by food/pharmaceutical industries for synthesis of microalgaebased high-value bioproducts. The current study was performed to ascertain the potential of using RO reject streams from the local food (RO1) and pharmaceutical (RO2) industries to cultivate Desmodesmus sp. for synthesis of alpha-linolenic acid. Accordingly, a screening experiment was conducted by growth of Desmodesmus sp. in RO1 and RO2 under dilutions of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (undiluted sample). Results showed that the highest biomass yields were obtained in 100% RO1 and 100% RO2. Thereafter, Desmodesmus sp. was cultured in 100% RO1 and 100% RO2 using photobioreactors with Modified Bold’s Basal media (3N-BBM) used as the control. Results showed that the use of RO reject streams resulted in a positive effect on the growth and biochemical composition of Desmodesmus sp. The high lipid content in biomass showcased that the use of RO reject streams could enhance the sustainability of microalgae-based alpha-linolenic acid production. However, further research is needed to study the toxicology effects and assess the techno-economic feasibility of using RO reject as the growth media.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Evaluation of DMF as an efficient fuel for direct injection spark ignition (DISI) engine
(Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2019) Jayasinghe, MVDDM; Karunathilake, WPD; Ranathunga, RAML; Subasinghe, T; Rathnasiri, PG
Alternative fuels are very important when considering the power requirements in the modern world today. Biofuels were introduced to satisfy these requirements which will play a major role in future. 2,5-dimethylfuran known as DMF was developed as a new biofuel and it has several advantages over others as a gasoline alternative biofuel. But when we talking about automobiles, engine modification are needed to make use of biofuels. Our research is about evaluation of DMF as an efficient fuel for direct injection spark ignition engine. A mounted four stroke direct injection spark ignition engine (DISI) with 100CC capacity, was used to perform the research. Also supporting instruments were required with engine to take the measurements which were needed to check the performance through analysing results. ‘Single cylinder multi fuel VCR engine test rig’; a special multi fuel testing system was used to get testing results. DMF, ethanol with different percentages by volume and pure petrol samples were tested under different engine conditions. When analysing results, a mathematical model was developed with considering various engine specifications. Brake power, indicated power, friction power, and heat losses were considered. Also, specific fuel consumption, mechanical efficiency, brake thermal efficiency, indicated thermal efficiency and volumetric efficiency were calculated because these are the main facts required to check the engine performance. Using our results various graphs are plotted between different parameters of engine and fuels.