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Processes
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Feature Review Papers in Advanced Process Systems Engineering
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Feature Review Papers in Advanced Process Systems Engineering

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 55614

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Giancarlo Cravotto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy
Interests: green chemistry; process intensification; green extraction; enabling technologies (ultrasound, microwaves, hydrodynamic cavitation, ball milling, flow chemistry); sustainable chemical processes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Processes is looking at the new design of research laboratories and at the industry 4.0, with the advantages introduced by artificial intelligence, and statistical design of experiments in combination with automated systems. This could contribute to developing more efficient, greener, safer, more cost-effective, and more sustainable production chains. On the other hand, bottlenecks are often related to the difficult scaling up of highly efficient enabling technologies well established in research labs. This is often worsened by the high CAPEX. It is noteworthy that, focusing on transdisciplinary strategies, new promising scenarios could be opened. This evolution requires that business models be rethought to achieve more sustainable production paths to improve manufacturing and process flexibility and decrease environmental impact, production costs, energy consumption, and waste generation.

This Special Issue is designed to publish high-quality review papers in Processes. The issue will highlight a diverse set of topics related to process and systems technology for chemical, biology, materials, biochemical, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications. The scope of this Special Issue includes but is not limited to chemical and biochemical processes; cellular systems; material manufacturing; and systems modeling, simulation, optimization, and control. We are particularly interested in receiving manuscripts that review experimental and theoretical/computational studies as well as contributions from the industry.

Prof. Dr. Giancarlo Cravotto
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • chemical systems
  • biological systems
  • materials processes
  • green processes
  • pharmaceutical processes
  • food processes
  • energy systems
  • process control and supervision
  • manufacturing processes
  • advanced digital and other processes

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Review

27 pages, 2657 KiB  
Review
Mathematical Models for Cholesterol Metabolism and Transport
by Fangyuan Zhang, Brittany Macshane, Ryan Searcy and Zuyi Huang
Processes 2022, 10(1), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10010155 - 13 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5941
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential component of eukaryotic cellular membranes. It is also an important precursor for making other molecules needed by the body. Cholesterol homeostasis plays an essential role in human health. Having high cholesterol can increase the chances of getting heart disease. [...] Read more.
Cholesterol is an essential component of eukaryotic cellular membranes. It is also an important precursor for making other molecules needed by the body. Cholesterol homeostasis plays an essential role in human health. Having high cholesterol can increase the chances of getting heart disease. As a result of the risks associated with high cholesterol, it is imperative that studies are conducted to determine the best course of action to reduce whole body cholesterol levels. Mathematical models can provide direction on this. By examining existing models, the suitable reactions or processes for drug targeting to lower whole-body cholesterol can be determined. This paper examines existing models in the literature that, in total, cover most of the processes involving cholesterol metabolism and transport, including: the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine; the cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver; the storage and transport of cholesterol between the intestine, the liver, blood vessels, and peripheral cells. The findings presented in these models will be discussed for potential combination to form a comprehensive model of cholesterol within the entire body, which is then taken as an in-silico patient for identifying drug targets, screening drugs, and designing intervention strategies to regulate cholesterol levels in the human body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Advanced Process Systems Engineering)
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22 pages, 2628 KiB  
Review
Immunological Analytical Techniques for Cosmetics Quality Control and Process Monitoring
by Martina Zangheri, Maria Maddalena Calabretta, Donato Calabria, Jessica Fiori, Massimo Guardigli, Elisa Michelini, Sonia Melandri, Assimo Maris, Mara Mirasoli and Luca Evangelisti
Processes 2021, 9(11), 1982; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9111982 - 6 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3584
Abstract
Cosmetics analysis represents a rapidly expanding field of analytical chemistry as new cosmetic formulations are increasingly in demand on the market and the ingredients required for their production are constantly evolving. Each country applies strict legislation regarding substances in the final product that [...] Read more.
Cosmetics analysis represents a rapidly expanding field of analytical chemistry as new cosmetic formulations are increasingly in demand on the market and the ingredients required for their production are constantly evolving. Each country applies strict legislation regarding substances in the final product that must be prohibited or regulated. To verify the compliance of cosmetics with current regulations, official analytical methods are available to reveal and quantitatively determine the analytes of interest. However, since ingredients, and the lists of regulated/prohibited substances, rapidly change, dedicated analytical methods must be developed ad hoc to fulfill the new requirements. Research focuses on finding innovative techniques that allow a rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive detection of the target analytes in cosmetics. Among the different methods proposed, immunological techniques are gaining interest, as they make it possible to carry out low-cost analyses on raw materials and finished products in a relatively short time. Indeed, immunoassays are based on the specific and selective antibody/antigen reaction, and they have been extensively applied for clinical diagnostic, alimentary quality control and environmental security purposes, and even for routine analysis. Since the complexity and variability of the matrices, as well as the great variety of compounds present in cosmetics, are analogous with those from food sources, immunological methods could also be applied successfully in this field. Indeed, this would provide a valid approach for the monitoring of industrial production chains even in developing countries, which are currently the greatest producers of cosmetics and the major exporters of raw materials. This review aims to highlight the immunological techniques proposed for cosmetics analysis, focusing on the detection of prohibited/regulated compounds, bacteria and toxins, and allergenic substances, and the identification of counterfeits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Advanced Process Systems Engineering)
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25 pages, 4590 KiB  
Review
The Role of Stochastic Time-Variations in Turbulent Stresses When Predicting Drop Breakup—A Review of Modelling Approaches
by Andreas Håkansson
Processes 2021, 9(11), 1904; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9111904 - 26 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2218
Abstract
Many industrially relevant emulsification devices are of the high-energy type, where drop deformation and subsequent breakup, take place due to intense turbulent fluid–drop interactions. This includes high-pressure homogenizers as well as rotor-stator mixers (also known as high-shear mixers) of various designs. The stress [...] Read more.
Many industrially relevant emulsification devices are of the high-energy type, where drop deformation and subsequent breakup, take place due to intense turbulent fluid–drop interactions. This includes high-pressure homogenizers as well as rotor-stator mixers (also known as high-shear mixers) of various designs. The stress acting on a drop in a turbulent flow field varies over time, occasionally reaching values far exceeding its time-averaged value, but only during limited stretches of time, after which it decreases down to low values again. This it is one factor separating turbulent from laminar emulsification. This contribution reviews attempts to take this intermittently time-varying stress into account in models predicting the characteristic drop diameter resulting from emulsification experiments, focusing on industrially applicable emulsification devices. Two main frameworks are discussed: the Kolmogorov–Hinze framework and the oscillatory resonance framework. Modelling suggestions are critically discussed and compared, with the intention to answer how critical it is to correctly capture this time-varying stress in emulsification modelling. The review is concluded by a list of suggestions for future investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Advanced Process Systems Engineering)
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38 pages, 2821 KiB  
Review
A Bibliometric Survey on Polyisobutylene Manufacture
by Jessica B. Alves, Mateus K. Vasconcelos, Lys H. R. Mangia, Maxmiliano Tatagiba, Juliana Fidalgo, Daniela Campos, Pedro L. Invernici, Marcio V. Rebouças, Marcio Henrique S. Andrade and José Carlos Pinto
Processes 2021, 9(8), 1315; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9081315 - 29 Jul 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5577
Abstract
Polyisobutylenes (PIB) constitute a versatile family of polymer materials that have been used mainly as fuel and lubricant additives. Particularly, the current commercial demand for highly reactive polyisobutylene (HR-PIB) products motivates the development of new processes and procedures to produce PIBs with high [...] Read more.
Polyisobutylenes (PIB) constitute a versatile family of polymer materials that have been used mainly as fuel and lubricant additives. Particularly, the current commercial demand for highly reactive polyisobutylene (HR-PIB) products motivates the development of new processes and procedures to produce PIBs with high polymer yields, narrow molar mass distributions and high vinyl contents. For this reason, a bibliometric survey is presented here to map and discuss important technical aspects and technological trends in the field of solution cationic polymerization of isobutylenes. It is shown that investigations in this field are concentrated mainly on developed countries and that industrial initiatives indicate high commercial interest and significant investments in the field. It is also shown that use of catalyst systems based on AlCl3 and ether cocatalysts can be very beneficial for PIB and HR-PIB manufacture. Finally, it is shown that investigations search for cheaper and environmentally friendly catalysts and solvents that can be employed at moderate temperatures, particularly for the production of HR-PIB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Advanced Process Systems Engineering)
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13 pages, 802 KiB  
Review
A Comparison of Tuning Methods for Predictive Functional Control
by John Anthony Rossiter and Muhammad Saleheen Aftab
Processes 2021, 9(7), 1140; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9071140 - 30 Jun 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2078
Abstract
Predictive functional control (PFC) is a fast and effective controller that is widely used in preference to PID for single-input single-output processes. Nevertheless, the core advantages of simplicity and low cost come alongside weaknesses in tuning efficacy. This paper summarises and consolidates the [...] Read more.
Predictive functional control (PFC) is a fast and effective controller that is widely used in preference to PID for single-input single-output processes. Nevertheless, the core advantages of simplicity and low cost come alongside weaknesses in tuning efficacy. This paper summarises and consolidates the work of the past decade, which has focused on proposing more effective tuning approaches while retaining the core attributes of simplicity and low cost. The paper finishes with conclusions on the more effective approaches and links to context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Advanced Process Systems Engineering)
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36 pages, 8564 KiB  
Review
Jatropha Curcas Biodiesel: A Lucrative Recipe for Pakistan’s Energy Sector
by Haseeb Yaqoob, Yew Heng Teoh, Farooq Sher, Muhammad Umair Ashraf, Sana Amjad, Muhammad Ahmad Jamil, Muhammad Musaddiq Jamil and M. A. Mujtaba
Processes 2021, 9(7), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9071129 - 29 Jun 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 9003
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges of the 21st century is to fulfill the growing energy needs sustainably and cost-effectively. Among the different sources of energy, biodiesel is one of the alternative energy sources that has tremendous potential to become a major mainstream renewable [...] Read more.
One of the greatest challenges of the 21st century is to fulfill the growing energy needs sustainably and cost-effectively. Among the different sources of energy, biodiesel is one of the alternative energy sources that has tremendous potential to become a major mainstream renewable energy mix. Jatropha is an important raw input for biodiesel that provides an ecological and sustainable solution for emerging greenhouse gas emissions over the other biomass feedstock. This paper critically evaluates different factors and presents a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) and barriers to the adoption of Jatropha biodiesel. In Pakistan, the estimated production of Jatropha biodiesel is expected to be 2.93 million tons, that are calculated from available barren land and possible shortlisted suitable areas for Jatropha plantation. It is ~25% of the total import (11.84 million tons) of petroleum products, which can save ~$2 billion USD reserves of Pakistan. The cultivation of Jatropha on barren land is an environmentally and economically lucrative approach for Pakistan. This study has real implications for developing a policy framework related to the environment and socio-economic feasibility of Jatropha biodiesel production in Pakistan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Advanced Process Systems Engineering)
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79 pages, 10649 KiB  
Review
Capture and Reuse of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) for a Plastics Circular Economy: A Review
by Laura Pires da Mata Costa, Débora Micheline Vaz de Miranda, Ana Carolina Couto de Oliveira, Luiz Falcon, Marina Stella Silva Pimenta, Ivan Guilherme Bessa, Sílvio Juarez Wouters, Márcio Henrique S. Andrade and José Carlos Pinto
Processes 2021, 9(5), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050759 - 26 Apr 2021
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 20204
Abstract
Plastic production has been increasing at enormous rates. Particularly, the socioenvironmental problems resulting from the linear economy model have been widely discussed, especially regarding plastic pieces intended for single use and disposed improperly in the environment. Nonetheless, greenhouse gas emissions caused by inappropriate [...] Read more.
Plastic production has been increasing at enormous rates. Particularly, the socioenvironmental problems resulting from the linear economy model have been widely discussed, especially regarding plastic pieces intended for single use and disposed improperly in the environment. Nonetheless, greenhouse gas emissions caused by inappropriate disposal or recycling and by the many production stages have not been discussed thoroughly. Regarding the manufacturing processes, carbon dioxide is produced mainly through heating of process streams and intrinsic chemical transformations, explaining why first-generation petrochemical industries are among the top five most greenhouse gas (GHG)-polluting businesses. Consequently, the plastics market must pursue full integration with the circular economy approach, promoting the simultaneous recycling of plastic wastes and sequestration and reuse of CO2 through carbon capture and utilization (CCU) strategies, which can be employed for the manufacture of olefins (among other process streams) and reduction of fossil-fuel demands and environmental impacts. Considering the previous remarks, the present manuscript’s purpose is to provide a review regarding CO2 emissions, capture, and utilization in the plastics industry. A detailed bibliometric review of both the scientific and the patent literature available is presented, including the description of key players and critical discussions and suggestions about the main technologies. As shown throughout the text, the number of documents has grown steadily, illustrating the increasing importance of CCU strategies in the field of plastics manufacture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Advanced Process Systems Engineering)
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19 pages, 1927 KiB  
Review
Evolving Container to Unikernel for Edge Computing and Applications in Process Industry
by Shichao Chen and Mengchu Zhou
Processes 2021, 9(2), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9020351 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5251
Abstract
Industry 4.0 promotes manufacturing and process industry towards digitalization and intellectualization. Edge computing can provide delay-sensitive services in industrial processes to realize intelligent production. Lightweight virtualization technology is one of the key elements of edge computing, which can implement resource management, orchestration, and [...] Read more.
Industry 4.0 promotes manufacturing and process industry towards digitalization and intellectualization. Edge computing can provide delay-sensitive services in industrial processes to realize intelligent production. Lightweight virtualization technology is one of the key elements of edge computing, which can implement resource management, orchestration, and isolation services without considering heterogenous hardware. It has revolutionized software development and deployment. The scope of this review paper is to present an in-depth analysis of two such technologies, Container and Unikernel, for edge computing. We discuss and compare their applicability in terms of migration, security, and orchestration for edge computing and industrial applications. We describe their performance indexes, evaluation methods and related findings. We then discuss their applications in industrial processes. To promote further research, we present some open issues and challenges to serve as a road map for both researchers and practitioners in the areas of Industry 4.0, industrial process automation, and advanced computing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Advanced Process Systems Engineering)
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