Separation Science

Projects focusing on separation/purification technologies.

Go to Research Project Index for all Research Project Categories.

Crystallization of foods and pharmaceuticals

Crystallization from solution is one of the most widely practiced, yet poorly understood, separation and purification processes. Current research concerns the production of crystalline materials for a wide range of applications with specific attention to foods, pharmaceuticals, and biochemicals.

Investigators (PI is linked): Kris Arvid Berglund
Categories: Separation Science

Effects of Polymer Additives on Hydrocyclone Performance

Exploring the possibility of using polymers high in molecular weight to improve either the thickening or the classifying performance of hydrocyclones is the objective of current research. Three complementary problems are being studied which should yield new insights into the underlying mechanism for solid-liquid separation in hydrocyclones and should provide quantitative information regarding specific flow structures that cause inefficiencies in performance. Separation experiments in 10 mm and 3 in. hydrocyclones are being conducted using glass beads and kaolinite clays. High-molecular-weight polymers that show a significant drag reduction in pipe flow are being used to alter important internal flow structures affecting solid-liquid separation. A quantitative study of mean velocity field within a hydrocyclone with and without polymer additives is being made using laser doppler anemometry. The velocity data are being used to test the basis for theoretical particle trajectory calculations in hydrocyclones and to model two distinct swirling flows responsible for the "short circuit" boundary layer or the vortex finder wall and the outer wall boundary layer directed toward the underflow.

Investigators (PI is linked): Charles A Petty
Categories: Separation Science

Fractionation of Lignocellulosic Biomass Utilizing Alkaline Pretreatments

Hemicellulose and lignin biopolymers from alkaline pretreatment liquors have unique properties that allow for separations for the purposes of hydrolyzate detoxification, alkali recovery, or recovery of solubilized biopolymers. This goal of this project is to develop an effective integrated processing strategy involving alkaline lignocellulose fractionation. For this, a number of factors need to be considered in tandem which include understanding how changes in the alkaline pretreatment affect the properties of the biopolymers solubilized, how these properties affect the potential for recovery and separation, how the properties of the recovered component affects its capacity for use as a feedstock in other processes, and how the overall process is positioned in terms of yields, efficiency, and economics.

Investigators (PI is linked): David Hodge
http://www.chems.msu.edu/groups/hodge/  Categories: Separation Science, Energy Production, Biobased Industrial Products, Sustainable Economy

Reactive Separations

Formation of chemical products from renewable resource-based feedstocks often results in a complex product mixture or dilute product streams. Novel separation and recovery schemes involving reactive separations reduce costs and enhance product purities. Systems under investigation include organic acid esters, polyols recovery, and acetal formation.

Investigators (PI is linked): Dennis J Miller , Carl T. Lira
Categories: Separation Science, Biobased Industrial Products, Sustainable Economy