Department of Chemical Engineering
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Item Source Apportionment of PM2.5 in Lahore: Chemical Mass Balance Modeling and Inter-Study variability Assessment(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Muhammad Nabeel Khan; CIIT/FA23-RNE-04/LHR; Dr. Wajih Ur Rehman; LHR TP 10010Elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) pose a serious public health risk in Lahore due to their ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system. This thesis applies the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Chemical Mass Balance receptor model (CMB v8.2) to apportion PM₂.₅ sources using three independent, chemically speciated datasets from Lahore: a winter campaign (February 2019), a year-long monthly study (2019), and paired summer–winter measurements (2022). U.S. EPA source profiles for gasoline and diesel vehicles, biomass burning, coal combustion, road/soil dust, industrial emissions, and secondary Sulfate and Nitrate were employed. Model performance was evaluated using standard diagnostics (R², χ², percent mass explained, t-statistics, and residuals). The winter 2019 analysis showed good model performance (R² = 0.72, χ² = 3.8), with dominant contributions from petrol vehicles (101 µg·m⁻³) and biomass burning (81 µg·m⁻³), along with substantial secondary Nitrate and Sulfate. Monthly CMB runs for 2019 yielded R² values between 0.73 and 0.87, indicating stable performance across seasons. Diesel vehicle emissions peaked during late autumn and winter, while petrol vehicle contributions increased in warmer months. Coal and industrial combustion, together with secondary inorganic aerosols, contributed persistently throughout the year. Seasonal analysis of 2022 data showed PM₂.₅ increasing from approximately 130 µg·m⁻³ in summer to 303 µg·m⁻³ in winter, with acceptable mass closure and statistically significant source contributions. Across all datasets, combustion-related sources—vehicular emissions, biomass burning, and coal combustion—along with seasonally enhanced secondary inorganic aerosols were the dominant contributors to PM₂.₅ in Lahore, while dust sources were more influential during pre-monsoon periods. These results provide higher source resolution than previous PMF/PCA studies and support targeted mitigation strategies focused on vehicle emissions, combustion sources, and precursor gas controlItem Development of Experimental Testing Facility for Performance Evaluation Triboelectric Nanogenerator Device(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Muhammad Nafees ul Hussain; CIIT/SP24-RNE-005/LHR; Dr Maria Mustafa; LHR TP 10011The study of Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) a flexible system to harvest low-frequency mechanical energy has become more accelerated by the increasing global demand on sustainable energy. But variable performance reporting in the field is often occasioned by lack of standardized and uniform testing conditions. This gap is covered by creating an in-house testing laboratory that will be utilized to precisely describe and quantify the durability of TENG devices. The two main parts of the experimental setup are an Arduino-controlled solenoid system that can perform independent testing at constant contact forces (2 N) and various periods of time, and a Dynamic Load Applicator (DLA) that can perform uniform cyclic endurance testing between 50-550 rpm. High-performance TENGs were created by evaluating the facility utilizing a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix covered with sodium niobate (NaNbO3) and carbon black (CB).Hydrothermal methods were used to create NaNbO3, and solution-based processing was used to install the thin film. Numerical outputs of the experiements highlighted facility's capacity to capture high-resolution data. The results suggest that the solenoid system was able to separate voltage peaks of up to 23V for PVDF+CB-NaNbO₃ combinations, while the DLA achieved maximum open-circuit voltages of 50 V for PVDF+CB-NaNbO₃ compositions. Sensitivity was exhibited by microampere-level current responses, which were 5.84 µA for PVDF+CB-NaNbO₃ utilizing the DLA and 5.62 µA for PVDF+NaNbO₃ utilizing the push-pull system. This study delivers a reliable and scalable setup for systematic TENG performance analysis that is significant for the development of self-powered devices and sensing technologies.Item Surface Modification of Layered Double Hydroxides for Reinforcement in Nitrile Butadiene Rubber(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Ahmad Ali; CIIT/SP22-RCH-002/LHR; Dr. Khaliq Majeed; LHR TP 10007This study examines the reinforcement of the nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) composites with Zinc-aluminium layered double hydroxides (LDH) with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to enhance filler-matrix compatibility and mechanical properties. The pure LDH was prepared by the co-precipitation method, after which modification was done on the surface by the SDS, to enhance the hydrophobicity and interfacial contact with NBR. The successful intercalation of the SDS and increased basal spacing in the modified LDH were verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Tensile tests on the modified and unmodified LDH-NBR composites showed that SDS modification had a significant enhanced dispersion behavior of the filler, which resulted in an enhancement of mechanisms. The force- elongation curves exhibited linear behavior to some elongation after which there was sudden material failure, which was regarded as tensile limits of the composite. Even though, the SDS-modified LDH-NBR composites exhibited better reinforcement than the unmodified systems, unexpected failure in higher elongations indicated that additional optimization is necessary in filler dispersion and bonding between phases. The study has given a valuable insight into the potential of SDS-modified LDH as a reinforcing agent in NBR composites, with future studies aiming to optimize the filler dispersion, investigate alternative methods of modification, and evaluate the long-term performance within different environmental conditions.Item Performance Analysis of Heat-Integrated LNG Regasification with Air Separation Units(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Muhammad Naeem Khalid; CIIT/FA23-RCH-005/LHR; Dr. Muhammad Haris Hamayun; LHR TP 10009Pakistan has a strong dependency on natural gas as an energy source to fulfil both the domestic and industrial requirements. Due to depletion of reserves of natural gas in Pakistan, this gas, in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG), is imported, mainly from Qatar. However, there are several issues associated with this imported LNG. The LNG needs to be regasified before use in the existing infrastructure, the calorific value of imported LNG is higher than the design specifications, and the cold energy/exergy stored in LNG is wasted via the current method of regasification, mixing with the remaining reserves of natural gas. To overcome these issues, there is a need to integrate LNG regasification process with a process that can provide an inert, i.e., nitrogen to lower the calorific value of this LNG to meet the existing design specifications, to extract/use the cryogenic energy of LNG to lower the overall energy requirements, and eventually to regasified LNG for onward use by the users. Cryogenic air separation process appears to be the most suitable process for the integration with LNG regasification that can help in achieving the required objectives. Accordingly, this study aims to integrate the cryogenic air separation process and LNG regasification process, and the model is developed using Aspen HYSYS® V15. To the best of our knowledge, the developed process is examined using exergy, advanced exergy and exergoeconomic analyses, however, so far, optimization via evolutionary algorithm is not reported in literature. Therefore, this research gap is addressed in this study by employing teaching learning self-study-optimization algorithm. The base case model developed in Aspen HYSYS® V15 is integrated with MATLAB and the algorithm is applied to carry out rigorous optimization. The optimization results show an increase in the air processing capacity from 500 tons per hour (TPH) to 638.9 TPH with the maximum utilization of the cryogenic energy of LNG. The overall specific energy consumption is increased by 21.66% keeping the same energy consumption of air. Followed by the optimization, the process is then evaluated thermodynamically using the exergy analysis. The analysis demonstrated that the % exergy efficiency of the optimized process is 72.51% with an exergy destruction of 36.42 MW. The overall optimized process may help in providing a more feasible and sustainable design toward the practical implementation of this integrated configuration in context of Pakistan.Item Bimetallic Nanoparticles on Eggshell-Derived CaO Catalyst for Efficient Biodiesel Production(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Ali Murad; CIIT/FA23-RCH-001/LHR; LHR TP 10008; Dr. Murid HussainThe transformation of agricultural waste into an effective catalyst will not only provide clean energy but also help to minimize waste disposal issues. In this study, leftover eggshell powder was calcined at 900 oC to make CaO powder, which is then incorporated with Ag and Cu nanoparticles synthesized through a green route by utilizing polyalthia lonfifolia plant extract. Four catalysts categorized as CaO, Ag/Cao, Cu/CaO, and Ag-Cu/CaO were prepared and utilized in the transesterification reaction separately. Rice bran oil was utilized to make FAMEs by employing these four catalysts separately. The prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, FTIR, TGA, and SEM, while BET (for Ag-Cu/CaO only) was used to assess the catalysts’ crystalline shape, structural changes upon doping. The bimetallic doped heterogeneous nano-catalyst (Ag-Cu/CaO) provided a maximum biodiesel yield 99% at optimum reaction conditions (oil to methanol 1:9, reaction time 3hr, temperature 65 oC, catalyst loading 3 wt%). The single doped catalyst, such as Ag/CaO, provided 92% apparent biodiesel yield, Cu/CaO provided 93% yield at optimum conditions. The undoped CaO nano-catalyst offered a lower biodiesel yield of only 88% at optimum conditions. The biodiesel prepared by utilizing Ag-Cu/CaO nano-catalyst at optimum conditions was assessed by GC-MS for the confirmation of FAMEs preparation. In addition to this, biodiesel characteristics such as Cloud point, pour point, Flash point, and density were also investigated and compared with ASTM D6751 standards. The apparent biodiesel yield and parametric studies were utilized to evaluate the catalytic effectiveness of CaO, Ag/CaO, Cu/CaO catalysts in the transesterification reaction for biodiesel production.Item Design & Optimization of BIOMASS GASSIFIER for production of syngas using Computational fluid dynamics(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2020) Noor UL Islam; SP18-RCH-004; Dr. Shehzad Khuram; LHR TP 5954The design of gasification of biomass and coal process is to be enhanced by simulating process parameters and methods with computer software i.e Ansys 14.5 The Properties and characteristics of fluid flow participates for optimization of process. Hence computational fluid dynamics is being used from “Ansys 14.5” Software. Gasification is one of a naturally pleasant solution and is relatively new amongst all the methods available for the manufacture of energy by consuming biomass method. By restricted oxidation, gasification is essential thermo-chemical conversion at higher temperature of carbon-based materials. Any small value carbonaceous compounds similarly biomass, fuel coke, and metropolitan waste and processing plant residues can be recycled for production of great efficiency energy with gasification. As CO2 in air absorbed carbon content of biomass due to this the left CO2 manufacture is zero, so Biomass gasification is principally CO2 neutral. The by-product is identified as syngas (combination of H2, CH4 and CO) taking an elevated fraction of H2 which makes syngas main to all fuels. Above stated causes make gasification of biomass an unexpected substitute for the creation of power and energy. Presently clean and capable source of energy is reflected as the gasification of biomass. Over Practical testing it is time intense and challenging for a FB gasifier by differing the operating settings to obtain optimum conditions. CFD modelling has manifest to be an effective option in current days because from time to time Practical experiments may not be economical and reasonable. Due to nonstop improvement of computational potential, it is capable to carry out such optimization to manage optimum operating settings and design in advance experimental optimization are carried out.Item Production of 500 metric tons/day of Nitric Acid from Ammonia by Ostwald Process(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Hashir Arshad, FA19-CHE-012; Abdul Manan Amjad, FA19-CHE-040; Uzair Ahmad, FA19-CHE-068; Awais Afzal Sial, FA19-CHE-088; Zeeshan Sarwar, FA19-CHE-102; LHR TP 8426; Dr. Asim Laeeq KhanThis final year project report presents a comprehensive study on the production of 500 metric tons per day of nitric acid through the implementation of Ostwald's process using ammonia as the primary feedstock. The report provides a detailed analysis of the process flow, reaction kinetics, equipment design, and optimization techniques employed to achieve the desired production capacity. Additionally, the project explores the environmental impact of the nitric acid production process and proposes innovative strategies for minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. The findings of this report contribute to the understanding and advancement of industrial-scale nitric acid production, providing valuable insights for the chemical engineering community and facilitating sustainable practices within the chemical manufacturing sectorItem A Plant Design Project on the Production of 10,000 Tonnes per Year of Methyl Ethyl Ketone via Catalytic Dehydrogenation of 2-Butanol(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Ashar Ali Khan (FA19-CHE-096); Faiza Shuja (FA19-CHE-023); Rana Bilal Akhtar (FA19-CHE-056); Adeel Abbas (FA19-CHE-076); Arham Naveed (FA19-CHE-060); LHR TP 8425; Dr. Abdul RazzaqThis project aims to address the growing demand for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) in Pakistan and foster growth in the organic solvent sector. To achieve this, various methods of producing MEK have been carefully analyzed and evaluated for cost effectiveness, and catalytic dehydrogenation of 2-butanol has been determined to be the most efficient and economical approach. This method involves a straightforward process of eliminating hydrogen from 2-butanol using a catalyst at the appropriate temperature and pressure to produce high-purity MEK. To design the MEK production plant, several critical steps have been undertaken, including conducting mass and energy balances, designing the primary equipment, developing process instrumentation and control, and estimating the process's cost. The significance of this initiative is its potential to drive growth in the organic solvent sector in Pakistan, given that this method has been successfully industrialized in other countries.Item A Chemical Engineering Plant Design Project on the Production of 24000 tons per year of Aviation Fuel via Fischer-Tropsch Process using Biomass Gasification(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Mehroz (FA19-CHE-003); Sahar Khan (FA19-CHE-009); Shafaq Imtiaz (FA19-CHE-019); Hafiz Muhammad Bilal (FA19-CHE-071); Maryam Fatima (FA19-CHE-083); LHR TP 8423; Dr. Zakir KhanThe production of traditional jet fuel from fossil fuels has substantial environmental impacts and relies on finite resources. As a result, the search for renewable and economically viable alternatives has gained attention. Biomass-derived jet fuel has emerged as a promising solution, offering a renewable resource that can help address environmental concerns and meet the increasing demand for aviation fuel. This project focuses on producing 24,000 tons per year of aviation fuel in Pakistan using the Fischer-Tropsch process coupled with biomass gasification, with corn stover selected as the biomass feedstock. The project emphasizes the importance of expanding bio-jet fuel production to meet the growing demand and significantly reduce carbon footprints. It highlights the urgent need to invest in biomass conversion technologies and scale production to attain environmental goals. The successful implementation of large-scale bio-jet fuel production systems will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to the sustainable development of the aviation industry. Material and energy balance calculations are performed to assess the plant's feed requirements and energy consumption, providing crucial information for the process. Furthermore, design calculations for equipment are conducted to estimate the capital cost of the plant, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the project's financial implications. This project examines the potential of biomass-converted jet fuel as a sustainable and economically advantageous alternative to traditional jet fuel.Item A Plant Design Report on the Production of 300 MTPD of Methanol from Syngas(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Muhammad Asif (FA19-CHE-025); M. Abdullah Asif (FA19-CHE-085); Taimour Sultan (FA19-CHE-103); Ali Hamza (FA19-CHE-107); Dr. Awais Bukhari; LHR TP 8422This Plant Design Report focuses on the production of 300 MTPD of Methanol from Syngas. The report outlines the comprehensive design of a plant that efficiently converts syngas into methanol, highlighting the technical aspects, optimization strategies, and environmental considerations involved. The abstract provides an overview of the report, summarizing the key objectives, methodologies, and outcomes. It emphasizes the collaborative efforts of researchers, engineers, technicians, and environmentalists in designing a sustainable and efficient methanol production process. The abstract acknowledges the support and guidance of management and stakeholders, as well as the crucial role played by teachers in shaping the educational journey of the students involved in the project. Overall, the abstract provides a concise summary of the Plant Design Report, capturing the essence of the project and recognizing the contributions of all stakeholders involved.