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 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.Item A Plant Design Project on the Production of 66000 Tons/year Formaldehyde from 9661.83 kg/hr of Processing Methanol Using Silver as a Catalyst(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Hammad Ijaz (FA19-CHE-063); Muhammad Abdullah (FA19-CHE-059); Hammad Ali (FA19-CHE-093); Rana Ahsan Ali (FA19-CHE-097); Furqan Ahmed (FA19-CHE-104); LHR TP 8419; Dr. Noaman Ul HaqFormaldehyde can be manufactured through various processes, but most of it is manufactured using a oxidation of methanol using a silver process. In this process, reactants i.e., methanol is fed to the vaporizer where it exchanges heat with water, Heated methanol is then fed to the reactor where it reacts with Oxygen (Air) with steam injected to avoid deactivation of silver catalyst to form major product (Formaldehyde) along with some tail gases. Product is then fed to the absorption tower where water is used as a carrier solvent for methanol and tail gases are removed from the top of the absorption column. Formaldehyde along with water methanol mixture is fed to distillation column for the removal of major product on the basis boiling point difference. Recycled methanol is taken from the top of the column and heated product formaldehyde (formalin) is taken from the bottom of the column. This product is then sent to the final equipment of the process which is heat exchanger to cool down the main product. The conversion achieved is 92% of the overall product.Item Production of 1500 kmol/day of Hydrogen from Biogas(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Areeb Ahmad (FA19-CHE-001); Talha Hafeez (FA19-CHE-005); Usman Zahid (FA19-CHE-027); Furqan Qaiser (FA19-CHE-057); Abdul Moiz (FA19-CHE-073); LHR TP 8418; Dr. Farrukh JamilAs the energy demands of this rapidly progressing world are increasing day by day and the fossil fuel are depleting, new sources of energy are much needed, and hydrogen fuel can serve this purpose. Hydrogen can provide clean and eco-friendly energy and it can be generated by using renewable resources like biogas which is an alternate source of energy in a comparison with the natural gas. As compared to natural gas, the biogas is very cheap. We have worked out at a plant design for the synthesis of 1500 kmol/day of Hydrogen via 1000.56 kmol/day using a steam reforming method. We have applied material and energy balance on Adsorber, Steam reformer, a HTWGS reactor, CO2 Absorber, HX, LTWGS reactor, Condenser and Separator.Item Efficient Sensor MAT For Energy Harvesting And(COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus Library Information Services, CUI Lahore, 2020) … By: Shahbaz Ali , Mudabbar Hussain , Umer Shoukat; FA15-BCE-031 , FA15-BCE-006 , FA15-BCE-059; Dr. Abbas Javaid, Assistant Profesor; LHR TP 5871In past few years, increase in production of less power consuming electronic devices made our lives more comfortable. Although, energy consumed by these moveable electronic devices will increase, the idea of energy harvesting in human surroundings arise a new interest among us. In our project we proposed a sensor mat which can harvest ambient energy source into usable electrical energy. As it will be successful approach to make power through a sensor mat. This objective can be accomplished by placing piezoelectric materials inside the mat and it placed at entrance where it allows maximum people to go through it. Whenever, the person steps on the mat it will generate a signal in the form of potential difference. This amount of potential difference will be dependent on the force exerted by human footstep. After receiving the threshold signal a program will run which will count the person and his direction. This would allow us to generate appropriate amount of electricity as well as counting the number of people and their direction.Item Green & Sustainable Membranes for Efficient Bioethanol Purification via Pervaporation(Library Information Services COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus, 2023-02-27) Abeera Naeem; SP22-RNE-002; Dr. Muhammad Yasin; LHR TP 8636Traditional membrane technologies, typically reliant on fossil-based polymers and hazardous solvents, pose significant environmental threats. To address these challenges, this study introduces an innovative approach: the development of hydrophobic mixed matrix membranes utilizing waste polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and deep eutectic solvents (DES) based on thymol: urea as green additives. The research focuses on synthesizing two types of membranes: dense and asymmetrical. Each type is evaluated for its efficiency in terms of flux and selectivity. The asymmetric membranes undergo optimization processes, involving adjustments in polymer concentration, co-solvent use, and evaporation time, to enhance pervaporation performance. This optimization aims to achieve maximum ethanol flux and high separation factor. In contrast, the dense recycled PVC membranes exhibit comparable results to conventional polymeric membranes in terms of flux (1.98 kg/m2) and separation factor (16). Significantly, the incorporation of DES into the membrane matrix results in substantial performance improvements. The separation factor enhanced by approximately 125%, alongside a 36% increase in ethanol sorption capacity. Asymmetric membranes particularly demonstrate a higher potential in flux performance, reaching 5.12 kg/m2.hr, in contrast to dense membranes with a flux of 1.98 kg/m2.hr. These findings highlight the effectiveness of using recycled waste materials and DES in membrane fabrication. This approach not only enhances pervaporation performance but also aligns with the goals of green and sustainable membrane technology, offering a promising solution to environmental concerns in the field of membrane separation.