• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.139-144
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• 2022

This study reports a microfluidic approach to produce monodisperse hydrogel microparticles in a simple and highly efficient manner. Specifically, we produce double emulsion drops with a thin oil shell surrounding an aqueous prepolymer solution, which is solidified via UV-induced free radical polymerization. When they are dispersed in an aqueous solution, the oil shell is dewetted due to the absence of surfactants, resulting in production of highly uniform hydrogel microparticles (C.V.=1%). Results show that production of monodisperse hydrogel microparticles with controllable size and composition can be achieved with minimal use of oil unlike water-in-oil (w/o) single emulsion-based approach. Furthermore, in-depth study of flow patterns in microfluidic device using a phase diagram exhibits a crucial relationship among relative flow rates while providing windows of readily controllable parameters for reliable manufacturing of hydrogel microparticles.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.45-53
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• 2022

In order to improve the emission of diesel engines, natural gas-diesel dual fuel combustion compression ignition engines are in the spotlight. In particular, a reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) combustion strategy is investigated comprehensively due to its possibility to improve both efficiency and emissions. With advanced diesel direct injection timing earlier than TDC, it achieves spontaneous reaction with overall lean mixture from a homogeneous mixture in the entire cylinder area, reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) and improving braking heat efficiency at the same time. However, there is a disadvantage in that the amount of incomplete combustion increases in a low load region with a relatively small amount of fuel-air. To solve this, sensitive control according to the diesel injection timing and fuel ratio is required. In this study, experiments were conducted to improve efficiency and exhaust emissions of the natural gas-diesel dual fuel engine at low load, and evaluate combustion stability according to the diesel injection timing at the operation point for power generation. A 6 L-class commercial diesel engine was used for the experiment which was conducted under a 50% load range (~50 kW) at 1,800 rpm. Two injectors with different spray patterns were applied to the experiment, and the fraction of natural gas and diesel injection timing were selected as main parameters. Based on the experimental results, it was confirmed that the brake thermal efficiency increased by up to 1.3%p in the modified injector with the narrow-angle injection added. In addition, the spray pattern of the modified injector was suitable for premixed combustion, increasing operable range in consideration of combustion instability, torque reduction, and emissions level under Tier-V level (0.4 g/kWh for NOx).