Department of Chemical Engineering
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering Department of Computer Science
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department of Industrial Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
NEWLY-FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS
Mechanisms of retention, mobilization and detoxification of pollutants from wastewater by mangrove ecosystems
(Joint departmental project) See PI's abstract in Research Centre.
Investigator(s)
Dr Yuk-Shan WONG (PI)
Research Centre, HKUST Biology, HKUST
Dr Nora F.Y. TAM
Biology & Chemistry, CPHK Dr Xiang-Ming LI
Award Sponsor Area
Chemical Engineering, HKUST
$483,000 (Year 1) BRI/HKUST Start date
Project no.
Biological Sciences 1 January 1994 BRI93-Il-1
* *
* * * * * * * * *Design and construction of a high pressure time-lag equipment for membrane testing The main objective of this project is to design and construct equipment for testing the gas permeability of polymeric membranes and apparent diffusivity of gases in polymer networks. The equipment to be built will be sensitive and adjustable enough to measure gas permeability coefficients of membranes, over a wide range, for both pure gas and gas mixtures. The apparatus will be used to test and scan different membrane materials to be synthesized, which will lead to direct applications in numerous industrial processes, including: the removal C02 from natural gas, the removal of poison side-gases generated in the synthesis of town gas, the recycling of H2 in town gas synthesis, the separation of oxygen and nitrogen from air, and the separation of biogases in sewage plants.
Investigator( s) DrYongli MI Award Sponsor Area
Chemical Engineering, HKUST
$50,000
Start date Project no.
RGC
Chemical Engineering 1 April1994
DAG93 /94.EG23
Research Report ( 1993-94)
78
Processing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene powders to produce high-strength and high-modulus fibres
The objectives of this work are to (a) develop a low-temperature processing window for the precision extrusion of high impact strength ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) materials, and (b) to produce high-strength, high-modulus and low-creep fibres or films. Our interest focuses on the compaction, fusion and consolidation of UHMWPE powder particles below the material's melting point. In this project, experiments will systematically study the effects of processing pressure, temperature, flow deformation, and initial entanglement of the material and the surface wetting ingredient on particle interfacial cohesion. A mathematical model of interfacial diffusion and recrystallisation will be developed to elucidate the relation between these two phenomena and the processing variables.
Particle interfacial cohesion will be characterised, and the chain mobility of different powders at the surface as well as the drawability of these compacted precursors will be studied. Correlations between particle interfacial cohesion and maximum drawability and thus the mechanical properties of the material will be established. In addition, both chemical and electron beam (EB) irradiation cross-linking techniques will be employed to improve the creep resistance and high-temperature performance. New techniques .of manufacturing high-performance fibre or film will be developed in this study and should provide opportunities for Hong Kong to develop into a high-value product centre.
Investigator(s) Dr Ping GAO (PI)
Chemical Engineering, HKUST Dr Chi-Ming CHAN
Chemical Engineering, HKUST
Award $50,000
Sponsor RGC
Area Start date Project no.
Chemical Engineering 1 Apri11994
DAG93 /94.EG24
*
**
* * * * **
* *Effects of interfacial conditions on extrusion and injection moulding of polymers and polymer blends
In polymer processing, the shear stress at a solid wall is determined by interfacial interactions between the polymer melt and the wall. An important question regarding the slippage of polymers at walls is whether the slip occurs as a result of an adhesive failure at the polymer-wall interface or as a result of a cohesive failure within the polymer melt very close to the wall. This phenomenon becomes more complicated in the case of the extrusion of polymer blends when a low-surface-energy component migrates to the polymer-wall interface. The understanding of polymer-wall interactions is not just an important and challenging area in rheology but also it is crucial to the development of better polymer processes. Polymer-metal interactions determine the surface texture and surface chemical composition of extrudates and injection-moulded parts. These physical and chemical properties determine the printability, bondability, and physical appearance of the products. The purpose of this investigation is to combine surface and interfacial analyses and rheological measurements to unravel the fundamental mechanism of polymer-wall interactions.
Investigator(s)
Dr Chi-Ming CHAN (PI)
Chemical Engineering, HKUST Dr Ping GAO
Award
Chemical Engineering, HKUST
$50,000 Sponsor
Area Start date Project no.
RGC
Chemical Engineering 1 April1994
DAG93 /94.EG25
* * * * * * * * * * *
Development of a novel scanning optical physiometer for biological tests
Hundreds and thousands of biological tests for the studies of effects of various substance on living cells -- e.g., antitumour drug screening; environmental toxicology studies;
antibiotic, vitamin and amino acid assays --are conducted every day in laboratories around the world. It is the biologists' dream to have a mechanism that could perform hundreds of these tests simultaneously and
79
automatically. We propose the development of a novel mechanism, which we call the scanning optical physiometer, to fulfill such a dream. This physiometer will mainly consist of two parts: a microwell array for cell incubation with oxygen- and pH-sensing film impregnated with luminescent dyes; and a scanning optical sensor with appropriate excitation light source and emission light detector for oxygen and pH monitoring.
Using such a device, the metabolic responses of living cells in hundreds of wells, each corresponding to a test, can be monitored automatically through the remote sensing of oxygen and pH. In-depth studies will be conducted of the molecular design of oxygen-and pH-sensitive dyes, of the photophysics and photochemistry of these dyes in solid films, and of an oxygen transport model for cells.
Investigator(s)
Dr Xiang-Ming LI (PI)
Chemical Engineering, HKUST Dr Kwok-Yin WONG
Award Sponsor Area
Hong Kong Polytechnic
$711,000
Start date Project no.
Remarks
RGC
Biological Sciences 1 October 1993 HKUST124/93M
Project was transferred from HKP with old project no.
HKP124/93M
* * * * * * * * * * *
Double-layer photoresist for microelectronic processing
(Joint departmental project)
As the minimum feature size for modern IC fabrication is reduced to the submicron region, it becomes very difficult for a single-layer resist system to overcome the basic problems of reflectivity and uneven topography.
Double-layer resist systems cost more but offer certain technical advantages. These systems incorporate a . thick bottom planarizing layer which is amenable to pattern transfer by a relatively non-polluting dry etch process and a thin, uniform top imaging layer which minimizes depth-of-focus problems.
Because of these attributes and in spite of the increased manufacturing costs, double-layer resist technology is currently under active investigation for applications in VLSI and
Research Report ( 1993-94)
ULSI circuits. In this project, we propose to develop new imaging resist systems for use in double-layer resist technology. The imaging resist systems will contain silicon and other elements in order to enhance their resistance to dry etching. The dry processes, involving silylation, metallization and reactive ion trench etching of the double-layer resists, are attractive for many applications, including magnetic recording thin-film head manufacturing and plug-in-board manufacturing, and they are applicable to double-layer IC packaging and the manufacturing of memory chips and other key components.
Investigator(s) Dr Tze-Man KO (PI)
Chemical Engineering, HKUST Prof. Hiroyuki HIRAOKA
Chemistry, HKUST Award
Sponsor Area Start date Project no.
$611,000 RGC
Chemical Engineering 1 January 1994
HKUST191 /93E
* * * * * * * * * * *
Experimental measurements and theoretical modelling of the thermodynamic properties of concentrated aqueous atmospheric aerosols
The aim of this project is to produce chemical thermodynamic models of the behavior of aqueous aerosol particles, of various compositions, in the atmosphere. This will be achieved by: (1) measuring water vapor pressures over individual suspended aerosol particles for different temperatures and compositions, using a new electrodynamic balance; and (2) using the results to develop theoretical models of the chemical thermodynamic behavior of important atmospheric aerosol systems.
Investigator(s)
Dr Chak K. CHAN (PM)
Chemical Engineering, HKUST Dr Peter BRIMBLECOMBE
Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia Dr Simon Leslie CLEGG
Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia
Award £5,143
Research Report ( 1993-94)
80
Sponsor Area Start date Project no.
The British Council/RGC Chemical Engineering 1 April1994
JRS93/53
* * * * * * * * * * *
Computer-aided process safety and environmental protection
(Joint departmental project)
This project aims to develop computer-aided systems for the design of safe process plants and the minimization of environmental problems in process industries. Its specific objectives are: 1) To develop a computer-aided system to assist engineers to consider safety issues in the design of manufacturing processes. Such considerations are usually not amenable to numerical evaluation; and 2) To develop a computer-aided system to advise engineers in process industries on possible routes to minimize harm to the environment, taking into account intrinsic and extrinsic safety design features.
Investigator( s) Prof. P.L. YUE (PM)
Chemical Engineering, HKUST DrAlexKEAN
Computer Science, HKUST Dr Paul W.H. CHUNG
Chemical Engineering, University of Loughborough
Award Sponsor Area Start date Project no.
£6,661
The British Council/RGC Chemical Engineering 1 April1994
JRS93/54
* * * * * * * * * * *
Extrusion seminar
Extrusion, a key technique in polymer processing, has not been fully utilized in Hong Kong. Hence, this project aimed to introduce extrusion technology to the plastics community of Hong Kong by inviting Dr Chris Rauwendaal, president of Rauwendaal Extrusion Engineering, Inc., to deliver a four-day course on extrusion in June 1994. Dr Rauwendaal gave a detailed discussion of the inner workings of extruders, covering the practical aspects of screw design, twin screw extrusion, die design, and troubleshooting.
Investigator(s)
Dr Chi-Ming CHAN (PM) Award
Chemical Engineering, HKUST
$54,600 Sponsor
Area Start date Project no.
Remarks
Chiang Industrial Charity Foundation Limited Chemical Engineering 7 April1994
PH93108 Project completed
* * * * * * * * * * *
Physical and chemical characterization of atmospheric aerosols by laser-based spectroscopies: Development of an air-pollution research programme
(Joint deparbnental project)
The aim of this project is to study the physical and chemical properties of atmospheric microparticles, which are the basic constituents of polluted air, by means of micro-particle levitation and laser spectroscopic techniques. In this proposal, particulate-gas chemical processes and the factors that affect the processes will be studied systematically by Raman and micro-fluorescence spectroscopies and imaging.
Results of the proposed study will enhance our understanding of the abatement and conversion of abnospheric pollutants and will also provide the scientific foundation for the design of realistic and strategically effective air quality regulation.
Investigator(s)
Dr Chak K. CHAN (PM)
Chemical Engineering, HKUST Dr Xiao-Yuan LI
Chemistry, HKUST Prof. Nai-Teng YU
Chemistry, HKUST Prof. P.L. YUE
Chemical Engineering, HKUST Dr See-Chun KOT
Mechanical Engineering, HKUST Dr Kam-Sing WONG
Physics, HKUST Award
Sponsor Area Start date Project no.
$547,000 (Year 1)
$280,034 (Year 2) UPGC
Chemical Engineering 1 September 1993 RI92/93.EG17
* * * * * * * * * * *
81
Feasibility assessment of using modified clay materials for solid/hazardous waste disposal landfills
(Joint deparbnental project)
See PM's abstract in Department of Civil and Structural Engineering.
Investigator(s)
Dr Irene Man-Chi LO (PM)
Civil & Structural Engg, HKUST Prof. P.L. YUE
Chemical Engineering, HKUST Mr Jia-Qi ZHENG
Materials Characterisation and Award
Sponsor Area
Preparation Centre, HKUST
$806,000 (Year 1 & 2) UPGC
Start date Project no.
Civil Engineering & Applied Mathematics
15 September 1993 RI92/93.EG20
* * * * * * * * * * *
Surface dynamics from the millisecond to femtosecond time scale
(Joint deparbnental project)
See PM's abstract in Department of Physics.
Investigator(s)
Prof. Michael M. LOY (PM) Physics, HKUST Dr Chi-Ming CHAN
Chemical Engineering, HKUST Prof. Hoi Sing KWOK
Electrical & Electronic Engg, HKUST Prof. George K.L. WONG
Physics, HKUST Dr Shihe YANG
Chemistry, HKUST Award
Sponsor Area Start date Project no.
$597,000 (Year 1) UPGC
Physical Sciences 1 May1994 RI93/94.SC05
* * * * * * * * * * *
A knowledge-based system for minimizing environmental problems in process industries (MEPPI)
(Joint deparbnental project)
The objective of the project is to develop a knowledge-based system (KBS) which will
Research Report ( 1993-94)
provide advice to engineers and management in process industries on minimizing environmental problems. The KBS will be based on a process hierarchy which can accommodate both generic and specific processing units. An object-oriented approach will be used for classifying processes, materials, hazards, etc. Rule-based programming will be used to reason about these objects and to specify how they should behave. The system will be tested with two case studies and will be externally validated.
Investigator(s) Prof. P.L. YUE (PI)
Chemical Engineering, HKUST DrAlexKEAN
Computer Science, HKUST
$243,000 SSRC/HKUST Award
Sponsor Area Start date Project no.
Chemical Engineering 19 October 1993 SSRC92/93.023
* * * * * * * * * * *
Development of high efficiency bioreactors for the treatment of dyeing wastewater Textiles is one of the most important indus tries in Hong Kong; however, wastewater from dyeing processes is creating serious environmental problems. The purpose of this research is to develop a compact and highly efficient system with sequenced anaerobic-aerobic biological activated carbon reactors for the treatment of dye wastewater.
In the biological activated carbon reactor, dye molecules are removed in two steps; first is adsorption by the granular activated carbon, and second is biodegradation by the biofilm.
As biodegradation occurs, the microorganisms regenerate the carbon in situ. In this research, the dye selected is Sirius Red 4BS, a direct dye which is very soluble in water. Different influent rates and different dye concentrations are being investigated. On the basis of data collected thus far, the process has successfully treated dye wastewater over an operating period of one month with removal efficiencies of over 99% at wastewater residence times of less than 7.5 hours. Also, we propose to acquire necessary knowledge for the optimal design and operation of an industrial- scale system.
Research Report ( 1993-94)
82
Investigator(s)
Dr Xiang-Ming LI (Supervisor)
Chemical Engineering, HKUST Mr Nai Hung WONG
Award Thesis
Sponsor HKUST
Area Chemical Engineering
Start date 1 June 1994
* * * * * * * * * * *
ON-GOING RESEARCH PROJECTS Compositional dependence of water activities of ammonium sulfate-sulfuric acid-water mixtures
This is an experimental project to examine the compositional dependence of the water activity of ammonium sulfate- sulfuric acid-water mixtures. The proposed research programme will employ an electrodynamic balance to levitate a single micron-sized particle for analysis. Relative mass change of a droplet can be determined by measuring the DC potentials applied to the balance. At equilibrium, the water activity of an aqueous droplet is simply the ambient relative humidity, assuming negligible surface tension effect on vapor pressure. The relative humidity can be controlled by varying the ambient dew point. Correspondingly, the droplet will attain a new concentration in equilibrium with the new relative humidity.
This new concentration can be determined by relative mass measurement with a known DC voltage at a reference concentration. Water activity data obtained in the proposed experiment can also be used to evaluate the validity of various mixing rules which are.
generally less accurate at high concentrations.
Investigator(s) Dr Chak K. CHAN Award
Sponsor Area
Chemical Engineering, HKUST
$55,000
Start date Project no.
RGC
Chemical Engineering 15 December 1992 DAG92/93.EG04
* * * * * * * * * * *
Novel materials for magnetic storage science and technology
(Joint departmental project)
See PM's abstract in Department of Physics.
Investigator(s) Dr Xiao YAN (PM)
Physics, HKUST Dr MichaelS. ALTMAN Physics, HKUST Prof. Hiroyuki HIRAOKA
Chemistry, HKUST Dr Tze-Man KO
Chemical Engineering, HKUST Dr Tai-chin LO
Award Sponsor Area
Electrical & Electronic Engg, HKUST
$962,000
Start date Project no.
UPGC
Physical Sciences 1 February 1993 RI92/93.SC07
* * * * * * * * * * *
Photocatalytic mineralization of multicomponent pollutants in a swirl flow reactor
The purpose of the research is to exploit the potential of photocatalysis for the detoxification of liquid effluents containing environmentally incompatible pollutants, particularly halogenated organics, pesticides and herbicides, which are present as multicomponent mixtures. The process is based on catalytic reactions effected in a novel swirl-flow reactor which has been patented by the researchers. This research attempts to identify the catalyst and reactor parameters which are favourable for high conversions at high flowrates and to assess the energy efficiency of the process.
Investigator(s) Prof. P.L. YUE Award
Sponsor
Chemical Engineering, HKUST
$1,104,000
Area Start date
Science and Engineering Research Council Physical Sciences 1 January 1992
* * * * * * * * * * *
83
Computer-based training on safety by process simulation
Process safety is being studied by a variety of methods including the use of steady state and dynamic simulation. The aim of this project is to develop a system to advise process management and operating personnel of the safety implications when the process is subject to various disturbances and alterations. The system will also offer advice on possible changes to process design and/ or operating procedures to render the process more tolerant of human errors.
Investigator(s) Prof. P.L. YUE Award
Sponsor
Chemical Engineering, HKUST
$290,000
Science and Engg Research Council/Courtaulds Co. Ltd.
Area Start date
Physical Sciences 1 October 1992
* * * * * * * * * * *
Detoxification of wastewater by photocatalytic science and engineering The purpose of this research is to develop a catalyst system and a novel reactor for effecting photocatalytic reactions for the detoxification of wastewater. The studies will be conducted in a 15Q-litre pilot plant reactor.
Investigator(s) Prof. P.L. YUE (PI)
Chemical Engineering, HKUST Dr R.I. BICKLEY
Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Bradford
Prof. A. SCLAFANI
Chemical Engineering & Material Processing, University of Palermo Prof. J. SORIA
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas
Award Sponsor Area Start date
$7,000,000
Community of European Countries
Physical Sciences 1 November 1991
* * * * * * * * * * *
Research Report ( 1993-94)
soils at the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering's geotechnical laboratory. The fully-automatic triaxial soil testing system shown here was developed jointly by UC Davis and UC Berkeley. HKUST faculty member, Dr. Xiang-Song U was a codeveloper of this system.
NEWLY-FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS
Development of green label certification programme for Hong Kong
(Joint departmental project) See PI's abstract in Research Centre.
Investigatar(s)
Prof. Gary W. HEINKE (PI) Research Centre, HKUST Civil & Structural Engg, HKUST Dr Ming FANG, Research Centre, HKUST MrC.M. LIN
HK Productivity Council Mr E.M. CHING
HK Productivity Council Dr Martha A. DAHLEN
Office of Contract and Grant Administration, HKUST Dr James P. BUCHANAN, Jr Award
Sponsor Area
Humanities, HKUST
$2,072,000
Start date Project no.
ITDC
Environment & Business 1 June 1994
AF/178/94
* * * * * * * * * * *
To provide a Hong Kong centrifuge facility for geotechnical characterization and modelling
For modelling geotechnical problems where stresses due to self weight are of major importance it is necessary to scale self weight effects. This can be achieved by testing the model in a geotechnical centrifuge. The principal advantages of using a centrifuge are that real soils can be conveniently used in the model and that events which may take years to complete in nature can be simulated in a matter of hours. Geotechnical centrifuge testing is applicable to many types of problems, such as: soil-structure interaction;
overall stability of soil and rock masses;
ground movements; pollution migration; and land reclamation. There are relatively few geotechnical centrifuge modelling facilities in the world, thus it would be a prime asset to Hong Kong to establish such a facility serving academic, professional and public needs. In view of these considerations, funds have been granted from the UPGC Central Allocation
85
Vote and from HKUST to establish a Centrifuge Modelling Facility. The facility will house a 100 g-tonne machine with a 4-meter radius arm and a shaking table to simulate earthquake loading in flight. This proposal incorporates input from three academic institutions (HKUST, HKU, HKP), the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO), and the consulting industry. This research facility will support and enhance infrastructure development in Hong Kong and its neighbouring region.
Investigatar(s)
Prof. C.K. SHEN (PM)
Prof. C.K. SHEN (PM)