Pharmaceutical manufacture is very exacting - for example, drugs must be uniform in size, shape, efficacy, bioavailability, and safety. The presence of different polymorphs in drug production is a serious problem, since different polymorphs differ in bioavailability, solubility, dissolution rate, chemical and physical stability, melting point, color, filterability, density, and flow properties. Fine Particles in Medicine and Pharmacy discusses particle size, shape, and composition and how they determine the choice of polymorph of a drug.

Hydrogels are a particular class of compounds of which the major constituent is wa- ter. In fact, water is present in the hydrogel up to 90% and is contained in a scaffold which is generally polymeric and obviously hydrophilic. As a result, hydrogels re- semble each other even though obtained from different polymers. Nevertheless, the polymeric matrix gives particular characteristics to the hydrogel leading to applica- tions in different fields. Water is the main element of the human body, thus hydrogels are excellent struc- tures to favourably shelter proteins, cells etc. , without altering their characteristics and properties. This is why hydrogels are mainly designed and synthesized for their usein thebiologicalfield;hence the name biohydrogels. Their propertiespoint totheir use as scaffolds for stem cells which has turned out to be a very promising technique for tissue and organ regeneration. For this reason their investigation falls within the Biomaterials Science. Paradoxically, the conceptual simplicity of hydrogelsupto nowhas led to a super- ficialstudy of their chemistry, chemical physics and mechanics preventing their wider application in the human body due to a lack of knowledge of biological component interactions. For example, it is not clear, yet, how to store hydrogels without alter- ing their characteristics. In fact, hydrogels re-hydrated after lyophylization or oven drying, generally show corrupted properties once swollen in water, in comparison with their native counterparts.

This volume contains ?ve chapters. The topics covered are the cathodic reduction of nitrate, for which the key issues are pr- uct selectivity and current ef?ciency; a discussion of ionic l- uids known as molten or fused salts in key industrial processes; the properties of nanowires made of metals and semiconductors by means of electrodeposition into porous templates and template synthesis; and an overview of a range of alloys used in elect- plating, and trends in ammonium electrolysis. Also, included is a review of the applications of synchroton x-ray scattering to the electrochemical interphase. Chapter 1 by Celia Milhano and Derek Pletcher reviews the cathodic reduction of nitrate as a "truly fascinating reaction" since processes for nitrate removal from drinking water and effluents and reducing nitrates in nuclear waste is an essential step in n- lear waste disposal. The authors also review electrochemical membrane technology not involving the cathodic reduction of - trate. In Chapter 2, the authors discuss substances called ionic l- uids, and the fact that this is really a new more modern term for molten or fused salts. However, the label of ionic liquids is usu- ly applied to the liquid state of salts at or near room temperature, which is a way to differentiate low-melting salts from higher me- ing cousins. These molten or fused salts form the basis of several key industrial processes, and this chapter is primarily devoted to the non-haloaluminate ionic liquids as reviewed by Tetsuya Tsuda and Charles L. Hussey.

This is the second edition of Melt Rheology and its Role in Plastics Processing, although the title has changed to reflect its broadened scope. Advances in the recent years in rheometer technology and polymer science have greatly enhanced the usefulness of rheology in the plastics industry. It is now possible to design polymers having specific molecular structures and to predict the flow properties of melts having those structures. In addition, rheological properties now provide more precise information about molecular structure. This book provides all the information that is needed for the intelligent application of rheology in the development of new polymers, the determination of molecular structure and the correlation of processability with laboratory test data. Theory and equations are limited to what is essential for the use of rheology in the characterization of polymers, the development of new plastics materials and the prediction of plastics processing behavior. The emphasis is on information that will be of direct use to practitioners. Extensive references are provided for those wishing to pursue certain issues in greater depth. While the primary audience is applied polymer scientists and plastics engineers, the book will also be of use to postgraduate students in polymer science and engineering and as a text for a graduate course.

For the first time, distinguished scientists from key institutions worldwide provide a comprehensive approach to optical sensing techniques employing the phenomenon of guided wave propagation for chemical and biosensors. This includes both state-of the-art fundamentals and innovative applications of these techniques. The authors present a deep analysis of their particular subjects in a way to address the needs of novice researchers such as graduate students and post-doctoral scholars as well as of established researchers seeking new avenues. Researchers and practitioners who need a solid foundation or reference will find this work invaluable. This second of two volumes covers the incorporation of periodic structures in waveguides to exploit the Bragg phenomenon, optical fiber sensors, hollow waveguides and micro-resonators as well as a review of the tremendous expansion of terahertz technology for sensing applications.

Many cooling systems use water as cooling medium. They are found in public buildings, industrial production systems or power plants. Almost every cooling system using water is degraded by deposition, corrosion and microbiological fouling. This book identifies the whole bunch of problems due to water cooling systems and proposes specific solutions to all of them. The authors have an expertise of over 20 years solving cooling water problems. In this book, they advise all practitioners which need to plan, buy or operate cooling systems.

The Chemical Batch Reactor is aimed at tackling the above problems from a blending of academic and industrial perspectives. Advanced solutions (i.e., those based on recent research results) to the four fundamental problems of modeling, identification, control and fault diagnosis for batch processes are developed in detail in four distinct chapters. In each chapter, a general overview of foundational concepts is also given, together with a review of recent and classical literature on the various subjects. To provide a unitary treatment of the different topics and give a firm link to the underlying practical applications, a single case study is developed as the book progresses; a batch process of industrial interest, i.e., the phenol-formaldehyde reaction for the production of phenolic resins, is adopted to test the various techniques developed. In this way, a roadmap of the solutions to fundamental problems, ranging from the early stages of the production process to the complete design of control and diagnosis systems, is provided for both industrial practitioners and academic researchers.

This Dictionary of Weighing Terms is a comprehensive practical guide to the terminology of weighing for all users of weighing instruments in industry and science. It explains more than 1000 terms of weighing technology and related areas; numerous illustrations assist understanding. The Dictionary of Weighing Terms is a joint work of the German Federal Institute of Physics and Metrology (PTB) and METTLER TOLEDO, the weighing instruments manufacturer. Special thanks go to Peter Brandes, Michael Denzel, and Dr. Oliver Mack of PTB, and to Richard Davis of BIPM, who with their technical knowledge have contributed to the success of this work. The Dictionary contains terms from the following fields: fundamentals of weighing, application and use of weighing instruments, international standards, legal requirements for weighing instruments, weighing accuracy. An index facilitates rapid location of the required term. The authors welcome suggestions and corrections at www.mt.com/w eighing-terms. Braunschweig (DE) and Greifensee (CH), The Authors Summer 2009 Foreword Since its founding in 1875, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) has had a unique role in mass metrology. The definition of the kilogram depends on an artefact conserved and used within our laboratories. The mass embodied in this - tefact defines the kilogram, and this information is disseminated throughout the world to promote uniformity of measurements. Although the definition of the kilogram may change in the re- tively near future, reflecting the success of new technologies and new requirements, the task of ensuring world-wide uniformity of mass measurements will remain.

Heterogeneous Enantioselective Hydrogenation: Theory and Practice reviews the development of enantioselective hydrogenation reaction catalysts. It looks at the first relatively ineffective catalysts right through to modern highly effective enantioselective catalytic systems, comparable in their efficiency to chiral metal complexes and enzymatic systems. The book begins with a summary of the first work on heterogeneous metal catalysts, which showed only the principal possibilities of enantioselective reactions. It then elaborates on metal catalysts which have enantioselectivities close to 100%. Finally, the practical utilization of chiral catalytic systems in processes of hydrogenation is described. The alpha- and beta-hydroxy carboxylic acid esters produced are precursors for manufacturing many synthones used for medicines as well as for monomers used for biodegradable polyesters, both of which have important practical applications. The volume summarizes more than 800 scientific papers in the field of enantioselective catalytic hydrogenation reactions, mainly those using heterogeneous metal catalysts. It provides detailed explanations of special techniques for the preparation of effective dissymmetric catalysts which provide highly efficient catalytic systems.

In modern drug discovery and development, chemical synthesis is one of the key technologies. For the rapid preparation of new test compounds and drug development candidates, several innovative technologies with great potential have emerged. This book offers a compact overview of the current status of these technologies and includes many real-life examples from industry and academic institutions.

Working in the lab, but unsure what your results actually mean? Would you like to know how to apply trueness tests, calculate standard deviations, estimate measurement uncertainties or test for linearity? This book offers you a problem-based approach to analytical quality assurance (AQA). After a short introduction into required fundamentals, various topics such as statistical tests, linear regression and calibration, tool qualification or method validation are presented in the form of exercises for self-study. Solutions are provided in a clear step-by-step manner. Interactive Excel-sheets are available as Extra Materials for trying out the various concepts. For professionals as well as graduate students confronted with analytical quality assurance for the first time, this book will be the clue to meeting such challenges.

The book entails investigative methods for better understanding of the degradation process and uses of high performance paints formulation and also compares them on mild steel (MS) and weathering steel (WS) through various AC/DC electrochemical test methods and surface characterization through electron microscopy, XRD and Raman spectroscopy. This book also deals with the corrosion studies undertaken considering three phases (solid, liquid and gas) with latest techniques and the emphasis has also been given on degradation of materials due to atmospheric corrosion as this is of immense interest to present engineers and researchers. MS has got versatile application as structural steel for construction of buildings, bridges, flyovers, pipelines etc. But this is very much prone to corrosion in industrial and marine environments in presence of harmful pollutants and other industrial effluents in addition to normal humid atmosphere. These corrosion problems are much severe in a tropical country like India with vast coastline. MS corrodes relatively faster and thus leads to colossal loss in every year and to reduce this loss some kind of protection in the form of paints and coatings is always used. Painting is an effective means but quite costly amounting 10-15% of the initial construction cost of superstructures besides cost of repainting at regular interval.

Johannes G. de Vries: Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions.- Gregory T. Whiteker and Christopher J. Cobley: Applications of Rhodium-Catalyzed Hydroformylation in the Pharmaceutical, Agrochemical and Fragrance Industries.- Philippe Dupau: Ruthenium-catalyzed Selective Hydrogenation for Flavor and Fragrance Applications.- Hans-Ulrich Blaser, Benoit Pugin and Felix Spindler: Asymmetric Hydrogenation.- Ioannis Houpis: Case Study: Sequential Pd-catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions; Challenges on Scale-up.- Adriano F. Indolese: Pilot Plant Scale Synthesis of an Aryl-Indole - Scale up of a Suzuki Coupling.- Per Ryberg: Development of a Mild and Robust Method for Palladium Catalysed Cyanation on Large Scale.- Cheng-yi Chen: Application of Ring Closing Metathesis Strategy to the Synthesis of Vaniprevir (MK-7009), a 20-Membered Macrocyclic HCV Protease Inhibitor.

The relay feedback test (RFT) has become a popular and efficient in process identification and automatic controller tuning. Non-parametric Tuning of PID Controllers couples new modifications of classical RFT with application-specific optimal tuning rules to form a non-parametric method of test-and-tuning. Test and tuning are coordinated through a set of common parameters so that a PID controller can obtain the desired gain or phase margins in a system exactly, even with unknown process dynamics. The concept of process-specific optimal tuning rules in the nonparametric setup, with corresponding tuning rules for flow, level pressure, and temperature control loops is presented in the text. Common problems of tuning accuracy based on parametric and non-parametric approaches are addressed. In addition, the text treats the parametric approach to tuning based on the modified RFT approach and the exact model of oscillations in the system under test using the locus of a perturbedrelay system (LPRS) method. Industrial loop tuning for distributed control systems using modified RFT is also described. Many of the problems of tuning rules optimization and identification with modified RFT are accompanied by MATLAB (R) code, downloadable from http://extras.springer.com/978-1-4471-4464-9 to allow the reader to duplicate the results. Non-parametric Tuning of PID Controllers is written for readers with previous knowledge of linear control and will be of interest to academic control researchers and graduate students and to practitioners working in a variety of chemical- mechanical- and process-engineering-related industries.

The ultrasonic velocity profile (UVP) method, first developed in medical engineering, is now widely used in clinical settings. The fluid mechanical basis of UVP was established in investigations by the author and his colleagues with work demonstrating that UVP is a powerful new tool in experimental fluid mechanics. There are diverse examples, ranging from problems in fundamental fluid dynamics to applied problems in mechanical, chemical, nuclear, and environmental engineering. In all these problems, the methodological principle in fluid mechanics was converted from point measurements to spatio-temporal measurements along a line. This book is the first monograph on UVP that offers comprehensive information about the method, its principles, its practice, and applied examples, and which serves both current and new users. Current users can confirm that their application configurations are correct, which will help them to improve the configurations so as to make them more efficient and effective. New users will become familiar with the method, to design applications on a physically correct basis for performing measurements accurately. Additionally, the appendix provides necessary practical information, such as acoustic properties.

This monograph details basic concepts and tools fundamental for the analysis and synthesis of linear systems subject to actuator saturation and developments in recent research. The authors use a state-space approach and focus on stability analysis and the synthesis of stabilizing control laws in both local and global contexts. Different methods of modeling the saturation and behavior of the nonlinear closed-loop system are given special attention. Various kinds of Lyapunov functions are considered to present different stability conditions. Results arising from uncertain systems and treating performance in the presence of saturation are given. The text proposes methods and algorithms, based on the use of linear programming and linear matrix inequalities, for computing estimates of the basin of attraction and for designing control systems accounting for the control bounds and the possibility of saturation. They can be easily implemented with mathematical software packages.

to increase the use of direct contact processes, the National Science Foundation sup ported a workshop on direct contact heat transfer at the Solar Energy Research Insti tute in the summer of 1985. We served as organizers for this workshop, which em phasized an area of thermal engineering that, in our opinion, has great promise for the future, but has not yet reached the point of wide-spread commercial application. Hence, a summary of the state of knowledge at this point is timely. The workshop had a dual objective: 1. To summarize the current state of knowledge in such a form that industrial practi tioners can make use of the available information. 2. To indicate the research and development needed to advance the state-of-the-art, indicating not only what kind of research is needed, but also the industrial poten tial that could be realized if the information to be obtained through the proposed research activities were available.

Microdroplet technology has recently emerged to provide new and diverse applications via microfluidic functionality, especially in various areas of biology and chemistry. This book, then, gives an overview of the principle components and wide-ranging applications for state-of-the-art of droplet-based microfluidics. Chapter authors are internationally-leading researchers from chemistry, biology, physics and engineering that present various key aspects of micrdroplet technology -- fundamental flow physics, methodology and components for flow control, applications in biology and chemistry, and a discussion of future perspectives. This book acts as a reference for academics, post-graduate students, and researcher wishing to deepen their understand of microfluidics and introduce optimal design and operation of new droplet-based microfluidic devices for more comprehensive analyte assessments.

Advances in Catalysis, Volume 64, fills the gap between journal papers and textbooks across the diverse areas of catalysis research. For more than 60 years, this series has dedicated itself to record and present the latest progress in the field of catalysis, thus providing the scientific community with comprehensive and authoritative reviews. This series is an invaluable and comprehensive resource for chemical engineers and chemists working in the field of catalysis in both academia and industry.

General introduction - Definition of nanodispersions (nanosuspensions, nanoemulsions, swollen micelles or microemulsions, liposomes and vesicles) and their size range. General description of their colloid stability. Main advantages of nanodispersions and their industrial applications. Preparation of nanosuspensions by top-up process - Nucleation and growth and control of particle size distribution. Factors determining the formation of narrow particle size distribution. Role of surfactants and polymers. Preparation of nano-polymer colloids (lattices) by emulsion and dispersion polymerization. Factors affects the stability of nanosuspensions. Preparation of nanosuspensions by bottom down process - Dispersion of preformed particles in liquids and the need of a wetting agent. Break-up of aggregates and agglomerates by application of high speed stirrers. Reduction of particle size by application of intense energy (microfluidization or bead milling). Maintenance of the colloid stability of the resulting particles. Reduction of Ostwald ripening. Industrial applications of nanosuspensions - Application in pharmacy to enhance bioavailability, Application in sunscreens for UV protection. Application in paints and coatings. Preparation of nanoemulsions by the use of high pressure homogenisers - Principles of emulsion formation and the role of the emulsifier. Selection of emulsifiers. Methods of emulsification and prevention of coalescence during emulsification. Origin of colloid stability of nanoemulsions. Prevention of Ostwald ripening Low energy methods for nanoemulsion preparation - The phase inversion composition method and the role of mixing the surfactant with oil and water. The phase inversion temperature method for preparation of nanoemulsions. Preparation of nanoemulsions by dilution of microemulsions. Practical examples of nanoemulsions and their industrial application - Nanoemulsions based on non-ionic surfactants and the role of the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. Effect of oil solubility on the stabilityof nanoemulsions. Nanoemulsions based on polymeric surfactants. Applications in pharmacy and cosmetics. Swollen micelles or microemulsionsDefinition of microemulsions and their size range. Thermodynamic definition of microemulstions. Theories of microemulsion formation and stability. Characterisation of microemulsions using scattering, conductivity and NMR rechniques. Formulation of microemulsions and their industrial applications - Distinction between microemulsions and macroemulsions. Formulation of oil/water and water/oil microemulsions. Selection of emulsifiers for microemulsions. Application of microemulsions in tertiary oil recovery. Liposomes and vesicles - Formation of multilamellar lipid layers (liposomes) by dispersion of lipids in water. Formation of unilamellar vesicles by sonication of the liposomes. Factors responsible for stabilisation of liposomes and vesicles. Use of block copolymers to enhance the stability of vesicles. Applications of liposomes and vesicles in pharmacy and cosmetics.

Living systems synthesize seven different classes of polymers. They provide structure and form for cells and organisms, function as catalysts and energy storage and carry the genetic information. All these polymers possess technically interesting properties. Some of these biopolymers are already used commercially. This special volume of Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology comprises 10 chapters. It gives an overview of the water insoluble biopolyesters, in particular of the microbially synthesized poly-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family. It reports the state of the art of metabolism, regulation and genetic background, the latest advances made in genetic optimization of bacteria, "construction" of transgenic plants and in vitro synthesis by means of purified enzymes. Furthermore, it describes relevant technologies and evaluates perspectives concerning increasing the economic viability and competitiveness of PHA and discusses applications in medicine, packaging, food and other fields.

Membrane Reactors for Hydrogen Production Processes deals with technological and economic aspects of hydrogen selective membranes application in hydrogen production chemical processes. Membrane Reactors for Hydrogen Production Processes starts with an overview of membrane integration in the chemical reaction environment, formulating the thermodynamics and kinetics of membrane reactors and assessing the performance of different process architectures. Then, the state of the art of hydrogen selective membranes, membrane manufacturing processes and the mathematical modeling of membrane reactors are discussed. A review of the most useful applications from an industrial point of view is given. These applications include: natural gas steam reforming, autothermal reforming, water gas shift reaction, decomposition of hydrogen sulphide, and alkanes dehydrogenation. The final part is dedicated to the description of a pilot plant where the novel configuration was implemented at a semi-industrial scale. Plant engineers, researchers and postgraduate students will find Membrane Reactors for Hydrogen Production Processes a comprehensive guide to the state of the art of membrane reactor technology.

This volume surveys recent research on autonomous sensor networks from the perspective of enabling technologies that support medical, environmental and military applications. State of the art, as well as emerging concepts in wireless sensor networks, body area networks and ambient assisted living introduce the reader to the field, while subsequent chapters deal in depth with established and related technologies, which render their implementation possible. These range from smart textiles and printed electronic devices to implanted devices and specialized packaging, including the most relevant technological features. The last four chapters are devoted to customization, implementation difficulties and outlook for these technologies in specific applications.

Processes that meet the objectives of green chemistry and chemical engineering minimize waste and energy use, and eliminate toxic by-products. Given the ubiquitous nature of products from chemical processes in our lives, green chemistry and chemical engineering are vital components of any sustainable future. Gathering together ten peer-reviewed articles from the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology, Innovations in Green Chemistry and Green Engineering provides a comprehensive introduction to the state-of-the-art in this key area of sustainability research. Worldwide experts present the latest developments on topics ranging from organic batteries and green catalytic transformations to green nanoscience and nanotoxicology. An essential, one-stop reference for professionals in research and industry, this book also fills the need for an authoritative course text in environmental and green chemistry and chemical engineering at the upper-division undergraduate and graduate levels.

Gas sensor products are very often the key to innovations in the fields of comfort, security, health, environment, and energy savings. This compendium focuses on what the research community labels as solid state gas sensors, where a gas directly changes the electrical properties of a solid, serving as the primary signal for the transducer. It starts with a visionary approach to how life in future buildings can benefit from the power of gas sensors. The requirements for various applications, such as for example the automotive industry, are then discussed in several chapters. Further contributions highlight current trends in new sensing principles, such as the use of nanomaterials and how to use new sensing principles for innovative applications in e.g. meteorology. So as to bring together the views of all the different groups needed to produce new gas sensing applications, renowned industrial and academic representatives report on their experiences and expectations in research, applications and industrialisation.