Stability Operating Procedures completion

Previously, we developed a prototype model of automated 2DE system which enabled rapid, highly reproducible, and required minimal maintenance (6). All the 2DE procedures including lEF, on-part protein staining, SDS-PAGE, and in situ protein detection were automatically completed. The system completed the entire process within 1.5 h. Recently, an improved model of this system was capable of reliability y and portability, e.g., operational stabilities in both componentry and software, and miniaturization of whole apparatus. Followings are described system components, operational procedure, and data analysis of this 2DE system in a hands-on form. 

The immobilization of the photosynthetic material also increases the operational activity. Oxygen production by native and immobilized thylakoids was continuously monitored at 20°C under saturating illumination. After 50 min, the native thylakoids are completely inactive while the thylakoids immobilized according to different procedures keep some residual activity. If these results are compared with those of stor e stability in dark, it becomes obvious that the continuous use under illumination accelerated the inactivation rate by a factor of about 300. Moreover, among the immobilization procedures used, the BSA-glutaraldehyde method presented the best protection against photoinactivation. ... 

Tosti et al. tested Pd-Ag membrane reactor for 12 months for H2 permeation [14]. Excellent stability was observed for 12 months of operation. In fact, the complete hydrogen selectivity and none failure (formation of cracks, holes) were observed. They proposed that the reliability is a result of both the tube manufacturing procedure and the reactor design configuration (finger-like). Figure 6.11 shows the picture of membrane reactor before and after the 12 months of operation. 

The kinetics of the reaction and the properties of the catalyst, especially the thermal stability, will further narrow the range of possible reaction conditions and define a "window" of possible operating parameters. Process optimization, energy efficiency, and safety aspects will then determine at what conditions within the "window" the reactor should operate to give the optimum result. And then mathematical models are used to determine how big the reactor must be to obtain the performance (conversion and pressure drop) determined by the process optimization. Instrumentation is then considered, proper materials of construction are selected, catalyst loading and unloading is considered, possible transport limitations are determined, workshop manufacture is considered, and at last the design of the reactor is completed. The procedure is, of course, iterative since the reactor cost is one of the parameters in the economical optimization, but, as mentioned above, often a factor of minor importance for the overall result. 

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