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RESEARCH EXPO

4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND SUSTAINABIL ITY

2019 EBE POSTGRADUATE

Postgraduate Student Council

CELEBRATING AFRICA MONTH

2019EBE RESEARCH EXPO

4th Industrial Revolution and Sustainability

ProgrammeDate: 9 May 2019

Venues: NEB foyer (NEB F) and Snape Lecture theatre 1 (SLT1)

Start time: 16:30 for 17:00 (Drinks served upon arrival) at Snape Lecture theatre 1

MC: Eugene Fotso Simo

16h00 Exhibition and poster/model viewing by judges. (NEB F)

17h00 Introduction and welcome to the event (SLT1)EBE Deputy Dean for ResearchProfessor Azeem Khan

17h10 Title: How you can change lives through research and how research can change your life (SLT1)UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng

17h25 Title: The 4th Industrial revolution is disrupting me-Now what? (SLT1)Director - Innovation & Transformation, Africa, Aurecon Mr Abbas Jamie

17h45 Introduction of Students Presenting Research (NEB F)

18h05 Exhibition and poster/model viewing by guests (NEB F)

18h45 Prizes for best posters exhibited (NEB F)

19h20 Vote of thanks (NEB F)Inam Kula

19h25 – 20h45 Walk-around (Poster viewing, serving of refreshments and networking) (NEB F)

CONTENTS

01

1. Dean’s message

2. Meet the team

3. Departments/Research in EBE

1. Architecture, Planning and Geomatics

2. Chemical Engineering

3. Civil Engineering

4. Construction Economics and Management

5. Electrical Engineering

6. Mechanical Engineering

4. Research groups

5. Research on exhibit

6. Student index

Dean’s message

03

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)will change theway we live, work and interact with one another. As newtechnology emerges, engineers and built environmentprofessionals can have the chance to shape how weinteract with it and how it affects our lives. To be part ofthe 4IR, they will need to be critical thinkers with socialperceptiveness and the ability to solve complexproblems.

The Faculty has earned an outstanding reputation for its high-quality research, and the widerange of research specialisations makes it a truly unique environment. The Faculty is proudto have 66 NRF research-rated academics in the departments, which means postgraduatestudents have the opportunity of working under supervisors who are recognised by theirpeers as being leading international scholars in their field of research.

Postgraduate students have a critical role to play in contributing to the global challenges,and as an African university, it is important to collaborate, engage, share knowledge andexpertise to address the challenges that face Africa. More than ever, there is a need forsolutions to the many issues surrounding housing, energy, water, climate change, mining,roads and infrastructure.

The EBE Research Expo showcases the research that is responding to the challenges we facein Africa and globally.

Professor Allison Lewis

MEET THE 2019 EBEPGSC

04

Chairperson

Prince Destiny Ugo

Vice Chairperson & Social Responsiveness Chair

Inam Kula

Destiny Ugo is studying an MPhil Specialising inSustainable Mineral Resources Development. His researchis focused on assessing the environmental and socio-economic impacts of utilising fibrous plants in thedevelopment of downstream industry that seeks to addressthe adverse impacts of abandoned mines. This is donethrough conducting a life cycle sustainability assessment(LCSA) of postmining economy using sustainabledevelopment goals as impact indicator. He is passionateabout life-long learning and continuing professionaldevelopment because he knows nothing.

Inam Kula is a Masters in Architecture (MArch Professional)student. Her research is on Enhancing Public Life andPublic spaces in Townships through architecturalinterventions. She is very passionate about rights to the city,social justice, and transformation. She believes through theefficient use of spatial planning and design, her countrycould create better and integrated cities where poor peoplecan be provided with better living environments and moreaccess to opportunities.

05

MEET THE TEAM

Heaven Nemaungane is an Allan Gray Fellow andcurrent RAC 3rd tier treasurer. He is currently takingup an Mphil in Sustainable Mineral ResourcesDevelopment. His project focuses on the role ofagribusiness in the sustainability of miningcommunities during and post closure of mineoperations and its impact on the water-energy-foodsecurity of the rural community.

Secretary GeneralHeaven Nemaungane

Eugene is an MSc in Water Quality Engineeringcandidate student. Native of Cameroon, his researchinvolves the development of a computer model of awastewater treatment unit process (Equalizationtank) which will help in reducing the energyconsumption and improving the treatment process atwastewater treatment plants. Eugene enjoysdeveloping himself by reading books on differenttopics, engaging in physical activities like football,running etc. He hopes to improve the wastewatertreatment process used in Cameroon and Africa as awhole.

Academic ChairEugene Fotso Simo

06

MEET THE TEAM

Tlaleng is enrolled for an MSc (ENG) ChemicalEngineering with the Catalysis Institute in thedepartment of chemical engineering. Her master’sproject aims to appraise the possibility of using MAXphases as electro-catalyst support materials inhydrogen fuel cells. MAX phases are materials thatcombine the best properties of both metals andceramics, the most useful of which being oxidationresistance. She is an enthusiast for getting involved inspaces she occupy and embracing a holistic way ofliving.

TREASURERTlaleng Lemeke

My name is Xihluke Mabasa, currently studying MPhilSpecialising in Sustainable Mineral ResourceDevelopment at the University of Cape Town. Myresearch is about phytomining and seeks to answerthe question: Can fibre-rich plants serve the joint-roleof remediation of degraded mine land andsimultaneously fuel a multi-product value chainthrough clean biomass production?I am passionate about socio-politico-economic andenvironmental issues.“Izwe Lethu”

Transformation ChairXihluke Mabasa

“Our vision is to be visible, serve, and challenge the status quo”2019 EBEPGSC

07

DEPARTMENTS IN EBE

ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING & GEOMATICS

The School of Architecture, Planning & Geomatics at the University of Cape Town isuniquely situated in the context of sub-Saharan Africa Universities, as it is the only oneoffering a wide variety of built environment programmes: Architecture, LandscapeArchitecture, Cities and Regional Planning, Urban Design, Conservation of the BuiltEnvironment, Geomatics and Land Surveying.

Based at a leading African University, with over 600 students and 30 full time academicmembers of staff, the School seeks to be a laboratory for engagement, and in itselfpotentially represents the global south metropolis in miniature. Within this richly diversecontext, students learn to define themselves as they progress through the curriculum,working toward ever greater levels of independence in their research, writing, and design.Beyond the School, Cape Town provides the inspiration and the test ground for our work,allowing students to learn in the context of one of the continent’s more complexmetropolises.

The work of its students and graduates has consistently been prized and recognised innational and international forums, and is at the forefront of engaged scholarship in ameaningful and critical way that can support the spatial and social transformation processof South Africa.

[email protected](+27) 21 650 2795

DEPARTMENTS IN EBE

08

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The Department of Chemical Engineering at UCT is one of six Departments in the Faculty ofEngineering & the Built Environment; the others are Civil, Electrical and MechanicalEngineering; Architecture, Planning and Geomatics; and Construction Economics andManagement.

The Department offers a four-year BSc (Chem Eng), as well as Master’s and doctoral degrees.The MSc (Chem Eng), Phil and the PhD may all be pursued by dissertation only. There is alsoan option to pursue the MSc (Chem Eng) and MPhil by a combination of structuredcoursework and dissertation (60 credits coursework and 120 credits dissertation).

The Department of Chemical Engineering is noted for its vigorous research activity (which isevident in the number of university-accredited research groupings that it hosts), as well as itslarge number of registered postgraduate students.

[email protected](+27) 21 650 2518A Zulu women brewing beer known as “Umqombothi”.

09

DEPARTMENTS IN EBE

[email protected](+27) 21 650 2584 (General Enquiries)

(+27) 21 650 3499 (Postgraduate Admin)

(+27) 650 2580 (Undergraduate Admin)

The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town has an internationalreputation for excellence in research and teaching. It offers a four-year BSc (Civil Engineering)degree programme and several taught postgraduate programmes, as well as supervisedresearch studies leading to Master’s and Doctoral degrees. The current enrolment is 558undergraduate students, 208 postgraduates and 4 post-doctoral Fellows – giving a total of 696students.Postgraduate teaching and research is conducted within the framework of well-establishedresearch groups in the areas of Structural Engineering and Mechanics, GeotechnicalEngineering, Concrete Materials and Technology, Hydraulic Engineering, Water QualityEngineering, Urban Water Management and Transport Studies. Members of staff are part ofuniversity accredited research groupings which include Future Water; Urban Water ResearchUnit, Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit (COMSIRU); Centre for Researchin Computational and Applied Mechanics (CERECAM); Centre for Transport Studies and theAfrican Centre for Cities (ACC).The Department has fruitful collaborative links with several local and overseas universities,and with local industry. Much of the work done by members of staff finds application inindustry. The high quality of the research undertaken by the Department is evidenced by theconsiderable number of peer-reviewed publications in ISI-accredited international journalsproduced by members of staff annually, and the international recognition that members ofstaff enjoy in their areas of research. Members actively participate on the committees of localprofessional bodies, provide expert advice to industry, and serve on the editorial and advisoryboards of various international journals and conferences.

CIVIL ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENTS IN EBE

Research and allied scholarly work in the Construction, Economics and ManagementDepartment falls under two broad themes of property and construction. Five research groupsexamine issues related to infrastructure delivery, construction industry development,wellness in construction, emerging property markets, and facilities management. A numberof cross cutting themes provide diversity and smaller research interest groups; these themesinclude sustainability, project management, human development, property markets andproperty valuations, procurement, and teaching and learning. The Department is home tothe recently formed UCT-Nedbank Urban Real Estate Research Unit.

Strong research links exist with academic institutions in the United Kingdom, Italy, UnitedStates of America, Nigeria, Central and East Africa, as well as with institutions within SouthAfrica. In 2017, a number of papers were published in peer-reviewed local and internationaljournals, frequently with international co-authorship, underscoring the Department’sinternational profile and collaborative research philosophy.

The Department continues its engagement with local and international professionalorganisations; industry; and government and state organisations. Research endeavours byindividual staff have been good in terms of higher degree graduates, attracting researchfunding, and research outputs. The staff received research funding from a variety of sourcesin 2017, namely: the University Research Committee (URC), the National Research Foundation(NRF), the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), and Nedbank Corporate andInvestment Bank (Property Finance Division). In addition, the department boasts a “B2” and a“C2” NRF-rated researchers.

10

CONSTRUCTION ECONOMICS & MANAGEMENT

DEPARTMENTS IN EBE


11

DEPARTMENTS IN EBE

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Electro technologies make a profound impact on us as individuals and as a society. Thesetechnologies revolutionise the way we live; they shift our cultures, our economies and ourdevelopment. New forms of technology, which were once unimaginable, and achieve whatonce seemed impossible, are emerging every day. At the Department of ElectricalEngineering at the University of Cape Town we are at the cutting edge of research andteaching, not just in South Africa, but across Africa and globally. We aim to producegraduates who are innovative and capable of becoming the leaders in their fields. Ourstudents are given an excellent foundation in the principles of electrical engineering. Fromthis base, they develop the ability to conceptualise, and to analyse and solve problems. Ourdepartment’s research projects cover a wide range of subjects, including the investigationof novel computer systems, the simulation of electricity markets, the use of computercontrol and instrumentation to optimise process performance, ecologically sustainablepower generation, radar sensors and telecommunications. We focus on working closelywith industry so that the department remains at the forefront of electrical engineeringtrends worldwide. Become a part of our creative and stimulating degree programmeswhere we aim to solve the very problems whose articulation and analysis is our focus.

[email protected]“The dark continent has always been a star”

(+27) (21) 650 2795

12

DEPARTMENTS IN EBE

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest and most versatile of the engineeringprofessions and offers a wide scope in terms of career opportunities in all areas of industry.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is a dynamic department that offers severalpostgraduate programmes from Postgraduate Diploma through to PhD level. We currentlyhave 3 Engineering Post Doc Fellows, 36 PhD candidates, 64 Master’s, 10 Honours and 10PGDIP students. These programmes covers a range of research areas that include:bio-engineering; materials characterisation; blast resistant structures; metal alloydevelopment; high performance machining and manufacturing; composite materialsprocessing; computational solid mechanics; computational fluid dynamics; aeroelastic andfree-surface modelling; heat transfer optimization; power plant thermofluid processmodelling; power plant materials behaviour; non-destructive evaluation of materials andstructures; robotics; poverty alleviation, energy and developmental needs; climate changemitigation; engineering management and systems theory; and engineering educationresearch.


RESEARCH GROUPS IN EBE

13

Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit

With the ever-increasing potential for injuries and fatalities from impact and blast events,the research focus of the BISRU centre is to reduce risk of injury and save lives throughengineering research. Most of the research carried out in the centre is inter-linked rangingfrom blast and impact loading of structures to material characterisation of composites,metals and biological materials (bones). BISRU is one of the few academic centres in theworld where a blast chamber, Hopkinson bar facilities and drop testers are located withinone footprint.

[email protected]

The African Centre for Cities (ACC) is an interdisciplinary research and teaching programmefocused on quality scholarship regarding the dynamics of unsustainable urbanisationprocesses in Africa, with an eye on identifying systemic responses. The ACC aims toproduce credible new knowledge on the drivers of urban crisis in African cities with an eyeon systemic solutions

[email protected]

African Centre for Cities

14

CeBER strives to equip scientists and engineers at the postgraduate level with expertisethat will allow them to excel in every area of the bioprocess arena and its associatedsectors by using bioprocesses such as waste treatment, environmental engineering,minerals, chemicals, food and pharmaceuticals. Our primary research areas include AlgalBiotechnology, Bioproducts, Biominerals and Water & The Environment.

[email protected]

The Centre for Catalysis concerns itself with both fundamental and applied research anddevelopment in the field of heterogeneous catalysis – encompassing all molecularmodelling, catalyst synthesis, physico-chemical characterisation and performanceevaluation for industrially interesting chemical conversions. The principal fields ofinvestigation include Fisher-Tropsch synthesis, fuel processing chemistries, zeolite/acidcatalysis and catalysis by platinum group metals and gold.

[email protected]


Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research

Centre for Catalysis

15

The Centre for Minerals Research (CMR) is a multi-disciplinary, inter-departmental ResearchCentre with close collaboration with groups in the Department of Physics, MechanicalEngineering and the Centre for Research into Computational and Applied Mechanics(CERECAM). The Centre for Minerals Research conducts research in the areas ofcomminution, classification, froth flotation and process mineralogy.

[email protected]

The membership of Cerecam comprises academic staff members, postdoctoralresearchers and postgraduate students from four departments in EBE and the ScienceFaculty. The principal objective of Cerecam is to provide a coherent focus and point ofinteraction at UCT for research and applications in mechanics by promoting andsupporting fundamental research, applied research, and industrial interaction incomputational and applied mechanics and associated disciplines.

[email protected]

Centre for Research in Computational and Applied Mechanics


Centre for Minerals Research

16

Centre for Research in Engineering Education

The Centre for Research in Engineering Education (CREE) was founded in 1996, with theaim of establishing and promoting engineering education as a viable research field at UCTand in the broader academic community. From its beginnings in engineering education atUCT, CREE has broadened its scope of interest to include educational research in thetertiary sciences and related disciplines. The Centre seeks to develop theoreticallyinformed and research-based ways of understanding teaching and learning in engineering,tertiary science, and related disciplines.

[email protected]

The Centre for Transport Studies is a multidisciplinary research and postgraduate teachingbody. The purpose of the Centre is to stimulate debate and undertake research thatfocuses on the equity, sustainability and efficiency problems associated with urbanpassenger transport systems in South African cities, and on the development of practicesand skills that are consistent with the goals and objectives of contemporary andprogressive policies. The Centre’s priorities in curriculum development, and in undertakingresearch, are to contribute to the equitable, efficient and safe accommodation of the travelneeds of poorer households within urban passenger transport systems, and to thepromotion of more efficient and sustainable travel behaviour patterns and transportsystem operations.

[email protected]

Centre for Transport Studies


17

The Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit (CoMSIRU) is a majorresearch entity in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town. Theunit’s research is focused on quality, durability and sustainability of concrete construction,structural health monitoring, structural integrity assessment, and repair & rehabilitationstrategies for concrete structures. “The guiding principle for CoMSIRU is developing high-level manpower for industry, research and academia, while engaging in innovative andimpactful research. We endeavour to foster a collaborative attitude, critical thinking, andindependent views among students and encourage them to work in teams whereverpossible.

[email protected]

The main aim of the Crystallisation and precipitation Research Unit is to advance existingfundamental knowledge in the fields of crystallization and precipitation, especially relatedto the South African and International mineral processing and extractive metallurgyindustries. The unit focuses on two main areas of research which are optimisingprecipitation in hydrometallurgical processes and development of innovative technologiesfor mining wastewater treatment. Research Focus and Project Areas include eutectic freezeCrystallisation, rhodium deta precipitation fundamentals of precipitation processes inwater treatment, metal sulphide and hydroxide precipitation and selenium precipitationthermodynamics and kinetics

[email protected]

Crystallisation and precipitation Research Unit


Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit

The Energy Research Centre is a multi-disciplinary research centre which pursuesexcellence in technology, policy and sustainable development research, education andcapacity building programmes at a local and international level. The ERC has led thedevelopment of South African energy policy throughout the transition to democracy. Theinterdisciplinary mix of the Cente'rs staff enables us to provide balanced insight intoenergy problems pertinent to Africa. This is reflected in the major research focus areas,which are energy, poverty and development, energy efficiency, energy systems analysisand planning, energy, environment and climate change and renewable energy.

18

[email protected]

The Environmental & Process Systems Engineering (E&PSE) work on environmental issuesof the resource-based process industries, and explore the use of process and systemsengineering skills to solve environmental problems in development contexts. We engagewith the diverse worlds of the New Product Developer, the Process Design Team, theEnvironmental Engineering Consultancy, the Corporate Sustainability Analyst, the UrbanSustainability Analyst and the Environmental Regulator, wherever they are concerned withthe processing of Biomass, Water, Recyclables or Minerals. Their challenges are to createopportunities, back them with efficient technology, and influence their organisations orclients to make decisions that help our society to develop sustainably. Our work is stronglyincorporated into two signature research themes of the University of Cape Town: ‘Mineralsto Metals’ and ‘African Urbanism’. Equally, we have a strong collaboration with the nationalBiofuels research chair at the University of Stellenbosch.

[email protected]


Energy Research Centre

Environmental & Process Systems Engineering

Future Water is a transdisciplinary research institute at the University of Cape Town thataddresses issues of water scarcity in South Africa. It recognizes the importance ofintegrating technical, social, environmental and economic perspectives towards robustsustainable solutions. To this end the Institute provides the space for discipline specialistsas well as generalists across the faculties of Humanities, Law, Commerce, Health Science,Science, and Engineering and the Built Environment to interact and develop approachesaimed at addressing critical issues, holistically and together. Current research focus areasinclude, inter alia, groundwater, water treatment, water supply, sanitation and drainage,wastewater treatment, acid mine drainage, water recycling, water sensitive design, watereconomics, water equity, water governance, water and health.

Future Water

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[email protected]

The Minerals to Metals Initiative was born of the realisation that making mineralbeneficiation activities more sustainable means that the selection, design and operation ofminerals-to-metals processes and technology options must take place within the contextof environmental, economic and socio-political considerations. Minerals to Metals hasresearch areas in acid rock drainage mitigation, energy optimization, mine safety projects,mineral beneficiation, mineral carbonation, process optimization, mineral value chains,strategic minerals, technical innovation, value from waste and licence to operate

[email protected]

Minerals to Metals


The EBE postgraduate student council research group is a student centred research grouprun under the EBEPGSC. This research group was established in 2018 and focuses itsresearch in multi-disciplinary issues regarding students. In 2018, the research group isfocusing on its first report which is titled “The student cost of living and funding outlook”.

EBE Postgraduate StudentCouncil Research group

20

[email protected]

The main aim of the UCT-Nedbank Urban Real Estate Research Unit is to provide a uniqueinter-disciplinary research platform for academia that promotes the identification of issuesand seeks solutions to urban real estate. The unit focuses on four main areas of researchurban Real Estate Markets, Dynamics and Trends. urban Real Estate Investment andFinance. Urban Land Economics and Management. and African Urban Real Estate Markets.The research focus and project areas include residential real estate markets, commercialreal estate markets, urban management and African urban real estate markets.

[email protected]

UCT-Nedbank Urban Real Estate Research Unit


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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH

In 2016, I graduated with a BSc. (Eng) in ChemicalEngineering. It was also the year that I found my realpassion: education. My interest in research stems frommy final year project which focused on comparing theexperiences of science and engineering studentsduring their undergraduate degrees. This sparked theflame of my master’s thesis which once again focuseson students and how they develop into T-shapedindividuals. Other than constant self-reflection andimprovement, my personal goal is to remain open-

ALEXANDRA HIMUNCHUL

SupervisorProf. J. Broadhurst ([email protected]), Mrs. A. Gwynne-Evans and Mr. L. Himunchul

DepartmentChemical Engineering, Minerals to Metals

Research TitleCreating T-shaped individuals through the Master of Philosophyspecialising in Sustainable Mineral Resource Development programme atthe University of Cape Town

minded so that I can keep learning. This is because I believe that empowerment may be best achieved through education. Whether it be the unwritten stories of our ancestors or a formal university lecture, education is the key to both personal development and sustainable development.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: ALEXANDRA HIMUNCHUL

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has ushered in the transformation of productionsystems, organisations, governments, social networks and knowledge systems. This hascaused industry to change the way it perceives and responds to challenges concerningsustainable development. This is particularly the case for the mining and primary mineralssector needing to deal with the implications of increased production costs and volatilemetal markets in the face of growing legislative and socio-political pressures that threatenboth the industry’s financial viability and its licence to operate.

These challenges give rise to the need for more robust, versatile and resilientprofessionals who are capable of adapting to and working in a variety of technological,cultural and societal contexts. These individuals are known as T-shaped individuals. TheseT-shaped individuals are embedded in one discipline or knowledge system and also havebroad-based skills and competencies which allow them to expand their understanding ofand communication with other disciplines and stakeholders.

It is in this context that the Minerals to Metals Initiative at the University of Cape Town setout to develop the Master of Philosophy specialising in Sustainable Mineral ResourceDevelopment (M.Phil. SMRD), in order to create and develop T-shaped individuals who areable to engage as part of multi-disciplinary teams to develop sustainable solutions tocomplex problems. This project seeks to assess the extent to which participants within theprogramme identify themselves as T-shaped professionals and to assess participants’understanding of what it is to be a T-shaped individual.

This is achieved through in-depth interviews with the M.Phil. SMRD participants andcourse developers, as well as accessing questionnaire data from participants.Questionnaire data to date observed that 92% of M.Phil. SMRD participants whoresponded to the questionnaire would consider themselves T-shaped individuals at theend of the first year of M.Phil. SMRD. Interviews conducted to date consolidate theunderstanding of the development of T-shaped individuals. The interviews so far statethat participants think, live and behave differently after their M.Phil. SMRD experiences.The results suggest that the M.Phil. SMRD shapes T-shaped individuals who can applytheir knowledge actively and practically.

ABSTRACT

23

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: ALEXANDRA HIMUNCHUL

Critical engagement with the responses of the M.Phil. SMRD participants provide uniqueinsights into the requirements for developing and promoting a new trans-disciplinarity inthe higher education sector within the context of the sustainable development of mineralresources. Additionally, by shaping professionals who are able to engage critically andconstructively with stakeholders in the minerals sector, the M.Phil. SMRD contributes todeveloping future leaders in Africa.

Keywords: T-shaped individuals, Trans-disciplinarity, Sustainable Development

ABSTRACT

24


I graduated from the Federal University ofTechnology Akure, Nigeria in 2015 with a second classupper from electrical electronics engineeringdepartment.

The continued pursuit of development and refiningmyself led me to UCT. I am currently at theconcluding stages of my MSc Eng. Degree.I do hope to complete a doctoral degree before I am30 years old.

AZEEZ OLADOYIN OLASOJI

SupervisorDr. David T.O. Oyedokun ([email protected])

DepartmentElectrical Engineering, Power systems research group

Research TitleEconomic Impact of Load Shedding on the South African Economy

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: AZEEZ OLADOYIN OLASOJI

Main authorCo-authors

POSTER/MODELSouth Africa (SA) in recent years has initiated rolling blackouts due to inadequate generationcapacity. Eskom-South Africa stated that it is currently facing a shortage of electricity in itspower grid with its reserve margin below 8% which is below the internationally acceptablestandard of 15%. The study of the economic impact of these load shedding events on the SAeconomy is significant for South Africa because of the reliance of its socioeconomic activitieson its electricity infrastructure. Appropriate investment is required to improve the reliabilityof the grid. This improvement can only be carried out if proper evaluation of the potentialmacro-economic interruption cost is assessed to inform adequate policy initiatives toimprove grid reliability. The framework employed in this study to assess interruption costaccounts for the interdependencies and interconnectedness that characterizes moderneconomies, it depicts the inter-sectoral economic flows across the sectors in SA, which is notconsidered in a micro level framework that utilizes firm level survey data which is subjective.The macro-economic data utilized in the study was obtained from StatsSA, the statisticsbody of South Africa. The data is objective and follows a structured process and conforms tothe United Nations system of national accounts. The macro-economic model used toevaluate the macro-economic cost of electricity interruptions in SA is the dynamicinoperable input output model (DIIM). The model takes into account factors such aseconomic resilience of the various sectors to supply disruption, as well as the durationcomponent of interruption.

ABSTRACT

Figure 1 shows that for an interruptionduration that lasts for 12 hours, theeconomic sectors in SA incurs a loss ofapproximately R567 million Rands. Eskominitiates different stages of load sheddingfrom stage 1 to 4 equating to shedding upto 1000MW, 2000MW, 3000MW and 4000MWfor the different stages of load shedding toavoid an entire collapse of the electricitygrid.

0

100

200

300

400

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Tota

l Eco

nom

ic L

oss

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)

Time (Hrs)Figure 1: Total Economic Loss of Sectors over a 12Hour Interruption Duration

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: AZEEZ OLADOYIN OLASOJI


POSTER/MODEL

ABSTRACT

The various stages of load shedding require on average most electricity customers toexperience supply disruption of up to 2.5 hours at a time, whereas some customers mayexperience disruption up to 4.5 hours at a time if the stage 4 load shedding is initiated. Thepotential economic cost incurred for each interruption event would cost SA approximatelyR400 million for a 2.5-hour outage and approximately R470 million for an outage lasting 4.5-hours.

The economic impact of load shedding has a crippling effect on a growing economy like SA.It is hoped that the estimates will be of value to policy makers in providing solutions toensure appropriate measures are taken to curb electricity interruption.

Keywords: Interruption Cost, DIIM

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I graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in Mining Engineering from the College ofEngineering, University of Liberia. I am currently amaster’s postgraduate student in theHydrometallurgy Research Group.

My interest in academia and career advancementdrives my motivation for research. With the hopeof a future profession in academics, by God’sgrace, I am cognizant that harnessing my research

BORBOR A.K.K. GIBSON

SupervisorProf. Jochen Petersen ([email protected])

DepartmentChemical Engineering, Hydrometallurgy Research Group

Research TitleResidence Time Investigation of Artificial Silver Ores in Heap Leaching Using Cyanide Lixiviant

capability is a drive for me to be efficient and effective in the provision of adequatesolutions/proxies in my research interest area or related fields.It is my anticipation to be able to communicate, apply, share, learn, and navigatedeeper into developing innovation through investigations to expand my network-based and increase future collaborative works. I am desirous of making research a wayof life. This thought prompts me of the time and rigorous efforts I need to import toachieve academic success while having fun with it.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: BORBOR A.K.K. GIBSON

Heap leaching is a technology utilized in the leaching of low-grade ores. Leach solutionsare applied at the top to trickle down through a packed bed of ore. Ore particlesdistributed in packed beds are of different sizes, which suggest that solutions travelingthrough the bed invariably exhibit random flow along discrete channels. The distributionof solution flow is such that some fluid moves fast, while other moves slowly, convolutingthrough the bed interstices; hence different residence times.

Residence time distribution (RTD) studies have shown that heap-leaching operation canbe approximated as a column with flow performance similar to that of plug-flow reactors(PFR) (Fig. 1) [1, 2]. However, RTD through packed columns of ore determined in a numberof investigations have shown to resemble RTD conditions in continuous stirred tankreactor (CSTR) more than the expected plug-flow reactor (Fig. 2) [3, 4]. CSTR operatescontrary in concept where solution and particles, are well mixed. Considering the staticphysical nature of heap operation, this observation is entirely unanticipated as no mixingoccurs in the packed bed. In order to investigate this contradiction, it is postulated that anovel approach, utilizing a reactive lixiviant tracer on an ore with known metalconcentration, perceives the flow through the ore bed as penetrating a convolutedbundle of channels of differing lengths. Experimental data from this approach canelucidate distinction between the proposed multi-channel PFR model and CSTRbehaviour.

The project will use laboratory column reactors that will contain manufactured porousartificial silver ore with a known silver grade to study the residence time distribution andthus flow behaviour using potassium nitrate as non-reactive tracer in conventional RTDand reactive (cyanide solution) tracers in the innovative RTD approach. Chemical leachingand X-ray computed tomography imaging would be performed in characterization studiesto deepen the understanding of the RTD investigations.

.


POSTER/MODEL

ABSTRACT

Figure 1: Column plug flow behaviour [1] Figure 2: Column CSTR flow behaviour [2]

Keywords: RTD, Heap Leaching, Plug flow[1] Dixon, D. G., & Hendrix, J. L. (1993). A mathematical model for heap leaching of one or more solid reactants from porous ore pellets. Metallurgical Transactions B, 24(6), 1087-1102.[2] Bouffard, S. C., & Dixon, D. G. (2001). Investigative study into the hydrodynamics of heap leaching processes. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 32(5), 763-776.[3] Cherkaev, A., 2019. The art of soaking rocks: systematic study of liquid and solute flow in packed rock beds in the context of heap leaching.Ph.D. Thesis. University of Cape Town.[3] Govender, E., Bryan, C.G., Harrison, S.T.L., 2015b. A novel experimental system for the study of microbial ecology and mineral leaching within a simulated agglomerate scale heapbioleaching system. Biochem. Eng. J. 95, 86–97.

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I am currently doing my MSc. degree in ElectricalEngineering focusing on Smart Grid Protection.I completed my undergraduate studies fromKNUST Ghana in 2017 with first class honors inElectrical and Electronic Engineering.

I love to teach, and this can be ascribed to growingup explaining difficult concepts to my colleagues.My passion to learn and know more ledme to take up a postgraduate research right aftermy honors degree in 2018.

BRIGHT TETTEH

SupervisorsMrs Kehinde Awodele ([email protected]) and Prof Komla Folly([email protected])

DepartmentElectrical Engineering, Power Research Group

Research TitleImplementation of Wide Area Protection in Smart Distribution Grids

As a potential leader, I know wherever you are, you can make impact to transformhumanity. One of my main goal is to transform humanity through knowledge andleadership. And this can be achieved in academia or industry. I am working towardsbeing in a capacity where I can make impact positively on humanity.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: BRIGHT TETTEH


POSTER/MODEL

ABSTRACT

Figure 1. the smart grid (a) and the traditional grid (b)

The advancement in science and technology has brought about new methods and waysfor power system operation. Today, we have the vision for the future electrical power gridknown as ‘smart grid’, better defined as the convergence of information communicationtechnology with electrical power system to ensure safe, efficient, reliable and cost-effective power delivery. Unlike the traditional grid where there is only one-way flow ofinformation and power, the smart grid has bi-directional flow of information and powerdue to the integration of Renewable Energy Resources (RERs) and DistributedGenerations (DGs). The RERs and DGs are a major component of the smart grid to ensurethat; supply meets demand, power generation is environmentally friendly and a reliablepower supply.

(a) (b)

However, these new improvements and means of power generation is making the powersystem more complex and poses a serious challenge to the protection system; anessential aspect of the power system. Traditional protection schemes cannot be used insmart grids as they were built on principles of on-way power flow with one source ofgeneration and a fixed network topology, but these are not the case in smart grids.Protection schemes based on wide area information obtained from Phasor MeasurementUnits (PMUs) have become the resort for power system engineers.

The communication speed required for primary protection in a power system is so highthat current communication technologies available are unable to process the wide areainformation within the required time and provide instantaneous or fast protection asneeded in primary protection, hence wide area protection schemes are mainly used asbackup protection. 5th generation cellular mobile network (5G) is in the pipeline withhuge capabilities; one of which includes the ability to provide Ultra Reliable Low LatencyCommunication (URLLC).

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: BRIGHT TETTEH


POSTER/MODEL

ABSTRACT

This research is looking at leveraging on 5G communication technology to improve uponthe use of wide area information for smart distribution grid protection. The work of thisresearch will present a real time hardware-in-the-loop implementation (the best modernmethod for testing power system algorithms) using OPAL-RT digital Simulator,MATLAB/Simulink and SEL relays on IEEE 13-bus smart distribution system.

Keywords: Smart Grid, Protection, Hardware-in-the-loop, Wide Area Information

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I graduated with a BSc in Chemical Engineering(first class honours) from UCT in 2015. My finalyear thesis topic was: The importance of locationon water footprint: A case study of the commercialbeef value chain in South Africa. My thesis partnercontinued our work, and it was published in theJournal of Cleaner Production in 2016. Aftergraduating I worked for two years for a companythat provides turn-key solutions in the water,wastewater and biogas sector. I worked on three

CAITLIN COURTNEY

SupervisorsDr. Dyllon Randall ([email protected])

DepartmentCivil Engineering, Future Water Institute

Research TitleUpcycling Urine: Developing a reverse osmosis process to concentrate and recover nutrients from source-separated urine

projects: UV disinfection of wastewater as an alternative to chlorination, thermophilicdigestion of primary and waste activated sludge, and nutrient and energy recoveryfrom poultry manure using the Poul-AR® process. During this time, I realised mystrongest skill-set was in research/academia and with the knowledge I had gainedduring my time working I felt I would now be able to choose a research topic I was trulypassionate about. My future career goal is to complete a PhD and become an academicin the field of water quality. I would also like to see the project I am currently workingon make it from the lab to full-scale commercial operation.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: CAITLIN COURTNEY

Urine contains three key elements of inorganic fertilisers; phosphorous, nitrogen, andpotassium, that could be recovered to offset the need to produce synthetic ammonia viathe energy intensive Haber-Bosch process and mine for phosphate rock (a non-renewableresource). In addition, the urea in urine can be used to make bio-bricks via a naturalmicrobial process, and the phosphate present in human urine can be used to producestruvite or calcium phosphate (both inorganic fertilisers). Urine, therefore, has thepotential to be a viable resource with a variety of applications.

In addition, reducing the amount of urine sent to traditional wastewater treatmentfacilities could result in these facilities becoming net energy produces while also limitingthe impact on the environment. The current challenges facing the separation of urine fromwastewaters and the recovery of resources from it are collection methods and transportlogistics. The main constituent of urine is water, therefore, a viable method for theconcentration of urine would improve the transport logistics and potentially produce aliquid fertiliser as a commercial product. There are many proposed methods for theconcentration of urine, such as; evaporation by distillation, freeze-thaw, electrodialysis,and reverse osmosis (RO). RO is the least studied method and could provide aneconomically viable, large-scale concentration method that provides both a concentratedliquid fertilizer product and water.

This research is the first of its kind to assess the concentration of urine treated withcalcium hydroxide (lime) via RO. The addition of lime prevents the hydrolyses of urea andresults in phosphate removal via calcium phosphate (fertiliser) precipitation. Previousresearch focused on the recovery of ammonia via RO, however when urine is stabilised,the nitrogen remains in the form of urea and thus allows for maximum nitrogen recovery.The objective of this research is to develop a membrane separation process thatmaximises the volume reduction and nutrient recovery from source-separated urine anddetermine the economic feasibility of the process on a commercial scale.

ABSTRACT

34


Carol Z. Ngwenya is a PhD candidate at the Centre forBioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER) in theDepartment of Chemical Engineering at UCT. Herresearch focuses on converting waste to energy underthe supervision of Prof. Sue Harrison and Dr MarietteSmart. She is a Biotechnology graduate from the CapePeninsula University of Technology and currentlyholds a MTech: Environmental Health obtained in2017. She further pursued a MSc degree in ChemicalEngineering at UCT, 2017 and upgraded to PhD inNovember 2018. Her interest in research is inspired by

CAROL ZETHU NGWENYA

SupervisorsDr M. Smart & Prof Sue Harrison

DepartmentChemical Engineering, Center of Bioprocess Engineering (CeBER)

Research TitleImproved bioethanol production from Zymomonas mobilis utilising sugar-rich wastes as feedstocks

her passion and desire to build a body of interdisciplinary knowledge to effectivelyfacilitate sustainable development within South Africa. As South Africa moves towardsimplementation of a bio-based economy she hopes to be part of the generation that willpioneer and lead the development of a sustainable bio-based economy

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: CAROL ZETHU NGWENYA

Solid waste management in South Africa is a major challenge, and the current wastedisposal methods have raised significant environmental concerns. The National WasteResearch, Development and Innovations (RDI) program, initiated by the DST, developed astrategy for waste management. This program is aimed at minimising the quantity ofwaste going into landfills and redirecting it towards alternative valorisation routes.Valorisation of waste streams results in increased resource efficiency for industriesproducing commodity products thereby reducing their environmental footprint. Readilyavailable wastes, such as carbohydrate-rich waste streams, have been identified assuitable target feedstocks for bioenergy production.

Bioenergy has the potential to extend and diversify energy supply, therefore minimisingdependence on fossil fuels. Food waste is one of the largest waste streams going intolandfills (Oliveira & Doelle, 2015). These wastes originate from food processing plants,domestic and commercial kitchens and have potential to be valorised to produce value-added products due to their high carbohydrate content. A single confectionerymanufacturing site can generate up to 625 tonnes of sugar-rich waste per year. Thecarbohydrate content of confectionery waste makes it an ideal bioprocess feedstock forrenewable energy production.

This project is aimed at investigating the feasibility of using sugar rich wastes such asconfectionery waste as feedstocks for bioethanol production using Zymomonas mobilis asproduction strain.

Bioethanol production using Z. mobilis ATCC 31821 was achieved through anaerobiccultivation in medium containing confectionery or synthetic sugar mixes to simulateproducts such as hard candy, chocolate or marshmallows as carbon (C) sourcesupplemented with essential nutrients. Fermentation studies were carried out in 7 L NewBrunswick Bioreactors at a 5 L working volume, 30°C and 200 rpm agitation speed. Z.mobilis cell biomass concentration, sugar utilisation rate and efficiency and bioethanolproduction were measured for each confectionery product used as C source. Conditionsfor the increased bioethanol production efficiency was further optimised based on theresults achieved.


POSTER/MODEL

ABSTRACT

36

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: CAROL ZETHU NGWENYA

Zymomonas mobilis could successfully co-ferment the mixed sugar waste stream for growthand subsequent ethanol production. However, at 30°C low ethanol concentrations wereachieved with a product yield coeffient of 0.19 g/g were reported when sucrose and thesimulated sugar mix was used as carbon source. This is thought to be because of thediversion of carbon from bioethanol production to the production of an extracellularpolysaccharide, levan.

Sucrose utilisation in Z. mobilis is facilitated by a levansucrase enzyme consisting of twosubunits, the first catalyses the hydrolysis of sucrose while the second polymerises thefructose released to levan (Lee et al, 1981). By increasing the fermentation temperature to37°C, previously suggested to inactivate the polymerisation activity of the enzyme(Sangiliyandi et al., 1999). Increasing the fermentation temperature to 37°C resulted inimproved bioethanol, with a product yield coeffient of 0.41 g/g. This also shows that Z.mobilis is a suitable fermentation strain from bioethanol production when mixed sugar wastestreams are utilised as feedstocks.


POSTER/MODEL

ABSTRACT

37


Chelsea Tucker is currently completing her PhD at theCatalysis Institute, University of Cape Town. Herresearch focuses on developing a small-scale plantthat can convert organic waste into a combination ofbiofuel (jet fuel or diesel) and electricity using theFischer-Tropsch process.

She first entered the research space due to a passionfor design and in the hopes that she could createsomething valuable to enhance African cities. Herdream is to work on greenfield bio-energy projectsabroad after graduation with a long-term goal to usethis industrial knowledge to enhance the energysector in Southern Africa.

CHELSEA TUCKER

SupervisorsProf Eric van Steen

DepartmentChemical Engineering

Research TitleOpportunities in Plain Sight: Designing a catalyst for small-scale Fischer-Tropsch waste-to-fuels

38

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: CHELSEA TUCKER

The Fischer-Tropsch process is a well-established method that can convert carbon matterinto diesel, petrol and jet fuel [1]. In the past, Fischer-Tropsch fuels were produced fromcoal and natural gas rather than biomass or waste. Whilst the conversion of waste-to-fuelswould dramatically decrease carbon emissions, [2], the feedstock needs to be used closeto the source [2]. This means that unlike coal-to-liquid and or gas-to-liquid plants, waste-to-liquid plants need to be small-scale. However, Fischer-Tropsch plants are capitalintensive [3] and small-scale operations will be limited by economies of scale. Theeconomic viability of small-scale, biomass-to-liquid plants thus relies on designimprovements that promote simplicity and cost effectiveness.Removing the air separation plant (O2 plant, see Fig. 1), which costs up to 17% of the entireprocess, and thus operating the system in a simple once-through Fischer-Tropsch reactorconfiguration could be a practical way to make the process simpler and cheaper.However, this requires a high Fischer-Tropsch conversion per pass (XCO). This means thatthe reactor must operate with a high partial pressure of H2O and low partial pressures ofCO and H2 (see Fig. 1).Unfortunately, these conditions have a negative effect on the activity, selectivity andstability of the catalyst (platinum-promoted cobalt on alumina) within the Fischer-Tropschreactor. For instance, the selectivity at very high conversions (> 75%) is shifted towardsunfavourable products such as methane and carbon dioxide (see Fig 1.). The catalyst alsoexperiences deactivation due to cobalt oxidation and the formation of cobalt aluminate.

ABSTRACT

Figure 1: Design configuration of Fischer-Tropsch process with and without recycle, illustrating the internalpartial pressures of H2O, H2 and CO as well as the selectivity changes at low (with recycle) and high(without recycle) conversion.

Altering the catalyst by the addition of manganese as a catalyst promoter and zincaluminate as a support have been shown to counter-act these negative effects, thusmaking operation of a simple once-through waste-to-fuel plant practical.[1] M.E. Dry, High quality diesel via the Fischer-Tropsch process - A review, J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol. 77 (2002) 43–50. doi:10.1002/jctb.527.[2] G. Liu, E.D. Larson, R.H. Williams, T.G. Kreutz, X. Guo, Making Fischer−Tropsch Fuels and Electricity from Coal and Biomass: Performance and Cost Analysis, Energy & Fuels. 25 (2011) 415–437. doi:10.1021/ef101184e.[3] R. Zennaro, Fischer – Tropsch Process Economics, Greener Fischer-Tropsch Process. (2013) 149–169.

39


• Education history:

Undergraduate – University of Kwa-Zulu NatalDegree: B.Sc. Engineering (Electronic)

• Why you decided to do research:

To improve my career prospects in Research and Development.Self-development.

• Your personal goals

Expand my network

CHERISKA POLTON

SupervisorsProf E.Boje ([email protected])

DepartmentElectrical Engineering, ATPROM

Research TitleControl of Main Steam Temperatures

40

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: CHERISKA POLTON

Primary objectiveThe present control philosophy accuracy of main steam temperatures at Eskom coal firedpower plants will be evaluated. This can also be compared to the latest technology andcontrol strategies. By improving and optimizing steam temperature controls ensures designefficiency while maintaining long term plant health.

Problem description / hypothesisMain steam temperatures play a significant role in large coal fired power plant operation.Ideally, to protect the thick wall components against long term overheating and thermalstress, the main steam temperatures should be controlled accurately to meet the designconditions at the steam turbine inlet. High steam temperatures are beneficial for thermalefficiency, however, creep damage in high temperature components is accelerated which isdetrimental to the life of components.Control of the outlet steam temperature according to design conditions at variable loads ismaintained via a balance between heat input (flue gas temperature and mass flow rate),evaporator outlet steam mass flow and spray water. In addition to the accuracy of control,the idea of minimizing attemperator spray water consumption will be considered as this hasa direct indication of the main steam flue gas temperatures. High flue gas temperaturesincrease the main steam outlet temperature which indirectly reduces thermal efficiency.Increased reheater attemperation effects cycle efficiency as steam going to the HP turbine isreduced.

Hypothesis1) Highest available bandwidth control of each stage may not be the “best” in terms of

plant life and thermodynamic efficiency2) A multivariable solution may improve control performance

Proposed Research ActivitiesThe level of discretization applied in simplifying the real boiler for modelling purposes will beapproached at a relatively high level. The intention will be to model normal operation andcertain transients such as variable heat input, load changes and turbine trips to see the effecton steam temperature and be able to evaluate the performance of different temperaturecontrol techniques.

ABSTRACT

41

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: CHERISKA POLTON

To evaluate various controls, a thermo-fluid transient process model of a convection pass ofa typical large coal fired boiler shall be set up in Flownex. Initially, a single superheater passwill be used to understand the control performance under varying plant conditions using astandard cascaded arrangement.

This will incorporate a robust control design and engineering requirements such asbandwidth, plant life, spray water and thermodynamic efficiency. Once the single first stagesuperheater controls are established, and results are verified, the remaining threesuperheater arrangements will be linked to the single superheater arrangement model to seeif there are any benefits with regards to this as a multivariable system. A robust controller willbe designed using the Quantitative Feedback Theory toolbox in Matlab.

Keywords: Convective Pass; Flownex, Quantitative Feedback Theory

ABSTRACT

42


I was born and raised in the beautiful city ofBulawayo, Zimbabwe. After my Advanced levelstudies, I was accepted into the Civil and WaterEngineering Honours programme at the NationalUniversity of Science and Technology (NUST-ZW).I believe it was during my yearlong internship withthe City of Bulawayo’s Engineering department,which was a requirement for my degree, that Ibecame drawn to the numerous issues involvingwater supply and distribution, more so in a water-stressed city. As a result, I decided to conduct myfinal year project on water distribution systems.

CRAIG TINASHE TANYANYIWA

SupervisorsProf Hans Beushausen ([email protected]) and Prof Jakobus van Zyl ([email protected])

DepartmentCivil Engineering , Water Distribution Systems Research Group

Research TitleTowards Practical Pressure-Based Leakage Characterisation of Water Distribution Pipes with A Novel Pipe Condition Assessment Device

My final year project sought to address the problem of water losses due to pipe burstswithin our university which I believed were due to pressure variations in our network. Myliterature review led me to contact a few academics working in the field, one of whichwas Professor Jakobus van Zyl who then invited me to join his research group at UCT.I am very passionate about water and I believe there are so many issues we still need toaddress in the sector, and because I want to be part of that endeavour I hope to pursue acareer that allows me to directly address these issues. My immediate goal, however, is toenrol for a hydraulics focused PhD after I complete my master’s degree.

43

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: CRAIG TINASHE TANYANYIWA

Water losses have, unfortunately, become a common feature in water distribution networks.Such that water utilities with poorly maintained systems often face water losses of up to 50%of the water that enters the system. Concurrently and in response to increased water scarcityand projected population growth, the water sector has had to become more astute with theway water is supplied and used, more so, in Africa. This has led to an increased awareness ofwater losses and leakage detection.

However, existing leakage detection and water distribution networks (WDN) assessmentprogrammes are expensive and often rely on complex, data-intensive models which mostmunicipalities currently do not possess. Furthermore, the existing leakage detection methodsfail to identify and characterise the leakage while simultaneously assessing the condition ofthe WDN. This function is desirable as knowledge of the network parameters aids in activelyreducing water losses through planned infrastructure maintenance programmes.Consequently, most municipalities and water companies forgo regular water distributionnetwork condition assessments and often resort to addressing maintenance issues as theyarise.

A cloud-linked device was thus developed which can simultaneously detect and characteriseleakage while assessing the condition of the WDN to aid in producing an improved assetmanagement plan. The device utilises a practical cost-effective method that can detect andtrack leakage through a process that ensures little disruption to the consumers' water supply.In this study, the device will be used to characterise leakage and assess the systemconditions in water networks. Initially, the efficacy and reliability of the device will beassessed by conducting laboratory tests on 3 known leak types on a standardised model.Laboratory tests on a model water distribution network will also be conducted, and theresults thereof will be compared with the laboratory findings.

Through these tests, the leakage parameters for typical leak types in the laboratory and in amodel WDN will also be obtained Additionally, the device will be calibrated, and its efficacyand reliability established. This is important as presently; no device exists that can detect andcharacterise leakage in WDN. This creates a knowledge gap which this study seeks to bridge.

Keywords: Condition Assessment, Leakage, Water Losses

ABSTRACT

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I am a research engineer who thrives off learningnew technical information and contributes to thebody of knowledge. With a First Class BachelorDegree in Civil engineering from the University ofBenin, Nigeria and currently studying towards anMSc Geotechnical Engineering, University of CapeTown, I have always wanted to be an engineer witha difference and touch lives in the process.With the practical skills, excellent communicationskills and innovative skills I develop through the

DANIEL ADELEKE

SupervisorsA/Prof. Denis Kalumba ([email protected])

DepartmentCivil Engineering, Geotechnical Research Group

Research TitleAn investigation into asperities effect on geotextile-geomembrane interface shear characteristics

research journey, I would be able to reach my professional goals. In addition, mypersonal goals include improving the awareness of sustainable foundation designs,especially in regions where collapses are reoccurring and to bring to reality thepractice of efficient waste management system in my home country.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: DANIEL ADELEKE

Geomembranes are sheets of polymeric material which are used as liquid barriers ingeotechnical engineering structures due to their low permeability and high chemicalresistance characteristics. These membranes are classified into various categories one ofwhich is the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) group. This class of geomembranes isfrequently used in lateral barrier and landfill cover applications owing to its ultravioletprotection and ageing resistance. In these landfill applications, HDPE is often used incombination with geotextiles, where the geotextile acts as a cushioning layer for thegeomembrane against the material above it.

Studies show that most failures in landfills are as the result of low frictional resistance at thegeotextile-geomembrane interface, hence, it is referred to as a critical interface in the landfillliner system. From years of geosynthetics usage and application, it has been identified thatvarying geomembrane asperities can increase frictional resistance and shear strength at theinterface. However, studies to investigate and determine the effects of asperities ongeotextile-geomembrane interface shear characteristics are limited.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of altering geomembrane surface asperitieson the shear strength characteristics between the geotextile (both polyester andpolypropylene) and the HDPE-geomembrane. The geotextile-geomembrane interfaces weretested using the large direct shear box (300mm by 300mm) in accordance with ASTM D5321(2014) to determine the interface parameters (adhesion and friction angle) and otherinfluencing factors. These parameters are a function of the HDPE asperity height, density, andconfiguration.

The results show that even when asperity density is kept constant and height was increasedby approximately 14%, the friction angle increased by 18%. In addition, results reveal that thisinterface shear strength parameter can be increased by up to 40.85% when asperity density isincreased by 100% and asperity height remains constant. It is therefore evident that bothasperity height and density affect the shear parameter characteristics. However, asperityheight is more sensitive than asperity density. The outcome of this research will, therefore,enable geosynthetics manufacturers to improve on the design geosynthetics with theknowledge regarding interface shear characteristics’ relationship with asperities.

Keywords: Asperities, HDPE, geotextile, interface, shear strength

ABSTRACT

46


I matriculated from Abbotts College, Claremont in2013, and pursued my tertiary education inChemical Engineering at the University of CapeTown (UCT) where I graduated in 2017 with Firstclass honours.

Currently I am completing a Master of Science(MSc) degree in the Catalysis Institute, focusing onnitrogen containing compounds production in theFischer-Tropsch synthesis via ammonia co-feeding(i.e. nitrogen source).

DANIELLE GOHO

SupervisorsProf. M. Claeys ( [email protected]) and Associate Prof. N. Fischer ([email protected])

DepartmentChemical Engineering , Catalysis Institute

Research TitleSelective production of nitrogen-containing compounds via a modified Fischer-Tropsch process

My decision to pursue a postgraduate study emerged from my desire to expand myskills, i.e. problem solving, technical, communication and team skills, as well as todeepen my understanding and knowledge in the field of petrochemical research.

After completion of my MSc, I intend to enrol for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree,to gain more expertise in both catalysis and petrochemical fields. I believe that theseexpertise and degree will allow me to contribute more actively to the development ofthe African petrochemical industry.

47

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: DANIELLE GOHO

AM

The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process consists of the catalytic conversion of syngas (i.e. a mixtureof H2 and CO) to complex hydrocarbon-based products spectrum. The FT products spectrumincludes long chain hydrocarbons and oxygenates which are used as transportation fuels andchemical feedstocks for various chemical processes respectively [1]. Over the past decade,increasing interests have been dedicated to the development of new catalysts enhancing theproduction of valuable chemicals such as oxygen-containing compounds (oxygenates) andnitrogen-containing compounds (NCC) from the FT process [2].

In various studies on the co-feeding of ammonia into the FT process, also known as amodified FT (MFT) process, it had been reported that the production of NCC is enhanced bythe presence of oxygenates. Therefore, it is speculated that oxygenates are the precursors ofNCC [3]. However, due to the complexity of the reactions occurring during the FT process, noclear mechanisms for the NCC formation have been reported.

The current study aimed to provide some insights on the mechanisms of the NCC formationpathway by investigating the relationship between the presence of oxygenates under thestandard FT conditions and the production of NCC under the MFT process over a Cu-ZnOcatalyst promoted with Fe and Mn.

A state-of-the art two-dimensional gas chromatography (2D GC) in conjunction with a Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (TOF-MS) and Flame ionization detector (FID) were used toobtain accurate and detailed characterization (i.e. identification and quantification) of theproducts obtained under both standard FT and MFT conditions (Figure 1).

ABSTRACT

Figure 1: Online 2D GC-FID analysis of FT and MFT products spectrum over a Fe,Mn-CuZnO catalyst

Keywords: Fischer-Tropsch, Oxygenates, Nitrogen-containing compounds, 2D GC[1] Schulz, H. 1999. Applied Catalysis A: General. 186(1):3-12.[2] Claeys, M.C.M., Van Steen, E.W.J., Roessner, F. & Sango, T.S. 2013. South Africa[3] Sango, T. 2013. Master Thesis. University of Cape Town

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I completed my first and second (B.Eng, M.Eng.) degrees inmechanical engineering at University of Ilorin, Nigeria in 1988and 1997 respectively.Prior to my coming to University of Cape Town for PhDresearch in mechanical engineering, I had been involved inrefrigeration and air-conditioning research (cooling loadcalculations and sizing of equipment). I decided to further myinterest in reseach at University of Cape Town afterdiscovering a willing supervisor for cooling of microelectronicdevices.

DAVID O. ARIYO

SupervisorsProf Tunde Bello-Ochende ( [email protected])

DepartmentMechanical Engineering

Research TitleComparison of two-phase and single-phase flow in optimized horizontal microchannels

Single-phase convective heat transfer machanism in microchannels for cooling of electronicdevices is better than air cooling. However, it has its limits because it can only be used forremoval of moderate heat fluxes in electronic devices. Two-phase convective heat transfermechanism in microchannels is a promising high heat removal solution in modern electronicdevices and it is the main focus of the research.My research work is on cooling of microelectronic devices such as high performancecomputers, power electronics in hybrid vehicles, medical X-ray equipment and refrigerationand air conditioning systems (two-phase flow in evaporators and condensers). The main aim isto develop a better cooling method for these devices with a wide range of microchannel heatsinks, hence manufacturers in these areas will have choices.My personal goal is to become an international consultant in my area of research.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: DAVID O. ARIYO

Geometric optimization and flow parameters modelling were carried out for two-phase andsingle-phase flow in horizontal rectangular microchannels. The flow is highly subcooled atinlet temperature of 25oC using deionized water as the cooling fluid and aluminium as theheat sink material. Velocities between 0.5 and 4.5m/s and heat fluxes of 100 and 400W/cm2(1x106 W/m2 and 4x106 W/m2) were considered in the modelling and optimization.

The subcooled boiling model in computational fluid dynamics code [1,2] was used for thevelocities and heat fluxes to obtain optimized geometric and flow parameters for subcooledboiling heat transfer in two-phase flow. The code used for the simulations was validated byavailable experimental data in the literature and the agreement showed the capability of CFD(ANSYS) to predict accurately, subcooled boiling heat transfer in rectangular microchannelsfor cooling of microelectronic devices. Comparisons were made between two-phase flow andsingle-phase flow by using their optimized geometric and flow parameters, and the resultsclearly demonstrated the superiority of two-phase flow in rectangular microchannels forremoval of high heat fluxes at low Reynolds number.

Temperature contours are provided to show temperature distribution for water and watervapour in the microchannel for two-phase flow and water for single-phase flow. Theoptimized Reynolds number increases as the minimized thermal resistance (peaktemperature) decreases which is evident of good thermal performance of the optimizedmicrochannels.

Keywords: Optimization, Rectangular microchannel, CFD, Two-phase flow, Single-phase flow

ABSTRACT

[1] ANSYS FLUENT 18.1, Theory Guide. 2017.[2] ANSYS FLUENT 18.1, User’s Guide. 2017.

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I am a PhD candidate in the department ofconstruction economics and management. Iacquired the following degrees prior to thecommencement of my PhD program: MSc in QuantitySurveying (QS) (Glasgow Caledonian University,Scotland); Pgd QS and Pgd Education from (FUTA)and Usman dan fodio university, Sokoto, Nigeria)respectively; and HND QS (Federal Polytechnic Bida,Nigeria). A registered member of Nigerian institute ofQuantity Surveyors.

EMMANUEL DELE OMOPARIOLA

SupervisorsAssociate Prof Abimbola Windapo ([email protected])

DepartmentConstruction Economics and Management

Research TitleFramework of Financial Management Strategies that influence Project and Organisation Performance in the South African Construction Industry

I decided to do research because I want to facilitate learning; contribute to knowledgedevelopment and application; to identify and share valuable information that will bringabout development and progress in the society.

My personal goals as a researcher are to develop research skills to an internationalstandard; to become a regular publisher on a reputable journal; participate in coachingand mentoring of upcoming researchers; and to join and become active member of RoyalInstitute of Chartered Surveyors, and Association of Researchers in ConstructionManagement among others.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: EMMANUEL DELE OMOPARIOLA

The study examines the financial management approaches used by construction companiesand whether these strategies result in competitive advantages, and enhanced constructionproject and company performance. This stems from arguments held by researchers that thetype of financial management approach used by construction company on constructiondevelopments affects organization performance and corporate sustainability. Also, there islimited research that explores how financial management strategies impact constructionproject and organisation performance.

The study employs a systematic review of extant literature and employs a quantitative researchmethod. A questionnaire survey of construction companies listed in Grade 7 to 9 on theConstruction Industry Development Board (cidb) Register of Contractors was conducted toobtain information required to address the research objective. Using this method, the studyfirst of all developed a theoretical framework that connected the financial managementstrategies used by construction organisations on their construction projects, and theconstruction organisational performance of those construction companies, from a systematicreview of extant literature.

Subsequently, the data collected was investigated using the mean score, regression analysis,and Z-test. It occurred from the study that leverage, liquidity and cash flow are efficientperformance appraisal systems for the construction project and organisations in South Africa.It was also found out that creditworthiness, risk management, review and evaluation, andbudgeting are efficient financial management approaches amid the companies surveyed; andthat the financial management strategies used have a positive impact on construction projectand organization performance.

Hence, the study concludes that construction organisations will perform better when a mixtureof financial management strategies is used in carrying out their operations. Nevertheless,further studies using empirical validation are required to determine which of the financialmanagement strategies in the construction industry best fits the need for constructioncompany operations to deliver effective construction projects and enhanced organisationalperformance.

Keywords: Budgeting strategy, cash flow forecast/projection strategy, creditworthinessstrategy, review and evaluation strategy, project and organisation performance, riskmanagement strategy.

ABSTRACT

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I did my undergraduate studies in chemistry atUniversité de Kinshasa (University of Kinshasa),Congo (DRC). I graduated in 2016.I arrived at UCT inApril 2017 for a MSc in hydrometallurgy, I am nowupgrading my MSc to PhD.

At first, I was attracted to research only by passion, Iwas excited to study the laws of universe andparticularly those dealing with transformation ofmatter.

JORDY DINGA

SupervisorsProf Jochen Petersen ([email protected])

DepartmentChemical Engineering, Hydromet

Research TitleThe oxidative dissolution of chalcopyrite in sulphate media: A study of the effects of organic additives

Now, I also see scientific research as a way to be useful in society. Indeed, I wouldparticipate in expanding knowledge and improving life style of people, particularly that ofmy countrymates.As personal goals, apart from earning my PhD degree, I would like to develop mytechnical, communication and leadership skills; to build a network with other scholars ofthe field and finally, to become a researcher able to work in industrial and academicenvironments.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: JORDY DINGA

Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) represent the most abundant copper mineral, accounting for 70 % ofcopper reserve. It is manly proceeded through pyrometallurgy. However, on one hand,pyrometallurgy routes are known for being energy consuming, less selective and economic onlyfor high grade feeds. On the other hand, a continuous depletion of high-grade ores andincreasing demand for copper have been observed, following the increase of world population.Those factors contributed to increasing interest in hydrometallurgy as an alternative [1].

Chalcopyrite is also the most stable copper mineral, very resistant to hydrometallurgicalprocesses. This is particularly true in the sulphate media, the most studied for chalcopyriteleaching. At ambient conditions, using leaching using the common sulphate chemistry exhibitsslow kinetics of dissolution and poor copper extractions. As a consequence, implementation ofprocesses using this chemistry are still limited [2] and require harsh conditions in terms ofregent strength and operating temperature [1,2]. Recently, some polar organic compoundsshowed the ability to enhance the leaching of chalcopyrite in sulphate media at lowtemperatures [3,4]. The authors attributed this enhancement to the stabilisation of cuprous bythe organic additives, allowing the Cu (II)/Cu(I) redox couple to act as an effective oxidant for thesystem. However, no experimental evidence was shown to support the claim. Othermechanisms such as the complexation of both ferric and ferrous ions and interaction with themineral can also not be excluded as contributing to the underlying mechanisms.

In this study, the effect of ethanol and glycine in the sulphate leaching of chalcopyrite havebeen investigated under nitrogen atmosphere using electrochemical techniques. The resultsshowed the rest potentials increased with the increase of ethanol concentration but decreasedwith the increase of glycine concentration. That could suggest different mechanisms for the twoadditives. The rest potentials and both the anodic and the cathodic current densities weredependant on cupric ion concentration. Cupric ion may have acted as the primary oxidant forthe system.

ABSTRACT

[1] Baba, A.A., Ayinla, K.I., Adekola, F.A., 2012. A Review on Novel Techniques for Chalcopyrite Ore Processing. International Journal of Mining Engineering and Mineral Processing, 1, 1-16.[2] Al-harahsheh, M., Kingman, S., Rutten, F. & Briggs, D., 2006. ToF-SIMS and SEM study on the preferential oxidation of chalcopyrite. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 80, pp. 205-214.[3] Solis-Marcíal, O. J. & Lapidus, G. T., 2013. Improvement of chalcopyrite dissolution in acid media using polar organic solvents. Hydrometallurgy, 131-132, pp. 120-126.[4]Solís-Marcíal, O. J. & Lapidus, G. T., 2014. Chalcopyrite leaching in alcoholic acid media. Hydrometallurgy, 147-148, pp. 54-58.

54


So my little story began back in 2008, in Namibia, where Idid my first undergrad in Land Surveying. Cut to fouryears later, I was in Ghana doing my second undergrad,a BSc (Hons) in Geomatic Engineering. I think it was atthis point in time that I realised the power of spatial dataand just how versatile a field like Geomatics really is,along with the skills you acquire. My research back thenfocused on estimating farm-soil nitrogen concentrationand content using satellite imagery; and biomass was avariable I had to estimate too.

KENECHUKWU C ONWUDINJO

SupervisorsA/Prof Julian Smit

DepartmentArchitecture,Planning and Geomatics

Research TitleEvaluating the Performance of Multi-rotor UAV-SfM Imagery in Assessing Simple and Complex Forest Structures: Comparison to ALS and TLS

It was this project that got be curious about estimating biomass using differenttechniques and technologies and as a Land Surveyor I wanted to be a ‘jack of alltrades’ as far as spatial data is concerned. So now for my MSc in Geomatics I’massessing how commercial recreational UAVs, and a little known technique calledStructure from Motion Photogrammetry, stack up against costly technology andequipment in assessing forest biomass.

My personal goal is simply to keep evolving and be involved in bridging the gapsbetween industries, whether in the workspace or in academia, because that’s wheretrue innovation lies – at the edges of those blurred lines.

55

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: KENECHUKWU C ONWUDINJO

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and digital photogrammetric techniques have in recentyears contributed to advancements in Remote Sensing (RS) technology as viablealternatives to high-cost Aerial Laser Scanning (ALS) and equally high-cost, and time-consuming, Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) in the acquisition of data for various uses andsectors such as mining, construction, agriculture, and forestry, etc. Although UAVs haveshown impressive potential in the forestry sector, a great many studies have failed toadequately capture simple or complex forest structures, especially below-canopy foreststructures, using multi-rotor UAVs, and less so the use of this technology in capturing PinusRadiata and Pinus Pinea forest structures in South Africa.

There is currently no standardisation on the ‘best-practice’ procedure to obtaining aboveand below-canopy forest structure data using UAVs. This study assesses the performance ofmulti-rotor UAVs; their Structure-from-Motion (SfM) resulting point cloud; tests the pointcloud quality by analysing the results obtained at various scales, flight heights, flightpatterns and the inclusion of images from terrestrial photography and compares the resultsto point cloud data derived from high-cost alternatives - ALS and TLS.

The study intends to demonstrate that multi-rotor UAVs are capable of efficiently andeffectively capturing image data at varying scales which can be used in conjunction withdigital photogrammetric techniques to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) models of theforest structure in the form of a point cloud. Forest and individual tree variables can then beobtained from the point cloud data such as Diameter at Breast Height (dbh), and when usedto create Digital Surface Models (DSMs); Digital Elevation Models (DTMs) and Canopy HeightModels (CHMs), can yield other variables such as Tree Height (TH), Leaf Area Index (LAI), TreeCount, and Biomass to name a few.

Unfortunately, photogrammetric UAV products are heavily influenced by the complexity offorest structures, above and below-canopy. Despite this, favourable observations havealready been made in the study - a relatively high correlation in ground height valuesbetween ALS and Photogrammetry in simple Pinus Pinea forest structures (R2 = 0.7745),excellent correlation in TH measurements (R2 = 0.9258) and a moderate correlation in dbhmeasurements (R2 = 0.5480). These results show a promising future for photogrammetricUAV products in forest monitoring as a low-cost alternative to ALS or TLS, at least so far insimple forest structures.

Keywords: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Remote Sensing, Aerial Laser Scanning, TerrestrialLaser Scanning, Structure-from-Motion

ABSTRACT

56


I completed the Cambridge Advanced Levelprogram (in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics)in 2009. In 2015, I graduated with an upper second-class honours’ degree in Electrical & ElectronicEngineering from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.My MSc dissertation at the University of Cape Town(UCT) was recently submitted for examination.My desire to do research was inspired by my

KINGSLEY AKPEJI

SupervisorsProf Komla Folly ([email protected]), Mrs Kehinde Awodele([email protected]) , Emeritus Prof Trevor Gaunt ([email protected])

DepartmentElectrical Engineering, Power Networks Research Group

Research TitleCost of electricity interruptions to commercial and industrial end-users: qualitative and quantitative insights from a firm-level survey

undergraduate final year project supervisors; amidst resource constraints, they taughtme how to engage critically with existing information and use such information tocreate new knowledge that aids the understanding of real-world phenomena orsolution of real-world problems. My experience at UCT has further strengthened myresearch capacity and my resolve to pursue a career in engineering research. I haveauthored/co-authored 3 journal articles and 5 conference papers. I aim to completemy PhD by 2022 and contribute to the development of ‘socio-techno-economically’feasible solutions to the problem of electrification in sub-Saharan Africa.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: KINGSLEY AKPEJI

The question ‘what is the cost of electricity interruptions?’ is fraught with lots of complexitiesas electricity interruption is not a tradable commodity. Existing methods of assessingcustomer interruption cost (CIC) are not always consistent, because analysts make differentassumptions, primarily in the incorporation of key parameters of electricity interruption andcustomer characteristics in their analyses. However, it is important that the chosenassessment method suits the decision-making context in which the cost data will be applied.

This research focused on the assessment of the direct financial cost of electricityinterruptions to suit value-based reliability planning and power system operationsmanagement; the interruption cost assessment was done from the customer’s viewpointvia a firm-level survey of commercial and industrial electricity customers in Cape Town. Thesurvey spanned a period of 2 months (August - mid-October 2018). Various statisticalanalyses were done to derive meaningful information from the survey data and tocomprehensively describe the CIC of the commercial and manufacturing populationsrepresented in the survey sample.

Three CIC models were developed for the surveyed customer sectors from an analysis ofthe survey data viz. a time-invariant average interruption cost (TIAIC) model; a time-varyingaverage interruption cost (TVAIC) model; and a time-varying probabilistic interruption cost(TVPIC) model. The TIAIC, TVAIC, and TVPIC models were applied in an assessment ofreliability cost/worth indices for a case study distribution system to demonstrate thepractical application of the cost data. Highlights of the study outcomes are discussedsubsequently.

The electricity reliability across the business sites surveyed was quite high during the pasttwo years preceding the survey; the estimated average annual number of interruptions asperceived by most respondents was no more than 3 interruption per year. ~88% ofrespondents in both the manufacturing and commercial sectors were either very satisfiedwith their electricity supply reliability. In both sectors, the average percentage of businessactivities dependent on electricity was >90%; thus, the need for availability of supply is veryhigh. Ownership of backup generators is higher in the manufacturing sector. Backupgenerator procurement rate increased significantly during the 2014/2015 load sheddingperiod.

ABSTRACT

58

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: KINGSLEY AKPEJI

A multiple regression analyses showed that a business’ electricity intensity (proxied by itsaverage monthly electricity bill), facility coverage level of backup power supply, andinterruption duration are statistically significant factors of its CIC in a reference season andtime-of-day. The TVPIC model was found to be more effective for describing CIC as itaccounts for the time-dependencies and uncertainty in interruption cost estimates.Reliability worth indices derived based on the TVPIC can be expressed as Rands@Risk indifferent season-time windows; this allows for optimal implementation of contingencymeasures like load shedding or reliability improvement programs like switch/disconnectplacement on distribution feeders.

Using the TVPIC model and the survey results, the weekly cost of a stage four load-sheddingto South Africa’s trade and manufacturing sectors in the January – March season wasconservatively estimated to be ~R1.3 billion and ~R973 million respectively.

Keywords: power system reliability, electricity interruptions, customer interruption cost,commercial and manufacturing sectors, value-based reliability planning.

ABSTRACT

59


In 2014 I started my tertiary education at theUniversity of Stellenbosch, where I completed aBSc degree in Chemistry and Polymer Science.

Thereafter I completed an Honours degree inMaterial Science at the University of Cape Town.Currently I am enrolled as an MSc candidate inMaterials Engineering specializing inbiodegradable composites.

SupervisorsDr Christopher Woolard ([email protected])

DepartmentMechanical Engineering, Centre for Materials Engineering

Research TitleMaleated castor oil-polystyrene interpenetrating polymer networks reinforced with hemp fibres

My interests have always been sparked by new developments in the world of Chemistryand Material science and therefore I decided to pursue a career in research anddevelopment. My goals are to complete my MSc degree successfully and obtain a jobposition at a well-known research facility.

LIZÉ-MARI FERREIRA

60

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: LIZÉ-MARI FERREIRA

The rapid recent increase in the world’s population have led to an increase in the usage ofthermoplastic products, most of which are non-biodegradable. In order to reduce theimpact that these non-biodegradable products have on the environment, biodegradablealternatives need to be found and their behaviour understood (1).

ABSTRACT

The need to find alternatives for materials based onpetroleum precursors (2) and using more renewableresources has driven this research study. Castor oil isan ideal candidate for use as feedstock forbiopolymers as it is a non-edible vegetable oil,thereby reducing competition with the food industry(3). Castor oil contains six different fatty acid esters ofwhich those of ricinoleic acid are the most abundant(87.5%) (1). The reactivity of the carboxyl groups andhydroxyl groups present in ricinoleic acid enablescastor oil to be used in the synthesis of manyinteresting materials (4).This research diverges from the usual production ofpolyurethanes. Undesirable isocyanates are used inthe polycondensation reaction with modifiedvegetable oils to form polyurethanes (2). Theseisocyanates are extremely toxic and harmful to theenvironment (3). In this study a compositeinterpenetrating polymer network (IPN) has beenproduced from maleated castor oil (MACO) andstyrene (St). This was reinforced with a hemp-cottonfibre mix fabric.

Hemp fibres are relatively inexpensive, have low density, are biodegradable and goodtensile strength, making them suitable for the reinforcement of polymers (5). Differentmethods of maleation and various reinforcing methods were reviewed. The mechanicalproperties of the non-reinforced and reinforced materials have been determined andcompared to commercial polystyrene. Biodegradability tests will be performed todetermine the relative biodegradability of the materials, towards the end goal of producinga completely biodegradable composite with competitive mechanical properties.

Keywords: Castor oil, Styrene, Maleation, Biodegradability, Hemp fibre, Composites1. Polymers from triglyceride oils. Guner, F.S., Yagci, Y. and Erciyes, A.T. 2006, Progress in polymer science, Vol. 31, pp. 633-670.2. A short review on novel biocomposites based on plant oil precursors. Mosiewicki, M.A. and Aranguren, M.I. 2013, European Polymer Journal, Vol. 49, pp. 1243-1256.3. Castor oil as a potential renewable resource for the production of functional materials. Mubofu, E.B. 11, s.l. : Sustainable Chemical Processes, 2016, Vol. 4.4. Synthesis of castor oil-derived polyesters with antimicrobial activity. Totaro, G., et al. s.l. : European Polymer Journal, 2014, Vol. 56, pp. 174-184.5. Are natural fiber composites environmetally superior to glass fiber reinfoced composites? Joshi, S.V., et al. 2004, Composites Part A: Applied science and manufacturing, Vol. 35, pp. 371-376

Figure 1: MACO-PS IPN

Figure 2: MACO-PS IPN reinforced withhemp-cotton fibre

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After taking a gap year once completing my BScEng(Chemical Engineering), I was encouraged to pursuemy MScEng by my academic mentors.

I felt I could learn much more about chemicalengineering and realised that I needed dailychallenges and creativity.

My research focuses on catalyst development, with

MAVIS LEWIS

SupervisorsDr Jessica Chamier ([email protected])

DepartmentChemical Engineering, HySA/Catalysis Centre of Competence, Catalysis Institute

Research TitleNiobium-doped Titania as a Nanofibre Support for Iridium Oxide in Reversal Tolerant Anodes in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

the goal of contributing to enhancing the durability of fuel cells. I believe this work willcontribute to South Africa’s development towards a sunset economy.

I am passionate about teaching, research and design, catalysis and renewable energyproduction - my ideal career would include all these aspects.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: MAVIS LEWIS

Durability is one of the major barriers to the large-scale commercialisation of promisingpolymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) as a relief mechanism for the current global energychallenges. The largest detractor from the durability of PEFCs is carbon corrosion, the mostsevere form of which occurs at the anode during the sub-stoichiometric supply of fuel,ultimately causing cell failure, thereby increasing the lifetime cost of PEFCs. A robustsolution is the promotion of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as an alternative reactionto carbon corrosion by the inclusion of an iridium-based OER catalyst in the PEFC catalystanode. However, this strategy will increase the cost of PEFCs due to the high costassociated with iridium. It is therefore vital that the OER catalyst be supported on a durable,cost-effective, and conductive material to maximise the efficiency of iridium included in thefuel cell.

Titania is an ideal support material given its high surface area, durability, low-cost and easeof synthesis. Its conductivity may be enhanced by substitutional doping of metal atoms inthe lattice, such as niobium. The upper theoretical limit for doping titania with niobium hasbeen computationally predicted to be 25 at. % [1]. The use of nanofibres has been seento improve the performance of electrochemical devices by increasing the charge mobilitycompared to nanoparticles [2].

In this work, rutile titania nanofibres having various niobium dopant levels (0 – 20 at. %)have been synthesised and used as support material for iridium oxide. The structure of thesupport and catalyst has been confirmed with powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD; Co anode)and Raman spectroscopy (532 nm source at 1 mW, 0 – 1000 cm-1). Particle morphologies,sizes and compositions have been determined using transmission electron microscopywith energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM and EDS), and were found to be 3 nmiridium oxide catalyst particles supported on niobium-doped titania nanofibres 100 nm indiameter. The electrochemical performance has been tested in a three-electrode glass-cell(Pt foil as the counter electrode, SMSE as the reference electrode and a drop-cast thin filmRDE as the working electrode) with 1 M HClO4 as electrolyte. The OER activity of thesynthesised materials has been determined using chronoamperometry techniques in thepotential window of 1.5 - 1.7 V vs RHE, with the OER activity reported at 1.525 V vs. RHE [3].Further, the durability of these materials has been studied through accelerated stress testsconsisting of cyclic voltammetry in the potential window of 0.0 - 1.5 V vs RHE for 10 000cycles. The electrochemical performance of the synthesised materials was compared tothat of commercially available catalysts.

ABSTRACT

[1] E. Dy, R. Hui, J. Zhang, Z.S. Liu, Z. Shi, Electronic Conductivity and Stability of Doped Titania (Ti1-xMxO2, M = Nb, Ru, and Ta) – A Density Functional Theory-Based Comparison, J. Phys.Chem. C. 114 (2010) 13162–13167.[2] A. Bauer, L. Chevallier, R. Hui, S. Cavaliere, J. Zhang, D. Jones, J. Rozière, Synthesis and Characterization of Nb-TiO2 Mesoporous Microsphere and Nanofiber Supported Pt Catalysts for HighTemperature PEM Fuel Cells, Electrochim. Acta. 77 (2012) 1–7.[3] C. Wei, R.R. Rao, J. Peng, B. Huang, I.E.L. Stephens, M. Risch, Z.J. Xu, Y. Shao-Horn, Recommended Practices and Benchmark Activity for Hydrogen and Oxygen Electrocatalysis in WaterSplitting and Fuel Cells, Adv. Mater. (2019) 1–24.

63


I am a BSc(Eng) Chemical engineering (UCT)graduate and currently reading a MSc(Eng)Bioprocess Engineering through the Centre forBioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER) in thedepartment of Chemical Engineering.

I aspire to become a researcher in bioprocessengineering with a focus on bioproduct

development.

OBAKENG JONA

SupervisorsProf Sue Harrison ([email protected]) , Dr Marijke Fagan-Endres ([email protected]), Associate Prof Jo-Ann Passmore, Mrs Anna Happel, Mr Brian Kullin

DepartmentChemical Engineering, Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER)

Research TitleScale-Up and Optimisation of Lactobacilli Probiotics Production for Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

My current research is based on bacterial vaginosis probiotic production scale-up andoptimisation. I aspire to apply my knowledge and expertise in the pharmaceutical,biopharmaceutical and drug development industries and play a role as a leader both inindustrial engineering research and academia.

64

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: OBAKENG JONA

Bacterial vaginosis is a prevalent disease which affects women of child-bearing age.Bacterial vaginosis is characterised by a depletion of commensal Lactobacillus species inthe female lower reproductive tract (LRT) and, thus, an overgrowth of pathogenic microbesincluding Gardnerella vaginalis, genital mycoplasmas, and anaerobic Gram-negative rodsand Gram-positive cocci [1]. This shift in the female LRT microbiome is known to haveadverse effects such as the woman being 3.2 times more prone to contracting HIV and STIs,premature labour and spontaneous abortions. Furthermore, the female LRT microbiome issaid to be affected by ethnicity and geography [2]. South Africa does not have sufficientprobiotic products tailored for the vaginal health of the endemic population [2].

Bacterial vaginosis is treated using antibiotics such as clindamycin and metronidazole. Theantibiotics have similar clinical efficacy; however, the pathogenic microbes build resistanceagainst the antibiotics and there is a 6-month 50% post-treatment recurrence rate followingantibiotic treatment [2]. This serves as motivation for alternative means of addressing theissue of bacterial vaginosis. This research project aims to explore the application of livebiotherapeutics, in the form of probiotics, to treat bacterial vaginosis.

Probiotics are defined as live bacteria or yeasts that when taken in adequate amounts,confer health benefits to the host. Eight strains of Lactobacillus species have been identifiedas potential candidates for application in probiotics. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid andhydrogen-peroxide as bactericidal and virucidal compounds against pathogenic microbes.These two compounds, primarily lactic acid, reduce the pH of the vaginal milieu and makeshabitation unfavourable for pathogens. The lactic acid produced by the Lactobacilli comesin two isomers and each isomer of lactic acid serve a different role in protecting the vagina.Additionally, the Lactobacilli species outcompete pathogenic microbes on the surface ofthe vaginal epithelial cells. These key characteristics were used in selecting the identifiedLactobacilli best suited for this application as probiotics.

The further aim of this research project is to scale-up and optimise the production ofLactobacilli probiotics. Literature suggests that that the usage of a multi-strain probioticconsortium is expected to have a better efficacy than a mono-strain probiotics. Thus, theproduction of Lactobacillus, both in pure culture and co-culture, is intended to be scaled upfrom 100 ml shake-flasks to a 70 L bioreactor.

Keywords: Probiotics, Lactobacillus, Bacterial Vaginosis, Scale-up, Optimisation

ABSTRACT

[1] Beigi, R. H. et al. (2004) Antimicrobial resistance associated with the treatment of bacterial vaginosis’, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 191(4), pp. 1124–1129. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2004.05.033.[2] Happel, A. U. et al. (2017) ‘Probiotics for vaginal health in South Africa: What is on retailers’ shelves?’, BMC Women’s Health. BMC Women’s Health, 17(1), pp. 1–10. doi: 10.1186/s12905-017-0362-6.

65


I obtained an undergraduate BSc degree majoringin Mathematics and Applied Mathematics in 2016,BSc (Hons) in Applied Mathematics in 2017.

My passion for computational appliedmathematics and its applications in physics andengineering drove me to switch disciplines frompure science to Mechanical Engineering.

I am currently in my second year MSc focusing on

MOJALEFA PRINCE NCHUPANG

SupervisorsProf. Arnaud G Malan ([email protected]), Prof. Jan Nördstrom([email protected])

DepartmentMechanical Engineering, Industrial Computational Fluid Dynamics Research Group

Research TitleHigh order methods for nonlinear Partial Differential Equations

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). High order methods proved to be a promising toolto increase computational efficiency of current CFD codes and my goal is to extend thistechnique further to solve complex problems.

66

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: MOJALEFA PRINCE NCHUPANG

Conservation laws governing fluid dynamics problems mathematically takes the form of space-time partial differential equations (PDEs). The broad field is known as computational fluiddynamics (CFD). All current commercial codes use low (1st or 2nd) order numerical schemeswhich is proving severely limited in the context of use for modern aircraft.

The aim of this project is to address this and develop high-order methods (HOM) i.e. up to 8thorder. These will be based on the framework of Summation-By-Parts and SimultaneousApproximation Terms (SBP-SAT). SBP coupled with SAT carries remarkable properties whichallows formal proofs of stability. The penalty-like term, SAT, poses boundary conditions in aweak sense.

The developed methods will be implemented into the University of Cape Town Elementalsoftware. Preliminary evaluations show up to 8th order accuracy and this is deemedremarkable. This work will therefore contribute directly to achieving a step change inaerospace related CFD.

Keywords: High order methods

ABSTRACT

67


After completing my BSc (Eng) Chemical Engineeringat UCT I decided to continue to upskill myself.

Also, I wanted to make a positive difference throughmy studies. This led me to Minerals to Metals and theMPhil. Sustainable Mineral Resource Developmentprogram.

During this time, I got involved in a Life Cycle

REUBEN DLAMINI

SupervisorsProf Harro Von Blottnitz

DepartmentChemical Engineering

Research TitleResource Intenstity Trends of the South African Ferrochrome Industry

Inventory project which inspired my research topic. I gained a great deal of knowledgeabout sustainable development, the mining industry, Africa and myself.

As I am about to conclude my studies yet again, I find myself inspired to challenge myselfand continue trying to make a positive difference where I can.

68

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: REUBEN DLAMINI

South Africa owns about 70% of the world’s chromium reserves (Chamber of Mines ofSouth Africa , 2016). Chromium ore is used to manufacture ferrochrome; a raw material instainless steel production. Demand is expected to increase with the development ofemerging markets (World Steel Association, 2016).

South Africa’s mineral beneficiation strategy incorporates sustainable development as aframework to promote a competitive mineral beneficiation industry (DMR, 2011). This studyaims to investigate trends in the intensity of use of key resources in the South Africanferrochrome industry. Resource intensity can be defined as the measure of input needed toproduce a unit of output (CEECEC, 2010).

This investigation was carried out through data mining. Where gaps in the data were found,mass-balance based modelling was applied. Expert interviews were conducted to verify theresults of the data mining and to gain insights on the key drivers of the resource intensitytrends compiled.

Overall South African ferrochrome production was found to be increasinghowever the number of producers were decreasing due to market conditions. 10-Year datawere found to be publicly available for one major producer in its annual reports, whilst fortwo other producers only partially complete data sets could be assembled.

Mineral ore intensity has reduced with the introduction of industrial symbiosis between theSouth African PGM industry and the ferrochrome industry. Electricity consumption intensityhas also decreased significantly however not as much as expected. Water intensity couldnot be confirmed due to inconsistency in data. Expert interviews corroborated the resultsobtained. Projects to improve resource intensity were being implemented and were mostlymotivated by economic factors and legislative compliance.

It is concluded that there have been some measurable reductions in resource use intensity,due to a combination of industrial ecology symbiosis and new technology.

Keywords: Resource Intensity, Ferrochrome

ABSTRACT

69


I have always enjoyed learning and understandingscientific principles. Therefore when it came toselection of my undergraduate degree, it seemedalmost natural to pursue a BSc in chemicalengineering.

I successfully achieved my degree with Honours andbegan pursuit of my master’s degree in 2018. Myproject specialises in the heterogeneous catalysis ofthe water-gas-shift-reaction, with a focus on in-depth characterisation using the transmissionelectron microscope (TEM).

RICHARD B. MARTIN

SupervisorsProf Patricia J. Kooyman ([email protected])

DepartmentChemical Engineering, Centre for Catalysis

Research TitleAtomic Scale Characterisation of Pt-Re/CeO2 for the Water Gas Shift Reaction

My passion for catalysis stems from the fact that several industrial processes requirethe use of optimised, well-designed catalysts for maximum cost and resourceefficiency.

My current long-term goal is the attainment of a PhD, also within the field of catalysis. Ifeel that there are many questions that need to be answered, and the scope of aMasters is not wide enough to answer them satisfactorily.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: RICHARD B. MARTIN

The water gas shift (WGS) reaction reacts carbon monoxide and water to form carbondioxide and hydrogen. This is used in fuel processing for hydrogen fuel cells to reduce theamount of carbon monoxide present in the hydrogen feed line. Carbon monoxide poisonsthe platinum catalyst used in hydrogen fuel cells [1], therefore it is important that themajority of the carbon monoxide be removed before the feed stream enters the fuel cell sothat the fuel cell has a longer lifespan.

The traditional Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst used for the WGS reaction cannot be used as it ispyrophoric when exposed to air and requires reduction before use, which is undesirable forlong-term use in fuel cells [2], so alternatives are sought. Platinum supported on CeO2 hasbeen identified as an alternative catalyst for the WGS reaction, showing high activity, due toceria acting both as a support and being WGS active. However, this leads to reduced stability[1, 2] due to the support taking part in the reaction, causing structural changes that result indeactivation.

The activity and stability of the catalyst increases significantly when platinum is promotedwith rhenium [2]. The mechanism of this promotion is not yet fully understood, however ithas been shown that bimetallic clusters of platinum and rhenium form during catalystpreparation [1]. These bimetallic clusters potentially promote the WGS reaction, increasingcatalyst activity and stability [1, 2]. Close contact between platinum and rhenium is requiredfor promotion, as rhenium on its own is inactive for the WGS reaction [3].

Traditionally prepared catalysts using impregnation techniques have poor control overparticle size and distribution [4]. Impregnation techniques also lead to inhomogeneousalloying of platinum and rhenium [4]. Organic solution synthesis methods are able toproduce homogeneously alloyed Pt3Re nanoparticles [5]. These nanoparticles are thensupported on CeO2 to form the catalyst. It is therefore hypothesised that a morehomogeneous Pt-Re catalyst prepared via organic solution synthesis will lead to higheractivity and stability than the Pt-Re catalyst prepared via traditional impregnationtechniques.

Keywords: platinum, rhenium, ceria, TEM, nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

[1] Sato, Y; Terada, K; Hasegawa, S; Miyao, T and Naito, S. Applied Catalysis A: General, 2005, 296, 80-89.[2] Sato, Y; Terada K; Soma, Y; Miyao, T and Naito, S. Catalysis Communications, 2006, 7, 91-95.[3] Azzam, K; Babich, I; Seshan, K and Lefferts, L, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 2008. 80, 129-140.[4] Ponec, V; Bond, G.C., Catalysis by metals and alloys, Elsevier, New York, 1995.[5] Raciti, D; Kubal, J; Ma, C; Barclay, M; Gonzalez, M; Chi, M; Greeley, J; More, K L and Wang, C. Nano Energy, 2016, 20, 202-211.

71


My passion for Engineering began with an interestin a Lego robotics system as well as manycomputer projects throughout high school atBishops.I followed this path to Electro-MechanicalEngineering where my desire for problem solvinggrew and my ability to solve problems wasexpanded. During my degree I undertook manypersonal projects including a custom-designed,and built, heavy duty 3D printer.

ROSS CHRISTOPHER

SupervisorsAssociate Prof Hennie Mouton ([email protected])

DepartmentMechanical Engineering, Robotics and Agents Research Lab

Research TitleMathematical Modelling and Control System Optimization of a Hexapod Robot

I have always been fascinated with electronics and control and how they cometogether to make robots move in interesting ways. After my degree I desired to furthermy knowledge in the field of robotics and was accepted into an MSc. in MechanicalEngineering specialising in mathematical modelling of robotic systems and motioncontrol. This focused on the continued development of the UCT Hexapod robot byadding abilities to it such as automated motion and self-balancing.

After completing my MSc. I plan to find employment in robotics design anddevelopment.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: ROSS CHRISTOPHER

Hexapod robots are of interest due to their high degrees of flexibility and agility.Subsequently these six-legged walking robots are particularly useful in navigating throughcomplicated and uneven terrain where a conventional wheeled robot would not be able todo so [3]. The University of Cape Town has developed three iterations of a hexapod robotover the past years. The current iteration is mechanically sound, but the software isinefficient and ineffective, leading to an undesirable walking motion.

The aim of this project is to improve the motion of the existing hexapod while adding a levelof autonomy to the system.

Mathematical modelling of the robot was essential in order to develop an algorithm toachieve a fluid walking motion. The forward and inverse kinematics were calculated as wellas the differential kinematics and dynamics of each leg of the hexapod. This facilitated thecreation of an algorithm for individual leg position control.Using this, and the body kinematics which translates the leg positions to an overall hexapodposition and orientation, a full control system was implemented. This allowed the hexapod,and each of its legs, to be commanded to any position.

Trajectory generation was then used to generate a third order polynomial path of motionfor each leg; made up of the swing phase (where the leg is moving through the air) and thesupport phase (where the leg is touching the ground). A tripod walking motion wasachieved by moving each leg through the points in their respective paths.

An ARM microcontroller is used as the main controller of the hexapod; programmed inobject orientated C++. This allowed for an instant start-up time of the hexapod and fastprocessing of commands [3]. The controller calculates the inverse kinematics of each pathpoint, for all legs, in real time and sends this data to all 18 Dynamixel motors via serialcommunication. This allows for the implementation of adaptive walking as all calculationscan be adjusted and updated, in real time, as the hexapod moves.

A wireless remote was added to the hexapod to facilitate communication between thedevice and a computer. This allows a joystick connected to the computer to control thehexapod through a piece of Java software.

ABSTRACT

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: ROSS CHRISTOPHER

An Xsens [4] accelerometer was added which allowed the precise control of the orientationof the hexapod. This led to the implementation of a simple PID control loop which allowsthe orientation to be set while the hexapod’s central platform maintains this orientationirrelevant of the ground conditions on which it stands. At start up, the hexapod is set tomaintain a level body while on a slope.

Keywords: Robotics, Kinematics, Dynamics, Control, Hexapod

ABSTRACT

3 A. Ahmed et al., "A Miniature Legged Hexapod Robot Controlled by a FPGA," International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, vol. 1, no. 2, 2013.4 Xsens 3D motion tracking. (2014). MTi Products - Xsens 3D motion tracking. [online] Available at: https://www.xsens.com/products/mti/ [Accessed 11 Apr. 2019].

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I graduated from the University of Cape Town with aBachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.I went on to study a Master’s degree in MechanicalEngineering in the Applied Thermofluid ProcessModelling research unit at UCT.

I decided to further my studies in order to expand myknowledge in the field of energy. I hope to one day usethis knowledge to make contributions towards thegrowth of sustainable and renewable energy in SouthAfrica.

RUSHAVYA NAIDU

SupervisorsDr Wim Fuls ([email protected])

DepartmentMechanical Engineering, ATPRoM

Research TitleDynamic Modelling of a Combined-Cycle Power Plant

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: RUSHAVYA NAIDU

Primary objective

The objective of this project is to develop a dynamic model of a combined-cycle power plantin Flownex in order to compare it to other models created in APROS so that it may beverified. The verification of this model will show that Flownex can be used to effectively andefficiently model a combined-cycle power plant.

The shift towards renewable energy has steered the focus of power plant designing towardsoperating flexibility and fast response. These aspects are required to account for thefluctuation of the supply as well as the demand of power that is associated with renewableenergy. Therefore, flexible power generation in non-renewable power plants is a necessityand can be implemented using dynamic modelling in the design phase. Dynamic modellingleads to the optimization of the plant performance and control structures as well as theassessment of capabilities and boundaries of the plant.

The combined-cycle process includes a Brayton Cycle as well as a Rankine Cycle whichmeans that it involves a gas turbine and a steam turbine. The residual or waste heatgenerated by the gas turbine is absorbed by a component called the Heat Recovery SteamGenerator (HRSG) which supplies this heat to the steam cycle. This process increases theefficiency of the power plant and produces more energy than a traditional (Rankine Cycle)plant would with the same amount of fuel. The combination of these two thermodynamiccycles also lead to a faster start-up than single cycle systems. Due to the use of the HRSG,thermal energy may be supplied to the Rankine Cycle as required based on the demand ofenergy which provides for transient changes in energy demand.

Problem description / hypothesis

After extensive research, a model of a combined-cycle power plant will be developed usingthe Flownex software. This software provides a simulation tool for systems within which afluid is the driving force. This model will be compared to models done previously (in APROS)by other researchers so that the values obtained may be verified. APROS is a simulationsoftware similar to Flownex, it provides the user with the means to develop dynamicsimulations of power plants.

ABSTRACT

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: RUSHAVYA NAIDU

The focus of the project is to show that it is possible to do equivalent studies, based oncombined-cycle power plants, in Flownex that have been done previously in APROS. Thesuccess of this project will open opportunities for the optimization of combined-cycle powerplants using Flownex.

The hypothesis for this project is:

It is possible to develop a dynamic model of a combined-cycle power plant in Flownexwhich produces comparable results to work done in APROS by other researchers.

Keywords: Combined cycle; HRSG; Flownex

ABSTRACT

77


I am postgraduate EBE student registered for a degree:Masters of Science in chemical engineering since 2017.My project is in the Hydromet group titled: “Study of thedesorption of rare earth elements from mineral clays,towards development of an in situ leaching strategy”. Icompleted my undergraduate BEng (chemical) degree in2010 at the University of Pretoria and honours courses inhydrometallurgy and process integration the followingyear.

SFISO MKHIZE

SupervisorsProf Jochen Petersen ([email protected])

DepartmentChemical Engineering, HydroMet

Research TitleStudy of the desorption of rare earth elements from mineral clays, towards development of an in situ leaching strategy

After working in the PGM industry for almost five years, I decided to pursue research. Mymotivation is to acquire research skills, which I can apply in industry. I was interested inhydrometallurgy research since it ensures that minerals are beneficiated before exported,as opposed to exporting raw minerals. This has been a problem since mining became oneof the key technologies that drives the economy of South Africa.My personal goals is to develop a scientific research hub where scholars from various levels(school to higher institutions) can acquire information of African research publications.Moreover, to enable scholars, from all different levels, to publish peer reviewed scientificresearch.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: SFISO MKHIZE

Hi-tech equipment is almost at the core of the fourth industrial revolution. Equipment such as cell phones, tablets, laptops are key technological drivers. They are mostly composed of various metallic elements in various forms. One such group of metallic elements used in high-tech equipment are rare earth metals. Over and above their rising demand in the high-tech sector, they’re also in demand in the renewable energy sector, where they’re used as permanent magnets for wind turbines. They have been declared strategic metals of the current times due to their demand and socio-political reasons. Some of these metals have been declared critical due to supply logistics, but with more sources being identified around the world, the economic landscape of RE metals will change to meet the ever-increasing demand in the high tech and renewable energy sector

The extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) from ion adsorption clays (IACs) provides for around 30% of the World’s REE supply and many deposits of such clays exist outside of China. The REEs are extracted though conventional ion-exchange lixiviants such as (NH4)2SO4 and NaCl (through sea water) in percolation type processes. Due to the significant environmental impact experienced through artisanal mining of such deposits, technically more rigorous approaches are sought. An in-situ leaching approach envisages injecting leach solutions into clay deposits and draining solution from REE deposits through a series of narrowly spaced wells.

The present study investigates the desorption-diffusion and transport behaviour of REE removal likely to be experienced in this process. Ion-exchange reagent selection is tested through batch leach and diffusion tests using clay beds as well as column leach studies. The study shows that if sufficient channels for solution percolation through the clay bed can be created, significant but slow extraction of REE from the deposit is possible. A mixture of sea water with (NH4)2SO4 appears to facilitate the preferential leaching of the heavy REEs due to complex ion-exchange and pore transport interactions.

The outcome of this study will assist in the sustainable design of an in situ leaching process. This will contribute to an efficient method of producing RE metals to meet their high demand in the high tech and renewable energy sector.

Keywords: Rare earth elements, ion-adsorption clays, ion exchange

ABSTRACT

79


Sikozile Ncembu is a registered master’s student in ChemicalEngineering with specialization in Bioprocess Engineering at Universityof Cape Town (UCT). He describes himself as an aspiringmultidisciplinary and entrepreneurially-minded scholar. I completedmy undergraduate studies in 2016, in Pure and Applied Chemistry (withdistinction), at University of Fort Hare. Due to the immerse interest andseeing the potential of biotechnology as the fast-growing technologyand exploitable opportunity in the 21st century, I decided to enrol for aBachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemistry, which I passed withdistinction.

SIKOZILE NCEMBU

SupervisorsMrs Kemi A. Daramola, Dr.Alex O.Akinrinmade, Dr Siew Tai, Dr Stefan Barth,Prof Sue Harisson

DepartmentChemical Engineering, Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER)

Research TitleProcess optimisation and scale-up for production of H22(scfv)-ETA’ targeting cd64 in acute myeloid leukemia

The biggest task in front of me is to contribute towards growing the emerging South African bio-economy.Biotechnology, if well exploited, can play a huge role in the socio-economic advancement and development of acountry. The South African Department of Science and Technology bio-economy strategy speaks of threeimportant pillars of research and development (R&D), the health sector, agriculture, and industry andenvironment. My pronounced interest is in the health sector. As a master’s student, I am doing a collaborativemultidisciplinary project that is based on process optimisation and subsequently conducting a scale-up forproduction of recombinant immunotherapeutic and diagnostic fusion proteins produced in the geneticallymodified Escherichia coli (E. coli).

As a way of equipping myself to be an active citizen, I became involved in various university extracurricularactivities and community outreach programmes. My participation in these programmes has helped to improvemy leadership acumen. I was challenged to think of the world outside my treasured laboratory and see if what Iam doing can help resolve the broader social woes we face as a human species.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: SIKOZILE NCEMBU

Immunotherapy presents a paradigm shift as a latest knowledge-based, innovative andeffective cancer treatment modality. Amongst hematologic malignancies, acute myeloidleukemia (AML) still possess a big challenge in terms of treatment, as it is chiefly treatedby chemotherapy which is characterised by severe side effects. H22(scFv)-ETA’ is animmunotherapeutic recombinant fusion protein which has been shown to be highlypotent in selectively destroying CD64-positive dysfunctional myeloid tumour cells in AML.

However, H22(scFv)-ETA’ has only been produced in shake flasks, thus hinderingproduction of sufficient quantity for clinical trials and ultimately commercial scale.Therefore, this study aims to optimise productivity of H22(scFv)-ETA’ and subsequentlyconduct a scale-up production from a 5 L stirred-tank reactor (STR) to a 50 L STR.H22(scFv)-ETA’ is recombinantly expressed in the periplasmic space of E. coli Bl21 (DE3)under osmotic stress, purified by metal ion affinity chromatography and size exclusionchromatography.

To achieve scale‐up of batch and fed‐batch fermentation processes based on masstransfer coefficient (kLa), aeration rate (Q) and the impeller agitation speed (n) will beadjusted ensuring a constant kLa at both 5 L and 50 L scale. BL21 (DE3) culture kinetics atthe two scales will be compared in terms of volumetric productivity (QP), specific (qp)H22(scFv)-ETA’ production rates, production yield (Yp/s), specific growth rate (µ), andsubstrate utilization for kLa values that will provide effective mixing and aeration at eachscale.

Therapeutic efficacy of H22(scFv)-ETA’ is evaluated by several biological assays includingbinding assays by flow cytometry and cytotoxicity by annexin V bioassay. It is envisagedthat finding optimal key engineering parameters which entail aeration and agitation willlead to an increased production of functional H22(scFv)-ETA’ at 50 L. Development of asuccessful scale-up production of H22(scFv)-ETA’ will thus be a major achievement,enabling insights of a process to be established at commercial scale.

Keywords: Immunotherapy, H22(scFv)-ETA’; AML; KLa, scale-up

ABSTRACT

81


Currently an MSc (Eng.) Geomatics research in theEBE faculty, UCT. I have undergraduate degrees inBSc and BSc (Hons) Hydrogeology at the Universityof the Western Cape.

Therefore, my academic background is inEnvironmental and Water Sciences, but myinterest since early secondary school has alwaysbeen in Remote Sensing and GeographicInformation Systems (GIS).

SIMCELILE CHENGE

SupervisorsAsscoiate Prof Julian Smit ([email protected]), Asscoiate Prof Adam West ([email protected]), Mr Kaveer Sing ([email protected])

DepartmentArchitecture,Planning and Geomatics

Research TitleIdentification of the spatial distribution of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) in the fynbos using Geospatial technologies

Thus, after my undergraduate, I decided to get into research to pursue the linkbetween my background in hydrogeology with my interest in remote sensing and GIS.To condense everything I would say my research interests lie in EcologicalEngineering. My research interests particularly pertain the application of remotesensing and GIS in understanding the relationship of our precious naturalenvironment, vegetation, with water resources. In my Ph.D., straight after MSc, the goalis to make a meaningful contribution towards understanding the conflicting demandsfor groundwater resources between human use/consumption and environmentalneeds by groundwater dependent ecosystems.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: SIMCELILE CHENGE

The fynbos mountains form part of the highly fractured Table Mountain Group (TMG)aquifer system. The geological fractures are believed to facilitate groundwater movement.As such, literature predicts that surface ecosystems within or around the fractures (e.g.wetlands and seeps) have some degree of groundwater dependence. Unfortunately, thereis still a lack of information about the spatial distribution of such ecosystems in theliterature. Therefore, the extent of their vulnerability to changes in groundwater levels forexample due to bulk groundwater abstraction is largely unknown.The lack of information on the spatial distribution of Groundwater DependentEcosystems (GDEs) is particularly significant in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) Kingdom, arecognised world diversity hotspot in the TMG aquifer system, characterised by at least >6000 plant species not found anywhere else in the world. The purpose of this study is touse geospatial technologies such as Remote Sensing and Geographic InformationSystems (GIS) as well as take advantage of the rich history of fire records (dating back to1927) in the CFR to develop a novel approach of identifying the location of GDEs,wetlands, and associated vegetation. The novel approach leverages the frequent fireregime of the fynbos to detect areas that resist burning, or recover quickly post-fire, onthe assumption that these may be indicative of groundwater dependence (Fig. 1).The study is designed based on two main data sources. Firstly interpretation of high-resolution drone aerial imagery, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data and satelliteimagery (Sentinel-2A and MODIS). Secondly, use of fire perimeters to validate theaccuracy of the said geospatial technologies in detecting actual groundwater dependentareas. Geospatial technologies in synergy with fire data are expected to show seasonaltrends of areas that maintain greenness and wetness or have faster post-fire regenerationeven during severe drought conditions.

ABSTRACT

Figure 1 shows vegetation coverpre and post-fire. Image acquisiondate from right-left, 20170101, pre-fire and 20170322, post-fire).(date of the fire 20170102)

Implementation of monitoring programmes could be costly if there is very little priorknowledge about their location in the landscape. This study is a contribution towards theunderstanding of the vulnerability of GDEs to artificial changes in groundwateravailability.

Keywords: Geospatial technologies, Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems, GDEs, Fire

Figure 1: An example of vegetation fasterrecovery from fires using Sentinel-2Aimagery (10 m resolution).

83


Tapfuma Pashapa holds an MPhil. degree inDemography from University of Cape Town (UCT) and adegree in Mathematics from Midlands State University.

His research interests are in InformationCommunication Technology for Development (ICT4D)and the demography of developing countries. He is amember of the iCOMMS research group in theDepartment of Information Systems at UCT.

TAPFUMA PASHAPA

SupervisorsProf Ulrike Rivett ([email protected])

DepartmentInformation Systems, iCOMMS

Research TitleICTS and people-centric development – a case study of rural South Africa using the C4D model

Currently, he is studying towards a Ph.D. in Information Systems. His Ph.D. thesis is basedon the effect of ICT proliferation on rurality and service delivery in South Africa. As part ofhis research, he is studying the role of ICTs in achieving the United Nation’s SustainableDevelopment Goals in the South African context.

Tapfuma is motivated by the desire to increase his knowledge and skills to utilise them forthe greater good of society. Tapfuma aims to develop into an accomplished researcher inthe fields of ICT4D and Population studies.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: TAPFUMA PASHAPA

South African rural areas are marginalized because of prior apartheid laws and thedifficulties associated with providing or extending public services to sparsely populatedareas. After 1994, the ‘Batho Pele’ policy framework and other development plans weresetup by the government as people-focused and participatory approaches to governanceand the provision of public services.

These plans identify ICTs as important agents for achieving development in under-resourcedareas. By using the Communication for Development (C4D) model, this study explores theimpact of ICTs on people centric development by presenting a case study on ruraldevelopment in South Africa.

ABSTRACT

Figure 1: Communication for Development (C4D) model (Source: [1], [2])

South Africa’s rural places consist of formal rural areas which are characterized bycommercial farming and other economic activities, and communal areas consisting ofcommunal tenure lands. Respondents from households in formal and communal ruralmunicipalities were purposively sampled and interviewed. Using the C4D model, thematicanalysis, was carried out to investigate how ICTs have contributed to people centricdevelopment by using identifiers of access to public amenities.

The study reveals substantial evidence of the influence of ICTs in formal rural areas andlesser evidence in communal rural areas. The impact of ICTs on broader developmentoutcomes is revealed in terms of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).

Keywords: Rural, Sustainable Development Goals, ICTs, e-Government

1. Bertrand, J. T., O’Reilly, K., Denison, J., Anhang, R., & Sweat, M. (2006). Systematic review of the effectiveness of mass communication programs to change HIV/AIDS-related behaviors indeveloping countries. Health Education Research, 21(4), 567–597. http://doi.org/10.1093/her/cyl0362. Hoque, M. R., & Sorwar, G. (2015). ICT Based e-Government Services for Rural Development: A Study of Union Information and Service Center (UICSC) in Bangladesh. Electronic Journal ofInformation Systems in Developing Countries, 71(8), 1–19. http://doi.org/10.1002/j.1681-4835.2015.tb00517.x

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With the completion of a BSc (Eng) in ChemicalEngineering at the University of Cape Town, thechoice to continue my academic career as anMSc candidate at this institution was a naturaltransition.

I wanted to explore more of the researchopportunities that UCT had to offer beforeentering the industrial field.

VEROUSHIA PADAYACHEE

Research had always fascinated me, particularly after being exposed to the differentprojects within the Catalysis Institute. My research is based on deriving metalliccobalt catalysts (hcp and fcc phases) from cobalt nitride for Fischer-TropschSynthesis.

The contribution that my study makes to the catalysis industry, however small, willbe rewarding in itself. I aspire to use my degree either as a researcher or processengineer in the catalysis industry.

SupervisorsProf. M. Claeys ( [email protected]) and Associate Prof. N. Fischer ([email protected])

DepartmentChemical Engineering , Catalysis Institute

Research TitleMetallic cobalt derived from cobalt nitrides for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: VEROUSHIA PADAYACHEE

Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) is a heterogeneous catalytic process that converts synthesisgas into liquid fuels and value-added chemicals, namely paraffins, alcohols and olefins [1]. Thisproduct selectivity is dependent on the nanoeffects of the catalyst used and the processconditions, therefore the FTS reaction is highly structure sensitive. The transitional element,Cobalt (Co), is an industrial sought-after catalyst as a result of its high selectivity towards higherhydrocarbons, like middle distillates and heavy waxes. The two most notable sensitivities thataffect cobalt-based catalyst include crystallographic structure and particle size [2]. Thecommon crystalline forms are hexagonal close-packed (Hcp) and face-centred cubic (Fcc),which arise from their distinct symmetries and stacking sequence of atomic planes [3]. Thesedifferences result in different surface structures and exposed facets, which affect the activityand selectivity of the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) catalyst.

The Hcp Co phase has been reported to have the higher activity in FTS as it has morefavourable active sites, however the Fcc Co phase remains the more commonly synthesisedphase as it is stable at small nanoparticle sizes which are applicable in FT [2]. Majority of thecurrent synthesis procedures for Hcp Co yield crystal sizes greater than 20 nm and arecharacterised with an intergrowth, where there is a mixture of Hcp and Fcc packing resultingfrom random faults [3]. This can be attributed to the low surface energies between the twocrystalline forms, ensuring the purity of a phase almost unattainable, especially at smallparticle sizes.

In this work, a proposed synthesis procedure adapted from electro-catalyst preparation inOER, has been used to synthesise pure Hcp Co at a crystal size of less than 20 nm [4]. Thisprocedure involved producing a Cobalt Nitride complex, Co3N, which has an Hcp packing,before reducing it to metallic Hcp Co. Furthermore, reducing the precursor of the nitridecomplex directly, also yielded pure Hcp Co of an applicable size. The structure and crystal sizeof the precursor was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffractometry (FTIR, XRD; Co source). The phase and crystallite size of the Co3N and HcpCo was confirmed with powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD; Co source). An in-situ study on themechanism of reduction from the precursor to the metallic phase in X-ray diffractometry wascompleted (XRD; Mo source). The particle morphology, size and compositions will be beendetermined using transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(TEM and EDS). The stability of the nitride complex will be determined under low temperatureFT conditions before the activity of this catalyst is determined. The activity for both the metallicHcp Co and Co3N will be compared to that of the metallic Fcc Co and Co4N (an Fcc CobaltNitride) under FT conditions.

ABSTRACT

[1] Khodakov, A.Y., Bechara, R. & Griboval-Constant, A. 2003. Applied Catalysis A: General. 254(2):273–288. DOI: 10.1016/S0926-860X(03)00489-7.[2] Liu, J.-X., Wang, P., Xu, W. & Hensen, E.J.M. 2017. Engineering. 3(4):467–476. DOI: 10.1016/J.ENG.2017.04.012.[3] Lyu, S., Wang, L., Zhang, J., Liu, C., Sun, J., Peng, B., Wang, Y., Rappe, K.G., et al. n.d. DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.8b00834.[4] Chen, P., Xu, K., Tong, Y., Li, X., Tao, S., Fang, Z., Chu, W., Wu, X., et al. 2016. Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers. 3(2):236. DOI: 10.1039/c5qi00197h.

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I completed my Masters degree, in Biochemistry, atthe University of Fort Hare which focused onantibiotic production from isolated bacterial speciesinhabiting unexploited local environments. Myinterest in research was spurred by a lack ofenthusiasm for an 8 to 5 job which would be acontinual repetition of a same and specific thing. Ipreferred, rather, to think around and solve problemsfaced by ordinary people and also looking at howresearch outputs could better impact society.

Mkono Yonela Pelokazi

SupervisorsDr M Smart [email protected]), Prof STL Harrison([email protected])

DepartmentChemical Engineering, Centre for Bioprocessing engineering Research (CeBER)

Research TitleRe-purposing of nitrogen from South African wastewaters using algal biotechnology for value addition

What also intrigued me was the lack of women in research, especially in the EasternCape, and that encouraged me all the more to venture into the field with an intentionof building a solid reputation. For the future, I plan to be involved in wastemanagement research to further exploit the opportunities this field has to offer.

88

STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: YONELA MKONO

The eutrophication of water sources, especially by high nitrogen and phosphate containingcompounds, causes pollution that has become a worldwide problem threatening theenvironment and human health. Polluted water accumulates due to urbanisation andindustrialisation, especially where insufficient infrastructure development exists, giving rise towaste disposal challenges. Rapid and uncontrolled algal growth in response to high nutrientavailability in uncontained water bodies is the cause of eutrophication. Currently, wastewatertreatment options include the nitrification/denitrification processes for nutrient removal.Wastewater treatment technologies often require extensive infrastructure and where thenutrients in processed wastewater are not eliminated in totality due to sub-optimal operationor overloading of the system, eutrophication may still occur in downstream waterbodiesfollowing effluent discharge. Amending the already existing infrastructure to improve theremediation of wastewater is costly and the existing infrastructure is already an economicalburden to many industries and communities, therefore, there efficient alternatives need to beinvestigated. One of these is the use of contained microalgal growth as a water remediationtool.

Research has shown that algal species are very effective at nutrient uptake (Wang et al., 2010; Jiet al., 2013). Algal cultivation requires only low cost infrastructure and the resulting algalbiomass may be utilised for bioproduct recovery and/or energy production, contributing tocarbon mitigation through CO2 assimilation. Where nutrients are only present in a dilute formin wastewaters, they may still have the capacity to support the growth of microalgae. Further,these may be combined with more concentrated nutrient waste streams to create a balancednutrient medium to support algal growth with associated nutrient removal from wastewaters.

In this study we are investigating the nitrogen tolerance of endemic South African microalgalstrains in terms of nitrogen form (nitrates, nitrites, ammonium and more complex proteinsources) and concentration to inform their suitability to remediate wastewater streams.Following screening of algal species, suitable species will be selected based on their ability forrapid nitrogen assimilation and to scavenge the different nitrogen forms predominatingdifferent wastewaters to very low levels. The expected outcomes of this study include theidentification of specific or mixed algal species for the efficient remediation of wastewaterstreams in terms of nitrogen removal, determining the associated process kinetics andproductivity, allowing evaluation of process configurations and their feasibility. Furtheroutcomes include a characterisation of the resulting biomass for the production of a suitablebioproduct, bioenergy and the fit for purpose water.

Keywords: Eutrophication, Nitrogen, Microalgae, Wastewater

ABSTRACT

89


For as long as I can remember, I have always wantedto be a part of science that can directly improve andrevolutionize the world in which we live in. For thesereasons I chose to study towards a BSc. in ChemicalEngineering.

I understand that after the completion of myundergraduate degree, I could have found a job in thefinancial or engineering sector, however, none ofthese occupations would have resonated with mycharacter.

ZIBA RAJAN

SupervisorsDr Rhiyaad Mohamed ([email protected])

DepartmentChemical Engineering, HySA/Catalysis

Research TitleIrOx Supported on Antimony-Doped Tin Oxide as A High-Performing Electrocatalyst For the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

I have always felt that the career I pursue should be both meaningful and interesting andthus have always felt that my calling is in the pursuit of an academic career.

My MSc. project concerns the development of catalyst materials for efficient hydrogengeneration through water electrolysis. I would like to pursue a PhD. in this research area andmaybe one day even have my own electrocatalysis research group.

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STUDENTS AND RESEARCH: ZIBA RAJAN

Hydrogen is a critical feedstock for several globally relevant industrial processes, such as theproduction of ammonia, methanol, paraffins and olefins. Additionally, hydrogen is an energycarrier for fuel cell technology. As anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions continue to soar, ithas become of great environmental importance to drive the production of hydrogen byrenewable and sustainable means.Polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) offers a means for the generation ofhigh purity hydrogen with zero emissions. While this technology is promising, the slow reactionkinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), at the anode side of a water electrolyserrequires the use of rare and costly platinum group metal oxides (IrO2 and RuO2) aselectrocatalysts for feasible operation. Therefore, a significant issue faced in the large-scaleimplementation of PEMWE is in the reduction of the noble metal content in electrolyser anodes[1].

Supporting of iridium oxide on cheap and stable transition metal oxides has been shown tosignificantly reduce the content of iridium in OER electrocatalysts. This work focusses on thesynthesis of iridium oxide supported on antimony-doped tin oxide using a novel,organometallic chemical deposition (OMCD) method [2,3]. The synthesised catalysts have beenstructurally characterised to understand the particle size, dispersion and oxidation state of theiridium using XPS and HRSTEM techniques.

Electrochemical activity and durability of the synthesized catalysts was tested using cyclicvoltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Theperformance and stability of oxide supported OER catalysts produced by the OMCD methodwill be discussed and compared to those prepared by wet synthesis techniques, as well as tounsupported and commercial OER catalysts.

Keywords: water electrolysis, sustainable, hydrogen

ABSTRACT

[1] Fabbri, E., Habereder, A., Waltar, K., Kötz, R. & Schmidt, T.J. Catalysis Science and Technology, 2014, 4(11), 3800–3821. [2] Taylor, S., Fabbri, E., Levecque, P., Schmidt, T.J. & Conrad, O. Electrocatalysis, 2016, 7(4), 287–296.[3] Mohamed, R., Binninger, T., Kooyman, P.J., Hoell, A., Fabbri, E., Patru, A., Heinritz, A., Schmidt, T.J., et al. Catalysis Science & Technology, 2018, 8, 2672–2685.

Student Index

91

Architecture, Planning and Geomatics

StudentName

Project Title Email Page

KenechukwuChukwudubemOnwudinjo

Evaluating the Performance of Multi-rotor UAV-SfM Imagery in AssessingSimple and Complex Forest Structures:Comparison to ALS and TLS

[email protected]

53

Simcelile Chenge Identification of the spatial distributionof Groundwater DependentEcosystems (GDEs) in the fynbos usingGeospatial technologies

[email protected]

80

Chemical Engineering

StudentName


AlexandraHimunchul

Creating T-shaped individuals through theMaster of Philosophy specialising inSustainable Mineral Resource Developmentprogramme at the University of Cape Town

[email protected]

20

Borbor A.K.K.Gibson

Residence Time Investigation of ArtificialSilver Ores in Heap Leaching Using CyanideLixiviant

[email protected]

26

Carol Z.Ngwenya

Improved bioethanol production fromZymomonas mobilis utilising sugar-richwastes as feedstocks

[email protected]

33

ChelseaTucker

Opportunities in Plain Sight: Designing acatalyst for small-scale Fischer-Tropschwaste-to-fuels

[email protected]

36

Danielle Sympathie Goho

Selective production of nitrogen-containingcompounds via a modified Fischer-Tropschprocess

[email protected]

45

Jordy Dinga The oxidative dissolution of chalcopyrite insulphate media: A study of the effects oforganic additives

[email protected]

51

Student Index

92

Chemical Engineering (continued)

StudentName


Mavis Lewis Niobium-doped Titania as a NanofibreSupport for Iridium Oxide in ReversalTolerant Anodes in Polymer Electrolyte FuelCells

[email protected]

60

Obakeng Jona

Scale-Up and Optimisation of LactobacilliProbiotics Production for BacterialVaginosis Treatment

[email protected]

62

Reuben MkhulekoDlamini

Resource Intensity Trends of the SouthAfrican Ferrochrome Industry

[email protected]

66

Richard B. Martin

Atomic Scale Characterisation of Pt-Re/CeO2 for the Water Gas Shift Reaction

[email protected]

68

Sfiso Mkhize Study of the desorption of rare earthelements from mineral clays, towardsdevelopment of an in situ leaching strategy

[email protected]

76

Sikozile Ncembu

Process optimisation and scale-up for production of H22(scFv)-ETA’ targeting CD64 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

[email protected]

78

Veroushia Padayachee

Metallic cobalt derived from cobalt nitridesfor Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

[email protected]

84

Yonela Mkono Re-purposing of nitrogen from SouthAfrican wastewaters using algalbiotechnology for value addition

[email protected]

86

Ziba Rajan IrOx Supported on Antimony-Doped TinOxide as A High-Performing ElectrocatalystFor the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

[email protected]

88

Student Index

93

Civil Engineering

StudentName


CaitlinCourtney

Upcycling Urine: Developing a reverseosmosis process to concentrate andrecover nutrients from source-separatedurine

[email protected]

31

Craig Tinashe Tanyanyiwa

Towards Practical Pressure-Based LeakageCharacterisation of Water DistributionPipes with A Novel PipeCondition Assessment Device

[email protected]

41

DanielAdeleke

An investigation into asperities effect ongeotextile-geomembrane interface shearcharacteristics

[email protected]

43

TapfumaPashapa

ICTS and people-centric development – acase study of rural South Africa using theC4D model

[email protected]

82

Construction Economics & Management

StudentName


EmmanuelDeleOmopariola

Framework of Financial ManagementStrategies that influence Project andOrganisation Performance in the SouthAfrican Construction Industry

[email protected]

49

Student Index

94

Electrical Engineering

StudentName


Azeez O.Olasoji

Economic Impact of Load Shedding on theSouth African Economy

[email protected]

23

Bright Tetteh Implementation of Wide Area Protection inSmart Distribution Grids

[email protected]

28

ChersikaPolton

Control of Main Steam Temperatures [email protected]

38

KingsleyAkpeji

Cost of electricity interruptions tocommercial and industrial end-users:qualitative and quantitative insights from afirm-level survey

[email protected]

55

Mechanical Engineering

StudentName


David O. Ariyo Comparison Of Two-phase And Single-phase Flow In Optimized HorizontalMicrochannels

[email protected]

47

Lizé-MariFerreira

Maleated castor oil-polystyreneinterpenetrating polymer networksreinforced with hemp fibres

[email protected]

58

Mojalefa PrinceNchupang

High order methods for nonlinear PartialDifferential Equations

[email protected]

64

Ross Christopher

Mathematical Modelling and ControlSystem Optimization of a Hexapod Robot

[email protected]

70

RushavyaNaidu

Dynamic Modelling of a Combined-CyclePower Plant

[email protected]

73

EBE POSTGRADUATE STUDENT COUNCIL

2019

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