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Potential for energy recovery and its economic evaluation from a municipal solid wastes landfill in Cape Town
No full textThesis (MTech (Chemical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Landfill gases, principally methane, CH4 are produced from the decomposition of the municipal solid wastes deposited on landfill sites. These gases can be captured and converted into usable energy or electricity which will assist in addressing energy needs of South Africa. Its capture also reduces the problems associated with greenhouse gases. The aim of this study is to estimate gases that can be produced from the Bellville landfill site in Cape Town. The landfill gas capacity was estimated using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) model. The IPCC model showed that 48 447m3/year of landfill gas capacity was determined only in 2013. The LFGTE process plant is designed in a manner of purifying landfill gas, which at the end methane gets up being the only gas combusted. As a matter of fact 14 544kg/year of gases which consists mainly methane gets combusted. The average energy that can be produced based on the generated landfill gas capacity (methane gas) is 1,004MWh/year. This translates to R1. 05million per year at Eskom’s current tariff of R2.86 /kWh) including sales from CO2 which is a by-product from the designed process plant. A LFGTE process plant has been developed from the gathered information on landfill gas capacity and the amount of energy that can be generated from the gas. In order, to start-up this project the total fixed capital costs of this project required amounted up to R2.5 million. On the other hand, the project made a profit amounted to R3.9million, the Net profit summed up to R1. 3million and the payback time of Landfill Gas ToEnergy (LFGTE) project is 4years.The break-even of the project is on second year of the plant’s operation. The maximum profit that this project can generate is around R1. 1million. The life span of the plant is nine years. Aspen plus indicated that about 87% of pure methane was separated from CO2 and H2S for combustion at theabsorption gas outletstream. I would suggest this project to be done because it is profitable when by-products such as CO2 sales add to the project’s revenues
Evaluation and verification of five different image reconstruction algorithms for electrical resistance tomography applications
No full textThesis (MTech (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Tomography is the ability to internally visualise an opaque medium or a body, using different imaging techniques. Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) technique is a method commonly used in process tomography. It uses a non-intrusive resistance measurement between a set of electrodes attached on the circumference of a fixed cross-section with a given conductivity and permittivity distribution. ERT appears to be simple, low cost, safe and non-invasive. Despite the advantages of ERT, the reconstruction of the internal conductivity of the pipe still face a crucial challenges such as noise, a relatively low spatial resolution, as well as ill-posedness of the inverse problem when doing the image reconstruction using reconstruction algorithms. Although previous work showed the potential of various algorithms for the reconstruction of ERT tomograms, no full characterisation and comparison of different algorithms could be found for real flow situations.
The ERT system was tested in the identification of different objects and fluid beds in a real time situation. The data collected from the measurements were then used for the image reconstruction using an algorithm developed by Time Long (One-step algorithm) and four EIDORS-based algorithms namely: Gauss-Newton algorithm with Laplace Prior (LP) and Gaussian prior (Automatic Hyper Parameter Selection (AHSP)), the Total Variation (TV) algorithm and the Conjugate Gradient (CG) algorithm. The performance of each algorithm was tested in different scenarios. The results obtained were then compared based on the quality and the accuracy of the images as well as the computational time of each algorithm. Firstly, reconstructed images were obtained using objects placed inside the ERT pipe test. Secondly, the algorithm performances were put to test in a level bed setup experiment and finally, the algorithm reconstructions were applied to the real flow situation, where different flow rates were applied. The results obtained were then analysed and compared
Non-saccharomyces yeast and acetic acid bacteria in balsamic-styled vinegar production : a biochemical process analysis
No full textThesis (MTech (Chemical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Grape producers and wine makers in South Africa are currently affected by various challenges, which include anti-alcohol lobbies, climate change, over-production in some vintages and the lack of transformation including empowerment in certain sectors of the industry. Climate change and global warming lead to poor quality wine grapes and as a result, poor quality wine. Therefore, there is a need to channel grapes away from normal wine production and provide an alternative source of income for the industry.
The overall aim of this study was therefore to provide an alternative outlet for overproduced wine grapes by producing balsamic-styled vinegar (BSV) in South Africa. Balsamic vinegar is different from other vinegars because it is a direct product of grape must and not a downstream or by-product of wine production. Balsamic vinegar entails lower production costs when compared to the production of wine due to the low technological process requirements during production; therefore, this could be an opportunity for small business entrepreneurs with low capital start-up. In addition, balsamic vinegar can command a high price, which is a benefit for grape producers. The primary aim of this investigation was to biochemically analyse a BSV production process in which 5 non-Saccharomyces yeast and 15 acetic acid bacteria (AAB) were used for a multicultural alcoholic-acetous (EtOH-AcOH) fermentation process. To achieve this aim, a fermentation process was designed where the data generated was fitted into kinetic models and the proliferation including the population dynamics of the microbial consortia were studied
Bioflocculant dissolved air flotation system for the reduction of suspended solids-lipids-Proteinaceous matter from poultry slaughterhouse wastewater
No full textThesis (MTech (Chemical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Poultry slaughterhouse wastewater (PSW) contains organic matter that can be degraded by microorganisms. Such matter can further be used by the microbial community as a nutrient source for growth. Moreover, this type of wastewater also contains a high quantity of particulate matter, lipids and proteins, including antimicrobial compounds such as triclosan (TCS) and trichlorocarbanilide (TCC) used during cleaning and sanitising of processing facilities. Lipids and particulate matter lead to clogging of pipes and fouling of diffusers in the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To overcome this problem, a pre-treatment system such as a dissolved air flotation system (DAFs) in which synthetic flocculants are used, is commonly used prior to the biological treatment of the wastewater. Synthetic flocculants add to the environmental burden associated with the use of synthetic compounds, particularly when these compounds are used in WWTPs. This study focused on the reduction of suspended solids, lipids and proteinaceous matter using a bioflocculant- supported DAF for the treatment of PSW
The relationship between environmental health status, the attributes of female caregivers and the health status of care recipients in low-income areas in Cape Town, South Africa
No full textThesis (DPhil (Environmental Health))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Informal caregivers play an important role in the well-being of dependent members in a
household. The burdens of these caregivers are multiple and pervasive and may contribute
to mental health epidemiology as a result of worry, grief, anxiety and stress.
The literature review revealed that studies in caregiving and its various facets began from a
pragmatically applied interest rather than from theoretical and intellectual curiosity. The
majority of the research on caregiver burden involves meta-analysis of qualitative studies
with little quantitative research. Also, many of these studies are concentrated on caregivers
of chronically ill patients, such as those suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart
disease, without much attention to care burden resulting from caring for those who are not
necessarily ill. Similar studies by other researchers did not consider the impact of the physical
health of the care recipients or the environmental factors that are critical in the study of female
caregiver burden in low-income settings. In addition, existing studies did not adequately
evaluate the many potential factors that may vary and influence the lives of the caregivers,
especially in a single, comprehensive model. This study attempted to provide a more complete
picture of these relationships in low-income and culturally diverse settings.
The study population consisted of black/African and coloured populations living in subsidised
or low-cost housing settlements. In each of the two different cultural communities, 100
black/African and 100 coloured female caregivers were selected through a systematic random
sampling procedure. In addition, data were also collected from caregivers in Tamale, Ghana to
assess differences between the socio-demographic profiles of the caregivers in Cape Town,
South Africa and Tamale, Ghana. The theoretical paradigm used in this study is the Stress
Process Model by Pearlin et al., (1990).
The study instrument assessed caregiver burden with both objective and subjective measures
through the use of a fully structured questionnaire. The information that was collected according
to the constructs of the Stress Process Model included personal and role strains and
incorporated the physical health of the care recipients and environmental factors such as
kitchen and toilet hygiene. Inclusion criteria for the respondents in both Cape Town and Tamale
were the principal female caregivers who were present, willing, and able to give informed
consent. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 22) was used for the
analyses. The Chi-square test was used to assess the relationships between environmental
health, the socio-demographics of the female caregivers and the health status of the care
recipients. The hierarchical regression analysis in the form of a General Linear Model was used
to model caregiving burden.
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The results showed that the majority of the female caregivers were in the age group 40 – 49
years and in both Cape Town and Tamale, a large proportion was in the low-income group.
Also, the majority of the informal caregivers in the two samples were in care tasks as a
full-time job, providing more than 40 hours of care per week. Regarding the length of time in
caregiving, a large proportion of the caregivers in both Cape Town and Tamale had been in
the care role for more than three years preceding the survey, and almost all the caregivers in
the Cape Town sample (98.4%) did not use any form of caregiving programme to ameliorate
the negative effects of caregiving. Further, the results showed statistically significant
relationships between the socio-demographic characteristics of female caregivers (age,
education, population group and income status) and the diarrhoea status of the care recipients.
Also, a significant relationship was shown between environmental health variables of the home
(kitchen hygiene and toilet hygiene) and the physical health of the care recipients. The
major predictors of female caregiver burden in the samples were the physical health of the care
recipients and access to social grants.
On the basis of the analyses, it was recommended that the government should recognise the
importance of the physical health of the care recipients and increase the amounts of social
grants to the caregivers since this could improve the circumstances of both the caregivers
and the care recipients. In addition, this could aid in improving the standard of living of
caregivers in these households. Future research in similar settings should disaggregate the
data to compare the burden of caring for caregivers of physically strong care recipients with
physically ill care recipients
Synthesis and characterization of bimetallic silver and platinum nanoparticles as electrochemical sensor for nevirapine, an anti-HIV drug
No full textThesis (DTech (Chemistry))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Bimetallic silver-platinum (Ag-Pt) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via simultaneous reduction of varying mole fractions of metal precursors H2PtCl6.6H2O and AgNO3 by sodium citrate. Kinetics rates of were as follows; Ag NPs (0.079 s-1), Ag-Pt NPs 1:1 (0.082 s-1) and Pt NPs (0.006 s-1). The UV visible spectrum of Ag NPs exhibited a characteristic absorption band while Pt NPs and Ag-Pt bimetallic NPs exhibited no absorption peaks. Successful formation of both monometallic and bimetallic NPs was confirmed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM); selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. TEM images depicted core-shell arrangement in the bimetallic (BM) NP ratios (1:1, 1:3 and 3:1) with an average particle size of 21 nm. The particle size trend where monometallic Ag NPs (60 nm) > Pt NPs (2.5 nm) while in the BM ratios Ag-Pt NPs 1:1 (25 nm) > Ag-Pt NPs 1:3 (20.7 nm). X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns depicted crystallinity in all the synthesized NPs with confirmation of the face centred cubic structure formation. Transducers were fabricated by drop casting the nanoparticless on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and their electrochemical properties studied via cyclic voltammetry (CV). High diffusion coefficient (D) and surface coverage reported were Ag NPs (6.70 cm2 s-1, 54.49 mol cm-2 ) and Ag-Pt NPs 1:1 (0.62 cm2 s-11.85 mol cm-2). Electrochemical band gaps ranged from 1.45 to 1.70 eV while the Tauc’s model band gaps of nanoparticles were found in the range of 2.48 to 3.84 eV. These band gaps were found to be inversely proportional to particle size, which was attributed to the quantum confinement effect. Both optical and electrochemical band gap portrayed similar trend as well as an increase in the BM NP relative to monometallics. These nanoparticles band gaps are within semiconductor range for most materials. The electrochemical behaviour and surface characteristics were studied using 0.1 M PBS solution by scan rates variations for the diffusion coefficient determination of modified electrodes which ranged from 0.62 to 6.10 x 10-5 cm2 s-1. Laviron’s approach for parameters such as apparent charge transfer rate constant, ks, and charge transfer coefficient, α, for electron transfer between NPs and GCE were investigated using CV. The values of electron-transfer coefficients ranged from 0.1 to 0.7 while the charge transfer rate constant values ranged from 0.74 to 31.13 s-1
Writing and mathematical problem-solving in grade 3
No full textThesis (MEd (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.The mathematics curriculum currently used in South African classrooms emphasises problem-solving to develop critical thinking. However, based on the local performance of South African Foundation Phase learners as well as performance in comparative international studies in mathematics, there is concern regarding their competence when solving mathematical problems and their use of meaningful strategies. This qualitative research study explores how writing can support Grade 3 learners’ mathematical problem-solving abilities. Writing in mathematics is examined as a tool to support learners when they solve mathematical problems to develop their critical thinking and deepen their conceptual understanding. The study followed a case study design. Social constructivist theory formed the theoretical framework and scaffolding was provided by various types of writing tasks. These writing tasks, specifically those promoted by Burns (1995a) and Wilcox and Monroe (2011), were modelled to learners and implemented by them while solving mathematical problems. Writing tasks included writing to solve mathematical problems, writing to record (keeping a journal or log), writing to explain, writing about thinking and learning processes and shared writing. Data were gathered through learners’ written work, field notes, audio-recordings of ability group discussions and interviews. Data were analysed to determine the usefulness of Burns’ writing methodology to support learners’ problem-solving strategies in the South African context. The analysis process involved developing initial insights, coding, interpretations and drawing implications to establish whether there was a relation between the use of writing in mathematics and development of learners’ problem-solving strategies. This study revealed an improvement in the strategies and explanations learners used when solving mathematical problems. At the end of the eight week data collection period, a sample of eight learners showed marked improvement in verbal and written explanations of their mathematical problem-solving strategies than before the writing tasks were implemented
Impact of ISO 9000 certification on quality management practices among SMEs in the Western Cape, South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Quality))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.The study has been carried out on impact of implementing ISO standards on SMEs to seek general evaluation of its benefits. The purpose of this paper is to outline the benefits of ISO implementation on South African small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The SME sector is the backbone of developed economies, which is regarded as the engine of growth for economies all over the world. For developing countries, SMEs often offer the only realistic prospects for increases in employment since they employ the largest percentage of the workforce population. With the trend towards global market orientation and trade liberalisation, SMEs are moving towards implementing quality systems. The empirical study aims to explore current implementation of quality management tools and advanced improvement techniques in the Western Cape SMEs, in order to understand what factors impact on how quality control is managed.
Two main categories are analysed, namely tangible and intangible. This study will assist other SMEs in developing countries on ISO 9000 implementation. This study is restricted to small and medium-sized companies in South Africa implementing ISO system and other quality tools or techniques. Data collection of this study is done based on a combination of survey questionnaires and interviews with managers, supervisors and general staff
Towards design-build architectural education and practice : exploring lessons from educational design-build projects
No full textThesis (DTech (Architectural Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.This research explores design-build projects in
architectural education. The design-build studio is
an alternative to the conventional theory-oriented
studio. In design-build projects students both
design and build real buildings. Internationally,
design-build projects have increased rapidly in
architectural programmes over the past decade.
Literature suggests that design-build projects
are relevant for architectural education, but that
there is a definite need for more theoretical and
critical exploration.
Design-build projects in the context of this study
are defined as socially responsive, inhabitable,
full-scale investigations. The value of this
pedagogical construct for educators, students,
architectural practice and society in general was
an underpinning theme guiding this exploration.
Design-build projects are located on the
boundary between theory and practice. This
research provides a view into my journey across
this boundary, immersing myself in both the
theoretical and practical. Principles of the designbuild
process and design research mapped the
research path. The research process commenced
with the initiation of and active participation in a
number of design-build constructions. Through
critical reflection on the construction experiences
and the literature, specific pedagogical and
practice implications were explored. Cultural
historical activity theory provided me with a
sense of theoretical direction in this journey.
Collaboration as a pedagogical tool and the
possibility of exposing students to alternative
practice possibilities were foregrounded as being
uniquely situated within the design-build project.
The value of this research is the contribution
it makes to the current international call for a
clearer understanding of the pedagogical and
practice merit of design-build projects
Optimising camera trap density and position to determine medium and large mammal species richness and occupancy on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Nature Conservation))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.Largely due to anthropogenic causes, biodiversity and particularly species diversity is changing at an extraordinary rate, with declines in species abundance, community composition and extinction risk being of crucial concern. Monitoring of state variables of biodiversity such as species richness and occupancy are of significant importance in determining the severity of threats placed on species, populations and communities. As a non-invasive monitoring method camera traps are noted as being an effective, accurate and rapid means of compiling species richness estimates of medium to large terrestrial mammals. However, crucial elements of camera trap survey design are rarely empirically addressed, which has questioned the need for a standardised camera trapping protocol. Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is a protected area that is under serious anthropogenic pressure through urban and peri-urban development. Although it is the last refuge for a number of large mammal species on the Cape Peninsula, current mammalian species richness knowledge within the TMNP are limited. Accurate and current species richness estimates are therefore needed within TMNP and more specifically the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH), which exclusively hosts a number of medium and large mammal species. The aims of this study were to optimise a camera survey protocol for the Peninsula region, with a focus on camera density, placement and survey duration that will enable accurate estimations of medium to large mammal species richness and occupancy