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Conversion of a batch biodiesel plant from homogeneous to heterogeneous catalysed process: modelling, optimisation and techno-economic analysis
No full textMost biodiesel plants operate batch-wise using homogeneous alkali catalysts. Recently, several heterogeneous catalysts have been suggested in literature, as they have shown potential for overcoming most of the challenges associated with the application of homogeneous catalysts. Previous published techno-economic comparisons of the two technologies on large-scale processes located in the developed world, have revealed the economic superiority of heterogeneously catalysed processes. Hence, prospect exists for current homogeneously catalysed process plants to be converted to heterogeneously catalysed ones. The objective of this research was to investigate the actual cost benefit of converting a small-scale batch biodiesel plant from homogeneous to heterogeneous catalysed process. For this purpose, a small-scale batch biodiesel plant located in South Africa was taken as the base case homogeneous process. Aspen Batch Process Developer® software was used to perform the process simulations. The homogeneous process was converted to the heterogeneous one and results from process simulation were used to evaluate the economics of both processes, which were compared in terms of fixed capital cost, total manufacturing cost and profitability indicators. During economic evaluation, two types of cost factors were used: one prevailing in developed world and the other one relevant to South Africa. The sensitivity analysis of both processes was further performed in order to investigate the impact of some uncertain parameters on their profitability. Finally, a debottlenecking study was carried out. Results obtained from this study showed an increase in the annual throughput of biodiesel as well as significant savings in the total capital cost for the heterogeneous catalysed process relative to the homogeneous one. As regards the estimation of the total unit manufacturing cost of biodiesel, significant differences arose when using the two types of cost factors. Results of economic analyses estimated using cost factors relative to South Africa suggest an increase in the unit manufacturing cost of biodiesel while using the developed world’s cost factors suggests the opposite. This is due to the higher raw material and energy requirement for the CaO process, while knowing that the direct costs are a bigger proportion of the manufacturing costs estimated using the South African cost factors. Profitability and sensitivity analyses only provided positive results when estimated using the South African cost factors. In all cases, the heterogeneous catalysed process was found to be more promising than the homogeneous one over the prescribed project life. The study showed the importance of using cost factors relevant to a particular economic environment during techno-economic assessment of a process. It was also shown that there are economic benefits when replacing settling with centrifugation in biodiesel production processes. In summary, this thesis makes some important contributions. It presents the first process simulation for biodiesel production using Aspen Batch Process Developer® software and thereby proposes a methodology that is currently scarce in the literature. It also reports the first techno-economic analysis applied to the biodiesel field in South Africa and provides a preliminary insight to owners of biodiesel plants as regards the decision to convert or not their homogeneous catalysed plant to heterogeneous one
An investigation into the curriculum of selected hotel schools in South Africa in preparing graduates to successfully operate a commercial restaurant
No full textThesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree: Master in Technology: Tourism and Hospitality Management In the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relevance of the curriculum offered by universities of technology hotel schools in South Africa, in preparing students to be able to open and operate commercial restaurants successfully after graduation.
Data for this research were obtained making use of qualitative and quantitative research. The researcher conducted interviews with restaurateurs throughout South Africa to determine what skills and knowledge would be required to ensure that students who graduated with their National Diploma in Hospitality Management: Food and Beverage (NDHM: FB), would be able to open and operate a sustainable and profitable commercial restaurant. The information obtained from these interviews was used to draw up a questionnaire, completed by third year students who hoped to graduate at the end of the year, sampled from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Hotel School (known as the Cape Town Hotel School) and the Central University of Technology Hotel School. The questionnaire was designed to measure the students’ perceptions of their competencies in various areas i.e. of their skills and knowledge to open and run a successful commercial restaurant.
The results revealed that, in general, the third year students did consider themselves to have the necessary skills and knowledge.
The researcher recommends that hotel schools at Universities of Technology introduce more entrepreneurship and incubation programmes to provide more opportunities for graduates to open their own restaurants
A Comparative Assessment of the Utilisation of Electronic Human Resource Management Systems as a Decision-Making Tool by Selected South African and Nigerian Universities
No full textMini-Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Tourism and Hospitality Management in the Faculty of Business at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyThe utilization of electronic human resource management (E-HRM) systems is increasing in universities and has helped to support their human resource functions. The term E-HRM covers all possible integration mechanisms and contents between HRM and information technologies, which aim to create value within and across organizations for targeted employees and management. E-HRM is also said to include the planning, implementation and application of information technology for both networking and supporting at least two individuals or collective actors in their shared performance of human resource activities. The main aim of this study is to assess the utilization of electronic human resource management (E-HRM) systems as a decision-making tool by selected South African and Nigerian universities in order to determine the extent of using electronic human resource management (E-HRM) systems at selected universities in South Africa and Nigeria. It is a comparative study that is set to: enable the researcher to make better comparison across different countries and cultures; assist the researcher to identify the commonalities and exclusions of E-HRM which might perform important functions from the two countries used for the research; and investigate the value-adding benefits of E-HRM systems to the human resource functions of the selected universities. The study is also aimed at assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of information and decision-making for HR practitioners at the selected universities; and finally, proposing a comprehensive model for proper implementation and utilization of E-HRM systems as a decision-making tool for human resource management functions in universities.
In this study, the triangulation research method approach was adopted - including the qualitative and quantitative research methods. This approach enabled the researcher to solicit information from some members of staff of the universities used for the study. Semi-structured interview questions were used to obtain information from human resource directors and managers, while close-ended questionnaires were used to obtain information from other staff of the universities.
This study found that a statistically significant difference exists in the utilization of E-HRM systems in the area of E-recruitment and selection, E-performance management, and E-training. Essentially, this study has confirmed that the utilization of E-HRM systems is not fully implemented and utilized in both South African and Nigerian universities. This is because of poor Internet access, poor supply of electricity, lack of software, and several other factors. Therefore, providing these facilities and software will improve the utilization of E-HRM systems in these universities.
It is also clear from the study that there is a need for improvement in the utilization of E-HRM software and other facilities; hence, the researcher proposes recommendations, which will help the managements of these universities enhance the utilization of E-HRM in their institutions. One of the recommendations is a model, which is proposed to help articulate proper implementation and utilization of E-HRM systems as a decision-making tool for human resource management functions in the universities. It is hoped that the model will help the universities’ HR departments enhance their functions, outputs and performance. A major limitation of this study is the poor response rate of the target population, which warrants care in the generalization of the results. Future studies may want to examine only HR staff in universities
The effect of Fleckvieh crossbreeding in dairy cattle on the conjugated linoleic acid content of milk produced in intensive and pasture-fed systems
No full textThesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Magister Technologiae: Agriculture in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyConjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid (FA) present in the meat and milk of ruminant
animals, is considered a functional nutrient for humans. The interest in CLA is attributed to its
many health benefits, such as having anti-carcinogenic, anti-atherogenic, anti-diabetic and
anti-adipogenic effects. Dairy products are a rich natural source of CLA, and preliminary
research indicates that the levels in milk can vary based on cattle breed and feeding system.
The Fleckvieh is a popular dual-purpose breed recently introduced to the Western Cape. It is
used in crossbreeding programs with Holstein and Jersey herds to increase fertility and beef
production. Holstein and Jersey cattle are the two most common South African dairy breeds,
but little information is available on the effect of crossbreeding on FA content and CLA levels
in the milk. The primary objective of this study was to compare milk FA composition and CLA
content of these two dairy breeds and their respective Fleckvieh crosses. A second objective
was to investigate the effect of lactation stage on CLA levels. Jersey (J) and Fleckvieh x
Jersey (F×J) cows were kept in a pasture-based system (PBS) for the duration of the study.
Holstein (H) and Fleckvieh x Holstein (F×H) cows were housed in a feedlot system and fed a
total mixed ration (TMR) for the duration of the study. The FA and CLA content of feeds from
these two feeding systems were also analysed and compared. All cows used in the study
were housed at the Elsenburg Research Farm of the Western Cape Department of
Agriculture.
Milk samples were collected every 35 days from the cows in each feeding group, starting 10
days after calving. Samples were kept in a freezer at -20 °C until laboratory analyses. The
total number of milk samples collected was 1044. The milk FA composition and CLA in
particular were determined by gas chromatography. Differences between groups were
statistically analysed by two-way repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results show that milk CLA levels are higher in Fleckvieh-crossbred cows when compared to
purebred cows. The higher CLA content of milk from Fleckvieh crossbred cows demonstrates
the feasibility of using Fleckvieh bulls in South African crossbreeding programs, and are also
an indication that genetic selection for increased CLA content is possible. The analysis of
lactation stage showed that milk CLA is higher during late lactation. A comparison of feed
samples from the two feeding systems revealed that pasture feeding resulted in higher
omega-3 FA in milk.
Key words: Conjugated linoleic acid, milk fatty acids profile, diet, breed, health benefits,
Fleckvieh, Holstein, Jersey, diet, pasture based system, total mixed ration system
Levels of selected gaseous pollutants in ambient air in the vicinity of a chemical industry, Kwekwe, Zimbabwe
No full textThesis (MTech (Environmental Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.The integrity of natural air has been compromised due to the deposition of chemical, biological and particulate substances from natural and anthropogenic sources. Adverse health consequences arising from the exposure of plants, animals and human to elevated atmospheric concentrations have been reported severally. The ambient baseline levels of many air contaminants in urban and industrial layouts of many Africa cities, especially Zimbabwe have not been fully characterized. Information on levels of these contaminants and their real time variability is therefore scarce and scanty.
In this study, the ambient air concentration levels of selected gaseous pollutants in the vicinity of a fertilizer production facility in Zimbabwe were investigated. Nine sampling stations were systematically and randomly identified for the measurement of selected air pollutants (SO2, NO2, and NH3) the fertilizer production factory to capture air quality data on all wind directions. The electrochemical Drager Sensors which rely on electrochemical measuring transducer for measuring concentration of gases under atmospheric conditions was used for the measurement of NH3, SO2, and NO2. The ambient air monitored was allowed to diffuse through a membrane into the sensor liquid electrolytes, containing a sensing electrode, a counter electrode, a reference electrode, and an electronic potentiostat-circuit which ensures constant electrical voltage between the sensing electrode and the reference electrode. The flow of electrons, generated by the reaction is proportional to the concentration of the measured gas. The observed concentrations of NH3, SO2, and NO2 measured within and around the study site were very variable. Levels of NH3 ranged between 0.36 - 7.36 ppm; corresponding values for SO2 and NO2 were 0.02 - 84.61 ppm and 0.61 - 34.78 ppm respectively. These concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than measured (NH3; 0.01 - 0.05 ppm: SO2; 0.03 - 0.18 ppm: NO2; 0.17 - 1.30 ppm) at the control sampling station about 5 km from the industry. Isokinetic and dissipation of the measured gases, governed by the processes of molecular diffusion and convection, confirmed a common pattern of distance dissipation. Thus, the cloud concentrations of NH3, SO2, and NO2 within the facility were higher than observed distances away from the fertilizer factory.Zimbabwe Presidential Scholarshi
Die rol en funksie van prinsipale ten einde akademiese prestasies in landelike skole te verbeter
No full textThesis (MEd (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.The Western Cape Education Department could not reach their proposed pass percentage of 50% in Grades 3 and 6 for Afrikaans Huistaal/English Home Language and Mathematics in all schools since 2002. Rural primary schools in a Circuit in the region of the West Coast form part of these statistics.
The main aim of this study is to identify and discuss the shortcomings and positive aspects in the management practice within this Circuit, draw conclusions and propose recommendations. With this aim the central focus resides within the ambit of the role and function of rural primary school principals as well as the impact of their management acts on learner performance. The accountability of principals comprises managing schools in such a way that learning by learners is a core priority. Several literary genres and philosophies based on professional judgment, views and opinions of experts as well as authorities were researched to find answers to how these approaches can be applied in order to answer the problem statement. To find further answers for the problem statement a combination of quantitative and qualitative research was used. This research process resides within an interpretive research paradigm and is exploratory and descriptive. Selfdesigned questionnaires as well as semi-structured questions for focus group interviews were developed to obtain information from participants, the primary sources. Using this design first-hand knowledge was obtained from participants through the responses in the questionnaires and comments from the interviews. Responses and comments were organised in order to formulate the findings. Both the shortcomings and positive aspects regarding school management in its total extent are highlighted and recommendations are suggested. This study attempts to make a meaningful contribution to the management and leadership accountability function of principals in rural primary schools in order to improve learner achievement
Technology integration : tracing in-service primary teachers' technological, pedagogical and content knowledge development
No full textThesis (DEd (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.The past decade has witnessed the proliferation and use of computer technologies or ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) in varying levels in the traditional classroom within the South African context. The policy on e-Education (DoE, 2004) refers to the significance of e-Education and expects schools to be developed into e-Schools, consisting of a community of both teachers and learners. This policy also foregrounds how new models of learning are radically changing and challenging current conceptions of learning.
As schools acquire technological infrastructure, teachers are expected to become technically skilled in order to deliver the curriculum utilising technology as a tool. Practising primary school teachers are generalists who subscribe to a more holistic approach of teaching. Specialised knowledge influences the in-service primary teacher's perceptions with regard to technology in the classroom. Technology integration,therefore, represents particular challenges for teachers as they search to construct a coherent, technological content base to inform their teaching. Learners with diverse ranges of learning abilities and needs are also present in classrooms, which may further compound the challenges teachers face within the confines of a rigid curriculum and emergent technologies. This study follows and documents the trajectory of a purposive sample of ten practising primary
school teachers who had no specialised training in technology. A qualitative ethnographic
research design, underpinned by an interpretive paradigm is employed. This research is
premised on the argument that teachers can acquire the technical skill, underscored with the
relevant pedagogical aims, needed for the seamless integration of emerging technologies
required to enhance teaching and learning. "Without skilled pedagogical application of
educational technology, technology in and of itself cannot provide innovative school practice
and educational change" (Levin & Wadmany, 2006:158)
Analysis of data governance in higher education institutions : case of a university of technology in South Africa
No full textThesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.Organisations now invest in ICT solutions to drive business activities and provide the agility sought for competitive advantage. These may include government departments, higher-education institutions (universities) and commercial entities amongst other things. The challenges with regards to ICT and data management are equally applicable in universities as they do in business organisations.
Universities have a growing ICT infrastructure used in everyday activities and online functionality, making them prone to data problems. This emerges from data that is used across various business processes which are dispersed among departments. In turn, a level of inefficiency finds its way with potential to generate inaccurate, missing, misinterpreted and poorly defined information.
Higher education institutions are service providers and it is imperative to have reliable, timely and organised data to maintain the performance of the institution. They often experience data management challenges that ultimately affect the institution’s efficiency. These data management challenges arise from institutions not thoroughly dealing with data content, records management, quality, stewardship, governance and research data management. This study explored how data can be managed in higher education institutions using properly defined principles of data governance (DG) which will assist the institutions recognise and treat data as an organisational asset
The effect of different Ordinary Portland cement binders, partially replaced by fly ash and slag, on the properties of self-compacting concrete
No full textThesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Civil Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of TechnologySelf-compacting concrete (SCC) is a flowable self-consolidating concrete which can fill formwork without any external vibration. A self-compacting concrete mix requires the addition of superplasticiser (SP), which allows it to become more workable without the addition of excessive water to the mixture. The effect of different CEM I 52.5N cements produced by one company at different factories on self-compacting concrete was investigated. The properties of SCC are highly sensitive to changes in material properties, water content and addition of admixtures. For self-compacting concrete to be more accepted in South Africa, the effect that locally sourced materials have on SCC, partially replaced with extenders, needs to be investigated. The European guidelines for SCC (2005) determined the standard, through an extensive study, for the design and testing of self-compacting concrete. Using these guidelines, the properties of self-compacting concrete with the usage of local materials were investigated. The effect on SCC mixes was studied by using four cements; two types of SPs – partially replaced with two types of fly ash; and one type of slag. Mix design and tests were done according to the European Specification and Guidelines for Self-Compacting Concrete (2005). Using locally sourced materials (different cements, sand, coarse aggregate, fly ashes and slag), mixes were optimised with different SPs. Optimisation was achieved when self-compacting criteria, as found in the European guidelines, were adhered to, and the binders in these required mixes were then partially replaced with fly ash and slag at different concentrations. Tests done were the slump flow, V-funnel, L-box, sieve segregation resistance as well as the compressive strength tests. The results obtained were then compared with the properties prescribed by the European guidelines.
The cements reacted differently when adding the SPs, and partially replacing fly ash and slag. According to the tests, replacing cement with extenders – in order to get a sufficient SCC – seemed to depend on the chemical and physical properties of each cement type, including the soluble alkali in the mixture, C3A, C3S and the surface area. The range, in which the concentration of these chemical and physical cement compounds should vary – in order to produce an acceptable SCC partially replaced by extenders – was determined and suggested to the cement producer. The main conclusion of this project is that cement properties vary sufficiently from factory to factory so as to influence the performance of an SCC mix. The problem becomes even bigger when such cements are extended with fly ash or slag, and when different SPs are used. When designing a stable SCC mix, these factors should be taken into account
Determination of reference ranges for selected clinical laboratory tests for a medical laboratory in Namibia using pre-tested data
No full textThesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree
Master of Technology: Biomedical Technology
in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences
at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology
2015Aim: The aim of the study was to compile pre-tested laboratory results stored in the
laboratory database of the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP). The study also aimed to
assess the usefulness and validity of using retrospective laboratory results of different
patients in varying degrees of health and which were produced using various methods in
different laboratories in Namibia.
Methods: 254,271 test results (female: 134,261, male = 117,091, unknown gender=
2,919) consisting of Haemoglobin, serum Urea, serum Creatinine, plasma Glucose
(fasting and random), serum Cholesterol, serum Triglycerides and serum Uric Acid was
extracted from NIP Laboratory Information System over a period of four years and of the
13 different regions of Namibia were analyzed.. Each data set was sorted in ascending
order and outliers were eliminated using SPSS Box plot function.
Data available for analysis were Haemoglobin: 18,999 (male = 7,716, female = 11,283,
serum Urea: 8,111 (male = 3,836, female=4.275), serum Creatinine: 8,794 (male=4,099,
female= 4,506), plasma Glucose: 78,106 (fasting=32,591, random=45,515), serum
Cholesterol: 48,354 (male=24,815, female=23,539), Serum Triglycerides: 22,138
(male=9,291, female=12,847) serum Uric Acid: 37,389 (male=18,972, female=18,427).
Results of tests were also analysed according to the 13 regions in Namibia. Outliers were
removed using the Box plot function of SPSS and statistics were calculated for each of the
parameters. Tables and histogram as well as percentile ranges (2.5th -97.5th and 5th -95th)
were determined for each parameter.
Results: Non-parametric percentile ranges were as follows: Haemoglobin (2.5-97.5:
M=6.64-16.9, F=7.81-15.2 and 5-95: M=7.39-16.3, F=8.48-14.7) g/L, Urea (2.5-97.5: 1.3-
9.1, 5-95:1.6-8.4) mmol/L, Creatinine (2.5-97.5: M=37-141, F=33-103 and 5-95: M=43-
133, F=39-117) μmol/L, Glucose (2.5-97.5: fasting=3.4-9.5, random=3.7-7.1 and 5-95:
fasting=3.9-9.1, random 4-6.9) mmol/L, Cholesterol (2.5-97.5: M=2.6-6.9, F=2.8-7.0 and 5-
95: M=2.9-6.1, F=3.1-6.2) mmol/L, Triglyceride (2.5-97.5: 0.39-2.72 and 5-95: 0.46-2.5)
mmol/L and Uric Acid (2.5-97.5: M=0.21-0.62, F=0.17-0.51 and 5-95: M=0.24-0.58,
F=0.19-0.48) mmol/L.
Conclusion: A statistically significant difference between the mean values of the study
and the mean values of NIP reference range was detected and differences between these
values and reference values in the region were observed. More work needs to be done to
improve the data extraction process, data selection criteria and improvement of statistical
analysis. If these can be addressed, it can be stated that using patient laboratory data
values is a relatively easy and cost effective method of establishing laboratory and
population specific reference values if skewness and kurtosis of the distribution are not too
large