2.

Process Selection
In this process selection, we will select three drying methods that can be

used to form the aerogel. From the selection process we will get the best method
to be used in the formation of aerogel. The three methods that will be selected are
ambient drying method, supercritical drying method and a freeze-drying method.
Selection is done by determining criteria-criteria that can be used as a parameter
for selecting the method of drying. Then we give weight value to the criteria by
considering the needs of the consumer. Here are the criterias.

Operational cost
Operational cost determined the annual expense of the factory. It also
determine whether its visible to build
Products form
The product that produced from drying process method that we choose
determined the choice of drying method that will be made.
Common method
The method that widely used in this process and safe to use.
Complexity
Complexity to operate each drying method determined score for each
method because it will effect to the kemampuan pekerja dalam
mengoperasikannya

After we determined the criterias, we score each drying method in each

criteria with the scoring value. Table below will show you the level scoring for
each criteria.

Table 2 List of score each parameter

Criterion

Operational

Very

Expensive

Moderate

Cheap

Cost

Expensive

Products Form

Poor

Bad

Moderate

Good

Excelent

Common

Very Rare

Rare

Moderate

Common

Very

Cheap

Method
Complexity

Very

common
Very

Complex

Moderate

Easy

Very Easy

Complex
(Source: Private Data, 2015)

After that, we compare each method based on the criteria that we made so
we can determine the score in each criteria for each method. The table below
shown the comparison between ambient drying, supercritical drying and freezedrying.
Table 2 Comparison of drying method

No

Criteria

Ambient Drying

Supercritical Drying

Freeze-drying
High
Aerogels, but easy

Operational Cost

Low

Medium

Products Form

Xerogels

Aerogels

3
4

Common Method
Complexity

Rare
Moderate

Common
Complex

to crack
Rare
Very Complex

(Source: Private data, 2015)

From the table above, we can see that the operational cost in freeze-drying
is the most expensive out of three methods, which is always a concern-especially
in industry. For supercritical drying, the cost that will be spent is not cheap but
still cheaper than freeze-drying method. While ambient drying needs the cheapest
cost to operate. Ambient drying is more conventional technology than two other
methods, so the cost is also cheaper.
Each methods produce different form just like the table shown above.
Ambient drying method sometimes will make gel shrinking. Its because as water
evaporates from the gel pores, it creates a meniscus that recedes back into the gel.
This creates capillary pressure on the solid gel skeleton. If the capillary pressure
grows too great within the gel, this will lead to cracking, ruining the monolith.

Thats why ambient drying is not suitable to make aerogels. With certain gel
compositions it is possible to create aerogels via ambient drying, but in most cases
it will end up with gel fragments, or xerogels- a class of materials which are like
aerogels with greatly reduce porosity.
In supercritical drying, we bring the pore liquid to a supercritical phase
and it will avoid capillary pressure-which is the problem in ambient drying
method-by transitioning straight from the supercritical phase to the gaseous phase
without stressing the solid gel network. This method will create an aerogel that
has strength and not easy to crack.
In freeze drying method, the gel samples are frozen after aging and placed
in a vacuum. In the vacuum, the solid in the pores is sublimated and it will create
aerogels. But, sometimes, if the pore solid is not sublimated properly, it could
transition to the liquid state, subsequently causing capillary pressure and all the
effects of ambient drying. That is why supercritical drying is the most prominent
method of aerogel production.
In the production of aerogels, supercritical drying is the most common
method that is used. So it will be more recognized by the workers and the
workers training will not be difficult. While, freeze drying is common alternative
to supercritical drying, but its still rare to use it as drying method in aerogels
production. Ambient drying method is the most uncommon method that is used
for aerogels production because the product from this method is not good enough.
The complexity of all methods is also a concern because it will effect to
the workers ability. The most complex method of the three is freeze drying.
Ambient drying is the easiest method to operate. That is because ambient drying is
also the most conventional method of the three. Supercritical drying is a complex
method. But, the product of this method is the most suitable product that wanted
by customers.
The comparison between drying method will lead us to determine the
score in each criteria. The table below will show you the scoring in each criteria
for each drying method.
Table. Scoring for each drying method

No

Criteria

Percentag

Ambient

Supercritical

Drying

Drying

Freeze-drying

1
2
3
4

Operational Cost
Products Form
Common Method
Complexity
Total
Rank

30%
40%
15%
15%
100%

Rating

Score

3
2
2
4

0,9
0,8
0,3
0,6
2,6

Ratin

Score

g
2
5
5
3

0,6
2
0,75
0,45
3,8

Ratin

Score

g
1
3
2
2

0,3
1,2
0,3
0,3
2,1

(Source: Private data, 2015)

From the table above, the method that got the highest total score is
supercritical drying because the second is ambient drying, and the last is freeze
drying. It shows us that supercritical drying is the most suitable method to use in
aerogels production.