Decentralized energy supply: Suitability for the UK's industrial sectors

From the results reported here it is suggested that policy decisions about the potential contribution of decentralized energy supply systems to UK industrial energy requirements should be based on the suitability of individual sectors rather than averaged over all sectors. The suitability of decentralized energy sources is evaluated, based on a themodynamic match between source and demand. This suitability criterion is used to identify the most appropriate sector in manufacturing industries for the adoption of decentralized energy supply, leaving aside economic cost considerations and individual site requirements.     

A framework for a limitation policy of the population exposure to natural radiation in Belgium

The conclusions are put forward that are adopted by a discussion group preparing the framework for a limitation policy of the radon problem in Belgium. Existing and future situations are treated in a coherent policy that is adequate for practical implementation. An action level is defined, together with a hierachy of levels for new constructions. The decision logic for the acceptance of building materials is explained.     

The impact of multiple failure modes on estimating product field reliability

A difficulty in reliability modeling is how to capture the impact of all of the various reliability defect types. The general approach to optimizing burn-in that we describe in this article addresses a multiple-defect environment. The approach has four main parts: (i) modeling the product's failure rate distribution, (ii) establishing the Pareto distribution of reliability defects, (iii) assessing the kinetic information of each reliability defect, and (iv) estimating the DPPM under product use conditions. This article compares and contrasts the acceleration effects of various extrinsic defects found in 130- and 90-nm CMOS technology products.     

Multivariate statistical analysis of a high rate biofilm process treating kraft mill bleach plant effluent.

This study reports on a multivariate analysis of the moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) wastewater treatment system at a Canadian pulp mill. The modelling approach involved a data overview by principal component analysis (PCA) followed by partial least squares (PLS) modelling with the objective of explaining and predicting changes in the BOD output of the reactor. Over two years of data with 87 process measurements were used to build the models. Variables were collected from the MBBR control scheme as well as upstream in the bleach plant and in digestion. To account for process dynamics, a variable lagging approach was used for variables with significant temporal correlations. It was found that wood type pulped at the mill was a significant variable governing reactor performance. Other important variables included flow parameters, faults in the temperature or pH control of the reactor, and some potential indirect indicators of biomass activity (residual nitrogen and pH out). The most predictive model was found to have an RMSEP value of 606 kgBOD/d, representing a 14.5% average error. This was a good fit, given the measurement error of the BOD test. Overall, the statistical approach was effective in describing and predicting MBBR treatment performance.     

On the social acceptability of inherently safe technologies

Some techniques have encountered public opposition which has delayed their implementation or even blocked it completely. Inherently safer technologies are a good idea and can certainly improve safety, but research on public perceptions of hazardous technologies suggest that safety is only loosely coupled to social acceptability. It is concluded that the notion of inherent safety does not necessarily make technologies more acceptable. It is proposed that the inherent safety concept should be extended to embrace procedural and institutional innovations that involve lay and expert groups in decision-making and improved communications between technical experts and lay people     

Detonation-induced coal gasification

A preliminary experimental and theorotical investigation of the feasibility of detonation-induced pulverized coal gasification is described. The concept envisions a closed annular detonation duct through which a hydrogen/oxygen gasphase detonation propagates continuously. Coal particles injected into the violent and rapidly changing atmosphere produced by the detonation would undergo gasification reactions and be subsequently expelled from the duct. These events would occur in a time period compatible with one revolution of the detonation. A one-dimensional analysis of the response of a single coal particle within the expansion-wave region behind the detonation front is presented. Independent variables include particle diameter, initial H₂/O₂ stoichiometry and expansion wavelength (at the time the particle is overtaken by the detonation front). The most significant result of this analysis is the prediction of relative gas/particle velocities ranging between 125 and 1500m/s, which are sustained throughout particle residence times of 1–15 ms corresponding to 10–1000 μm diameter particles. An experimental facility comprising a 47 m ‘single-shot’ detonation duct that was built for this study is discussed. The duct was 2.54 cm square and was terminated at each end by a 0.36 m diameter × 2.44 m long cylindrical tank which contained helium gas during a test. Sized coal particles were placed at a point within the first 3.7 m length of the duct, and thin brass diaphragms initially separated the duct from the two helium-filled tanks. Detonation was initiated at the duct, end closest to these particles. The diaphragm at that end burst, allowing combustion and gasification products to exhaust into the adjoining tank where they were quenched and decelerated. When the detonation reached the far end of the duct the second diaphragm burst, minimizing wave reflections which would otherwise return to the ‘test section’ end and interfere with the flow field there. After a test the contents of both tanks and the duct were circulated and mixed. A gas sample was then drawn and analysed for yield. Results from preliminary experiments using this facility are presented. Although too few tests were conducted for conclusive observations to be reported, in two experiments yields of CO + CH₄ representing 40 per cent of the total initial carbon content in the coal samples were obtained.     

Making decentralised systems viable: a guide to managing decentralised assets and risks.

Decentralised systems have the potential to provide a viable option for long term sustainable management of household wastewater. Yet, at present, such systems hold an uncertain status and are frequently omitted from consideration. Their potential can only be realised with improved approaches to their management, and improved methods to decision-making in planning of wastewater systems. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the value of a novel framework to guide the planning of decentralised systems so that asset management and risk management are explicitly considered. The framework was developed through a detailed synthesis of literature and practice in the area of asset management of centralised water and wastewater systems, and risk management in the context of decentralised systems. Key aspects of the framework are attention to socio-economic risks as well as engineering, public health and ecological risks, the central place of communication with multiple stakeholders and establishing a shared asset information system. A case study is used to demonstrate how the framework can guide a different approach and lead to different, more sustainable outcomes, by explicitly considering the needs and perspectives of homeowners, water authorities, relevant government agencies and society as a whole.     

A Mass Transport Model for Drying Wood under Isothermal Conditions

Mass transport in wood during drying can have different mechanisms at different periods of drying. Depending on the current moisture content (MC) and the structure of the wood, the driving forces for the mass transport are essentially different. Above the fiber saturation point (FSP), the lumens are partially saturated and the transport of liquid (free) water occurs as a consequence of capillary action. On the other hand, below the FSP, bound water within the cell walls is conveyed by diffusion, and water vapor in the lumens moves under influence of pressures gradient. Based on these considerations, a unified model is presented that takes into account the transport of the different moisture phases. Simulation of the drying of a Norway spruce sample at 50°C from about 135 to 7% MC is carried out using the finite element method (FEM). Comparison between the simulated average MC and the experimental observations obtained from X-ray computed tomography (CT) shows reasonable agreement. Possible simplifications in the model are briefly discussed as well as some aspects of the numerical implementation. Finally, the influence of absolute permeability on the average MC is studied.