New Reaction Engineering Concepts for Selective Oxidation Reactions

In order to enhance product yields in selective oxidation reactions, numerous reaction engineering concepts are being studied worldwide. Periodic operation has been investigated for decades, yet its application is limited to a few examples, such as the butane oxidation after DuPont or reverse-flow reactors for VOC removal. The use of microchannel reactors is a younger field, but it has already yielded promising results for process optimization. Catalytic wall reactors have proved to be a helpful tool for kinetic studies. On the laboratory scale, membrane reactors have displayed favorable behavior in selective oxidation. The Na vapor-catalyzed dehydrogenation of methanol to formaldehyde is a final example of an unusual new concept for selective oxidation.     

Gasification of Biogenic Solid Fuels

As a result of shrinking fossil fuels, biomass as a regenerative energy source gains importance. To realize biomass projects it is essential to investigate in convenient thermal procedures. On this evidence an analysis and evaluation of diverse gasification technologies with different boundary conditions and diverse biomasses are indispensable. Form and kind of the biomass as well as the type of the gasification plant cause different compositions of the product gas. The gasifiers show advantages and disadvantages concerning the biomass and the produced gas quality, depending on reactor type, kind of heat supply, gasification medium, and the pressure ratio in the reactor. As the ideal gasifier for different biomass is presently not available, it will be shown, which biomass is suitable for fixed bed or fluidized bed gasifiers.     

Influence of accelerated ageing on methacrylate‐based denture resins heterogeneity as viewed by ESR‐spin‐probe method

The electron‐spin‐resonance (ESR) spin‐probe method, was used to study the heterogeneity of denture resins based on poly(methyl methacrylate). Results for three resins processed by microwave energy, conventional curing and cold curing (depending on the curing procedure and exposed to ageing in various environmental conditions) were compared. All three cured resins were stored over the same time (1200 h) in distilled water at ambient temperature and in artificial saliva at 348 K. The temperature‐dependent ESR spectra of a spin probe dispersed in the denture resins are analyzed in terms of line‐shapes and line‐widths. The appearance of two spectral components was taken as an indication of resin heterogeneity. The results reveal that the cold‐cured resin has a lower local density in comparison with microwave and conventionally cured resin. The amount of residual monomer also contributes to the local motion of polymer segments. The change of denture resins exposed to ageing is influenced both by the structure of the original resin and the ageing conditions. Restricted motion of a spin probe incorporated into the acrylic resins exposed to accelerated ageing suggests additional crosslinking of polymer chains. The differences are observed for all the investigated resins, but the highest change is observed with the cold‐cured resin. The ESR results are accompanied by T_g and T_m measurements. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Precision equipment for symmetrical bending— Part 1. The loading system

The design and performance of precision bending equipment for testing straight beams with constant rectangular section under a pure bending moment is described. Part 1 deals with the loading arrangements and Part 2 with the rig for measuring beam deflection. The methods for recording deflection of strain gauges applied on the beam have been described elsewhere.^1–4
The reactions to the deadweight gravity loads are taken via ball bearings. The total bending moment inaccuracy, i.e. the sum of estimated systematic errors and random errors, the latter expressed as the 2Ga confidence interval about the mean (2G_cim), is about ± 25 x. 10^-4%, for 23 tests with a steel beam with 15 mm × 75 mm cross sectional dimensions, loaded to 1-1.5 mm/m strain.
The measuring rig stands on the beam via hardened and polished spherical segment feet and uses a capacitive transducer system with less than 5nm resolution. Various application tasks are described. The total inaccuracy of the measured deflection, i.e. apart from bending moment inaccuracy, is about ± 35 times 10^4% for about 10 reproduced, not repeated, tests with the same steel beam. The deflection for such a beam is of the order of 2 to 4 mm.     

Model Validation for Bridge-Road-Vehicle Dynamic Interaction System

The dynamic response of highway bridges subjected to moving truckloads has been observed to be dependent on (1) dynamic characteristics of the bridge; (2) truck configuration, speed, and lane position on the bridge; and (3) road surface roughness profile of the bridge and its approach. Historically, truckloads were measured to determine the load spectra for girder bridges. However, truckload measurements are either made for a short period of time [for example, weigh-in-motion (WIM) data] or are statistically biased (for example, weigh stations) and cost prohibitive. The objective of this paper is to present results of a 3D computer-based model for the simulation of multiple trucks on girder bridges. The model is based on the grillage approach and is applied to four steel girder bridges tested under normal truck traffic. Actual truckload data collected using a discrete bridge WIM system are used in the model. The data include axle loads, truck gross weight, axle configuration, and statistical data on multiple presence (side by side or following). The results are presented as a function of the static and dynamic stresses in each girder and compared with code provisions for dynamic load factor. The study provides an alternate method for the development of live-load models for bridge design and evaluation.     

Experimental Investigation of FRP-Strengthened RC Beam-Column Joints

The results of a comprehensive experimental program, aimed at providing a fundamental understanding of the behavior of shear-critical exterior reinforced concrete (RC) joints strengthened with fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) under simulated seismic load, are presented in this study. The role of various parameters on the effectiveness of FRP is examined through 2/3-scale testing of 18 exterior RC joints. Conclusions are drawn on the basis of certain load versus imposed displacement response characteristics, comprising the strength (maximum lateral load), the stiffness, and the cumulative energy dissipation capacity. The results demonstrate the important role of mechanical anchorages in limiting premature debonding, and they provide important information on the role of various parameters, including: area fraction of FRP; distribution of FRP between the beam and the column; column axial load; internal joint (steel) reinforcement; initial damage; carbon versus glass fibers; sheets versus strips; and effect of transverse beams.     

Sequential batch reactor for eucalypt kraft pulp effluent treatment with Trametes versicolor

BACKGROUND: A sequential batch reactor (SBR) was used for eucalypt kraft pulp effluent treatment with Trametes versicolor. A 2³ full factorial design and response surface methodology were applied to optimise the batch fermentation conditions. Effluent concentration, culture medium and inoculum age were the factors selected for this study in order to optimise the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD). RESULTS: The presence of Trametes Defined Medium (TDM) in the fermentation was required to obtain a significant COD reduction. Experiments in the batch reactor confirmed, in general, the predicted results of optimisation developed from Erlenmeyer batch assays. The T. versicolor culture remained active during 42 days of study in the SBR, providing approximately 80% of COD reduction. CONCLUSION: Trametes versicolor may be considered as very promising for the biological treatment of effluents from kraft pulp mills in an SBR system instead of the activated sludge mixed cultures traditionally used. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Amtshaftung bei Bauführung im Hochwassergebiet; fehlerhafter Flächenwidmungsplan; Nachforschungspflichten der Gemeinde

Bestehen ausreichende Anhaltspunkte für die Hochwassergef?hrdung, ist die Gemeinde verpflichtet, sich durch Nachforschungen Gewissheit über das Vorliegen oder Nichtvorliegen eines Hochwasserabflussgebietes gem § 38 Abs 3 WRG zu verschaffen. Liegt ein solches vor, hat sie gem § 12 Abs 1 Z 2 krnt GplG dieses im Fl?chenwidmungsplan ersichtlich zu machen. Erteilt die Gemeinde eine Baubewilligung ohne diese von der Erteilung einer wasserrechtlichen Bewilligung abh?ngig zu machen, haftet sie für die Kosten der Bauführung, die bei gesetzes-konformer Vorgangsweise unterlassen worden w?re.     

Ring‐opening polymerization of D,L‐lactide by rare earth 2,6‐dimethylaryloxide

Ring‐opening polymerization of D,L ‐lactide (LA) has been successfully carried out by using rare earth 2,6‐dimethylaryloxide (Ln(ODMP)₃) as single component catalyst or initiator for the first time. The effects of different rare earth elements, solvents, monomers and catalyst concentration as well as polymerization temperature and time on the polymerization were investigated. The results show that La(ODMP)₃ exhibits higher activity to prepare poly(D,L ‐lactide) (PLA) with a viscosity molecular weight of 4.5 × 10⁴ g mol^?1 and the conversion of 97 % at 100 °C in 45 min. The catalytic activity of Ln(ODMP)₃ has following sequence: La > Nd > Sm > Gd > Er > Y. A kinetic study has indicated that the polymerization is first order with respect to both monomer and catalyst concentration. The apparent activation energy of the polymerization of LA with La(ODMP)₃ is 69.6 kJ mol^?1. The analyses of polymer ends indicate that the LA polymerization proceeds according to ‘coordination–insertion’ mechanism with selective cleavage of the acyl–oxygen bond of the monomer. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry