Computational fluid dynamic simulations of coal-fired utility boilers: An engineering tool

The objective of this study was to develop an engineering tool by which the combustion behavior of coals in coal-fired utility boilers can be predicted. We presented in this paper that computational fluid dynamic (CFD) codes can successfully predict performance of- and emission from- full-scale pulverized-coal utility boilers of various types, provided that the model parameters required for the simulation are properly chosen and validated. For that purpose we developed a methodology combining measurements in a 50 kW pilot-scale test facility with CFD simulations using the same CFD code configured for both test and full-scale furnaces. In this method model parameters of the coal processes are extracted and validated. This paper presents the importance of the validation of the model parameters which are used in CFD codes. Our results show very good fit of CFD simulations with various parameters measured in a test furnace and several types of utility boilers. The results of this study demonstrate the viability of the present methodology as an effective tool for optimization coal burning in full-scale utility boilers.     

Quantum Hall effect and hopping conductivity in <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-InGaAs/InAlAs nanoheterostructures

The longitudinal and Hall magnetoresistances are measured in the quantum Hall effect regime in the n-InGaAs/InAlAs heterostructures at temperatures of T = (1.8–30) K in magnetic fields up to B = 9 T. Temperature-induced transport in the region of the longitudinal resistance minima, corresponding to the plateau regions at Hall resistance, is investigated within the framework of the concept of hopping conductivity in a strongly localized electron system. The analysis of variable-range hopping conductivity in the region of the second, third, and fourth plateau of the quantum Hall effect provides the possibility of determining the localization length exponent.     

Employing plasma as catalyst in hydrogen production

A novel approach in hydrogen production via reforming of hydrocarbons that will use catalytic properties of non-equilibrium plasma gas discharge is presented. CH₄/CO₂ mixtures are heated to a temperature of 900°C, so that mixture will have approximately 80% of the energy required for thermal reforming. Preheated mixtures are then processed in a Pulsed Corona Discharge type plasma source and the catalytic effect of a non-equilibrium plasma is observed for promotion of hydrogen generation.     

The potential energy of a superconducting ring system locking magnetic flows in a gravity field

The possibility of creating a magnetic system of a plasma trap with levitating magnetic coils is under consideration. For this purpose, the analytical function of the potential energy of the system of several superconducting rings, which lock the required flows (at that, the one ring is fixed), versus the coordinates of free rings in the homogeneous gravity field under approximation of thin rings. Using calculations in the Mathcad medium, it is shown that, under definite values of parameters, there are equilibrium states of such a system. In the positions that corresponded to the calculated values, stable levitation states of the superconducting ring are observed experimentally in the field of another superconducting ring. The obtained results prove that a magnetic system can be created on the basis of a levitating quadrupole.     

Syngas production in hybrid filtration combustion

Rich and ultrarich combustion of butane inside porous media composed of aleatory wood pellets and alumina spheres is studied experimentally to evaluate the suitability of the concept for syngas production. Temperature, velocity, and chemical products of the combustion waves were recorded experimentally at a range of equivalence ratios from stoichiometry (φ = 1.0) to φ = 2.6. It is observed that hydrogen and carbon monoxide are dominant partial oxidation products for ultrarich hybrid combustion waves of butane and wood pellets. Syngas yield in hybrid filtration combustion is found to be essentially higher than for butane filtration combustion in an inert porous medium.     

Premixed combustion study: Turbulence in the nozzle behind grids and spheres

The experimental investigation of turbulence in the nozzle behind grids and spheres as the instrumentation for turbulent combustion of premixed flows by means of PIV and thermoanemometry was carried out. These methods were compared and applied in turbulent flows behind grids and spheres. Flows with relatively low turbulence intensities of the mean flow velocity (~1%), corresponding to the laminar flow in the case of absence of obstacles at low flow rates were investigated. Numerical simulation of the flow in a channel with changing geometry was carried out. A good agreement between laboratory experiments and numerical simulations was obtained. The developed experimental device is recommended for use in turbulent combustion of premixed flows.     

Optimization of the Slag Conditions in a Ladle Furnace

Metallurgist - The MgO content in ladle slags is addressed. It is important to tend to, but not to exceed the MgO saturation limit during slag induction. Exceeding this limit will have an adverse...     

Combustion synthesis of carbon nanotubes and related nanostructures

Recently flames have emerged as a viable alternative method for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes and related nanostructures. The flame volume provides a carbon-rich chemically reactive environment capable of generating nanostructures during short residence times in a continuous single-step process. Various flame configurations, fuel types, and catalytic materials have been employed in an attempt to achieve controlled growth of multi-walled and single-walled carbon nanotubes as well as other carbon nanostructures such as nanofibers, carbon micro-trees, and whiskers. Premixed and non-premixed flames in co-flow and counterflow geometries were examined using low atmospheric and elevated pressures, various hydrocarbon fuels, oxygen enrichment, and dilution with inert gases were employed as well. Catalytic materials in the form of solid untreated supports, solid supports with pre-fabricated catalytic sites, and also in the form of aerosol have demonstrated high activity and selectivity in the growth of various nanostructures. The ability to synthesize and control carbon nanotube orientation, length, diameter, uniformity, purity, and internal morphology is essential for the fabrication of nanomechanical and electrical devices. An understanding of the growth mechanism and development of control methods such as the electric field, particle loading, and nanotemplates is critically important to address these issues. Today, flames are envisioned as the alternative technique for the synthesis of SWNTs in tons/year production scale leading to the development of related technologies such as purification and separation methods.     

Hybrid filtration combustion of natural gas and coal

Rich and ultrarich combustion of natural gas in a porous medium composed of aleatory coal particles and alumina spheres was studied experimentally to evaluate the suitability of the concept for hydrogen and syngas production. Temperature, velocity and chemical products of the combustion waves were recorded experimentally in two stages: (1) natural gas in an inert porous medium at filtration velocities of 12, 15 and 19 cm/s for equivalence ratios (φ) from φ = 1.0 to φ = 3.8; (2) natural gas in a porous medium composed of coal and alumina particles for a range of volume coal fractions from 0 to 75% at φ = 2.3, and a filtration velocity of 15 cm/s. It was observed that the flame temperatures and hydrogen yields were increased with the increase of filtration velocity in inert porous media. In hybrid porous media the flame temperature decreased with an increase of coal fraction, and hydrogen and carbon monoxide were dominant partial oxidation products. Syngas yield in hybrid filtration combustion was found to be essentially higher than for the inert porous medium case. The maximum hydrogen conversion for the hybrid coal and alumina bed was ∼55% for a volumetric coal content of 75%.     

Flame nanotube synthesis in moderate electric fields: From alignment and growth rate effects to structural variations and branching phenomena

The flame synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) coupled with application of moderate electric fields is studied experimentally as a means to control CNTs growth rates and morphology. The nanotubes are grown on a conductive metal-based catalytic probe positioned at the fuel side of the opposed flow oxy-flame. The probe was connected to an external voltage source to generate radial electric fields on its surface. At low applied voltages (from 0.3 to 2 V), the effect of the electric field on alignment and growth rate enhancement revealed the generation of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) arrays with uniform distribution of CNT diameters. Further increases of the applied voltage resulted in structural modifications of the generated nanotubes. In particular, helically coiled CNTs were observed at applied voltages of 3 V. At higher voltages the arrays contained multi-walled CNTs with fascinating modified morphologies such as Y, T, and multi-junction patterns. Analysis of the samples generated at applied voltage of 5 V showed the presence of particle sprouting and early CNT junctions in the form of small bumps extruding from the outer surface of the CNTs. Analysis of material samples synthesized at 12 and 25 V showed the presence of fully branched CNT structures.