Fault handling in large water networks with online dictionary learning

Fault detection and isolation in water distribution networks is an active topic due to the nonlinearities of flow propagation and recent increases in data availability due to sensor deployment. Here, we propose an efficient two-step data driven alternative: first, we perform sensor placement taking the network topology into account; second, we use incoming sensor data to build a network model through online dictionary learning. Online learning is fast and allows tackling large networks as it processes small batches of signals at a time. This brings the benefit of continuous integration of new data into the existing network model, either in the beginning for training or in production when new data samples are gathered. The proposed algorithms show good performance in our simulations on both small and large-scale networks.     

Seawater-softening process through formation of calcite ooids

Conventional water-softening processes usually involve the exchange of Na⁺ ions for Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ using commercial or synthesized ion exchangers. The differences in chemical compositions of the ooids can be attributed to the formation in different environments. In this paper, ooid grains form inside assembled semi-pilot softening unit through a continuous chemical process involving reaction between bicarbonate ions and added lime using natural seawater. Our sample of Mediterranean seawater has low Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio (1.98%) within the range chemically favorable for precipitation of low-Mg calcite ooids. Precipitation of calcite occurs around pure quartz sand grains which act as nucleation points (the bed required for sand vessel is 1.65 l). The shape of the sand grains controls the overall external morphology of the resulting ooids; they vary in size from 0.5 to 3.0 mm and have a high degree of polish due to surface abrasion caused by continuous agitation inside the softening system. Calcite ooid grains (1.53 kg) formed within the seawater-softening unit every 18 days have many of the ooid features formed in marine environments. Ooids grow to a significant size, at a rate of about 0.17 mm of one layer thickness per day inside the softening unit. The average weight percent of calcite precipitate is 35.48% after 18 days, at 10 °C, 60 l/min and pH 9.0. The pellets comprise mainly CaCO₃ and SiO₂ and some metal ions which may substitute for calcium ions in calcite are present only in trace amounts of the total composition.     

Hydrogen from wet air and sunlight in a tandem photoelectrochemical cell

A solid-state photoelectrochemical (SSPEC) cell is an attractive approach for solar water splitting, especially when it comes to monolithic device design. In a SSPEC cell the electrodes distance is minimized, while the use of polymer-based membranes alleviates the need for liquid electrolytes, and at the same time they can separate the anode from the cathode. In this work, we have made and tested, firstly, a SSPEC cell with a Pt/C electrocatalyst as the cathode electrode, under purely gaseous conditions. The anode was supplied with air of 80% relative humidity (RH) and the cathode with argon. Secondly, we replaced the Pt/C cathode with a photocathode consisting of 2D photocatalytic g-C₃N₄, which was placed in tandem with the photoanode (tandem-SSPEC). The tandem configuration showed a three-fold enhancement in the obtained photovoltage and a steady-state photocurrent density. The mechanism of operation is discussed in view of recent advances in surface proton conduction in absorbed water layers. The presented SSPEC cell is based on earth-abundant materials and provides a way towards systems of artificial photosynthesis, especially for areas where water sources are scarce and electrical grid infrastructure is limited or nonexistent. The only requirements to make hydrogen are humidity and sunlight.     

Hydrology,topography and demography matter: Why care needs to be exercised when assessing water prices and regulation and the extent to which they conform with best practice

Water tariffs frequently seek to achieve multiple objectives, some of which may conflict. However, the nature and rationale for those conflicts is not always understood or appreciated. This paper consider how localised natural and human phenomena can shape the extent to which so-called ‘best practice’ economic regulation and pricing can be expected to take hold in Victoria and South Australia. Overall, we find that there is room for improvement in the institutional arrangements that circumscribe water pricing in some cases, but direct comparisons are not always helpful, especially when the underlying hydrology, topography and demography of states differs markedly.     

水资源承载力分析研究

水是人们生存必不可少的资源,是生产与生活的基础,但水资源短缺,时间、空间分布不均,利用率低,已成为制约各地经济可持续发展的重要因素之一。本文所选研究区域——昌宁县正处于经济快速发展时期,水资源承载力将会影响其发展,文章综合文献分析和实际调研数据,运用科学的方法进行水资源的承载力分析,结果表明:昌宁县水资源承载力目前与社会经济的发展相适应,但远期将会有所不足,因而要求协调人与自然的矛盾,促进昌宁县的可持续发展。     

NaFeTiO4: A novel visible light active photocatalyst for water splitting and environmental remediation

Single phase, crystalline NaFeTiO₄ with tunnel structure is prepared by a solid state method and explored as a novel photocatalyst for the first time. Structural, optical and morphological properties of NaFeTiO₄ are investigated by various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning & transmission electron microscopy (SEM & TEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), N₂ adsorption-desorption study (BET), UV-vis, X-ray photoelectron, X-ray absorption (UV-vis DRS, XPS and XANES) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The interfacial charge transfer ability of the prepared n-type NaFeTiO₄ was also investigated by transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedence spectroscopy which proved to be an efficient tool for better understanding of electronic properties of NaFeTiO₄. The photocatalytic efficiency of NaFeTiO₄ is evaluated for decomposition of methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes as well as for H₂ evolution through water splitting reaction under visible light. NaFeTiO₄ exhibits efficient charge separation properties, excellent photocatalytic activities and reusability.     

太原精神病院污水处理系统改建为中水处理系统的工程设计

太原精神病医院将现有生活污水处理系统改建为中水回用系统,平均日处理水量100 m3.工程设计充分考虑了对原有设施的利用,生物处理单元采用生物接触氧化法.为减少污水提升次数,调节池设在生物处理单元之后.通过延长水力停留时间缓解水量、水质波动对沉淀、生物处理单元的不利影响,投入运行后效果良好.     

解决高速公路沥青路面早期损坏的技术途径

在对国内大量高速公路调查研究的基础上,论述了我国高速公路沥青路面早期损坏的两种类型:属于短时期内发生的水损坏、车辙、开裂损坏,以及沥青路面的耐久性差、使用寿命短的深层次早期损坏。针对水损坏、车辙、裂缝等局部性质的早期损坏,从路面结构、材料、施工、设计、管理等各方面分析了原因,提出了一系列有效防治高速公路早期损坏的技术措施。     

无机高分子絮凝剂聚硫酸铁合成条件的研究

实验研究了以工业硫酸亚铁及废硫酸为原料,分别采用NaClo_3、KClO_3、H_2O_2及(o_2+NaNO_2)为氧化剂成聚硫酸铁的条件。在以(O_2+NaNO_2)为氧化剂的合成过程中,发现添加微量助催化剂(型号为HG-1、HG-2和HG-3),对提高合成速度及反应过程的稳定性具有重大作用。     

An experience of tunnelling in mudstone area in southwestern Taiwan

Many tunnels will be constructed in southwestern Taiwan in the upcoming decade to meet the huge demands of transportation, energy and water infrastructure projects. Mudstone strata cover more than a 1000 km² area, consisting mainly of massive mudstone or alternation of mudstone and sandy layer, exhibiting unfavorable geological and hydrological characteristics, making it extremely difficult for tunnelling. This paper presents the lessons learned from three tunnelling projects in the 1990s in a mudstone area. In addition to discussing the rock behavior in the vicinity of tunnel and its failure patterns, the monitoring data during tunnelling are presented as well. Finally, the effective method of design and construction are recommended for tunnelling in mudstone area.