The possibility of employing a number of adsorbents (polyphenylquinoxaline, Tenax GC, Carbopak C, graphitized thermal carbon black, silica gels modified with pyrocarbon or hexamethyldisilazane) for the trapping of organic traces from air has been investigated. Adsorption capacities of these adsorbents with respect to a number of volatiles released from certain plastics used as building material (polyvinylchloride, Relin, Acronal, etc.) have been measured. A number of the volatiles were identified by gas chromatography - mass-spectrometry after trapping on the adsorbents investigated. Chromatographic separation after trapping on the adsorbents was carried out on wall-coated open-tubular capillary columns as well as in capillary columns packed with graphitized thermal carbon black.
A one-dimensional, steady-state, two-phase direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) model is developed to precisely investigate complex physiochemical phenomena inside DMFCs. In this model, two-phase species transport through the porous components of a DMFC is formulated based on Maxwell-Stefan multi-component diffusion equations, while capillary-induced liquid flow in the porous media is described by Darcy's equation. In addition, the model fully accounts for water and methanol crossover through the membrane, which is driven by the effects of electro-osmotic drag, diffusion, and the hydraulic pressure gradient. The developed model is validated against readily available experimental data in the literature. Then, a parametric study is carried out to investigate the effects of the operating temperat...
A hypothesis on the transition of a fully water-saturated coal bed methane reservoir from single-phase flow through unsaturated flow to the two-phase flow regime was developed and substantiated using field data. The concept of parameter measurement windows was introduced to obtain the required reservoir parameters from flow testing. A new empirical relationship for capillary pressure vs. saturation, referred to as the Fermi distribution, was developed and shown to fit the capillary pressure-saturation data for coal, sandstone, and other consolidated and unconsolidated materials. New approximate analytic solutions for flow to a sink from an infinite coal bed reservoir with desorbing methane have been developed and verified using numerical models for the following cases: (1) single-phase gas flow with desorption; (2) single-phase water flow in fully water-saturated and unsaturated flow regimes. A numerical model based on ...
Previous physiological studies suggest that avian pulmonary capillaries behave like almost rigid tubes. We made morphometric measurements to determine the diameter of the capillaries in chicken...Full Text Available
One of the main problems facing the mining sector is the production of acid mine drainage (AMD), which is caused by the oxidation of sulphide minerals in the presence of water. AMD can have a detrimental effect on the environment. One solution is to use soil covering over the materials that cause acid to limit the gas flux by diffusion. A capillary barrier effect is generated by using various layers of different types of soil. In the composite system till and clay normally form the basis of the fine material layer. The use of low sulphide tailings to replace the use of fine grained soil was studied to evaluate its effectiveness. Following both in situ and laboratory experiments spread over an eight-year period, the results indicated that an effective method to limit the oxygen flux and generation of AMD is the use of non-acid generating tailings as the moisture retaining layer. The main concepts that form the basis of the study, analysis and ...
Extra-fine powdered activated charcoal has been used as stationary phase (coating layer) in solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The efficiency and reliability of the prepared device have been investigated for the extraction of some volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (BTEX) from the headspace of water samples. Monitoring of the extracted compounds and further quantitative analysis of the real samples have been performed by capillary GC-FID. Effects of several factors such as temperature, addition of salt, and stirring speed on extraction efficiency and exposure time have been studied. Under optimum conditions, extraction recoveries for these compounds from 50 mL water were >95%. The calibration graphs were linear in the range 5 to 10{sup 4} pg mL{sup -1} and the detection limit for each BTEX compound was 1.5-2 pg mL{sup -1}. The results obtained by use of this porous layer activated charcoal (PLAC)-coated fiber ...
This paper details the design of a premixed, swirl-stabilized combustor that was designed and built for the express purpose of obtaining validation-quality data for the development of large eddy simulations (LES) of gas turbine combustors. The combustor features nonambiguous boundary conditions, a geometrically simple design that retains the essential fluid dynamics and thermochemical processes that occur in actual gas turbine combustors, and unrestrictive access for laser and optical diagnostic measurements. After discussing the design detail, a preliminary investigation of the performance and operating envelope of the combustor is presented. With the combustor operating on premixed methane/air, both the equivalence ratio and the inlet velocity were systematically varied and the flame structure was recorded via digital photography. Interesting lean flame blowout and resonance characteristics were observed. In addition, the ...
The retention indices of cycloalkenes and cycloalkadienes with C/sub 6/-C/sub 13/ rings are determined by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) on glass capillary columns coated with OV-1 and Ucon LB 550X and by gas-solid chromatrography (GSC) on a microcolumn packed with uncoated graphitized thermal carbon black (GTCB). Structure-retention correlations are derived on using index differences such as H/sup OV/, H/sup GTCB/ and ..delta..I values, considering the differences in the stereochemistry of these compounds. It is shown that the combined application of index increments obtained in GLC and GSC provides more detaled structure informations. The value of the retention index units agree with the most stable conformations of the alicyclic compounds. The high value for the energy equivalent to an index unit (..delta..G/sub I.U./ = 4.18 kJ/mol) confirms that graphitized thermal carbon black causes much stronger dispersive ...
The transport of liquid water and gaseous reactants through a gas diffusion layer (GDL) is one of the most important water management issues in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this work, the liquid water breakthrough dynamics, characterized by the capillary pressure and water saturation, across GDLs with and without a microporous layer (MPL) are studied in an ex-situ setup which closely simulates a real fuel cell configuration and operating conditions. The results reveal that recurrent breakthroughs are observed for all of the GDL samples tested, indicating the presence of an intermittent water drainage mechanism in the GDL. This is accounted for by the breakdown and redevelopment of the continuous water paths during water drainage as demonstrated by Haines jumps. For GDL ...
In this work, a three-dimensional multiphase non-isothermal model incorporated with a capillary-extended sub-model in gas channels is used to investigate the coupled phenomena of water and thermal transport in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Distributions of water and temperature along the flow path in the channel are highlighted and the pros and cons of various operating temperatures are elaborated. In addition, this work also sheds light on the impacts of temperature variations of bipolar plates induced by non-uniform cooling conditions, which have been overlooked by most previous works. An important phenomenon of water distribution, dry-out at inlets and flooding at outlets (DIFO), is observed and this non-uniform distribution is revealed to be greatly influenced by the operating t...
Operating PWR units in the USA have experienced very severe corrosion of the tube support plate at the crevice between the tube and the support. This results in distortion of the plate and crushing of the tube (denting). The first task of this project required that currently available computational methods to estimate the pH attained by concentrating boiler water under various fault conditions such as condenser leakage of river waters and faulty operation of condensate polishing plant. Particular attention has been paid to systems in which sulfate predominates. In the second task, the mechanisms are discussed by which solutions become concentrated in porous deposits on a boiling heat transfer surface. It is concluded that more experimental data are needed to test the validity of existing models. High solution concentrations in the deposit may occur at a heat flux close to the critical value for drying out the base of the deposit. The pore to bulk concentration ...
This report describes the design of a well test to determine two-phase hydraulic properties of a low permeability, low porosity formation. Estimation of gas-related parameters in such formations is difficult using standard pumping tests mainly because of the strong fluctuations in the pressure and flow rate data which are a consequence of gas bubbles evolving in the test interval. Even more important is the fact that the data do not allow distinguishing among alternative conceptual models. The estimated parameters are therefore uncertain, highly correlated, and ambiguous. In this study we examine a test sequence that could be appended to a standard hydraulic testing program. It is shown that performing a series of water and gas injection tests significantly reduces parameter correlations, thus decreasing the estimation error. Moreover, the extended test sequence makes possible the identification of the model that describes ...
The synthetic process of polyethylene cation exchange capillary via radiation grafting polystyrene by simultaneous irradiation with "6"0Co #gamma#-ray source and sulfonation with concentrated H_2SO_4 was studied. The effects of dose, dose rate, monomer concentration, solvents, temperature and crosslinking agents on the graft copolymerization of styrene with polyethylene capillary were illustrated. The relationship between the radiation grafting conditions and the properties of ion-exchange capillary were examined. A polyethylene cation exchange capillary with I.D. 0.8 mm, length 20 m, exchange capacity 0.7 Meq/g 60% capacity in 10 s (flow rate 20 ml/min) was prepared. No significant loss of copacity was found from this ion-exchange capillary after 200 adsorption/regeneration cycles.
An ultrasensitive laser-induced fluorescence detector was used with capillary electrophoresis for the study of 5-carboxy-tetramethylrhodamine. The raw signal from the detector provided roughly...Full Text Available
1. The proteolytic enzyme pronase, which degrades the endothelial cell glycocalyx, was perfused through single capillaries of frog mesentery. Hydraulic conductivity (Lp) of each vessel was determined...Full Text Available
An asymmetrical shaped capillary die made exclusively of graphite is used to grow silicon ribbon which is capable of being made into solar cells that are more efficient than cells produced from ribbon made using a symmetrically shaped die.
Polynuclear aromatic sulphur heterocycles (PASHs) were isolated from a coal extract by two-step separation method using silica gel column chromatography and ligand exchanges thin layer chromatography (PdCl{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2}). The subfraction was examined by capillary column gas chromatography with flame ionization detector and flame photometric detector and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Identification was accomplished by comparison of chromatographic retention indices and mass spectra of compounds with those reported in the literature. It was found that the principal structures of the sulphur-containing fraction of Guiding coal extract have 3-4 aromatic rings. Dibenzothiophene, C{sub 1} - C{sub 3} alkylated dibenzothiophenes, benzonaphthothiophene and its alkylated derivatives were the main compounds. Only a few other polynuclear sulfur heterocycles were detected. No benzothiophene and its derivatives were ...
The automotive paints could be generally differentiated by color, layer sequence and chemistry of the paint layers comprising each of the topcoat and the primer system. The successful identification of hit-and-run a and traffic accidental vehicles from evidential paint fragments is greatly facilitated with a comprehensive laboratory collection of reference paint samples and the technique for direct analysis without sample preparation. The Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography(PGC) is a precise and reliable method for performing both quantitative and qualitative analysis of polymeric materials and forensic samples. Our Forensic Laboratory is conducting the examination and identification of 73 reference paint samples; 4 colors of each domestic automotive make that is poplar in Korea, by Curie Point Pyrolyzer(JHP-3) and GC with capillary column(ultra alloy-5). This method can be used not only to compare paint traces with their suspected sources, but also ...
A study of the 150-300 keV proton beam transmission through glass (borosilicate) tapered capillaries with different diameters of the input and output of the capillary was performed. The focusing effect was observed. The areal density of the transmitted beam is enhanced by approximately 20 times. It was shown that changing a taper angle from 0.5 deg to 1.7 deg evidences the increase of the transmission coefficient more than by 300 times keeping the initial energy spectrum of ions. (author)
Analysis reproducibility and detection sensitivity of capillary electrophoresis (CE) are often questioned by applied scientists, which has hindered its application as a routine method. To address these issues, a simple, precise, and reproducible dynamic coating method was developed by applying carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) dynamic coating on fused silica capillary. The proposed coating was accomplished by simply rinsing the capillary with CMC solution for 1?min in between runs, with no regeneration procedure or buffer additives needed. Electroosmotic flow could be well controlled by adjusting the pH of background electrolyte, and the adsorption of analytes onto the capillary inner wall was effectively eliminated. The main parameters of the coating condition were optimized, and extensive app...
Precondition for the low-NO operation of gas turbine burners is the generation of as homogeneous as possible a gaseous fuel/air mixture. Such a burner behavior can be achieved by selective adaptation of the flow and injection. A computing model is introduced that calculates the dynamically balanced GASs/droplet flow through numerical solution of the transport equations in a curved orthogonal coordinate system. The feedback reaction of the fuel droplets to the gas phase is considered by source terms and/or sink terms. Test computations were carried out for comparison with analytical solutions from the flow mechanics and validated by comparison with measurement results. Droplet motion and evaporation were checked by means of published experimental results on single droplets. For the validation of the developed computing technique, model tests were carried out with water in place of fuel. It is pointed out ...
One year of research on validating the performance of the Cable Monitoring and Rating System (CMARS) is reported. The performance testing was conducted on underground 230-kV and 345-kV pipe type cable circuits owned by the New Jersey Public Service Electric and Gas Co. Laser temperature monitoring systems and a data acquisition system were installed. Software installation and development is discussed. The CMARS testing program is described. (LCL)
A new process for the removal of tar from biosyngas, OLGA (Oil and Gas Washer), is presented. This gas cleaning technology is based on physical principles and is designed to eliminate tar problems that relate to fouling and er pollution. The applied principles are confirmed by experimental validation. OLGA can be operated without suffering from harmful effects on important gasification characteristics as cold gas efficiency, gasifier simplicity, and feedstock flexibility. Some fundamental considerations in the development of OLGA are discussed. Amongst these is a different approach to the tar problem. This approach does not consider the total tar content as decisive in the evaluation of gas cleaning equipment. Instead, evaluation is focussed on whether tar properties as condensation behaviour and water solubility can still occur. A biosyngas free of tar should therefore be ...
Gas transmission pipelines are susceptible to both internal (gas side) and external (soil side) corrosion attack. Internal corrosion is caused by the presence of salt laden moisture, CO{sub 2}, H{sub 2}S, and perhaps O{sub 2} in the natural gas. Internal corrosion usually manifests itself as general corrosion. However, the presence of chlorides in entrained water also can lead to pitting corrosion damage. The electrochemical noise technique can differentiate general from localized corrosion and provide estimates of corrosion rates without external perturbation of the corroding system. It is increasingly being applied to field and industrial installations for in situ corrosion monitoring. It has been used here to determine its suitability for monitoring internal and external corrosion damage on gas transmission pipelines. Corrosion measurements were made in three types of environments: (1) aqueous ...
Gas evolution in aluminum electrolytic capacitors constitutes one of their main drawbacks in comparison to other types of capacitors lacking a liquid electrolyte. In this respect, one of the most common causes of failure shown by liquid electrolyte capacitors is electrolyte leakage through the seal or even explosions produced by internal pressure buildup. In order to prevent these hazards, some substances, known as depolarizers, are usually added to the capacitor electrolyte with the purpose of absorbing the hydrogen evolved at the cathode (1, 2). Although the gas evolution problem in electrolytic capacitors has been known for a long time, there is a lack of literature on both direct measurements of the gas evolved and assessments of the amount of depolarizer active for the hydrogen absorption process. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors of 100..mu..F and 40V nominal voltage, miniature type (diam 8 mm, height 18.5 mm), were ...
Cobalt-60 gamma radiation has been found to be an effective means of immobilizing stationary phases onto gas and liquid chromatographic supports. The ability of a phase to crosslink was determined to be highly dependent on its chemical structure. Gamma radiation was employed to immobilize Se-30, a methylsilicone, and 216 PS onto Chromosorb WHP for packed column chromatography. The resultant columns exhibited increased thermal stability and a high degree of efficiency. Several blended phases containing varying ratios of Se-30:216 PS were also immobilized onto chromatographic packings. This work was further extended to the immobilization of Se-30 and 216 PS onto fused silica capillaries via gamma radiation. Columns exhibited excellent efficiency and improved thermal stability. An investigation into the role of immobilization of polymeric phases for HPLC was undertaken. Results indicate that gamma radiation can immobilzied polyoctadecylsiloxane ...
Soil contamination by liquid organic pollutants represents a serious threat to phreatic ground water. These organic liquids get into the ground and migrate through the porous medium until they finally reach the aquifer. After a critical study of the literature, we listed various existing multiple displacements under three-phase conditions of a disconnected polluting phase that may or not spread over water. The aim of this thesis is to model (at pore scale level) and integrate in the pore network model the various flows that occur when three phases (gas, pollutant and air) are present in a porous medium. The porous medium is supposed completely water-wet. The polluting phase may be connected or not, and the spreading coefficient of the pollutant over water may either be positive or negative. The goal of our study is to obtain macroscopic parameters such as relative permeabilities and capillary pressure. These parameters can be then incorporated ...
The biological treatment process was selected by Gaz de France (GDF), the French national gas utility, for the de-pollution of an old gas works where the main pollutants are coal tars containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Microorganism-based biological treatment techniques may involve bio-reactors, static ground knolls (where oxygen is brought through drains) and dynamic knolls (where oxygenation is carried out by turning up the soil). Issues on sampling, sorting, process testing, site preparation, process control, etc. are reviewed
Means of intensifying heat transfer with nucleate boiling, based on boiling under constrained conditions (in slots, on a capillary-porous surface) are the most promising since a high intensity of heat transfer is ensured. In the present work we attempt to evolve the main assumptions for the physical model of the process of vapour formation under constrained conditions and to extend them to the boiling of cryogenic liquids on surfaces with a capillary-porous deposit; also, the results are given of experimental investigations of heat transfer with the boiling of nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen at atmospheric perssures and below on capillary-porous surfaces of various metals of different structure produced by an electric arc method of gasothermal spray coating.
Even when a healthy individual is studied, his/her erythrocytes in capillaries continually change their shape in a synchronized erratic fashion. In this work, the problem of characterizing the cell...Full Text Available
Synthetic chemistry originally developed for the manufacture of chemically stable silica polyamine composites was adapted for the modification of fused silica capillaries for application in CE. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyallylamine (PAA) were covalently bonded to the interior surface of fused silica capillaries utilizing 3-chloropropyltrichlorosilane (CPTCS) or 3-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) to anchor the polymers to the surface. The surface-bound polymers were subsequently quaternized using methyl iodide (MeI). The resulting modified capillaries were studied using CE, and were shown to provide reproducible, stable, and robust anodic EOF throughout the pH range of 2-10. Surface modifications utilizing CPTCS could be rinsed with up to 6 M HCL or 1 M NaOH without significant...
The NATural GAS model is an integrated model of the European wholesale gas market providing long-run projections of supply, transport, storage and consumption patterns in the model region, aggregated in 5-year periods, distinguishing two seasons (winter and summer). Model results include levels of investment in the various branches, output and consumption, depletion of reserves and price levels. The NATGAS model computes long-term effects of policy measures on future gas production and gas prices in Europe. NATGAS is an equilibrium model describing behaviour of gas producers, investors in infrastructure (pipeline, LNG capacity, as well as storage), traders and consumers. NATGAS covers the main European demand regions, including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy. Moreover, it covers the main origins of supply on the European market, such as Russia, Norway, ...
Using the example of perhydrophenanthrene, perhydroanthracene and cyclopentanodecalin isomers a possibility is shown to use packed capillary columns containing graphitized thermal carbon black for a complete separation of high-boiling mixtures of polycyclic saturated hydrocarbon isomers in accordance with the geometric structure of their molecules.
This workshop on heat pipes and two-phase capillary pumping loops was organized by the French society of thermal engineers. The 11 papers presented during this workshop deal with the study of thermal performances of heat pipes and on their applications in power electronics (cooling of components), and their use in satellites, aircrafts and trains. (J.S.)
Verification, calibration, and validation (VCV) of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes is an essential element of the code development process. The exact manner in which code VCV activities are planned and conducted, however, is critically important. It is suggested that the way in which code validation, in particular, is often conducted--by comparison to published experimental data obtained for other purposes--is in general difficult and unsatisfactory, and that a different approach is required. This paper describes a proposed methodology for CFD code VCV that meets the technical requirements and is philosophically consistent with code development needs. The proposed methodology stresses teamwork and cooperation between code developers and experimentalists throughout the VCV process, and takes advantage of certain synergisms between CFD and experiment. A novel approach to uncertainty analysis is described which can both distinguish ...
This thesis deals with the analysis of dominant loss mechanisms in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) and hydrogen fed polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEFC) by means of experimental characterization and modeling work. Due to different fuels used in these two fuel cell types, the dominant loss mechanisms are different in their nature. All in-situ characterization techniques that are used in this work are based on a novel test fuel cell with embedded reference electrodes. The first part of this work presents a new concept for realizing a reference electrode configuration in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell by means of laser ablation. The laser beam is used to evaporate a small gap into the electrode surface of a catalyst coated membrane (CCM) to isolate the reference electrode from the working/counter electrode (WE/CE). This method enables the simultaneous ablation of the electrodes on both sides of the CCM because the membrane is transparent for the laser beam. ...
A common practice of electric utilities experiencing transmission and distribution (T and D) system overloads is to expand the substation, add lines, or upgrade equipment, all of which are capital intensive options. In 1988, it was hypothesized that strategically sited photovoltaics (PV) could benefit parts of T and D systems near or at overloaded conditions. An evaluation methodology was developed and applied to a test case (Kerman Substation near Fresno, California). Analytical results suggested that the value of PV to the T and D system could substantially exceed its energy and generation capacity value. The importance of this finding indicated the need for empirical validation. This led to the construction of a 0.5 MW PV demonstration plant by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG and E) at Kerman, California as part of the PVUSA (PV for Utility Scale Applications) project. PVUSA is a national public-private partnership that is assessing and ...
This report describes in detail the First Generation Duct Injection Model developed for the analysis of the fundamental processes of flue gas desulfurization by sorbent injection. The model is a two- and three-dimensional, multiphase reacting flow analyzer using computational fluid dynamics methods. The gaseous phase is solved in an Eulerian frame while the droplets or particles are tracked in a Lagrangian frame. The model has an associated preprocessor which allow easy problem set up by the use without in-depth knowledge of computational fluid dynamics. The aerodynamics of the First Generation Duct Injection Model have been successfully validated with a number of test cases for which experimental data are available. Data from the Meredosia pilot plant humidification tests have been used to validate the gas and droplet dynamics of the model with good agreement. Comparison of SO{sub 2} removal results ...
The objective of this project was to develop a explosion suppression system capable to confine and extinguish gas explosions of the type produced in sub level caving faces when blasting to the coal pillar. Existing systems, such as triggered barriers, were considered not to be valid because of size, weight, cost, and other operational constraints. The research activities have been focused in the development of a mixed water/air spray system that should be manually activated some second before blasting. Two prototypes have been developed and tested, the first one using nozzle operating at the standard ranges of pressure that are normally available in underground coal mines, and a second one based in high-pressure nozzles. In this case, bottles containing a pressurized air/water mixtures are required. The works carried out included theoretical studies, hydraulic nozzles characterization, and modelling of the explosion phenomena using the ...
This paper deals with an industrial application of the foam decontamination process applied to large volume components. The work presented below was achieved within the context of a CEC contract. The objective of this 4-year programme was to study, develop and demonstrate an effective in-situ decontamination process using foams containing suitable chemical reagents. Laboratory tests were first performed to optimize the chemical formulation of the foams. Pilot tests were then conducted to study the hydrodynamic features of the fluids and to adapt a technique of permanent foam circulation. With these tests completed, it was essential to validate the foam process on an industrial scale and on a representative nuclear component. The objective was successfully achieved. The process was effectively validated during the decontamination of a graphite-gas cooler representing a developed area of 1000 m{sup 2}. Results were quite ...
This paper briefly describes an industrial application of the foam decontamination process applied to large volume components. The process is based on the filling of the component with liquid foam containing suitable chemical reagents, and a circulation loop enables its continuous recycling. The process was successfully validated during the decontamination of a graphite gas-cooler representing a developed area of 1000 m{sup 2}. A decontamination factor up to 190 was obtained leading to a residual activity below 1 Bq/cm{sup 2}. The process only produced 6 m{sup 3} of effluent i.e. about ten times less than for a chemical solution technique. (authors) 2 refs.
This paper presents an investigation into the feasibility and potential advantages of a small scale Miller cycle natural gas engine for applications such as domestic combined heat and power systems. The Miller cycle engine is compared to a standard Otto cycle engine using cycle analyses and multidimensional simulation, and basic engine design implications are discussed. It is found that the Miller cycle engine has a potential for improved fuel efficiency, but at the cost of a reduced power to weight ratio. A fuel efficiency advantage of 5{yields}10% compared to a standard Otto cycle engine appears possible, however it is stated that further investigations, in particular into the topic of engine friction, are required in order to validate the findings. (author)
This paper presents an investigation into the feasibility and potential advantages of a small scale Miller cycle natural gas engine for applications such as domestic combined heat and power systems. The Miller cycle engine is compared to a standard Otto cycle engine using cycle analyses and multidimensional simulation, and basic engine design implications are discussed. It is found that the Miller cycle engine has a potential for improved fuel efficiency, but at the cost of a reduced power to weight ratio. A fuel efficiency advantage of Formula Not Shown compared to a standard Otto cycle engine appears possible, however it is stated that further investigations, in particular into the topic of engine friction, are required in order to validate the findings.
The blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signal response to neural stimulation is influenced by many factors that are unrelated to the stimulus. These factors are physiological, such as the resting venous cerebral blood volume (CBV(v)) and vessel size, as well as experimental, such as pulse sequence and static magnetic field strength (B(0)). Thus, it is difficult to compare task-induced fMRI signals across subjects, field strengths, and pulse sequences. This problem can be overcome by normalizing the neural activity-induced BOLD fMRI response by a global hypercapnia-induced BOLD signal. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the BOLD normalization approach, gradient-echo BOLD fMRI at 1.5, 4, and 7 T and spin-echo BOLD fMRI at 4 T were performed in human subjects. For neural stimulation, subjects performed sequential finger movements at 2 Hz, while for global stimulation, subjects breathed a 5% CO(2) gas mixture. Under ...
The response of the reactive flow detector (RFD) toward organometallic compounds of several transition metals has been explored, and several of its strong elemental responses have been characterized in detail. The RFDs minimum detectable flow (measured in picograms of metal per second at S/N_p_-_t_-_p=2) is 0.1 for ruthenium, 3 for chromium, 10 for manganese, 5 for nickel, 15 for iron, and 2 for osmium. Typically, the linearity of response spans four orders of magnitude, with atomic selectivity of metal versus carbon ranging from 2 to 3 orders. Response quenching by co-eluting hydrocarbons is not observed. As a demonstration experiment, the common analysis of methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) in gasoline is carried out on an RFD system modified for dual-channel operation. The results show that dual-channel operation of the RFD can increase the native elemental selectivity of manganese over carbon by a factor of 100, in accordance with earlier results obtained on a ...
The ''Enabling & Information Technology To Increase RAM for Advanced Powerplants'' program, by DOE request, was re-directed, de-scoped to two tasks, shortened to a 2-year period of performance, and refocused to develop, validate and accelerate the commercial use of enabling materials technologies and sensors for coal/IGCC powerplants. The new program was re-titled ''Enabling Technology for Monitoring & Predicting Gas Turbine Health & Performance in IGCC Powerplants''. This final report summarizes the work accomplished from March 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004 on the four original tasks, and the work accomplished from April 1, 2004 to July 30, 2005 on the two re-directed tasks. The program Tasks are summarized below: Task 1--IGCC Environmental Impact on high Temperature Materials: The first task was refocused to address IGCC environmental impacts on high temperature ...
This case report describes the second known instance of a multifocal capillary pancreatic neoplasm. Both cases occurred in young African American females. A less-than-total pancreatectomy was performed...Full Text Available
Ependymal cells line the cerebral ventricles forming the interface that separates the cerebrospinal (CSF) and interstitial fluids (ISF). Extracellular molecules move between ependymal cells, whereas lipid soluble molecules pass both between and through cells. We measured the transfer of tritiated water (TOH) from CSF to blood across the ependymal and capillary interfaces by ventriculocisternal (VC) steady-state tissue clearance. Adult cats anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium underwent VC perfusion with the extracellular marker (/sup 14/C)sucrose and TOH added to the artificial CSF. Brain tissue was analyzed for depth of penetration of the isotopes into periventricular gray matter. We found that TOH distribution space was lower than expected from water content measurements, whereas sucrose space was normal. Using VC steady-state equations we calculated an ependymal permeability that was similar to the permeability of the cerebral capillary. ...
BackgroundGenotyping analysis using capillary DNA sequencing with fluorescently labeled primer pairs obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely used, but is expensive....Full Text Available
The primary method for neuronal communication involves the extracellular release of small molecules that are packaged in secretory vesicles. We have developed a platform to separate, lyse, and...Full Text Available
A simplified approach has been proposed to model the drying of capillary-porous materials with small geometric parameters for practical purposes. Luikov`s theory of mass and heat transfer for capillary-porous bodies was applied to drying of biological materials and it was shown that the thermo diffusion effect can be neglected if the thermal gradient remains small during the whole period of drying. The resulting simplified equations can then be solved using available mathematical software. The simplified equations were applied to drying of wood and a peanut pod
A diagnosis of the refrigerant flows in a refrigerator was carried out by real-time neutron radiography. The thermal neutron radiography system of JRR-3M in Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute and the real-time image processing system developed by Musashi Institute of Technology were used. Freon evaporating flows in the evaporator, condensing flows in the condenser, flashing flows in the capillary tube and flows in the accumulator were visualized and the dynamic behaviors under practical conditions were clarified. In the case of the capillary tube of 0.8 mm i.d., a cooled-CCD camera was utilized. (orig.).
Energy from biomass is a CO{sub 2} neutral, sustainable form of energy. Anaerobic digestion is an established technology for converting biomass to biogas, which contains around 60% methane, besides CO{sub 2} and various contaminants. Most types of biomass contain material that cannot be digested; in woody biomass, this portion is particularly high. Therefore, conventional anaerobic digestion is not suited for the production of biogas from woody biomass. While wood is already being converted to energy by conventional thermal methods (gasification with subsequent methanation), dung, manure, and sewage sludge represent types of biomass whose energy potential remains largely untapped (present energetic use of manure in Switzerland: 0.4%). Conventional gas phase processes suffer from a low efficiency due to the high water content of the feed (enthalpy of vaporization). An alternative technology is the hydrothermal gasification: the water contained within the biomass ...
Heat fusion is the most common joining method for polyethylene gas distribution piping. Butt fusion was studied with the intent of relating the quality of the joint to the joining conditions. A semi-empirical approach was used. The thermofluid consequences of joining conditions such as heater temperature, heating time and joining parameter were calculated using a computer model. The model was validated by instrumented tests. The strength of the joints was gauged by destructive mechanical testing. Tensile and tensile impact tests were used. Over 150 joints were fabricated using four different polyethylene resins. Most of the data are given in GRI Report No. 88/0276.2 -- Volume 2: Technical Reference on Butt Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Gas Pipes. A parameter, termed the Joining Parameter, was found to characterize the joining conditions. Of the mechanical tests parameters, the impact energy was found to have the best ...
The general responses proposed to reduce CO{sub 2} emissions to the atmosphere are conservation, improved efficiency and fuel substitution. These are valid options but other alternatives such as CO{sub 2} capture and disposal may be more attractive for specific areas. There are good reasons why the capture and disposal option fits the situation in Western Canada. The first and obvious reason is the importance of hydrocarbon energy to the regional economy. Here the economy is based on the production, utilization and sale of hydrocarbons such as coal, oil and natural gas and we intend to stay in business. Besides meeting the Canadian demand, natural gas from Alberta is used in the US as far away as Boston and Los Angeles. Canadian heavy crude oil serves much of the American Midwest and coal from the Canadian Rocky Mountains is exported to Japan. Although many may consider these hydrocarbon reserves and fossil fuel production ...
Heat fusion is the most common joining method for polyethylene gas distribution piping. Butt fusion was studied with the intent of relating the quality of the joint to the joining conditions. A semi-empirical approach was used. The thermofluid consequences of joining conditions such as heater temperature, heating time and joining parameter were calculated using a computer model. The model was validated by instrumented tests. The strength of the joints was gauged by destructive mechanical testing. Tensile and tensile impact tests were used. Over 150 joints were fabricated using four different polyethylene resins. Most of the data are given in GRI Report No. 88/0276.2 -- Volume 2: Technical Reference on Butt Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Gas Pipes. A parameter, termed the Joining Parameter, was found to characterize the joining conditions. Of the mechanical tests parameters, the impact energy was found to have the best ...
An approximate analyzing model was developed to predict the azimuth of zigzag streamline, the distribution ratio between two neighboring layers and the radial distribution among the layers of the gas passing through the shaft of blast furnace loaded in layers. The theoretical basis of the approximate analysis is composed of the material balance derived from the assumption that any stream line surrounded with two streamlines is isolated and no material transfer occurs through the tube wall, and of the energy theory that the stream tube and passage are formed so that the total pressure drop in the whole system is the minimum. The effects of the apparent angle of repose between two layers, the packing volume and the passage resistance on the non-uniform flow in the layer were evaluated on the basis of the model. The result calculated by the approximate analysis agrees with the result by the numerical analysis based on the equations of continuity and of motion within ...
In rare instances, carbon monoxide (CO) levels in houses can reach dangerously high concentrations, causing adverse health effects ranging from mild headaches to, under extreme conditions, death. Hundreds of fatal accidental carbon monoxide poisonings occur each year primarily due to the indoor operation of motor vehicles, the indoor use of charcoal for cooking, the operation of malfunctioning vented and unvented combustion appliances, and the misuse combustion appliances. Because there is a lack of simple, inexpensive, and accurate field sampling instrumentation, it is difficult for gas utilities and researchers to conduct field research studies designed to quantify the concentrations of CO in residences. Determining the concentration of CO in residences is the first step towards identifying the high risk appliances and high-CO environments which pose health risks. Thus, there exists an urgent need to develop and field-validate a ...
Liquid sodium is used as coolant in Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR). There is a likelyhood of sodium spillage in ambient air in the Steam Generator Building (SGB) of the FBR plant. Due to high chemical reactivity with oxygen, especially at temperatures greater than 573 K, it catches fire very easily. In order to carryout safety related experimental studies for different modes of sodium fires and to develop suitable mathematical models for the assessment of their consequences, an experimental facility (SFEF, Sodium Fire Experimental Facility) is being setup a IGCAR, Kalpakkam. The SFEF is having a 540 m"3 volume experimental hall. Stainless steel linear will be provided on the inside surfaces of experimental hall walls, ceiling and floor. Analysis has been carried out for enclosed sodium pool fire scenarios in SFEF by using sodium pool fire code SOFIRE II, which estimates the thermal transients like pressure rise, gas temperature rise, cell wall temperature rise and ...
Although incompressible fluid flows can be regarded as a particular case of a general problem, numerical methods and the mathematical formulation aimed to solve compressible and incompressible flows have their own peculiarities, in such a way, that it is generally not possible to attain both regimes with a single approach. In this work, we start from a typically compressible formulation, slightly modified to make use of pressure variables and, through augmenting the stabilising parameters, we end up with a simplified model which is able to deal with a wide range of flow regimes, from supersonic to low speed gas flows. The resulting methodology is flexible enough to allow for the simulation of liquid flows as well. Examples using conservative and pressure variables are shown and the results are compared to those published in the literature, in order to validate the method. (author)
This paper describes the simulation of the operating environment of the New York Power Pool (NYPP) within the Dispatcher Training Simulator facility at the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG). The NYSEG control center uses real-time data received from the NYPP control center to control its internal generation. In addition, the NYSEG dispatchers work very closely with the NYPP dispatchers. The exact emulation of the Generation Control functions of the NYPP EMS, and the associated data exchange with the NYSEG ECS, contribute greatly to the high degree of realism achieved in the NYSEG DTS facility. The accuracy of the power system simulation in the DTS has been validated against actual power system disturbances recorded at NYSEG.
The LWR fuel performance analysis computer code, FRAPCON-1, are evaluated to investigate the performance of CANDU fuel elements loaded in Wolsung-1 reactor. The FRAPCON-1 models of neutron flux depression in fuel and of fuel-to-cladding heat transfer are modified, and the validity of fission gas release model for CANDU fuel is evaluated. And the heavy water properties are provided in calculating the heat transfer coefficient between cladding and coolant. By using the modified code, FRAPCON-1-CSK, the sensitivity studies are carried out for Wolsung-1 fuel element design parameters. The performance analysis is also performed for Wolsung-1 fuel elements. The calculated results are discussed in terms of LWR fuel design criteria because of unavailability of CANDU fuel design criteria. (Author).
A series of tests was recently completed at the 400-MW (thermal) Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) to further demonstrate the passive safety characteristics of liquid-metal-cooled fast reactors. Earlier FFTF testing of decay heat removal by sodium natural circulation was reported in 1981. The main purpose of the 1986 test series was to demonstrate passive reactor shutdown during a loss-of-flow event when several inherent shutdown devices called gas expansion modules (GEMs) were installed in the reactor. However, these tests also provide further data on the natural circulation performance of the primary system, in particular the reactor core, and thus add to the data base available for checking the validity of available analytical tools.
A highly efficient integrated energy conversion system is built based on a methane catalytic decomposition reactor (MCDR) together with a direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) and an internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell (IRSOFC). In the MCDR, methane is decomposed to pure carbon and hydrogen. Carbon is used as the fuel of DCFC to generate power and produce pure carbon dioxide. The hydrogen and unconverted methane are used as the fuel in the IRSOFC. A gas turbine cycle is also used to produce more power output from the thermal energy generated in the IRSOFC. The output performance and efficiency of both the DCFC and IRSOFC are investigated and compared by development of exact models of them. It is found that this system has a unique loading flexibility due to the good high-loading property of ...
A methane catalytic decomposition reactor-direct carbon fuel cell-internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell (MCDR-DCFC-IRSOFC) energy system is highly efficient for converting the chemical energy of methane into electrical energy. A gas turbine cycle is also used to output more power from the thermal energy generated in the IRSOFC. In part I of this work, models of the fuel cells and the system are proposed and validated. In this part, exergy conservation analysis is carried out based on the developed electrochemical and thermodynamic models. The ratio of the exergy destruction of each unit is examined. The results show that the electrical exergy efficiency of 68.24% is achieved with the system. The possibility of further recovery of the waste heat is discussed and the combined power-heat exergy efficiency is over 80%. (author)
A methane catalytic decomposition reactor-direct carbon fuel cell-internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell (MCDR-DCFC-IRSOFC) energy system is highly efficient for converting the chemical energy of methane into electrical energy. A gas turbine cycle is also used to output more power from the thermal energy generated in the IRSOFC. In part I of this work, models of the fuel cells and the system are proposed and validated. In this part, exergy conservation analysis is carried out based on the developed electrochemical and thermodynamic models. The ratio of the exergy destruction of each unit is examined. The results show that the electrical exergy efficiency of 68.24% is achieved with the system. The possibility of further recovery of the waste heat is discussed and the combined power-heat e...
We develop a large scale parallel viscous-elastic analysis program incorporating a mesoscopic self-consistent model developed by Laws. In the model, macroscopic elastic constants are treated as variables depending on the shape and statistical properties of pre-existing microscopic pores and change due to neutron irradiation. We apply this program to the visco-elastic analysis of nuclear graphite structures under neutron irradiation environment in High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR), as an example problem. Furthermore the calculated results by this parallel computational program are compared with those by one of commercial finite element analysis codes, FINAS, for validating elastic and thermal stress analysis function. (author)
Automatic ultrasonic testing is presented as a method for recurrent inspections of pressure gas vessels, from validation to practical testing to customised test applications. National and international regulations and standards are presented along with related implementation problems. [German] Es wird die automatisierte Ultraschallpruefung im Bereich der wiederkehrenden Pruefung von Druckgasbehaeltern, als Alternative zur herkoemmlichen, klassischen Wasserdruckpruefung, vorgestellt. Von der Validierung ueber die praktische Erprobung bis hin zur kundenspezifisch entwickelten Pruefapplikation. Es werden die Anforderungen aus nationalen und internationalen Vorschriften und Normen sowie die damit zusammenhaengenden Umsetzungsprobleme behandelt.
The present paper concerns the development of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells model in order to analyse the behaviour of the cell varying its operating parameters such as temperature (70-120 ^oC), pressure (1-3 atm), relative humidity (35-100%) and CO content (0-200 ppm) in the feeding gas. The voltage output and the relative current of a generic PEM fuel cell has been predicted through a mathematical method based on semi-empirical correlations derived from the experimental data available in literature. The model has been implemented in a commercial process simulator (AspenPlus) and it has been validated by comparing the obtained results with further experimental data (not utilized for the model development). The comparison has underlined a good agreement with the experimen...
Throughout the last decades, plasma technology has been established in a series of surface treatment applications, e.g. for semiconductor processing or optical coatings. The majority of plasma assisted technologies is based on low pressure processes. In recent years, however, non-thermal atmospheric pressure discharges have attracted considerable interest because of their simplified technical devices for industrial applications as compared to low pressure processes which require vacuum equipment. Hence, batch processing can be avoided, thus facilitating the implementation of plasma process steps into production lines. Investment costs are cut down significantly. The use of atmospheric pressure plasmas for technical applications dates back to the ozone production with dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) by Siemens in 1857. Lately, the application of atmospheric pressure plasmas for surface treatment has been reported, e.g. for the treatment of foils to improve printability, for surface ...
Field data for validating plume models were collected in and around the Bull Run Steam Plant during two four-week periods between July and October, 1982. The field measurements were the second phase of the Plume Model Validation and Development (PMV and D) program. The Bull Run Steam Plant is located near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the area is described as the ''Moderately Complex Site'' to distinguish it from the ''Plains Site'' in eastern Illinois, which was the scene of the first phase of the PMV and D study conducted in 1980-81. The measurement program consisted of a set of meteorological, source, aerometric, and tracer measurements to track and characterize the plume. The tracer measurements constituted the largest portion of the total effort, and it involved the release of SF/sub 6/ tracer gas from the stack, and the sampling and analysis of nearly ...
Very High Temperature gas cooled nuclear Reactor (VHTR), which was coupled with Sulfur-Iodine (SI) thermo-chemical cycle, has been selected for the Nuclear Hydrogen Development and Demonstration (NHDD) project in Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. Among the various hydrogen production methods, Sulfur-Iodine (SI) thermo-chemical cycle is a good method as a massive hydrogen production without CO2 emission. In SI cycle, the sulfuric acid decomposition is one issue for the material corrosion on high temperature and pressure condition. For the simulation of the sulfuric acid decomposition, we designed a sulfuric acid loop with a small-scale gas loop which is simulated for the integrity and feasibility tests on a H2SO4 decomposition process. The primary objective of the loop is to validate the corrosion and the mechanical performances of a key component of the NHDD, Process Heat Exchanger (PHE). In this paper, we discussed ...
Accomplishments for the quarter are presented for the following areas of research: oil shale, tar sand, coal, advanced exploratory process technology, and jointly sponsored research. Oil shale research includes; oil shale process studies, environmental base studies for oil shale, and miscellaneous basic concept studies. Tar sand research covers process development. Coal research includes; underground coal gasification, coal combustion, integrated coal processing concepts, and solid waste management. Advanced exploratory process technology includes; advanced process concepts, advanced mitigation concepts, and oil and gas technology. Jointly sponsored research includes: organic and inorganic hazardous waste stabilization; development and validation of a standard test method for sequential batch extraction fluid; operation and evaluation of the CO[sub 2] HUFF-N-PUFF Process; fly ash binder for unsurfaced road aggregates; solid state NMR analysis ...
The refrigerant two-phase flows in a capillary tube and a distributor used in a compression-type refrigerator were visualized by real-time neutron radiography. The thermal neutron radiography system of JRR-3M at the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute was used. In the visualization experiments of the two-phase flow in the capillary tube of 2 mm I.D., a cooled CCD camera was used, and the axial one-dimensional distributions of void fraction were measured. For the distributor, a high sensitivity video camera with a silicone intensified target tube was used. From the visualized images, the refrigerant behaviors in the distributor were clearly shown, and the liquid fraction in each tube was measured. As a result, it was shown that the refrigerant behaviors in the distributor effected the distributing performance of the refrigerant flow.
A glass heat pipe is adapted for use as a solar energy absorber in an evacuated tube solar collector and for transferring the absorbed solar energy to a working fluid medium or heat sink for storage or practical use. A capillary wick is formed of granular glass particles fused together by heat on the inside surface of the heat pipe with a water glass binder solution to enhance capillary drive distribution of the thermal transfer fluid in the heat pipe throughout the entire inside surface of the evaporator portion of the heat pipe. Selective coatings are used on the heat pipe surface to maximize solar absorption and minimize energy radiation, and the glass wick can alternatively be fabricated with granular particles of black glass or obsidian.
Heat pipes, loop heat pipes (LHP), and capillary pumped loops (CPL) have already proven their potential to remove high heat fluxes from a small electronic device and transport the heat to a heat sink that is large enough to transfer it into the ambient air. We introduce a novel two-loop system similar in design to CPLs but with an additional buoyancy-driven fluid loop. Non-degassed methanol is used as a working fluid. Key benefits compared to LHPs and CPLs are easy filling procedure, easy startup, and the tolerance toward noncondensable gases in the fluid. The amount of fluid in the system can be varied over a broad range without affecting the heat transfer performance. Three different inverted-meniscus-type evaporators have been employed in this study. A maximum evaporator heat transfer r...
Abstract A novel and convenient protocol for the preparation of an open-tubular column coated with chitosan-silica hybrid using chitosan and silane-coupling agent (-glycidoxy-propyltrimethoxysilane) was developed for CEC, in which, chitosan was covalently bonded to the inner wall of a fused-silica capillary using -glycidoxy-propyltrimethoxysilane as a cross-linking agent. The stationary phase was hydrophilic due to the chitosan-silica hybrid with abundant amine and hydroxyl functional groups. The chromatographic characteristics of the column were evaluated by the separation of some organic acids and inorganic anions. The column showed good selectivity for nucleotides, aromatic acids, and inorganic anions. The mechanism for the separation of these compounds was primarily based on the hydrop...
Abstract A miniaturized spatial temperature gradient CE system with automated sample introduction for DNA mutation detection was established. Continuous electrokinetic sample injection was achieved by combining an automated slotted vial array sample introduction device to the spatial temperature gradient CE system. The temperature gradient was produced by a radiative heating system with a single graphite block heater, and the stability of the temperature gradient was investigated. The temperature variation of each measure point was 0.12 0.21% RSD (n=7) within 6 h. A 14 cm Teflon AF coated silica capillary was used both as the separation channel and as the liquid core waveguide tube of fluorescence signal. Under a temperature gradient from 54.8 to 59.5 C, a low range control mutation standa...
ObjectiveIn the context of the importance of valid self-report measures to research and evidence-based practice in social work, an argument-based approach to validity...Full Text Available
The leading environmental problem facing coastal Louisiana regions is the loss of wetlands. Oil and gas exploration and production activities have contributed to wetland damage through erosion at numerous sites where canals have been cut through the marsh to access drilling sites. An independent oil and gas producer, working with Southeastern Louisiana University and two oil field service companies, developed a process to stabilize drill cuttings so that they could be used as a substrate to grow wetlands vegetation. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funded a project under which the process would be validated through laboratory studies and field demonstrations. The laboratory studies demonstrated that treated drill cuttings support the growth of wetlands vegetation. However, neither the Army Corps of Engineers (COE) nor the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would grant regulatory approval for afield trial of the ...
The evaluation of biological markers is recognized as necessary to the future of toxicology, epidemiology, and quantitative risk assessment. For biological markers to become widely accepted, their validity...Full Text Available
... Standards Validation Group National Computer Systems Laboratory National Institute of Standards and Technology ... STANDARD. ... (See test Ci )i3A. ...
Single-crystalline nanostructures often exhibit gradients of surface (and/or interface) curvature that emerge from fabrication and growth processes or from thermal fluctuations. Thus, the system-inherent capillary force can initiate morphological transformations during further processing steps or during operation at elevated temperature. Therefore and because of the ongoing miniaturization of functional structures which causes a general rise in surface-to-volume ratios, solid-state capillary phenomena will become increasingly important: On the one hand diffusion-mediated capillary processes can be of practical use in view of non-conventional nanostructure fabrication methods based on self-organization mechanisms, on the other hand they can destroy the integrity of nanostructures which can go along with the failure of functionality. Additionally, capillarity-induced shape transformations are effected and can thereby be ...
Qualifying corrosion inhibitors for use in high velocity multiphase flowlines in arctic or subsea environments is discussed. The tests include high velocity flow loop corrosion tests, pumpability through 0.125 (0.318 cm) inch capillary at low temperatures, compatibility with Nylon 11, emulsion tendency testing, and partitioning characteristics. Laboratory and field data show the importance for using the above criteria for inhibitor selection.
This report documents the results of a project funded by DoD's Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) on the science behind development of predictive models for soot emission from gas turbine engines. Measurements of soot formation were performed in laminar flat premixed flames and turbulent non-premixed jet flames at 1 atm pressure and in turbulent liquid spray flames under representative conditions for takeoff in a gas turbine engine. The laminar flames and open jet flames used both ethylene and a prevaporized JP-8 surrogate fuel composed of n-dodecane and m-xylene. The pressurized turbulent jet flame measurements used the JP-8 surrogate fuel and compared its combustion and sooting characteristics to a world-average JP-8 fuel sample. The pressurized jet flame measurements demonstrated that the surrogate was representative of JP-8, with a somewhat higher tendency to soot formation. The premixed flame ...
Coupled modeling of subsurface multiphase fluid and heat flow, solute transport and chemical reactions can be used for the assessment of acid mine drainage remediation, mineral deposition, waste disposal sites, hydrothermal convection, contaminant transport, and groundwater quality. Here they present a numerical simulation model, TOUGHREACT, which considers non-isothermal multi-component chemical transport in both liquid and gas phases. A wide range of subsurface thermo-physical-chemical processes is considered. The model can be applied to one-, two- or three-dimensional porous and fractured media with physical and chemical heterogeneity. The model can accommodate any number of chemical species present in liquid, gas and solid phases. A variety of equilibrium chemical reactions is considered, such as aqueous complexation, gas dissolution/exsolution, cation exchange, and surface complexation. Mineral ...
A comprehensive study of biomass production conversion and utilisation systems has been carried out to examine complete bio-energy systems from biomass in the forest to electricity delivered to the grid. Models have been derived for all of the key steps in an integrated process which have been compiled into an overall system model. Biomass production from short rotation forestry and from conventional forestry is modelled on an individual operation basis in terms of the performance and cost of each step. This includes planting, maintenance, harvesting, chipping, storage and transport. Biomass conversion includes pretreatment (reception, storage, handling, comminution, screening and drying); atmospheric gasification (generic gasifier, water scrubbing, gas engine); pressure gasification (generic gasifier, hot gas clean-up, gas turbine, HRSG, steam turbine); fast pyrolysis for liquid bio-fuel-oil (pyrolyser, oil storage, dual ...
Accurate prediction of ribbed duct flow and heat transfer is of importance to the gas turbine industry. The present study comprehensively validates the use of large eddy simulations (LES) for predicting flow and heat transfer with measured flowfield data in a stationary duct with 90"o ribs and elucidates on the detailed physics encountered in the developing flow region, the fully developed region, and the 180"o bend region. Among the major flow features predicted with accuracy are flow transition at the entrance of the duct; the distribution of mean and turbulent quantities in the developing, fully developed, and 180"o bend; the development of secondary flows in the duct cross-section and the 180"o bend; and friction and heat transfer augmentation. At the duct inlet, both the computations and experiments show that the peak turbulence intensities reach values as high as 40% in the streamwise and spanwise directions and 32% in the vertical ...
The present guidelines supplement the 'VGB guidelines for the reduction of noise in thermal power plants' with indications for the ordering and quality assurance of the individual noise-producing machines and equipment of power plant operation. These guides are to simplify the commissioning and delivering for the orderer and deliverer. In addition, these guidelines are to lead to a successful cooperation of all parties in the reduction of the sound radiation. A precondition for this is an explanation of the sound technical demands which must be made on the single machines or mechanical equipment in power plant systems. A protection of the neighbourhood as well as operational personnel against noise according to the state of technology is to be achieved by a clear form of ordering and quality assurance. The ordering and assurance procedure for all aggregates in the region of the grounds of a power plant up to the high-voltage side of the machine transformers is included in these ...
The Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP), a demonstration reactor and hydrogen production facility proposed for construction at the INEEL, is expected to be a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). Computer codes used in design and safety analysis for the NGNP must be benchmarked against experimental data. The INEEL and ANL have examined information about several past and present experimental and prototypical facilities based on HTGR concepts to assess the potential of these facilities for use in this benchmarking effort. Both reactors and critical facilities applicable to pebble-bed and prismatic block-type cores have been considered. Four facilities--HTR-PROTEUS, HTR-10, ASTRA, and AVR--appear to have the greatest potential for use in benchmarking codes for pebble-bed reactors. Similarly, for the prismatic block-type reactor design, two experiments have been ranked as having the highest priority--HTTR and VHTRC.
A computer model of cryogenic system for storing solid antimatter is used to explore the radiative cooling-power requirements for long-term antimatter storage. If vacuum-chamber pressures as low as 10 to -18th power torr can be reached, and the rest of the large set of assumptions is valid, milligram quantities of solid antimatter could be stored indefinitely at 1.5 K using cooling powers of less than a microwatt. Many of the assumptions made are problematic and need verification, as they could potentially change the results greatly. The system modeled is a sphere of solid anti-parahydrogen at 1.5 K or below levitated in a spherical cryogenic vacuum chamber. The free matter gas in the chamber is assumed to be molecular hydrogen, and sublimation of both matter and antimatter is assumed to be negligible. The antihydrogen is assumed to be in thermal equilibrium, although annihilation-energy deposition is localized and hydrogen's ...
We intend to solve equations governing turbulent plane-vertical isotherm and non isotherm jets by taking into account inflow conditions at the exit of the nozzle. The analysis is focused on the influence of these conditions on this type of flow. Two cases are considered (uniform and parabolic velocity and temperature profiles). A finite difference scheme is developed to solve the governing equations. This numeric model allows us to show that the region of fully developed regime begins much nearer the nozzle for the turbulent case than for the laminar flow case. Indeed, the turbulence increases the mixing between the incoming gas from the nozzle and the ambient fluid, and consequently the size of the potential core zone decreases. The results are compared to other works introducing mathematical variables based on the energy conservation for the case of the mixed convection and the momentum conservation for the forced convection, which allows the ...
When withdrawing a fluid sample (for additional chromatographic analyses) from an apparatus operated at a reduced pressure, a typical syringe proves to be ineffective (even if it is equipped with a gas tight plunger). It simply does not create enough pressure differential to remove a fluid sample from a reduced pressure environment. We encountered such a situation as part of efforts to extend the operation of the advanced distillation curve protocol to reduced pressures. The problem was solved by the development of a pressure balance syringe that allows reliable and precise sampling from an apparatus operating at sub-ambient pressures. This new device uses an external vacuum source to evacuate a syringe barrel, allowing a user to withdraw fluid samples from environments with pressures as low as 0.5kPa. To demonstrate the operation of the newly developed device, distillate analyses were performed on two fluids at low pressure: a predefined ...
The performance of the new combustor was tested. Experiments showed that this combustor has superior insulating quality than the previous one. Measured radial concentrations indicated uniform distribution of the primary fuel (coal) inside the fire tube resulting in reasonably flat concentration profiles. However, measured radial concentrations after the addition of the reburn fuel showed uneven distribution of the fuel resulting in parabolic concentration profiles, an indication of insufficient mixing in the reburn zone. In order to study mechanisms of nitrogenous species destruction in the reburn zone, it is necessary to achieve adequate mixing if the assumption of one dimensional plug flow behavior is to be valid. Thus, it became necessary to modify the injector design and the injection mode of the reburn fuel to achieve an adequate level of mixing which is the focus of this report. The results show that a minimum reburn fuel jet velocity of 15 m/s (standard ...
A highly efficient integrated energy conversion system is built based on a methane catalytic decomposition reactor (MCDR) together with a direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) and an internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell (IRSOFC). In the MCDR, methane is decomposed to pure carbon and hydrogen. Carbon is used as the fuel of DCFC to generate power and produce pure carbon dioxide. The hydrogen and unconverted methane are used as the fuel in the IRSOFC. A gas turbine cycle is also used to produce more power output from the thermal energy generated in the IRSOFC. The output performance and efficiency of both the DCFC and IRSOFC are investigated and compared by development of exact models of them. It is found that this system has a unique loading flexibility due to the good high-loading property of DCFC and the good low loading property of IRSOFC. The effects of temperature, pressure, current densities, and methane conversion on the performance of the fuel cells and the ...
The core of Prismatic Modular Reactor (PMR) consists of assemblies of hexagonal graphite fuel and reflector elements. The core bypass flow of Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) is defined as the core flow that does not pass through the coolant channels but passes through the bypass gap between fuel elements. The increase in bypass flow makes the decrease in effective coolant flow. Since the core bypass flow has a negative impact on safety and efficiency of VHTR, core bypass phenomena have to be investigated to improve the core thermal margin of VHTR. For this purpose, the international project, I-NERI project, has been carried out since 2008. I-NERI project is collaborative project that KAERI and SNU of Korea side and INL, ANL and TAMU of U.S side are involved. In order to evaluate the core bypass flow, the multicolumn and multi-layer experimental facility is designed by SNU. In this experiment, the effect of cross-flow and local variation of bypass gap on the bypass flow ...
The determination of the banned anabolic substance zeranol and the metabolites taleranol and zearalanone in bovine urine is complicated by the occurrence of the structurally-related mycotoxin zearalenone and the corresponding {alpha}- and {beta}-zearalenol metabolites which possess similar estrogenic properties. A liquid chromatography-negative ion electrospray tandem mass spectrometric method is presented for the confirmatory analysis of all six resorcylic acid lactones ('zeranols') in urine samples using deuterium-labelled internal standards. The method was validated as a confirmatory method for bovine urine samples according to new draft EU guidelines and showed good precision and linearity, and CC{alpha} and CC{beta} values of 0.02-0.30 and <1.0 ng ml{sup -1}, respectively. The applicability was demonstrated by comparing the results of an incurred sample with previous results on the same sample obtained by gas ...
Devolatilization, char combustion and emission characteristics of different single fuel particles were studied under various fluidized bed combustor conditions, in order to develop a classification system which enables prediction of the behaviour of different fuels ranging from fixed carbon rich coals to volatile rich woods and plastics. To investigate formation reaction, the concentration of CO, CO{sub 2}, total hydrocarbons, O{sub 2}, NO and N{sub 2}O were measured continuously. Additionally, temperature histories of the particles were recorded by implanting thermocouples. Devolatilization and char combustion were analysed by an integral and differential method. The integral analysis uses global rates which were compared with the ultimate and proximate analyses and used to classify the fuels. In the differential analysis the single physical and chemical steps viz mass transfer from the bulk gas to the particle surface, mass transfer through the ash layer and ...
Full text of publication follows: A porous media solution PORFLO has been developed for the 3-dimensional two-phase flow by describing the process facility in Cartesian or cylindrical coordinates. The local porosity fraction is applied for distinguishing the fluid filled volumes from the solid structures. The solid structure contribute the two-phase flow through the wall friction, flow area and heat transfer. Optionally the solid structure may contain primary liquid of steam generators, steam in the higher temperature and pressure to be condensed or electrical heating power. By using these optional boundary conditions three different process facilities have been analysed. The thermohydraulic solution based on 5-equation approach, where the conservation equations are solved for the liquid and gas (vapour) mass, mixture momentum (giving the velocity only for the mixture), liquid and gas energy, is described shortly. In addition to that the ...
Freezing and thaw have an effect on soils, and the effect of the freeze-thaw cycle on soil covers used in the control of acid mine drainage was discussed in this poster presentation. The purpose of soil covers in cases involving acid mine drainage (AMD) is to reduce the exposure of tailings to oxygen which cause AMD. The effect of this freezing-thaw cycle on soft materials used in soil covers with capillary effect was studied. Some laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the properties of the moisture retention layer. The preliminary results were presented. The results indicated that the freeze-thaw cycle might affect the performance of soil covers in the long term, depending on the type of materials selected. Further research is undergoing. 26 figs.
The shrinkage of the cement paste with low water-cement ratio at different relative humidity was observed and analyzed with ESEM and deformation map technique. The crack morphology was observed with different magnification with SEM and FESEM, and the formation of the crack was observed with AFM between two C-S-H nano particles. The observation by multi technique at multi scale indicated that the shrinkage was increase with the decrease of the humidity due to the increase of the pressure of the capillary pressure, the morphology of the crack in smaller scale was similar to that in the bigger scale, the smaller crack distributed in the latticework of the bigger ones, and the crack propagated along the gap between two nano particles of C-S-H with weaker bonding.
A method of assembling two or more parts together that may be metal, ceramic, metal and ceramic parts, or parts that have different CTE. Individual parts are formed and sintered from particles that leave a network of interconnecting porosity in each sintered part. The separate parts are assembled together and then a fill material is infiltrated into the assembled, sintered parts using a method such as capillary action, gravity, and/or pressure. The assembly is then cured to yield a bonded and fully or near-fully dense part that has the desired physical and mechanical properties for the part's intended purpose. Structural strength may be added to the parts by the inclusion of fibrous materials.
In this work, we use lasers to enhance possibilities of laser desorption methods and to optimize coating procedure for capillary electrophoresis (CE). We use several different instrumental arrangements to characterize matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALD) at atmospheric pressure and in vacuum. In imaging mode, 488-nm argon-ion laser beam is deflected by two acousto-optic deflectors to scan plumes desorbed at atmospheric pressure via absorption. All absorbing species, including neutral molecules, are monitored. Interesting features, e.g. differences between the initial plume and subsequent plumes desorbed from the same spot, or the formation of two plumes from one laser shot are observed. Total plume absorbance can be correlated with the acoustic signal generated by the desorption event. A model equation for the plume velocity as a function of time is proposed. Alternatively, the use of a static laser beam for observation enables reliable determination of plume ...
The objective of this project is to increase oil recovery from fractured reservoirs through improved fundamental understanding of the process of spontaneous imbibition by which oil is displaced from the rock matrix into the fractures. Spontaneous imbibition is fundamentally dependent on the reservoir surface free energy but this has never been investigated for rocks. In this project, the surface free energy of rocks will be determined by using liquids that can be solidified within the rock pore space at selected saturations. Thin sections of the rock then provide a two-dimensional view of the rock minerals and the occupant phases. Saturations and oil/rock, water/rock, and oil/water surface areas will be determined by advanced petrographic analysis and the surface free energy which drives spontaneous imbibition will be determined as a function of increase in wetting phase saturation. The inherent loss in surface free energy resulting from capillary instabilities at ...
This paper will track the design and results of an injection molding tool developed to manufacture microfluidic chips. The mold design and injection molding process was complicated by the presence of integrated capillary fluidic interconnects. We determined that design of the runner and gate system responsible for delivering molten plastic to the cavity had a significant impact on the quality of parts produced by the mold and the size of the process window. Numerical results confirm our findings that reducing gate lengths and increasing part thickness dramatically improved the filling profile and lowered injection pressures by 37%. Finally, the influence of gate location on part shrinkage is analyzed and discussed.
Planning is an important part of computational model verification and validation (V&V) and the requisite planning document is vital for effectively executing the plan. The document provides a means of communicating intent to the typically large group of people, from program management to analysts to test engineers, who must work together to complete the validation activities. This report provides guidelines for writing a validation plan. It describes the components of such a plan and includes important references and resources. While the initial target audience is the DART Full System Model teams in the nuclear weapons program, the guidelines are generally applicable to other modeling efforts. Our goal in writing this document is to provide a framework for consistency in validation plans across weapon systems, different types of models, and different scenarios. Specific details contained in any ...
Accomplishments for the quarter are presented for the following areas of research: oil shale, tar sand, coal, advanced exploratory process technology, and jointly sponsored research. Oil shale research includes; oil shale process studies, environmental base studies for oil shale, and miscellaneous basic concept studies. Tar sand research covers process development. Coal research includes; underground coal gasification, coal combustion, integrated coal processing concepts, and solid waste management. Advanced exploratory process technology includes; advanced process concepts, advanced mitigation concepts, and oil and gas technology. Jointly sponsored research includes: organic and inorganic hazardous waste stabilization; development and validation of a standard test method for sequential batch extraction fluid; operation and evaluation of the CO{sub 2} HUFF-N-PUFF Process; fly ash binder for unsurfaced road aggregates; solid state NMR analysis ...
The electric power industry can use the carbon dioxide absorption process to capture carbon from high-volume flue gas. However, the current cost of the process is too high due to the approximation method used in process design. The absorption column is typically designed with parameters that are assumed to be constant over the whole length of the column, resulting in an oversized unit. This approximation method is no longer valid given new environmental and economic concerns. In order to develop an accurate column design for high-efficiency carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) capture, it is necessary to understand the phenomena taking place in the system. A mechanistic model is presented for a robust absorber design that takes into account mass-transfer and hydrodynamic behaviour within the CO{sub 2} absorption columns. The capture performance of a packed column under a wide range of design and operating conditions was determined using a model based on ...
Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy has been used for the determination of the line strengths of 41 CO and CO[sub 2] absorption lines at temperatures between 295 and 1250 K. The CO vibrational-rotational lines were from the [ital P] branch of the fundamental absorption band (2150--1950 cm[sup [minus]1]) while the CO[sub 2] vibrational-rotational lines were from the far wing of the [ital R] branch of the [nu][sub 3] fundamental band (2395--2380 cm[sup [minus]1]). The intensities of the lines were measured from absorption spectra recorded in a high-temperature gas cell containing known concentrations of CO/CO[sub 2]/N[sub 2] gas mixtures at atmospheric pressure. Absorption spectra were recorded through the cell with the use of a moderate-resolution Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The absorption spectra were mathematically corrected for distortions resulting from the finite resolution of the spectrometer and for peak ...
Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy has been used for the determination of the line strengths of 41 CO and CO_2 absorption lines at temperatures between 295 and 1250 K. The CO vibrational-rotational lines were from the P branch of the fundamental absorption band (2150--1950 cm"-"1) while the CO_2 vibrational-rotational lines were from the far wing of the R branch of the #nu#_3 fundamental band (2395--2380 cm"-"1). The intensities of the lines were measured from absorption spectra recorded in a high-temperature gas cell containing known concentrations of CO/CO_2/N_2 gas mixtures at atmospheric pressure. Absorption spectra were recorded through the cell with the use of a moderate-resolution Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The absorption spectra were mathematically corrected for distortions resulting from the finite resolution of the spectrometer and for peak overlap. Line strength measurements were made from the corrected ...
BackgroundThe objective of this study was to develop and validate a daily electronic Endometriosis Pain and Bleeding Diary (EPBD) for assessing treatment-related changes in endometriosis...Full Text Available
The identification and validation of biomarkers for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia are increasingly important. To date, ELISA measurement of β-amyloid(1–42),...Full Text Available
The validation parameters for pharmaceutical analyses were examined for the accelerator mass spectrometry measurement of 14C/C ratio, independent of chemical separation procedures....Full Text Available
The thesis gives an overview of the validation process for thermal-hydraulic system codes and it presents in more detail the assessment and validation of the French code CATHARE for VVER calculations. Three assessment cases are presented: loop seal clearing, core reflooding and flow in a horizontal steam generator. The experience gained during these assessment and validation calculations has been used to analyze the behavior of the horizontal steam generator and the natural circulation in the geometry of the Loviisa nuclear power plant. Large part of the work has been performed in cooperation with the CATHARE-team in Grenoble, France. (41 refs., 11 figs., 8 tabs.).
Smoke management in buildings during fire events often uses mechanical ventilation systems to maintain smoke layer elevation above a safe evacuation path. Design of these systems requires accurate correlations for the smoke production rate of the buoyant fire plume. One design issue is the smoke production rate of fire plumes which spill out from a fire compartment, under a balcony and up through an atrium or other large volume. Current engineering correlations for these balcony spill plumes are based on a combination of one-tenth scale test data and theoretical analysis. Questions have arisen over the suitability of these correlations for real-scale designs. A combined program of full-scale experimentation and CFD modeling is being conducted to analyze the accuracy of these correlations. A full-scale experimental facility was constructed with a 5 m by 5 m by 15 m fire compartment connected to a four-story atrium. Propane fires in the compartment produce balcony spill plumes which form ...
Smoke management in buildings during fire events often uses mechanical ventilation systems to maintain smoke layer elevation above a safe evacuation path. Design of these systems requires accurate correlations for the smoke production rate of the buoyant fire plume. One design issue is the smoke production rate of fire plumes which spill out from a fire compartment, under a balcony and up through an atrium or other large volume. Current engineering correlations for these balcony spill plumes are based on a combination of one-tenth scale test data and theoretical analysis. Questions have arisen over the suitability of these correlations for real-scale designs. A combined program of full-scale experimentation and CFD modeling is being conducted to analyze the accuracy of these correlations. A full-scale experimental facility was constructed with a 5 m by 5 m by 15 m fire compartment connected to a four-story atrium. Propane fires in the compartment produce balcony spill plumes which form ...
The invention relates to a method for purifying a gas mixture containing at least one undesirable gas compound utilizing certain sulfonamide or sulfamide solvents.
This report summarizes the research conducted during Budget Period One on the project ''Improved Natural Gas Storage Well Remediation''. The project team consisted of Furness-Newburge, Inc., the technology developer; TechSavants, Inc., the technology validator; and Nicor Technologies, Inc., the technology user. The overall objectives for the project were: (1) To develop, fabricate and test prototype laboratory devices using sonication and underwater plasma to remove scale from natural gas storage well piping and perforations; (2) To modify the laboratory devices into units capable of being used downhole; (3) To test the capability of the downhole units to remove scale in an observation well at a natural gas storage field; (4) To modify (if necessary) and field harden the units and then test the units in two pressurized injection/withdrawal gas ...
A publication on Norwegian gas and gas export. The content is wide spread from use of gas in daily life via sub sea pipeline repair systems to an overview over tomorrows gas fields. (AG)
In the year 1996 the spheres of competence of several DLR-Institutes working in the areas of fluid dynamics, reaction kinetics, combustion, numerical methods and laser measuring techniques have been brought together while contributing to the internal DLR project 'combustion chamber modelling (BKM)', in order to proceed with the computational simulation of combustion processes in combustion chambers of gas turbines. The main issue was the development of a research code for numerical simulation of fluid flow in real combustion chambers. Here the development of computational models of physical and chemical processes was emphasized, among other processes the formation of soot was treated. Moreover, a worldwide outstanding database of measured data for the purpose of code validation has been created within the framework of the BKM project using the laboratory facilities of the DLR, which are in Germany unique for the experimental ...
Liquid-liquid wetting failure is investigated in a two-dimensional Couette system with two immiscible fluids of arbitrary viscosity. The problem is solved exactly using a sharp interface treatment of hydrodynamics (lubrication theory) as a function of the capillary number, viscous ratio and separation of scale, i.e. slip length versus macroscopic scale of the system. The existence of critical velocities, above which no stationary solutions are found, is analyzed in detail in terms of the relevant parameters of the system. Comparisons with existing analysis for other geometries are also carried out. A numerical method of analysis is also presented, based on diffuse interface models obtained from multiphase extensions of the lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE). Sharp interface and diffuse interface models are quantitatively compared face to face indicating the correct limit of applicability of the diffuse interface models.
Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of routine laboratory parameters in the decision to treat refractory cardiac arrest patients with extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Methods: Sixty-six adults with witnessed cardiac arrest of cardiac origin unrelated to poisoning or hypothermia undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation without return of spontaneous circulation (duration: 155min [120-180], median, [25-75%-percentiles]) were included in a prospective cohort-study. ECLS was implemented under cardiac massage, using a centrifugal pump connected to a hollow-fiber membrane-oxygenator, aiming to maintain ECLS flow >=2.5l/min and mean arterial pressure >=60mmHg. Results: Forty-seven of 66 patients died within 24h from multiorgan failure and massive capillary leak. Of 19/66 patients who survived >=24h...
Reactive blue 2 (RB-2) had been characterized as a relatively potent ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) inhibitor with some selectivity for NTPDase3. In search for the pharmacophore and to analyze structure-activity relationships we synthesized a series of truncated derivatives and analogs of RB-2, including 1-amino-2-sulfo-4-ar(alk)ylaminoanthraquinones, 1-amino-2-methyl-4-arylaminoanthraquinones, 1-amino-4-bromoanthraquinone 2-sulfonic acid esters and sulfonamides, and bis-(1-amino-4-bromoanthraquinone) sulfonamides, and investigated them in preparations of rat NTPDase1, 2, and 3 using a capillary electrophoresis assay. Several 1-amino-2-sulfo-4-ar(alk)ylaminoanthraquinone derivatives inhibited E-NTPDases in a concentration-dependent manner. The 2-sulfonate group ...
Abstract Capillary permeability is a tightly regulated feature of microcirculation in all organ beds. In sepsis, this feature is fundamentally altered. We have previously reported elevated levels of angiopoietin-2 in patients with septic shock, and have investigated tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related and weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), which mediates both angiogenesis and inflammation, in those patients. Enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to measure serum TWEAK levels in 20 patients with septic shock, all of whom were treated by direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column (DHP-PMX), and in 20 non-septic controls. The TWEAK levels were higher in patients with septic shock (192.8--230.5-pg/mL) than in controls (84.1--28.7-pg/mL, P-=-0.043). Between 11 survivors and 1...
In the course of designing a catalytic porous membrane reactor for experimental studies, both inside and outside of the non-reaction zones as well as the two ends of the membrane need to be completely sealed to ensure that there is no flow across the membrane in the non-reaction zone. Experiments show that up to 50% of the total flow across the membrane may be contributed by the axial flow along the wall of the non-reaction zones if only one side of the membrane is sealed. Another problem that cannot be solved by sealing is the capillary flow of the catalyst along the tube wall into the non-reaction zones when the catalyst is doped on the membrane. One of the best ways to avoid this axial flow of catalyst would be to use non-porous tubes in the non-reaction zones and join them with the porous membrane tube. In doing so, the cost of the membrane reactor could be reduced simply because shorter membrane tube is needed.
On efficient glass capillary columns packed with graphitized thermal carbon black (GTCB) the stereoisomers of aromatic and saturated tricyclic hydrocarbons are completely separated and identified. The Henry's adsorption constants of the individual isomers were determined from mixture at different temperatures. Five isomers of perhydroanthracene, five isomers of perhydrofluorene, two isomers of perhydrophenalene, four isomers of perhydroacenaphthene, as well as phenalene, dihydrophenalene, acenaphthene and acenaphthylene were investigated. The increase of the hydrogenization degree of unsaturated tricyclic hydrocarbons reduces the retention. Among the saturated tricyclic isomers the retention becomes shorter with the larger bending of the molecules, i.e. from the molecule having more equatorial bonds to the molecules having more axial connections. The experimentally determined Henry's constants were qualitatively compared with the structure of the ...
Successful electron capture dissociation (ECD) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) applications to peptide and protein structural analysis have been enabled by constant progress in implementation of improved electron injection techniques. The rate of ECD product ion formation has been increased to match the liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis timescales, and ECD has been combined with infrared multiphoton dissociation in a single experimental configuration to provide simultaneous irradiation, fast switching between the two techniques, and good spatial overlap between ion, photon, and electron beams. Here we begin by describing advantages and disadvantages of the various existing electron injection techniques for ECD in FT-ICR MS. We next ...
To suit the needs of development for manufacture VLSI, we started to investigate liquid metal ion sources (LMIS) and focused ion beam (FIB) in 1984. Many kinds of emitters viz. neddle type, co-axial type and capillary type of Ga and Au LMIS and three kinds of eutectic alloys LMIS (Au-Si, Au-Si-Be, Pd-Ni-Si-Be-B) have been tested. A program which can calculate focused ion guns has been written. Four kinds of foused ion guns have been operated, a fine beam with diametic 0.1 #mu#m is obtained. Using the FIB a scanning ion microscope has been constructed. Some tests of etching and self-developing of nitrocellulose are described. (author).
This project is concerned with a basic scientific question concerning the properties of coal--to what extent is the ability of coal to hold moisture a manifestation of the well-known ability of coal to swell, when exposed to good solvents The question implies that the long-held belief that coal holds a significant portion of its moisture by classical capillary condensation processes, is possibly in error. It is likely that a sound approach to permanent drying would involve highly crosslinking the coal at mild drying conditions. The crosslinked coal could not swell sufficiently to hold much water. It is identifying processes to achieve this goal, that constitute the objective of the second phase of this work. 25 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
The objective of this work group was to identify obstacles to the development of better risk management practices and performance standards in the pipeline industry. An outline of developments in pipeline risk assesment management was presented, including an update of the Risk Based Design and Assessment annex and other CSA Z662 code developments. It was suggested that progress in risk management require that acceptable levels of risk and reliability need to be defined. Environmental and safety consequence analysis was recommended, as well as failure frequency estimation and assessment of distribution systems. Guidelines for Integrity Management Programs (IMPs) were reviewed. It was noted that CSA Z662 will become mandatory for sour gas in 2005 and may become mandatory for all onshore pipelines in 2007. Operating company procedures in relation to hazards with significant consequences were discussed. It was noted that companies should assess risks associated with ...
A novel continuous powder introduction microwave-induced plasma atomic emission spectrometry method (CPI-MIP-AES) has been developed for trace determination of metals in ground and tap water samples after preconcentration on activated carbon. The experimental setup consisted of integrated rectangular cavity TE_1_0_1 and vertically positioned plasma torch. The technical arrangement of the sample introduction system has been designed based on the fluidized bed concept. The satisfactory signal stability required for sequential analysis was attained owing to the vertical plasma configuration, as well as the plasma gas flow rate compatibility with sample introduction flow rate. The elements of interest (Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) were preconcentrated in a batch procedure at pH 8-8.5 after addition of activated carbon and then, after filtering and drying of the activated carbon suspension, introduced to the MIP by the CPI system. An enrichment factor of about 1000-fold ...
Three-dimensional computer simulation and analyses of the horizontal steam generator thermal-hydraulics of the WWER 1000 nuclear power plant have been performed for 50% and 75% partial loads, 100% nominal load and 110% over-load. Presented results show water and steam mass flow rate vectors, steam void fraction spatial distribution, recirculation zones, swell level position, water mass inventory on the shell side, and other important thermal-hydraulic parameters. The simulations have been performed with the computer code 3D ANA, based on the 'two-fluid' model approach. Steam-water interface transport processes, as well as tube bundle flow resistance, energy transfer, and steam generation within tube bundles are modelled with {sup c}losure laws{sup .} Applied approach implies non-equilibrium thermal and flow conditions. The model is solved by the control volume procedure, which has been extended in order to take into account the 3D flow of liquid and ...
Three-dimensional computer simulation and analyses of the horizontal steam generator thermal-hydraulics of the WWER 1000 nuclear power plant have been performed for 50% and 75% partial loads, 100% nominal load and 110% over-load. Presented results show water and steam mass flow rate vectors, steam void fraction spatial distribution, recirculation zones, swell level position, water mass inventory on the shell side, and other important thermal-hydraulic parameters. The simulations have been performed with the computer code 3D ANA, based on the 'two-fluid' model approach. Steam-water interface transport processes, as well as tube bundle flow resistance, energy transfer, and steam generation within tube bundles are modelled with "closure laws". Applied approach implies non-equilibrium thermal and flow conditions. The model is solved by the control volume procedure, which has been extended in order to take into account the 3D flow of liquid and gas phase. The ...
The finite-volume based commercial CFD-code Fluent was used to simulate the reacting flow in a heavy fuel oil fired laboratory furnace. Both the standard {kappa}-{epsilon} turbulence model and the Reynolds stress model (RSM) were tested. The combustion model was based on the conserved scalar (mixture fraction) and prescribed probability density function approach. The heavy fuel oil droplet trajectories were predicted by solving the momentum equations for the droplets using the Lagrangian treatment. The soot distribution in the furnace was calculated by solving a transport equation for the soot mass fraction. Simple expressions for the soot formation and oxidation rates were employed. The radiation heat transfer equation was solved using the finite volume method. The formation of thermal NO from molecular nitrogen was modeled according to the extended Zeldovich mechanism. Fuel-based NO was modeled assuming that all the nitrogen in the fuel is released as hydrogen cyanide (HCN), which ...
As the jump from 2D to 3D, seismic exploration lives a new revolution with the use of converted PS waves. Indeed PS converted waves are proving their potential as a tool for imaging through gas; lithology discrimination; structural confirmation; and more. Nevertheless, processing converted shear data and in particular determining accurate P and S velocity models for depth imaging of these data is still a challenging problem, especially when the subsurface is anisotropic. To solve this velocity model determination problem we propose to use reflection travel time tomography. In a first step, we derive a new approximation of the exact phase velocity equation of the SV wave in anisotropic (TI) media. This new approximation is valid for non-weak anisotropy and is mathematically simpler to handle than the exact equation. Then, starting from an isotropic reflection tomography tool developed at Lt-'P, we extend the isotropic bending ray ...
Since antioxidants have been shown to play a major role in preventing some of the effects of aging and photoaging in skin, it is important to study this phenomenon in a controlled manner. This was accomplished by developing a simple and reliable in vitro technique to assay antioxidant efficacy. Inhibition of peroxidation by antioxidants was used as a measure of relative antioxidant potential. Liposomes, high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), were dispersed in buffer and irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light. Irradiated liposomes exhibited a significantly higher amount of hydroperoxides than liposomes containing antioxidants in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner. Lipid peroxidation was determined spectrophotometrically by an increase in thiobarbituric acid reacting substances. To further substantiate the production of lipid peroxides, gas chromatography was used to measure a decrease in PUFA substrate. In order of decreasing antioxidant effectiveness, ...
Based on the occurrence of a number of plant incidents during low power and shutdown operating conditions, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has initiated several programs to better quantify risk during these periods. One specific issue of interest is the loss of residual heat removal (RHR) under reduced coolant inventory conditions. This issue is also of interest in the Federal Republic of Germany and an experiment was performed in the integral PKL-3 experimental facility at Siemens-KWU to supply applicable data. Recently, an effort has been undertaken at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) to identify and analyze the important thermal-hydraulic phenomena in pressurized water reactors following loss of vital AC power and consequent loss of the RHR system during reduced inventory operation. The thermal-hydraulic response of a nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) with a closed reactor coolant system (RCS) to loss of residual heat removal cooling capability is ...
Background:The validity of dementia diagnoses in the Danish nationwide hospital registers was evaluated to determine the value of these registers in epidemiological research about dementia. Methods: Two hundred patients were randomly selected from 4,682 patients registered for the first time with a dementia diagnosis in the last 6 months of 2003. The patients' medical journals were reviewed to evaluate if they fulfilled ICD-10 and/or DSM-IV criteria for dementia and specific dementia subtypes. The patients who were still alive in 2006 were invited to an interview. Results: One hundred and ninety-seven journals were available for review and 51 patients were interviewed. A registered diagnosis of dementia was found to be correct in 169 (85.8%) cases. Regarding dementia subtypes, the degree of agreement between the registers and the results of the validating process was low with a kappa of 0.36 (95% CI 0.24-0.48). Conclusion: The ...
A gas diffusion semiconductor electrode and solar cell and a process for gaseous fixation, such as nitrogen photoreduction, CO/sub 2/ photoreduction and fuel gas photo-oxidation are described. The gas diffusion photosensitive electrode has a central electrolyte porous matrix with an activated semiconductor material on one side adapted to be in contact with an electrolyte and a hydrophobic gas diffusion region on the opposite side adapted to be in contact with a supply of molecular gas.
For models with several time-dependent components, generalized entropies can be defined. This is shown for the Bianchi type IX model. We first derive the Cardy-Verlinde formula under the assumption that the first law of thermodynamics is valid. This leads to an explicit expression of the total entropy associated with this type of universe. Assuming the validity of the Cardy entropy formula, we obtain expressions for the corresponding Bekenstein, Bekenstein-Hawking and Hubble entropies. We discuss the validity of the Cardy-Verlinde formula and possible extensions of the outlined procedure to other time-dependent models.
This dissertation is concerned with the development, experimental diagnostics and mathematical modelling and simulation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC). The central themes throughout this thesis are the closely interlinked phenomena of mass and charge transfer. In the face of developing a PEFC system for vehicle propulsion these phenomena are scrutinized on a broad range of relevant scales. Starting from the material related level of the membrane and the gas diffusion layer (GDL) we turn to length scales, where structural features of the cell additionally come into play. These are the scale of flow channels and ribs, the single cell and the cell stack followed by the cell, stack, and system development for an automotive power train. In Chapter 3 selected fundamental material models and properties, respectively, are explored that are crucial for the mathematical modelling and simulation of PEFC, as needed in some succeeding parts of this work. First, ...
Carbon monoxide can be produced in severe accidents from interaction of ex-vessel molten core with concrete. Depending on the particular core-melt scenario, the type of concrete and geometric factors affecting the interaction, the quantities of carbon monoxide produced can vary widely, up to several volume percent in the containment. Carbon monoxide is a combustible gas. The carbon monoxide thus produced is in addition to the hydrogen produced by metal-water reactions and by radiolysis, and represents a possibly significant contribution to the combustible gas inventory in the containment. Assessment of possible accident loads to containment thus requires knowledge of the combustion properties of both CO and H_2 in the containment atmosphere. Extensive studies have been carried out and are still continuing in the nuclear industry to assess the threat of hydrogen in a severe reactor accident. However the contribution of carbon monoxide to the ...
Typing Workshop": [Introductions] [Intro, DNA Basics, and Historical Perspective] [DNA Extraction] [Validation and QA/QC] [DNA Quantitation] [PCR Amplification] [STR Loci and Kits]...
BACKGROUND:In adults, it is well known that high levels of pain catastrophizing are related to increased pain and disability as well as to heightened anxiety and depression. However,...Full Text Available
PURPOSE.- The study aims to clinically validate the defining characteristics (DCs) of the nursing diagnosis (ND) of Activity Intolerance for patients with ischemic heart disease and refractory angina. METHODS.- Cross-sectional study was used, involving 22 patients with ND of Activity Intolerance. The Fehring method was used to validate the ND. FINDINGS.- Most DCs presented reliability indexes between 0.5 and 0.79. Three DCs presented reliability indexes - 0.8. CONCLUSION.- All DCs were validated, and electrocardiographic changes indicating ischemia, verbal report of fatigue, and abnormal rate response to activity were considered as DC major. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE.- This study is relevant in daily nursing practice for guidance in establishing the care plan and describing the ass...
SynopsisAttention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a valid and impairing psychological disorder that persists into adulthood in a majority of cases and is associated...Full Text Available
measure meteorological variables and bulk water temper- ature. The locations of the buoys are given in Table 1. TB2 and TB3 were moved slightly farther south ...
Inferring cluster structure in microarray datasets is a fundamental task for the -omic sciences. A fundamental question in Statistics, Data Analysis and Classification, is the prediction of the number of clusters in a dataset, usually established via internal validation measures. Despite the wealth of internal measures available in the literature, new ones have been recently proposed, some of them specifically for microarray data. In this dissertation, a study of internal validation measures is given, paying particular attention to the stability based ones. Indeed, this class of measures is particularly prominent and promising in order to have a reliable estimate the number of clusters in a dataset. For those measures, a new general algorithmic paradigm is proposed here that highlights the richness of measures in this class and accounts for the ones already available in the literature. Moreover, some of the most representative ...
BackgroundThe evaluation of interventions and policies designed to promote resilience, and research to understand the determinants and associations, require reliable and valid measures...Full Text Available
BackgroundAdequate pain assessment is critical for evaluating the efficacy of analgesic treatment in clinical practice and during the development of new therapies. Yet the currently...Full Text Available
The book tries about the International and national aspects, natural gas situation, production, consumption, prices, demand projection, energetic plans, norms and laws of the natural gas in Colombia
This document provides information on the supply and disposition of natural gas to a wide audience. The 1996 data are presented in a sequence that follows natural gas from it`s production to it`s end use.
An essential part of fire risk assessment is the analysis of fire hazards and fire propagation. In this work, models and tools for two different aspects of numerical fire simulation have been developed. The primary objectives have been firstly to investigate the possibility of exploiting state-of-the-art fire models within probabilistic fire risk assessments and secondly to develop a computationally efficient solver of thermal radiation for the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) code. In the first part of the work, an engineering tool for probabilistic fire risk assessment has been developed. The tool can be used to perform Monte Carlo simulations of fires and is called the Probabilistic Fire Simulator (PFS). In Monte Carlo simulation, the simulations are repeated multiple times, covering the whole range of variability of the input parameters and thus resulting in a distribution of results covering what can be expected in reality. In practical applications, advanced simulation techniques ...
We study the surface and interface roughness of a two-liquid film system using neutron reflectometry. The middle phase and bottom phase are extracted from a three-phase microemulsion containing 2 wt% non-ionic surfactant C{sub 10}E{sub 4}, 81 wt% D{sub 2}O and 17 wt% octane (C{sub 8}H{sub 18}). The system is formed by spreading a few drops of the middle phase of the microemulsion on the bottom phase of the microemulsion. The middle phase does not wet the bottom phase, but demixes to form a top octane-water mixture layer with a thickness of {proportional_to}580 A. The mean surface roughness of the system is found to be 7 A but the data are insensitive to interface roughness. An extended capillary wave model for a two-liquid-film system is derived to account for the coupling between the surface and interface. The dispersion relation yields two fundamental modes. In a calculation of mean-square roughness (left angle {zeta}{sup 2} right angle {sup 1/2}) a high-k-cutoff ...
Objective: To assess dynamic MRI with Gd-DTPA enhancement for evaluating inflammatory changes in the subacromial bursa. Design and patients: We detected the signal intensity changes in dynamic MRI of the subacromial bursa, and confirmed these macroscopically by arthroscopy and histologically. The signal intensity was measured using built-in software, and the enhancement ratio (E ratio) was calculated from dynamic MR images. In addition, as a parameter of the rate of the increase in the signal intensity from 0 to 80 s, the mean increase per second in the E ratio was obtained as the coefficient of enhancement (CE). The correlation was studied of the E ratio and CE with the arthroscopic findings (redness, villous formation, thickening and adhesion), and of the E ratio and CE with the histological findings (capillary proliferation, papillary hyperplasia, fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration) of the subacromial bursa. Of patients with shoulder pain, this study ...
The origin of natural gas in the Japanese oil and gas fields are geochemically studied. Samples are taken from structural natural gas, surface gas seepage, water-dissolved natural gas and coal-field gas of the Japan Sea coast area. The origins of primary hydrocarbons are classified into bacteria gas and thermogenic gas, the latter being subclassified into gas in oil production zone with the per million deviation of the carbon isotope (/sup 13/C/sup 1/) of methane less than -35 and those gases with maturity higher than this. Surface gas seepage is subjected to migration and bacterial oxidation. Coal gas is similar to oil gas. The CO/sub 2/ concentration is 0 - 2% and /sup 13/CO/sub 2/ deviations from -30 - +30. The origin can be barely ...
Many older homes are equipped with mercury-containing gas regulators that reduce the pressure of natural gas in the mains to the low pressure used in home gas piping. Removal of these regulators can...Full Text Available
Lipids in the stratum corneum (SC) are of major importance for the skin barrier function. Many different methods have been used for the collection of SC for the analysis of SC lipids. The objective of the present study was to validate the cyanoacrylate method for the collection of SC in relation to lipid analysis.
The International Index of Erectile Function is a well-worded and psychometrically valid self-report questionnaire widely used as the standard for the evaluation of male sexual function. However, some conceptual and statistical problems arise when using the measure with men who are not sexually active. These problems are illustrated using 2 empirical examples, and the authors provide recommended solutions to further strengthen the efficacy and validity of this measure.
2D simulation modeling of a river basin is based on notion of a River Basin as an opened non equilibrium nature system. All components of the system (elevation, water, soil properties and others) are linked to single multi - functional model. The objective of flood simulation is one the model functions. The objectives of the paper are as follows: a mean scale basin floods computing and the model validation; a large scale basin simulation and demands for its validation; results and demands for flood hazard assessment. (orig.)
Sewage gas or biogas as a product of anaerobic digestion contains methane and carbon dioxide as its main components. Biogas is scrubbed off carbon dioxide in absorption columns and purified to natural-gas quality. The purified gas then is piped to the gas pressure control station and fed into the public network. Description of process and plant is given.
Most of the tissue banks in the Asia Pacific region have been using ionising radiation at 25 kGy to sterilise human tissues for save clinical usage. Under tissue banking quality system, any dose employed for sterilisation has to be validated and the validation exercise has to be a part of quality document. Tissue grafts, unlike medical items, are not produced in large number per each processing batch and tissues relatively have a different microbial population. A Code of Practice established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2004 offers several validation methods using smaller number of samples compared to ISO 11137 (1995), which is meant for medical products. The methods emphasise on bioburden determination, followed by sterility test on samples after they were exposed to verification dose for attaining of sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10{sup -1}. This paper describes our experience in using the IAEA ...
Piping in nuclear power plants is vital to the proper operation and safety of these facilities. To assure safety in the unlikely event of a pipe break, it is necessary to evaluate the consequences from the resulting whipping pipe on neighboring components and structures. Numerical simulations allow for rapid evaluation of these consequences. Before simulations can be accepted, however, the methodology and computer codes must be validated against experimental results. This paper uses a probabilistic approach to validate pipe whip simulations against limited experimental results. Probabilistic analysis software was developed and coupled to existing deterministic finite element software. An example of a whipping pipe impacting against a reinforced concrete slab was simulated. The described probabilistic approach was used to validate the numerical simulations. The conclusions obtained were that the numerical simulations of ...
We report the performance of a micro gas turbine on biomass producer gas and mixtures of biomass producer gas with natural gas. The micro gas turbine delivers full power on gas mixtures with a heating value of at least 15 MJ/Nm{sup 3}. For gas of lower heating value, the maximum fuel gas flow limits the attainable power. The lower limit for stable operation is about 8 MJ/Nm{sup 3}. The gross efficiency of the micro gas turbine depends on output power but not on the gas heating value, within our measurement accuracy. Above 70% of full power, emissions of CO and NO are 40 and 10 times lower than those of a gas engine of similar size. At part load below 70% of full power, the micro gas turbine burner switches to a different operating mode ...
The thermal environment of a hypothetical large indoor hydrocarbon pool fire is more complex compared to outdoor fires and can be more severe for engulfed objects. In order to analyze potential thermal environments for interim storage of spent fuel casks or low-level radioactive waste packages engulfed in pool fires numerical simulations with the CFD fire code FDS3 were carried out for different storage configurations. In addition, data of indoor pool fire experiments were used to validate the model for this type of application. A series of pool fire experiments under different ventilation conditions and varied pool surface (1 m"2 - 4 m"2) inside a compartment of 3.6 m x 3.6 m x 5.7 m was conducted at iBMB (Institut fuer Baustoffe, Massivbau und Brandschutz) of Braunschweig University of Technology, Germany. The instrumentation included thermocouples, heatflux and pressure gauges, bi-directional flow probes and gas concentration measurements. A ...
The most effective way to generate electricity out of biomass is the gasification and the use of the gas in a gas engine. The conversion of the organic carbon with the gasification of biomass is higher than 95 %. Depending on the gasification concept, the efficiency of gasifiers is found between 70 and 90 %. If the pyrolysis gas is used in a gas engine, an electric efficiency of about 26 % referring to the primary amount of energy can be obtained. With efficient gas cleaning (cleaning for tar and dust), pyrolysis gas is well qualified for engine combustion. Through modern state of engine controlling there are ways to have complete control of the fluctuations in the gas composition. Furthermore, the minor calorific value of offered wood gas poses no problem for turbo charged lean-burn gas engines. ...
This patent describes an electrodeless lamp. It comprises: a microwave cavity; a source of microwaves in communication with the cavity; a lamp envelope containing a plasma-forming medium mounted within the microwave cavity; a gas manifold for feeding gas to at least one gas passageway for directing a stream of gas to the outer surface of the envelope; a gas leak passageway leading from the gas manifold; a conductive mesh assembly for retaining microwaves within the cavity and permitting light to be emitted from the cavity. The assembly including gas flow blocking means for preventing the flow of gas through the gas leak passageway when the screen is in place in the lamp; and means for shutting off the source of microwaves when the gas pressure in the manifold drops below a ...
Appendices to this summary consist of twelve individual status reports that will be available through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) in the United States and of course limited copies will be available through NATO. The twelve report titles which are appendices to the summary are: (A) Status Report on the Limestone/Sludge Flue Gas Desulfurization Process; (B) Status Report on the Lime/Sludge Flue Gas Desulfurization Process; (C) Status Report on the Double Alkali/Sludge Flue Gas Desulfurization Process; (D) Status Report on the Sea Water Scrubbing Flue Gas Desulfurization Process; (E) Status Report on the Limestone/Gypsum Flue Gas Desulfurization Process; (F) Status Report on the Lime/Gypsum Flue Gas Desulfurization Process; (G) Status Report on the Double Alkali/Gypsum Flue Gas Desulfurization Process; (H) Status Report on ...
Gas hydrates have impacted the oil and gas industry since 1934, when they were first found to plug pipelines. Today we know that in deep oceans and in permafrost, very substantial gas reserves are present in hydrated form. Concerns are being raised about in situ dissociation for both energy and greenhouse implications upon methane release. In Japan work is underway to consider the storage of carbon dioxide, concentrated in clathrates. This talk will deal with some basic questions. Why should we be interested in gas hydrates? What are gas hydrates? How do gas hydrates form? How might hydrates impact on the energy/environmental picture?
This book discusses the progress and problems of current interest in gaseous dielectrics and their use, with special emphasis on insulation in high-voltage transmission lines and substations. Topics covered include: basic physics of gaseous dielectrics; basic mechanisms; gas decomposition, reactions and toxicity; diagnostics and field probes; gases and mixtures for GIS transformers and circuit breakers; gaseous media for discharge chemistry and etching/corona; gas engineering for pulsed power and switching; gas breakdown under steep-fronted voltages; new developments in gas-insulated equipment and gas handling; gas/insulator interface/flashover; and quality control in testing gas-insulated equipment. Contains approximately 85 papers.
Gas hydrates are crystalline substances composed of water and gas, in which a solid-water-lattice accommodates gas molecules in a cage-like structure. Gas hydrates are globally widespread in permafrost regions and beneath the sea in sediment of outer continental margins. While methane, propane, and other gases can be included in the clathrate structure, methane hydrates appear to be the most common in nature. The amount of methane sequestered in gas hydrates is probably enormous, but estimates are speculative and range over three orders of magnitude from about 100,000 to 270,000,000 trillion cubic feet. The amount of gas in the hydrate reservoirs of the world greedy exceeds the volume of known conventional gas reserves. Gas hydrates also represent a significant drilling and production hazard. A fundamental question ...
Gas hydrates are crystalline substances composed of water and gas, in which a solid-water-lattice accommodates gas molecules in a cage-like structure. Gas hydrates are globally widespread in permafrost regions and beneath the sea in sediment of outer continental margins. While methane, propane, and other gases can be included in the clathrate structure, methane hydrates appear to be the most common in nature. The amount of methane sequestered in gas hydrates is probably enormous, but estimates are speculative and range over three orders of magnitude from about 100,000 to 270,000,000 trillion cubic feet. The amount of gas in the hydrate reservoirs of the world greedy exceeds the volume of known conventional gas reserves. Gas hydrates also represent a significant drilling and production hazard. A fundamental question ...
We report the performance of a commercial recuperated micro gas turbine on biomass producer gas and mixtures of biomass producer gas with natural gas. The biomass producer gas, obtained by gasification at 850{sup o}C with air at atmospheric pressure, contains about 7% H2, 17% CO, 15% CO2, 4% CH4, 2% other hydrocarbons, 2% H2O, and a balance of N2 and Ar from air. It has a net heating value of about 6 MJ/(Nm{sup 3}). The micro gas turbine delivers full power (30 kW{sub e}) on gas mixtures with a net heating value of at least 15 MJ/(Nm{sup 3}). For gas of lower heating value, the maximum fuel gas flow allowed by the fuel control unit limits the attainable power. At reduced power, the lower limit for stable operation is a net heating value of about 8 MJ/(Nm{sup 3}). The gross efficiency of the micro ...
Preliminary results are presented from a field study to evaluate the relative hydrologic performance of various landfill capping technologies installed by the Los Alamos National Laboratory at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Four cover designs (two Los Alamos capillary barrier designs, one modified EPA RCRA design, and one conventional design) were installed in large lysimeters instrumented to monitor the fate of natural precipitation between 01 January 1990 and 20 September 1993. After 45 months of study, results showed that the cover designs containing barrier layers were effective in reducing deep percolation as compared to a simple soil cap design. The RCRA cover, incorporating a clay hydraulic barrier, was the most effective of all cover designs in controlling percolation but was not 100% effective. Over 90% of all percolation and barrier lateral flow occurred during the months of February through May of each year, primarily as a result of snow melt, early spring ...
Acid mine drainage represents one of the most important environmental problem facing the mining industry. If the tailings contain sulphur, acid mine drainage will be generated as soon as the tailings are exposed to oxygen. In this paper, the authors discussed a technique for the storage of acid mine drainage generating tailings that delays and even eliminates the occurrence. It was suggested that tailings should be piled by incorporating, at regular intervals, compacted waste rock. Thermal convection and diffusion will prevent oxygen from reaching the tailings, and limit water circulation. The modelling of transfer processes (heat, water, oxygen) in a well known tailings dump, the Doyon Mine, was performed, and the results compared to the modelling where compacted waste rock had been incorporated at regular intervals. The results indicated that by remaining saturated, the layers acted as capillary barriers preventing oxygen from reaching the tailings, therefore ...
Agrostis capillaris (Agrostis) and Calluna vulgaris (Calluna), two species with differing phenologies and widespread presence in upland areas of Britain where high Chernobyl fallout occurred, were grown in pot culture with varying concentrations of potassium in the rooting medium. Tissue content of potassium increased with increasing supply in both species. Roots, excised from these plants, were placed in a solution of "1"3"7Cs-labelled caesium chloride for 15 min to determine uptake potential. There were clear negative relationships between the rate of uptake of "1"3"7Cs by both species and (a) the concentration of potassium supplied and (b) plant issue potassium concentrations. With Agrotis, there was an approximately ten-fold difference in "1"3"7Cs uptake between potassium-deficient and optimum plants; with Calluna, it was approximately eight-fold. These results demonstrate the suppression of "1"3"7Cs uptake into plants by potassium supply. (author).
Bundling of axons and capillarization of the neuroepithelium represent two of the numerous important events in brain development. Prerequisite for these two processes is a directed growth in the matrix-containing intercellular space before a final pattern is formed. The formation of the optical nerve in the region of the retina served as example to show that an extracellular substance with adhesive properties, the glycoprotein fibronectin, plays an important role during bundling and directed growth the axons. However, only small amounts of fibronectin are detected in the region of the capillary sprouts that penetrate into the neuroepithelium. In this area other substances, especially basement membrane components are present, e.g. for anchorage and stabilization. Hence, intercellular substances are also involved in the morphogenesis of the brain. Brain development comprises a great number of individual steps. Their knowledge is the prerequisite for an analysis of ...
The role of the unsaturated properties of sand as a drainage layer in a composite liner system for landfills is investigated. The effect of the unsaturated properties of coarse-grained soil on contaminant migration was evaluated by means of a series of simulations using a one-dimensional model of a two- and a three-layer soil liner system for advection and diffusion, respectively. The results showed that under seepage conditions, the effect of an unsaturated sand layer on the advancement of the concentration front was quite insignificant. The arrival time of the C/C{sub o} = 0.5 concentration front increased from 651 days for the case with no sand layer to approximately 951 days for the case with a 1.0-m sand layer. A steady-state flow condition was ultimately established in the sand, and this fact suggests that the capillary action might not be effective. For diffusion, the arrival time of the concentration front increased nonlinearly with a decrease in the degree ...
Cisplatin (cis-diaminedichloroplatinum [II] is a coordination compound, used in the treatment of several solid tumors. Cisplatin and its hydrolysis products exhibit a great pharmacological effect but are very toxic and probably carcinogenic. The present review summarizes the most important advances in the last years in the techniques employed for the detection and quantification of cisplatin and its hydrolysis products and in the different matrixes studied. The new emerging techniques and their modifications recently developed, fundamentally the combined use of detection and separation techniques for the analysis of platinum species and their impact on the speed, sensitivity and specificity of the analytical determination, with regard to the techniques used in the last century are discussed. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis, coupled with detection methods such as Mass Spectrometry, Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry, ...
The development of soil cover with capillary effect required laboratory experiments where diffusion was studied. The effective diffusion coefficients D of materials in the different layers were determined, as well as the reaction constants of reactive materials. Once soil cover is in place, its efficiency can be controlled by oxygen burn up trials in situ. In the specific case where the materials that comprise the soil cover consume oxygen, even in small quantities, the usual interpretation of these trials is not applicable. In this poster presentation, the authors proposed different procedures for long term trials, in situ and in the laboratory, as well as a new interpretation method based on the use of numerical solutions to the modified Fick equations of diffusion for reactive materials. Special emphasis is placed on the proper enunciation of the laws and the solutions appropriate in such situations. The authors illustrated the procedure using data acquired on a ...
Water injection into a vapor-dominated geothermal reservoir is an effective method of sustaining steam production from the field. Injection puts additional water to the reservoir and raises the prevailing reservoir pressure. This process improves the field`s productivity. However, the increased pressure also increases the water retention capacity of the reservoir rocks through the effects of adsorption and capillary condensation. Due to the significant costs associated with water injection programs, optimizing injection not only involves maximizing the energy yield from the resource but also the present worth of the project. Two crucial parameters that need to be established are: (1) how much to inject; and, (2) when to inject it. This study investigated the optimal design of these parameters. It was found that comparable energy yield can be attained for injection programs that are initiated at various stages of the field`s development. Higher injection rates are ...
In the present paper, the chemical composition of passive films formed on both phases of two types of duplex stainless steels (UNS S31803 and UNS S32304) is determined at the micro-scale using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Samples were either mechanically polished (down to diamond pastes) or electrochemically etched in acidic solutions. The micro-electrochemical behavior of samples was then determined in sodium chloride media by means of the electrochemical micro-cell technique (capillary diameters of 30 {mu}m). The results obtained were analyzed considering the passive film chemical composition. Quantitative relationships between electrochemical parameters and the distribution of chromium and iron in the oxide layer were found. Due to differences in mechanical properties between ferrite and austenite, a heterogeneous stress distribution is generated in both phases. A method based on thermal-mechanical simulation was used to quantify surface stress gradients ...
In the present paper, the chemical composition of passive films formed on both phases of two types of duplex stainless steels (UNS S31803 and UNS S32304) is determined at the micro-scale using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Samples were either mechanically polished (down to diamond pastes) or electrochemically etched in acidic solutions. The micro-electrochemical behavior of samples was then determined in sodium chloride media by means of the electrochemical micro-cell technique (capillary diameters of 30 ?m). The results obtained were analyzed considering the passive film chemical composition. Quantitative relationships between electrochemical parameters and the distribution of chromium and iron in the oxide layer were found. Due to differences in mechanical properties between ferrite and austenite, a heterogeneous stress distribution is generated in both phases. A method based on thermal-mechanical simulation was used to quantify surface stress gradients and ...
This report describes the fiscal 1998 result on development of genome informatics technology. As comparative analysis technique of genes, the combination of electrophoresis and PCR was used. For improvement of the throughput and reproducibility of the technique, module- shuffling primers were used, and the multi(96)-arrayed capillary fragment analyzer was devised. The system detecting SNPs rapidly was also developed successfully. As analysis technology of DNA sequence by use of triple- stranded DNA formation, study was made on construction of long cDNA libraries, selective subtraction of specific sequences from libraries, and the basic technology of homologous cloning. Study was also made on each reaction step of IGCR technique for fast analysis, and specifications of a fluorescence transfer monitor. As modeling technique of genetic sequence information, the simulation model was developed for gene expression regulatory networks during muscle differentiation, and ...
Focused-ion beam (FIB) milling provides rapid fabrication of individual cylindrical submicrometer channels with reproducible dimensions (#+-#5% diameters) through 8-#mu#m thick poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) films. PMMA films are spincast on sacrificial Si carriers and sputter-coated with Au before the 30-kV gallium FIB milling process. By adding a trace amount of poly(ethyleneoxide) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) to the PMMA solution before casting, the films can be released for subsequent mounting in microfluidic devices to create hybrid microfluidic-nanofluidic multilevel architectures. In situ FIB sectioning demonstrates the smooth cylindrical surface within the pore. Placing a milled film in contact with an aqueous fluorescein solution fills the channel by capillary action, as verified by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Confocal fluorescence of dyed films reveals that the pores span the thickness of the PMMA film. Small arrays of channels with a defined number ...
Red mud is a by-product of the alkaline extraction of aluminum from the bauxite and represents a renewed environmental problem due the significant annual throughput by the plants. In the present work, the pozzolanic properties of Brazilian red mud fired at 600, 700, 800 and 900 deg C were investigated by monitoring lime consumption using DTA analysis and Brazilian standard methodology NBR 5772 (1992). Products and kinetics of hydration were determined in cement pastes produced with 5 and 15% red mud using x-ray diffraction and DTA analysis. Compressive strength and capillary absorption tests were realized on mortars constituted by 5, 10 and 15% red mud in replacement of cement. When calcined at 600 deg C, the red mud develops good pozzolanic properties, and the compressive strength of mortars produced with this waste meet values in accordance with regulatory standard. These results shown than red mud can be used, in partial replacement of cement, as new ...
Red mud is a by-product of the alkaline extraction of aluminum from the bauxite and represents a renewed environmental problem due the significant annual throughput by the plants. In the present work, the pozzolanic properties of Brazilian red mud fired at 600, 700, 800 and 900 deg C were investigated by monitoring lime consumption using DTA analysis and Brazilian standard methodology NBR 5772 (1992). Products and kinetics of hydration were determined in cement pastes produced with 5 and 15% red mud using x-ray diffraction and DTA analysis. Compressive strength and capillary absorption tests were realized on mortars constituted by 5, 10 and 15% red mud in replacement of cement. When calcined at 600 deg C, the red mud develops good pozzolanic properties, and the compressive strength of mortars produced with this waste meet values in accordance with regulatory standard. These results shown than red mud can be used, in partial replacement of cement, as new ...
This report describes the cost, performance, and other key characteristics of an innovative technology for determining the presence or absence, and measuring the concentration, of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in groundwater and soil, and in gaseous remediation process streams at hazardous waste sites. This new technology is Direct Sampling Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry (DSITMS). DSITMS introduces sample materials directly into an ion trap mass spectrometer by means of a very simple interface, such as a capillary restrictor or a polymer membrane. There is typically very little, if any, sample preparation and no chromatographic separation of the sample constituents. This means that the response of the instrument to the analytes or contaminants in a sample is nearly instantaneous, and that analytical methods based on DSITMS are fast. Analyses are typically completed in less than five minutes, and the analysis cost is ...
Recently, the capabilities of the CORMLT code, which was designed to predict heatup, degradation, and meltdown of core and Reactor Pressure VEssel (RPV) internals during postulated severe accidents, were enhanced to enable tracking of individual fission product species during core meltdown. In addition, a mechanistic treatment of the release and flow of molten materials was developed to replace the engineering models developed earlier. In the present paper, the improved models are described and predictions of melt progression for a postullated accident sequence (TMLB') are discussed. A key issue in the new modeling is the mechanical behavior of fuel pellet stacks during run-off of molten cladding. One view is that capillary forces result in ''welding'' of porous fuel, thereby promoting free-standing pellet stacks; another is that rubblization and slumping of fuel take place. Results are reported for the first view point ...
Radiation necrosis of normal CNS tissue represents one of the main risk factors of brain irradiation, occurring more frequently and earlier at higher total doses and higher doses per fraction. At present, it is believed that the necrosis results due to increasing capillary permeability caused by cytokine release leading to extracellular edema. This process is sustained by endothelial dysfunction, tissue hypoxia, and subsequent necrosis. Consequently, blocking the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at an early stage could be an option to reduce the development of radiation necrosis by decreasing the vascular permeability. This might help to reverse the pathological mechanisms, improve the symptoms and prevent further progression. A patient with radiation-induced necrosis was treated with an anti-VEGF antibody (bevacizumab), in whom neurologic signs and symptoms improved in accordance with a decrease in T1-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signals. ...
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by a widespread microangiopathy, autoimmunity and fibrosis of the skin and of various internal organs. Microangiopathy is characterized by a reduced capillary density and an irregular chaotic architecture that lead to chronic tissue hypoxia. Despite the hypoxic conditions, there is no evidence for a sufficient compensative angiogenesis in SSc. Furthermore, vasculogenesis is also impaired. An imbalance between angiogenic and angiostatic factors might explain the pathogenetic mechanisms of SSc vasculopathy. As far as angiogenic factors are concerned, within the most important are vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-?), fibroblast growth factor -2 (FGF-2), angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1), stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1/CXCL12), endothelin-1 (ET-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein -1 (MCP-1), ...
This report describes the work performed during FY 1995 by Pacific Northwest Laboratory in developing and optimizing analysis techniques for identifying organics present in Hanford waste tanks. The main focus was to provide a means for rapidly obtaining the most useful information concerning the organics present in tank waste, with minimal sample handling and with minimal waste generation. One major focus has been to optimize analytical methods for organic speciation. Select methods, such as atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, were developed to increase the speciation capabilities, while minimizing sample handling. A capillary electrophoresis method was developed to improve separation capabilities while minimizing additional waste generation. In addition, considerable emphasis has been placed on developing a rapid screening tool, based on Raman and infrared spectroscopy, for ...
We review recent development in separations and mass spectrometric instrumentation for sensitive and high-throughput proteomic analyses. These efforts have been primarily focused on the development of high-efficiency (separation peak capacity of ~103) nanoscale liquid chromatography (nanoLC; e.g., flow rates extending down to ~20 nL/min at optimal separation linear velocities through narrow packed capillaries) in combination with advanced mass spectrometry (MS), including high sensitivity and high resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) MS. This technology enables MS analysis of low nanogram-level proteomic samples (i.e., nanoscale proteomics) with individual protein identification sensitivity at the low zeptomole-level. The resultant protein measurement dynamic range can reach 106 for nanogram-sized proteomic samples, while more abundant proteins can be detected from complex sub-picogram size proteome samples. The average proteome ...
New methodologies for fabrication of multilevel packaging, particularly for RF signal analysis, are investigated. A new method for ``gluing'' silicon wafers together with a Self Assembled Monolayers (SAMs) based nanoglue are discussed, as are methods to enable its use with nonconforming wafers. Results of bond strength measurements as a function of temperature and process will be presented. Surface area bonded is characterized by infrared (IR) imaging. We will also present a method of inducing self-alignment between whole silicon wafers with micrometer precision. This represents a qualitative departure from alignment of millimeter-sized object as has been previously demonstrated. Self-alignment is induced by creating hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions on the wafers and using capillary forces of water in these regions to force the wafers to align with little to no outside influence. Results are characterized by IR imaging. Physical ideas that enable the whole-wafer ...
The history of the urinary test papers does not being in the post-war period. As early as the 1880's some practitioners and pharmacists tried to replace the complicated wet-chemical procedures and apparatus by "dry chemistry." The first popular test paper for sugar and albumin originated in England in 1883. Dry reagents for proving hematuria have been available since the beginning of this century. Until the 1930s a wide palette of commercial urine tests with "modern" brand names was established. A methodological breakthrough was created by the spot test chemistry inaugurated by the Austrian, Fritz Feigl, about 1920. Using the capillary properties of filter paper in enhancing color reactions he founded a new area of analytical chemistry. Many of the pioneers were recruited from Jewish scientists. In this lecture is proposed that their emigration and banishment as well as the Second World War have stopped the development of urinary diagnostics on the European ...
Two studies (N = 420) were conducted to develop and validate the instructional dissent scale (IDS) for use in the college classroom. Participants in study 1 were 210 students who completed the IDS pilot inventory which was subjected to an exploratory factor analysis yielding three distinct factors of dissent (i.e., expressive, rhetorical, vengeful). Concurrent validity support was provided as perceived teacher misbehaviors were associated positively with students' likelihood of engaging in dissent and students reported fewer learning outcomes when they dissented. Participants in study 2 were from a different sample of 210 students who completed the IDS along with measures of classroom justice and student challenge behavior. A confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the hypothesiz...
Three adolescents (ages 14-17) with emotional and behavioral disorders displayed chronic disruptive behavior in their self-contained classrooms at a self-contained alternative school. A descriptive functional behavioral assessment was conducted for each student. Data from file review, structured interviews, and direct observations were used to identify the functions of their disruptive behaviors. Then, function-based interventions were systematically constructed for each student and implemented for an extended period (nearly 6 weeks) within the most problematic situation in their classrooms. The interventions improved each student's behavior and the effects maintained during follow-up and generalized to instruction in a nonintervention classroom. Social validity data comparing the interventions to baseline practices revealed the function-based intervention had moderately higher social validity among teachers and substantially higher social ...
Sandia National Laboratories has erected a research oriented, 34- meter diameter, Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine near Bushland, Texas. This machine, designated the Sandia 34-m VAWT Test Bed, is equipped with a large array of strain gauges that have been placed at critical positions about the blades. This manuscript details a series of four-point bend experiments that were conducted to validate the output of the blade strain gauge circuits. The output of a particular gauge circuit is validated by comparing its output to equivalent gauge circuits (in this stress state) and to theoretical predictions. With only a few exceptions, the difference between measured and predicted strain values for a gauge circuit was found to be of the order of the estimated repeatability for the measurement system.
Purpose To examine the reliability and validity of the Japanese-language version of the PedsQL? Multidimensional Fatigue Scale and to investigate the agreement between child self-reported fatigue and parent proxy-reported fatigue. Methods The Japanese-language version of the PedsQL? Multidimensional Fatigue Scale was administered to 652 preschoolers and schoolchildren aged 5?12 and their parents, and to 91 parents of preschool children aged 1?4. Results Internal consistency reliability was 0.62?0.87 for children and 0.81?0.93 for parents. Known-group validity was examined between a group of healthy samples (n?=?530) and chronic condition sample (n?=?102); the chronically ill group reported a significantly higher perceived fatigue problem. Correlations between child self- and parent proxy r...
The aim of this work is the development and experimental validation of a detailed dynamic fuel cell model using the gPROMS modeling environment. The model is oriented towards optimization and control and it relies on material and energy balances as well as electrochemical equations including semi-empirical equations. For the experimental validation of the model a fully automated and integrated hydrogen fuel cell testing unit was used. The predictive power of the model has been compared with the data obtained during load change experiments. A sensitivity analysis has been employed to reveal the most critical empirical model parameters that should be estimated using a systematic estimation procedure. Model predictions are in good agreement with experimental data under a wide range of operati...
RELAP5/MOD3 code was developed for western type power water reactors with vertical steam generators. Thus, this code should be validated also for VVER design with horizontal steam generators. The validation work, which has been started in Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT), has already shown some weaknesses of the code. For example the flow inside a steam generator horizontal tube in some accident cases is not correctly modelled by the code. It may be the result of erroneous prediction of the flow regime. The aim of the study is the attempt of verification of the flow regime map, which is used in the RELAP5/MOD3 computer code for two-phase flow in horizontal tubes. (18 refs.).
As part of the United States Department of Agricultures (USDA) National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP), food composition data for vitamin D in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference are being updated and expanded, focusing on high priority foods and validated analytical methodology. A lack of certified reference materials and analytical methods validated for these key foods required the development of five matrix-specific control composite materials (CC) (canned salmon and vitamin D3 fortified cereal, orange juice, milk, and cheese). Each of six experienced laboratories (research and commercial) analyzed vitamin D3 in five subsamples of each CC in five separate analytical batches, with one subsample of each material in each run. Research laboratories perform...
Research on the emotion of shame has increased significantly in recent years. However, there remains a need for more psychometrically sound measures of shame, including measures of shame in response to specific, idiographic experiences. The Shame Inventory was developed in order to assess both global feelings of shame as well as shame in response to specific life events or personal characteristics. Two studies were conducted to determine the preliminary psychometric properties of the Shame Inventory. Across both studies, results indicate that the inventory has high internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and predictive validity. The Shame Inventory holds promise as a new measure designed to assess both global feelings of shame as well as specific shame-eliciting ...
Piping in nuclear power plants is vital to the proper operation and safety of these facilities. To assure safety in the unlikely event of a pipe break, it is necessary to evaluate the consequences from the resulting whipping pipe on neighboring components and structures. Numerical simulations allow for rapid evaluation of these consequences. Before simulations can be accepted, however, the methodology and computer codes must be validated against experimental results. This paper uses a probabilistic approach to validate pipe whip simulations against limited experimental results. Probabilistic analysis software was developed and coupled to existing deterministic finite element software. An example of a whipping pipe impacting against a reinforced concrete slab was simulated. The described pr...
The situation of natural gas in the Federal Republic of Germany is described, with particular emphasis on the advantages and consequences of natural gas supply. The brochure discusses the role of natural gas on the energy market, the reliability of natural gas supply, the environmental impacts, the energy-saving effect of natural gas, natural gas prices, the competitive strength of the German gas industry, and the long-term reliability of natural gas supply. (orig.) [German] Die Situation des Erdgases in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland wird beschrieben, wobei die wichtigsten Vorteile und Auswirkungen der Erdgasversorgung besonders hervorgehoben werden. Es geht um die Stellung des Erdgases im Energiemarkt, die Sicherheit der Energieversorgung, Umweltschutz, Energieeinsparung durch Erdgaseinsatz, Erdgaspreise, ...
Effects of combustion conditions on the critical calorific value of flame blowout were reported for low calorific gas on the assumption of using coal derived gaseous fuel. Further, calculations of adiabatic flame temperature by using chemical equilibrium calculation were conducted in order to get a possibility of increasing exit gas temperature of gas turbine combustor to 1,300 C for low calorific value gas fuel. As a result, effects of (1) fuel composition, (2) preheating fuel temperature, (3) calorific value, and (4) combustion air velocity and fuel nozzle diameter, on the critical calorific values of flame blowout were clarified. In increasing exit gas temperature of gas turbine combustor to 1,300 C when using low calorific value gas fuel, it is essential to get an advanced cooling technology for the gas turbine ...
The genetic type, source and charging history of natural gas in the Yulin gas field in the Ordos Basin have been studied by combining the carbon isotopic composition of natural gas and geochemical characteristics of light hydrocarbons with carbon isotope fractionation model results and fluid inclusion analysis. The carbon isotopic composition of methane and ethane in the Yulin gas field is relatively enriched in {sup 13}C with {delta}{sup 13}C{sub 1} values ranging from - 35.3 permille to - 29.8 permille (average value = - 32.4 permille) and {delta}{sup 13}C{sub 2} ranging from - 26.3 permille to - 23.5 permille (average value = - 24.8 permille). The C{sub 7} light hydrocarbons are predominated by methylcyclohexane, accounting for 65.8% to 80.9% (average value = 71.6%), which is characteristic of coal-derived gas. Furthermore, the gas geochemistry indicates ...
The production, principal applications, characteristics and properties, advantages of the gas natural is showed. A sectorial overview of the ceramic industry and the utilization of the natural gas in the ceramic industry is presented. The expectations are systematized and the impact of the natural gas utilization in the ceramic industry is evaluated. Some conclusions are withdrawn and recommendations suggested.
A combined gas/steam turbine process includes a high-pressure furnace and a high pressure gasification unit with a mounted upstream of a combustion chamber there is a gas turbine with a waste heat system. Combustion heat which is not needed to heat the flue gas to combustion temperature is released from the furnace and transferred to ths combustion air going into the combustion chamber.
Nomographs have been developed to simplify site performance estimates for various types of gas turbine engines used for industrial applications. The nomographs can provide valuable data for engineers to use for an initial appraisal of projects where gas turbines are to be considered. General guidelines for the selection of gas turbines are also discussed. In particular, site conditions that influence the performance of gas turbines are described.
The budding natural gas markets in East Europe attract a great deal of interest from natural gas industries in the Western countries. Dutch companies, institutions and the government, too, are active in this market. So far the results have not been spectacular. An analysis is made of the present situation and the Dutch approach
Studies in our wound ballistics laboratory have shown that excellent healing can occur in complicated assault rifle wounds that are free of tension and well drained. A conservative approach to debridement and excision of tissue in uncomplicated extremity wounds may be a valid and resource-saving technique. PMID:2366941
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) in elective percutaneous coronary intervention...Full Text Available
BackgroundStrategies to accurately identify the occurrence of specific health care events in administrative data is central to many quality improvement and research efforts. Many...Full Text Available
An important component of the overall program to validate WIMS-AECL for use with RFSP in the analysis of CANDU-6 reactors for design and safety analysis calculations is the validation of calculations of incremental cross sections used to represent reactivity devices. A method has been developed for the calculation of the three-dimensional neutron flux distribution in and around CANDU reactor fuel channels and reactivity control devices. The methods is based on one- and two dimensional transport calculations with the WIMS-AECL lattice cell code, SPH homogenization, and three-dimensional flux calculations with finite-difference diffusion theory using the MULTICELL code. Simulations of Wolsung 1 Phase-B commissioning measurements and Point Lepreau restart tests have been performed, as a part of the program to validate WIMS-AECL lattice cell calculations for application to CANDU reactor simulations in RFSP. The incremental ...
Borrelial infection may manifest with a wide range of clinical signs, and in many cases, microbiological findings are essential for a proper diagnosis. This study included 48 patients with a working...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe aim of this study is to validate the questionnaire ECOS-16 (Assessment of health related quality of life in osteoporosis) for the evaluation of health related quality...Full Text Available
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is one of the most important prognostic and predictive factors for breast cancer patients. Recently, serum HER2...Full Text Available
Sexual pressure among young urban women represents adherence to gender stereotypical expectations to engage in sex. Revision of the original 5-factor Sexual Pressure Scale was undertaken in...Full Text Available
Lifetime exposure to physical activity is an important construct for evaluating associations between physical activity and disease outcomes, given the long induction periods in many chronic diseases....Full Text Available
Dippold, V., S. Mohler , Validation of the Wind-US Unstructured Flow Solver .... Hamed, A. and A. Mohamed, Assessment of Shock Induced Flow Separation and ...... Nozzles for Hypersonic Propulsion, NASA CR 185197, AGARD Symposium ...
Although the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey (KPAS) was a potential instrument for cross cultural research of midlife women, little information is available on its reliability and validity among...Full Text Available
BackgroundTissue microarray (TMA) data are commonly used to validate the prognostic accuracy of tumor markers. For example, breast cancer TMA data have led to the identification...Full Text Available
We have developed and validated a microporous poly(ethylene terephthalate) membrane-based indirect co-culture system for human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) propagation, which allows real-time...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare and to validate different dose calculation algorithms for the use in radiation therapy of small lung lesions and to optimize the treatment...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVE. This study was conducted to determine whether an index for measuring quality of care for psychiatric emergencies is reliable and valid. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING. The study used primary...Full Text Available
AIMS—(1) To validate a leg to leg bioimpedance analysis (BIA) device in the measurement of body composition in children by assessment of its agreement with dual energy x...Full Text Available
NUPEC has carried out hydrogen mixing tests to investigate hydrogen distribution behavior within a model containment and to provide a set of experimental data for validation of severe accident analysis codes.
The biological accumulation of heavy metals and cesium, strontium, and uranium in plants is discussed. The role of nutrient deficiencies and foliar treatments of manganese and iron compounds is described.
ObjectiveTo examine the validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire - 2 (PHQ-2), a 2-item depression screening scale among adolescents.Full Text Available
OBJECTIVE--To develop, test, and validate an algorithm for diagnosing disease in neonates during an over the telephone referral to a specialist cardiac centre. DESIGN--A draft algorithm requiring only...Full Text Available
Purpose:To investigate the clinical usage of dose verification of Helical Tomotherapy plans by using 2D-array ion chambers, and to develop an efficient way to validate the dose delivered...Full Text Available
The use of digital wound images would allow remote consultation between patients, physicians, or other caregivers over the Internet. To evaluate the efficacy and validity of digital images for assessment...Full Text Available
Attention has shifted from the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) to chemoprevention using aspirin and folic acid as agents capable of preventing the onset of colon cancer. However, no sensitive...Full Text Available
PurposeTo develop a generic instrument for measuring short-term health status in the recovery period among patients undergoing abdominal and pelvic surgery.Full Text Available
BackgroundMany health care professionals use spinal palpatory exams as a primary and well-accepted part of the evaluation of spinal pathology. However, few studies have explored...Full Text Available
Mass balance relations, valid for any counterflow system, are derived and applied to a central core model of the renal medulla, in which descending Henle's limbs (DHL), ascending Henle's limbs (AHL),...Full Text Available
All microRNA (miRNA) target—finder algorithms return lists of candidate target genes. How valid is that output in a biological setting? Transcriptome analysis has proven to be a useful approach...Full Text Available
Objective:To estimate the prevalence of insulin resistant syndrome (IRS) among newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes and to test their validity against two indices...Full Text Available
A nucleic acid extraction system that can handle small numbers of specimens with a short test turnaround time and short hands-on time is desirable for emergent testing. We performed a comparative validation...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe Canadian Emergency Department Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) is a well recognized and validated triage system that prioritizes patient care by severity of illness....Full Text Available
Validation of body-mass relationships requires a careful statistical analysis of data of normal weight individuals. BMI (ratio between body mass and square of body height) and BSI values (ratio between...Full Text Available
In 1992, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) began using a Flow Duration Analysis (FDA) methodology to assess headwater benefits in river basins where use of the Headwater Benefits Energy Gains (HWBEG) model may not result in significant improvements in modeling accuracy. The purpose of this study is to validate the accuracy and appropriateness of the FDA method for determining energy gains in less complex basins. This report presents the results of Oak Ridge National Laboratory`s (ORNL`s) validation of the FDA method. The validation is based on a comparison of energy gains using the FDA method with energy gains calculated using the MWBEG model. Comparisons of energy gains are made on a daily and monthly basis for a complex river basin (the Alabama River Basin) and a basin that is considered relatively simple hydrologically (the Stanislaus River Basin). In addition to validating the FDA ...
include modeling geometric complexities, coupling between the flow and the .... noted that the AGARD 445.6 wing data set, which has been widely used for .... higher-level computational aeroelastic code validations at transonic flow separation ...
OBJECTIVE—To validate the accuracy of the prognostic significance of non-invasive clinical diagnostic indices as predictors of sustained ventricular tachycardia (sVT) or fibrillation...Full Text Available
Human arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity is determined by two distinct genes, NAT1 and NAT2, and the classical acetylation polymorphism in NAT2 has been associated with a variety of disorders,...Full Text Available
Sensitivity and specificity measure inherent validity of a diagnostic test against a gold standard. Researchers develop new diagnostic methods to reduce the cost, risk, invasiveness, and time. Adequate...Full Text Available
Large-scale cancer genome projects will soon be able to sequence many cancer genomes to comprehensively identify genetic changes in human cancer. Genome-wide association studies have also identified...Full Text Available
The purpose of this report is to describe the sampling approaches, modifications made to the 100 Area and 300 Area component of the RCBRA Sampling and Analysis Plan, summarize validation efforts, and provide sample identification numbers.
This article puts the case for coal fired combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants. The need to gasify the coal for the CCGT, use of fluidised bed combustors or gasification systems, the difference in prices of coal and natural gas, and coal and natural gas reserves are discussed. (UK)
Natural gas is essential to the world economy. Gas now accounts for almost a quarter of OECD primary energy requirements and is expected to become the second most important fuel in the world in the next decade. Industrial and residential consumers increasingly rely on natural gas to keep their houses warm, their lights on and their factories running. Meanwhile the gas industry itself has entered a new phase. Where gas used to be restricted to regional markets, it is now increasingly traded on a global scale. While gas production and transport requires long-term investment, now it is optimised on a short-term basis. Demand continues to grow, but local gas production has become much more expensive. How should we react? How will demand be satisfied? What changes are required to promote flexibility and trade? What are the implications for ...
Mist eliminators for flue gas desulphurisation units remove liquid droplets entrained in the flue gas leaving the SO/sub 2/-absorber vessels. The commercial designs currently available are described.
The purpose of this project was to build a long-range, parallel hybrid gas/electric vehicle capable of driving beyond the communter capabilities of series hybrid vehicles. It was envisioned that since the gas engine would be able to independently propel t...
The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of the Arabic translation of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) among a sample of male Muslim prisoners (N = 107) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a two-factor model to be the best fit of the data. Good internal reliability (a =.91) and predictive validity were also observed. While the limitations of the study are observed, these promising results suggest that the Arabic version of the AUDIT is a reliable and sound measure of alcohol use disorders among prisoners in the UAE.
A rigorous mathematical model is developed to describe chemical absorption of carbon dioxide in a falling-film micro-contactor. Contrary to previous models described in literature, hydrodynamics in both phases is accurately captured by the Navier-Stokes equations. By this means, backmixing effects can be accounted for. Furthermore, the interface position is determined directly using the level-set method. The developed model is validated with experimental data obtained from literature and a good agreement is established. With the validated model, detailed studies are performed to investigate the impact of process parameters.
The radiative transport problem is cast in integral form using a transport kernel. The transport kernel has an explicit representation in terms of a Feynman Path Integral over all paths between selected points in a volume. This representation is setup in detail. Numerical evaluation of this Path Integral is formulated with a Frenet-Serret based procedure for generating valid random paths, and with a numerical evaluation of the weight for each valid path. Very early sanity checks of a numerical implementation are reported. Approaches to optimization are identified. (authors)
This executive summary presents the motivation, structure, objectives, methodologies and results of the first stage of the international DECOVALEX project - DECOVALEX I (1992-1995). The acronym stands for Development of Coupled Models and their Validation against Experiment in Nuclear Waste Isolation, and the project is an international effort to develop mathematical models, numerical methods and computer codes for coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in fractured rocks and buffer materials for geological isolation of spent nuclear fuel and other radioactive wastes, and validate them against laboratory and field experiments. 24 refs.
Radon-222 has been measured in natural gas produced from experimental geopressured-geothermal test wells. Comparison with published data suggests that while radon activity of this unconventional natural gas resource is higher than conventional gas produced in the gulf coast, it is within the range found for conventional gas produced throughout the US. A method of predicting the likely radon activity of this unconventional gas is described on the basis of the data presented, methane solubility, and known or assumed reservoir conditions of temperature, fluid pressure, and formation water salinity.
BackgroundEmphysematous cholecystitis is a variant of acute cholecystitis which is generally caused by gas-forming organisms. Emphysematous cholecystitis may cause gas spreading...Full Text Available
... Accession Number : ADD135818. Title : Performance of Titanium in Flue Gas Desulfurization Scrubber Systems,. Descriptive Note : Journal Article,. ...
The properties of the ideal gas of classical (nonquantum) tachyons are considered. Starting from the definition of thermodynamic functions for this system, it may be found that tachyons and bradyons gases are similar. (AA).
A new surveillance system for Oil-Filled cable, which can provide continuous monitoring, using a newly developed optical gas sensor that can detect the concentration of the gas dissolved in the oil with extremely high sensitivity has been developed. It was proved that the degree of deterioration of the insulating oil can be detected by measuring C{sub 2}H{sub 2} and CH{sub 4} by investigating the relation between the degree of deterioration and amount of combustible gas generated. In order to detect extremely small amounts of gas, a new gas detecting method using absorption line of the gas using a frequency modulated technique has been developed. The gas detection ability was also confirmed by examination using a 66 kV of cable and the possibility of detection at an early stage is expected.
Rapid technology improvements, resulting in high efficiency, emissions reduction and low generation cost, are making gas turbines the generation technology of choice despite some recent reliability problems. The basic reason for the dominance is high efficiency. The rapid pace of gas-turbine technology improvement in the 1990s drove combined-cycle thermal efficiency to nearly 60 percent with natural gas as the fuel. It will probably go even higher after the year 2000. In addition, the gas-fired combined cycle is a bargain. With natural gas prices where they are right now, it is the least-cost generation operation for power producers with access to gas. Many will replace older, high-cost power plants with new gas-fired combined cycle power plants.
The oxygen production of a photosynthetic gas exchanger containing Chlorella pyrenoidosa (1% packed cell volume) was measured when various concentrations of carbon dioxide were present...Full Text Available
The purpose of this publication is to provide a better understanding of flue gas desulfurization. It provides brief answers to questions concerning its applicability, cost, effectiveness, and operation.
This bibliography contains 3920 references including abstracts, to information on the technology of flue gas desulfurization and denitrification. These references and others are included in the Department of Energy's Energy Data Base (EDB) through Decembe...
Tests to measure the maximum horsepower of commercial vehicles converted for use with natural gas fuel indicate a reduction of approximately 20% in horsepower compared with gasoline-driven vehicles. This reduction in horsepower resulting from the use of gas is due basically to the lower thermal efficiency of the cycle of natural gas compared with that of gasoline and to its lower volumetric efficiency, since natural gas is injected into the combustion chamber in gaseous form, unlike gasoline, in which part of the fuel entering the cylinder is in the liquid phase. Natural gas used as a fuel generates lower quantities of air pollutants, particularly unburned hydrocarbons (HCs) and carbon monoxide (CO). Despite the downside of reduced horsepower, the use of natural gas as a fuel for automotive vehicles equipped with Otto-cycle engines is economically viable owing ...
The natural gas industry has proposed an increase in the DOE gas R&D budget from about $100 million to about $250 million per year for each of the next 10 years. The proposal includes four programs: natural gas supplies, fuel cells, natural gas vehicles and stationary combustion systems. This paper is a qualitative assessment of the gas industry proposal and recommends a natural gas R&D strategy for the DOE. The methodology is a conceptual framework based on an analysis of market failures and the energy policy objectives of the DOE`s (1991) National Energy Strategy. This framework would assist the DOE in constructing an R&D portfolio that achieves energy policy objectives. The natural gas supply program is recommended to the extent that it contributes to energy price stability. Stationary combustion programs are supported on ...
Prepared to make housing project managers, maintenance engineering staff, and designers and architects of HUD - assisted and HUD - insured housing projects and mobile home parks aware of their responsibilities under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, this handbook provides technical guidance for the reduction of gas leaks and the handling of gas leak incidents in residential areas. The hazards of natural gas, concern over gas safety in residential areas, applicable codes and standards, and sources of information and help are reviewed, along with maintenance and engineering considerations relating to gas pipe failures, the detection of gas leaks, appliance servicing, and pipe installation, repair, and replacement. Housing management considerations are also examined, with attention to recordkeeping and reporting, emergency contingency ...
Gas Supplies of Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Companies 1987 was prepared by the Reserves and Natural Gas Division, Office of Oil and Gas, Energy Information Administration (EIA). The publication provides information on the total reserves, production, and deliverability capabilities of the 87 interstate pipeline companies required to file the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Form 15, ''Interstate Pipeline's Annual Report of Gas Supply.'' This publication is the 25th in a series of annual reports on the total gas supplies of interstate pipeline companies since the inception of individual company reports to the Federal Power Commission (FPC) in 1964 for report year 1963. This publication provides information on the interstate pipeline companies' supply of natural gas during ...
The corrosion behavior of 304 stainless steel was characterized with cyclic voltammetry in a eutectic Li/K and Li/Na carbonate melt under anode and cathode gas of the molten-carbonate fuel cell (MCFC). The corrosion rate of 304 steel was determined in four different environments of the MCFC with electrochemical methods and from cross-sectional analysis of corrosion layers. These four environments were open-circuit and MCFC-load conditions both under anode and cathode gas. At open-circuit conditions corrosion was more severe under the oxidizing cathode gas then under the reducing anode gas. On the contrary, at load conditions corrosion was more severe under anode than under cathode gas. The anodic polarization under anode gas enhances corrosion, whereas the high anodic polarization under cathode gas leads to anodic protection. Corrosion ...
Full text: Chemical-technology approaches allowing to intensification the prevention processes of gas hydrates formation at motion of gas-liquid stream of natural gas in system natural gas well - gas wire have been worked up. Technological regimes of treatment of gas stream have been determined. Linear correlation dependences inhibitor electrolytes contained hydrated ions with different ion radii and charges of subgroups of alkali elements with one - type electron configuration were obtained. Important physico-chemical parameters of electrolytes have been determined: activity; coefficients of activity, viscosity, diffusion; density; heat capacity; heat conductivity; surface tension and freezing-point. The features of continuous influence of inhibitory factors on process of gas flow at low temperatures and relatively high pressure differences ...
The passive continental margin in the northern South China Sea is a weakly active area. It has been found to be favorable for large gas field development and also to be profitable for gas hydrate. The active faults, diapir structure, slump deposits, faults break of slopes, gas chimneys and sandstone of submarine fan, control the concentration of gas hydrate. Gas chimneys are widely distributed in the northern South China Sea. They supply the pathway for migration of deeper gas to gas hydrate stability zones especially in the basin of tectonic inactive zone. This paper discussed the geological structures of gas hydrate occurrence in gas fields and presented a detailed analysis of gas chimneys within the northern slope of the South China Sea. The paper described the geological ...
The paper deals with a model in which the motion of a gas in plasma accerators and high-curent discharges in the present of a skin effect is treated as expulsion by a 'magnetic piston' under the action of surface current flow. Specifically examined is the situation where the initial gas pressure is negligible in comparison with the magnetic pressure, and the motion of the gas may be treated as a self-simulating one. A system of hydrodynamic equations of the problem is derived and integrated by Adam's method. Results are plotted and discussed.
Gas contaminated with at least one noxious component, such as SO/sub 2/, HF or NOx, is scrubbed with a clear, calcium-containing, initially-basic washing liquid which also comprises the anion of a strong inorganic acid, that of a polybasic carboxylic acid and, optionally, that of a monobasic carboxylic acid. Apparatus is provided for scrubbing the gas, oxidizing produced calcium bisulfite to calcium sulfate, separating out and removing solids, and recirculating clarified liquid for scrubbing contaminated gas.
The Rayleigh scattering length has been calculated for rare-gas liquids in the ultraviolet for the frequencies at which they luminesce. The calculations are based on the measured dielectric constants in the gas phase, except in the case of xenon for which measurements are available in the liquid. The scattering length mayplace constraints on the design of some large-scale detectors, using uv luminescence, being proposed to observe solar neutrinos and dark matter. Rayleigh scattering in mixtures of rare-gas mixtures is also discussed.
The fission gas xenon bonded in bubbles, in pore, and in the lattice of mixed carbide fuels is measured by electron-probe microanalysis. Radial xenon distribution and release curves are determined and are calibrated by gas chromatography of the bonded fission gas and by burnup analysis in the respective pin sections of the irradiation experiments FR2 6A and 6C, Mol 11/K 2, and DFR 330/1. The results are correlated to the microstructure of the fuel, bonding medium, temperature, and burnup. (Auth.).
Analysis of the coke gas combustion porcess is presented. Standard kinetic relationships were utilized. Calculations were performed for coke gas with high and low content of H/sub 2/ and for blasting air 20 and 100/sup 0/C. Temperature relationships, composition of gas combustion products and release of nitrogen oxides were determined. Results are analyzed which will make it possible to control the composition of combustion products.
This thesis dealt with the metal-organic gas phase epitaxy with nitrogen as carrier gas. For this first by means of three-dimensional modelings of the epitaxy process the influence of the carrier gas on the processes was explained. The optimization of the growth parameter for the whole light-emitting-diode structure in double-hetero arrangement resulted that an a temperature of 770 C and a V/ III-ratio of 150 layers with a high crystal quality could be reached.
Plasma with a gas temperature below room temperature is not yet fully understood although it is expected to be an attractive tool for applications to material processing. In the present work, gas-temperature-dependent generation of a cryoplasma jet was studied. So far, we have generated a helium cryoplasma jet (296-5 K) under atmospheric pressure. At gas temperatures below 20 K, the helium excimer, He2, was observed clearly from by optical emission spectroscopy.
The gas composition of recent thermal waters is in perfect conformity with their geologic-tectonic positions. The composition of gas-liquid inclusions in the basic-hyperbasic xenoliths of basaltoid lavas depends on the depth from which xenoliths are supplied. (The depth is determined by using the methods of geological thermobarometers). By comparing available data the conclusion was drawn that the gas compositions of thermal waters reflect the depth of generation of deep fluid which heats them and depends on the penetration depth of the fluid-conducting fissure zones.
Spark ignition internal combustion engines perform satisfactorily when the fueled with biomass producer gas from a fluidized bed gasifier. Although power output is reduced compared to natural gas levels, full power recovery can be achieved with a relatively low level of supercharging. Important considerations are an adequate fuel delivery system and adquate gas cleaning. ref.
... harassment, incidental to construction and operation of an offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. Under the Marine Mammal Protection ... ...
The primary objective of this study is to assess the oil and gas potential of the West Siberian Basin of Russia. The study does not analyze the costs or technology necessary to achieve the estimates of the ultimate recoverable oil and gas. This study uses reservoir data to estimate recoverable oil and gas quantities which were aggregated to the field level. Field totals were summed to a basin total for discovered fields. An estimate of undiscovered oil and gas, from work of the US Geological Survey (USGS), was added to give a total basin resource volume. Recent production decline points out Russia`s need to continue development of its discovered recoverable oil and gas. Continued exploration is required to discover additional oil and gas that remains undiscovered in the basin.
Details of a 1 day conference designed to create more efficient interactions between the gas supply and electricity systems in Ontario and new models for gas supply and the electricity system were presented. Market efficiency, generators' perspectives on critical gas issues, an overview of the North American gas and an outline of issues concerning Ontario were discussed. A natural gas industry forecast and issues concerning marketers and producers were presented. The terms on which gas is bought and sold were discussed. Regulatory tools, cost allocation and issues relating to unbundling were also presented. Infrastructure needs were reviewed, as well as basic market structures. It was suggested that appropriate commercial service options need to be developed and approved, including cross-utility services.
The Department of Energy has proposed a rulemaking process to set minimum standards for the efficiency of gas ranges under the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA). The Gas Research Institute is compiling information on annual household range gas usage in order to prepare a response to the proposed rulemaking. The data base from the Northern Illinois Gas residential load study provides recent information (data taken from 1990 through 1992) over a comprehensive study of household types and appliance and user characteristics (150 variables noted for each household). The stated Objective is to study the Northern Illinois Gas residential load study data base and to evaluate its effectiveness in predicting annual household gas usage.
Research was performed to assess the feasibility of barrier membrane substances, for use within mining or associated high risk environments, in restricting the diffusion transport of radon gas quantities. Specific tests were conducted to determine permeability parameters of a variety of membrane materials with reference to radon flow capabilities. Tests were conducted both within laboratory and in-situ emanation environments where concentrations and diffusion flows of radon gas were known to exist. Equilibrium radon gas concentrations were monitored in initially radon-free chambers adjacent to gas sources, but separated by specified membrane substances. Membrane barrier effectiveness was demonstrated to result in reduced emanation concentrations of radon gas within the sampling chamber atmosphere. Minimum gas concentrations were evidenced where the barrier ...
The light gain due to S/sub 2/ molecules in a supersonically cooled gas mixture is calculated. The S/sub 2/ molecules formed due to the recombination of the sulfur atoms, and the combustion gas mixture was preheated in a precombustion chamber. Optimal gas flow and nozzle parameters are found which correspond to the highest possible light gain using Cs/sub 2/-Ar and S/sub 2/-Ar gas mixtures. The steady state gas flow in the nozzle was calculated, taking into account the chemical reactions in the one-dimensional approximation. It is shown that the maximum gain values vary in the 0.0001-0.002 range for gas pressures in the precombustion chamber in the range 10-100 atm. The optimal initial relative concentration of Cs/sub 2/ molecules and S/sub 2/ molecules are given. 32 references.
The use of natural gas in China is still relatively immature, as gas production only supplies a low percentage of the domestic energy system. In contrast, Chinese economy mainly relies on coal with a 67% share of the total primary energy supply. The environmental impact from this high coal dependence is significant and planners have sought for cleaner energy sources. Natural gas is both cleaner and generally more efficient than coal and gas consumption is rising quickly due to these facts. The growth tendency indicates that natural gas will become an important substitution for coal in some parts of the Chinese primary energy consumption. To quantify this tendency, this paper uses a system dynamics model to create a possible outlook. The results show that the gas consumption in China will c...
Biomass gasification provides the potential to efficiently and economically produce a renewable source of a clean gaseous fuel suitable for power generation or synthesis gas (syngas) applications. An important side benefit of the use of biomass is the effective minimization of the primary greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}), by providing a means to close-loop the CO{sub 2} cycle. However, high molecular weight hydrocarbon constituents (tar) in the product gas from gasification can complicate the downstream uses of the gas. This paper discusses both the development of a low cost, disposable catalyst system that can eliminate these heavy hydrocarbons from the gas and the use of the catalyst in conjunction with the Battelle high-throughput gasification process for power generation and synthesis applications. (author)
The presence of an extraneous light gas must be taken into account in consideration of centrifugal separation of uranium isotopes, when there is inevitable leakage of such a gas through the gas sealant and/or leaking in from the atmosphere. Consideration is first given to the influence of the presence of the light gas on the maximum separative power. Then the basic equation for isotope separation containing a light gas is derived from Hirschfelder's diffusion equations. This equation is solved and the separative performance is expressed in terms of the shape factor and reflux parameter. The formulas for expressing the flow configurations of the gases are obtained for a simple model in which inflow and outflow prevail throughout the centrifuge. The corresponding equation for a model in which the gases flow in two concentric thin streams is also derived. It is concluded that the ...
A patent is claimed for a process by which a low-hydrogen gas containing at least 90 percent by volume of methane which is suited for natural gas substitution is produced by transformation of vaporizable hydrocarbons with the aid of steam in the presence of a catalyst containing nickel, at temperatures of 350 to 600/sup 0/C and at increased pressure. Hydrocarbons and steam are supplied to the reaction in mixed form with recycle product gas. Per kilogramme of hydrocarbons to be converted in the high btu gas reactor, less than 1 kilogramme of fresh steam is needed. High btu gas is fed back from the high btu gas reactor to the input end of the same via a gas cycle comprising a cooler, a carbon dioxide absorption device, and a saturator. Between the carbon dioxide absorption device and the saturator a product gas is branched ...
The performance of the gas-jet transport system coupled to the RIKEN gas-filled recoil ion separator GARIS was investigated using 255No produced in the 238U(22Ne, 5n)255No reaction. Alpha particles of 255No separated with GARIS and transported by the gas-jet system were measured with a rotating wheel apparatus for ? spectrometry under low background condition. The high gas-jet efficiencies of about 75% were independent of the recoil ranges of 255No in the gas-jet chamber. The present results suggest that the GARIS/gas-jet system is a promising tool for the next-generation superheavy element chemistry: (1) the background radioactivities of unwanted reaction products are strongly suppressed, (2) the intense beam is absent in the gas-jet chamber and hence the high gas-jet efficiency is achieved, and (3) the beam-free ...
The purpose of this study is to identify the radiative heat transfer augmentation by a coaxial cylinder introduced in the infinite cylindrical pipe enclosing a participating gas. The gas is either a mixture of water vapor and carbon dioxide or gray. The gas is assumed to be homogeneous at a constant temperature, and has a refractive index of unity. All of the surfaces are opaque and gray, diffusely emitting and reflecting at a constant temperature. The effect of system diameter, diameter ratio, wall emittances, gas and surface temperatures, mixture component on heat transfer augmentation are studied by using the zone method with participating gas radiative properties evaluated from the weighted sum of gray gases model. From the radiative equilibrium condition, the installed wall temperature is formulated and calculated by the iteration method. If the medium is a gray ...
Visible smoke of exhaust gas from iron ore sintering plants spoil the scenery around the works. In this paper, the mechanism of formation of visible smoke is discussed by detailed analysis of the exhaust gas components and dust in the Oita No. 1 sintering plant. The main substance of visible smoke was mist condensing in the air during the cooling of exhaust gas that contained 0.1 ppm of sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is considered to raise the dew point and so facilitate mist condensation, and to lower the vaporization of visible mist containing sulfuric acid solution. Dust in the exhaust gas is also considered to act as nucleation sites for mist condensation. This proposed mechanism was confirmed by the test remixing SOx-rich gas with desulfurization gas in the Nagoya No. 3 sintering plant. Long trails of visible smoke were observed by remixing SOx-rich ...
Pressurized fluidized bed combustion (PFBC) is an emerging coal-fired, combined-cycle power generation technology nearing commercial status through several operating and planned demonstration plants throughout the world. Current-generation PFBC plants use ``ruggedized`` gas turbines that can tolerate dust loading common with conventional cyclone gas cleaning. The next generation of PFBC will apply advanced hot gas cleaning systems that will reuse the dust loading to low levels acceptable to high performance, industrial gas turbines. These advances should result in performance and cost advantages. This article examines the demonstration of PFBC technology at Tidd power station.
Sigma 1) examines ways to reduce the number of breakdowns of pressure-regulating stations and to minimize the energy consumed in warming the gas, 2) determines the optimal gas temperatures upstream from the pressure reduction, and 3) shows the dependence of energy consumption upon the water dewpoint. The method of calculating the optimal input temperature relies on Mollier's diagram. Tables and nomographs for natural gas and water dewpoint at 19/sup 0/F and 580 psi (-7/sup 0/C and 4 MPa) are useful in achieving the desired gas temperatures. Heating the regulators' control valves is important.
A study was conducted to examine the energy consumption in existing and new hog farming facilities and to analyse the potential for increased natural gas use in the Saskatchewan hog industry. Existing heating/cooling, ventilation and feed mill equipment choices offer possibilities for running on electricity, natural gas or propane. Energy costs are lowest when natural gas is used. To put the study in context, an overview of the Saskatchewan hog industry was provided. The potential increase in natural gas use in hog production by year 2005 was estimated. 10 refs., 6 tabs., 8 figs.
Increased use of natural gas has positive effects for the environment and the climate, because it primarily replaces petroleum products. Moreover, the natural gas does not pose a threat to bio fuel in Norway. But introducing CO2 taxes on natural gas will significantly increase the emission of greenhouse gases, concludes a report conducted by Norsk Energi (Norwegian Energy) on behalf of Norsk Naturgassforening (Norwegian Natural Gas Association) and Norsk Gassforum (Norwegian Gasforum). A brief presentation of the main conclusions in the report (ml)
National Power is building its first gas turbine combined cycle power station at Killingholme, situated to the south of the River Humber in the East of England. NEI ABB Gas Turbines Limited was awarded the turnkey contract in July 1990 to build a nominal 650 MW combined cycle power station based around three Asea Brown Boveri GT13E gas turbines. The project is outlined in this article. The plant is due for completion in July 1993. (author)
This article outlines the use of gasifiers during World War II and how, with soaring fuel prices, producer gas may provide an alternate energy path for agribusiness and farms today. In the last few years, the University of California has become a focus of producer gas research in the US. Biomass fuels used include crushed walnut shells, fruit pits, cereal straw and corn cobs. Particle size, moisture content and slagging create problems and the right kind of gas producer must be used to obtain reliable conversion to producer gas.
The objective of this contract is to research, develop and demonstrate a novel ceramic membrane reactor system for the low-cost conversion of natural gas to synthesis gas and hydrogen for liquid transportation fuels: the ITM Syngas process. Through an eight-year, three-phase program, the technology will be developed and scaled up to obtain the technical, engineering, operating and economic data necessary for the final step to full commercialization of the Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) conversion technology. This report is a summary of activities through February 1999.
The objective of this contract is to research, develop and demonstrate a novel ceramic membrane reactor system for the low-cost conversion of natural gas to synthesis gas and hydrogen for liquid transportation fuels: the ITM Syngas process. Through an eight-year, three-phase program, the technology will be developed and scaled up to obtain the technical, engineering, operating and economic data necessary for the final step to full commercialization of the Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) conversion technology. This report is a summary of activities through September 1999.
Abstract in english The aim of this study was to verify validity and reliability of the scores for physical exercise in leisure (PEL), leisure and locomotion activities (LLA), and total score (TS) of the Baecke habitual physical activity questionnaire in adult males. Twenty-one students of Physical Education were evaluated. For validation, the maximum oxygen uptake (O2max) and the decrease of the heart rate in percentile (%DH (more) R) were measured through the Cooper's 12-minute walk or run test, and an annual index of physical exercise (IPE), and a week index of locomotion activities (ILA). The reliability was verified through test-retest with interval of 45 days. The Pearson correlation coefficient, and partial correlation adjusted for age and body mass index were used for validation. The intraclass correlation and paired t-test were used for reliability. The results indicated that %DHR was correlated with LLA and TS (r ...
In July 2005 a new algorithm was released by Varian Medical Systems for the Eclipse planning system and installed in our institute. It is the anisotropic analytical algorithm (AAA) for photon dose calculations, a convolution/superposition model for the first time implemented in a Varian planning system. It was therefore necessary to perform validation studies at different levels with a wide investigation approach. To validate the basic performances of the AAA, a detailed analysis of data computed by the AAA configuration algorithm was carried out and data were compared against measurements. To better appraise the performance of AAA and the capability of its configuration to tailor machine-specific characteristics, data obtained from the pencil beam convolution (PBC) algorithm implemented in Eclipse were also added in the comparison. Since the purpose of the paper is to address the basic performances of the AAA and of its configuration ...
This investigation presents scale-up of a detailed heterogeneous geostatistical model to a full field reservoir simulation model, considering both single and two-phase flow properties. The model represents a typical low permeability Danish North Sea chalk reservoir and includes capillary pressure and saturation end-point variations. Two new up-scaling methods has been investigated, all based on fine scale simulation on a cross section of the geomodel. The first methods assumes piston style behaviour and a coupled viscosity is introduced into the basic Darcy`s equations. The second method is a modification of the JBN method traditionally applied in analysing results from core flooding experiments, which emerged as the most successful and therefore also the recommended method. 1. In addition to the up scaling work we review the Equivalent Radius Method for capillary pressure normalisation with explicit derivation of type functions for ...
The following paragraphs summarize the progress of each research project funded under the WVU Cooperative Agreement during the third quarter of 1997 (July - September 1997). The projects are arranged according to their 1997 WVU task number. WVU Focus Area 1.0: Subsurface Contaminants, Containment and Remediation Task No. 1.1: Project discontinued. Task No. 1.2: Development of Standard Test Protocols and Barrier Design Models for Desiccation Barriers (K. Amininan & S. Ameri): A number of experiments were preformed this period to evaluate the ability of the dried sand-packs to act as a barrier to liquids. Water infiltration tests were done with a constant head, dispersing 80 ml of water, and by adding water in small increments. Results indicate that when the water is spilled over the sand-pack, it has the tendency to channel through the sand-pack, significantly reducing the capacity of the dried zone to retain liquid contaminants. This appears to be largely influenced by particle ...
The waste tail gas fuel emitted from refinery plant in Taiwan e.g. catalytic reforming unit, catalytic cracking unit and residue desulfurization unit, was recovered and reused as a replacement fuel. In this study, it was slowly added to the fuel stream of a heater furnace to replace natural gas for powering a full-scale distillation process. The waste tail gas fuel contained on average 60 mol% of hydrogen. On-site experimental results show that both the flame length and orange-yellowish brightness decrease with increasing proportion of waste gas fuel in the original natural gas fuel. Moreover, the adiabatic flame temperature increases as the content of waste gas fuel is increased in the fuel mixture since waste gas fuel has a higher adiabatic flame temperature than that of natural gas. The complete replacement of natural ...
This paper provided an outline of the Canadian natural gas commodity market and a forecast for Canadian natural gas supply and prices for the 2007 winter heating season. Since 2001, steady demand growth and slow supply growth have contributed to higher North American natural gas commodity prices. The loss of natural gas supply due to hurricanes pushed North American natural gas commodity prices to record levels in 2005. Canadian natural gas production levels currently exceed domestic gas consumption. In 2005, Canada produced 16.5 billion cubic feet per day of marketable natural gas. Approximately 45 per cent was consumed domestically, and the remainder was exported to the United States. Despite high levels of drilling activity, production of natural gas from western Canada has flattened out since ...
A CANDU nuclear reactor was shut down for over one year because steam generator (SG) tubes had failed with outer diameter stress-corrosion cracking (ODSCC) in the U-bend section. Novel, single-pass eddy current transmit-receive probes, denoted as C3, were successful in detecting all significant cracks so that the cracked tubes could be plugged and the unit restarted. Significant numbers of tubes with SCC were removed from a SG in order to validate the results of the new probe. Results from metallurgical examinations were used to obtain probability-of-detection (POD) and sizing accuracy plots to quantify the performance of this new inspection technique. Though effective, the above approach of relying on tubes removed from a reactor is expensive, in terms of both economic and radiation-exposure costs. This led to a search for more affordable methods to validate inspection techniques and procedures. Methods are presented for calculating POD curves ...
A CANDU nuclear reactor was shut down for over one year because steam generator (SG) tubes had failed with outer diameter stress-corrosion cracking (ODSCC) in the U-bend section. Novel, single-pass eddy current transmit-receive probes, denoted as C3, were successful in detecting all significant cracks so that the cracked tubes could be plugged and the unit restarted. Significant numbers of tubes with SCC were removed from a SG in order to validate the results of the new probe. Results from metallurgical examinations were used to obtain probability-of-detection (POD) and sizing accuracy plots to quantify the performance of this new inspection technique. Though effective, the above approach of relying on tubes removed from a reactor is expensive, in terms of both economic and radiation-exposure costs. This led to a search for more affordable methods to validate inspection techniques and procedures. Methods are presented for calculating POD curves ...
One approach to validate nuclear power plant (NPP) signals makes use of pattern recognition techniques. This approach often assumes that there is a set of signal prototypes that are continuously compared with the actual sensor signals. These signal prototypes are often computed based on empirical models with little or no knowledge about physical processes. A common problem of all data-based models is their limited ability to make predictions on the basis of available training data. Another problem is related to suboptimal training algorithms. Both of these potential shortcomings with conventional approaches to signal validation and sensor operability validation are successfully resolved by adopting a recently proposed learning paradigm called the support vector machine (SVM). The work presented here is a novel application of SVM for data-based modeling of system state variables in an NPP, integrated with a nonlinear, ...
INTRODUCTION: Fatigue is a prominent symptom in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and it has distinctive features; however, there is a need for a robust scale to measure fatigue in COPD. METHODS: At baseline, 122 patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) 52%, women 38%, mean age 66 years) completed a pilot fatigue scale covering a pool of 57 items and underwent a range of tests, including indicators of mood and a short general fatigue questionnaire. All patients responded to the 57-item scale and it was readministered to a subset of 30 patients. The pilot scale was first subjected to constructive validated shortening steps and then to a principal components analysis. RESULTS: The Manchester COPD fatigue scale (MCFS) consists of 27 items, loading into three dimensions: physical, cognitive and psychosocial fatigue. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97) and test-retest repeatability (r = 0.97, por=16 scores in the Center for ...
The present paper is concerned with development and application of a so-called Effective Convection Model (ECM), which aims to provide a detailed, mechanistic description of heat transfer processes in a BWR lower plenum. The ECM is a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-like tool which employs a simpler and more effective approach to compute heat transfer by solving only energy conservation equation instead of solving the full set of Navier-Stokes and energy equations by a CFD code. We implement the ECM in a CFD code (Fluent), with detailed description of the ECM development, implementation and validation. A dual approach is used to validate the ECM, namely validation against experimental data and against heat transfer results obtained by CFD predictions in the same geometries and conditions. Insights gained from CFD simulations are also used to improve ECM. The ECM capability as an effective tool to simulate heat transfer of ...
The present paper is concerned with development and application of a so-called Effective Convection Model (ECM), which aims to provide a detailed, mechanistic description of heat transfer processes in a BWR lower plenum. The ECM is a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-like tool which employs a simpler and more effective approach to compute heat transfer by solving only energy conservation equation instead of solving the full set of Navier-Stokes and energy equations by a CFD code. We implement the ECM in a CFD code (Fluent), with detailed description of the ECM development, implementation and validation. A dual approach is used to validate the ECM, namely validation against experimental data and against heat transfer results obtained by CFD predictions in the same geometries and conditions. Insights gained from CFD simulations are also used to improve ECM. The ECM capability as an effective tool to simulate heat transfer of ...
The State of the Espirito Santo will become until the end of 2008, one of the main producers and natural gas exporters of Brazil, where, according to PETROBRAS, the State will produce about 20 million /day m{sup 3}, what it will go to contribute significantly for reduction of the dependence of the Bolivian gas, and still to give support to the natural gas sector in Brazil. The Intention of this work, is to identify proposals so that it has left of the gas produced in the State of the Espirito Santo, has a differentiated price. It does not make sensible the State to pay for the gas that is removed in its proper territory the same price that paid Sao Paulo for the gas that consumes imported of national Bolivia. With the markdown of the gas the State will be able to attract investments of great transport, to generate job and income and to ...
We have used the SINFONI integral field spectrograph to map the near-infrared K-band emission lines of molecular and ionised hydrogen in the central regions of two cool core galaxy clusters, Abell 2597 and Sersic 159-03. Gas is detected out to 20 kpc from the nuclei of the brightest cluster galaxies and found to be distributed in clumps and filaments around it. The ionised and molecular gas phases trace each other closely in extent and dynamical state. Both gas phases show signs of interaction with the active nucleus. Within the nuclear regions the kinetic luminosity of this gas is found to be somewhat smaller than the current radio luminosity. Outside the nuclear region the gas has a low velocity dispersion and shows smooth velocity gradients. There is no strong correlation between the intensity of the molecular and ionised gas emission and either the radio or ...
Nova Corporation and its related businesses are involved in natural gas production, gas pipelines, consulting services, and upgrading of natural gas into chemicals and plastics. Nova owns Alberta Gas Transmission Division, the primary gas transportation system in Alberta, with 11,400 miles of pipeline and total deliveries in 1992 of 3.4 trillion ft"3. Nova also owns 50% of Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd., one of Canada's largest carriers of exported gas, and 50% of TQM Pipeline Partnership, which transports natural gas in Quebec. Nova conducts its chemicals business through Novacor Chemicals Ltd., which has plants in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and the USA. Novacor's major petrochemicals are methanol, ethylene, propylene, and styrene and its major plastics are polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Nova's gas-producing ...
Short-lived fission gas release from fuel pellets during irradiation was investigated based on the experimental results of the gas-flow rigs irradiated in the Halden Heavy Water Reactor (HBWR). The release-to-birth (R/B) rates of short-lived fission gas were measured by means of gas-flow measurement during the irradiation experiments. Surface-to-volume (S/V) ratios of fuel pellets and diffusion coefficients of short-lived fission gas release were evaluated from the obtained (R/B) values. The increase of (S/V) ratio agreed well with the point where the fuel temperature exceeded the threshold of 1% fission gas release. This indicates that the interlinkage of fission gas bubbles occurred there. The evaluated diffusion coefficients scattered in the range between 10"-"2"3 and 10"-"1"7 m"2/s, and the effects of fuel type (UO_2 or MOX) were not ...
The European gas market is continuing to expand due to increased industrial, domestic and power generation demand. As a result of this demand, and the trend toward liberalization of the market, the need for storage of gas is also increasing. One key segment of the large scale storage of gas is underground storage, either in partially depleted gas or oil fields, naturally occurring caverns, aquifers and salt cavities. In most cases the gas produced after storage requires conditioning to meet the water of hydrocarbon dew point specification of the gas transmission system. For that reason export gas from storage will require gas conditioning in order to meet pipeline specifications. Adsorption as a feasible and reliable process will be presented in detail and especially in regards to hydrocarbon dew-pointing compared with ...
Geologically estimated natural gas resources are 500 Tcm. With the advance in geological science increase of estimated resources is expected. Natural gas reserves in 2000 have been proved to be around 165 Tcm. As it is known the reserves are subject to two constraints, namely: capital invested in the exploration and drilling technologies used to discover new reserves. The natural gas scarcity factor, i.e. ratio between available reserves and natural gas consumption, is around 300 years for the last 50 years. The new discovery of natural gas reserves has given rise to a new energy strategy based on natural gas. Natural gas utilization is constantly increasing in the last 50 years. With new technologies for deep drilling, we have come to know that there are enormous gas resources available at relatively low price. These ...
Geologically estimated natural gas resources are 500 Tcm. With the advance in geological science increase of estimated resources is expected. Natural gas reserves in 2000 have been proved to be around 165 Tcm. As it is known the reserves are subject to two constraints, namely: capital invested in the exploration and drilling technologies used to discover new reserves. The natural gas scarcity factor, i.e. ratio between available reserves and natural gas consumption, is around 300 years for the last 50 years. The new discovery of natural gas reserves has given rise to a new energy strategy based on natural gas. Natural gas utilization is constantly increasing in the last 50 years. With new technologies for deep drilling, we have come to know that there are enormous gas resources available at relatively low price. These ...
Two-phase flow in horizontal parallel channels has been experimentally investigated under fuel cell related operating conditions. Pronounced hysteresis is observed in the pressure drop versus flow characteristic curve when starting from either flooded or dry conditions. When gas is introduced into channels initially filled with water (flooded initial condition), both gas and liquid tend to flow predominantly in one channel at low gas or liquid flow velocities. As the gas flow velocity increases, even distribution of gas and liquid flow in both channels is observed, accompanied with a sudden decrease in the pressure drop. On the other hand, even gas and liquid flow distribution between both channels is found at comparatively lower gas flow velocities when starting with dry-gas flow conditions with liquid introduced into ...
The most important commercialized methods of attenuation correction in SPECT are based on attenuation coefficient map from a transmission imaging method. The transmission imaging system can be the linear source of radioelement or a X-ray CT system. The image of transmission imaging system is not useful unless to replacement of the attenuation coefficient or CT number with the attenuation coefficient in SPECT energy. In this paper we essay to evaluate the validity and estimate the error of the most used method of this transformation. The final result shows that the methods which use a linear or multi-linear curve accept a error in their estimation. The value of mA is not important but the patient thickness is very important and it can introduce a error more than 10 percent in the final result.
In this work it is intended a methodology to validate a new version of the software used for monitoring the reactor core, which requires of the evaluation of the thermal limits settled down in the Operation Technical Specifications, for the Unit 2 of Laguna Verde with ARTS (improvements to the APRMs, Rod Block Monitor and Technical specifications). According to the proposed methodology, those are shown differences found in the thermal limits determined with the new versions and previous of the core monitoring software. Author)
The purposes of this report are (1) to perform a Verification and Validation (V and V) test for the VIPEX(Vital-area Identification Package EXpert) software and (2) to improve a software quality through the V and V test. The VIPEX was developed in Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) for the Vital Area Identification (VAI) of nuclear power plants. The version of the VIPEX which was distributed is 3.2.0.0. The VIPEX was revised based on the first V and V test and the second V and V test was performed. We have performed the following tasks for the V and V test on Windows XP and VISTA operating systems: ? Testing basic functions including fault tree editing ? Testing all kind of functions ? Research for update from Visual BASIC 6.0 to Visual BASIC 2008
The purpose of this study is to examine the cross-ethnic measurement equivalence of the "Child Behavior Checklist" (CBCL) for 6- to 18-year-olds (2001, parent version) using a sample of African American special needs adopted children, along with a comparison group of Caucasian American special needs adopted children. Reliability and multiple sources of postdictive criterion-related validity were analyzed, and a confirmatory factor analysis of the CBCL within and between participating groups was performed. The results indicate that for practical purposes, the CBCL items appear reliable but not valid in terms of assessing the mental health profiles of both African American and Caucasian youth. These findings are significant because they have important implications for the practical utility of the CBCL in the field for adopted youth. (Contains 6 tables.)
The Quantum Mechanics Conceptual Survey (QMCS) is a 12-question survey of students' conceptual understanding of quantum mechanics. It is intended to be used to measure the relative effectiveness of different instructional methods in modern physics courses. In this paper we describe the design and validation of the survey, a process that included observations of students, a review of previous literature and textbooks and syllabi, faculty and student interviews, and statistical analysis. We also discuss issues in the development of specific questions, which may be useful both for instructors who wish to use the QMCS in their classes and for researchers who wish to conduct further research of student understanding of quantum mechanics. The QMCS has been most thoroughly tested in, and is most appropriate for assessment of (as a posttest only), sophomore-level modern physics courses. We also describe testing with students in junior quantum courses and graduate quantum ...
A distributed watershed hydrologic model soil and water assessment tool (SWAT, 2000 Version) was applied to simulate stream flow and nutrient loadings (including total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP)) in Gucheng Lake Basin, which is located in the lower reach of Yangtze River Basin. Model parameters related to stream flow and nutrient loadings were calibrated and validated by the observed value, and the simulation showed that the simulated values were reasonably comparable to the observed data, suggesting the validity of SWAT model. The simulated surface runoff and nutrient yield between two stages, viz. 1981-2000 and 1951-1960, were compared, basically considering land reclamation in the mid-1970s. The result indicated that, the average annual runoff and output of TN and TP in 198...
The objective of this study is to test the validity of sex determination in children and adolescents using lateral radiographic cephalometry and discriminant function analysis. Fifty male and 50 female cephalograms of Taiwanese children were used (males and females with mean age of 15.52???1.38 and 15.67???1.54?years, respectively). Twenty-two cephalometric measurements were performed using computerized cephalometry. Statistical analysis shows that all measurements were sexually dimorphic (p?0.05). Nine measurements, statistically validated and clinically relevant, were used for discriminant function analysis. A stepwise discriminant procedure selected seven of the nine variables, producing 95% accuracy in sex determination. Resubstitution classification reveals the same discriminant rat...
We propose a quantum secure direct communication scheme based on non-orthogonal entangled pairs and local measurement. In this scheme, we use eight non-orthogonal entangled pairs to act as quantum channels. Due to the non-orthogonality of the quantum channels, the present protocol can availably prohibit from all kinds of valid eavesdropping and acquire a secure quantum channel. By local measurement, the sender acquires a secret random sequence. The process of encoding on the random sequence is identical to the one in one-time-pad. So the present protocol is secure. Even for a highly lossy channel, our scheme is also valid. The scheme is feasible with present-day techniques.
The non-perturbative validity of covariant BRST-quantization of gauge theories on compact Euclidean space-time manifolds is reviewed. BRST-quantization is related to the construction of a Topological Quantum Field Theory (TQFT) of Witten type on the gauge group. The criterion for the non-perturbative validity of the quantization is that the partition function of the corresponding TQFT does not vanish and that its (equi-variant) BRST-algebra is free of anomalies. I sketch the construction of a TQFT whose partition function is proportional to the generalized Euler-characteristic of the coset space S U (n){sub gauge} / SU(n){sub global} with an associated equi-variant BRST-algebra that manifestly preserves translational symmetry. Some non-perturbative consequences of this approach are discussed. (author)
The validity is given to the newly proposed two weighting {delta}f scheme (Wang et al., Research Report of National Institute for Fusion Science NIFS-588, 1999) for collisional or neoclassical transport calculations, which can solve the drift kinetic equation taking account of effects of steep plasma gradients, large radial electric field, finite banana width, and the non-standard orbit topology near the axis. The marker density functions in weight equations are successively solved by using the idea of {delta}f method and a hierarchy of equations for weight and marker density functions is obtained. These hierarchy equations are solved by choosing an appropriate source function for each marker density. Thus the validity of the two weighting {delta}f scheme is mathematically proved. (author)
The dogmatic and constitutional basis as well as points of definition concerning the Technical Code Clean Air (TA Luft) are explained at first, followed by an assessment of the air pollution concentrations within the overall complex of the air pollution abatement measures, and an analyses of air pollution concentrations as a concretization of the state-of-the-art. In connection with the differentiation of the various applicability levels of TA Luft, the inhouse validy for authorities, the importance for law courts and, finally, the external binding effect for plant operators and possible third parties are discussed. At the center of attention are questions concerning validity claims and validity possibilities. (HSCH).
This document reproduces the final project of David San Fabian Ayuso, presented on May 26, 2005, for the obtention of the engineer degree of the Carlos III University of Madrid. A single-phase, isothermal model, including both electron and proton transport, is introduced for the simulation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEM). The model is implemented in the commercial code Fluent 6.0, through the use of UDFs (User Defined Functions). In order to validate the model, a single canal of a PEM monocell is simulated in three dimensions. The obtained result are qualitatively satisfactory. It is observed that it is not essential to solve the current collectors when a monocell is considered (and not a stack). in the present study, the number of nodes is the computational grid appears to be too low in the membrane zone in order to make a complete validation of the model. (Author) 20 refs.
This study deals with the neutronics analysis of the current core configuration of a 3MW TRIGA Mark-II research reactor at Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE), Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh and validation of the results by benchmarking with the experimental, operational and available Safety Analysis Report (SAR) values. The comprehensive neutronics code system SRAC was used to develop a versatile and accurate full-core model of the TRIGA core. The model represents in detail all components of the core with literally no physical approximation. All fresh fuel and control elements as well as the vicinity of the core were precisely described. Cross-section data library generated from JENDL-3.2 were used. The validation of the model against benchmark experimental results is presented. The SRA...
A novel approach to fault diagnosis is proposed using multiscale morphology analysis to extract impulsive features from the signals with strong background noise. Multiscale morphology is applied to one-dimensional signal by defining both the length and height scales of structuring elements (SEs). A local-peak-value based adaptive algorithm is also introduced. The new approach makes the selection of SEs more transparent and is independent of empirical rules. Both simulated impulsive and vibration signals of two defective roller bearings are employed to validate the proposed algorithm. The roller bearing faults presented in the validation include both inner and outer race faults. The test results show that the multiscale morphology analysis is effective and robust to extract morphological features.
Monte Carlo neutron transport methods can be used to verify the applicability of point kinetics for safety analysis of nuclear reactors. KENO-NR was used to obtain the transfer function of the Advanced Neutron Source reactor and the time delay between the core power production and the external detectors, a parameter of interest to the safety systems design. The good agreement between the Monte Carlo generated transfer function and the point kinetics transfer function validates that the uncommon ANS geometry does not preclude the use of point kinetics in the frequency range that was investigated. Various features of the power spectral densities also demonstrated the applicability of point kinetics. The time delay was obtained from the cross-power spectral density (CPSD) and is {approximately}15 ms. These analyses show that frequency analysis can be used experimentally to investigate the validity of the use of point kinetics models in critical ...
BackgroundPeritoneal metastasis occurs in up to 30% of patients with gastric cancer. The aim of this experimental study is to develop and validate a novel ex vivo model of the human peritoneum to better identify factors involved in the development of peritoneal metastasis in order to improve its management and prognosis. MethodsPeritoneal discs harvested from hernia sacs obtained at inguinal hernia surgery were suspended in media using Teflon rings. Viability of the tissue was investigated using MTS assay, light and scanning electron microscopy (LM and SEM) over 72 h. To assess validity of the model, phenotypic changes in tumor cells were investigated. Changes in matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and -9 activities in HGC and AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells after co-culture were investigat...
Even if there have been efforts to validate remote-sensing-based energy balance models, which provide evapotranspiration (ET) maps over a large spatial scale, few studies have been conducted to validate their performance in Korea. In this study, surface energy balance fluxes including ET were estimated and inter-compared with two different models using the Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) image over a watershed scale in Korea. While there were larger spatial discrepancies for net radiation, soil heat and sensible heat fluxes on a pixel-by-pixel basis between the two models, relatively smaller spatial discrepancies for the latent heat flux and daily ET were detected. The spatial discrepancies for the daily ET were larger in low topography and dense vegetation ranges. Despite the different par...
Academic, government, and industrial field researchers have generated a significant database of field studies of the volatility of soil applied fumigants. However, limited work exists in validating physical models against field volatility data sets and fully exploring the volatility parametric response surface. Field studies quantifying atmospheric flux for soil fumigants 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin are validated against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA Salinity Laboratory) soil physics model CHAIN_2D that was modified specifically for agronomic uses of soil fumigants. Comparison between model predictions and field observations for six unique field trials in five different states indicate that CHAIN_2D effectively captures the magnitude and duration of fumigant em...
In this paper, the moisture buffering capacity of spruce plywood is measured by recording the change in mass of a test specimen when the air relative humidity (RH) is changed between 33% RH and 75% RH. The aim is to represent diurnal cycles in indoor humidity with 33% RH maintained for 16 h and 75% RH maintained for 8 h. Measurements are taken using two different apparatuses, which provide different convective transfer coefficients between the air and the plywood, and the results are compared to a numerical model for validation. The validated numerical model is then used to investigate the effect of initial conditions, boundary conditions and thickness on the moisture buffering capacity of plywood. The results show that the buffering capacity of plywood depends on the initial conditions and thickness of the plywood as well as the surface film coefficient and humidity cycle. (author)
A mathematical model was developed to predict a moisture content profile during the thick layer re-wetting process of brown rice unpackaged and packaged with low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) films. Model validation was carried out by comparing predicted with measured moisture content derived from relative humidity data obtained from the brown rice re-wetting test for 6days at 25degreeC and 90% RH. The moisture standard errors of the model validation for brown rice packaged in LDPE and PBT films were 0.08% wet basis (wb) and 0.11%wb, respectively. It was concluded that the proposed re-wetting model could successfully describe the thick layer re-wetting of brown rice under the experimental conditions. Using this model, re-wetting simulations were carried o...
The objective of this project is to develop multi-dimensional computational models in order to improve the operation of uranium electrorefiners currently used in pyroprocessing technology. These 2-D (US) and 3-D (ROK) mathematical models are based on the fundamental physical and chemical properties of the electrorefiner processes. The validated models by compiled and evaluated experimental data could provide better information for developing advanced electrorefiners for uranium recovery. The research results in this period are as follows: - Successfully assessed a common computational platform for the modeling work and identify spatial characterization requirements. - Successfully developed a 3-D electro-fluid dynamic electrorefiner model. - Successfully validated and benchmarked the two multi-dimensional models with compiled experimental data sets
The conceptual design for MCP to be installed in the integral reactor SMART was carried out. Canned motor pump was adopted in the conceptual design of MCP. Three-dimensional modeling was performed to visualize the conceptual design of the MCP and to check interferences between the parts. The theoretical design procedure for the impeller was developed. The procedures for the flow field and structural analysis of impeller was also developed to assess the design validity and to verify its structural integrity. A computer program to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the rotor shaft of MCP was developed. The rotational speed sensor was designed and its performance test was conducted to verify the possibility of operation. A prototypes of the canned motor was manufactured and tested to confirm the validity of the design concept. The MCP design concept was also investigated for fabricability by establishing the manufacturing procedures. 41 refs., ...
Mechanobiological theories have been introduced to illustrate the interaction between biology and the local mechanical environment during bone healing. Although several theories have been proposed, a quantitative validation using histomorphometric data is still missing. In this study, in vivo histological data based on an ovine animal experiment was quantified and used to validate bone healing simulations focussing on the endochondral ossification process. The bone formation at different callus regions (periosteal and endosteal bone at the medial and lateral side) was analyzed from in vivo data and quantitatively compared with in silico results. A histomorphometric difference was found in medial and lateral hard callus formation 3 weeks after osteotomy. However, the same amount of new bone...
SummaryBackground Persistent Lyme Disease Symptoms (PLDS) have included fatigue, headaches, poor concentration and memory, lightheadedness, joint pain, and mood disturbances. Evidence-based guidelines committees disagree over the severity of PLDS. The 2004 International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) concluded that PLDS are severe. The 2006 Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) guidelines committee concluded that PLDS are nothing more than the "aches and pains of daily living" and an ad hoc International Lyme group concluded that PLDS are "symptoms common in persons who have never had Lyme disease." Hypothesis Clinical trials validate the severity of persistent Lyme disease symptoms. Evaluation of the Hypothesis There are 22 standardized instruments used to measure the...
Bioremediation of land crude oil and lube oil spills is an effective and economical option. Other options include road spreading (where permitted), thermal desorption, and off-site disposal. The challenge for environment and operations managers is to select the best approach for each remediation site. Costs and liability for off-site disposal are ever increasing. Kerr-McGee`s extensive field research in eastern and western Texas provides the data to support bioremediation as a legitimate and valid option. Both practical and economical bioremediation as a legitimate and valid option. Both practical and economical, bioremediation also offers a lower risk of, for example, Superfund clean-up exposure than off-site disposal.
This paper gives a concise overview of evolutionary algorithms for multiobjective optimization. A substantial number of evolutionary computation methods for multiobjective problem solving has been proposed so far, and an attempt of unifying existing approaches is here presented. Based on a fine-grained decomposition and following the main issues of fitness assignment, diversity preservation and elitism, a conceptual global model is proposed and is validated by regarding a number of state-of-the-art algorithms as simple variants of the same structure. The presented model is then incorporated into a general-purpose software framework dedicated to the design and the implementation of evolutionary multiobjective optimization techniques: ParadisEO-MOEO. This package has proven its validity and flexibility by enabling the resolution of many real-world and hard multiobjective optimization problems.
The real parts of the optical model potentials for 104 MeV alpha-particle and 156 MeV "6Li ion scattering from "4"0,"4"8Ca are calculated in terms of folding model approaches. The validity of different procedures is tested by comparing the differential cross section predictions with experimental data measured with high angular accuracy. It is found that a refined folding potential accounting for density dependence of an effective nucleon-nucleon interaction is appropriate for alpha particle scattering without any parameter adjustment. However, for "6Li ion scattering renormalization of the depth of the real potentials is necessary. (orig.).
A report is given of a meeting of the Netherlands Association for Energy Legislation (NEVER), which was held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, April 2006. After the meeting a presentation was made about the report 'Government involvement in liberalised gas markets. A welfare-economic analysis of the Dutch gas-depletion policy' of the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB). This report analyses the welfare effects of two major components of the Dutch gas-depletion policy: the offtake guarantee for small-fields gas and the cap on production from the Groningen field. After the presentation a reaction was given to the report. Both presentations give an overview of the governmental policy and insight in the effects.
A high-density gas jet supersonic nozzle is reported in this paper. The jitter and actuation time of the nozzle is determined by the pin discharge and laser spark radiation respectively. The jitter time of the nozzle is within 10 ?s with the backing pressure as high as 25 bar. With a nanosecond laser pulse focused on the gas jet about 1 mm below the nozzle, the actuation time is calculated to be about 15 ms by detecting the laser produced spark radiation, which reveals the existence of the gas jet and the relative gas density evolving with time. Consequently the gas density is estimated to be well above 1019 cm-3, compared with theoretical simulations from the nozzle parameters.
Some aspects of the PSO scheme for natural gas are examined critically. Two central arguments used for justifying the PSO subsidy scheme of natural gas and its distribution are reviewed; these include the 'smallholder argument' and the 'environmental argument'. The 'smallholder argument' claims that since Norway has the natural gas resources, it should also make use of the natural gas in the country, and not simply send the raw material to other countries. The 'environmental argument' states that natural gas compared to other fossil fuels such as coal and fuel oil, is a far cleaner alternative, thus an environmental-friendly alternative entitled to financial support. The arguments are critically examined by the author (ml)
We report on the discovery of kinematic shock signatures associated with a localized radio jet interaction in the merging Seyfert galaxy NGC 5929. We explore the velocity-dependent ionization structure of the gas and find that low-ionization gas at the interaction site is significantly more disturbed than high-ionization gas, which we attribute to a local enhancement of shock ionization due to the influence of the jet. The characteristic width of the broad low-ionization emission is consistent with shock velocities predicted from the ionization conditions of the gas. We interpret the relative prominence of shocks to the high density of gas in the nuclear environment of the galaxy and place some constraints of their importance as feedback mechanisms in Seyferts.
Natural gas is a promising alternative fuel to meet strict engine emission regulations in many countries. Natural gas engines can operate at lean burn and stoichiometric conditions with different combustion and emission characteristics. In this paper, the operating envelope, fuel economy, emissions, cycle-to-cycle variations in indicated mean effective pressure and strategies to achieve stable combustion of lean burn natural gas engines are highlighted. Stoichiometric natural gas engines are briefly reviewed. To keep the output power and torque of natural gas engines comparable to those of their gasoline or Diesel counterparts, high boost pressure should be used. High activity catalyst for methane oxidation and lean deNOx system or three way catalyst with precise air-fuel ratio control str...
During the 1990's, natural gas was the energy source with the fastest rate of growth in the world energy balance. Nevertheless, recent evolutions of the energy context, in particular in terms of prices, have had a rather strong impact on the progress of the different energy sources penalizing gas a little. Beyond this competition between energies, which may increase, the medium-term perspectives of natural gas development is in keeping with an environment full of uncertainties. This article presents: the world supply and demand prospects for 2010-2015 (impact of high gas prices on other energy sources, occurrence of production constraints, political decisions of producing countries and world gas industry balance), trends on main markets (North America, Europe, Asia-Oceania), and international trade. (J.S.)
An increasing share of natural gas supplies distributed to residential appliances in the U.S. may come from liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. The imported gas will be of a higher Wobbe number than domestic gas, and there is concern that it could produce more pollutant emissions at the point of use. This report will review recently undertaken studies, some of which have observed substantial effects on various appliances when operated on different mixtures of imported LNG. While we will summarize findings of major studies, we will not try to characterize broad effects of LNG, but describe how different components of the appliance itself will be affected by imported LNG. This paper considers how the operation of each major component of the gas appliances may be impacted by a switch to LNG, and how this local impact may affect overall safety, performance and pollutant emissions.
The 575-mile Statpipe gas transportation system entails 191 miles of wet-gas line running from the Statfjord field across the Norwegian trench to the Karsto, Norway, conditioning plant and 384 miles of dry-gas line from Karsto, again across the trench, to the Heindal and Sleipner fields for final connection at Ekofisk with the Norpipe system for transport to Emden, West Germany. Special construction considerations include the 1000-ft-deep trench crossings, the rocky shore approach and departure, and the subsea tie-ins required at depths of up to 500 ft. The system has an initial annual design capacity of 186 billion CF of wet gas and 260 billion CF through the dry-gas line to Emden.
The Sulige gas field and the Yulin gas field are located in the north of the Ordos Basin. Reservoir pressure in the Sulige area is subnormal, whereas reservoirs in the Yulin area have normal hydrostatic pressure. This paper provides an explanation of this difference. The characteristics of reservoir sediment and formation water chemistry in the gas reservoirs of these two areas were analyzed. The results showed that both reservoirs have good sealing ability. Data of numerical simulation showed that tectonic uplift resulted in a great reduction in formation pressure in the northern Ordos Basin during the late Cretaceous period, and the decrease was greater in the Yulin gas field than in the Sulige gas field. However, because the total hydrocarbon-generating intensity of the Sulige area (<24...
The Granger instantaneous-causality test is applied to explore the potential causal relationships between wholesale electricity and natural-gas prices in California. The test shows these relationships to be bi-directional, and reveals California's electricity and natural-gas markets to be as inextricably intertwined as casual observation and theoretical considerations would suggest they ought to be. This meshing of markets exacerbated the effects of California's natural-gas crisis on the contemporaneous electricity crisis, while concurrently the electricity crisis may have contributed to the dysfunction in the national-gas market and helped to precipitate the natural-gas crisis. The finding supports an integrated approach, as opposed to a piecemeal approach, for formulating energy policy recommendations, not just in California but in the world at large. (author)
The Granger instantaneous-causality test is applied to explore the potential causal relationships between wholesale electricity and natural-gas prices in California. The test shows these relationships to be bi-directional, and reveals California's electricity and natural-gas markets to be as inextricably intertwined as casual observation and theoretical considerations would suggest they ought to be. This meshing of markets exacerbated the effects of California's natural-gas crisis on the contemporaneous electricity crisis, while concurrently the electricity crisis may have contributed to the dysfunction in the national-gas market and helped to precipitate the natural-gas crisis. The finding supports an integrated approach, as opposed to a piecemeal approach, for formulating energy policy recommendations, not just in California but in the world at large.
Two-phase flow patterns and frictional pressure gradients in flow in small, rectangular channels are being studies as part of a larger research program addressing phase-change heat transfer of pure refrigerants and refrigerant mixtures in plate-fin heat exchangers. Small rectangular flow channels were selected as representative of plain fin geometries. The particular channel reported herein has dimensions of 19.05 {times} 3.18 mm. Adiabatic flows of air/water mixtures, with the flow channel horizontal and the channel exit at near-atmospheric conditions, were utilized in the experiments. Analysis and interpretation of the pressure data relative to observed flow pattern transitions led to an objective method for determining the plug/bubble-to-slug flow transition. This method, together with visual observations, supplemented with photographic data, was used to develop a flow pattern man. A comparison of existing flow pattern maps for circular pipes, capillary tubes, ...
This guide describes the simulator`s governing equations, constitutive functions and numerical solution algorithms of the STOMP (Subsurface Transport Over Multiple Phases) simulator, a scientific tool for analyzing multiple phase subsurface flow and transport. The STOMP simulator`s fundamental purpose is to produce numerical predictions of thermal and hydrologic flow and transport phenomena in variably saturated subsurface environments, which are contaminated with volatile or nonvolatile organic compounds. Auxiliary applications include numerical predictions of solute transport processes including radioactive chain decay processes. In writing these guides for the STOMP simulator, the authors have assumed that the reader comprehends concepts and theories associated with multiple-phase hydrology, heat transfer, thermodynamics, radioactive chain decay, and nonhysteretic relative permeability, saturation-capillary pressure constitutive functions. The authors further ...
The high cost of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) poses a significant challenges to their commercial uptake. The bipolar plates connect the anode and cathodes of cells and separate the reactant gases, and are the most expensive components in PEMFCs. Although stainless steel can be used as a low-cost alternative in bipolar plate construction, steel is prone to electrochemical corrosion in the highly acidic PEMFC operation process. This study examined the polarization curves and ICR as a function of compaction force of a high Cr and Ni austenitic stainless steel in an environment simulating the bipolar plate under PEMFC operating conditions. The 3-electrode system consisted of a platinum (Pt) sheet, a saturated calomel electrode with a Luggin capillary contract with the used solution and the work electrode. All polarization curves were measured in a solution of H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} in order to simulate the aggressive PEMFC environment. Surface morphologies ...
The electrochemical dissolution behaviour of armco-iron and of the steels C15, C45, C60 and 100Cr6 in concentrated sodium chloride media has been investigated. Anodic metal dissolution experiments have been carried out using the flow channel cell (parallel plate reactor), the rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) and the capillary cell. The microstructure of the steel has been varied through variation of carbon content and heat treatment (e.g. soft annealed with globular carbides or pearlitic). Current-efficiency values have been obtained by gravimetric measurements in the current-density range from i=5 to 60 A/cm{sup 2}. For the soft annealed steels, the divalent ferrite dissolution in combination with electroless cementite removal dominates. For the pearlitic steels, the occurrence of oxygen evolution electronically conductive metal carbides or trivalent ferrite dissolution, depending on the current density applied, was detected. Microstructure dependent ...
The purpose of this study was to assess experimentally and clinically the usefulness of Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) in angiographic examinations. FCR had a spatial resolution with much lower X-ray exposure doses, although the resolution of FCR was generally inferior to conventional films. When a contrast medium of 1% iodine concentration was used, FCR pinpointed a mass 1.5 mm in diameter; and conventional film could detect a mass 2.2 mm in diameter. The contrast of iodine in FCR examinations was stable. A high sensitivity of imaging plate allowed a wide range of visualization. In 148 selective angiographic examinatinons for 138 patients, FCR-subtraction images were superior to conventional film angiography for contrast resolution; it had a high sensitivity in detecting areas, such as the mediastimun and left lobe of the liver, and tumor stains in capillary phase. The capability of FCR arteriogram was as good as film arteriogram even with a half concentration of ...
The purpose of this study was to assess experimentally and clinically the usefulness of Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) in angiographic examinations. FCR had a spatial resolution with much lower X-ray exposure doses, although the resolution of FCR was generally inferior to conventional films. When a contrast medium of 1% iodine concentration was used, FCR pinpointed a mass 1.5 mm in diameter; and conventional film could detect a mass 2.2 mm in diameter. The contrast of iodine in FCR examinations was stable. A high sensitivity of imaging plate allowed a wide range of visualization. In 148 selective angiographic examinatinons for 138 patients, FCR-subtraction images were superior to conventional film angiography for contrast resolution; it had a high sensitivity in detecting areas, such as the mediastimun and left lobe of the liver, and tumor stains in capillary phase. The capability of FCR arteriogram was as good as film arteriogram even with a half concentration of ...
Regional arterial CO2 tension (PaCO2) reactivity of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the effect of PaCO2 on the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of CBF were investigated by using autoradiographically determined CBF in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model after a 2-h period under pentobarbital anesthesia to clarify the relation between PaCO2 reactivity, CBF heterogeneity, and the temporal cycling of CBF. PaCO2 was adjusted to one of four levels. CBF was determined in four cortical areas and white matter using the tissue fractionation of [14C]iodoantipyrine [( 14C]IAP) in combination with vessel mapping using in vivo 4% thioflavine S. Specific PaCO2 reactivity and CBF were normal in the nonischemic cortex, normal, although slightly depressed, in the border zone far from the ischemic core area, and depressed in the border zone adjacent to the ischemic core area (P less than 0.001) and the ischemic core (P less than 0.001). In normocapnic and hypocapnic animals, CBF heterogeneity ...
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) exhibits specific binding to the extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by cultured endothelial cells. Binding was saturable as a function both of time and of concentration of {sup 125}I-bFGF. Scatchard analysis of FGF binding revealed the presence of about 1.5 x 10{sup 12} binding sites/mm{sup 2} ECM with an apparent k{sub D} of 610 nM. FGF binds to heparan sulfate (HS) in ECM as evidenced by (i) inhibition of binding in the presence of heparin or HS at 0.1-1 {mu}g/mL, but not by chondroitin sulfate, keratan sulfate, or hyaluronic acid at 10 {mu}g/mL, (ii) lack of binding to ECM pretreated with heparitinase, but not with chondroitinase ABC, and (iii) rapid release of up to 90% of ECM-bound FGF by exposure to heparin, HS, or heparitinase, but not to chondroitin sulfate, keratan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, or chondroitinase ABC. Oligosaccharides derived from depolymerized heparin, and as small as the tetrasaccharide, released the ECM-bound FGF, but there ...
In this study the technical and economical possibilities of burning carbon monoxide (CO) of the flue gas and utilizing of the released heat in hot air cupola furnace used for melting have been studied. As basis for examining was burning of cleaned furnace...
The paper is an overview of utility flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technology and costs. The two commercially offered throwaway and salable product systems that are considered to be the most important for near-term (through 1990) SO2 control are: throwawa...
This patent describes a method of improving the S0{sub 2} scrubbing efficiency of flue gas desulfurization scrubbers. It comprises conducting the scrubbing operation in such scrubbers in the presence of an oil-soluble surfactant.
Gas turbine component protection remains essential but environmental regulations emphasize the gas-turbine efficiency. Heating and cooling are features often integrated into the GI air intake packages to provide the optimum operating conditions. This paper describes modern inlet air treatment systems and discusses their effectiveness. (author)
The structure of the skin in the epauletted fruit bat (Epomophorus wahlbergi) wing and body trunk was studied with a view to understanding possible adaptations for gas metabolism and...Full Text Available
The genetic type, source and charging history of natural gas in the Yulin gas field in the Ordos Basin have been studied by combining the carbon isotopic composition of natural gas and geochemical characteristics of light hydrocarbons with carbon isotope fractionation model results and fluid inclusion analysis. The carbon isotopic composition of methane and ethane in the Yulin gas field is relatively enriched in ^1^3C with d^1^3C1 values ranging from -35.3%% to -29.8%% (average value=-32.4%%) and d^1^3C2 ranging from -26.3%% to -23.5%% (average value=-24.8%%). The C7 light hydrocarbons are predominated by methylcyclohexane, accounting for 65.8% to 80.9% (average value=71.6%), which is characteristic of coal-derived gas. Furthermore, the gas geochemistry indicates that, although marine lime...
The Bureau of Mines performed chemical research to elaborate details of sulfur chemistry pertaining to the citrate flue gas desulfurization process in which sulfur dioxide (SO2), absorbed (as bisulfite ion) in a buffered sodium citrate solution, is reduce...
This report gives the results of a survey of operational flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems on coal-fired utility boilers in the United States. The FGD systems installed on Units 1 and 2 at the Bruce Mansfield Station of the Pennsylvania Power Company...
A catalytic process for the oxidation of sulfur-containing gases , E.G., sulfur dioxide and simultaneous production of sulfuric acid wherein a sulfur-containing gas is reacted with an oxygencontaining gas in the presence of a catalyst comprising an iron group metal on a solid support comprising a zeolite in a silicaalumina matrix.
Gas exchange between the plant and the environment is severely hampered when plants are submerged, leading to oxygen and energy deficits. A straightforward way to reduce these shortages of oxygen and...Full Text Available
TSS (thermal swing sublimation) method was studied which uses vaporization heat and sensible heat of LNG for solidification and separation of CO2 gas in waste gases of LNG-fired combined cycle power generation system. In experiment, the mixed gas composed of CO2, H2O and N2 was used for simulating waste gas of LNG-fired combined cycle power generation systems, and the growth behavior of ice and dry ice was studied for developing dry ice making technology under low-temperature condition. As the experimental result, the following were clarified: various crystal structures depending on cooling temperature, the effect of gas flow rate on peeling of surface precipitated solids, and solidification characteristics of H2O/CO2 mixed gas. The growth rate of precipitated solid film thickness decreased with an increase in gas flow rate, while increased with CO2 ...
Limestone slurry needs to move efficiently through a complex process, meaning that selecting the right pumps and valves is critical. The article discusses factors to consider in selecting pumps and values for flue gas desulfurization process in coal-fired power plants. 2 photos.
The possibility has been explored of using a laser scattering technique to detect the imminent onset of rock activity associated with gas outbursts. The instrument described in this paper provides a sensitive, remote and rapid means of passively monitoring micro-seismic activity at the exposed face.
Petroleum is the unchallenged energy market leader in West Germany,having a share of 42%; natural gas accounts for 16-17%. West Germany imports 29% of its natural gas from the Soviet Union, 28% from the Netherlands, 14% from Norway, and 1% from Denmark. In West Germany many-branched natural gas distribution system is operated, equipped with a.o. 21 installations for underground storage which results in a great flexibility of the system. Because of the preferential treatment given to the use of coal as fuel for power plants the share of natural gas has decreased to the present 6% in the last ten years. In the indutrial sector the share is 18%. Strict air pollution abatement measures ('TA-Luft') favour the use of natural gas. However, duty has been levied on the use of natural gas per January 1st, 1989. For space heating of houses and commercial ...
The Monthly Energy Review provides an overview of the production, distribution, and consumption of energy derived from petroleum natural gas, coal, electricity, and nuclear energy. It also discusses oil and gas resource development, energy prices, and issues relevant to international energy markets.
This report presented some quick facts about oil and gas pipelines in Turkey and presented opportunities for trade. The key players and customers in the oil and gas sector were described along with an export check list. Turkey is looking into becoming an energy bridge between oil and gas producing countries in the Middle East, Central Asia and Europe. The oil and gas sectors are dominated by the Turkish Petroleum Corporation, a public enterprise dealing with exploration and production, and the State Pipeline Corporation which deals with energy transmission. They are also the key buyers of oil and gas equipment in Turkey. There are several pipelines connecting countries bordering the Caspian Sea. Opportunities exist in the areas of engineering consulting as well as contracting services for oil and gas pipeline transmission and distribution. Other opportunities ...
The report gives results of the measurement of dissolution rates of reagent CaCO3 and commercial limestones (9 types/19 grinds) at constant pH and solution composition by batch titration with HC1. Conditions were selected to simulate flue gas desulfurizat...
The influence of geometry and operating conditions of the centrifugal compressor stage on the radial gas force is determined on the basis of the theoretical method and calculation program using experimental boundary conditions.
... Radon gas concentrations are measured using instruments with calibrations traceable to the UK National Physical Laboratory and PTB, Germany. The primary facility is a 43 m3 walk-in chamber accessed by an airlock. Radon gas is maintained at a level in this chamber that is ...
The various steps of gas treatment in the Sasol II coal liquefaction plant are discussed: CO/sub 2/ removal, separation of the hydrocarbon fractions and the recirculated hydrogen by low-temperature decomposition, production of pure hydrogen by alternating pressure absorption.
Jeltes, R., Burghardt, E., and Breman, J. (1971). Brit. J. industr. Med., 28, 96-99. Gas chromatographic determination of phosgene and dichloroacetylene in air. Phosgene and dichloroacetylene...Full Text Available
An experimental investigation of heat transfer characteristics for various configurations of air jets impinging on the leading edge inner surface of a gas turbine blade wall is presented. Three configurations were investigated, namely a slot jet, a round ...
The goal of GRI's Gas Appliance Technology Center is to encourage the introduction of highly efficient, cost-effective, convenient gas appliances for residential and commercial gas users. The report covers activity at Battelle from February 1989 to April 1990 in broad support tasks, residential and commercial appliances, and residential space conditioning. Broad support tasks included the G/A/S Newsletter; the GATC InfoBase; and technology transfer, workshops, and GATC coordination. Residential appliance tasks included burner technology research, gas appliance venting, gas lighting, and plastics durability. Commercial appliance tasks included development of a commercial cooktop fuel/air mixing valve. Residential space conditioning tasks included a corrosion test method for gas appliances and vents, generic technology for condensing ...
This paper summarizes the current scientific and technological knowledge about greenhouse gas emissions from various agricultural practices and the manufacturing of food. The study also provides estimates that compare agriculture-related alternatives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Legal aspects of using natural gas as boiler fuel for electric utilities are reviewed through one utility's challenges to the Power Plant and Industrial Fuel Use implementation. ASARCO vs. FPC, 1973, and City of Willcox vs. FPC are discussed. (PSB)
The report, generated by a computerized data base system, presents a survey of operational and planned domestic utility flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems, operational domestic particle scrubbers, and Japanese coal-fired utility FGD installations. It ...
The report presents detailed technical information concerning application of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems to industrial boilers. The information was obtained by a survey of plant personnel, control system vendors, regulatory agencies, and consulting engineering firms. T...
The report discusses the capabilities of equipment vendors to supply and install the quantity of flue gas desulfurization systems required to meet alternative standards for coal-fired steam generators. It analyzes limiting factors affecting supply capabilities (such as the availa...
The effects of freeze-thaw cycling on the strength and durability of samples of compacted, stabilized, wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) by-products are reported. The results of laboratory tests show a clear relationship between higher water contents and...
NO[sub x] emission legislation requirements for large-bore internal combustion engines have required engine manufacturers to continue to develop and improve techniques for exhaust emission reduction. This paper describes the development of the Cooper-Bessemer Clean Burn gas-diesel (dual-fuel) engine that results in NO[sub x] reductions of up to 92 percent as compared with an uncontrolled gas-diesel engine. Historically, the gas-diesel and diesel engine combustion systems have not responded to similar techniques of NO[sub x] reduction that have been successful on straight spark-ignited natural gas burning engines. NO[sub x] levels of a nominal 1.0 g/BHP-h, equal to the spark-ignited natural gas fueled engine, have been achieved for the gas-diesel and are described. In addition, the higher opacity exhaust plume characteristic of gas-diesel ...
Concentration of an amine solution for removal of hydrogen sulfides and carbon dioxide from natural gas, is tested by carbon dioxide absorption measurement in an apparatus allowing complete reaction to give reliable results.
The increasing price differential between natural gas and coal will create a demand for technology that can allow the displacement of natural gas with coal in power plants. Coal gasification is the standard approach suggested to allow coal to displace natural gas. However, the relatively high capital investment required for coal gasification will require fuel cost differentials higher than those anticipated in the near term before coal gasification replaces natural gas. One way of achieving shorter term displacement of natural gas by coal would be to develop technology that would allow coal to be used as the heat source for the endothermic reforming of natural gas. In a natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant, the endothermic heat of reforming, which would be provided by coal combustion, is recovered in the combined-cycle. Therefore, ...
At the St. Joe Minerals Corp.'s zinc smelter powerplant, an SO2 emission control program evolved into a cooperative program with the Bureau of Mines for installation and initial operation of a citrate process flue gas desulfurization demonstration plant. ...
The report describes a computer model developed by TVA to simulate the performance and determine the economics of coal cleaning, or coal cleaning combined with flue gas desulfurization (FGD), for power plant emission control processes over a wide range of user-specified condition...
The manual describes a combined coal-cleaning and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) computerized design and cost-estimate model and gives detailed procedures for using it. All inputs and outputs are described, as well as the various options available. Design and economic premises ar...
This project addresses the problem of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) sludge disposal to land. Specifically, the chemical species of FGD sludge constituents are thermodynamically modeled using the equilibrium constant approach, in an attempt to predict the constituent concentratio...
The report gives an initial assessment of the feasibility of disposing of flue gas desulfurization wastes in mines and in the ocean. The purpose of the assessment was to evaluate environmental, technical, regulatory, and economic aspects of the use of such disposal sites. Availab...
Crockford, G. W., Crowder, M., and Prestidge, S. P. (1972).Brit. J. industr. Med.,29, 378-386. A trace gas technique for measuring clothing microclimate...Full Text Available
In this paper we have proposed a novel gas turbine cycle with hydrogen-fueled chemical-looping combustion, and the system study on two hydrogen-fueled power plants, the new gas turbine cycle and an advanced gas turbine cycle with H{sub 2}/O{sub 2} combustion, has been investigated with the aid of exergy principle (EUD methodology). The hydrogen fueled chemical-looping combustion in the new gas turbine cycle consists of two successive reactions: hydrogen fuel is reacted with metal oxide (reduction of metal oxide), and then instead of air or pure oxygen, the reduced metal is successively oxidized by the saturated air. As a result, the new hydrogen-fueled gas turbine cycle has a breakthrough performance, with at least about 12 percentage-point higher efficiency compared to the gas turbine cycle with H{sub 2}/O{sub 2} combustion, and will be environmentally superior ...
Gas-fired combined cycle plant may be the norm when it comes to new plant but it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Samarinda uses aero-derivatives with the famous Rolls-Royce RB211 gas generator. (author)
The feasibility of producing a pocket-sized air contaminant monitor based upon a miniature gas chromatograph and an integrated microcomputer has been demonstrated and a practical design for the instrument is presented. This pocket-sized instrument is intended to be used as a pers...
Apparatus and method for selective measurement of tritium oxide in an environment which may include other radioactive components and gamma radiation, the measurement including the selective separation of tritium oxide from a sample gas through a membrane into a counting gas, the generation of electrical pulses individually representative by rise times of tritium oxide and other radioactivity in the counting gas, separation of the pulses by rise times, and counting of those pulses representative of tritium oxide. The invention further includes the separate measurement of any tritium in the sample gas by oxidizing the tritium to tritium oxide and carrying out a second separation and analysis procedure as described above.
A high-voltage cathode initiates an electron emission, resulting in a reduction in the carbon dioxide concentration in exhaust gas from the burning of hydrocarbon fuel. Assuming that the observed carbon dioxide reduction is originated from the molecular decomposition, the energy needed for the endothermic reaction of this carbon dioxide reduction may stem primarily from the internal energy reduction in the exhaust gas in accordance of the first law of the thermodynamics. An oxygen increase due to the reduction in carbon dioxide in a discharge gas was observed in real time.
This report consists of three sections. The first section is a brief general overview of all the issues that impact the competition between natural gas and electricity in industrial applications. The second section of this report focus on the all the marketing issues and provides detail analysis of the status of these issues in Europe, Japan and United States. The third section of this report is a detail review of the current status of the competition between gas technologies and electro-technologies, it also make recommendation for developing new gas technologies. The fourth section is a contribution from M. Pettersson and S. Stenstroem, Sweden, on infrared dryers. (authors)
Makeup water is distilled internally in an amine gas treating unit by adding it to the reclaimer used to process a slipstream of lean amine from the stripper.
Experimental data on the gas holdup and the mean bubble size in a bubble column with a single nozzle was obtained for gas-molten salt systems of a eutectic mixture of LiCl (58 mol %)-KCl (42 mol %) and molten NaNO/sub 3/. The liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient K /SUB L/ was evaluated from the specific surface area a and the volumetric coefficient K /SUB L/ a data for oxygen and carbon dioxide absorption into molten NaNO/sub 3/. The dimensionless correlations of the performance of bubble columns for aqueous solutions can be extended to the gas-molten salt systems.
This dissertation deals with membrane gas absorption in the application of CO{sub 2} removal by aqueous alkanolamines, using microporous PTFE hollow fiber membranes. A new lab-scale apparatus was constructed and an extensive experimental study executed to determine the performance of the membrane gas absorber, with aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine (MEA) and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) as absorbents. The important operation parameters CO{sub 2} partial pressure, gas velocity, liquid velocity, temperature and liquid CO{sub 2} loading were systematically varied within the range typically experienced in a process for exhaust gas CO{sub 2}-removal
This thesis dealt with the metal-organic gas phase epitaxy with nitrogen as carrier gas. For this first by means of three-dimensional modelings of the epitaxy process the influence of the carrier gas on the processes was explained. The optimization of the growth parameter for the whole light-emitting-diode structure in double-hetero arrangement resulted that an a temperature of 770 C and a V/ III-ratio of 150 layers with a high crystal quality could be reached.
Access for independents to retail gas markets was a central concern in European policy reform efforts in the 1990s. Upstream oil and gas companies reacted with strategic intentions of forward integration. By late 2004, forward integration was still weak, however. An important explanation of the gap between announced strategic re-orientation and actual strategy implementation lies in the political failure of EU member states to dismantle market barriers to entry for independents. Variations between companies in downstream strategy implementation are explained by variations in business opportunities and internal company factors.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. has developed a gas turbine combined cycle and cogeneration plant computer aided engineering (CAE) system, which creates cycle heat balance automatically on given configurations of gas turbines, heat recovery boilers, steam turbines and auxiliaries. The system can predict the performance of the plant as a function of control set points, loads, process steam requirements and ambient conditions, which enables accurate and fast design of gas turbine combined cycle and cogeneration plants. (author)
Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a chemical simulant of the nerve gas GB, was decontaminated with a nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma. The decontamination efficiency was measured qualitatively by means of Fourier transform spectroscopy and quantitatively by means of gas chromatography. With helium gas only, 10g/m2 of DMMP on an aluminum surface was 99.9% decontaminated in 2min, furthermore, with the addition of 5% of oxygen gas, it was 99.99% decontaminated in 10min. Given the low input power (<100W) and temperature (<75degreeC), this plasma is eligible for nondestructive decontamination of almost all material surfaces.
The purpose of this work was to develop and evaluate a method of locating breached fuel within the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor based on the relative response of the delayed neutron monitors (DNM) located on each of the three primary sodium cooling loops. The primary method of location is the use of tag gas containing unique ratios of the noble gases xenon and krypton. Although the tag gas system works quite well, it is relatively expensive because of the costs of preparing and loading the gas into each fuel pin. Triangulation of DNM signals could potentially decrease tag gas costs while maintaining overall location reliability.
This paper is a quarterly report describing the use of a new soil gas collection device which allows the collection of soil gas in the field for later analysis in the laboratory. It describes the installation of this sampling device and the procedure for setting the probe, extraction of soil gas beneath the surface, and sealing of the soil gas for transport. The sites used for initial testing was the top of Yucca Mountain and Crystal Spring in Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. The results from this initial test showed no volatile matter present in the soil at these locations.
The multicell proportional chambers at the backing calorimeter of the ZEUS experiment at the storage ring HERA are supplied with a gas mixture of Ar/CO[sub 2] by an open gas system. Flow proportional counters with the build-up [sup 55]Fe sources are used as gas system monitoring detectors. The ZEUS experiment is planned to collect data for about 10 years. Therefore, the lifetime of the Ar/CO[sub 2] mixture should be known. In this paper, the results of laboratory tests and preliminary measurements of the aging effects for monitoring counters are presented. ((orig.))