Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesThe overall aim of this proposal is to make use of the unique opportunity afforded by the 2010 Amazonian Drought in order to quantify the basin-wide impacts of an intense forest fire season on above and below-ground carbon stocks and ecophysiological changes in forest functioning. The specific objectives relating to our research questions are: O1. Assess the causes and spatial extent of the 2010 drought in terms of basin-wide rainfall anomalies and water deficits and their relationship wi [continued...]DescriptionDespite an 82% decline in deforestation rates in Amazonia, fires are still on the rise. 2010 has been a year of severe drought and fire in Amazonia. Over the last months (July and August) the number of fire counts has reached 80% of the 2005 values, which was characterized as the drought of the century. Through the beginning of September, fire outbreaks have intensified in southwest Amazonia, including Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. This drought has ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The compressive and torsional buckling behavior of carbon nanotube bundles at room temperature is examined with classical molecular dynamics simulation. The critical compressive load and stiffness of a single carbon nanotube in the bundle are found to be similar to those of individual carbon nanotubes. However, the critical torsional moment and stiffness of a single carbon nanotube in the bundle are found to be higher than those of individual carbon nanotubes. In addition, this study demonstrates that van der Waals interactions between the nanotubes in the bundle significantly affect the critical compressive load of the nanotube bundle.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Here we demonstrate that the as-prepared MCM-41 mesoporous silica material, which is synthesized using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a cationic surfactant exhibits very high capacity for perchlorate uptake from solutions. Thus we discover a new function for the as-synthesized mesoporous materials containing cationic surfactants. These materials are shown to have better capacity than the currently used activated carbon, which is preloaded with cationic surfactant. As-synthesized MCM-41 has a higher removal of perchlorate with 0.378???0.038?meq/g than the surfactant modified activated carbon sample, which removed 0.304???0.005?meq/g i.e., MCM-41 has a 24 % higher capacity than the surfactant modified activated carbon sample for perchlorate uptake because of higher surfactant content and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Less wind power plants in the landscape, more power from renewables, less carbon dioxide and higher tax: The advantages of repowering for communities are considerable. Still, they are hesitant to use it. (orig.)

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Polyacrylonitrile films have been spin cast and pyrolyzed to produce thin (500--1500 A) carbon films. These films have higher electrical conductivities than films produced by other methods at similar temperatures. The conductivity can be varied by at least four orders of magnitude by changing the pyrolysis temperature. Ultraviolet, infrared, and Raman spectroscopies were used to investigate the chemical structure of the films during different stages of processing.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The microstructures of so called high temperature alloys, which have been developed for service temperatures up to 800"0C, are not necessarily stable at higher temperatures. The mobility of alloying elements is very high in FeCrNi alloys at 950 "0C e.g. iron, chromium or nickel can diffuse up to 0.1 mm distance in one year, which is about a grain diameter. Interstitials like carbon or nitrogen show a four orders of magnitude higher diffusivity than the alloying elements. In addition, the carbon solubility in this type of alloy is reported to be very low. Therefore the alloys are supersaturated with carbon after heat treatment above 1100 "0C and water quenching although the absolute carbon content is very low. At service temperatures around 800"0C the solubility of carbon is still about one order of magnitude lower than at heat treatment ...

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Removal of sulfonamide (SAs) and tetracycline (TAs) classes of antibiotic compound from deionized water and DOC water by powdered activated carbon (PAC) adsorption was evaluated in this study. According to the study results, TAs were more easily adsorbed than SAs although TAs were more hydrophilic than SAs. The phenolic compounds in TAs might be responsible for their high adsorption. Complex formation of TAs with metal and metal oxide on the surface of activated carbon might also contribute to higher adsorption. The hydrophobic effect was important for removal of SAs. More hydrophobic SAs were removed more easily. The carbon type was not important for adsorption of SAs and TAs. Coal based carbon and coconut based carbon showed similar removal efficiencies for these antibiotics. Dissolved organic materials interfered with adsorption of SAs and TAs. Organic ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A newly carbon-doped Lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12/C) spinel-type composite material was routinely prepared by a simple solid-state reaction method using carbonization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as carbon source in an inert atmosphere. Impedance measurement shows that the resistance of the composite electrode is substantially lower than that of the pure one. Electrochemical performances of the prepared materials were investigated. Results indicate that the composite materials obtained with 10wt.% PAN shows relatively higher specific capacity, better cycling and higher rate performance. The first discharge specific capacity of 158mAhg^-^1, 138mAhg^-^1, and 121mAhg^-^1 were obtained at 0.2C rate, 1/3C rate, and 3C rate at room temperature, respectively. And it was also found that tap density o...

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Effects of dopant and coating carbon nanotube on anodic performance of Si were studied for metallic anode Li ion rechargeable battery with large capacity. Although the large Li intercalation capacity higher than 1500mAhg{sup -1} is exhibited on pure Si, it decreased drastically with increasing cycle number. Increasing the electrical conductivity by doping Cr or B is effective for increasing the initial capacity and the cycle stability of Si for Li intercalation. Coating semiconductive Si with the carbon nanotube by decomposition of hydrocarbon is effective for increasing the cycle stability, though the initial Li intercalation capacity slightly decreased. Conducting binder is also important for increasing the cycle stability and it was found that Li intercalation capacity higher than 1500mAhg{sup -1} can be sustained by using poly vinyliden fruolide. Consequently, reversible Li intercalation capacity of ...

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Advances in nuclear reactor technology and the use of gas-cooled fast reactors require the development of new materials that can operate at the higher temperatures expected in these systems. These include refractory alloys base on Nb, Zr, Ta, Mo, W, and Re; ceramics and composites such as those based on silicon carbide (SiCf-SiC); carbon-carbon composites; and advanced coatings. Besides the ability to handle higher expected temperatures, effective heat transfer between reactor componets is necessary for improved efficiency. Improving thermal conductivity of the materials used in nuclear fuels and other temperature critical components can lower the center-line fuel temperature and thereby enhance durability and reduce the risk of premature failure.

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An oxidative method for enriching the content of humic acids in a mined lignite from Umbria (central Italy) is described. A mild oxidation using H{sub 2}O{sub 2} in an alkaline medium was successful in increasing the percentage of lignite-derived humidifed carbon from 5.77% to 33.67%. The newly formed humic acids showed a higher number of oxygen-bearing functional groups, a lower carbon/oxygen ratio and a higher absorbance ratio at 465 and 665 nm (E{sub 4}/E{sub 6}) in diluted solution compared to the native lignite-derived humic acids. A high E{sub 4}/E{sub 6} ratio indicated less condensation of the aromatic nucleus and a lower molecular weight in comparison to the lignite-derived native humic acids.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper presents a detailed characterization and rheometric property study of in-situ sodium activated, organomodified bentonite clay - styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposite. It was found that around 10phr loading was the optimum level for maximum effect of the organo clay. The WAXD data indicated that at higher loading there was formation of agglomerations in the matrix. It was found that organo clay compound exhibited lower maximum torque in comparison to equivalent amount of carbon black loaded compound. The nanocomposites were also used for partial replacement of N330 carbon black in a highly black loaded compound. Part replacement of the carbon black with nano-clay reduced the maximum rheometric torque in comparison to the control compound. Detail study revealed that with sl...

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Microhardness decarburization profiles are often used in the industry to estimate the carbon distribution in steels. For quantitative evaluation, an analysis based on diffusion theory must be performed, the fundamentals and mathematical basics of which are presented. If the relationship between hardness and carbon content is known, microhardness-distance curves of steels can be analyzed in this way. For martensitic grades, for instance, a linearized expression holds in the concentration range from 0.15 to 0.6 m.% C. Microhardness depth profiles of higher carbon steels and other microstructures, however, are also evaluated in the literature. The applicability of quantitative diffusion modeling is discussed in detail. Through hardenable rolling bearing steel 100Cr6 (1.3505, SAE 52100) serves as model material: carbon concentration-distance curves are measured with high accuracy by ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A single plasma process involving three consecutive steps has been developed for producing high gas flow catalytic nanostructures on the electrodes of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells (FC). Using a high density helicon radio frequency (13.56 MHz) plasma, nickel is sputtered onto a porous carbon support. Changing the background gas from argon to methane/hydrogen allowed 2 ?m long, 37 nm diameter carbon nanofibres (CNFs) to be grown by diffusion through the nickel clusters in a 'tip growth' mechanism at the relatively low temperature of 400 deg. C. The third step involves plasma sputtering of platinum onto the CNFs, resulting in nanoclusters (3-8 nm) being formed on the periphery of the CNFs. Four FC cathodes were synthesized on carbon paper and PTFE/carbon loaded cloth (known as gas diffusion layer, GDL), both with and without CNFs, with the Pt/CNFs nanostructures grown on ...

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One of the unsolved problems of the natural gas dual fuel engine is that there is too much exhaust of Total Hydrogen Carbon(THC) at a low equivalent mixture ratio. To fix it, a natural gas mixed with hydrogen was applied to engine test. The results showed that the higher the mixture ratio of hydrogen to natural gas, the higher the combustion efficiency. And when the amount of the intake air is reached to 90% of WOT, the combustion efficiency was promoted. But, like a case making the injection timing earlier, the equivalent mixture ratio for the nocking limit decreases and the produce of NOx increases. 5 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.

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This final report summarizes the results of our research under Contract No. DE-AC22-92PC92112, Novel Catalysts for Methane Activation. In this research we prepared and tested fullerene soots for converting methane into higher hydrocarbons. We conducted the methane conversions using dehydrocoupling conditions, primarily in the temperature regimes of 600{degrees}-1000{degrees}C and atmospheric pressures. The research was divided into three sections. The first section focused on comparing fullerene soots with other forms of carbon such as acetylene black and Norit-A. We found that the fullerene soot was indeed more reactive than the other forms of carbon. However, due to its high reactivity, it was not selective. The second section focused on the effect of metals on the reactivity of the soots, including both transition metals and alkali metals. We found that potassium could enhance the selectivities of fullerene soot to ...

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Flue gas desulfurizing capacities of active carbon fibers (ACF) made from polyacrylonitrile (PAN-ACF) were studied, the features were clarified and at the same time the factors governing the capacities were studied to get guides for better products. Desulfurization capacities of 17 kinds of ACFs were studied. Two kinds of PAN-ACF, FE-200 and FE-300, especially the latter exhibited the higher desulfurization capacity. The capacity of FE-300 was about 20 times higher than those of fibers other than PAN systems and about 4 times higher than that of active coke for desulfurization. From the influence of reacting conditions on the desulfurizating capacity and the desorption profiles of adsorbed SO {sub 2}, it was concluded that the capacity was determined by the effective adsorption capacity of ACF and SO {sub 2} was retained on ACF as sulfuric acid. It was suggested that main factors governing the ...

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Current scientific knowledge of climate change and its global impact is summarized in the first four chapters. The earth's natural climate, greenhouse gases, climate prediction models, and impact of a warmer world on natural terrestrial ecosystems, agricultural ecosystems, and coastal regions are discussed. The possible impacts on Canada are described in chapter five, which considers forests, agriculture, water resources, fisheries, coastal zones, transportation, human health and well being, energy production and use, and global security. Chapter six considers ways to respond to climate change. These include enhancing knowledge of climate change, working toward a consensus on the need for action, global political response, the Canadian response, and the role of the individual. 15 refs., 35 figs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Single crystal tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoparticles were prepared via a microwave-assisted method. Electrochemical activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on WO3 supported on carbon black (WO3/C) electrocatalyst was first studied in acid solution (0.5 M H2SO4) and alkaline solution (1.0 M KOH) at room temperature. The overall experimental results revealed that the electrocatalytic activity for HER on WO3/C is one order magnitude higher than those obtained with carbon black in 0.5 M H2SO4 and is six times than in the case of carbon black in 1.0 M KOH. These results demonstrated that WO3 could enhance the electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction in acid solution (0.5 M H2SO4) and alkaline solution (1.0 M KOH). On the other hand, the kinetic reaction mechanisms were disc...

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Kitchen oils (olive, soybean and butter) are selected for carbon coatings on LiFePO{sub 4}. The surface properties of LiFePO{sub 4} are unknown or vary depending on synthetic methods. The multi-functional groups of fatty acids in the oils can orient properly to cope with the variable surface properties of LiFePO{sub 4}, which can lead to dense carbon coatings. The low price and low toxicity of kitchen oils are other advantages of the coating process. LiFePO{sub 4} (D{sub 50} = 121 nm)combined with the carbon coating enhances the rate capability. Capacities at the 2C rate reach 150 mAh g{sup -1} or higher. The charge retention values of 2.0C/0.2C are between 94.4 and 98.9%. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

As portable electronics become more advanced and alternative energy demands become more prevalent, the development of advanced energy storage technologies is becoming ever more critical in today's society. In order to develop higher power and energy density batteries, innovative electrode materials that provide increased storage capacity, greater rate capabilities, and good cyclability must be developed. Nanostructured materials are gaining increased attention because of their potential to mitigate current electrode limitations. Here we report on the use of vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (VA-MWNTs) as the active electrode material in lithium-ion batteries. At low specific currents, these VA-MWNTs have shown high reversible specific capacities (up to 782mAhg^-^1 at 57mAg^-...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The phase composition and microstructure of O'-sialon prepared from Chinese coal gangue have been studied. The use of Si powder is more effective than that of activated carbon or mainly carbon with a little silicon for reduction-nitridation. For specimens with 40% Si addition, more than 80% of O'-sialon may be obtained when nitrided at 1500 degree sign C. The formed O'-sialon was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The parameters for O'-Sialon preparation are optimized by computer pattern recognition program based on principal component analysis, the target parameter optimum regions with higher relative content of O'-Sialon was indicated by this way.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Titanium diboride was heated to high temperatures using microwaves. The highest temperature obtained was 2245/degree/C. Unfortunately, oxidation was a problem, especially at the higher temperatures, although an argon flush and a carbon getter were used. To completely stop oxidation, the oxygen potential must be below 10/sup /minus/18/ atmospheres. Using an argon flush and a carbon getter, titanium diboride was successfully densified to 82% of theoretical without measurable oxidation by heating with microwaves to 1860/degree/C. Density actually decreased upon reaching temperatures above 1860/degree/C due to void formation adjacent to the surface. Void formation is thought to be due to the formation of B/sub 2/O/sub 3/(g) which evolves rapidly above 1860/degree/C because of the loss of a TiO/sub 2/ protective film which melts at this temperature. 9 refs., 12 figs., 2 tabs.

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Hydrous pyrolysis of immature Monterey Phosphatic or Siliceous rock at progressively higher temperatures causes systematic changes in biomarker thermal maturity parameters of the generated hydrocarbons. Biomarker ratios based on proposed carbon-carbon cracking or aromatization reactions increase during hydrous pyrolysis along similar pathways for both Siliceous and Phosphatic members. An increase in these biomarker ratios is also observed for oils of increasing thermal maturity from the offshore Santa Maria Basin, although the rates of changes for each parameter differ between the hydrous pyrolysis and natural samples. Changes in some cracking parameters during maturation appear to result from differential thermal stability of the compounds rather than conversion of precursors to products. (author).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The CO2 adsorption capacity of the low-cost solid sorbents of waste tire char (TC) and chicken waste char (CW) was compared with commercial active carbon (AC) and 5?? zeolite (ZA) using thermogravimetric analysis (TG), pressurized TG, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The sorbents were degassed in a TG up to 150??C to release all gases on the surface of the sample, then cooled down to the designed temperature for adsorption. TG results indicated that the CO2 adsorption capacity of TC was higher than that of CW, but lower than those of AC and ZA. The maximum adsorption rate of TC at 50??C was 0.61% min?1, lower than that of AC, but higher than that of CW, 0.44% min?1. The maximum adsorption rate of ZA at 50??C was 3.1% min?1. When the pressure was over 4?bar, the adsorption rate ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper deals with two common problems and then considers major aspects of chemistry in the atmospheres of Mars and Venus. (1) The atmospheres of the terrestrial planets have similar origins but different evolutionary pathways because of the different masses and distances to the Sun. Venus lost its water by hydrodynamic escape, Earth lost CO"2 that formed carbonates and is strongly affected by life, Mars lost water in the reaction with iron and then most of the atmosphere by the intense meteorite impacts. (2) In spite of the higher solar radiation on Venus, its thermospheric temperatures are similar to those on Mars because of the greater gravity acceleration and the higher production of O by photolysis of CO"2. O stimulates cooling by the emission at 15@mm in the collisions with CO"2. ...

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The impacts of the expected climate change on Finnish lake ecosystems were studied with the biota of the mesohumic Lake Paeaejaervi, southern Finland. Experimental conditions, from small-scale experiments on single species level to a large-scale ecosystem manipulation, were established to simulate directly the future climate and/or loading of nutrients and dissolved organic matter (DOM) from the drainage area. The experimental studies were accomplished by modelling the carbon flow in the pelagic food web as well as the growth of littoral macrophytes. The main hypothese tested were as follows: As a consequence of the climate change (rising temperature and increasing precipitation) the loading of nutrients and dissolved organic matter (DOM) from the drainage area to the lake will increase. In the pelagic zone this will be first reflected i higher productivity of primary producers and bacteria, but will later affect the entire food chain. Increase ...

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Chemical-looping combustion is a promising technology for the combustion of gas or solid fuel with efficient use of energy and inherent separation of CO{sub 2}. Chemical-looping combustion of methane with calcium sulfate as a novel oxygen carrier was conducted in a laboratory scale fixed bed reactor. The effects of reaction temperature, gas flow rate, sample mass, and particle size on reduction reactions were investigated and an optimum operating condition was determined. The results show that this novel oxygen carrier has a high reduction reactivity and stability in a long-time reduction/oxidation test. The conversions of CH{sub 4} increased with a higher temperature, smaller gas flow rate, larger sample mass and smaller particle size. The suitable reaction temperature seems to be around 950 C. Low temperatures lead to a low CH{sub 4} conversion, but a significant SO{sub 2} formation was observed at a higher temperature. The release of SO{sub ...

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The heavy crude fraction processing is performed under very high vacuum to minimize thermal cracking which cause coke deposition and damage the equipment. The current tendency is to process heavier oil leading to higher process temperatures and consequently to greater fouling. This situation demands better knowledge fouling process by carbonization. This problem is pronounced in the residual gasoil region of a vacuum distillation unit because it obstructs the recirculation circuits and the spray system with serious environmental and economics implications. This paper review the main correlated published work related to coke generation and fouling and presents a discussion about the works. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this work, the effects of substrate temperature that was changed from 100 to 500 "oC on the structural, chemical and electrical properties of carbon films, prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering technique, on 316L stainless steel as bipolar plate had been investigated. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to study the structure and the morphology of the deposited films, respectively. The corrosion resistance and the electrical resistivity were carried out by using corrosion tests and four point-probe technique. The results show that the carbon films change the structure from amorphous to graphite-like by increasing temperatures. At the temperatures higher than 300 "oC, the holes and porosities are formed on the film indicating a decrease of film quality. According to our results, corrosion resistance and electrical properties are depended strongly on the substrate temperature.

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Radiotherapy with high-energy carbon ion beams can be more advantageous compared to photons because of better physical dose distribution and higher biological efficiency in tumour cell sterilization. Despite enhanced normal tissue sparing, damage incurred by normal cells at the beam entrance is unavoidable and may affect the progeny of surviving cells in the form of inheritable cytogenetic alterations. Furthermore, the quality of the beam along the Bragg curve is modified by nuclear fragmentation of projectile and target nuclei in the body. We present an experimental approach based on the use of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) phantom that allows the simultaneous exposure to a particle beam of several biological samples positioned at various depths along the beam path. The device was used to measure the biological effectiveness of a 60 MeV/amu carbon-ion beam at inducing chromosomal aberrations in G{sub 0}-human peripheral ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A novel composite film, comprising of hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and gold nanoparticles (GNP), was fabricated and characterized. The GNP was introduced through electrochemical deposition on IL-MWNT gel film coated glassy carbon electrodes (GCE). Experiments showed that both IL and MWNTs could facilitate the GNP deposition. With GNP the composite film exhibited smaller electron transfer resistance and higher sensitivity in sensing guanine (G) and adenine (A). Under the optimized experimental conditions, the anodic peak currents were linear to the analyte concentration in the ranges of 0.008-2.0 ?M. The detection limits were down to nanomole level after an accumulation of 150 s on open-circuit. In addition, on the composite film coated GCE, the anodic peaks of G and A were well separated, and their response sensitivities kept almost unchanged no matter whether they coexisted or not. ...

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The present work mainly involves bench scale studies to investigate partitioning of mercury in pulverized fuel co-combustion at 1000 and 1300{sup o}C. High volatile bituminous coal is used as a reference case and chicken manure, olive residue, and B quality (demolition) wood are used as secondary fuels with 10 and 20% thermal shares. The combustion experiments are carried out in an entrained flow reactor with a fuel input of 7-8 kWth. Elemental and total gaseous mercury concentrations in the flue gas of the reactor are measured on-line, and ash is analyzed for particulate mercury along with other elemental and surface properties. Animal waste like chicken manure behaves very differently from plant waste. The higher chlorine contents of chicken manure cause higher ionic mercury concentrations whereas even with high unburnt carbon, particulate mercury reduces with increase in the chicken manure share. This might be a problem ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Analyzing various SBLOCA with high pressure safety injection (HPSI) at VVER-440/213, we met a surprising phenomenon - a 'natural' circulation post SG heat transfer reversal. This is not usual, because normal natural circulation (NC) in primary circuit is connected with positive heat transfer at SG. If there is reverse heat transfer at SG (as soon as the break enthalpy outflow is sufficient for removal of reactor decay heat), it should obstruct any natural circulation. The question was, what is the driving force of this 'non-standard natural circulation'. After all we revealed that force - it is the density difference between the colder water in reactor downcomer (cold water from HPSI) and warmer water in inner reactor (lower plenum, core, upper plenum). This phenomenon could be confusing for operating personal, because there would be an opposite temperature difference at the loop than by normal natural circulation (under non-standard NC conditions water is heated ...

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Most of the anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide result from the combustion of fossil fuels for energy production. Photosynthesis has long been recognized as a means, at least in theory, to sequester anthropogenic carbon dioxide. Aquatic microalgae have been identified as fast growing species whose carbon fixing rates are higher than those of land-based plants by one order of magnitude. Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), Aquasearch, and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawaii are jointly developing technologies for recovery and sequestration of CO{sub 2} from stationary combustion systems by photosynthesis of microalgae. The research is aimed primarily at demonstrating the ability of selected species of microalgae to effectively fix carbon from typical power plant exhaust gases. This report covers the reporting period 1 January to 31 March 2004 in which PSI, ...

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There is renewed interest in the development of natural gas vehicles in response to the challenge to reduce urban air pollution and consumption of petroleum. The natural gas/diesel dual fuel engine is one way to apply natural gas to the conventional diesel engine. Dual fuel engines operating on natural gas and diesel emit less nitrogen oxides, and less carbon soot to the air compared to conventional diesel engines. The problem is that at light loads, fuel efficiency is reduced and emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are increased. This thesis focused on control methods for emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the dual fuel engine at light loads. This was done by developing a reverse flow catalytic converter to complement dual fuel engine exhaust characteristics. Experimental measurements and numerical simulations of reverse flow catalytic converters were conducted. Reverse flow creates a high reactor ...

Science.gov (United States)

Stream temperature is an important physical characteristic of headwater streams that plays a critical role in the presence and health of juvenile salmonids. Headwater stream temperature was documented in two geomorphic settings on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, focusing on the variation in temperature induced by diffuse groundwater discharge and variable air temperature. Eighteen headwater stream reaches were studied in four watersheds, with 11 drainageway sites and seven discharge-slope sites. In drainageway sites, low-gradient streams flow through broad valleys with groundwater-fed fen wetlands; in discharge-slope sites, high-gradient streams flow through narrow valleys with groundwater-fed slope wetlands. At all 18 sites, hourly stream temperatures were measured for one year. At one drainageway and one discharge-slope site, groundwater temperatures, stream stages, and groundwater heads in the local groundwater flow systems were also measured hourly for a year. A process-based, ...

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Experiments were conducted in controlled growth chambers to evaluate how increase in CO{sub 2} concentration affected sucrose metabolizing enzymes, especially sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS; EC 2.4.1.14) and sucrose synthase (SS; EC 2.4.1.13), as well as carbon metabolism and partitioning in a tropical epiphytic orchid species (Oncidium goldiana). Response of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco; EC 4.1.1.39) to elevated CO{sub 2} was determined along with dry mass production, photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll content, total nitrogen and total soluble protein content. After 60 days of growth, there was a 80% and 150% increase in dry mass production in plants grown at 750 and 1100 {mu} l{sup -}1 CO{sub 2}, respectively, compared with those grown at ambient CO{sub 2} (about 370 {mu} l{sup -}1). A similar increase in photosynthesis rate was detected throughout the growth period when measured under growth CO{sub 2} conditions. Concomitantly, there ...

Science.gov (United States)

The performance of intermolecular potential models on the adsorption of benzene on graphitized thermal carbon black at various temperatures is investigated. Two models contain only dispersive sites, whereas the other two models account explicitly for the dispersive and electrostatic sites. Using numerous data in the literature on benzene adsorption on graphitized thermal carbon black at various temperatures, we have found that the effect of surface mediation on interaction between adsorbed benzene molecules must be accounted for to describe correctly the adsorption isotherm as well as the isosteric heat. Among the two models with partial charges tested, the WSKS model of Wick et al. that has only six dispersive sites and three discrete partial charges is better than the very expensive all-atom model of Jorgensen and Severance. Adsorbed benzene molecules on graphitized thermal carbon black have a complex orientation with ...

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During the next 100 years, the mean annual temperature is expected to be 1-6 deg C higher than at present. It is also expected to be accompanied by a lengthening of the thermal growing season and increased precipitation. Consequently, climatic change will increase the uncertainty of the management of forest ecosystems in the future. In this context, this research project aimed to outline the ecological and silvicultural implications of climatic change with regard to (1) how the expected climatic change might modify the functioning and structure of the boreal forest ecosystem, and (2) how the silvicultural management of the forest ecosystem should be modified in order to maintain sustainable forest yield under changing climatic conditions. The experimental component of the project concerned first the effect that elevating temperature and elevating concentration of atmospheric carbon have on the ontogenetic development of Scots pine (Pinus ...

Science.gov (United States)

Inductively coupled fluorocarbon (CF4/Ar and C4F8/Ar) plasmas were used to etch HfO2, which is a promising high-dielectric-constant material for the gate of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor devices. The etch rates of HfO2 in CF4/Ar plasmas exceeded those in C4F8/Ar plasmas. The tendency for etch rates to become higher in fluorine-rich (high F/C ratio) conditions indicates that HfO2 can be chemically etched by fluorine-containing species. In C4F8/Ar plasmas with a high Ar dilution ratio, the etch rate of HfO2 increased with increasing bias power. The etch rate of Si, however, decreasd with bias power, suggesting that the deposition of carbon-containing species increased with increasing the power and inhibited the etching of Si. The HfO2/Si selectivity monotonically increased with increasing power, then became more than 5 at the highest tested bias power. The carbon-containing species to inhibit etching of Si play an ...

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Candidate materials for components of a fluidized-bed waste heat recovery system (FBWHRS) include plain carbon steel, types 405 and 316 stainless steel, and alloy 800. These materials were exposed to synthetic flue gas at anticipated FBWHRS temperatures and higher for 3000 h to determine corrosion rates. The synthetic flue gas was a combustion atmosphere to which Cl/sub 2/ and HCl were added. The projected annual corrosion rate for plain carbon steel is about 0.08 mm/year (0.003 in./year) at 250 to 290/sup 0/C, but it would exceed 0.5 mm/year (0.02 in./year) at 560/sup 0/C. The projected annual corrosion rates of the other materials were less than 0.25 mm/year (0.01 in./year) at the maximum test temperatures of 560, 660, and 665/sup 0/C for type 405, type 316, and alloy 800, respectively. These results indicate that corrosion of candidate FBWHRS materials will not be significant at anticipated operating temperatures for ...

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Basic properties and battery performances of the novel high temperature stable lithium salt (Li{sub 2}B{sub 12}F{sub 12}, Dilithium Dodecafluorododecaborate; Li{sub 2}DFB) were studied using a Mn-based cathode and anode composed of a hard carbon and graphite mixture. The effect of co-solvents (mainly linear carbonate in electrolyte formulation of PC/EC/co-solvent (5/30/65 vol% mixture)) on conductivity, viscosity, charge-discharge capacities, rate performance, temperature performance, cycle life and storage life at 60 C was investigated. Conductivity of Li{sub 2}DFB electrolyte increased with reducing its viscosity by changing co-solvent and increasing the volume of the higher dielectric solvent. Li{sub 2}DFB electrolytes showed comparable discharge capacity and columbic efficiency against LiPF{sub 6} electrolyte. Li{sub 2}DFB electrolytes improved the storage life and cycle life of a Mn-based cell at 60 C. (author)

CERN Document Server

Compact Proton and Carbon Ion Synchrotrons for Radiation Therapy

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Physico-chemical characterizations performed on samples of 100Cr6 steel implanted both with boron and nitrogen revealed the formation of boron nitride along with the following new phases: Fe{sub 1-x}(B, N), Fe{sub 2-x}(B, N) and Fe{sub 3-x}(B, N). A thorough analysis of boron NITRIDE (5BN) indicates that a low ion current density (3 {mu}A.cm{sup -2}) in the case of the boron plus nitrogen sequence favours the formation of sp{sup 2} bonds (hexagonal-BN) while a higher ion current density (6{mu}A.cm{sup -2}) promotes sp{sup 3} bonds (cubic-BN) in the opposite sequence. Tribological tests carried out on these samples revealed that nitrogen and boron implantations do not lead to any significant improvement of friction and wear at variance with the results obtained by others authors. However, on a set samples accidentally contaminated with carbon during implantation, we noticed a considerable improvement of these tribological parameters. As this ...

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This experiment is carried out in the series of the investigation on the damage mechanism of carbon steel. In this paper, the damage situation is considered by structure observations. The test were carried out in 600degC-1200degC temperature range, in blowing an argon gas. The reagents are Na{sub 2}O, Na{sub 2}O{sub 2} and NaOH. From structure observations, the holes are observed on the surface of iron-base material in some test conditions. This result is indicated that the selective reaction occurs. The selective reaction is more obvious as the time exposed to the high temperature is longer. It is considered that the selective reaction occurs after the chemical reaction between iron-base material and sodium compound. The areas, in which Mn-concentration is higher, are observed in products on the surface of specimen. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The solubility of Sn(IV) oxide was determined in a dilute NaClO_4 solution with pH 2 through 12 at ambient temperature. Both oversaturation and undersaturation experiments were carried out in an inert gas glovebox where the concentration of the oxygen and carbon dioxide were less than 1 ppm. The solubility of Sn(IV) oxide was 3 x 10"-"8 mol/l at neutral pH, and increased at pH > 7.5. Equilibrium constants of soluble reactions were calculated from the experimental data, using curve fitting method. The study suggests that the solubility of Sn(IV) oxide would be higher than that provisionally used in current safety assessments of HLW disposal sites.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A sensitive hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor was fabricated based on graphene-Pt (GN-Pt) nanocomposite. The GN-Pt was synthesized by photochemical reduction of K2PtCl4 on GNs, and characterized by atomic force microscope (AFM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Electrochemical investigations indicated that the GN-Pt exhibited a high peak current and low overpotential towards the reduction of H2O2. The GN-Pt modified glass carbon electrode displayed a wide linear range (2-710mM), low limit of detection (0.5mM) and good selectivity for detection of H2O2 with a much higher sensitivity than that of Pt nanoparticles or graphene modified electrode.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper presents a study on Manasbal lake, which is one of the high altitude lakes in the Kashmir Valley, India. Eighteen water samples were analysed for major ions and trace elements to assess the variability of water quality of the lake for various purposes. Geostatistics, the theory of regionalized variables, was then used to enhance the dataset and estimate some missing spatial values. Results indicated that the concentration of major ions in the water samples in winter was higher than in summer. The scatter diagrams suggested the dominance of alkaline earths over the alkali elements. Three types of water were identified in the lake that are referred to as Ca?HCO3, Mg?HCO3 and hybrid types. The lake water was found to be controlled by rock?water interaction with carbonate lithology ...

Science.gov (United States)

In the Advance Coal Liquefaction Concept Proposal (ACLCP) carbon monoxide (CO) and water have been proposed as the primary reagents in the pretreatment process. The main objective of this project is to develop a methodology for pretreating coal under mild conditions based on a combination of existing processes which have shown great promise in liquefaction, extraction and pyrolysis studies. The aim of this pretreatment process is to partially depolymerise the coal, eliminate oxygen and diminish the propensity for retograde reactions during subsequent liquefaction. The desirable outcome of the CO pretreatment step should be: (1) enhanced liquefaction activity and/or selectivity toward products of higher quality due to chemical modification of the coal structure; (2) cleaner downstream products; (3) overall improvement in operability and process economics.

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Glass produced during the Purex 4 campaigns of the Integrated DWPF Melter System (IDMS) and the 774 Research Melter contained a lower fraction of sludge components than targeted by the Product Composition Control System (PCCS). Purex 4 glass was more durable than the benchmark (EA) glass, but was less durable than most other simulated SRS high-level waste glasses. Further, the measured durability of Purex 4 glass was not as well correlated with the durability predicted from the DWPF process control algorithm, probably because the algorithm was developed to predict the durability of SRS high-level waste glasses with higher sludge content than Purex 4. A melter run, designated Purex 4 Remediation, was performed using the 774 Research Melter to determine if the initial PCCS target composition determined for Purex 4 would produce acceptable glass whose durability could be accurately modeled by the DWPF glass durability algorithm. Reagent grade oxides and ...

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Biodiesel is an alternative fuel for internal combustion engines. It can reduce carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, compared with diesel fuel, but there is also an increase in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission. This study is aimed to compare the effect of applying a biodiesel with either 10% blended methanol or 10% fumigation methanol. The biodiesel used in this study was converted from waste cooking oil. Experiments were performed on a 4-cylinder naturally aspirated direct injection diesel engine operating at a constant speed of 1800 rev/min with five different engine loads. The results indicate a reduction of CO{sub 2}, NOx, and particulate mass emissions and a reduction in mean particle diameter, in both cases, compared with diesel fuel. It is of interest to compare the two modes of fueling with methanol in combination with biodiesel. For the blended mode, there is a slightly higher brake thermal ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The creep crack growth properties of two versions of Alloy 800 have been compared at 500 and 600"0C in the Grade II condition in tests up to 10"4 hours duration. The two alloys were a low carbon alloy containing (wt.%) 0.024 C, 0.5 Ti, 0.3 Al (Alloy B) and a higher carbon alloy containing (wt.%) 0.038 C, 0.2-0.3 Ti, 0.2-3.0 Al (Alloy J). At 600"0C, Alloy B attained maximum age hardening in 10"2 hours, whereas J did not harden significantly in time up to 10"4 hours. Both alloys age hardened at 550"0C with Alloy J hardening more rapidly than B. The creep displacements and displacement rates in small compact tension specimens at 600"0C were smaller than Alloy B than in Alloy J. However, failure times were shorter in Alloy B because of lower displacements for crack initiation and propagation and higher crack growth rates. At 550"0C the displacements for initiation and propagation in Alloy J were smaller ...

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Uniaxial low-cycle fatigue and creep-fatigue tests have been carried out on hollow alloy 800 specimens that were either filled with air or with a molten mixture of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and an oxidizer. Low-cycle fatigue tests were carried out at 1200/sup 0/F and 650/sup 0/F by cycling the strain continuously between equal mangitude of tensile and compressive values at a rate of 4 x 10/sup -3/sec/sup -1/ until failure. The creep-fatigue tests were carried out at 1200/sup 0/F. The loading cycle differed from that of low-cycle fatigue testing only in the imposition of a hold at the peak compressive strain in each cycle. Cracks always initiated on the inner surface of the hollow specimen, and therefore, corrosive effects on crack propagation and initiation were controlled by the environment within the specimen cavity. In common with tests carried out earlier on steam-filled alloy 800 specimens, at 1200/sup 0/F in the presence of molten salt the heat of alloy 800 with the lower ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The chemical composition and evolution of formation waters associated with gas production in the Palm Valley field, Northern Territory, has important implications for reservoir management, saline water disposal, and gas reserve calculations. Historically, the occurrence of saline formation water in gas fields has been the subject of considerable debate. A better understanding of the origin, chemical evolution and movement of the formation water at Palm Valley has important implications for future reservoir management, disposal of highly saline water and accurate gas reserves estimation. Major and trace element abundance data suggest that a significant component of the highly saline water from Palm Valley has characteristics that may have been derived from a modified evaporated seawater source such as an evaporite horizon. The most dilute waters probably represent condensate and the variation in the chemistry of the intermediate waters suggests they were derived from a mixture of the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) has imposed a price on the allowances for CO2 emissions of electricity companies. Integrating this allowance price into the price of electricity earns a rent for companies who have received these allowances for free. During Phase I, 2005-2007, rents corresponding to the aggregate value of allocated allowances amounted to roughly Euro 13 billion per year. However, due to the specific price-setting mechanism in electricity markets true rents were considerably higher. This is due to the fact that companies also that have not received any allowances gain additional infra-marginal rents to the extent that their variable costs are below the new market price after inclusion of the allowance price. Producers with low carbon emissions and low marginal costs thus also benefit substantially from carbon pricing. This paper develops a methodology to determine the specific interaction ...

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Activated carbons (ACs) were prepared from chicken waste (CW) and coal (E-coal) blended at the ratios of 100:0, 80:20, 50:50, 20:80, and 0:100. The process included carbonization in flowing gaseous nitrogen (300 mL min{sup -1}) at ca. 430{sup o}C for 60 min and successive steam activation (0.1 mL min{sup -1} water injection with a flow of N{sub 2} at 100 mL min{sup -1}) at 650{sup o}C for 30 min. Chicken waste is low in sulfur content but is high in volatile matter (about 55 wt %), and ACs with higher specific surface area were more successfully obtained by mixing with coal. The specific surface area of the CW/Coal blend AC can be estimated by SSA{sub BET} = -65.8x{sup 2} + 158x + 168, where SSA{sub BET} is the specific surface area in m{sup 2} g{sup -1} as determined by the BET method using CO{sub 2} as the adsorbent, where x is the coal fraction by weight in the CW/coal blend ranging from 0.0 to 1.0 (e.g., x = 0.0 ...

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This work proposes an innovative blend of potassium carbonate (K{sub 2}CO{sub 3}) and piperazine (PZ) as a solvent for CO{sub 2} removal from combustion flue gas in an absorber/stripper. The equilibrium partial pressure and the rate of absorption of CO{sub 2} were measured in a wetted-wall column in 0.0 to 6.2 m K{sup +} and 0.6 to 3.6 m PZ at 25 to 110 C. The equilibrium speciation of the solution was determined by {sup 1}H NMR under similar conditions. A rigorous thermodynamic model, based on electrolyte non-random two-liquid (ENRTL) theory, was developed to represent equilibrium behavior. A rate model was developed to describe the absorption rate by integration of eddy diffusivity theory with complex kinetics. Both models were used to explain behavior in terms of equilibrium constants, activity coefficients, and rate constants. The addition of potassium to the amine increases the concentration of CO{sub 3}{sup 2-}/HCO{sub 3}{sup -} in solution. The buffer ...

Science.gov (United States)

In this paper we review and classify the various patterns of isosteric heat versus loading for adsorption of gases on graphitised thermal carbon black at temperatures ranging from below the 3D triple point to temperatures above it, but less than the 3D critical point. We have identified the features of heat curve and highlighted the microscopic origin of these features. The patterns vary with temperature and with the relative strength of the fluid-fluid interaction and solid-fluid interaction. For simple adsorptives (by simple we meant there is no strong association between fluid particles), the heat curve is typified by fluid-fluid attraction and layering phenomena. For adsorptives showing strong association such as water, ammonia and methanol, the heat curve essentially begins below the condensation heat and then approaches it as loading is increased. This is mainly due to the strong hydrogen bonding in these fluids. A third group includes adsorptives such as ...

Science.gov (United States)

No abstract available.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Short communication.

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abstract only.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this DOE-funded effort is to develop continuous processes for solvent extraction of coal for the production of carbon products. These carbon products include materials used in metals smelting, especially in the aluminum and steel industries, as well as porous carbon structural material referred to as ''carbon foam'' and carbon fibers. During this reporting period, efforts have focused on the facility modifications for continuous hydrotreating, as well as developing improved protocols for producing synthetic pitches.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In recent decades, it has become increasingly clear that the global climate is becoming warmer and that regional climates are changing. This report summarizes the results of an integrated assessment of vulnerability to climate change and adaptation options in the Netherlands carried out between July 2000 and July 2001 within the framework of the Dutch National Research Program on Global Air Pollution and Climate Change (NRP-2). The project's main aims were: - to provide an overview of scientific insights, expert judgements and stakeholders' perceptions of current and future impacts (positive and negative) of climate change for several economic sectors, human health, and natural systems in the Netherlands, considering various cross-sectoral interactions, - to develop a set of adaptation options for these sectors through a participatory process with the main stakeholders, - to perform an integrated assessment of cross-sectoral interactions of climate change impacts ...

CERN Document Server

The properties of the highest velocity ejecta of normal Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are studied via models of very early optical spectra of 6 SNe. At epochs earlier than 1 week before maximum, SNe with a rapidly evolving Si II 6355 line velocity (HVG) have a larger photospheric velocity than SNe with a slowly evolving Si II 6355 line velocity (LVG). Since the two groups have comparable luminosities, the temperature at the photosphere is higher in LVG SNe. This explains the different overall spectral appearance of HVG and LVG SNe. However, the variation of the Ca II and Si II absorptions at the highest velocities (v >~ 20,000 km/s) suggests that additional factors, such as asphericity or different abundances in the progenitor white dwarf, affect the outermost layers. The C II 6578 line is marginally detected in 3 LVG SNe, suggesting that LVG undergo less intense burning. The carbon mass fraction is small, only less than 0.01 near the ...

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Highly resistant, high-transmittance woodceramic thin films were prepared using rf magnetron sputtering of a woodceramic disk in argon plasma. A film series was deposited based on substrate temperature, which was varied from 50 to 500 degree C. The film's electrical and optical properties depended on substrate temperature. Films deposited below 300 degree C were insulative, {rho}>10{sup 10} {omega} {center_dot} cm. Films deposited at 50 degree C had a density of 1.9-2.2 g/cm{sup 3} comparable to that of single crystal graphite. Below 200 degree C, films had higher transmittance than typical DLC films in the visible and infrared region. Infrared C-H absorption spectrum was observed by Ft-IR and there exist two types of bonding corresponding to sp{sup 2} or SP{sup 3}. (author)

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Chloromethane, dichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane were completely decomposed in air on perovskite-type catalysts (LaMnO{sub 3}, LaCoO{sub 3}, (La{sub 0.84},Sr{sub 0.16})(Mn{sub 0.67},Co{sub 0.33})O{sub 3}) at reaction temperatures above 550C. Besides the main reaction products (carbon dioxide, water and hydrochloric acid), by-products (higher chlorinated-, C-C coupling- and cracking products) were formed in the low temperature range. Depending on the reaction temperature, residence time and kind of chlorinated hydrocarbon a reversible catalyst deactivation takes place. In the case of LaCoO{sub 3} catalysts an irreversible deactivation was observed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) measurements with the perovskite-type catalysts after interaction of chlorinated hydrocarbons indicate the formation of chlorinated species on the catalyst surface and in the bulk

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Carbonaceous solid material such as coal is gasified in a fast fluidized bed gasification system utilizing dual fluidized beds of hot char. The coal in particulate form is introduced along with oxygen-containing gas and steam into the fast fluidized bed gasification zone of a gasifier assembly wherein the upward superficial gas velocity exceeds about 5.0 ft/sec and temperature is 1500.degree.-1850.degree. F. The resulting effluent gas and substantial char are passed through a primary cyclone separator, from which char solids are returned to the fluidized bed. Gas from the primary cyclone separator is passed to a secondary cyclone separator, from which remaining fine char solids are returned through an injection nozzle together with additional steam and oxygen-containing gas to an oxidation zone located at the bottom of the gasifier, wherein the upward gas velocity ranges from about 3-15 ft/sec and is maintained at 1600.degree.-200.degree. F. temperature. This gasification arrangement ...

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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 estimated from the isotopic composition because of the wide secondary change in the composition. The origin and migration of gas from the gas field of northern Niigata are not similar to those in the southern ...

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In this work we present an ultra-low temperature method for the oxidation of an amorphous silicon-carbide-nitride (SiCN) material. The SiCN is deposited on silicon substrates by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition using CH{sub 4}, SiH{sub 4}, and N{sub 2} chemistry. The physical and chemical properties are characterized for the as-deposited SiCN and post-oxidized films are discussed. The SiCN film is exposed to oxygen plasma, where it undergoes a chemical transformation into a binary SiO{sub 2} material system. A 1.7 nm/min oxidation rate is typical for this process and compares favorably to oxidation methods utilizing much higher temperatures. The substrate temperature remains extremely low throughout the oxidation process, T{sub s} < 200 deg. C. Changes in film stress, optical constants, film thickness, surface roughness, and film density are measured. Chemical analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is reported for both the as-deposited and ...

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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 gas, the augmentation observed are negligible. For the range of values studied for a real gas, if ...

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In this article, we review and clarify some of the points made by previous authors regarding chemical looping combustion (CLC). While much of the recent interest in chemical looping combustion has been associated with carbon sequestration, our primary interest here is its potential to increase the thermodynamic efficiency of converting fuel chemical energy into useful work. We expand on several points about the details of CLC that we feel have not previously been sufficiently explored, and suggest alternative (and possibly more practical) approaches that exploit some of the same thermodynamic concepts. We illustrate our key points with {First} and {Second} Law analyses of ideal conceptual processes, which in addition to {CLC} also include isothermal, non-equilibrium, preheated combustion and combustion with thermochemical recuperation. Our results suggest that a significant portion of the potential efficiency benefit of CLC might be achieved without the need to ...

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The electrolyte was brought into contact with air and potassium carbonate was measured with various contact time in order to check the defect of carbon dioxide in the air on zinc-air cell. The relationship between potassium carbonate concentration in electrolyte and battery capacity was also studied. The potassium carbonate concentration in the electrolyte. The rate of carbon dioxide absorption was mainly affected by the pore size of hydrophobic membrane. Our study showed that adapting the pore of hydrophobic membrane decreased the loss of cell discharge performance due to the presence of carbon dioxide or water vapor in the atmosphere. 7 refs., 12 figs., 1 tab.

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The full text follows. A thermal neutron imaging facility (TNIF) capable of real time neutron radiography and computed tomography was developed for the University of Texas TRIGA Mark II (UT-TRIGA) reactor from 1994-1998. The facility was developed with a through reactor beam port capable of producing a 5.2 x 10{sup 6} n/cm{sup 2}/s thermal neutron flux with a gamma dose rate of less than 1 mR/s after collimation. The original TNIF included the UT-TRIGA reactor, neutron collimation array, sample positioning system, neutron image intensifier tube, video camera, computerized image acquisition system, and a radiation shield. A 0.7 mm slit in cadmium was easily detectable using neutron radiography, and 1.4 mm diameter holes bored in an aluminum block were easily resolved using computed neutron tomography. Precise lower limits of the system resolution have hot been determined. The TNIF is currently being revamped to begin work with the non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of ...

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The Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) requested that Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) evaluate the treatment process currently employed at the Department's Stringfellow Superfund Site Pretreatment Plant (PTP) site to determine if wastes originating from the site were properly managed with regards to their radioactivity. In order to evaluate the current management strategy, LLNL suggested that DTSC characterize the effluents from the waste treatment system for radionuclide content. A sampling plan was developed; samples were collected and analyzed for radioactive constituents. Following is brief summary of those results and what implications for waste characterization may be made. (1) The sampling and analysis provides strong evidence that the radionuclides present are Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM). (2) The greatest source of radioactivity in the samples was naturally occurring uranium. The sample results indicate that the uranium ...

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There is a need to reduce air pollutant emissions in some U.S. urban regions to meet federal and state air quality guidelines. Opportunities exist for reducing pollutant emissions from natural gas appliances in the residential sector. A cost-benefit analysis on various pollutant-reducing strategies is needed to evaluate these opportunities. The effectiveness of these pollutant-reducing strategies (e.g., low-emission burners, energy conservation) can then be ranked among themselves and compared with other pollutant-reducing strategies available for the region. A key step towards conducting a cost-benefit analysis is to collect information on pollutant emissions from existing residential natural gas appliances. An extensive literature search was conducted to collect data on residential natural-gas-appliance pollutant emission factors. The literature primarily describes laboratory tests and may not reflect actual emission factor distributions in the field. Pollutant emission factors for ...

Science.gov (United States)

In this paper, the effects of surface mediation on the adsorption isotherm and isosteric heat of adsorption on a graphite surface were investigated, as the surface mediation is known to affect the intermolecular interaction of adsorbed molecules close to the surface. Kim and Steele (Phys. Rev. B 45 (11) (1992) 6226-6233) and others have assumed that the surface mediation is confined only to the first layer. This will be tested in this paper with a combined experimental and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation of adsorption of argon on graphitized thermal carbon black (GTCB) over a range of temperatures (77-95.25K). By matching the simulation results against the experimental data, we have found that the surface mediation is extended up to the fourth layer, rather than only the first as suggested by Kim and Steele, and the extent of this mediation is reduced with distance from the surface. This reinforces the important role of surface on the intermolecular ...

Science.gov (United States)

The commercial solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibers are not stable enough in organic solvent and tend to swell and strip off from the silica fiber in the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) mobile phase, and therefore the application of SPME coupled online with HPLC is limited. In this study, an SPME fiber coated with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), prepared by means of electrophoretic deposition, was coupled on line to HPLC for the determination of four endocrine-disrupting compounds, i.e. bisphenol A (BPA), estrone (E(1)), 17?-ethynylestradiol (EE(2)) and octylphenol (OP), in aqueous samples. The results showed that the SWCNTs coating on the prepared fiber did not swell and strip off from the platinum fiber throughout the experiment, thus indicating a high resistance to the HPLC mobile phase, the mixture of water and acetonitrile. The SWCNTs fiber had similar (for OP) or higher (for BPA, EE(2) and E(1)) extraction ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Microdamage naturally occurs in bone tissue as a result of cyclic loading placed on the body from normal daily activities. While it is usually repaired through the bone turnover process, accumulation of microdamage may result in reduced bone quality and increased fracture risk. It is unclear whether certain areas of bone are more susceptible to microdamage than others due to compositional differences. This study examines whether areas of microdamaged bone are chemically different than undamaged areas of bone. Bone samples (L3 vertebrae) were harvested from 15 dogs. Samples were stained with basic fuchsin, embedded in poly-methylmethacrylate, and cut into 5-(micro)m-thick sections. Fuchsin staining was used to identify regions of microdamage, and synchrotron infrared microspectroscopic imaging was used to determine the local bone composition. Results showed that microdamaged areas of bone were chemically different than the surrounding undamaged areas. Specifically, the mineral ...

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CT is the most accurate method to detect pulmonary emphysema in vivo. They compared prospectively two different methods for emphysema quantitation in 5 normal volunteers and 20 consecutive patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). All subjects were submitted to function tests and HRCT; three scans were acquired at preselected levels during inspiration. The type and extent of pulmonary emphysema were defined by two independent observers under blind conditions. Disagreements were subsequently settled by consent. All subjects were also examined with expiratory spiral CT using a density mask program, at two different cut-off levels (-850,-900 HU). Visual score and expiratory spiral density mask values (-850 HU) were significantly correlated (r = 0.86), but the visual extent of emphysema was always higher than shown by expiratory spiral CT. The emphysema extent assessed with both CT methods correlated with the function result of expiratory airflow ...

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Carbon supported catalysts can lose their activity over a period of time due to the sintering of the nanometer-sized catalyst particles. The sintering of metal clusters on carbon supports can occur due to the weak interaction between the metal and the support and also due to the corrosion of carbon, especially in fuel cell electrocatalysts. The sintering may be reduced by increasing the interaction between the metal and the support and also by increasing the corrosion resistance of carbon supports. In an effort to mitigate the growth of the nanoparticles, carbon-substituted boron defects were introduced in the carbon lattice. The interaction between the Pt nanoparticles on the pure and boron-doped carbon supports was examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicate that the interaction between the Pt nanoparticles ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carbon-14 was analysed by direct absorption of carbon dioxide on the mixture of organic amine compound and scintillation cocktail then counted by low level liquid scintillation counter. This method can be applied for radiocarbon dating. In this study, the effects of carbon dioxide absorption, and counting efficiency were investigated using various commercial available cocktail. It was found that permafluor V and Ready Gel showed the highest carbon dioxide absorption whereas the Permafluor V showed the highest counting efficiency

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This critical review with 28 references examines absorption and emission in the v2 band of the carbon dioxide molecule at around the 15micron wavelength. The argument for additional infrared absorption, the enhanced greenhouse effect due to increased carbon dioxide concentrations, and radiation transport and increased emissions are discussed. Experiments studying the transmission spectra of pure carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide in nitrogen, and comparing them with the results of climate modelling using the HITRAN and GEISA databases, are described.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Most prior climate change assessments for U.S. agriculture have focused on major world food crops such as wheat and maize. While useful from a national and global perspective, these results are not particularly relevant to the Northeastern U.S. agriculture economy, which is dominated by dairy milk production, and high-value horticultural crops such as apples (Malus domestica), grapes (vitis vinifera), sweet corn (Zea mays var. rugosa), cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), and maple syrup (sugar maple, Acer saccharum). We used statistically downscaled climate projections generated by the HadCM3 atmosphere-ocean general circulation model, run with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change future emissions scenarios Alfi (higher) and B1 (lower), to evaluate several climate thresholds of direct relevance to agriculture in the region. A longer (frostfree) growing season could create new opportunities for farmers with enough capital to take risks on new crops ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pitting crevice and intergranular corrosion resistances of titanium-modified low-carbon austenitic stainless steel with a nominal composition of 15% Cr, 15% Ni, 0.24% Ti and 2.5% Mo were found superior to conventional type 316 SS. Potentiodynamic anodic polarization studies in a neutral chloride medium (0.5M NaCl solution) and the immersion studies in boiling solution containing (by wt%) 11% H_2SO_4 + 3% HCl + 1% CuCl_2 + 1% FeCl_3 for 24 h showed higher critical pitting and crevice potentials and lower corrosion rate values respectively. The elemental composition across the pit sites was also determined by EPMA analysis. Sensitization studies carried out by following ASTM A262 practices A and E and electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (EPR) tests on this alloy heat treated at 923 K for 1 and 50 h showed a better resistance to intergranular corrosion than that for conventional type 316 SS. From the results available, the most likely ...

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Progress reports are presented for the following two areas: catalytic cracking studies with water-wet silica-alumina catalysts; and Fischer-Tropsch reactor studies where similarities and differences between fixed bed and slurry type reactors are investigated and further experiments conducted to measure mass transfer coefficients and reaction kinetics which are to be used in a model slurry reactor. The following are some of the conclusions. (1) The premise that the presence of liquid water might increase catalytic cracking activity was found to be invalid. It was demonstrated that cracking can occur at previously unobserved low temperatures (though at low conversions) and that an anomaly exists in that one of the catalysts tested shows an entirely different cracking behavior and probably follows a different cracking mechanism. (2) the diameter of a fixed-bed Fischer-Tropsch reactor critically affected the resistance of the reactor to plugging caused by the build up of carbonaceous or ...

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Many investigations of anode materials for lithium-ion secondary batteries have been carried out in order to obtain batteries of higher capacity and energy density. Recently, SnO-based glasses, which were prepared by the usual melt quenching technique, have been proposed as a new anode for lithium-ion secondary batteries by Idota et al. It has been reported that the capacity per unit weight was higher than 600 mAh g{sup {minus}1} and the capacity per unit volume was higher than 2,200 mAh cm{sup {minus}3}, values which are almost double those for carbon materials used as anodes of commercial lithium-ion batteries at present. Thus SnO-based glasses have attracted much interest as high-capacity anode materials for lithium-ion secondary batteries. Amorphous materials in the system SnO-B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-P{sub 2}O{sub 5}, with or without the addition of Li{sub 2}O, were synthesized by mechanical milling ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This patent describes a process for removing carbon dioxide from a feed stream of natural gas having at least methane, ethane and heavier. It comprises: first, separating the feed stream in a first separator to form a first stream having substantially all of the propane and heavier hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide and ethane and a second stream, having methane, carbon dioxide and ethane; separating the second stream in a second separator into a stream of carbon dioxide product and a third stream having ethane, methane and carbon dioxide: mixing at least a portion of the third stream with a polar compound; stream after the mixing in an absorber; separating the vapor and liquid of the third stream after the mixing in an absorber; absorbing the remaining unabsorbed carbon dioxide in a lean portion of the polar compound in the absorber, the absorber ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carbon capture and storage have been receiving increasing interest lately, mainly as an option to reduce CO{sub 2} emissions from the power sector. The concept could be adapted for production of H{sub 2} as well, which would provide a carbon free energy carrier that could be used for example as transportation fuel. In this doctoral thesis, the option to use chemical-looping technologies to produce H{sub 2} from fossil fuels with CO{sub 2} capture is explored. In chemical-looping combustion, direct contact between fuel and combustion air is avoided. Instead, a solid oxygen carrier performs the task of bringing oxygen from the air to the fuel. Thus, the resulting CO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O are not diluted with N{sub 2}, and pure CO{sub 2} can easily be recovered by cooling and condensation. The heat of reaction is the same as for ordinary combustion. Chemical-looping reforming uses the same basic principles as chemical-looping combustion, but ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report presents a brief description of the fabrication and advantages of a composite, carbon-metal fiber material which does not require lubrication.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... obtain the film thickness for a given x-ray intensity ratio. 2.3 ANALYSING FOR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... School of Plant Biology. v. 23(2) p. 316-322. carbon dioxide absorption carbon

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Background:To determine nutrient requirements by the carbon oxidation techniques, it is necessary to know the fraction of carbon dioxide produced during the oxidative...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Greenland is the world's largest island, with an area of 2.2 million square kilometres, 80 % of which is covered by the ice sheet. The climate is Arctic, but as Greenland stretches 2600 km from north to south, there is a huge variability in climate, with temperature decreasing from south to north. Due to the influence of oceanic currents, the west coast is slightly warmer than the east coast. Precipitation also decreases strongly from the south to the north, and also with distance from the coast. Kangerlussuaq is located in the dry, continental area of central west Greenland. The bedrock of Greenland is dominated by Precambrian gneisses, with sedimentary rocks occurring in some areas of East and North Greenland, and smaller areas of basalts. All of Greenland has been glaciated several times and has thus been eroded and shaped by the ice, as it still is at the ice margin. Soils are generally thin, and especially in the gneiss regions rather poor in plant nutrients. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A process is described for removing carbon dioxide from a feed stream of natural gas, having at least methane, ethane and heavier hydrocarbon, comprising: separating the feed stream in a first separator to form a first stream, having substantially all of the propane and heavier hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide and ethane, and a second stream, having methane, carbon dioxide and ethane; mixing the second stream with a polar compound to form a third stream; separating the vapor and liquid of the third stream in the bottom portion of an absorber; absorbing carbon dioxide and ethane from the separated vapor of Step C in a lean portion of the polar compound in the absorber, the absorber carbon dioxide and ethane forming a fourth stream; separating the ethane from the polar compound and carbon dioxide in a separator; separating the first stream in a third separator to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carbon Black and activated carbon materials providing high surface areas and a distinct pore distribution are prime materials for supercapacitor applications at frequencies < 0.5 Hz. A number of these materials were tested for their specific capacitance, surface and pore size distribution. High capacitance electrodes were manufactured on the laboratory scale with attention to ease of processability. (author) 1 fig., 1 ref.

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Science.gov (United States)

Near-infrared spectroscopy is a convenient tool for measuring nanotube / carbonaceous impurities

KoreaScience (Korea)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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Science.gov (United States)

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are an important and ubiquitous component of carbon-bearing

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Science.gov (United States)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Short communication.

KoreaScience (Korea)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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Science.gov (United States)

Three aspects of the physical geographic environment of the Amazon Basin are considered: (1)

Science.gov (United States)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The use of natural energy sources and their conversion to secondary forms of energy are a crucial base for the development of our society with its continuous change of requirements due to an increase in population and the broadening of the needs in our modern life. As a consequence the consumption of primary energy resources rose drastically worldwide during the last 5 decades in particular in the industrialized regions such as Europe. Parallel in time the increasing awareness of negative effects of fuel dependent pollution on the environment and the introduction of stringent emission control regulations about 3 decades ago initiated extensive development and retrofit activities resulting in the today applied high level state of the art. As an additional challenge the worldwide debate about the potential effects of the emission of the s.c green house gases on the global climate in particular carbon dioxide from the use of predominantly fossil fuels have initiated ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The effect of sodium on the partial oxidation of methane over MoO{sub 3}-SiO{sub 2} in the presence of molecular oxygen has been investigated. As in the sodium-free case, the major products are formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water. Kinetic analysis indicates that methane is directly oxidized to formaldehyde and carbon dioxide. Formaldehyde is oxidized to carbon monoxide, which is itself further oxidized, providing an alternative route to carbon dioxide. The kinetic model shows that sodium poisons the direct oxidation of methane to formaldehyde and carbon dioxide, but promotes the oxidation of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Model predictions of rates and selectivities are in good agreement with the experimental data. A mechanism that explains both the poisoning and promotion effects of sodium on MoO{sub 3}-SiO{sub 2} is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this work, a comprehensive model has been developed for the absorption of carbon dioxide into promoted hot potassium carbonate solution. The model, which is based on penetration theory, incorporates an extensive set of important reactions and takes into account the coupling between mass transfer and chemical kinetics. The penetration theory provides an appropriate absorption rate and enhancement factor for the chemical absorption. Operating data for carbon dioxide absorption into DEA-hot potassium carbonate solution has been compared with model predictions. The impact of parameters such inlet temperature of lean solution, promoter concentration, liquid split fraction, hot feed location and type of promoter on the performance of a split-flow absorber have been examined. The use of other promoters is an efficient way to enhance the carbon dioxide absorption, which has been ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes the estimated the rate of carbon accumulation in the woody biomass and total carbon storage in the forests including trees, soil and litter in Korea. The relevant data come from the Statistical Yearbook of Forestry and major results of the studies on forest biomass in Korea. Most of the forests, which has been denuded or degraded during the 2nd World War and the Korean War, were recovered through ``Reforestation Project(1973-1987)`` and natural regeneration. So, now they are mostly young secondary forests and grow rapidly. Total carbon removal by forests is estimated at 8.1 million tonnes of carbon(MtC) and the carbon emission by commercial harvesting at 0.9 MtC. therefore, the forests in Korea play an essential role as a net carbon sink. The annul net carbon removal is 7.2 MtC and accounts for about 11.0% of total ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An analytical electron microscope study is presented on carbonaceous material in two chondritic porous aggregates, W7029* A and W7010* A2, from the Johnson Space Center Cosmic Dust Collection. The finding of well-ordered carbon-2H (lonsdaleite) in the two aggregates suggests that a record of hydrocarbon carbonization may be preserved in these materials. This carbon is a metastable phase resulting from hydrous pyrolysis below 300-350"0C and may be a precursor to poorly graphitized carbons in primitive extra terrestrial materials. (UK).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) program intends to develop new designs for automobiles that will reduce fuel consumption by two thirds but otherwise have price, comfort, safety, and other measures of performance similar to the typical automobile now on the market. PNGV vehicle designs are expected to substitute lightweight materials, such as aluminum, magnesium, carbon-reinforced polymer composites, glass-reinforced polymer composites, and ultra- light steel, for heavier materials such as steel and iron in automobile components. The target mass of a PNGV vehicle is 1,960 pounds, as compared to the average current vehicle that weights 3,240 pounds. Other changes could include the use of different ferrous alloys, engineering changes, or incorporation of advanced ceramic components. Widespread adoption of these vehicle designs would affect materials markets and require concurrent development and adoption of supporting technologies to supply the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The RCP method was designed as a residue-optimised alternative to the thermally optimised grate firing of residual wastes. Its technical realisation and development to market maturity took no more than 5 years. In the first process stage the waste is converted to high-carbon pyrolysis charcoal and high-rank gas in the absence of oxygen. In the second stage these substances are oxidised by addition of oxygen. The resulting temperature causes the non-combustible constituents of the slag to melt. In a third, optional, stage this molten slag can be liberated of (heavy) metals to such an extent that it can subsequently be used directly as additive for grinding. Further exhaust gas treatment is facilitated by the use of a circulatory fluidised-bed secondary combustion chamber. Despite the reduced flue gas volume and resultant higher pollutant concentrations in the crude gas, overall emissions are lower than in conventional plants. [Deutsch] Das ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A single round of Edman degradation was employed to remove the NH_2-terminal valine from isolated #alpha# chains of human hemoglobin. Reconstitution of normal #beta# chains with truncated or substituted #alpha# chains was used to form truncated (des-Val"1-#alpha#1) and substituted ([[1-"1"3C]Gly"1]#alpha#1) tetrameric hemoglobin analogs. Structural homology of the analogs with untreated native hemoglobin was established by using several spectroscopic and physical methods. Functional studies indicate that the reconstituted tetrameric protein containing des-Val"1-#alpha# chains has a higher affinity for oxygen, is less influenced by chloride ions or 2,3-biphosphoglycerate, and shows lower cooperativity than native hemoglobin. These results confirm the key functional role of the #alpha#-chain NH_2 terminus in mediating cooperative oxygen binding across the dimer interface. The NH_2-terminal pK/sub 1/2/ value was determined for the ["1"3C]glycine-substituted analog to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The surface of low alloy steel (En40B) has been engineered in the plasma of a glow discharge via plasma nitriding and ion plating of titanium nitride (TiN) coatings on the nitrided substrates with the purpose of enhancing the surface properties and fatigue strength. The nitriding response of the steel has been accessed by the evaluation of phase composition, layer thickness, hardness profile, residual stresses and nitrogen and carbon distributions. The wear and fatigue characteristics of the plasma-nitrided steel have been investigated and simple models have been developed to describe the influence of such properties as depth and strength of the nitrided case on the fatigue limit and load-bearing capacity of the nitrided steel. In order to further improve the tribological properties and load-bearing capacity of the low alloy steel, a duplex plasma surface-engineering technique has been developed. This is achieved by plasma nitriding the steel first so as to produce ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Urinary acidification, bone metabolism and urinary excretion of calcium and citrate were evaluated in 10 recurrent stone formers with incomplete renal tubular acidosis (iRTA), 10 recurrent stone formers with normal urinary acidification (NUA) and 10 normal controls (NC). Patients with iRTA had lower plasma standard bicarbonate after fasting (P <0.01) and lower urinary excretion of titratable acid (P <0.05) and citrate (P <0.01) compared with NUA patients and NC, and higher urinary excretion of ammonia (P <0.05) compared with NC (P <0.05). Hypercalciuria was found in 6 of 10 patients with iRTA compared with 3 of 10 with NUA, and 0 of 10 NC. The citrate/calcium ratio in urine was significantly reduced in iRTA compared with the value in NUA (P <0.01), and in NUA compared with NC (P <0.05). Biochemical markers of bone formation (serum osteocalcin) and bone resorption (urinary hydroxyproline) were significantly increased in iRTA compared with NUA ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As part of a five-year-lasting open-top-chamber experiment at the `Edelmannshof` site (Welzheimer Wald) we analyzed Norway spruce trees (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) with regard to carbohydrate and energy (ATP/ADP ratio) metabolism. End products, intermediates, and a regulator of carbon allocation (starch, sucrose, hexoses, fructose-2,6-bisphosphate) as well as enzyme activities involved in sucrose metabolism (sucrose-P synthase, sucrose synthase, acid invertase) were determined in needle and trunk samples of the different treatments (charcoal-filtered, unfiltered, ambient air). Changes of these parameters were documented annually and with regard to needle development (up to 2 years after bud break), and diurnally during an ozone period in midsummer. Samples from trees grown in an unfiltered atmosphere showed relatively high sucrose and hexose contents of the needles. The capacities of sucrose-P synthase (increased; sucrose synthesis) and acid invertase (decreased; ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Peatlands are an important long-term sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}). The storage function of peatland ecosystems is significantly impacted by drainage and extraction processes, which can result in the release of significant amounts of CO{sub 2}. This paper investigated the net ecosystem CO{sub 2} exchange of a newly developed extraction-restoration technique that preserved the acrotelm and replaced it directly on the cut surface of the peatlands. The technique used a modified block-cut method with a back-hoe to create a drainage ditch. Actrotelm and surface vegetation were removed and placed to one side, and the peat was mechanically removed. The acrotelm was then transplanted over the older and more decomposed catotelm peat to create a trench topography in which the natural peatland was higher than the extracted zone. Air temperatures, water table levels, and volumetric moisture content levels were measured throughout the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We fabricated lauric acid (LA) doped MgB{sub 2} wires and investigated the effects of the LA doping. For the fabrication of the LA-doped MgB{sub 2} wires, B powder was mixed with LA at 0-5 wt.% of the total amount of MgB{sub 2} using an organic solvent, dried, and then the LA-treated B and Mg powders were mixed stoichiometrically. The powder mixture was loaded into an Fe tube and the assemblage was drawn and sintered at 900 deg. C for 3 h under an argon atmosphere. We observed that the LA doping induced the substitution of C for the B sites in MgB{sub 2} and that the actual content of C increased monotonically with increasing LA doping level. The LA-doped MgB{sub 2} wires exhibited a lower critical temperature (T{sub c}), but better critical current density (J{sub c}) behavior in a high magnetic field: the 5 wt.% LA-doped sample had a J{sub c} value of 5.32 x 10{sup 3} A/cm{sup 2}, which was 2.17 times higher than that of the pristine sample (2.45 x 10{sup 3} ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tree growth is mainly regulated by nitrogen (N) availability. Many plants exhibit enhanced growth and increased biomass or net primary productivity when exposed to higher atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO_2), as N metabolism is regulated by signals that are derived from CO_2 metabolism. This study estimated N use by trees of 3 poplar species exposed for 3 years to free air CO_2 enrichment (FACE) in order to determine if CO_2 treatment affected the future N availability of the plantation. N uptake of fine roots and litter was measured throughout the first crop rotation. Results were then related to previously published variations in soil N content during the same period. Retranslocation from green leaves was studied, as well as processes determining N mobilization and immobilization. The study showed that elevated CO_2 concentrations significantly increased N-use efficiency, and decreased N concentrations in most plant tissues. However, ...

Science.gov (United States)

The purpose of this project was to demonstrate targeted infill and extension drilling opportunities, better determinations of oil-in-place, and methods for improved completion efficiency. The investigations and demonstrations were focussed on Red River and Ratcliffe reservoirs in the Williston Basin within portions of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Both of these formations have been successfully explored with conventional 2-dimensional (2D) seismic. Improved reservoir characterization utilizing 3-dimensional (3D) seismic was investigated for identification of structural and stratigraphic reservoir compartments. These seismic characterizations were integrated with geological and engineering studies. The project tested lateral completion techniques, including high-pressure jetting lance technology and short-radius lateral drilling to enhance completion efficiency. Lateral completions should improve economics for both primary and secondary oil where low permeability is a problem ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Recent two major topics of Large Helical Device (LHD) towards fusion relevant conditions, high-density operation and high-ion-temperature operation, are reported. Super dense core plasma was obtained by the combination of repetitive hydrogen ice pellet injection and high power neutral beam injection (NBI) heating. A very peaked density profile with the highest central density of 1.1x1021 m-3 was produced showing that the particle transport was suppressed very well in the plasma core. The spatial density varies as the position of magnetic axis (Rax), and the steepest profile is obtained at Rax=3.95 m. The highest central ion temperature of 5.6 keV was obtained in hydrogen plasma at electron density of 1.6 x 1019 m-3 by NBI, where a peaked ion-temperature profile with internal ion energy transport barrier was observed. The profile of electron temperature did not change much and was broad even when the ion temperature had a peaked profile. The central ion temperature is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The operation of Diesel engines on gaseous fuels, commonly known as dual fuel engines, uses Diesel fuel as the pilot fuel and gaseous fuel (methane and sometimes propane in the present work) as the main fuel. The gaseous fuel was inducted in the intake manifold to mix with the intake air. The investigation was conducted on a high speed indirect injection (Ricardo-E6) dual fuel engine and was concerned with the effects of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on the dual fuel engine combustion and emissions, in particular, the effects of intake air temperature and diluent admissions (N{sub 2} and CO{sub 2}) on combustion and emissions. The use of diluents to displace oxygen (O{sub 2}) in the intake air resulted in a reduction in the O{sub 2} supplied to the engine, increased the inlet charge thermal capacity (thermal effect) and, potentially, CO{sub 2} and N{sub 2} participated in the combustion process (chemical effect). In a separate series of tests, the temperature of the engine inlet ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A solid electrolyte for lithium batteries requires several properties: a good ionic conductivity of about 10{sup -3} S/cm at 298 deg. K, a high cationic transport number (greater than 0.5), a redox stability window higher than 4.5 V, a good stability of the interface with the lithium electrode, and a sufficient mechanical stability. The family of gelled or hybrid electrolytes seems to meet all these requirements. Thus, a systematic study of the gelling of an ethylene carbonate and lithium bistrifluorosulfonimide (LiTFSI) based electrolyte has been carried out. The polymers used for gel or pseudo-gel synthesis are POE, PMMA and PAN which represent 3 different cases of interaction with the electrolyte. All the properties mentioned above have been studied according to the nature of the polymer and to the concentration of lithium salt, showing the advantages and drawbacks of each polymer. The possibility of using some of these gels in lithium-ion ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Treatment of coal or coconut shell activated carbons with either phosgene or chlorine at 180{degree}C followed by washing with methanol or water results in chlorinated carbons with very similar pore structures to their precursors. Water adsorption experiments show that the modified materials are relatively hydrophobic, presumably as a result of replacement of oxygen-containing surface groups by chlorine. Adsorption of the model hydrophobic vapour chloropicrin from humid air is usually better for the modified carbons which, unlike the controls, do not appear to be subject to degradation in performance on ageing in a humid atmosphere. The stability of the modified carbons is probably a consequence of the chlorination of those sites on the control carbons that are prone to ready oxidation or hydroxylation. 1 tab., 2 figs., 17 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Comparatively evaluates methods for removal of carbon dioxide from waste gases emitted from industrial plants. The evaluations concentrate on carbon dioxide absorption by water solutions of alkalis and amines. The Hindered Amines Process, developed by Exxon in the USA, is analyzed. Chemical reactions of carbon dioxide absorption in solutions with hindered amines are evaluated. The following US patents which protect processes for carbon dioxide absorption by means of hindered amines are evaluated: No. 4,112,052, No. 4,101,633, No. 4,112,051, No. 4,100,257, No. 4,112,050, No. 4,094,957. Efficiency of carbon dioxide removal by each of the processes is pointed out. 12 refs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fabric (CF) was modified with strong HNO3 oxidation and then introduced into polyimide (PI) composites. The friction and wear properties of the carbon fabric reinforced polyimide composites (CFRP), sliding against GCr15 stainless steel rings, were investigated on an M-2000 model ring-on-block test rig under dry sliding. Experimental results revealed that the carbon fiber surface treatment largely reduced the friction and wear of the CFRP. Compared with the untreated ones, the surface-modified CF can enhance the tribological properties of CFRP efficiently due to the improved adhesion between the CF and the PI matrix. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of the carbon fiber surface showed that the fiber surfa...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A decontamination washer for working dresses using liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide were designed and manufactured. The size of reactor for decontamination and solidification is about 16 liter. The system is a closed one with recycling ability of carbon dioxide. The efficiency of recycling of carbon dioxide and that of separation of solutes in carbon dioxide were checked. They met all the design goals. A remote control system of the carbon dioxide flow was set in a control panel. The manufactured decontamination washer was brought to Wolsung nuclear power plants, and installed to check the efficiency of decontamination and the feasibility of usage in nuclear power plants. The elimination of radioactive oil from the contaminated dresses were very high. However, the decontamination factor was lower than the design goal value. It's due to the low removal rate of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To apply the CO{sub 2} absorber at about 1000{sup o}C for integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) furnace, the reactions of calcium oxide and CO{sub 2} at high temperatures was examined. Calcium carbonate reacts with sodium hydrogen carbonate below 200{sup o}C and forms sodium-calcium complex carbonate. The sodium-calcium complex carbonate melts at 813{sup o}C, and the carbon dioxide absorption and discharge reversible reactions of calcium-oxide takes place via liquid at around 1000{sup o}C. Sintering of calcium oxide at high temperature has been successfully avoided by the addition of sodium.

Science.gov (United States)

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...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The present invention relates to a method of recycling polymeric waste products into monomers and high value forms of carbon by pyrolytic conversion using an induction coupled RF plasma heated reactor.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A study in northeast Germany has shown that the establishment of short rotation coppices (SRC) of Robinia pseudoacacia L. may be a viable option for improving farmers income on marginal soils. The plantations produce woody biomass at a fast rate for energy use. Carbon is accumulated in the harvestable biomass, as well as in the stump and the roots. These plant compartments form a long-term carbon storage pool because they can survive a harvest, stay vital at the site and continue to grow as the plant ages. As organic litter decomposes, additional carbon is sequestered under SRC as soil organic carbon. The carbon sequestration in SRC of R. pseudoacacia on mining sites within the Lower Lusatian region in northeast Germany was studied and the results were complemented with findings of current field studies conducted on reclaimed mine sites. The average above ground dry matter ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered one of the most promising materials in nanotechnology, with attractive properties for many technologic applications. The different synthesis, purification, and...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The acetogenic bacterium Clostridium thermoaceticum ATCC 39073 grew at the expense of the two-carbon substrates oxalate and glyoxylate. Other two-carbon substrates (acetaldehyde, acetate,...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Recent work has indicated that the suppression of boron transient enhanced diffusion (TED) in carbon-rich Si is caused by nonequilibrium Si point defect concentrations, specifically the undersaturation of Si self-interstitials, that result from the coupled out-diffusion of carbon interstitials via the kick-out and Frank--Turnbull reactions. This study of boron TED reduction in Si_1_-_x_-_yGe_xC_y during 750"oC inert anneals has revealed that the use of an additional reaction that further reduces the Si self-interstitial concentration is necessary to describe accurately the time evolved diffusion behavior of boron. In this article, we present a comprehensive model which includes #left brace#311#right brace# defects, boron-interstitial clusters, a carbon kick-out reaction, a carbon Frank--Turnbull reaction, and a carbon interstitial-carbon substitutional (C_iC_s) ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Several inexpensive and non-toxic solvents with low vapour pressures were investigated for their suitability as alternative solvents for the absorption of carbon dioxide from flue gas. The solvents include poly(ethylene glycol)s, poly(ethylene glycol) ethers, poly(ethylenimine) and glycerol-based substances. Solvent properties such as thermal stability, solubility of carbon dioxide and selectivity over nitrogen were investigated in a systematic study using a thermogravimetric analyser. Absorption results are reported for pure carbon dioxide and nitrogen as well as a mixture of both gases. Desorption and long-term sorption behaviour are also discussed. Glycerol and poly(ethylene glycol)s show a high solubility of carbon dioxide. Due to the high viscosity of the solvent, carbon dioxide absorption in poly(ethylenimine) is very slow in spite of the presence of favourable amine groups. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Only half of the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels stays in the atmosphere. It is thought that the oceans absorb the rest. To understand the world's climate it is necessary to know how the atmosphere, ocean and biosphere interact.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A series of ball-on-disc wear and friction measurements were made for surfaces which have a chemical vapour deposition carbon silicon alloy layer on a carbon substrate (fine grain POCO graphite). Nitrogen ion irradiation was used to improve the wear resistance of the carbon alloy surface. For comparison, measurements were also taken for alumina against alumina. It was found that the lowest friction coefficient and lowest wear occurred for ion irradiated coated samples containing 4% Si in the alloy and that the performance was superior to that of alumina. ((orig.))

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Research activity during the 1991--1992 funding period has been concerned with the following topics relevant to carbon monoxide activation. (1) Exploratory studies of water gas shift catalysts heterogenized on polystyrene based polymers. (2) Mechanistic investigation of the nucleophilic activation of CO in metal carbonyl clusters. (3) Application of fast reaction techniques to prepare and to investigate reactive organometallic intermediates relevant to the activation of hydrocarbons toward carbonylation and to the formation of carbon-carbon bonds via the migratory insertion of CO into metal alkyl bonds.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A billet of low-density carbon-bonded carbon fiber (CBCF) composite is machined into a desired attenuator or load element shape (usually tapering). The CBCF composite is used as a free-standing load element or, preferably, brazed to the copper, brass or aluminum components of coaxial transmission lines or microwave waveguides. A novel braze method was developed for the brazing step. The resulting attenuator and/or load devices are robust, relatively inexpensive, more easily fabricated, and have improved performance over conventional graded-coating loads.

Science.gov (United States)

... interactive surfaces and interfaces, and 3) the more complex a ... carbonate or calcium phosphate with a thin interface ... diameter) for nerve prosthesis. ...

Science.gov (United States)

... Accession Number : ADD321199. Title : OPTIMIZATION OF EDDY CURRENT PROBES FOR NDT OF CARBON FIBER COMPOSITES. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mixed microstructures have been studied in low- carbon microalloyed steels suitable for automotive applications, after continuous cooling from the hot-rolled condition. Microstructural features such as polygonal ferrite, bainitic and acicular ferrite and microphase constituent are identified using transmission electron microscopy. The influence of these mixed structures on the tensile strength, impact toughness and fracture behaviour is examined. It is found that improvements in impact toughness as compared with microalloyed medium- carbon ferrite/pearlite steels can be achieved from these predominantly acicular structures developed by controlling alloy composition and continuous cooling of these lower carbon steels. (orig.).

Wastenet

...Investigating Biochar: from Source to Sink (Overview - Research) The Sustainable Agriculture Flagship is leading national collaborative research analysing the properties ...and potential of a variety of biochars to improve soil health and sequester carbon. The Sustainable Agriculture Flagship is leading national collaborative research ...analysing the properties and potential of a variety of biochars to improve soil health and sequester carbon. Biochar, sustainable agriculture, soil,...carbon, SAF, pyrolysis, fertiliser, biochar, soil types, greenhouse gas, herbicide, pesticide, bioenergy, soil science, carbon-rich solid, ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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Wastenet

However, these intra-industrial structural changes are not considered in this bottom-up study.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... Japan) Kobayashi, Minoru AITEL Corp., Yokohama, Kanagawa (Japan)

ScienceCinema

...contribution to global warming ...states i think impact of global warming ? and ...contributor to global warming ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Forsmark and the Laxemar investigation areas are examined by the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Co. for a possible construction of a deep repository for nuclear waste. In the case of a future leakage of waste, the radioactive isotopes could end up in the ecosystems above the repository. The fate of the radionuclides and their possible radiological impacts are then highly determined by ecosystem carbon cycling. An important part of the carbon cycling is the soil carbon effluxes, and in the investigation areas soil carbon effluxes have been examined with the closed chamber technique. This paper is divided into two parts. Firstly, there were problems with the equipment measuring the soil carbon dioxide efflux, and the first part is a description of the problem, how it was corrected and its possible causes. The second part is a manual in how to analyse data and calculate ...

Wastenet

Total carbon dioxide absorption per year increases from 4 lbs of CO2 in 2002 and reaches 260 lbs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The present report concerns a research for the tritium and for the carbon 14 in lichens in a spirit of bio-indication: the first results appear in Daillant and al (2004 ) and additional results were presented to the congress B.I.O.M.A.P. in Slovenia, organized collectively by the institute Josef Stefan from Ljubljana and the international atomic energy agency from Vienna (Daillant and al 2003). (N.C.)

Science.gov (United States)

The thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption of sulfur-containing amino acids and their derivatives on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black were calculated by the molecular statistical method. The parameters of the atom-atom potential function of intermolecular interaction between the S atom in amino acids and the graphite C atom were determined. It was shown that an intramolecular H-bond influenced the adsorption of amino acids on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper structure and mechanical properties of PBZT and PBO fibers are briefly discussed. One limitation of the high-modulus polymeric fibers and ultrahigh-modulus carbon fibers in reinforced composites is their poor compressive strength. Issues related to the compressive strength of polymeric and carbon fibers are considered. 62 references, 7 figures, 4 tables.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objective of this research is to gain a better understanding of the corrosion of the aluminized type 316 stainless steel employed in the seal areas of the molten carbonate fuel cell. The seals are formed between the aluminized Type 316 SS surface and the electrolyte (generally a mixture of molten alkali carbonates and lithium aluminate).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mutual influence of phosphorus and carbon on the tendency to integranular corrosion (IGC) of tempered austenitic stainless steels in boiling solutions of 65% HNO_3 and 27% of HNO_3+40 g/l Cr"6"+ was investigated. It is ascertained that under the action of carbon additions susceptibility of phosphorus-containing steels to IGC increases considerably in pure nitric acid and decreases in nitric acid containing the oxidant. Possible reasons for the effects observed are discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this article carbon co-implantation and step-by-step thermal treatments of shallow p"+-n-junctions formation were used with the purpose of extended defect suppression and reduction of boron transient enhanced diffusion. A substantial improvement of the structural and electrical parameters of shallow p"+-n-junctions has been achieved by using the additional carbon implantation and step-by-step thermal treatments. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper investigates the spectral characteristics of three-dimensionally porous carbon dioxide indicators based on a porous silicate glass and phenolphthalein. The absorption spectra of the original solutions of phenolphthalein in alkaline and acid solutions are shown. The solutions were acidified by bubbling CO/sub 2/ through an alkaline phenolphthalein solution. The authors have succeeded in producing a reversible colorimetric adsorption indicator for carbon dioxide which after proper calibration enables the CO/sub 2/ content of an atmosphere to be estimated quantitatively.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Henry constants for the adsorption of o- and p-phenylenediamines on the surface of graphitized thermal carbon black within the temperature range 433?479 K were calculated by the molecular statistical method. The parameters of the atom-atom potential function of intermolecular interaction between the nitrogen atom in aniline and isomeric phenylenediamines and the carbon atom of the basal face of graphite were determined. It was shown that an intramolecular H bond influenced the geometry and adsorption properties of o-phenylenediamine.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes the empirical research into barriers to energy efficiency in the German higher education (HE) sector. It is one of nine such reports in the BARRIERS project. The report contains description and analysis of six case studies of energy management in German universities. The results are analysed using the theoretical framework developed for the BARRIERS project (Sorrell et al., 2000). The report also provides brief recommendations on how these barriers to the rational use of energy (RUE) may be overcome and how energy efficiency within the sector may be improved. The results of the study for the higher education sector in Germany are summarised in this executive summary under the following headings: - Characterising the higher education sector; - Case studies of energy management in the German higher education sector; - Evidence of barriers in the German higher ...

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Carbon films have been made by a variety of techniques, including evaporation, sputtering, and laser or thermal pyrolysis of organic polymers. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is often used as a carbon precursor, since low-temperature thermo-oxidative pretreatment produces a material which can be pyrolyzed without loss of shape. This is the basis for the production of carbon fibers with good mechanical properties. We report here the formation of very thin films of carbon (500 to 1500 A) by pyrolysis of spin-cast PAN. Using this technique, large, conductive films can be made which are sufficiently robust to allow intact lift-off and transfer of the films from one substrate to another. Such films are chemically inert, but can be photolithographically patterned and etched with an oxygen plasma.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The shift to renewable energy options and low-carbon technologies, in response to the concerns over energy security and climate change, is proceeding more slowly than many would like. The usual argument against rapid deployment of new technologies is the costs imposed on the economy, commonly interpreted in terms of upfront costs to be borne or involving large cash transfers to fund, for example, efforts to preserve rainforests. In this contribution I argue that such a perspective provides a continuing barrier to taking effective action, whereas a perspective based on creation and use of carbon credits provides a means of avoiding the shock of abrupt industrial change. Carbon credits granted for bona fide carbon load reductions could be created through private initiative, for example by me...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A pilot cropland carbon sequestration program within north central Montana has allowed farmers to receive carbon credit for management adjustments associated with changing from tillage-based agricultural systems to no-till. Carbon credit can also be obtained by adopting conservation reserve, where cropland is planted into perennial vegetation. Summer fallowing is also considered within the crediting process as credit is not given in years that a field is left un-vegetated. The carbon sequestration program has been advocated as a means to mitigate climate change while providing an added source of income for Montana farmers. There is lack of data, however, pertaining to the percentage of lands within this region that have not converted to no-till management, lands under certain crop intensit...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This objective of this work was to summarize the main results obtained in previous papers related to the adsorbent-adsorbate interactions involved in the adsorption of naphthalenesulphonic acids and heavy metals (Cd(II) or Hg(II)) by modified activated carbons. The adsorption of organic compounds (1-naphthalenesulphonic acid, 1,5-naphthalenedisulphonic acid and 1,3,6-naphthalenetrisulphonic acid) and inorganic species (Cd(II) and Hg(II)) was studied on a series of ozonized activated carbon in aqueous phase. Commercial activated carbon (Filtrasorb 400) was treated with different ozone doses to study the effect of ozone treatment on its surface properties and investigate the behavior of the treated carbon samples in the above adsorption processes. After ozonation, carbonyl- and carboxyl-type...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carbons derived from the phase separation of polyacrylonitrile/solvent mixtures were investigated as lithium intercalation anodes for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The carbon electrodes have a bulk density of 0.35-0.5 g/cm{sup 3}, relatively low surface areas (< 10 m{sup 2}/g), and micron-size cells. Pyrolysis temperature influences the reversible lithium intercalation and the irreversible capacity (associated with the formation of the passivating layer). Carbon electrodes pyrolyzed at 600{degrees}C have first-cycle capacity as high as 550 mAh/g as well as large irreversible capacity, 440 mAh/g. Electrodes prepared at 1050{degrees}C have reversible capacities around 270 mAh/g with relatively lower capacity losses (120 mAh/g). Doping the organic precursors with phosphoric acid, prior to pyrolysis at 1050{degrees}C, leads to carbon electrodes with reversible capacities as high as 450 mAh/g. The ...

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The carbon transfer has been analyzed in the Alloy 800/sodium/stainless steel system by determining the carbon-uptake of Alloy 800 foils, which were exposed in liquid sodium of known carburizing potential. Under equilibrium conditions between 650 and 550/sup 0/C the measured total carbon concentrations in the Alloy 800 tabs were found to be roughly related to the carbon activities of the sodium environment by the equation already stated for the 18 Cr-8/10 Ni stainless steels, extrapolated to the chemical composition of the Ni-rich austenitic alloy. However the Alloy 800 was not found to undergo any decarburization in low-carbon activity environments. The carbon diffusion kinetics was determined as a function of temperature, it was found to be similar to that reported for the AISI-304 type of steel. The effects of sodium exposure on microstructural and mechanical ...

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In the Ti-Si-C and Ti-Si-C-N systems, metastable layers were precipitated by means of non-reactive magnetron sputtering of hot-pressed two-phase TiC/SiC and TiN/SiC targets with 20 mole% and 50 mole% SiC. The preparation parameters were varied as follows: ion bombardment during precipitation (bias sputtering), substrate temperature, and annealing times when annealing amorphous 50%:50% TiC/SiC and 50%:50% TiN/SiC layers. Sputtering of targets containing 20% SiC was found to result in monophase fcc layers (NaCl structure). This was documented on the basis of X-ray and electron diffraction patterns. Direct precipitation of targets with 50 mole% SiC resulted in amorphous layers. Increasing the ion bombardment during accretion, raising the substrate temperature, and annealing amorphous 50%:50% TiC/SiC and 50%:50% TiN/SiC (layers precipitated directly) resulted in the crystallization of TiC and TiN nanocrystallites, respectively, imbedded in an amorphous SiC matrix. These crystallites were ...

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An historic Strontianite-type specimen from Strontian, Scotland, UK, was characterized to broaden our knowledge on luminescence properties of common carbonates. These fibrous aggregates are Strontianite (Sr{sub x}Ca{sub 1-x}CO{sub 3}) with circa 6% of CaO, interfacial water, hydrosilicate anions and substitutional divalent cations, e.g., Ca{sup 2+}, Mn{sup 2+}, Fe{sup 2+} in structural Sr{sup 2+} positions. The specimen was analyzed by X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF), Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with an Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (ESEM-EDS) probe, Spatially-resolved Cathodoluminescence under the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM-CL), Differential-Thermal Analyses (DTA), Thermogravimetry (TG), Thermoluminescence (TL), Radioluminescence (RL) and High Resolution Spectra Thermoluminescence (3DTL), to gain an overview of the spectral emissions, the defect linkages were modified by heating from room temperature (RT) up to 500 deg. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To prepare porous carbons with high adsorption capacity from rice straws, two different kinds of precursors, i.e. one as the raw rice straws (one-stage process) and the other as pre-carbonized rice straws (two-stage process), were active with KOH of various impregnation ratios. The two-stage process was found very effective for manufacturing porous carbons with high surface area and adsorption capacities for MB and I{sub 2}. For example, the porous carbon that was carbonized at 700{sup o}C and subsequently activated at 900{sup o}C exhibited the surface area of 2410 m{sup 2}/g, the adsorption capacities of 800 and 1720 mg/g for MB and I{sub 2}, respectively, and the total pore volume of 1.4 ml/g. In the two-stage method, there was a preferential optimum impregnation ratio of KOH to a precursor carbon, i.e. 4:1, with which high surface area of porous ...

Science.gov (United States)

The performance of intermolecular potential models on the adsorption of carbon tetrachloride on graphitized thermal carbon black at various temperatures is investigated. This is made possible with the extensive experimental data of Machin and Ross(1), Avgul et al.,(2) and Pierce(3) that cover a wide range of temperatures. The description of all experimental data is only possible with the allowance for the surface mediation. If this were ignored, the grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation results would predict a two-dimensional (2D) transition even at high temperatures, while experimental data shows gradual change in adsorption density with pressure. In general, we find that the intermolecular interaction has to be reduced by 4% whenever particles are within the first layer close to the surface. We also find that this degree of surface mediation is independent of temperature. To understand the packing of carbon ...

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An efficient method of hydrogen storage in nano-porous carbons is its reversible sorption by electrochemical decomposition of a KOH water solution according to the following equation: C + xH{sub 2}O + xe{sup -} {yields} (CH{sub x}) + xOH{sup -} where (CH{sub x}) stands for the hydrogen inserted into the nano-porous carbon during charging and oxidized during discharging. Although various carbon materials have been investigated as hydrogen adsorbents, the information about the storage mechanism as well as the nature of the hydrogen/carbon interaction is still not sufficient. In order to extend the understanding of the process, carbon samples charged electrochemically were investigated by temperature programmed desorption (TPD). The nature of the hydrogen/carbon interaction was studied by electrochemical analysis at different temperatures. The TPD experiments ...

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A process is described for covering methane to a higher order hydrocarbon comprising contacting a gaseous reactant consisting of methane with a phosphate-containing catalyst for a sufficient period of time and at an effective temperature to provide the phosphate-containing catalyst consisting essentially of the higher order hydrocarbon. The catalyst is represented by a formula.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The deposition of platinum on various carbon blacks was carried out by forming active functional groups on the surface of the carbon support, and exchanging these active groups with different platinum complexes. Using H{sub 2}PtCl{sub 6} solution, an impregnation rather than an exchange takes place. However, using divalent platinum complexes [Pt(NH{sub 3}){sub 4}]{sup 2+}, a fast exchange takes place which leads to extremely small platinum particles highly dispersed on the surface of carbon black. A comparison of the catalytic activities of platinum supported on various carbon blacks was also carried out. The performances of PEFC (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell) based on the process of the ion exchange are reported. (authors) 3 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An assessment was carried out to identify where the Carbon Trust's Low Carbon Innovation Programme (LCIP) should concentrate its investment. LCIP acts in a similar manner to a venture capital company, seeking the best carbon return rather than a specific financial return. Over the next 3 years LCIP plans to invest 75 million dollars in selected technologies and businesses that can help the UK move towards a low carbon economy. The assessment will be updated annually. 49 technologies were assessed in areas of: demand-side: buildings; demand-side: industry; supply-side: fuels and conventional energy production; supply-side: renewables; transport; and enabling technologies. Technologies were rated in categories according to their technology impact and the extent to which LCIP funding could make an impact. Coal bed methane is identified as one technology profile to consider; cleaner coal production ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The possible contribution of short rotation cultures (SRC) to carbon sequestration in both current and elevated carbon dioxide concentrations was investigated using the free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) technique. Three poplar species were grown in an SRC plantation for three growing seasons. Above-ground and below-ground biomass increased by 15 to 27 per cent and by 22 to 38 per cent, respectively; light-efficiency also increased as a result. Depletion of inorganic nitrogen from the soil increased after three growing seasons at elevated carbon dioxide levels, but carbon dioxide showed no effect on stem wood density. Stem wood density also differed significantly from species to species. These results confirmed inter-specific differences in biomass production in poplar, and demonstrated that elevated carbon dioxide enhanced biomass productivity and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sterile aqueous N-methylaniline solutions were allowed to equilibrate at various nitrite, F-400 granular-activated carbon, and pH levels for 1 week. The aqueous and activated carbon phases were extracted and analyzed for nitrosamines relative to an added internal standard. Selected ion monitoring GC/MS, utilizing continuous monitoring of the NO/sup +/ ion (m/z 29.9980) characteristic of nitrosamines, at medium resolution (R = 2500-3000) was applied to quantitatively measure nitrosamines at picograms per microliter concentrations. This method selected for nitrosamine products only and eliminated interferences from non-nitrosamine reaction products. Results indicate that the pressure of granular-activated carbon significantly enhanced the formation of nitrosamine from N-methyl-aniline (F = 145, P< 0.0001). The amount of N-nitrosomethylaniline formed in the presence of activated carbon was 75 times more ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This invention relates to the production method of composite electrode substrate for fuel cell. An impermeable material is used for edge sealant. The sealant is put in the clearance between two electrodes consisting of porous carbon material via thermoplastic resin sheet, and heated while being pressed. This production method increases the adherence between the porous carbon bodies and reduces the contact resistivity at the joint interface. Consequently, it becomes possible to produce the composite electrode for fuel cell without separator, resulting in simplification of assembly work, weight reduction, and downsizing. The preferable porous carbon body is made from shrinkage-treated fiber. After sheet forming, the thermosetting resin is impregnated, and then it is burnt to carbonization. Or mixed sheet of rayon and acrylic fiber is laminated to be heated and pressed without impregnating the resin. The ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A stable isotope mass-balance of dissolved inorganic carbon during a blue-green algae bloom in a softwater lake demonstrates that at low partial pressure of carbon dioxide there must be a large net negative carbon isotope fractionation between atmospheric CO/sub 2/ and the CO/sub 2/ absorbed by lake water at pH = 9.5. Chemical enhancement of CO/sub 2/ invasion at high pH by the reaction CO/sub 2/ + OH/sup -/ ..-->.. HCO/sub 3//sup -/ at large apparent film thicknesses may result in carbon isotope fractionation approaching that for a hydroxide solution. This phenomenon, coupled with a decrease in the photosynthetic fractionation, forced the surface water of a softwater lake to achieve increasingly negative delta /sup 13/C values during an algal bloom, which is in the opposite sense to the trend that results from photosynthesis under less extreme conditions. This and other similar systems must operate ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Experiments were conducted which established that the higher passivating capacity of Ni/sub 60/Nb/sub 40/ alloys in the amorphous state and higher efficiency of the anodic process of generation of chlorine (2 N NaCl + HCl to pH = 0) in comparison with the crystalline state are determined by higher homogeneity and density of the passive films formed on the amorphous alloy and by higher electron conduction which depends directly on the difference in the structure of the passive films formed on the alloys in the amorphous and crystalline states.