Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Use Of Ponded And Fresh Ashes From China For The Production Of Portland/Calcium Sulfoaluminate Clinkers, Tristana Y. Duvallet, Robert B. Jewell, Anne E. Oberlink, Thomas L. Robl, David Harris

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

This article summarizes the use of two fly ashes in the synthesis of Portland/calcium sulfoaluminate (OPC/CSA or A/CSA) clinkers. They are from the Shentou second power plant located in the Shanxi Province and from the Zhungeer power plant located in Inner Mongolia, China. The Zhungeer ash was collected dry, and the Shentou ash is from a pond. Their chemical compositions differ highly, especially the SiO2 and Al2O3 contents. The high contents of silica and alumina make both ashes candidates as a partial or total substitute for bauxite, an expensive source of alumina, in the production of OPC/CSA clinkers. These particular …

Development And Preliminary Evaluation Of An Integrated Individual Nozzle Direct Injection And Carrier Flow Rate Control System For Pesticide Applications, Joe D. Luck, Scott A. Shearer, Michael P. Sama

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Direct injection systems for agricultural spray applications continue to present challenges in terms of commercialization and adoption by end users. Such systems have typically suffered from lag time and mixing uniformity issues, which have outweighed the potential benefits of keeping chemical and carrier separate or reducing improper tank-mixed concentration by eliminating operator measurements. The proposed system sought to combine high-pressure direct nozzle injection with an automated variable-flow nozzle to improve chemical mixing and response times. The specific objectives were to: (1) integrate a high-pressure direct nozzle injection system with variable-flow carrier control into a prototype for testing, (2) assess the …

Economic Analysis Of Deficit Irrigation In Sugarcane Farming: Nchalo Estate, Chikwawa District, Malawi, Mavuto M. Banda, Derek M. Heeren, Derrel Martin, Francisco Muñoz-Arriola, László G. Hayde

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Sustenance of the growing world population calls for increased agricultural production. However, this will have to be done while forecasts of water withdrawals on a global scale predict sharp increases in future demand to meet human needs. The inadequacy of irrigation water supplies has led to the need to consider deficit irrigation (DI) as a water saving strategy. DI is a deliberate under-application of water to growing crops.

In this study we carried out an economic analysis of DI in sugarcane farming with an aim of developing an understanding of the economic impact of various irrigation water management strategies. The …

Patellar Tendon Morphology In Trans-Tibial Amputees Utilizing A Prosthesis With A Patellar-Tendonbearing Feature, Kai-Yu Ho, Michelle Harty, Jessica Kellogg, Kelly Teter, Szu-Ping Lee, Yu-Jen Chang, Gregory Bashford

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

A patellar-tendon-bearing (PTB) bar is a common design feature used in the socket of trans-tibial prostheses to place load on the pressure-tolerant tissue. As the patellar tendon in the residual limb is subjected to the perpendicular compressive force not commonly experienced in normal tendons, it is possible for tendon degeneration to occur over time. The purpose of this study was to compare patellar tendon morphology and neovascularity between the residual and intact limbs in trans-tibial amputees and healthy controls. Fifteen unilateral trans-tibial amputees who utilized a prosthesis with a PTB feature and 15 age- and sex- matched controls participated. Sonography …

Conceptual Groundwater Remedial Alternatives At Coal Combustion Residuals Sites†, Herwig Goldemund, Jeffrey M. Ahrens

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Groundwater below many basins that have been used to store coal combustion residuals (CCRs) may have concentrations of certain inorganic constituents in excess of applicable regulatory standards. Given that many inorganic CCR constituents are also naturally occurring in the aquifer matrix, their detection may not always be indicative of a release from the CCR unit. Inorganics may be present at elevated levels in groundwater due to natural or background conditions, or due to changes to the aquifer geochemistry resulting from the presence of the CCR basin, which then mobilizes these naturally occurring constituents beneath the CCR unit. Care must be …

Fly Ash Composites, A Step Toward Pond Ash Composites, Kunigal N. Shivakumar, Wade H. Brown, Kazi A. Imran

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

The study demonstrated that ash composites made from polyurethane and fly ash are able to reduce leaching of coal ash inorganics to less than one-third of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum containment limit even after being exposed to an accelerated water circulation system for 14 months. Even if these ash blocks are broken, the composite is safe. The concept of encapsulation of fly ash into ash composite by using a polar polymer to bind the fine inorganic particles, as nature has done in the original unburned coal, makes the ash composite safe. The ash composites have compression and f …

In Situ Characterization Of Mixture Of Fly Ash And Fluidized Gas Desulfurization By-Product At Tennessee Valley Authority’S Gallatin Ash Stacking Facility†, David J. White, Pavana Vennapusa, Brendan Fitzpatrick, Jason F. Hill, Nicholas Mcclung

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

This article presents the results of field and laboratory testing performed on a new coal combustion product (CCP) derived from a mixture of fly ash and dry fluidized gas desulfurization by-product at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Gallatin Fossil Plant in Gallatin, TN. Field testing included geospatial mapping using a vibratory smooth drum roller instrumented with a validated intelligent compaction (VIC) system and by field testing to characterize elastic modulus, shallow shear wave velocity, moisture content, dry density, and shear strength properties. Field testing was performed in areas where the CCP had been placed several days before testing and in areas …

Managing Springs Emanating From Coal Combustion Residual Disposal Impoundments, Mark L. Orzechowski, Daniel M. Tolmer

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Affected springs emanating from coal combustion residual (CCR) disposal impoundments where “wet disposal” methods were employed is a typical issue that frequently needs to be addressed during operation and management of these facilities. Identifying potential effects on a spring is typically accomplished through regularly scheduled field reconnaissance and laboratory analyses. Analytical testing is performed to characterize the chemical constituents present in the spring water. The management approach employed for specific springs is developed on the basis of several factors, including chemical composition and flow rate of the spring water, regulatory requirements and discharge standards, available treatment technologies, facility operations, site …

Shear Strength Of Coal Combustion Product By Vane Shear, Wesley J. Herweynen, Christopher A. Bareither, Joseph Scalia

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

The objective of this study was to evaluate the shear strength of a coal combustion product (CCP) by using the vane shear test. A series of small-scale vane shear (SS-VS; diameter = 12.7 mm and height = 25.4 mm) and large-scale vane shear (LS-VS; diameter = 25 mm and height = 50 mm) laboratory tests were conducted. Undrained and drained strength envelopes were determined using consolidated undrained triaxial compression tests, and drained strength was checked via consolidated drained direct shear. In addition, effects of (1) rate of vane rotation, (2) time delay between vane insertion and beginning rotation, and (3) …

Mineralogy And Geochemistry Of Feed Coals And Combustion Residues From Tunçbilek And Seyitömer Coal-Fired Power Plants In Western Turkey, Ali Ihsan Karayigit, Ozlem Yigitler, Seda Iserli, Xavier Querol, Maria Mastalerz, Riza Gorkem Oskay, James C. Hower

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

This study focuses on the enrichment of elements in feed coal (FC) and combustion residues, namely, fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA) samples, picked up from the Tunçbilek and Seyitömer coal-fired power plants in western Turkey. The FCs in both plants have generally similar mineralogical compositions, although siderite and dolomite are more prominent in Tunçbilek and feldspar and pyrite are more abundant in Seyitömer. Minerals in the FA from both power plants are mainly quartz, hematite, magnetite, anhydrite, and mullite. Along with quartz, the Fe-oxides are dominant phases in the BA samples. Accessory minerals in the FCs, FAs, and …

Phaselous Vulgaris Growth Under The Influence Of Manufactured Coal Ash Aggregates, Sangchul Hwang, Imiraily Hernandez, Isomar Latorre, Sahid Rosado

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Manufactured coal ash aggregates (MAs) are a 2:1 (w/w) solidified composite of fly and bottom ash. The current study assessed the feasibility of beneficial utilization of MAs as a subsoil substitute for open-pit restoration to phyto-viable land. A series of indoor and outdoor experiments examined Phaselous vulgaris growth under the influence of MAs in the soil environment. With the MAs layer below the topsoil, P. vulgaris showed enhanced growth with respect to shoot height, leaf number, and leaf chlorophyll intensity. Similar growth enhancement was observed when the MAs were mixed with topsoil or applied as a micronutrient source over the …

Using The Conceptual Site Model To Efficiently And Effectively Implement Groundwater Monitoring And Corrective Action At Coal Combustion Residual Sites†, Carla Landrum, Jim Feild, Tim Glover, Alison Dunn

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

On 19 October 2015, the Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs) for Electric Utilities final rule (CCR Rule), issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) under Subtitle D of the Recovery and Conservation Act (RCRA), became effective. The Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action subsections of the CCR Rule (40 CFR §§ 257.90–257.98) set out strict requirements for groundwater monitoring at the detection and assessment levels, followed by (if necessary) groundwater characterization in support of corrective measures assessment. Since the federal CCR Rule was implemented, the US EPA has proposed and finalized some amendments, and some states have proposed …

The Role Of Ash Mineralogy On Breakthrough Pressure And Contact Angle: A Statistical Evaluation, Jenberu L. Feyyisa, John L. Daniels

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

One method to minimize contaminant leaching from coal fly ash (CFA) involves modifying its surface to become water repellent. Five types of CFA, CFA-1, CFA-2, CFA-3, CFA-5, and CFA-6, were modified by three organosilane (OS) products at different mix ratios. Multiple breakthrough pressure (BP) experiments were conducted for different samples at different mix ratios to identify the performance of the modified surface to resist a positive water entry pressure. The contribution of oxides and minerals in CFA to form a water-repellent surface were analyzed without considering OS effects. Results showed that semi-log–transformed regression models can effectively establish the relationship between …

South Africa’S Power Producer’S Revised Coal Ash Strategy And Implementation Progress, Kelley Reynolds-Clausen, Nico Singh

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

The South African electricity public utility Eskom has embarked on a process to increase utilisation of the ash produced through the electricity generation process at its coal-fired power stations. In the 2014–2015 financial year, 119.2 million tons of coal was consumed, producing 34.4 million tons (28.9%) of ash. About 7% of the Eskom ash is sold from 6 of the 13 coal-fired power stations. Many stations are currently running out of ash storage space, and expansion of the ash disposal facilities is required, which could affect security of supply because of limited ashing areas. Additionally, legislative requirements lead to extra …

Variability Of E. Coli In Streambed Sediments And Its Implication For Water Quality, Sadia Salam

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), including E. coli, are the number one cause of water quality impairments in the United States according to the USEPA. FIB are used as a predictor to identify the possible presence of pathogens in waterbodies. E. coli is a useful indicator of gastrointestinal (GI) related illnesses from contact with fresh water. While surface water is routinely monitored for water quality, streambed sediments are rarely considered as a source of FIB to the overlying water column. This study focuses on understanding the variation of E. coli concentrations in streambed sediments and the potential impact of sediment sources …

Modeling Runoff From Small Agricultural Watersheds In Eastern South Dakota, Bryce Siverling

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The capability to be able to consistently and accurately model any problem has potential time and money savings. The present study aimed to determine if the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Curve Number (CN) model or the more detailed Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model can consistently and accurately model runoff events from small agricultural fields in Eastern South Dakota. The overall goal was to better understand models used to predict runoff and determine if they can produce accurate estimates of runoff from the watersheds being studied. Runoff measurements were collected from an agricultural field located south of Coleman, South …

The Effect Of Edge-Of-Field Nutrient Management Practices On Microbial Concentrations In Subsurface Drainage Water And The Associated Risk Of Antibiotic Resistance Dissemination, Sara Mardani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many in-field and edge-of-field management practices have been used to reduce nutrient loads from agricultural fields. The denitrification woodchip bioreactor (WB) is one edgeof- field management practice that has proven to be effective in removing nitrate from subsurface drainage water. The success in nitrate removal achieved with WBs has raised interest in expanding their capabilities for removing other agricultural pollutants, including phosphorus, by using other types of media like phosphorus-sorbing filters or combining these filters with woodchips to remove both nitrate and phosphorus as dual-nutrient removal systems. Despite the extensive research done on WBs and nutrient filter materials, little consideration …

Temporal Changes Of Nutrients Within The Lower Grand River Watershed And Selected Sites, Weston Scott Duley

Masters Theses

"This report presents the results of a study carried out in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to estimate total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) at five USGS monitoring sites within Lower Grand River Watershed (LGRW) and two monitoring sites on the Missouri River. The objective of this study was to quantify temporal changes in TN and TP concentrations and compare those to best management practices (BMPs).

In this study, the approach to the analysis of long-term surface water-quality data by using Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge and Seasons models …

Performance Validation Of A Multi-Channel Lidar Sensor: Assessing The Effects Of Target Height And Sensor Velocity On Measurement Error, Surya S. Dasika, Michael P. Sama, L. Felipe Pampolini, Christopher B. Good

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of sensor velocity and target height above ground level on height measurement error when using a multi-channel LiDAR sensor. A linear motion system was developed to precisely control the dynamics of the LiDAR sensor in an effort to remove uncertainty in the LiDAR position and velocity while under motion. The linear motion system allowed the LiDAR to translate forward and backward in one direction parallel to the ground. A user control interface was developed to operate the system under different velocity profiles and to log LiDAR data synchronous to the …

Evaluation Of Air Movement In Equestrian Facilities And On Equine Athletes, Staci Elaine Mcgill

Theses and Dissertations--Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Ventilation and air movement are important aspects of animal agriculture and is frequently neglected in equine facilities. This paper discusses three different studies that examine different components of ventilation and air movement. One is a fan orientation study which examines how fans impact the stall environment, the second is a cooling study questioning whether forced air speed across a horse increases the rate of cool out after intense exercise, and the last is a survey examining ventilation, air quality, and health concerns in indoor arenas.

The stall fan study took place over two summers with the goal of determining how …