Engineering Commons^™

A Multi-Analytical Approach To Understand The Chemistry Of Fe-Minerals In Feed Coals And Ashes, Marcos L.S. Oliveira, Frans Waanders, Luis F.O. Silva, Andre Jasper, Carlos H. Sampaio, Dursman Mchabe, Rachel S. Hatch, James C. Hower

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Seven feed coals used in the Brazilian power generation industry were obtained and subsequently analysed together with fly ash and bottom ash from a major Brazilian power plant. The samples were investigated by means of room temperature FeMo¨ssbauer analyses, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and petrographic analysis. In addition, nanometer-sized crystalline phases in coals and ashes were characterised using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer and a high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The major identified Fe-bearing minerals in the coals were found to be actinolite, ankerite, chalcopyrite, chlorite, goethite, illite, ilmenite, magnesioferrite, natrojarosite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, and siderite; whilst in the fly …

Compositional Variations In Pilot Gasifier And Laboratory-Produced Slags And Their Impacts On Slag Viscosity And Coal Assessment, Alexander Ilyushechkin, Daniel Roberts, David Harris

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

The flow behaviour of coal mineral matter at high temperatures is an important parameter for coal use in entrained-flow gasification technologies. Recently, gasification performance data was obtained from a series of pilot-scale gasification tests on a suite of well-characterised Australian black coals. Evaluation of the results of the pilot tests and the detailed laboratory investigations provided the opportunity for evaluation of the practical applicability of different laboratory and modelling techniques for coal assessment in terms of mineral matter behaviour in entrained flow gasification. A series of viscosity measurements was made over the range 1200–1600uC using slags produced in a pilot …

Compaction Of High-Ca Fly Ash-Al- And Al-Alloy-Composites: Evaluation Of Their Microstructure And Tribological Performance, Grigorios Itskos, Angeliki Moutsatsou, Pradeep K. Rohatgi, Nikolaos Koukouzas, Charalampos Vasilatos, Eleni Katsika

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

In this study, highly calcareous and siliceous fly ash particles were utilized for the fabrication of Al- and Al-alloy-based MetalMatrix Composites (MMCs) by means of powder metallurgy. After compacting and sintering Al and Al/Si powders containing 10, 15, and 20wt. % ash particles, the homogenous (and with minimal amount of voids) microstructure of the produced composites was verified by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The composites were tested for their dry sliding wear behavior using a pin-on-disc machine against spheres of alumina. The worn surfaces of composites were then examined by using SEM and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). …

Influence Of Chemical Reagents On Rheological Properties Of Fly Ash-Water Slurry At Varying Temperature Environment, H.K. Nail, M.K. Mishra, Karanam U.M. Rao

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

About 70% of total electrical energy is generated from thermal power plants in India which in turn release about 160 Mt of fly ash as solid waste annually. Transportation and disposal of such a huge amount of fly ash is a major problem faced by the power plants. Presently fly ash is transported as lean slurry in pipe lines requiring about 80 to 85% of water with high energy input. A major impediment in high volume transportation of fly ash is its high specific gravity as compared to that of water. The objective of the present study was to evaluate …

Impact Of Manufactured Coal Ash Aggregates On Water Quality During Open Pit Restoration: 1. A Statistical Screening Test, Sangchul Hwang, Isomar Latorre

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Utilization of manufactured coal ash aggregates (MAs) as a subsoil substitute during restoration of an open pit was assessed in a three-factor, two-level factorial analysis. The factors of interest were the MA application rate (2:1 or 1:2 topsoil/MA volume ratio), rainfall intensity (high or low), and aggregate size (2.36–4.75 mm or 4.75–9.53 mm). Among the water quality parameters examined (pH, turbidity, heavy metal content (lead and cadmium), conductivity, and hardness), the last two parameters were significantly higher (p,0.05) in soil amended with MAs than in a control reactor using sand. A low rainfall intensity and larger aggregate size resulted in …

The Leachability Of Major Elements At Different Stages Of Weathering In Dry Disposed Coal Fly Ash, S.A. Akinyemi, A. Akinlua, W.M. Gitari, R.O. Akinyeye, L.F. Petrik

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Large quantities of solid residue are generated by coal-fired power stations in many parts of the World. The disposal and management of the unused fly ash remains a major problem to the environment. The weathered dry disposed ash cores comprise of major element constituents such as Al, Si, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Na+ and K+. The mobility patterns and mineralogical associations of major elements in weathered dry disposed ash dumps aged 1-year-old, 8-year-old and 20-year-old from a coalfired power station in South Africa were investigated using a modified sequential extraction scheme. The extraction sequence was as follows: (1) water soluble, …

The Impact Of Driving Conditions On Phev Battery Performance, Nathan Christensen, John Patten, Steven Srivastava, Gary P. Nola

Green Manufacturing Research Journal

The battery performance of a modified Prius with a 5 kWh plug-in battery was documented for a year to determine the impact of environmental conditions and user attributes on vehicle performance.  Both fuel economy and pure electrical efficiency were compared to ambient temperature.  The fuel economy has a positive relationship with ambient temperature until approximately 70˚F where the efficiency begins to drop.  Electrical performance has a positive linear relationship with ambient temperature.  With the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) and PHEVs from a variety of automotive manufacturers, information on EV and PHEV performance for consumers will become more important.

Biodegradation Kinetics For 1,2-Dichloroethane And Ethylene Dibromide In Anaerobic Enrichment Cultures Grown On Each Compound, Rong Yu

All Theses

1,2-Dichloroethane (DCA) and ethylene dibromide (EDB) are among the top 15 chlorinated aliphatic compounds on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's Priority List of Hazardous Substances. Co-contamination of groundwater with EDB and 1,2-DCA resulted mainly from environmental releases of leaded gasoline; these compounds were added as lead scavengers. A microcosm study by Henderson et al. with soil and groundwater from a site contaminated with leaded gasoline demonstrated anaerobic biodegradation of EDB at a higher rate, and to a greater extent, than 1,2-DCA. Both compounds were transformed mainly by dihaloelimination to ethene. The objectives of this study were to …

A 2009 Mobile Source Emissions Inventory Of The University Of Central Florida, Johanna Marie Clifford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis reports on the results of a mobile source emissions inventory for the University of Central Florida (UCF). For a large urban university, the majority of volatile organic compounds (VOC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions come from onroad sources: personal vehicles and campus shuttles carrying students, faculty, staff, and administrators to and from the university, as well as university business trips. In addition to emissions from daily commutes, non-road equipment such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, small maintenance vehicles, and other such equipment utilized on campus contributes to a significant portion to the total emissions from …

Scenario Generation And Climate Change Modelling Of Nitrous Oxide Emissions From Grasslands In Ireland, Mark Cochrane

Theses

Described as a two-year study in relation to nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural grassland in the Republic of Ireland under a set or climate and environmental policy scenarios. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas, with a global warning potential approximately three hundred times that or carbon dioxide. lt is required under the Kyoto Protocol that national inventories or all greenhouse gas emissions are established. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier approach is designed to establish current inventories of greenhouse gas emissions; however a scenario approach is also employed in order to estimate emissions in future years. Scenario sets …

The Optimum Energy Crop In Ireland For Biofuel, Eoin Deasy

Theses

The motivation for this research stems from the potential of biofuels to assist Ireland in meeting obligations outlined in the 'Renewable Energy Source Directive' (2009/28/EC) and to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The purpose of this work is to establish the merits of biofuel production Ireland ,with a keen focus on the technical, economic and environmental aspects of each. The three biofuel options investigated are biodiesel, bioethanol and biomethane. Eight crop varieties were investigated, these include; wheat, oats, barley, OSR, maize silage, sugar beet, grass silage and potatoes. The approach taken within this thesis was to perform a life cycle …

Geotechnical, Environmental And Regulatory Aspects Of Brownfield Development, Martin Casey

Theses

Brownfield sites are a common feature of the urban landscape, have significant development potential and when remediated are the catalysts for urban regeneration. However, site specific information regarding geotechnical and environmental aspects of the site, including regulatory issues are needed in terms of bringing the land back into beneficial use. This research project discusses current Irish practice and regulation in respect of brownfield development. A comparison is made between Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union in this regard. A review of all available literature indicates a number of shortcomings in respect of the geotechnical, environmental and regulatory aspects …

Human Sanitary Wastes And Waste Treatment In New York City, David J. Tonjes, Christine O'Connell, Omkar Aphale, R. Lawrence Swanson

Technology & Society Faculty Publications

Henry Hudson first sailed toNew Yorkharbor 400 years ago. Since then,New York Cityhas both affected and been affected by water quality in greaterNew YorkHarbor. In this paper, we focus on sewers, sewerage, and sewage treatment inManhattanand their effects on theHudson River. It is clear that feedbacks among drinking water quality and quantity, population, public perceptions, regulations, and estuarine water quality exist, although their strength and character have varied over time. Early land uses damaged local water supplies found on ManhattanIsland. New Yorkthen began to exploit the large fresh water resources available to its north, which helped the City to expand …

Implications Of Surface Runoff Recharge In Semi-Arid Regions On Groundwater Sustainability, Omar M. Al-Qudah

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Amargosa Desert, Nevada regional groundwater studies show that the surface runoff infiltration occurring in the arroyos following runoff producing storms, and this infiltration is considered to be a major source of groundwater recharge. Groundwater infiltration through alluvium was investigated in the Amargosa Desert using borehole drill cuttings, groundwater chemistry, and applying a novel method for collecting runoff water. The sampling process included sediment, precipitation, and runoff water. In total, 176 runoff, 182 sediment, and 45 precipitation samples were collected between January, 2009 and January, 2011.Water chemistry, chloride concentrations, and stable isotopes of water collected from specially designed runoff samplers, placed …

Separation Of Humic Matter From Groundwater Via Anion Exchange Resin: Comparison Of Bead And Powder Form, Sandra June Everett

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This work describes a comparison of a bead and powder form of anion exchange resin for removing humic matter from groundwater. The materials and procedures described herein involve a manufactured dry humic matter and two forms of the same anion exchange resin. Spectroscopy was the chosen procedure for analysis of organics.

Preliminary experiments were required to gain a better understanding of the materials and to prepare the best conditions for actual experimental research. Five concentrations of humic acid were used for experimental purposes at 0.5, 1, 5, 10 and 20 mg/L. Three concentrations of resin were used: 500, 750 and …

Optimal Loop Placement And Models For Length-Based Vehicle Classification And Stop-And-Go Traffic, Heng Wei, Qingyi Ai, Deogratias Eustace, Ping Yi

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Faculty Publications

Inductive loops are widely used nationwide for traffic monitoring as a data source for a variety of needs in generating traffic information for operation and planning analysis, validations of travel demand models, freight studies, pavement design, and even emission impact analysis of traffic operation. The loop data have also been used for vehicle length-based classification in many states including Ohio. The dual-loop detector consists of two single loop detectors which are placed apart at a fixed short distance, and this configuration enables the dual-loop detector data a potential real-time data source for speed and vehicle classifications. However, the existing dual-loop …

Innovative Pollutant Load Monitoring, Eric Gurr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Modern streamflow measuring equipment, water quality sampling techniques and a better understanding of pollutant washoff are continuously being developed as today's society is in critical need of improving water management, minimizing developmental impacts and preventing environmental hazards. In particular, the study of the spatial, temporal and volumetric characteristics of annual pollutant loading caused by variations in precipitation, land use and other anthropogenic factors is of great significance due to their relation to future global water demands. The research presented here falls in three parts. In the first part of the dissertation, an acoustical Doppler velocity profiler installed in a submerged …

Viability Study Of A Residential Integrated Stormwater, Graywater, And Wastewater Treatment System At Florida's Showcase Green Envirohome, Matthew Allen Goolsby

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The subject of water scarcity and the rate of water consumption has become popular topics over the last few decades. It is possible that society may consume or contaminate much of the remaining readily available water if there is not a paradigm shift. This deep rooted concern has prompted investigations to identify alternative water use and treatment methods. Within this report, information is presented from the use of innovative water harvesting and on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) at Florida’s Showcase Green Envirohome (FSGE.net), while also addressing low impact development (LID) practices. FSGE is a residential home that demonstrates …

2008 Emissions Inventory Of Central Florida, Jessica Leigh Ross

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An emissions inventory of VOCs, NOx, and CO2 was conducted for three central Florida counties – Orange, Seminole, and Osceola (OSO) – for calendar year 2008. The inventory utilized three programs: MOBILE6, NONROAD2005, and EDMS (Emissions and Dispersion Modeling System) to model on‐road mobile, non‐road mobile, and airport emissions, respectively. Remaining point and area source data was estimated from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA) 2008 emissions inventory. The previous OSO emissions inventory was done in 2002 and in the six years between inventories, there have been changes in population, commerce, …

Hydraulic Conductivity Of Model Soil-Bentonite Backfills Subjected To Wet-Dry Cycling, Michael A. Malusis, Jeffrey C. Evans, Seungchoel Yeom

Faculty Journal Articles

The potential for changes in hydraulic conductivity, k, of two model soil-bentonite (SB) backfills subjected to wet-dry cycling was investigated. The backfills were prepared with the same base soil (clean, fine sand) but different bentonite contents (2.7 and 5.6 dry wt %). Saturation (S), volume change, and k of consolidated backfill specimens (effective stress = 24 kPa) were evaluated over three to seven cycles in which the matric suction, Y_m, in the drying stage ranged from 50 to 700 kPa. Both backfills exhibited susceptibility to degradation in k caused by wet-dry cycling. Mean values of …

A Study Of High Solids Anaerobic Digestion Of Bucknell University Food Waste Followed By Aerobic Curing, Margaret Drennan

Master’s Theses

Anaerobic digestion of food scraps has the potential to accomplish waste minimization, energy production, and compost or humus production. At Bucknell University, removal of food scraps from the waste stream could reduce municipal solid waste transportation costs and landfill tipping fees, and provide methane and humus for use on campus. To determine the suitability of food waste produced at Bucknell for high-solids anaerobic digestion (HSAD), a year-long characterization study was conducted. Physical and chemical properties, waste biodegradability, and annual production of biodegradable waste were assessed. Bucknell University food and landscape waste was digested at pilot-scale for over a year to …

Aerosol Characterizaton In El Paso-Juarez Airshed Using Optical Methods, Angel E. Esparza

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The assessment and characterization of atmospheric aerosols and their optical properties are of great significance for several applications such as air pollution studies, atmospheric visibility, remote sensing of the atmosphere, and impacts on climate change. Decades ago, the interest in atmospheric aerosols was primarily for visibility impairment problems; however, recently interest has intensified with efforts to quantify the optical properties of aerosols, especially because of the uncertainties surrounding the role of aerosols in climate change. The main objective of the optical characterization of aerosols is to understand their properties. These properties are determined by the aerosols' chemical composition, size, shape …

Variation Of Number And Mass Concentration Of Particulate Matter At The International Bridge Of The Americas In El Paso, Texas, Veronica Guerrero

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Particle mass and number concentration measurements during different seasonal periods were conducted to study the effects caused by both privately own vehicles (POV) and commercial operated vehicles at the International Bridge of the Americas (BOTA), El Paso, Texas. There were two monitoring sites: UTEP air quality mobile monitoring site at the El Paso Water Utility (EPWU) located at the Chamizal National Memorial Park (CNMP) near the bridge. At this location measurements of traffic counts, size distribution, particle number and mass concentration PM"₁₀" (EP"₁₀"; El Paso PM"₁₀") and PM"_2.5" (EP"_2.5"; El …

A Framework For Strategic Sustainable Supply Chain Design, Abril Paola Vazquez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Sustainable supply chain management has raised interest considerably in recent years; due to environmental concerns from society as well industries. There is a high interest in the industries to solve this problem but many of the frameworks are directed to specific situation or structure. A strategic sustainable supply chain design framework is presented with the purpose of providing many companies, including small and big industries, the means to maintain an eco-friendly operation. These include; industry plants, distribution centers, and retailers.

Analysis Of Indoor And Outdoor Particulate Matter At Various Residences In The El Paso Region, Joseph Christopher Pinon

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis is a presentation of particulate matter data collected from February 2007 to June 2008. Personal environment monitors (PEM), which measured 7-day PM2.5 concentrations, had been deployed at 14 homes during the 2007 year and deployed in 16 different homes during the 2008 sampling year. Within each sampling year, sampling occurred for two one-week (7-day) periods during each season. In addition to PEM sampling, a tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) continuous sampler had been deployed in both indoors and outdoors at one pre-selected household per week. Gravimetric, chemical, and black carbon analysis had been performed on the PEM PM2.5 …

Residential Recycling Study, Richard Adams

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to gain baseline performance figures and statistics for El Paso's curbside recycling program. With these baseline statistics the effectiveness of changes for promotion and outreach can be evaluated once implemented. In addition, operational changes such as to every other week recycling collection rather then every week or a "pay as you throw" system could be evaluated.

Assessment Of Intra-Urban Traffic-Related Air Pollution On Asthmatic Children's Exposure At Schools In The Paso Del Norte Region, Amit Ugamraj Raysoni

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Traffic-related air pollution can be a major public health concern in any urban area. This problem is compounded in the Paso del Norte region that has experienced rapid economic growth, and a substantial number of people living in close vicinity of major roadways. The desert surroundings, arid weather, frequent temperature inversions, heavy border traffic at the international ports of entry between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, and poorly maintained vehicle fleet further exacerbates this problem. A growing body of air quality and epidemiologic research has discerned the linkage between traffic emissions and respiratory disorders.

Initial health investigations in the Paso …

Asphaltene As Light Harvesting Material In Dye Sensitized Solar Cell, Rajab Emhemed Abujnah

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This Dissertation characterizes the first asphaltene DSSC (dye-sensitized solar cell), in which light to electricity conversion efficiency has improved from 0 % to 1.8 %. Four natural organic asphaltene factions, namely, un-fractionated asphaltene, Fr. 1 Asphaltene, Fr.2 asphaltene, Fr.3 and Fr.4 were extracted and tested for various solar cell parameters of TiO2 based dye-sensitized solar cell DSSC. DSSCs were fabricated using the four individual asphaltene dyes. The photovoltaic performance of the cells was examined by determining the various parameters such as open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, fill factor, and series resistance. The overall energy conversion efficiency was also measured to correlate …

Analysis Of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds In Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Perspective Of Trans-Boundary Waterborne Pollution, Roberto De La Torre

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Recent decades have brought an increasing concern of potential adverse human and ecological health effects resulting from Endocrine Disruptor Compounds (EDCs). In particular from new emerging compounds such as natural estrogens (e.g., 17©¬-estradiol, estrone), synthetic estrogens (e.g., 17Â¥á-ethynylestradiol), bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOS), and nonylphenol (NP). These chemicals which are also known as organic wastewater contaminants are released directly to the environment after passing through wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which often are not designed to remove them from the effluent. The occurrence of the aforementioned compounds in surface water is becoming of increasing concern worldwide, and has led to …

Development Of An Angular Scanning System For Sensing Vertical Profiles Of Soil Electrical Conductivity, Viacheslav Adamchuk, Ahmad S. Mat Su, Roger A. Eigenberg, Richard B. Ferguson

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Apparent soil electrical conductivity (EC_a) is typically mapped to define soil spatial variability within an agricultural field. Knowledge of the vertical variability of EC_a is desired to define the site‐specific behavior of the soil profile. A pneumatic angular scanning system (PASS) was developed to sense horizontal and vertical changes of EC_a on‐the‐go with an electromagnetic induction (EMI) instrument using an angular scanning method. This sensor system consists of a sled with a rotating mechanism, an EMI sensor, an inclinometer, and a pneumatic actuator. The system was evaluated at the University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Agricultural Research and Development …