Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Manufactured Coal Ash Aggregates For Aqueous Tnt Sorption, Sangchul Hwang, Victor Hernandez

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

No abstract provided.

Mineralogy And Leaching Characteristics Of Coal Ash From A Major Brazilian Power Plant, Luis F.O. Silva, Colin R. Ward, James C. Hower, Maria Izquierdo, Frans Waanders, Marcos L.S. Oliveira, Zhongsheng Li, Rachel S. Hatch, Xavier Querol

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

The feed coals, fly ashes and bottom ashes collected from seven different units in a major Brazilian PF power plant have been subjected to comprehensive mineralogical, geochemical, and petrographic studies, to investigate the links between feed coal and ash characteristics. Ashes from two of the units were collected while the coal was being co-fired with oil as part of the boiler start-up procedure, allowing the impact of oil co-firing on ash characteristics also to be evaluated. High proportions of unburnt carbon and high proportions of retained sulphur were found in the fly ashes produced during oil co-firing, probably reflecting less …

Precipitation Of Germanium From Coal Fly Ash Leachates, Fatima Arroyo, Constantino Fernandez-Pereira, Pilar Coca

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

The valorization of a coal gasification fly ash was studied by leaching the fly ash using different aqueous solutions followed by the subsequent precipitation of the germanium solubilized from the ash. Experimental investigations were focused on the precipitation of a germanium2catechol (CAT) complex with cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The influences of pH and amounts of CTAB and CAT on the precipitation yield were investigated. To this aim, a central composite rotatable design and ANOVA Design Expert 7.0.3 Wiley software were employed for experimental design and analysis of the results. Thus, the independent and combined effects of pH, CAT/Ge and …

The Effect Of Drag-Reducing Additives On The Rheological Properties Of Fly Ash-Water Suspensions At Varying Temperature Environment, H.K. Naik, M.K. Mishra, Rao Karanam U.M.

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Fly ash transportation and disposal is a major problem in India. Presently fly ash is being transported as lean slurry in pipe lines requiring about 80 to 85% of water which, in turn, consumes more energy input. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the rheological characteristics of fly ash slurry at varying temperatures with and without an additive to facilitate smooth flow in the pipelines. Six fly ash slurry samples were prepared from the fly ash obtained from a thermal power plant situated in the southern part of India. The main constituents of the slurry were fly …

Waste Stabilization/Solidification (S/S) Of Eaf Dust Using Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers. Influence Of Carbonation On The Stabilized Solids, Y. Luna Galiano, C. Fernandez Pereira, J. Vale

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

The effect of the curing in a carbonated ambient of the solids obtained after the stabilization/solidification (S/S) of metallurgical waste using geopolymerization technology is described in this paper. The electric arc furnace (EAF) dust to stabilize contains hazardous metals such as Pb, Cd, Cr, or Zn. Different geopolymeric agents such as potassium hydroxide, potassium silicate, metakaolin, and blast furnace slag have been used. Mixtures of EAF waste with these geopolymeric materials and class F fly ash as main silica and alumina source have been processed. Samples were submitted to an accelerated carbonation test. Compressive strength tests and different leaching tests …

Variations In Fly Ash Composition With Sampling Location: Case Study From A Portuguese Power Plant, B. Valentim, A. Guedes, D. Flores, C.R. Ward, J.C. Hower

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Fly ash (FA) is a heterogeneous and complex material resulting from coal combustion in thermoelectric power plants (TPP). Therefore, different types of coals, worldwide, produce FAs with different compositions. However, the location of the FA sampling system, inside the TPP, is also important to the composition of the FA produced at each location. A case study of FA from a Portuguese TPP, using several coal and FA characterization techniques (particle size analysis, proximate and ultimate analyses, XRF, SEM/ESEM/EDS, Optical microscopy, XRD, inferred chemistry, and AAS), has shown that FA chemical classification, mineralogy and phase-mineral classification, and trace elements (Cr, Cu, …

Zeolite Synthesised From Fused Coal Fly Ash At Low Temperature Using Seawater For Crystallization, Claudia Belviso, Francesco Cavalcante, Antonio Lettino, Saverio Fiore

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

A sample of coal fly ash from an Italian thermoelectric power plant was used in order to synthesize zeolite by hydrothermal activation after a pre-treatment fusion with NaOH. The experiments involved were performed at different temperatures of crystallization, ranging from 35 up to 60uC, with seawater and distilled water, separately, during hydrothermal process. A comparison between the results obtained from the use of the different kinds of water showed that at low temperature (35–40 uC) the synthesis yield of zeolite X is higher using seawater as crystallizing agent than using distilled water. This implies a possible application for seawater in …

Hydraulic Geometry Relationships And Regional Curves For The Inner And Outer Bluegrass Regions Of Kentucky, Ruth Roseann Brockman

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Hydraulic geometry relationships and regional curves are used in natural channel design to assist engineers, biologists, and fluvial geomorphologists in the efforts undertaken to ameliorate previous activities that have diminished, impaired or destroyed the structure and function of stream systems. Bankfull channel characteristics were assessed for 14 United States Geological Survey (USGS) gaged sites in the Inner Bluegrass and 15 USGS gaged sites in the Outer Bluegrass Regions of Kentucky. Hydraulic geometry relationships and regional curves were developed for the aforementioned regions.

Analysis of the regression relationships showed that bankfull discharge is a good explanatory variable for bankfull parameters such …

A Continuous Mathematical Model Of The One-Dimensional Sedimentation Process Of Flocculated Sediment Particles, Sebastian Fernando Torrealba

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

A new continuous one-dimensional sedimentation model incorporating a new continuous flocculation model that considers aggregation and fragmentation processes was derived and tested. Additionally, a new procedure to model sediment particle size distribution (PSD) was derived. Basic to this development were three different parametric models: Jaky, Fredlund and the Gamma probability distribution (GPD) were chosen to fit three different glass micro-spheres PSDs having average particle sizes of 7, 25 and 35 microns. The GPD provided the best fit with the least parameters. The bimodal GPD was used to fit ten sediment samples with excellent results (< 5% average error). A continuous flocculation model was derived using the method of moments for solving the continuous Smoluchowski coagulation equation with fragmentation. The initial sediment PSD was modeled using a bimodal GPD. This new flocculation model resulted in a new general moments’ equation that considers aggregation and fragmentation processes, which is represented by a system of ordinary differential equations. The model was calibrated using a genetic algorithm with initial and flocculated PSDs of four sediment samples and four anionic polyacrylamides flocculants. The results show excellent correlation between predicted and observed values (R² > 0.9878). A new continuous …

Use Of Co2 Concentration Difference Or Co2 Balance To Assess Ventilation Rate Of Broiler Houses, Hongwei Xin, Hong Li, Robert T. Burns, Richard S. Gates, Douglas G. Overhults, John W. Earnest

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Ventilation rate (VR) is one of the two key elements for quantifying aerial emissions from animal production facilities. Direct, continuous measurement of building VR can be challenging and impractical under certain circumstances,e.g., naturally ventilated animal housing or a large number of ventilation fans in the building. This study examined the suitability of estimating VR of broiler houses with built‐up litter (mixture of manure and bedding), when supplemental heating was not in use, through either carbon dioxide (CO₂) balance or the relationship of VR to CO₂ concentration difference between exhaust and inlet air. The reference VR was based …

Estimating Water Application Efficiency For Drip Irrigation Emitter Patterns On Banana, Alisson Jadavi Pereira Da Silva, Eugênio Ferreira Coelho, Jarbas Honorio De Miranda, Stephen Ray Workman

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The objective of this work was to evaluate root and water distribution in irrigated banana (Musa sp.), in order to determine the water application efficiency for different drip irrigation emitter patterns. Three drip emitter patterns were studied: two 4-L h^-1 emitters per plant (T1), four 4-L h^-1 emitters per plant (T2), and five 4-L h^-1 emitters per plant (T3). The emitters were placed in a lateral line. In the treatment T3, the emitters formed a continuous strip. The cultivated area used was planted with banana cultivar BRS Tropical, with a 3-m spacing between rows and a …

Local Head Loss Of Non-Coaxial Emitters Inserted In Polyethylene Pipe, Osvaldo Rettore Neto, Jarbas Honorio De Miranda, José Antonio Frizzone, Stephen R. Workman

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The design of a lateral line for drip irrigation requires accurate evaluation of head losses in not only the pipe but in the emitters as well. A procedure was developed to determine localized head losses within the emitters by the formulation of a mathematical model that accounts for the obstruction caused by the insertion point. These localized losses can be significant when compared with the total head losses within the system due to the large number of emitters typically installed along the lateral line. An experiment was carried out by altering flow characteristics to create Reynolds numbers (R) from 7,480 …

Effects Of Growth Media Ph And Reaction Water Activity On The Conversion Of Acetophenone To (S)-1-Phenylethanol By Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Immobilized On Celite 635 And In Calcium Alginate, Nicholas P. Coleman, Czarena Crofcheck, Sue E. Nokes, Barbara L. Knutson

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Biologically catalyzed reactions often produce enantiomers of the product; however, only one configuration is desired. Reaction conditions are known to affect enantiomer ratios and reaction kinetics, but little is known regarding the effect of processing conditions on whole-cell biocatalysis. Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells were grown in batch on glucose at pH = 4, 5, and 7, and then immobilized on Celite beads or in calcium alginate beads and used as the biocatalyst for the conversion of acetophenone in hexane to (S)-1-phenylethanol at water activities of 0.37, 0.61, and 0.80. S. cerevisiae was used as a model microorganism for the whole-cell catalyzed …

Optical Properties Of Coal Combustion Byproducts For Particle-Size Analysis By Laser Diffraction, Robert B. Jewell, Robert F. Rathbone

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Laser diffraction analysis is commonly used for determining the particle-size distribution (PSD) of fly ash. However, there is currently no standard method for preparing samples and analyzing them. The Mie and Fraunhofer optical models are used to calculate the PSD of fly ash from laser diffraction data. The Mie theory is most applicable for particles smaller than 50 mm, and is therefore the most accurate model for the analysis of fly ash. However, the refractive index (RI) of fly ash is complex and not well known. This study presents the analysis of several supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as coal …

Asymmetry Of Model Bin Wall Loads And Lateral Pressure Induced From Two- And Three-Dimensional Obstructions Attached To The Wall, Marek Molenda, Michael D. Montross, Sidney A. Thompson, Jozef Horabik

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

An obstruction attached to the wall of a bin produced by cohesive, moldy grain has been reported as a source of failure in steel bins. A study was conducted to estimate the effect of two-dimensional (plane) and three-dimensional (block) obstructions attached to the corrugated wall in a flat-floor model bin where the lateral wall pressure and vertical wall loads were measured. The model bin was 1.83 m in diameter, 5.75 m high, and filled with soft red winter wheat to a depth of 5.0 m (height-to-diameter ratio h/d of 2.75). The plane obstruction had the form of an annulus segment …

Retrofitting Tractors With Rollover Protective Structures: Perspective Of Equipment Dealers, Shalome M. Tonelli, Kelley J. Donham, Kerry Leedom-Larson, Wayne Sanderson, Mark A. Purschwitz

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

This study was one of a cluster of studies that originated via requests for proposals from the NIOSH National Agricultural Tractor Safety Initiative. The present study design consisted of several steps: (1) formation of an advisory group, (2) development and testing of a standard paper self-responding survey instrument, (3) sample selection of farm equipment dealers, (4) administration of the survey, (5) assessment and analysis of the survey, and (6) in-person response panel of dealers (n = 80) to review results of the questionnaire for further definition and sharpening of the recommendations from the survey. A key finding is that most …

Integration Of An Extended Octagonal Ring Transducer And Soil Coulterometer For Identifying Soil Compaction, Santosh K. Pitla, Larry G. Wells, Scott A. Shearer

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The soil coulterometer is an "on-the-go" electro-mechanical system which collects impedance force data at multiple depths using an oscillating coulter. During the initial testing (summer 2006), only vertical soil impedance force data was collected using a pressure sensor. To improve the performance of the coulterometer, an extended octagonal ring transducer was integrated into the system to collect both the horizontal and vertical impedance forces given by the soil. In the summer of 2007, data was collected using the revised sensor from a typical central Kentucky field setting in a 0.8-ha (2-acre) plot. Four passes were made with the coulterometer. Seventy …

Packing Factors Of Feed Products In Storage Structures, Samuel G. Mcneill, Michael D. Montross, Sidney A. Thompson, I. Joseph Ross, Thomas C. Bridges

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Experiments were conducted to measure the changes in bulk density of cracked corn, corn meal, soybean meal, cotton seed meal, and distillers dried grain (without solubles) when subjected to simulated overburden pressures. All materials were tested at two moisture content levels (approximately 8% and 12% w.b.) and seven pressures between 0 and 69 kPa (0 and 10 psi). A mathematical model was fitted to the data to predict the bulk density of each feed ingredient as a function of pressure and moisture content. These relationships were inserted into a previously developed computer model to predict ingredient packing within conventional storage …

Airflow Resistance Of Wheat Bedding As Influenced By The Filling Method, J. Łukaszuk, M. Molenda, J. Horabik, B. Szot, Michael D. Montross

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

A study was conducted to estimate the degree of variability of the airflow resistance in wheat caused by the filling method, compaction of the sample, and airflow direction. Two types of grain chambers were used: a cylindrical column 0.95 m high and 0.196 m in diameter, and a cubical box of 0.35 m side. All factors examined were found to influence considerably the airflow resistance. Gravitational axial filling of the grain column from three heights (0.0, 0.95 and 1.8 m) resulted in the pressure drops of 1.0, 1.3, and 1.5 kPa at the airflow velocity of 0.3 m/s. Consolidation of …

Corn Stover Availability And Collection Efficiency Using Typical Hay Equipment, Robert M. Prewitt, Michael D. Montross, Scott A. Shearer, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Stephen F. Higgins, Samuel G. Mcneill, Shahab Sokhansanj

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Corn stover has been identified as a potential feedstock for the production of fermentable sugars and thermochemical processes. The availability and efficiency of typical hay equipment for collecting corn stover has not been well quantified. Corn stover was collected for two years on a central Kentucky farm near Louisville. Six different harvesting treatments, using traditional hay equipment, were used to harvest corn stover. A rotary mower, rotary scythe (flail-type mower with windrow-forming shields), parallel bar rake, and a round baler were utilized. The average stover moisture content prior to grain harvest was above 40%, and field drying was required before …

Characterization Of Dairy Milk House Waste Water In Kentucky, Anshu Singh, Czarena L. Crofcheck, Gail M. Brion

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

This study focuses on characterization of milk house waste water from eight different farms in Kentucky. The farms were separated into three groups based on the number of cows: small (20-30), medium (30-60), and large (over 60 cows). Samples were collected once a month from four farms and twice a month from the remainder. Samples were analyzed for chemical, biochemical, and microbiological characteristics. Results indicated a large and significant variation in the chemical and microbiological characteristics between the farms. Farm size had a significant effect on the nutrient content of the waste water. Though samples exhibited seasonal variation, there was …

Dairy Waste Utilization Management Tool, José R. Bicudo, Anshu Singh

Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications

Quick tests enabling rapid, on‑farm assessment of manure nutrient content can significantly enhance manure management practices. Rapid or quick tests are less accurate than standard laboratory analyses but can be useful as a manure utilization tool.

Economic Analysis Of Cellulase Production Methods For Bio-Ethanol, Jun Zhuang, Mary A. Marchant, Sue E. Nokes, Herbert J. Strobel

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The cost of cellulase enzymes has limited the feasibility of producing ethanol from fibrous biomass. Traditional submerged fermentation (SmF) was compared to an alternative method of producing cellulase, solid state cultivation (SSC). Results from an economic analysis indicated that the unit costs for cellulase enzyme production were $15.67 (The prices are all 2004 prices in this article, except otherwise stated. We deflated newer prices to 2004 prices using a deflation factor 0.9 per year and inflated older prices to 2004 prices using an inflation factor 1.1.) per kilogram ($/kg) and $40.36/kg, for the SSC and SmF methods, respectively, while the …

Hydrologic Properties Of Pervious Concrete, Joe D. Luck, Stephen R. Workman, Stephen F. Higgins, Mark S. Coyne

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Pervious concrete is concrete made by eliminating most or all of the fine aggregate (sand) in the concrete mix, which allows interconnected void spaces to be formed in the hardened product. These interconnected void spaces allow the concrete to transmit water at relatively high rates. The main objective of this project was to conduct research on the potential application of pervious concrete in agricultural settings, specifically for use in animal feed lots, manure storage pads, animal manure and bedding compost facilities, or floor systems in animal buildings. Laboratory tests were conducted on replicated samples of pervious concrete formed from two …

Managing Liquid Dairy Manure, José R. Bicudo

Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications

One of the primary issues in the dairy production industry is the storage, management, and land application of manure. Producers should plan how and when to apply manure to agricultural land to minimize the risk of water pollution and odor nuisance and maximize nutrient use.

System And Method For Sensing A Characteristic Of A Fluid And Related Apparatus, Frederick Payne

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

An apparatus for intended use in measuring, sensing, or detecting a characteristic of a fluid, such as a liquid food product, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body having a pocket for positioning adjacent to the opening in a pipe or like structure for receiving a portion of a fluid therein. In one possible use, a first optical medium, such as an optical fiber, transmits light from a source toward a portion of the fluid flow entering the pocket. Light received by one or more optical mediums positioned in backscatter, sidescatter, or transmission configurations relative to the first optical medium …

Development And Testing Of A Low-Cost Condensation Detection System, Michael D. Montross, George A. Duncan, Richard S. Gates

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

A condensation sensing and control system was designed to detect condensation using a commercially available leaf wetness sensor (LWS). The leaf wetness sensor was a variable resistance grid-type that responded to moisture on the surface. A circuit was developed to compare the LWS voltage output to a user specified reference voltage, and operate a relay for possible switching of a humidity control device (for example a fan and/or heater). The condensation detection system operation was validated in an environmental chamber in the laboratory using a heat exchanger and water bath. Condensate was immediately detected when the plate was cooled below …

Evaluation Of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Measurements Of Glucose And Xylose In Biomass Hydrolyzate, Czarena L. Crofcheck, Michael D. Montross

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Measurement of sugars using traditional spectroscopic (UV/Vis) assays or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can be time consuming and expensive. Alternative methods for measuring sugars after enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass would be convenient for screening potential biomass feedstocks and pretreatment methods. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been utilized for measuring composition of various aqueous solutions and is evaluated here as an alternative to UV/Vis and HPLC assays. Solutions of glucose and xylose with concentrations between 0 and 1.5% w/v (total sugar content between 0 and 3.0% w/v) were used to build calibration curves for all three methods. A validation …

Biodiesel Basics, Czarena L. Crofcheck, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Michael D. Montross

Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel for diesel engines. Biodiesel, defined by ASTM International (D6751), consists of longchain fatty acid alkyl esters and is made from renewable vegetable oils, recycled cooking oils, or animal fats. It can be used at full strength, but it is typically blended with petroleum diesel. A blend of 2 percent biodiesel and 98 percent diesel is referred to as B2. Other typical blends include B5, B10, and B20; pure biodiesel is sometimes referred to as B100. Biodiesel is safer for the environment and produces significantly less air pollution compared to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel can be produced …

Biodiesel Faq, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Czarena L. Crofcheck, Michael D. Montross

Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications

Biodiesel and other alternative fuels continue to gain popularity as petroleum fuel prices rise and we become more concerned about our environment. Introduction of these fuels raises many questions about actually using them in current equipment. The purpose of this factsheet is to address some of the common questions asked by those considering the use of biodiesel in existing diesel equipment.