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Fusion will be and needs to be achieved. But when? Its primary fuel, deuterium, exists in sufficient quantity to satisfy any conceivable energy demands for thousands of millions of years. The cost of obtaining it from water is less than one per cent the present cost of coal. Is fusion power a distant dream or a near-term possibility? The first applications could come in the 1980s. Richard F. Post, a physicist, is head of the magnetic mirror program in controlled thermonuclear research at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, Livermore, California. This report on progress in fusion research was adapted from his presentation on April 26, 1971 to the National Academy of Sciences Symposium on "Energy for the Future." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The programme to design plasma scenarios for the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP), a reactor concept aiming at net electricity production, seeks to exploit the inherent advantages of the spherical tokamak (ST) while making conservative assumptions about plasma performance. This approach is motivated by the large gap between present-day STs and future burning plasmas based on this concept. It is concluded that plasma exhaust in such a device is most likely to be manageable in a double null (DN) configuration, and that high core performance is favoured by positive triangularity (PT) plasmas with an elevated central safety factor. Based on a full technical and physics assessment of external heating and current drive (CD) systems, it was decided that the external CD is provided most effectively by microwaves. Operation with active resistive wall mode (RWM) stabilization as well as high elongation is needed for the most compact solution. The gap between existing devices and STEP is most pronounced in the area of core transport, owing to high normalized plasma pressure in the latter which changes qualitatively the nature of the turbulence controlling transport. Plugging this gap will require dedicated experiments, particularly on high-performance STs, and the development of reduced models that faithfully represent turbulent transport at high normalized pressure. Plasma scenarios in STEP will also need to be such that edge localized modes (ELMs) either do not occur or are small enough to be compatible with material lifetime limits. The high current needed for a power plant-relevant plasma leads to the unavoidable generation of high runaway electron beam current during a disruption, where novel mitigation techniques may be needed. This article is part of the theme issue 'Delivering Fusion Energy – The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP)'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obtaining cellulose from forest residues develops sustainable processes in the biotechnology industry, especially in producing biopolymers, which could replace or add petroleum-derived polymers. This research seeks to optimize the ideal conditions of the mixing process to maximize the efficiency in obtaining cellulose through a process consisting of two treatment media for pine sawdust, specifically evaluating the impact of three types of impellers (propeller, flat blades, and 45° inclined flat blades) at speeds of (150, 250 and 350 rpm). DIN 28131 was used for the design of stirred tanks. Simulations were carried out with a volume of 50 L. CFD and FSI simulations of the agitation behavior of forest biomass in a stirred tank reactor were performed. The ALE method was applied, and the models were solved using the LS-DYNA computer program. The results indicate that agitation with propellers and flat blades inclined at 150 and 250 rpm was the most efficient, minimizing cell damage and optimizing energy consumption. The impeller with flat blades inclined at 45° proved to be the best option for cellulose extraction. The novelty of this research is that not only the flow fields and the agitation behavior were found, but also the stresses in the impellers were found, and the force, moment, and power required by the motor in each simulation were revealed at a different speed. The power curves shown help to understand how energy consumption varies under different conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residence time distribution (RTD) is very reliable, providing valuable information about the performance of process equipment such as reactors and columns. The aim of this work is to study the effect of agitation in the hydrodynamic column of flow-rig. In this case, residence time distribution (RTD) is determined using the radiotracer approach. The radiotracer is the Technetium Tc-99m with half decay 6 h. It also emits gamma rays with an energy of 0.140 MeV. 2 mL of approximately 9 mCi activity Tc-99m was injected inside the column. The results show that in the conditions studied the column presents the anomaly, dead volume. The Intensity function A(t) confirms this result. Agitation has a beneficial effect in the reduction of dead volume. To revise the conception of the column or study other parameters like the variation flow rate can reduce or eliminate the dead volume. The RTD model indicated the column behaved as a Plug flow reactor (PFR) with mixing cells in serie (J = 4) model and the RTD experiment verified the model well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper investigates a novel triangular honeycomb thermochemical energy storage reactor for low- and medium-temperature applications in buildings, emphasizing its potential to enhance sustainable heating. Using a validated 3D numerical model, the reactor's performance is analyzed in depth across various configurations, focusing on key parameters such as energy storage density, pressure drop, internal air flow distribution, and round-trip efficiency. Results show that the reactor achieved an energy storage density of 872 kJ/kg and a round-trip thermal efficiency of 41.51% under optimal conditions. Additionally, the triangular honeycomb reactor (30°, 60, and 90°) configuration achieved the highest temperature lift of 48.7 °C. In a feasibility analysis for residential heating in northern China, the reactor with 30°, 60°, and 90° angles required 24.91% less volume to meet daily heating demands compared to other configurations. This study contributes valuable insights for the development of efficient, low-carbon heating solutions for low- and medium-temperature applications in buildings, offering interesting advancements in the field of thermochemical energy storage technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the ambient N2 reduction to ammonia (NH3) using H2O as hydrogen source (2N2+6H2O=4NH3+3O2) is known as a promising alternative to the Haber–Bosch process, the high bond energy of N≡N bond leads to the extremely low NH3 yield. Herein, we report a highly efficient catalytic system for ammonia synthesis using the low‐temperature dielectric barrier discharge plasma to activate inert N2 molecules into the excited nitrogen species, which can efficiently react with the confined and concentrated H2O molecules in porous metal–organic framework (MOF) reactors with V3+, Cr3+, Mn3+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+ ions. Specially, the Fe‐based catalyst MIL‐100(Fe) causes a superhigh NH3 yield of 22.4 mmol g−1 h−1. The investigation of catalytic performance and systematic characterizations of MIL‐100(Fe) during the plasma‐driven catalytic reaction unveils that the in situ generated defective Fe−O clusters are the highly active sites and NH3 molecules indeed form inside the MIL‐100(Fe) reactor. The theoretical calculation reveals that the porous MOF catalysts have different adsorption capacity for nitrogen species on different catalytic metal sites, where the optimal MIL‐100(Fe) has the lowest energy barrier for the rate‐limiting *NNH formation step, significantly enhancing efficiency of nitrogen fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the ambient N2 reduction to ammonia (NH3) using H2O as hydrogen source (2N2+6H2O=4NH3+3O2) is known as a promising alternative to the Haber–Bosch process, the high bond energy of N≡N bond leads to the extremely low NH3 yield. Herein, we report a highly efficient catalytic system for ammonia synthesis using the low‐temperature dielectric barrier discharge plasma to activate inert N2 molecules into the excited nitrogen species, which can efficiently react with the confined and concentrated H2O molecules in porous metal–organic framework (MOF) reactors with V3+, Cr3+, Mn3+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+ ions. Specially, the Fe‐based catalyst MIL‐100(Fe) causes a superhigh NH3 yield of 22.4 mmol g−1 h−1. The investigation of catalytic performance and systematic characterizations of MIL‐100(Fe) during the plasma‐driven catalytic reaction unveils that the in situ generated defective Fe−O clusters are the highly active sites and NH3 molecules indeed form inside the MIL‐100(Fe) reactor. The theoretical calculation reveals that the porous MOF catalysts have different adsorption capacity for nitrogen species on different catalytic metal sites, where the optimal MIL‐100(Fe) has the lowest energy barrier for the rate‐limiting *NNH formation step, significantly enhancing efficiency of nitrogen fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Petroleum Refinery Engineering is the property of Petroleum Refinery Engineering Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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Purpose. Development and use of a mathematical model of the stages of formation of high-voltage pulse discharges in gas bubbles in the discharge gap «rod-plane» to identify the features of the electric field intensity distribution in the reactor and determine the current density in the load during disinfection and purification of liquid media by high-voltage pulse discharges and find the most rational treatment. Methodology. To achieve this goal, we used computer modeling using the finite element method as a method of numerical analysis. An experimental reactor model was created that takes into account the dynamics of discharges in gas bubbles in water. The equations describing the system include the generalized Ampere equation, the Poisson equation and the electric displacement equation, taking into account the corresponding initial and boundary conditions, as well as the properties of materials. The dependence of the potential of a high-voltage electrode on time has the form of a damped sinusoid, and the specific electrical conductivity in a gas bubble is a function of time. Processes occurring at the front of the voltage pulse from 0 to 20 ns are considered. Results. It is shown that with an increase in conductivity and high-voltage potential to amplitude values in a gas bubble, the electric field strength in the water layer in the reactor reaches 70 kV/cm, and it is in the water layer that there is a strong electric field. The calculations show that already by 19th ns the density of conduction currents in water prevails over that of displacement currents. At the same time, additional inclusions in the water significantly affect the distribution of electric field strength and current density, creating a significant difference in their values at the boundaries of the interface between the bubble, conductive element and water. Originality. A simulation of the dynamics of transient discharge processes in a gas bubble and a layer of water with impurities was carried out, including an analysis of the distribution of the electric field strength and current density in a system with rod-plane electrodes in the phase transition section of a gas bubble-water. This approach allows us to reveal the features of processes in reactors and to investigate the influence of phase transitions on the distribution of electrophysical quantities. Practical value. Computer simulations confirm the prospect of using nanosecond discharges generated in gas bubbles within a volume of water for widespread industrial use and are of great interest for further experimental and theoretical research. References 25, figures 9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Industrial Water Treatment is the property of CNOOC Tianjin Chemical Research & Design Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Environmental context: This manuscript focuses on the introduction of the conventional and modified Solvay processes. The Solvay process is used to produce sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, while also providing brine management and CO2 capture. Optimal values must be used for reactant contents, temperature, salinity of the brine and stirring rate to enhance efficiency. The Solvay process is used to produce sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Simultaneous brine management and CO2 capture occur by the Solvay process. In this review, the Solvay process based on different solutions (i.e. NH3, KOH, CaO, Ca(OH)2 and alcohol amines) is reviewed. The most efficient processes considering CO2 uptake and Na+/Cl− removal are introduced. The Solvay process benefits from increasing NH3 content, salinity, stirring rate, decreasing temperature and using inert mixing particles in the reactor. Adding NH4HCO3, extra KOH in subsequent stages and brine pretreatment are recommended. The results show that a Ca(OH)2-based Solvay process, an NH3-based process running in contactor and reactor, and a 2-amino-2-methylpropanol-based Solvay process obtain the highest CO2 capture efficiencies of 99, 98 and 80% respectively. Environmental context. This manuscript focuses on the introduction of the conventional and modified Solvay processes. The Solvay process is used to produce sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, while also providing brine management and CO2 capture. Optimal values must be used for reactant contents, temperature, salinity of the brine and stirring rate to enhance efficiency. (Image of the schematic diagram reproduced from with permission.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a suitable half-life and abundant radiolabeling strategy, 225Ac has become one of the most promising radionuclides in the area of targeted alpha therapy. However, limited radionuclide supply is threatening the development of 225Ac related endoradiotherapy dramatically. As the parent nuclide of 225Ac, 229Th can be produced via 226Ra(3n, 2ß)229Th reaction in a nuclear reactor. However, related practice has not been conducted in large scale, since the nuclear reaction pathway for producing 229Th is complicated. In this work, the feasibility of producing 225Ac/229Th in a reactor was confirmed by systematic theoretical calculations, and a procedure that combines irradiation with separation process was proposed. The results show that 176 MBq of 229Th can be produced by irradiating 1.0 g of 226Ra with a neutron flux density of 1 × 1015 n cm-2 s1 for 90 days. This will generate 150 MBq of 225Ac monthly from a radionuclide generator, which is sufficient for the single treatment cycle of 200 patients each year considering the radioactivity loss in radiochemical separation, transfer and radiolabeling process. In addition, this irradiation process will also produce 37.8 GBq 227Ac for the preparation of 227Ac-227Th-223Ra generator. In general, the production of 225Ac by neutron irradiation of 226Ra in reactor is practicable and holds potential to alleviate the shortage of current supply of 225Ac. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalysis is a promising technology for efficient sewage treatment, and designing a reactor with a stable loading technique is crucial for achieving long-term stability. However, there is a need to improve the current state of the art in both reactor design and loading techniques to ensure reliable and efficient performance. In this study, we propose an innovative solution by employing polydimethylsiloxane as a bonding layer on a substrate of 3D-printed polyacrylic resin. By means of mechanical extrusion, the active layer interacts with the bonding layer, ensuring a stable loading of the active layer onto the substrate. Simultaneously, 3D printing technology is utilized to construct a photocatalytic reactor resembling a "Kongming Lantern", guaranteeing both high activity and durability. The reactor exhibited remarkable performance in degrading organic dyes and eliminating microbes and displayed a satisfactory purification effect on real water samples. Most significantly, it maintained its catalytic activity even after 50 weeks of cyclic degradation. This study contributes to the development of improved photocatalysis technologies for long-term sewage treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct-drive laser inertial fusion is a potential producer of baseline power that has increased credibility following the achievement at the National Ignition Facility of ignition and net gain using indirect-drive via laser-produced X-rays. Ultraviolet broad band lasers such as argon fluoride, at 193 nm and 10 THz, are predicted by hydrocode simulations to enable energy gains greater than 100 with laser energies less than 0.5 MJ, stimulating renewed reactor design effort in anticipation of experimental verification. The present study attempts to create a reactor design with very few unknowns in materials, corrosion, first wall viability, tritium breeding and ease of servicing. A new variant of magnetic intervention has an increased ion dump surface area combined with a simple structure. Around an inner vacuum vessel an all-ceramic tritium breeder blanket is possible in an unconstrained volume, allowing helium coolant to be used without excessive pressure or flow power. The case is made for development of a lead (Pb) ceramic as the neutron multiplier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study numerically investigated the effects of various contact strategies on the thermal hydraulic behavior within a structured bed of 100 explicitly modeled pebbles. Four contact strategies and two thermal hydraulic conditions were considered. The strategies to avoid contact singularities include decreasing the pebble diameter, increasing the pebble diameter, bridging the pebble surfaces near the contact region, and capping the pebble surfaces near the contact region. One strategy, Strategy 3a, which involves bridging with a cylinder equal to 10% of the pebble diameter, was selected as the baseline strategy because it addressed the contact singularity while minimizing the geometric changes that affect the bed porosity. The two thermal hydraulic conditions were full-power operation (Case 1) and pressurized loss of forced cooling or PLOFC (Case 2). Simulations of the conjugate heat transfer within the structured bed were performed using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach with the realizable k- ϵ turbulence model and two-layer all y + wall treatment. The thermal-fluid quantities of interest were compared between the contact strategies for each case. In Case 1, the hydraulic behavior was sensitive to the contact strategy, with large differences in the pressure drop (30%) and volume-average velocity (4%). The thermal behavior was not sensitive, with less than a 0.5% difference across the strategies. To better understand the separate effects of each heat transfer mode, Case 2 was divided into the following subcases: conduction (Case 2a); conduction/radiation (Case 2b); and conduction/radiation/convection (Case 2c). Case 2a represents an early phase of the PLOFC transient. Case 2b represents an intermediate phase of the PLOFC transient, with the pebble temperatures sufficiently high for the radiative heat transfer to be non-negligible. Case 2c represents a late phase of the PLOFC transient after the establishment of the natural circulation of the heat transfer fluid. For Case 2, large differences in the contact strategy were observed only in Case 2a with only conduction. The difference in the maximum pebble temperature was 23% in Case 2a, 2% in Case 2b, and 0.3% in Case 2c. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia is one of the most important industrial chemicals which is commonly used for producing fertilizers and cleaning solutions, as the refrigerant gas, and as the precursors for making various chemicals. With the goal of sustainable development, ammonia is also proposed as the clean fuel for decarbonized transportation. The current the Haber–Bosch process for ammonia synthesis has large footprint and operates under harsh conditions using fossil fuels as the feedstock, being recognized as the major carbon emission source. Accordingly, call for sustainable production of green ammonia using renewable energies is proposed. Ammonia synthesis assisted by nonthermal plasmas has emerged in recent years as a novel and mild electrified technology, which can potentially be coupled with intermittent renewable energies and green hydrogen. Although being promising, significant development is still needed to advance the technology towards practical applications at scales. Hence, this review comments the progression of key aspects of the plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis such as catalyst and reactor design, mechanistic understanding, and process parameters. The snapshot of the current developments and proposed perspectives hope to provide guidance for the future research efforts to drive the technology towards higher technology readiness levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis of two types of pellets (T1: 100% wheat straw, and T2: 70% wheat straw; 10% sawdust, 10% biochar, and 10% bentonite clay) was performed in a pilot‐scale reactor under a nitrogen environment at 20°C to 700°C. This was to investigate slow pyrolysis yields and gas composition as a function of temperature and residence time. The experimental data were obtained between 300°C and 600°C, with a residence time of 90 min, a nitrogen flow rate of 50 cm3/min, and a heating rate of 20°C/min. The results indicated that the maximum pyrolysis temperature is 605°C with a residence time of 55 min. The product analysis showed that the proportion of gas was higher than that of biochar and bio‐oil. The conversion efficiency increased with higher temperatures and varied between 66% and 76%. The results showed that carbon dioxide was the main component in the produced gas, and the maximum gas concentration was 63.6% at 300°C for T1. The higher temperature and longer residence time increased the syngas (CO + H2) composition for both T1 and T2 treatments. Nevertheless, the produced biochar had a high carbon content and retained a high calorific value, indicating slow pyrolysis is the ideal utilization route of wheat straw pellet biomass for biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A study of the degradation of diclofenac (DCF) in an electrochemical reactor equipped with two carbon cloth (CC) electrodes operating in recirculation mode, is presented. The analysis of the effects of the operating variables on the degradation of the DCF showed that, as expected, the applied voltage has a direct influence on the reactions that take place at the anode and cathode. In fact, the addition of O2 and Fe(II) to the medium demonstrated that the electro-Fenton (EF) process was taking place and that under the following conditions, 4 V, 0.05 M Na2SO4, 50 mg/L DCF, 0.25 g Fe(II)-loaded resin, and 50 mL/min, 79.8% of DCF mineralization was obtained in a process described by a pseudo-first order kinetics (k = 0.0184 min−1). Using a simulated domestic wastewater effluent, the EF reactor under study not only showed a similar DCF mineralization value (81.8%), but also reasonable energy consumption (2.16 kWh/m3) as well as CC electrode stability upon several treatment cycles. These results suggest that an EF approach using low-cost CC electrodes and neutral pH conditions, constitute a technically and economically viable option for DCF wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In short baseline reactor antineutrino experiment, the distance between the detector and the reactor is relatively short, the impact of reactor geometry effects on the neutrino spectrum and flux may not be neglected. In this paper, a volume neutrino source model and a point neutrino source model is established based on the structure of the EPR reactor core. The impact of the geometric effect to the antineutrino spectrum and flux in short baseline neutrino experiments is studied, the impact of the uncertainty of the power distribution in the core to the expected neutrino flux in the point model is also discussed. Because of the geometry effect of the core, the point source model can lead to a reduction in the expected neutrino event rate by approximately 0.08% to 0.40%, and the impact of the geometry effects on the shape of neutrino spectrum is on the order of 10-6. In a short baseline reactor antineutrino experiment, a point neutrino source model based on the geometric center of the reactor core can be used to calculate the neutrino flux, the uncertainty introduced by statistical and systematic uncertainties can be neglected in this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria in natural ecosystems such as soil, dirt, or debris preferentially reside in the biofilm phenotype. When a traumatic injury, such as an open fracture, occurs, these naturally dwelling biofilms and accompanying foreign material can contaminate the injury site. Given their high tolerance of systemic levels of antibiotics that may be administered prophylactically, biofilms may contribute to difficult-to-treat infections. In most animal models, planktonic bacteria are used as initial inocula to cause infection, and this might not accurately mimic clinically relevant contamination and infection scenarios. Further, few approaches and systems utilize the same biofilm and accompanying substrate throughout the experimental continuum. In this study, we designed a unique reactor to grow bacterial biofilms on up to 50 silica beads that modeled environmental wound contaminants. The data obtained indicated that the reactor system repeatably produced mature Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms on the silica beads, with an average of 5.53 and 6.21 log10 colony-forming units per mm2, respectively. The bead substrates are easily manipulable for in vitro or in vivo applications, thus improving translatability. Taken together, the bead biofilm reactor presented herein may be a useful system for repeatably growing established biofilms on silica beads that could be used for susceptibility testing and as initial inocula in future animal models of trauma-related injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents catalytic cracking to evaluate the characteristics of the used finely dispersed publicly available industrial catalysts in the reactor-regenerator unit of an installation for the production of gasoline that meets the requirements of the EURO 4 and EURO 5 standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Petroleum Machinery is the property of China Petroleum Machinery Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A magnetic core of a reactor applied to the boost converter of hybrid vehicle was developed. The core is made of High-Density Magnetic Composite, which is a kind of the powder magnetic core. A great cost reduction was achieved while keeping the magnetic properties equal to conventional magnetic steel. In order to achieve both high magnetic flux density and mechanical properties of the core, high compaction density and high bending strength were coped with by developed warm compaction technique using die wall lubrication. The great decrease of a core loss was achieved by adopting the Fe-Si alloy, developing the particle shape of the raw material powder made by the new controlled atomization method and enabling the annealing at the high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research projects conducted in biogas show that the type of reactor and the composition of different animal wastes directly affect the amount of biogas extraction. Therefore, the main goal of this research is to design and build a multi-bed reactor with a new capability and investigate the effect of the combination of livestock and poultry waste on the gas production process. For this purpose, a multi-bed cylindrical reactor equipped with a separate stirrer for each bed was designed and built, and the effect of different combinations of livestock and poultry wastes in three levels, including 60% by weight of chicken waste and 40% by weight of cow waste, 50% by weight of chicken waste and 50% by weight of cow waste, and finally 40% by weight of chicken waste and 60% by weight of cow waste. The compound concentration at two levels of TS=10% and TS=15% and the reactor temperature at 37 and 40 degrees Celsius levels were examined based on the pH and percentage of extracted biogas. The results showed that using a bed stirrer in this type of reactor increased the volume of produced gas by 17%. Increasing the ratio of animal waste to poultry balanced the acidity of the environment and finally increased the percentage of extracted biogas. Diluting the composition from TS=15% to TS=10% led to an increase in the pH level and approaching the neutral environment. Also, reducing the temperature of the reactor from 40°C to 37°C increased the percentage of extracted biogas by 8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this industrialized world, in which the daily consumption of fossil fuels occurs, companies seek to prioritize energy generation through renewable energy sources with minimal environmental impact to improve their energy efficiency. The research objective was to calculate CO2 emissions for the pyrolysis process (conventional low-temperature pyrolysis) in two types of reactors, electric and traditional, where solar panels power the electric reactor. In addition, the amount of polluting gases and the energy consumption necessary to convert biomass into biochar were compared. Residual lignocellulosic biomass (RLB) from various species present in the southern region of Ecuador (eucalyptus, capuli, and acacia) was used, with three replicates per reactor. The electrical reactor (ER) consumed 82.60% less energy than the primary forest biomass fuel "traditional reactor (TR)" and distributed heat better in each pyrolytic process. The TR generated more pollution than the ER; it generated 40.48% more CO, 50% more NO2, 66.67% more SO2, and 79.63% more CH4. Undoubtedly, the pyrolysis process in an ER reduces environmental pollution and creates new bioproducts that could replace fossil fuels. This study provides relevant information on the residual biomass pyrolysis of plant species. These species are traditionally grown in the southern Ecuadorian region. In addition, an analysis of polluting gases for the TR and ER is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiently converting methane into valuable chemicals via photocatalysis under mild condition represents a sustainable route to energy storage and value‐added manufacture. Despite continued interest in this area, the achievements have been overshadowed by the absence of standardized protocols for conducting photocatalytic methane oxidation experiments as well as evaluating the corresponding performance. In this review, we present a structured solution aimed at addressing these challenges. Firstly, we introduce the norms underlying reactor design and outline various configurations in the gas–solid and gas–solid–liquid reaction systems. This discussion helps choosing the suitable reactors for methane conversion experiments. Subsequently, we offer a comprehensive step‐by‐step protocol applicable to diverse methane‐conversion reactions. Emphasizing meticulous verification and accurate quantification of the products, this protocol highlights the significance of mitigating contamination sources and selecting appropriate detection methods. Lastly, we propose the standardized performance metrics crucial for evaluating photocatalytic methane conversion. By defining these metrics, the community could obtain the consensus of assessing the performance across different studies. Moving forward, the future of photocatalytic methane conversion necessitates further refinement of stringent experimental standards and evaluation criteria. Moreover, development of scalable reactor is essential to facilitate the transition from laboratory proof‐of‐concept to potentially industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiently converting methane into valuable chemicals via photocatalysis under mild condition represents a sustainable route to energy storage and value‐added manufacture. Despite continued interest in this area, the achievements have been overshadowed by the absence of standardized protocols for conducting photocatalytic methane oxidation experiments as well as evaluating the corresponding performance. In this review, we present a structured solution aimed at addressing these challenges. Firstly, we introduce the norms underlying reactor design and outline various configurations in the gas–solid and gas–solid–liquid reaction systems. This discussion helps choosing the suitable reactors for methane conversion experiments. Subsequently, we offer a comprehensive step‐by‐step protocol applicable to diverse methane‐conversion reactions. Emphasizing meticulous verification and accurate quantification of the products, this protocol highlights the significance of mitigating contamination sources and selecting appropriate detection methods. Lastly, we propose the standardized performance metrics crucial for evaluating photocatalytic methane conversion. By defining these metrics, the community could obtain the consensus of assessing the performance across different studies. Moving forward, the future of photocatalytic methane conversion necessitates further refinement of stringent experimental standards and evaluation criteria. Moreover, development of scalable reactor is essential to facilitate the transition from laboratory proof‐of‐concept to potentially industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Energy Chemical Industry is the property of Energy Chemical Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Plastic waste in Indonesia remains a significant unresolved issue, particularly due to the extensive use of plastic bags in the food sector, industry, and other areas, which adversely affects the environment. Addressing this, one effective approach is converting plastic waste into fuel oil through the pyrolysis process. The process involves preparing pyrolysis equipment and extracting oil by conducting laboratory tests on the properties of pyrolysis oil, including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and droplet combustion tests. Pyrolysis is performed by heating plastic waste at temperatures ranging from 250°C to 400°C. This study focuses on pyrolysis oil derived from Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic, which can be used as an alternative fuel. The results show that pyrolysis oil can be ignited with sparks at a heating temperature of 300°C, exhibiting a viscosity of 1.1378 cP and a calorific value of 10,965.2 cal/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of wastewater worldwide generates substantial quantities of sewage sludge (SS), prompting concerns about its environmental impact. Various approaches have been explored for SS reuse, with energy production emerging as a viable solution. This study focuses on harnessing energy from domestic wastewater treatment (WWT) sewage sludge through plasma gasification. Effective syngas production hinges on precise equipment design which, in turn, depends on the detailed feedstock used for characterization. Key components of plasma gasification include the plasma torch, reactor, heat exchanger, scrubber, and cyclone, enabling the generation of inert slag for landfill disposal and to ensure clean syngas. Designing these components entails considerations of sludge composition, calorific power, thermal conductivity, ash diameter, and fusibility properties, among other parameters. Accordingly, this work entails the development of an experimental setup for the plasma gasification of sewage sludge, taking into account a comprehensive sludge characterization. The experimental findings reveal that domestic WWT sewage sludge with 40% humidity exhibits a low thermal conductivity of approximately 0.392 W/mK and a calorific value of LHV = 20.78 MJ/kg. Also, the relatively low ash content (17%) renders this raw material advantageous for plasma gasification processes. The integration of a detailed sludge characterization into the equipment design lays the foundation for efficient syngas production. This study aims to contribute to advancing sustainable waste-to-energy technologies, namely plasma gasification, by leveraging sewage sludge as a valuable resource for syngas production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing amount of plastic waste generated globally has led to a growing demand for efficient and sustainable methods of disposal. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising technology for converting plastic waste into fuel. This project has designed and fabricated a pyrolysis reactor to convert plastic waste into fuel oil. The reactor was designed to operate at a temperature range of 250-450 °C with a residence time of 30-90 min. The reactor was fabricated using high-quality galvanized steel for the inner chamber and mild steel for the outer chamber to withstand the high temperatures and corrosive environment. The reactor was also equipped with a Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) heating system, three condensers, and a collection system to recover the produced fuel. The heating system was designed to provide uniform heating across the reactor to ensure efficient pyrolysis. The performance of the reactor was evaluated by pyrolyzing LPDE type plastic waste; the parameters of pyrolysis reactors like temperature, mass of yield and time of yield were determined. The reactor's high efficiency, low cost, and eco-friendliness make it a promising solution for managing plastic waste, while also providing an alternative source of fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a serious animal health problem in Ethiopia, ranking among the top three livestock diseases. If the factors contributing to the spread and persistence of bTB are not managed, the situation may get worse. Therefore, prioritizing bTB control is essential. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the effect of repeated skin testing and slaughter on subsequent bTB prevalence and herd demographic changes in Holeta dairy farm. A total of 810 Friesian (F) * Boran (B) crosses, and pure Boran animals were involved in the study; all animals on the farm, except calves <6 months of age, were tested using single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test (SICCTT). On the basis of 21.3% prevalence in the first-round test in December 2014, three successive rounds of test and slaughter were conducted. During this period, the prevalence of bTB infection exhibited an oscillating pattern. It initially declined to 8.4% (n = 496) during the second-round test but then experienced resurgence, reaching 24.8% (n = 503) in the third-round. Finally, the prevalence decreased to 5.4% in the fourth-round test. The time interval between successive SICCTT tests varied from 0.95 years to 1.84 years. The test and slaughter intervention resulted in the culling of a substantial number of cows (n=342). With an increased culling rate, the average age of the herd and the average number of lactations per cow decreased. Similarly, animal entries and exits also influenced the breed composition of the herd. During the first round test, over 63% of the herd was composed of 50% HF*B crosses, followed by pure Boran, and 75% HF*B crosses, respectively. However, between the first and fourth test rounds, the proportion of Borans declined to 5%, while high-grade (75% HF*B) animals increased almost fivefold. In conclusion, the findings of this study showed the effect of prolonged time interval between consecutive tests which might result in failure of test and slaughter intervention, hence, due attention should be given on maintaining the recommended regular time interval (2-6 months) during consecutive test and slaughter procedures. Finally, the study recommends further study on assessing other alternative control strategies such as test and segregation methods to reduce the economic impact of culling of bTB reactor animals at a farm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gazi Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi Part C: Tasarım ve Teknoloji is the property of Gazi University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Low-Carbon Chemistry & Chemical Engineering is the property of Low-Carbon Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Green chemistry aims at replacing toxic solvents by safer solvents such as supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2), which displays zero surface tension, outstanding transport properties, high diffusivity, and tuned solubilization by changing the pressure and temperature, or adding cosolvents. Nonetheless, the practical application of scCO2-based technologies under supercritical conditions requires sophisticated systems for optimal operation. Here, we review scCO2-based systems with focus on dyeing, extraction, chromatographic, and cleaning systems. All scCO2-based systems consist of a CO2 supply and pump part, a cosolvent providing part, and a parameters controlling part, yet there are different reaction vessels depending on solute types and practical functions. Developing more normalized, intelligentized, and durable scCO2-based systems should render the scCO2-based technologies be more economic, controllable, flexible, and suitable for wider applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of preparing methanol from carbon dioxide is one of the ways to solve the environmental problems caused by greenhouse gases, the problem of fossil energy depletion, and the problem of fuel exhaust emissions. However, after decades of development, the process of preparing methanol from carbon dioxide is still unable to achieve large‐scale industrialization. This critical review sharply points out the problems and obstacles that need to be solved urgently on the industrialization road of carbon dioxide methanol preparation process and summarizes its progress. The problems faced by the methanol production industry from carbon dioxide are first the thermodynamic constraints, second the lower reaction rate and conversion effect, and finally the energy loss. In order to solve these problems, this paper first introduces the active sites, structural effects, and dynamic changes of copper‐based catalysts, as well as the unique reaction mechanism and doping modification of indium‐based catalysts. Zinc and zirconium promoters and some metal oxide supports can form unique interactions with active components to improve the catalytic performance of the catalyst. Next, various kinetic models and applications of methanol production from carbon dioxide are summarized, which is an important bridge linking laboratory and industrialization; the advantages and disadvantages of fixed bed reactor and paddle reactor were compared. Finally, the full text is summarized and prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal 3D printing is revolutionizing the industry by enabling rapid and cost‐effective production of complex metal 3D products with intricate geometries, attracting significant attention in recent years. Particularly, metal 3D‐printed catalysts have emerged as a cutting‐edge fusion technology that serves as both catalysts and reactors, referred to as self‐catalytic reactors (SCRs). Therefore, this concept article aims to introduce the recent advancements in metal 3D printing technology in the catalyst and reactor field, and illustrate the various aspects for the rational design of self‐catalytic reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the main characteristics and principles of the bubble-cap distributor which widely used in the second stage gas phase hydrogenation of gasoline are analyzed. At the same time, the single test and combination test of the bubble-cap distributor are carried out respectively. The uneven distribution coefficient and pressure drop are used as performance evaluation indexes to explore its gas phase distribution characteristics. The experimental results show that the distribution performance of bubble-cap distributor is not affected by the air volume. Increasing the air flow rate can not improve the gas phase distribution performance, but increases the flow resistance and the pressure drop. And due to structural reasons, the gas phase after flowing out of the central tube is basically concentrated under the central tube, with a small diffusion range, and the cooperation is not formed. According to the performance and energy saving analysis, the bubble cap structure distributor is not the best structure as a gas phase distributor. Therefore, without affecting the distribution characteristics, the new gas phase distributor should adopt a non-bubble cap structure, thus greatly reducing the gas phase flow resistance. In addition, the distribution performance of the unit and the interaction between the adjacent units should be considered, and the distribution area should be expanded as much as possible. The homogenized combined flow field can improve the safety and stability of the internals during operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of reactive gaseous reagents for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) remains a scientific challenge due to safety and efficiency limitations. The implementation of continuous‐flow reactors has resulted in rapid development of gas‐handling technology because of several advantages such as increased interfacial area, improved mass‐ and heat transfer, and seamless scale‐up. This technology enables shorter and more atom‐economic synthesis routes for the production of pharmaceutical compounds. Herein, we provide an overview of literature from 2016 onwards in the development of gas‐handling continuous‐flow technology as well as the use of gases in functionalization of APIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of reactive gaseous reagents for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) remains a scientific challenge due to safety and efficiency limitations. The implementation of continuous‐flow reactors has resulted in rapid development of gas‐handling technology because of several advantages such as increased interfacial area, improved mass‐ and heat transfer, and seamless scale‐up. This technology enables shorter and more atom‐economic synthesis routes for the production of pharmaceutical compounds. Herein, we provide an overview of literature from 2016 onwards in the development of gas‐handling continuous‐flow technology as well as the use of gases in functionalization of APIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Atomic Energy Science & Technology is the property of Editorial Board of Atomic Energy Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Heat transfer occurs due to the difference in temperature between the system and its surroundings. The effect of temperature can affect various aspects of the refining process, including efficiency, selectivity, reaction kinetics, and the quality of the final product. This study aims to analyze heat transfer in a double-jacket reactor by measuring temperature data taken using a temperature data logger system. Prototype low cost-effective temperature monitoring for double jacket reactor vacuum is this system integrates an Arduino Mega 2560, a type K thermocouple, amplifier MAX 6675 module, and an SD card data logger to measure and record reactor temperature for 30 minutes. The temperature data obtained is used to calculate the heat transfer and analyze the heat transfer characteristics of the reactor. Heat transfer analysis based on measured temperature data is able to provide insight into the characteristics of heat transfer in the observed system and can identify hot spots and heat transfer energy in the system. Thus, the temperature data logger used in the double jacket reactor in the vacuum distillation system can produce accurate data and information, and this system has broad application potential in temperature monitoring in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The increase in energy costs and the need for further energy saving lead to an increase in requirements for reducing losses in the magnetic cores of transformers and reactors. Problem. The improvement of transformer and reactor equipment is traditionally carried out by applying the achievements of electrical materials science and new technologies to traditional designs and structures of electromagnetic systems. The basis of modern transformers is made up of laminated and twisted magnetic cores. The disadvantage of laminated magnetic cores is large additional losses in corner zones due to the texture of anisotropic steel. Disadvantage of twisted three-phase three-contour magnetic cores is large additional losses caused by the lack of magnetic coupling of three separate magnetic flux contours. The disadvantages of combined joint tape-plate magnetic cores are the unsatisfactory use of the active volume and increased losses, which are determined by the uneven distribution of the magnetic field and the negative impact of steel texture in the corner zones of the twisted parts. Aim. To determine the possibility of improving three-phase transformers and reactors. Methodology. The improvement is achieved by geometrical and structural transformations of the outer contours and elements of the varieties of magnetic cores. Results. The possibility of eliminating additional losses of a planar laminated magnetic core by a combination of anisotropic and isotropic steels at the appropriate location in the yoke-rod and corner sections is determined. With an octagonal outer contour of the combined magnetic core, a reduction in mass is achieved without an increase in losses. The mutually orthogonal position of the steel layers or the elements of the joint twisted and combined three-phase planar and spatial magnetic cores achieves magnetic coupling and elimination of additional losses of individual twisted contour sections. The hexagonal configurations of the inner contours of the twisted yoke-corner parts and the cross-sections of the laminated rods of the variants of the axial spatial joint magnetic core improve the magnetic flux density distribution and reduce the main losses of the yokes, as well as reduce the complexity of manufacturing rods from identical rectangular steel layers. Originality. The paper presents constructive and technological proposals and features of varieties of non-traditional planar and spatial, laminated, twisted and combined tape-plate joint magnetic cores, which differ in the combination of anisotropic, isotropic and amorphous steels, as well as the multifaceted geometric shape of contours and the spatial arrangement of elements. Based on the identity of the optimal geometric ratios of the variants of electromagnetic systems of transformers and reactors, with joint planar and spatial twisted and combined and tape-plate magnetic cores, the unification of the structure of transformer and reactor equipment with a capacity of I-III dimensions. References 29, figures 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of thermal calculations of the part of the fuel assembly of the active zone of the VVER-1000 reactor in the stationary mode of operation make it possible to evaluate the mechanical state of the fuel rod cladding, to understand the influence of reactor control methods on the strength and the design acceptance criteria. The main principles of the evaluation of mechanical characteristics of VVER-1000 fuel rods using the START-3 code are presented. The results of the prediction of the mechanical characteristics of the VVER-1000 fuel rods during the 4-year cycle in stationary mode under normal operating conditions and under their violation are illustrated. The maximum values of stress in the fuel rod in the stationary mode of operation are in the range of 60–80 MPa, which cannot cause depressurization of the fuel rod. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With climate change rapidly accelerating, we must seriously reconsider our inconsistent and, at times, disjointed approach to energy grid decarbonisation by applying extant low-carbon technologies rapidly and at scale rather than continuing to rely on fossil fuel generation. In contrast to more transient renewables such as wind and solar energy, nuclear power is capable of reliably generating large quantities of baseload low-carbon energy. Despite this advantage, however, deployment has stagnated due to a combination of high costs, safety concerns, and an unwillingness of political authorities to commit to a large-scale, publicly funded program. The focus on private sector leadership in R&D has resulted in a smorgasbord of under-developed and conceptual reactor and fuel cycle technologies, many of which are a decade or more from commercial viability. Meanwhile, the aforementioned political issues have prevented the necessary long-term funding, incentivisation, or provision of the necessary market structures for the significant construction of actual generating plants. With this in mind, we present a potential path to a long-term sustainable approach to the nuclear fuel cycle, highlighting key reactor and fuel cycle technologies and providing an overview of how these should be implemented. Additionally, we discuss the industrial, political, and societal changes needed to achieve this through the comprehensive management of both waste and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Isotopes is the property of Journal of Isotopes Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this work is to present a convenient design approach for metal hydride reactors that meet the specific requirements for hydrogen storage. Three methods from the literature, the time scale, the acceptable envelope, and the reaction front, are used to estimate the maximum thickness of the bed allowing for sufficient heat transfer. Further heat transfer calculations are performed within the framework of standardized heat exchanger via the homemade design software, to generate the complete geometry and dimensions of the reactor. LaNi5 material packed in tubular units based on conventional shell-and-tube heat exchanger is selected for analysis for an expected charging time of 500 s, 1000 s, and 1500 s. Apparently, the smaller the expected charging time, the smaller the bed thickness and hence the diameter of the tubular units. After comparison, the method of reaction front was adopted to output standard tube diameters and calculate the weight of the reactor. Significant weight differences were found to result from the varying wall thickness and number of tubes. In general, the shorter the expected charging time, the more tubular units with a small diameter will be built and the heavier the reactor. Fluent 2022 R2 was used to solve the reactor model with a tube diameter of 50 mm supposed to fulfill a charging time of 1500 s. The simulation results revealed that the reaction fraction reaches its maximum and the hydrogen storage process is completed at 500 s. However, because the calculation is conducted on meeting the heat exchange requirements, the average temperature of the bed layer is close to the initial temperature of 290 K and stops changing at 1500 s. The applicability of the method to the design of metal hydride reactors is thus confirmed by the temperature and reaction fraction judgment criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An original thermal-hydraulic method for optimizing the thermal resistance of thermal conductivity of fuel rod matrix upgrades has been developed to achieve the maximum burnup depth of nuclear fuel while ensuring safety conditions in operating and emergency modes of nuclear power plants. Based on the developed method, the boundaries of the optimization area for upgrades of the thermal resistance of the fuel rod matrix thermal conductivity are determined in accordance with the accepted optimization criteria and safety conditions. It is established that when optimizing upgrades to the thermal resistance of nuclear fuel, it is necessary to take into account both normal operating conditions and emergency conditions with impaired heat removal from the reactor core. It is established that the optimal values of thermal resistance of nuclear fuel thermal conductivity depend on the design and technical parameters of reactor installations, composition, and condition of nuclear fuel, accident management systems, and other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]