Dry Facility Research Articles

Bacterial contaminants of fuel ethanol production.

Bacterial contamination is an ongoing problem for commercial fuel ethanol production facilities. Both chronic and acute infections are of concern, due to the fact that bacteria compete with the ethanol-producing yeast for sugar substrates and micronutrients. Lactic acid levels often rise during bouts of contamination, suggesting that the most common contaminants are lactic acid bacteria. However, quantitative surveys of commercial corn-based fuel ethanol facilities are lacking. For this study, samples were collected from one wet mill and two dry grind fuel ethanol facilities over a 9 month period at strategic time points and locations along the production lines, and bacterial contaminants were isolated and identified. Contamination in the wet mill facility consistently reached 10(6) bacteria/ml. Titers from dry grind facilities were more variable but often reached 10(8)/ml. Antibiotics were not used in the wet mill operation. One dry grind facility added antibiotic to the yeast propagation tank only, while the second facility dosed the fermentation with antibiotic every 4 h. Neither dosing procedure appeared to reliably reduce overall contamination, although the second facility showed less diversity among contaminants. Lactobacillus species were the most abundant isolates from all three plants, averaging 51, 38, and 77% of total isolates from the wet mill and the first and second dry grind facilities, respectively. Although populations varied over time, individual facilities tended to exhibit characteristic bacterial profiles, suggesting the occurrence of persistent endemic infections.

Chemical (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and heavy metal) levels in contaminated stormwater and sediments from a motorway dry detention pond drainage system.

Chemical (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon - PAH and heavy metal) levels in stormwater and sediment samples collected from the London Orbital (M25) motorway drainage dry detention pond at Oxted, Surrey, UK were determined. Such chemicals are derived from vehicular combustion products and the wear and tear materials deposited onto the motorway surface. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the qualitative and quantitative determination of 16 USEPA priority PAHs in motorway drainage sediments. The GC-MS method, incorporating a solid phase extraction step, provides detection limits ranging from 0.17 to 0.41 mg kg(-1)(dry weight). Almost all of the 16 USEPA listed PAHs were detected. Phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(g,h,i)perylene (PAH numbers 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 16) were among the PAHs found at "higher" levels (ranging from 0.3-10.2 mg kg(-1), dry weight) in the sediment samples. PAH levels show little change along the motorway drainage silt trap (facility for reducing the levels of suspended particulate matter in the stormwater). PAH concentrations are considerably higher in the dry detention pond outflow interceptor. Statistical analysis showed that significant correlation coefficients (based on a t-test at the 95% confidence interval) were obtained between those PAHs found at high concentrations over all of the sampling sites. Several PAHs were dispersed beyond the treatment facility and accumulation in the sediment of the deer park resulted in levels ranging from 0.3-1.6 mg kg(-1), dry weight. These PAHs found beyond the treatment facility (in the local farm deer park) may contribute a serious health threat to farm animals or even fish in the aquatic environment. Heavy metal levels (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Sb and Pb) of the drainage stormwater and sediments were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), with quality control evaluation using two certified reference materials. Typical detection limits were found to be below 0.1 [micro sign]g l(-1) for stormwater and 0.005 mg kg(-1) for acid digested sediments. Raised heavy metal levels were found throughout the dry detention pond facility and only decrease when the stormwater is diluted following discharge into the river Eden. Statistical analysis also confirms that some significant correlations exist between various heavy metals and PAHs. However, no overall conclusive trend is found indicating that a particular PAH is deposited in sediment relative to a specific heavy metal/s. These results raise some serious concerns about the dispersion and accumulation of chemicals in the sediments of motorway stormwater drainage systems and the need for maintenance and clean-up of contaminated material from such systems.

CHEMICAL OXIDATION OF A CHLORINATED SOLVENT GROUNDWATER PLUME USING SEGMENTED INJECTION WELLS

CHEMICAL OXIDATION OF A CHLORINATED SOLVENT GROUNDWATER PLUME USING SEGMENTED INJECTION WELLSFenton-based chemical oxidant injections using segmented injection wells and direct push injection points were performed to remediate a volatile organic halocarbon groundwater plume at a former dry cleaning facility in South Florida. The remediation included a pilot test and three large-scale injections. Tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, trans-1,2- dichloroethene, and...Author(s)Pete VerbanacEthan HeijnJo JohnsonSourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationSubjectSession 32 - Remediation of Soils and Groundwater Symposium: Case Studies of Innovative Remediation TechnologiesDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Jan, 2002ISSN1938-6478SICI1938-6478(20020101)2002:14L.108;1-DOI10.2175/193864702784248098Volume / Issue2002 / 14Content sourceWEFTECFirst / last page(s)108 - 116Copyright2002Word count157

Neutron spectrometry at the interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel

Dosimetric characteristics of neutron and photon components of mixed fields around casks for spent nuclear fuel have been determined at various places at the dry interim storage facility. The results obtained with metrological grade instruments were compared with data provided by usual survey meters for both neutrons and photons.

Field demonstration of pervaporation for the separation of volatile organic compounds from a surfactant-based soil remediation fluid

As part of a Department of Defense project, the US Environmental Protection Agency was responsible for designing, building and field operating a pilot-scale pervaporation unit. The field site was an active dry cleaning facility on the grounds of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC. The overall goal of the project was to remove tetrachloroethylene (PCE) from the soil beneath the dry cleaning shop using a surfactant-based soil remediation fluid and to recycle/reuse the surfactant. In order to reinject the recovered surfactant, the pervaporation unit was required to achieve an average 95% removal of contaminants from the extracted fluid over the duration of the test period. PCE removal averaged 95.8% during peak surfactant levels and exceeded 99.9% in the absence of surfactant, thereby meeting the reinjection requirement. Removal of a group of secondary contaminants at the site, termed Varsol™ compounds, was monitored via concentrations of three Varsol™ marker compounds: decane, undecane and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene. The pervaporation system processed 100,000 gal of groundwater and surfactant solution over a period of 70 days. In order to evaluate and validate process performance, a variety of process variables and properties were monitored over the course of the demonstration. Pervaporation costs are projected to be on the order of $20 per 1000 gal of surfactant solution treated for a moderate size system (10 gpm).

Ethanol production by continuous fermentation–pervaporation: a preliminary economic analysis

Pervaporation can be utilized for recovery of ethanol from fermentation broths, thus suggesting a continuous fermentation process for fuel ethanol production. Based upon previously established laboratory performance data for pervaporation, a flux of 0.15 kg/m 2/h and a selectivity of 10.3, process equipment was designed, sized, and costs estimated for the fermentation, pervaporation, distillation, and dehydration sections of a commercial-scale fuel ethanol plant. These costs were compared to those of a typical dry milling ethanol facility. For a baseline membrane cost of $200 m 2, costs for the fermentation–pervaporation process were slightly higher. Sensitivity analyses on the pervaporation performance parameters indicated that with only minor improvement in either flux or selectivity, a process employing pervaporation for ethanol recovery from fermentation broths could be cost-effective.

Constructed wetland treatment systems applied research program at The Electric Power Research Institute

The Electric Power Research Institute's (EPRI) Environmental and Health Sciences Business Unit, within the Environment Group, has initiated a multi-disciplinary applied research program to develop constructed wetland treatment systems as a cost-effective technology for the treatment of metal-bearing electric utility aqueous discharges. EPRI's program involves the building of constructed wetland treatment systems, collection of field data from these systems, and conduct of controlled laboratory experiments to more fully understand their functions and the factors affecting these functions. Both data collected through this program and existing data will be used to develop and deliver design criteria for the effective use of this technology to reduce or eliminate the risk that electric utilities will not meet regulatory-imposed effluent discharge limits. Currently, EPRI along with one of its members, is funding the construction of a state-of-the-art constructed wetland treatment system to treat a discharge from a closed dry ash management facility in Pennsylvania. This constructed wetland treatment system, along with existing ones located in California and Tennessee, will be used to collect data on the cycling of trace metals. Controlled laboratory experiments are underway to develop trace element uptake curves for wetland plant species, to determine which plant species one should plant in a wetland in a particular geographic area to maximize trace element removal. Plants also will be identified that are high volatilizers for selenium, arsenic and lead. As part of this research, the best plant/microbe associations (i.e., best plant species with the best microbe species) will be identified for achieving the highest rates of trace metal removal. Once this work is completed, these plants will be introduced into the three constructed wetland treatment systems mentioned above and the wetlands will be monitored to determine if any improvement in trace metal uptake is occurring. Additionally, EPRI is coordinating its research program with the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) program, where design criteria for manganese rock drains for the removal of manganese and successive alkalinity-producing constructed wetlands for the treatment of acidic aerobic discharges will be developed. TVA is also supporting the development of EPRI's Wetland Environmental and Management (WEM) Model and is conducting research on anoxic limestone drains.

Activation and waste management considerations of fusion materials

Inconel-625 (Ni625), SS316, Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64), ferritic steel (FS), reduced activity ferritic steel (RAFS), manganese steel (Mn-steel), and V5Cr5Ti (V55), were examined for a near-term experimental D-T fueled fusion power reactor with respect to waste management. Activation calculations for these materials were performed assuming one year continuous operation at 1 MW/m 2 wall loading. The results show that the blanket components made of V55, Ti64, Mn-steel, and FS will be allowed for transfer to an on-site dry storage facility after 10 years of cooling after discharge. To transport the discharged blanket components to a permanent disposal site, the cooling time needed can be within 10 years for Ti64 and V55, provided that the impurities (mainly Ni, Nb and Mo) be controlled to an acceptable level. The RAFS and Mn-steel will need about 30 y cooling time because of its Fe and Mn contents. Ni625, 316SS, and FS, however, will require more than 50000 y cooling time because of their Nb and Mo contents. The RAFS, Mn-steel, Ti64 and V55 can be shallow-land wastes if the impurity level for Nb and Mo is dropped below 10 ppm.

Efficacy of Muscovy Ducks as an Adjunct for House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Control in Swine and Dairy Operations

Field studies were conducted using Muscovy ducks, Cairina moschata L., to control house flies, Musca domestica L., in swine and dairy facilities. In fly-proof calf pens, one Muscovy duck per pen reduced the adult fly numbers by 96.8% when compared with pens without a duck. The maggot population was reduced by 98.7% when compared with pens without a duck. In an enclosed calf room, fly populations on animals were reduced by 84 and 93% when compared with the times when ducks were not present. However, in open areas of the dairy facility which allowed for immigration and emigration of house flies, statistically significant reductions were not observed. Ducks reduced fly populations on animals by 91% in an enclosed swine farrowing room. In an open dry sow facility, ducks reduced the house fly population by up to 86%. Female ducks consumed house flies up to three times faster than the males. During most experiments, duck health was maintained without any supplementary feedings. Ducks had access to flies, water, and spilled (wasted) feed. On conclusion of the studies, the least valuable ducks were sold for twice the invested cost ($2 cost versus $4 sale), yielding a 100% return on investment. Farmer acceptability was good.

The Portuguese gamma irradiation facility

A Gamma Radiation Facility was built up in the National Laboratory of Industrial Technology and Engineering (LNETI), Lisbon, Portugal. This plant (UTR GAMA-Pi) is a Cobalt-60 dry storage continuous facility with a nominal capacity of 1.5X10 16 Bq. The initial activity is 1.1X10 16 Bq and the troughput capacity 10 3 ton/year for product with a bulk density of 0.2 g/cm 3 treated with a minimum absorbed dose of 25 kGy. Complementary control devices were installed: ventilation system, closed water refrigeration circuit, internal TV system, detection and extinction fire system and emergency power group. It must be emphasized that the best attention was given to the conception and efficiency of the interlock safety systems. This facility will be utilized mainly for radiosterilization of medical articles and decontamination of wine cork stoppers.

America West Ready to Blast Away With Largest Commercial Dry Stripping and Painting Facility

America West Airlines has opened a state‐of‐the‐art maintenance facility with a paint bay that strips aircraft paint faster, safer and more cost‐effectively than by chemical removal methods. Using a PRAM (Plastic Reclaimable Abrasive Machine) V Plastic Media Blast System — made by Pauli & Griffin, Vacaville, California—America West dry strips aircraft paint by blasting it with plastic media which is easily recovered and cleaned for reuse.

Battery dry room facility. Relationship between the dry room parameters and the moisture control unit (extended abstract)

Battery dry room facility. Relationship between the dry room parameters and the moisture control unit (extended abstract)

Evaluation of Leachate Generation at the Montour, Pennsylvania, Fly Ash Test Cell

ABSTRACTThe Pennsylvania Power & Light Company, in cooperation with the Electric Power Research Institute, is studying leachate generation at a large outdoor test cell of compacted coal combustion fly ash constructed at the Montour Steam Electric Station in north-central Pennsylvania. The test cell design is identical to that of the plant's active dry fly ash disposal facility. Leachate initially generated at the test cell contained concentrations of chromium and selenium approximately ten times above EPA's assigned Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL's) for drinking water. Concentrations of these two parameters have since decreased approximately five-fold. Similar reductions have occurred in the concentrations of several of the other trace metals measured in the leachate. The dominant reaction mechanisms controlling leachate composition were examined in an attempt to explain these and other observations. Deterministic chemical modeling was performed to aid in the interpretation of the data. The dynamics of leachate generation were also examined through an evaluation of the infiltration and redistribution of moisture.

Leachate Composition at an Experimental Test Cell of Coal Combustion Fly Ash

ABSTRACTIn an effort to characterize the waste streams at a typical utility fly ash landfill, a large outdoor test cell of compacted fly ash was constructed in 1984 at the Pennsylvania Power & Light Company's Montour Steam Electric Station. The test cell is a scaled-down version of the active dry fly ash disposal facility at the plant and includes a liner, a leachate collection system, and surface water runoff perimeter drains. It is 100 feet by 100 feet at the base and 10 feet high with 2:1 vertical:horizontal side slopes, giving a top area of 60 feet by 60 feet. The test cell is instrumented to measure precipitation, infiltration, surface runoff, unsaturated flow, evapotranspiration and leachate drainage. This paper presents a preliminary evaluation of the chemical composition of leachate generated from the test cell during the first year of leachate production. Leachate samples are periodically collected from a concrete sump to which the leachate collection system drains. Leachate first appeared in the sump in October 1985, approximately one year after the test cell was constructed. Samples are analyzed for pH, specific conductance, 22 metals, and 10 ions. The concentrations of parameters present in the test cell leachate are compared to drinking water standards and to standard laboratory extraction results. Parameters not detected in the leachate are also identified. The preliminary findings of the leachate monitoring effort are providing valuable information on the initial quality of leachate generated under field conditions. This data will be useful in the design of leachate control systems, wastewater treatment facilities and ground water monitoring programs for future ash disposal operations.

Ocean Disposal of Consolidated Spray Dryer Flue Gas Desulfurization Wastes

Combustion of coal in electric power generating stations results in the production of large quantities of fly ash and flue gas desulfurization end products. These wastes must be disposed of by environmentally acceptable means. Ocean disposal of these wastes is an attractive option for power stations located on coastal waterways. Dumping of fly ash and untreated wet FGD sludge is environmentally deleterious. However, wet scrubber sludge stabilized with fly ash can be formed into solid dense blocks which have been shown to be acceptable for ocean disposal. The Marine Sciences Research Center has been investigating this disposal option for the past five years. A new FGD technology, Spray Drying Absorption, was introduced about five years ago. This process produces a dry end product composed of fly ash, desulfurization reaction products and excess reagents. When lime is the reagent the end products can be dampened and consolidated into self-hardening dense blocks. Niro Atomizer has been investigating dry FGD end product disposal and utilization for the past three years. An assessment of the feasibility of using solid blocks formed from dry FGD end products for ocean reef construction is being performed by the Marine Sciences Research Center. Consolidated dry FGD end products from Niro Atomizer's Riverside dry FGD demonstration facility and Copenhagen dry FGD pilot plants were tested. These wastes represent low sulfur western and European coal applications. The end products were dampened and consolidated into Proctor cylinders. After curing, the cylinders were exposed in sea water systems including the open seas for up to 6 months. Block structural integrity was maintained during this period and porosity remained essentually unchanged. The unconf ined compressive strength remained high during the test period.

Geothermal energy—the furnace in the basement

A brief discussion of the properties of hot-water reservoirs is given followed by a detailed report on the Fenton Hill hot dry rock facility.(AIP)

483. コンクリートの接合部におけるガンマ線の漏洩

An experimental study was performed on γ-ray leakage through a slit in a concrete shield. The work was undertaken at the JRR-4 dry shielding test facility, as part of a series of mockup tests for the first nuclear ship of Japan. The paths of the slits through the shield were either straight or cranked. In the immediate vicinity of the concrete surface, the leakage γ-rays through the slit was seen to contribute a significant portion of the distributed γ-dose rate, but it rapidly diminished with distance from the surface. This was due to the relatively thick shield, in reference to the slit width, adopted in the present experiments, and also because of the strong scattering characteristics of the γ-rays with in the slit channel.The penetration components calculated by the ray analysis method were compared with the experimental results, and it was indicated that this method of calculation should prove useful for making rough estimations of the dose rate distribution of leakage γ-rays.

鉛の接合部におけるガンマ線の漏洩, (I)

Experiments on γ-ray leakage through a slit in lead shield were conducted as part of mock-up tests for shielding to be provided on the first Japanese nuclear propelled ship. The dry shielding test facility in JRR-4 was utilized for the experiments.Experimental results are reported for straight slits, with data covering γ-ray leakage as function of slit width, beam incident angle and of positions of measurement. A semi-empirical method is proposed for estimating the dose rate distribution of the streaming component.