Gas Distribution Grid Research Articles

Opportunities and challenges: Landfill gas to biomethane injection into natural gas distribution grid through pipeline

Biomethane, a renewable gas (RG), is gaining popularity globally since the advocacy for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. Biomethane includes upgraded biogas and upgraded landfill gas. Upgraded biogas is generated and upgraded from biomass, for example, energy crops or agricultural waste through anaerobic digestion, while upgraded landfill gas is collected and upgraded directly from gas released from a landfill site. In Malaysia, biogas and landfill gas are usually used on site. The potential for transporting upgraded biogas for off-site utilisation through pipeline injection is yet to be explored. This paper presents economic models, spatial analysis and scenario analysis to identify an appropriate biogas supply chain to different demand: industrial area, commercial area and residential area at different pressures: 20 psig, 4.3 psig and 0.43 psig through injection into the natural gas grid. The trade-off between the compression pressure and the distance of transportation is assessed and the results reveal that injection of biogas into the natural gas gate for industrial usage at 20 psig is the best option, with associated costs of 2.07 × 109 MYR/y. The cost is higher than supplying the demand with natural gas, which has an annual cost of MYR 985.87 M. Therefore, incentives for sales of biogas and turning the environmental liability of methane gas emitted from the landfill into an economic opportunity is essential so that the biogas can be sold at a competitive price as natural gas. The methodology can be applied at regional and country level to support policy makers to define and implement a strategy for future landfill gas to be injected into the natural gas grid in order achieve the country's renewable energy target of 30% in 2025.

Modeling the absorption mass transfer in a foaming device regarding changes in the concentration of absorbable gases in liquid

A physical and mathematical model of the absorption mass transfer in a foaming device between a liquid and a gas—vapor mixture has been developed. The model accounts for the changes in temperature and chemical composition of the liquid phase of a foam layer in dynamics and kinetics of the entire absorption process. In this model, it is assumed that the absorption processes mostly occur in bubbles as they are formed in apertures of the gas distribution grid of a foaming device. The calculations of heat and mass transfer between water and a mixture of moist air and carbon dioxide as well as a mixture of moist air and sulfur dioxide are performed. It has been demonstrated that the intensity of the extraction of absorbable gas components from a gas—vapor mixture is limited by their concentration in an absorbing liquid. A decrease in the degree of extraction of absorbable components with an increase of the volumetric flow rate of the absorbable gas is confirmed by the calculations. This decrease is due to the effect that the increase in the concentration of the absorbable components has on the absorption intensity. The effect is especially pronounced for poorly soluble gases. The results of the calculations performed with the proposed model demonstrate that the efficiency of carbon dioxide extraction with water increases with an increase in its initial concentration. These results are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Характер кипящего слоя инерта вблизи газораспределительной решетки

Характер кипящего слоя инерта вблизи газораспределительной решетки

Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Comes of Age

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 24800, “Floating LNG Is Coming of Age,” by Michael S. Choi, SPE, ConocoPhillips, prepared for the 2014 Offshore Technology Conference Asia, Kuala Lumpur, 25–28 March. The paper has not been peer reviewed. There are already many floating liquefied-natural-gas (LNG) receiving terminals operating successfully in the world. The economics of floating LNG (FLNG) is compelling. Major cost savings can be achieved by the streamlining allowed by FLNG processes. There are also intangible cost savings, such as increased efficiency owing to construction of the entire system in a shipyard, improved material and manpower logistics, and shorter project duration. Introduction Global LNG trade is expected to more than double by 2020. As consumers and governments around the world recognize the environmental advantages of power generation with natural gas, demand for LNG has increased significantly. Some new projects will be developed with FLNG technologies, perhaps even with a full FLNG chain: floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) for LNG production in the field; offshore LNG transfer to shuttle tankers; and floating receiving and storage units that serve to vaporize the LNG and export the gas to the eventual gas-distribution grid and consumers. Compelling Economics Of the 2,500 Tcf of gas available around the world, nearly half is reportedly located offshore in a water depth of more than 200 m and farther than 250 km from land. For some of these offshore fields, potential cost savings of 35–50% have been estimated for FLNG alternatives compared with a conventional development with a land-based plant. The cost savings are achieved with an all-purpose FLNG system located in the offshore field by eliminating wellhead/production platforms; processing platforms that facilitate gas treating, liquid recovery, and stabilization; floating storage and offtake vessels for condensate and natural-gas-liquid (NGL) products; and gas compressors and pipelines for transport gas to onshore LNG plants. Even onshore gas production can benefit from FLNG. Many in-shore discoveries are located in river deltas where LNG export by tankers requires long and costly jetties to reach acceptable water depth. When combined with extensive site preparation and continuous dredging to maintain a viable shipping channel, the economics and safety of an onshore plant are severely impaired. These challenges can be eliminated by piping the gas to an FLNG vessel moored at a near-shore location with convenient tanker access. With the rapid growth of LNG projects, labor and logistical infrastructures are severely challenged in some productive regions. An example is western Australia, where multiple projects in remote locations have created a shortage of resources of every kind. The results are large cost overruns and significant delays. FLNG can ease the burden by offering established organization and a disciplined workforce, existing supply-chain infrastructure, and efficiency of construction in a shipyard.

Integration of Wind Energy, Hydrogen and Natural Gas Pipeline Systems to Meet Community and Transportation Energy Needs: A Parametric Study

The potential benefits are examined of the “Power-to-Gas” (P2G) scheme to utilize excess wind power capacity by generating hydrogen (or potentially methane) for use in the natural gas distribution grid. A parametric analysis is used to determine the feasibility and size of systems producing hydrogen that would be injected into the natural gas grid. Specifically, wind farms located in southwestern Ontario, Canada are considered. Infrastructure requirements, wind farm size, pipeline capacity, geographical dispersion, hydrogen production rate, capital and operating costs are used as performance measures. The model takes into account the potential production rate of hydrogen and the rate that it can be injected into the local gas grid. “Straw man” systems are examined, centered on a wind farm size of 100 MW integrating a 16-MW capacity electrolysis system typically producing 4700 kg of hydrogen per day.

Разработка пленкообразующего состава и технологии нанесения полимерной оболочки на таблетки Индотрил

Introduction. In previous researches we grounded expedience of «Indotril» tablets development; formulation and technology of Indotril tablet cores were developed. Received tablet cores should be covered by protective polymeric film with the purpose of unpleasant taste elimination, increase of tablets expiration date. Objective. The aim of our investigation was to develop the film forming composition and technology of polymeric film coating on «Indotril» tablets in pseudo-fluidized layer. Materials and Methods. As “Indotril” tablets cores should be covered by protective polymeric film we performed research designed to select efficient film forming solution. Thus modern filming agents were studied, besides such factors were investigated: concentration of film forming suspension, increase of tablet coat in mass, air temperature under gas distribution grid. Obtained tablets were checked according to pharmacopeia methods. Results and discussion. First we studied tablet compression force influence on main parameters of «Indotril» cores tablets: on crushing strength, abrasion in pseudo-fluidized layer unit and disintegration. Then for further investigation we chose «Indotril» cores tablets with crushing strength near 70 H, abrasion - up to 0,5% and disintegration time - not more than 10 minutes. We performed research to select film forming solution for covering “Indotril” tablets in pseudo-fluidized layer unit. As filming agents we used different samples of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) by Japan company Shin-Etsu Chemical Co and English company Colorcon. Water HPMC solutions were prepared which contained plasticizer (propylene glycol), pigment (titanium IV dioxide) and dye (tartrazine). Coating process of “Indotril” tablets was performed in laboratory pseudo-fluidized layer unit with the air temperature 75oC under gas distribution grid. Variance analysis of experimental data on quality of coat surface showed insignificance as for nature of studied filming agents. Homogeneity in bulk of coated “Indotril” tablets also did not differ significantly as for filming agents’ nature. Divergence in mass of coated tablets did not differ significantly from uncoated ones; it testifies identity of filming process over all tablets surface. Strength of coated “Indotril” tablets as compared with uncoated ones increases in average on 15-20 H. Variance analysis of experimental data concerning tablets disintegration resistance showed that there was no significant difference between studied filming agents. While defining disintegration time statistical significance of filming agents’ nature was determined. Ranking is the following: 6% solution of HPMC Pharmacoat 603 > 5% solution of Opadray II WHITE > 5% solution of HPMC Pharmacoat 606 > 4% solution of HPMC Pharmacoat 615. But the difference between filming agents’ nature is not more than 2 minutes. Opadray II WHITE has been chosen for further study; it comes to the enterprise (“Arterium” Corporation) where the results of investigation are planned to be introduced for the manufacture of other tablet dosage forms. On the next stage of our investigation we defined optimal values of quantitative factors, notably the influence of air temperature under gas distribution grid, concentration of film forming suspension and film thickness on the properties of coated “Indotril” tablets. Conclusion. Influence of filming agent nature on properties of coated tablets «Indotril» was studied, namely on appearance, homogeneity in bulk, mechanical strength, disintegration time . Opadray II WHITE was proposed for coating “Indotril” tablets by protective polymeric coat in pseudo-fluidized layer. Worked out formulation of filming agent solution and technology of its application were included into technological regulation of «Indotril» tablets production.

Biogas from Farm‐based Biomass Sources Developments in Europe and the US Le biogaz dérivé de la biomasse d’origine agricole Développements en Europe et aux États‐Unis Biogas aus Biomasse von landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben Entwicklungen in Europa und den USA

summaryBiogas from Farm‐based Biomass Sources Developments in Europe and the USOne option for bio‐energy production is biogas derived from anaerobic digestion of farm‐based biomass, primarily livestock manure and energy crops, and from other organic sources, such as sewage and municipal waste. Biogas can contribute to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly methane, and improving water quality through the transformation of organic waste into fertiliser with less potential for nutrient run‐off. There has been considerable activity in the exploitation of biogas in Europe. On‐farm and centralised heating or power systems fuelled by biogas have been developed in several countries and some of the product has been injected into the natural gas distribution grid or used as vehicle fuel after further processing. In the US most of the development of biogas capacity has been associated with the processing of animal manure, particularly on dairy farms. Policies, such as preferential tariffs for electricity generated from renewable fuels, have played an important role in the development of biogas capacity. Future energy and climate change policies will be major factors in its further development. While biogas seems likely to play a relatively modest role in meeting future energy needs in Europe and the US, it can play a role in the management of organic waste.

Production of high quality single-walled carbon nanotubes in a nano-agglomerated fluidized bed reactor

ABSTRACTSSingle-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have attracted much attention due to their unique structural, mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties. Catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) through decomposition of hydrocarbons is one of the most challenging synthesis methods to produce SWNTs in large scale. In this paper, high quality SWNTs prepared in a nano-agglomerated fluidized bed reactor (NAFBR) was reported. The reactor is a vertical quartz tube with the inner diameter of about 50 mm. Catalysts nanoparticles used for the production of SWNTs were prepared with Fe metal nanoparticles carried on the surface of MgO. About 150g catalysts powders were loaded on the gas distribution grid. The reaction temperature was controlled at not less than 1123 K. The carrier gas of argon was used to maintain turbulent fluidization of the catalysts powders in FBR. The hydrogen gas was used to reduce the catalysts and to synergize the growth of SWNTs with methane. The powder products were spherical agglomerates of SWNTs bundles tangling with the catalysts particles. By optimizing the process parameters of CCVD, the products of SWNTs with the diameter about 0.9 ∼ 1.8 nm were prepared, without any multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) or amorphous carbon. The microstructure of SWNTs products were characterized by the methods of high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectra, etc. The NAFBR is a commercially viable (effective and continuous production at a low cost) process for the production of SWNTs.

00/02114 Throat and cone gas injector and gas distribution grid for slurry reactor

00/02114 Throat and cone gas injector and gas distribution grid for slurry reactor

00/01266 Throat and cone gas injector and gas distribution grid for slurry reactor

00/01266 Throat and cone gas injector and gas distribution grid for slurry reactor

Energy Security in Northeast Asia and Multilateral Cooperation in the Energy Sector.

Asia is likely to experience a huge upsurge in energy use, as the bulk of thisincrease met through imports. China is already the world's second largest consumer of energy.Japan is by far the leading importer of energy in the region. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan aremajor importers of liquefied natural gas. For Japan and South Korea, a reliance on LNG andnuclear power was a tool in maintaining energy security after the two oil shocks of the 1970s. Today, however, these two economies and also China consider importing natural gas from Sakhalinand Eastern Siberia to expand their supply choices, reduce costs of fuels, and control harmfulemissions. This creates an opportunity to build large capacity cross-border infrastructure thatpromises significant benefits to industries and individual consumers. However, diversification offuel mix is a slow process, and expensive natural gas projects require an integrated approach thatcoordinates a pipeline construction with the gas field and distribution grid development. In thisrespect, the economies of Northeast Asia are yet to develop capacity to receive and consume largevolumes of pipeline gas. Moreover, competition from nuclear power, coal and LNG is strong. Also, private sector alone is unlikely to succeed in promoting pipeline gas because of the high costsinvolved, domestic and international constraints. Government support is needed for thesemega-projects to succeed. Natural gas resource development in Northeast Asia requires that theenergy security, competition promotion and environmental protection are considered collectivelyand in coordinated manner, not just predominantly national or bilateral issues.

Cost-effectiveness of emission-reducing measures for methane in the Netherlands

The present methane emissions in the Netherlands amount to 1190 ktonne per year. It is expected that these emissions will decrease by 20% up to the year 2000 due to environmental policies already in place. However, additional emission reduction may be necessary. In this article, the reduction potential and specific costs of additional methane emission reduction measures are presented. The most cost-effective options are landfill gas recovery and utilisation, increased gas utilisation on offshore natural gas production platforms and large-scale digestion of animal manure. Other, less cost-effective options are composting, fermentation and incineration of wastes otherwise landfilled, replacement of the grey cast-iron network in the natural gas distribution grid, and a doubling of the leak control frequency. It is found that these measures would result in an extra emission reduction of about 310 ktonne CH 4/yr, of which about 160 ktonne CH 4/yr could be avoided with negative or zero net costs. With respect to the 1990 emissions, this would mean a reduction of about 45% and 30% respectively.

On the mechanism of pressure pulsation in a bubbling fluidized bed

The mechanism of pressure pulsation in fluidized-bed apparatus having a gas-distribution grid of high hydrodynamic resistance or a subgrid chamber with volume much smaller than that of the bed is considered. The results of calculation and measurement of extremal pressures at different levels of the fluidized bed are given.

Conditions for full fluidization of low-disperse material on a grid with cap-type gas distributors

A method used frequently to prevent the formation of stable stagnant zone in apparatuses with a fluidized bed of granular material is to increase the resistance of the gas distribution grid. However, this raises the expenditure of energy on compression of air. For this phenomenon to be eliminated the increase in bed resistance should be offset by a decrease in the resistance of the gas distribution grid. A formula is calculated, and the dependence of relative resistance of a gas distribution grid on fluidation, theoretical and experimental, is shown in a figure. Also presented in a figure of the calculation of additional resistance associated with redistribution of the gas stream at the grid.