Moisture-free Basis Research Articles

“Milk on Ice”: A detailed analysis of Ernest Shackleton's century-old whole milk powder in comparison with modern counterparts

Whole milk powder (WMP) manufactured in New Zealand in 1907 was sent to the Antarctic continent with the Shackleton-led British Antarctic Expedition from 1907 to 1909. This powder was stored at ambient conditions at Shackleton's Hut at Cape Royds, Antarctica, for over 100 yr before a sample was collected on behalf of Fonterra by the Antarctic Heritage Trust. Having spent most of its existence both dried and in frozen storage, any deleterious reactions within the WMP would have been markedly retarded. The composition and some properties of the roller-dried Shackleton's WMP are reported along with those of 2 modern spray-dried New Zealand WMP. The Shackleton powder was less white and more yellow than the modern WMP and was composed of flakes rather than agglomerated particles, consistent with that expected of a roller-dried powder. Headspace analysis showed lipolytic and oxidative volatile compounds were present in the Shackleton WMP, indicting some deterioration of the milk either before powder manufacture or on storage of the finished product. On a moisture-free basis, the Shackleton WMP had higher protein, higher fat (with a markedly higher free fat level), higher ash, and a lower lactose level than the modern WMP. The lysine level was lower in the Shackleton WMP compared with the spray-dried powders, whereas the fatty acid composition was relatively similar. The sodium level was markedly higher in the Shackleton WMP compared with the spray-dried powder, which is probably due to the addition of an alkaline sodium salt to adjust the pH of the milk before roller drying. Lead, iron, and tin levels were markedly higher in the Shackleton WMP compared with the spray-dried powders, possibly due to the equipment used in powder manufacture and the tin-plated cases used for storage. The proteins in the Shackleton WMP were more lactosylated than in the spray-dried powders. The Shackleton WMP had a higher ratio of κ-casein A to B variants and a higher ratio of β-lactoglobulin B to A variants than the spray-dried powders, whereas the αS1-casein, β-casein, αS2-casein, and α-lactalbumin protein variants were similar in all powders. The total phospholipid content was markedly lower in the Shackleton WMP than the spray-dried powders, primarily due to a lower phosphatidylethanolamine concentration. The molecular species distributions within the phospholipid classes were generally similar in the 3 powders. Claims are sometimes encountered that the milk of today is different from that consumed by previous generations. However, this comparative study has shown that the Shackleton WMP was generally similar to modern WMP. Although differences in some components and properties were observed, these were attributable to the manufacturing equipment and processes used in the pioneering years of WMP manufacture.

Myrcia paivae O.Berg (Myrtaceae) Essential Oil, First Study of the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential.

The Myrtaceae family is one of the most representative in the Amazon. Several species have high added-value pharmacological potential. In order to contribute to the knowledge of the aromatic profile of Myrtaceae species from the Amazon, the present study presents the first report on the productivity, chemical composition, and antioxidant profile of the essential oil (EO) of Myrcia paivae. Dry leaves of the species were submitted to hydrodistillation to obtain their EO. The EO performance was calculated on a moisture-free basis and the analysis of the chemical profile was carried out by GC/MS. The determination of the antioxidant capacity was assessed by means of the antioxidant capacity equivalent to the inhibition Trolox of the ABTS•+ and DPPH• radicals. The results indicate that EO performance was equivalent to 1.69%. As for the chemical composition, hydrocarbon monoterpenes were predominant in the sample (>77%); terpinolene (14.70%), α-phellandrene (14.69%), γ-terpinene (9.64%), sylvestrene (7.62%), α-thujene (6.46%), and α-pinene (6.39%) were the constituents with higher content. Regarding the antioxidant capacity, the results show that the EO presented good results in the inhibition of ABTS•+ (0.886 ± 0.226 mM L−1) and DPPH• (2.90 ± 0.083 mM L−1), which can be attributed to the high monoterpene content in the sample.

Chemical Studies on Fatty Oil of Trewia nudiflora Kernels

Abstract-Trewia nudiflora Linn belongs to family Euphorbiaceae, sub-family Acalyphoideae and it is one of the important medicinal plants in Indian systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, etc. It has numerous phytochemical and pharmacological significance. The kernels ofTrewia nudiflorawere chemically examinedand fatty oil was isolated and characterized by Gas Liquid Chromatography. The fatty oil content in the kernels was found to be 20.99% on moisture free basis. Arachidic acid (40.25%) and Linolenic acid (30.26%) were identified as major constituent. Physico-chemical analysis of fatty oil was also carried out.

To study the biochemical composition and physical characteristics of linseed varieties

The components of linseed are protein (21%), dietary fibre (28%) and fat (41%) has unique fatty acid profile. Linseed has high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (73 % of total fatty acids), moderate in monounsaturated fatty acids (18%) low in saturated fatty acids on moisture free basis. Linoleic acid as Omega-6 fatty acid, constitutes about 16 per cent of total fatty acid whereas, ALA constitutes about 57 per cent. Due to the nutritional profile of linseed, many researchers have recognized linseed as tiny double powerhouse in disease prevention. The present investigation entitled “Estimates of Biochemical characteristics of linseed varieties’’ was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj), Faizabad (U.P.) India in the year 2016. Ten varieties of linseed Garima, Shikha, Parvati, Mukta, Shubhra, Shekhar, Chambal, T-397, NDL-1 and NDL-3 were collected from department of Genetics and plant breeding of this University, and used as experimental material in the field trail. The seeds of linseed varieties were sown in Completely Randomized Design with three replications on 20 October 2016.The row to row and plant to plant spacing was kept 10 cm and 30 cm, respectively. The seeds were sown at the rate of 30-40 kg per ha. All agronomical practices were adopted to achieve a good crop. The seeds were sown at the rate of 30-40 kg per ha. All agronomical practices were adopted to achieve a good crop. For physical analysis observations were made on Number of pods per plant, 1000-seed weight, colour of seeds, and yield per plant. For biochemical analysis observations were made on total protein content in seeds, methionine content in seeds, tryptophan content in seeds, lysine content in seeds, total sugar content in seeds, reducing sugar content in seeds, non reducing sugar content in seeds.

To study the fatty acid palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acid profile of linseed

The components of linseed are protein (21%), dietary fibre (28%) and fat (41%) has unique fatty acid profile. Linseed has high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (73% of total fatty acids), moderate in monounsaturated fatty acids (18%) low in saturated fatty acids on moisture free basis. Linoleic acid as Omega-6 fatty acid, constitutes about 16 per cent of total fatty acid whereas, ALA constitutes about 57 per cent.

Impact of mild and harsh conditions of formic acid-based organosolv pretreatment on biomass fractionation of sugarcane tops

This study puts emphasis on the impact of formic acid-based organosolv (FAOS) pretreatment on sugarcane tops (SCT) for biomass fractionation (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) under mild and harsh pretreatment conditions. The cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents of SCT were 35.0 ± 0.4%, 30.3 ± 0.5%, and 17.0 ± 0.7%, respectively. One hundred twenty-five degree Celsius pretreatment temperature, 90 min pretreatment time, and 1:7.5 solid to liquid ratio were selected as the best conditions for FAOS pretreatment of SCT. Under these conditions, equivalent to 392 ± 4 kg pretreated SCT was obtained from 1 tonne of moisture-free basis SCT, which contained 296 ± 3 kg cellulose, 11.1 ± 0.5 kg hemicellulose, 15.7 ± 0.3 kg lignin, 8.00 ± 0.2 kg extractives, and 53.4 ± 0.9 kg ash. Pretreatment temperature and time higher than the best-selected values (125 °C and 90 min) adversely affected SCT fractionation due to damage of fiber surface, high lignin content in pSCT, and lower solids recovery in the hydrolyzate.

Effect of Seasonal Variation on Chemical Composition and Physicochemical Properties of Hedychium spicatum Rhizomes Essential Oil

Effectiveness of medicinal plants dependents upon chemical composition and amount of active constituents that present in the species, which may be highly influenced by different factors such as, growing conditions, seasons, climatic conditions, sun light exposure and altitude etc. Therefore the present work aims to study the effect of different seasons on physicochemical profile of Hedychium spicatum rhizomes essential oil from Uttarakhand. The yield (%) of H. spicatum rhizomes essential oil was varying from 1.16 ± 0.012 % to 1.64 ± 0.018 % on moisture free basis. Seasonal variation in chemical composition of H. spicatum essential oil obtained in different seasons was determined by GC/MS analysis and total 65 peaks were identified. 1,8-cineole, α-cadinol, α-elemol and τ-muurolol were present in essential oil samples collected in different seasons. The major chemical compounds of H. spicatum essential oil in rainy and summer seasons were 1, 8-cineole (21.18 % and 21.81 %) and α-cadinol (18.43 % and 17.49 %). While α-elemol (16.44 %) and α-cadinol (15.99 %) were found major compounds in autumn season. The main compounds of winter were α-cadinol (18.79 %) and 1,8-cineole (14.83 %). Results of GC/MS and physicochemical analysis revealed that, different seasons affect chemical composition and physicochemical properties viz. yield (%), saponification value, acid value, ester value and glycerol content significantly.

Functional properties of navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) protein concentrates obtained by pneumatic tribo-electrostatic separation

A sustainable, chemical-free dry tribo-electrostatic separation approach was employed to fractionate navy bean flour. The resulting protein-enriched fractions had 36–38% protein on a moisture free basis, accounting for 43% of the total available protein. SDS-PAGE analysis of the dry-enriched protein fractions showed a similar protein profile to that of the original navy bean flour. The functional properties of these fractions were examined and compared with the commercial soybean protein concentrate as well as navy bean protein isolate obtained by a conventional wet fractionation process. These electrostatically separated protein fractions exhibited superior solubility at their intrinsic pH as well as superior emulsion stability (ES), foam expansion (FE) and foam volume stability (FVS) compared to the wet-fractionated navy bean protein isolate that was almost depleted of albumins, exhibiting poor solubility and foaming properties. These results suggest electrostatic separation as a promising route to deliver functional protein concentrates as novel food formulation ingredients.

A comparative Study on Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz. Bip. and Tanacetum punctatum (Desr.) Grierson. Leaves from Iran

The essential oils of Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz. Bip. and Tanacetum punctatum (Desr.) Grierson. leaves were obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC and GC-MS. The oil yields (v/w) on moisture free basis of T. parthenium and T. punctatum leaves were 0.8 % and 0.2 %, respectively. The essential oil of T. parthenium and T. punctatum were characterized by a higher amount of camphor (53.8 % and 45. 5%), trans-β-farnesene (8.3 % and 7.4 %), camphene (6.9 % and 6.2 %), β-caryophyllene (5.9 % and 9.7 %) and chrysanthenone (3.3 % and 4.1 %), respectively. Bornyl acetate (3.1 %), 4-hydroxy-benzenepropanoic acid (3. 7%) and borneol (2.9 %) among the 24 components of the total oil from T. parthenium sample were detected. Thirty two components were characterized representing 96.9 % of total constituents detected in the oil of T. punctatum. In this oil, 4-hydroxy-benzenepropanoic acid (2.2 %) and borneol (2.1 %) were also the predominating compounds. The antimicrobial activity of both samples was determined against seven bacteria and three fungi. The bioassay showed that the oil exhibited a good antimicrobial activity.

Effects of graded levels of tannin-containing tropical tree leaves on in vitro rumen fermentation, total protozoa and methane production.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of graded levels of tannin-containing tropical tree leaves, Autocarpus integrifolis, Azardirachta indica and Ficus bengalensis, on the in vitro rumen fermentation pattern, total protozoa and methane suppression in order to establish the optimum dose of these leaves for inclusion in the ruminant diets. The air-dried and ground samples of Au. integrifolis, Az. indica and Ficus bengalensis were subjected to in vitro incubation using 30 ml buffered rumen fluid at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, 25.0 and 30.0% (dry matter refers to moisture-free basis) of a total mixed ration (TMR: refers to mixture of roughage and concentrate containing cereals and oil cakes) devoid of tannin. The TMR for the experimental incubation was prepared by mixing 40 parts of ground Elusine coracana straw as roughage source with 60 parts of concentrate mixture. The leaves contained an average 130 g kg(-1) CP with 7·0 MJ of ME kg(-1) DM. The average neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content was <400 g kg(-1) DM. Highest total phenol (TP; g kg(-1) DM) was recorded in Az. indica (108) followed by F. bengalensis (103) and Au. integrifolis (76), and total tannin (TT) content also showed similar trend. However, condensed tannin (CT) was highest in F. bengalensis (260) followed by Au. integrifolis (186) and Az. indica (138). There was significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the NH3 concentration in the presence of all the leaves. Autocarpus integrifolis tannins did not cause inhibition of total volatile fatty acid (TVFA: refers to the concentration of volatile fatty acids, viz. acetic, butyric and propionic) concentration, whereas F. bengalensis and Az. indica tannins at higher level of incubation (>5.0%) reduced TVFA concentration. Protozoa (cells per mL) were similar at all levels of inclusion with Au. integrifolis, but reduced in case of F. bengalensis and Az. indica. As the level of tannin increased in the incubation medium, there was a linear reduction in methane concentration. Highest methane reduction (%) was recorded in incubations supplemented with Az. indica (61.5) followed by F. bengalensis (46.8) and Au. integrifolis (30.3). It was established from this study that tropical leaves of F. bengalensis, Au. integrifolis and Az. indica suppress methanogenesis. Ficus bengalensis, Au. integrifolis and Az. indica leaves are of interest in the enteric methane ameliorative strategies. Total mixed ration containing 10-15% ground F. bengalensis or Au. integrifolis or Az. indica leaves could be fed to ruminants to reduce enteric methanogenesis. However, in vivo trials need to be carried out to validate these in vitro results.

Chemical Studies of Fatty Oil of Terminalia chebula Seeds Kernels

The Terminalia chebula fruit kernel oil, constituents of methyl ester derivatives of fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography. The results obtained contain saturated (04), as well as unsaturated (02) fatty acids of T. chebula oils. The fatty oil content obtained from the seeds kernels of T. chebula was found to be (37.37-44.91 %) averaging (41.14 %) on moisture free basis. GLC analysis of methyl esters of the fatty acids obtained from the fatty oil after its hydrolysis followed by esterification with methanol/sulphuric acid indicated the presence of eight compounds of which six were identified. The fatty acid composition Table 2 indicated that linoleic acid (39.2 %) is the major constituent of the oil followed by oleic acid (38.5 %), palmitic acid (18.4 %), stearic acid (2.7 %), arachidic acid (0.7 %), behenic acid (0.2 %), and lipids. Due to the presence of a high percentage of valuable analytes in T. chebula, there is an increased importance in its use in pharmaceuticals, as well as its applications in the new formulations for various skin diseases to prevent and cure different infections.

Study on the quality and safety aspect of threesun-dried fish

Market samples of three sun-dried freshwater fish species namely Indian major carp (Labeo rohita), snake headed fish (Channa striatus), and a type of eurasian catfish (Wallago attu) were included in this study. The quality of the sun-dried fish samples were evaluated by examining physical properties, biochemical composition, and reconstitution behaviour. The safety aspect of the sun-dried fish samples were studied by the detection of heavy metal, total viable bacterial count (TBC), aerobic plate count (APC) and Total volatile base-Nitrogen (TVB-N). According to the physical characteristics such as colour, odour, texture, it appeared that the L. rohita and C. striatus were of better quality than that of the W. attu which had already developed rancid odour, and bitter taste. The examined samples were brownish to light brown compared to the attractive cream colour of a freshly prepared samples. The products had moisture content ranging from 19.17 to 23.12%. The protein content ranged from 49.23 to 62.85%. Lipid and ash content were in the range of 4.92 to 11.0% and from 11.11 to 18.89%, respectively. C. striatus contained the highest protein content (62.85%) and W. attu contained lowest protein (49.23%) on moisture free basis. The result of heavy metal analysis of the sun-dried fish samples showed that, in sun-dried L. rohita, Arsenic (As) was 0.001 mg/g, Cadmium (Cd) was 0.53 mg/g, and Chromium (Cr) was 0.025 mg/g. In the sample of sun-dried C. striatus As was 0.003 mg/g, Cd was 0.089 mg/g and Cr was 0.054 mg/g; while in the sample of sun-dried W. attu As was 0.004, Cd 0.097, and Cr 0.068, which were within the acceptable limit for human consumption. The TBC of the experimental samples ranged from 1.84 × 104 to 5.3 × 106 per g of the dried samples. The total volatile base Nitrogen (N) content of the dried fish samples ranged from 7.54 to 8.32%. Reconstitution rate was found to be faster in C. striatus and L. rohita but slower in W. attu. Key words: Total volatile base-Nitrogen, sun-dried, trace elements, fish.

Fluidised bed pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomasses and comparison of bio-oil and micropyrolyser pyrolysate by GC/MS-FID

The fast pyrolysis of spruce (Picea abies), short rotation willow coppice (Salix alba), Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), and wheat straw (Triticum aestivum) was compared on a laboratory scale bubbling fluidized bed reactor at 460–475°C. The presence of ash, ranging from 0.26wt.% for spruce to 3.76wt.% for wheat straw (moisture free basis) favoured decomposition of cell-wall constituents to char (spruce [11.4wt.%]<Salix [16.2wt.%]<Miscanthus [21.8wt.%]<wheat straw [21.5wt.%]) with a reduction of liquid organic product (spruce [53.8wt.%]>Salix [45.4wt.%]>Miscanthus [37.3wt.%]>wheat straw [37.2wt.%]). Bio-oils from Miscanthus and wheat straw were inhomogeneous. Differences between absolute masses of compounds determined by GC/MS-FID of the bio-oils compared with Py-GC/MS-FID suggested a greater role of secondary reactions at the fluidised bed scale, with reduced concentrations of certain lignin-derived, furan and pyran compounds.

Studies on Mango (Mangifera indica, L.) Kernel Fat of Some Kenyan Varieties in Meru

AbstractFour varieties (Boribo, Dodo, Kagege, and Kent) of ripe mango (Mangifera indica, L.) fruits were collected directly from the farmers in Meru County (Kenya), peeled, depulped and the stones deshelled. The mango kernels obtained were crushed, sun‐dried, and extracted using petroleum ether (b.p. 40–60 °C). The fat content of the mango kernels varied from 8.5 to 10.4 % depending on the variety. The mango seed kernels constituted about (4.76–6.70 %) crude protein (Nx6.25), (1.74–2.26 %) crude ash, (71.90–76.28 %) crude carbohydrate, (1743–1782 kJ) gross energy, (1547–1576 kJ) available energy, and mean protein:energy ratios of (2.63–3.76 mg/kJ) all on a moisture free basis. The moisture content of fresh mango seed kernels varied from 42.1 to 67.6 % depending on the variety. The fat had a melting point of 25–33 °C, an iodine value of 51.08–56.79, an acid value of 4.49–7.48, free fatty acid (as oleic) of 2.26–3.76, a saponification number of 188.8–195.9, unsaponifiable matter of 2.26–2.74 %, a peroxide value of 0.40–0.75, a refractive index(40 °C) of 1.4562–1.4597 and a specific gravity of 0.9017–0.9087. Investigation of the fatty acid composition revealed(GLC) nine fatty acids: tetradecanoic acid (trace‐0.05 %), pentadecanoic acid (trace–0.09 %), hexadecanoic acid (4.87–10.57 %), heptadecanoic acid (trace‐O.10 %), octadecanoic acid (24.22–32.80 %), 9‐(Z)‐octadecenoic acid (46.37–58.59 %), 9‐(Z), 12‐(Z)‐octadecadienoic acid (6.73–10.35 %), 9‐(Z), 12‐(Z), 15‐(Z)‐octadecatrienoic acid (0.601–1.8 %), and eicosanoic acid (0.62–1.64 %). The fat had the typical characteristics of a vegetable butter.

Experimental Study on Thermal Hydrolysis and Dewatering Characteristics of Mechanically Dewatered Sewage Sludge

After mechanical dewatering, sewage sludge has a moisture content of around 80 wt% and further disposal is required. A new sewage sludge semi-drying (dewatering) process is proposed and verified. It combines thermal hydrolysis and subsequent mechanical dewatering, with less energy consumption than traditional thermal drying. Sludge treated using this new process satisfies further disposal requirements (e.g., landfill or autothermal incineration). In the present study, a high-pressure test reactor was used to study the thermal hydrolysis of dewatered sludge. Thermally hydrolyzed sludge was subsequently dewatered by centrifugal sedimentation or by pressure filtration. The amount of organic compounds returning to the water phase was also measured. According to the results from centrifugal settling tests, the optimal thermal hydrolysis treatment temperature was 180°C. The moisture content then dropped to 1.44 kg/kg dry solids (DS; 59 wt%) after dewatering under relative centrifugal force of 9,000 × g from 5.67 kg/kg DS (85 wt%). Pressure filtration further reduced the moisture content of filter cakes to only 0.5 kg/kg DS (33 wt%, hydrolysis temperature 180°C). After thermal hydrolysis, the heating value of sludge (moisture-free basis) was about 80% that of the untreated sludge.

Chemical composition of the essential oil of Lilium ledebourii from Iran

Lilium ledebourii (Liliaceae), locally named „Susan-e-Chelcheragh“ is an endemic and rare species growing on the highlands of Damash region in Gilan Province and Fandeghlo forests in Ardabil Province north part of Iran. The habitat of this species is under IUCN protection, Category III (Natural Monument) by the Iranian Department of Environment since 1976. This plant is a unique species of Lilium genus that is native of north Iran [1]. The aim of the present study was the investigation of the chemical composition of the essential oil of L. ledebourii (Apiaceae) from Iran by GC/FID and GC/MS methods. The plant material was collected during its flowering stage in June, 2008, on the Ardabil Mountains of the North-West of Iran. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation of the dried herb using a Clevenger type apparatus. The oil yield calculated on moisture free basis was 0.1%. Twenty-six compounds were characterized in the essential oil of Lilium ledebourii, representing 99.1% of the oil, of which linalool (74.1%), E-6-tetradecanyl acetate (11.7%), benzyl salycilate (2.7%) and hexadecanal were found to be the major components. Analysis of oil revealed that oil was rich in linalool.

Composition of the Essential Oil of Aulacospermum anomalum Ledeb. from Kazakhstan

Asian countries with the greatest biodiversity of Umbelliferae are in China, Turkey (As.), Iran, Russia (As.) and Kazakhstan. About 430 species are known from Central Asia and Kazakhstan [1,2]. The aim of the present study was the investigation of the chemical composition of the essential oil of Aulacospermum anomalum Ledeb. (Apiaceae) from Kazakhstan by GC/FID and GC/MS methods. The plant material was collected during its blossoming stage in June, 2009, on the Karkaraly mountains of the Central Kazakhstan. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation of the dried herb using a Clevenger type apparatus. The oil yield calculated on moisture free basis was 0.32%.

Mineral contents of some plants used in Iran

In this work, mineral contents of 4 plants used in Iran were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry. The concentrations were calculated on a dry weight basis. All materials contained high amounts of Na, Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, P, Zn, and I. On a moisture-free basis, the highest levels of Ca, P, and Mg were found in spinach to be 3200 mg/100 g, 2150 mg/100 g, and 460 mg/100 g, respectively. Bi, Cd, Li, Pb, and Se contents of condiments were found to be very low. The results were compared with those from the Spanish, Turkish, and Indian. This work attempts to contribute to knowledge of the nutritional properties of these plants. These results may be useful for the evaluation of dietary information and concluded that the green vegetables are the good sources of minerals.

Development of the first coal seam gas exploration program in Indonesia: Reservoir properties of the Muaraenim Formation, south Sumatra

Abstract The Late Miocene Muaraenim Formation in southern Sumatra contains thick coal sequences, mostly of low rank ranging from lignite to sub-bituminous, and it is believed that these thick low rank coals are the most prospective for the production of coal seam gas (CSG), otherwise known as coalbed methane (CBM), in Indonesia. As part of a major CSG exploration project, gas exploration drilling operations are being undertaken in Rambutan Gasfields in the Muaraenim Formation to characterize the CSG potential of the coals. The first stage of the project, which is described here, was designed to examine the gas reservoir properties with a focus on coal gas storage capacity and compositional properties. Some five CSG exploration boreholes were drilled in the Rambutan Gasfield, south of Palembang. The exploration boreholes were drilled to depths of ~ 1000 m into the Muaraenim Formation. Five major coal seams were intersected by these holes between the depths of 450 and 1000 m. The petrography of coal samples collected from these seams showed that they are vitrinite rich, with vitrinite contents of more than 75% (on a mineral and moisture free basis). Gas contents of up to 5.8 m 3 /t were measured for the coal samples. The gas desorbed from coal samples contain mainly methane (CH 4 ) ranging from 80 to 93% and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) ranging from 6 to 19%. The composition of the gas released into the production borehole/well is, however, much richer in CH 4 with about 94 to 98% CH 4 and less than 5% CO 2 . The initial results of drilling and reservoir characterization studies indicate suitable gas recovery parameters for three of the five coal seams with a total thickness of more than 30 m.

On Thermal Stability and Chemical Kinetics of Waste Newspaper by Thermogravimetric and Pyrolysis Analysis

The thermogravimetric analysis is studied to investigate the thermal stability and the chemical kinetics of waste newspaper. The thermal degradation and the kinetic parameters (Order of reaction, activation energy and pre-exponential factor) are determined at different heating rate by using TG/DTA data. The heating rates used in this study are 5, 10 and 20 K/min respectively. The decomposition results could be modeled by an Arrhenius equation. The least square technique is used for determining kinetic parameters. Depending on the heating rate, the activation energy and the order of reaction vary from 8.15 to 23.42 kJ/mol and 0.56 to 0.79 for newspaper (moisture free basis). Next attempt is to use waste newspaper as a raw material for converting it into bio-oil via pyrolysis. The yield of bio-oil is increasing with increasing the pyrolysis temperature. The average maximum yield of bio-oil 39% is obtained at the pyrolysis temperature of 500°C. Pyrolysis gases have also been analyzed in a gas chromatography to measure the concentration of hydrogen gas at increasing temperatures and also checked the effect of heat keeping time, defined as the time with a constant temperature in the reactor to the gas yields. The pyrolysis temperatures 500, 700, 900 and 1000°C and heat keeping time 0, 30 and 60 minutes are applied in this study. Maximum about 53 vol% of H2 is observed by applying the temperature of 900°C and heat keeping time of 60 minutes.