Reduce Transportation Costs Research Articles

A Novel Semi-Spar Floating Wind Turbine Platform Applied for Intermediate Water Depth

For the exploitation of offshore wind resources in areas with intermediate water depths, a novel semi-spar floating foundation is introduced to combine the superiority of the conventional semisubmersible and spar-type floater. It consists of an upper floater and a hanging weight, which are connected through 12 suspension ropes. Such a floating foundation can be wet-towed as a semisubmersible floater, which features a large waterplane moment of inertia to increase stability and reduce transportation costs. After being anchored on site, it behaves as a spar floater with moderate draft and superior hydrodynamic characteristics. The stability of the proposed semi-spar platform during wet towage is analyzed. Afterward, a fully coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic simulation is conducted to evaluate its hydrodynamic responses in comparison with the responses of the well-acknowledged OC3-spar and OC4-semisubmersible platforms. Then, the ultimate strength of the mooring lines and suspension ropes under extreme conditions was numerically investigated, as well as the relationship between the ropes’ tension and wave direction. Eventually, a cost-effectiveness analysis is conducted in terms of power generation and steel mass. The results demonstrate that the proposed semi-spar design meets the safety criteria in transportation and exhibits a smaller response in surge and pitch motions. In addition, the ultimate strength of mooring lines and suspension ropes satisfies the safety requirements, and simulation reveals that the lateral suspension ropes parallel to the propagation direction are sensitive to the environmental conditions of winds and waves. This study confirms that the newly proposed floating wind turbine exhibits excellent hydrodynamic and power generation performance, which is of great significance for the sustainability of the energy and electricity industry.

An optimization model for just-in-time (JIT) delivery of precast components considering 3D loading constraints, real-time road conditions and assembly time

PurposeAlthough extensive research has been conducted on precast production, irregular component loading constraints have received little attention, resulting in limitations for transportation cost optimization. Traditional irregular component loading methods are based on past performance, which frequently wastes vehicle space. Additionally, real-time road conditions, precast component assembly times, and delivery vehicle waiting times due to equipment constraints at the construction site affect transportation time and overall transportation costs. Therefore, this paper aims to provide an optimization model for Just-In-Time (JIT) delivery of precast components considering 3D loading constraints, real-time road conditions and assembly time.Design/methodology/approachIn order to propose a JIT (just-in-time) delivery optimization model, the effects of the sizes of irregular precast components, the assembly time, and the loading methods are considered in the 3D loading constraint model. In addition, for JIT delivery, incorporating real-time road conditions in the transportation process is essential to mitigate delays in the delivery of precast components. The 3D precast component loading problem is solved by using a hybrid genetic algorithm which mixes the genetic algorithm and the simulated annealing algorithm.FindingsA real case study was used to validate the JIT delivery optimization model. The results indicated this study contributes to the optimization of strategies for loading irregular precast components and the reduction of transportation costs by 5.38%.Originality/valueThis study establishes a JIT delivery optimization model with the aim of reducing transportation costs by considering 3D loading constraints, real-time road conditions and assembly time. The irregular precast component is simplified into 3D bounding box and loaded with three-space division heuristic packing algorithm. In addition, the hybrid algorithm mixing the genetic algorithm and the simulated annealing algorithm is to solve the 3D container loading problem, which provides both global search capability and the ability to perform local searching. The JIT delivery optimization model can provide decision-makers with a more comprehensive and economical strategy for loading and transporting irregular precast components.

Road Maintenance Planning of the Fier-Vlore Road Axis, based on the Assessment and Forecast of AADT and Los Service Level

The relevance of this study lies in the fact that maintaining roads in good condition is an important condition for ensuring the safety and comfort of road traffic, as well as the economic development of the region. The aim of the study is to develop a method for planning road maintenance along the Fier-Vlore axis based on the assessment and forecast of the level of service AADT and LOS in order to improve the quality and safety of road traffic. The AADT and LOS service level estimation and forecast method is used to determine the performance of road networks and identify problem areas. The results of this study indicate that in the next 10 years, the level of service on this section of the road will be satisfactory and will be classified as “C”. However, after 2027 until 2032, the service level is expected to decline to category “D” and “E”, which could potentially lead to restrictions in manoeuvring and an increase in traffic accidents. In addition to reducing the distance, the construction of this Fier-Vlore Road has a significant impact both in reducing transport costs and in reducing the stress and anxiety caused by the old road. The main goal of the road is to provide comfort, safety, minimum cost and sustainability to the environment. In general, the use of the AADT and LOS Service level estimation and forecast method has significant practical value for planning investments in road maintenance and road infrastructure improvement.

Analysing firm-level impacts of high-speed railways on reducing business costs: evidence from China

ABSTRACT Numerous studies have revealed that high-speed railways (HSRs) can efficiently reduce transportation costs for firms and therefore bring more business capacities to firms in regions with HSR services. This paper aims to adopt the difference-in-difference (DID) and PSM (propensity score matching) DID methods to examine the HSR’s causal effects on business costs. The author finds that business costs are significantly reduced due to the operation of HSR lines. Besides, private firms and firms in the secondary and tertiary sectors would experience more reductions of business costs encouraged by the HSR than state-owned and agricultural firms. The placebo test and parallel trend test have proved the feasibility of this study. Finally, this paper provides policy suggestions that the construction of HSR lines needs to be encouraged in order to promote the higher efficiency of business operations for firms and more-balanced spatial business developments in China.

Is Climate Change Posing a Challenge to Food Security? Empirical Evidence from a Small Island Developing Country

Food security remains one of the main goals for all countries worldwide. While several agencies have mobilized resources to achieve this goal, food insecurity remains a significant livelihood challenge in many developing countries. Therefore, in this paper, we examine some critical factors affecting the food security of rural agricultural households in Fiji using the latest Agricultural Census data. This study reveals that farmers’ access to fishing grounds and non-timber forest resources can improve farming households’ food security. The study also shows that while the government vigorously pursues a transition from subsistence agriculture towards commercial agriculture, improving market access and reducing transportation costs will significantly improve food security. Given the importance of regular cash income, the study also demonstrates that off-farm employment of household members, particularly larger-sized households, will substantially help to improve food security. Lastly, and most importantly, the government must quickly examine how it could mitigate challenges posed by climate change, as this could devastate food security via reduced food production.

Efektifitas Penggunaan Gerobak Sorong Bermesin Model Track Untuk Mengangkut Buah Sawit Di Kabupaten Banyuasin

Transportation of oil palm Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) from the plantation to the harvest collection point (TPH) must be done as quickly as possible. This is due to an increase in free fatty acids after the FFB is harvested. Some of the obstacles found were the FFB transportation equipment which was not yet capable of reaching the fruit in the garden easily and the transportation time which was quite long due to the uneven road conditions. With technological advances and the rapid development of innovation, the discovery of track model wheelbarrows that use a driving engine means that further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these transport machines. In this research, we will compare wheelbarrows without engines and wheelbarrows with track models, there are 3 (three) treatments given, namely on flat roads, bumpy roads and damaged roads. Researchers search for and collect data on transport capacity, transport load, transport speed and transport costs. The results of this research show that carrying capacity and road conditions have a effect on travel time and speed. This is due to the ability/power of the machine which is quite large and stable in transporting fruit. and, other results from this research show that the use of motorized wheelbarrows can reduce transportation costs because the transportation speed increases so that the travel time is shorter.

Scenario Analysis of the Prospects for the Use of Alternative Fuels for Road Transport in Russia

The article examines the economic and environmental consequences for the Russian Federation that may be caused by the transition of road transport to natural gas fuel and electricity. According to strategic planning documents, public authorities are pursuing the policy aimed at converting a significant share of road transport to natural gas fuel. As singled out, this policy is mainly motivated by the issues of limiting emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere from the combustion of oil products. In addition to a positive impact on the environment, this transformation should have a positive impact on the economy, since the use of alternative energy sources reduces transport costs, and construction of the necessary related infrastructure will create additional growth points for the economy.The objective of the study described in the article is to investigate the economic and environmental effects for the Russian Federation from the transfer of road transport to natural gas fuel.Main economic indicators analysed comprise subsidies that are necessary to create conditions for development of the relevant market, changes in budget revenues from the mineral extraction tax and excise duty on oil products, as well as additional gross value added due to multiplier effects in the economy. The study of environmental effects consists in assessing the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere.The analysis of the effects for the Russian economy from the transfer of road transport to alternative energy sources has shown that due to the multiplier effect, for the period up to 2035, gross value added will increase by 3,6 trillion rubles, and investments in the necessary infrastructure will amount to about 2,7 trillion rubles, which is about 13 % of the projected investment in the road sector. Due to the use of gas motor fuel and electric vehicles, by 2035 СО2 (carbon dioxide) emissions will be reduced by 11 million tons annually, which represents only 0,5 % of nationwide emissions. This means that the transfer of road transport to alternative energy sources is not effective enough from the point of view of the existing motivation, and the motivation must be changed in favour of positive economic effects.

Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) Piles and Splicing Options

Conventional driven piles are made from steel, concrete, timber, or composite materials. These piling options have limitations with respect to corrosion, durability, driveablity, and performance. Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) pile is a new alternative that has already been adopted by various state Departments of Transportation in the United States for addressing the limitations that exist with conventional piles. UHPC piles are made of a cementitious composite material mixture that possesses exceptional properties such as higher strength, low capillary porosity, and high resistance to corrosion, making them a suitable option for use as a deep foundation. For several reasons, it is necessary to cast piles with a shorter length and splice them at the site to reach the desired lengths. These reasons include shipping limitations, unpredictable soil condition, reducing transportation costs, construction time, and damage during installation. This study aims to explore and summarize the currently available options for connecting UHPC pile segments. Accordingly, after a brief introduction on driven piles, this paper investigates various splicing systems that can be used for UHPC piles through reviewing previous research studies and field applications. The applicable splices are then compared based on several criteria such as capacity, durability, cost, and ease of application.

Fabrication of continuous solar dryer for fruits and vegetables slices

The world population is more than 8 billion and about 20-25 per cent people does not have enough food to eat. It has been estimated that world as a whole more than 30-50 per cent vegetables, fruits etc. are lost before it reaches to the consumers. To overcoming spoiling problems of vegetables and fruit; various preserving methods are used and renewable sources are best for this purpose by which we can save energy for preservation and keeping the product in their natural flavor by drying it.Drying is one of the oldest methods of preserving food. The solar drying system utilizes solar energy to heat air and to dry any food substance. It brings about a substantial reduction in weight, volume, minimizing packing, storage, and transportation costs, and enables storability of the product under ambient temperatures. This paper present the Construction of Continuous solar dryer which can be used for drying various fruits and vegetables products in rural areas under hygienic conditions. The Continues solar dryer was constructed consisting of a solar collector cum drying chamber. The overall dimension of the continues solar dryer is 1830×300×620mm and the drying chamber was painted black to absorb maximum solar radiations. The glass was covered it permits the solar radiation into the system but resists flow of heat energy out of system and product were moving continually from inlet to outlet through chain conveyors. This chain conveyors was connected to the rollers and the roller was connected to belt pully to reduction motor and VFD to control the chain conveyor from inlet to outlet to dry the product at required moisture content.

Implementing BIM and Lean Construction Methods for the Improved Performance of a Construction Project at the Disassembly and Reuse Stage: A Case Study in Dezhou, China

The construction industry is adopting a collaborative paradigm by combining Lean construction (LC) principles and BIM capabilities. Existing studies lack sufficient case studies and performance evaluations, especially for the disassembly and reconstruction stage, creating a gap in the practical application of BIM and Lean construction (BIM-LC) in China. To bridge this gap, this study quantitatively assessed the BIM-LC methodology in a relocation project in Dezhou, China. The project employed BIM-LC practices such as the Last-Planner System (LPS), Just-In-Time (JIT), Kanban, Value-Stream Mapping (VSM), and Continuous Improvement to enhance construction efficiency and minimize waste. Two main areas of the relocation process were investigated: (i) the identification of common barriers and on-site solutions to the implementation of BIM-LC; (ii) evaluation of the construction efficiency, construction and demolition waste (CDW), and carbon-emission performance. The results showed that the BIM-LC strategy improved labor efficiency and productivity by 3.4% and 12.9%, shortened the construction period by 11 days, reduced construction costs by 8.07% (i.e., USD 9093.8), and reduced transportation costs by 12.5% (i.e., USD 1875). The CDW generation rate ranged from 1–5%, which is comparable to the rates observed in residential construction across various countries. The total weight was 1903.8 kg (10.4 kg/m2). Moreover, the carbon emission during the relocation process was 15,288.4 kgCO2e, with a carbon intensity of 83.5 kg/m2. This study extends the knowledge systems on the application of the BIM-LC method in relocation projects and supports data-driven decision making. It also plays a crucial role in fostering new markets for recycled components, contributing to the realization of a sustainable built environment.

SUSTAINABLE FOOD PACKAGING IMPACT TO THE REDUCTION OF TRANSPORT COSTS

People dealt with many new issues related to sustainable development goals. Different decisions oriented to sustainable food packing would be very useful, if they could bring significant effect through the reduction of CO2 emission. The paper focuses on sustainable food packing and its effect on reduction of freight transportation costs. This topic has many research gaps and requires theoretical and practical investigations. Integration of sustainability into long term process has clear implications for the environment. Meherishi et al. (2019) highlight that the process of creating sustainable packaging guarantees the optimal use of materials and energy and is efficiently regenerated without wasting of natural resources. The impact of food packaging on transportation is clear and depends on a number of factors, which are shaped by the characteristics of the food packaging. In addition, among benefits of sustainable food packaging are such main functions as product safety and its identification. Modern complex solutions covering sustainable packing and transport costs reduction are important for increasing environmental sustainability. The study aims to analyze the impact of packaging on the reduction of transport costs. The aim was reached by performing sustainable food packaging and its impact on the reduction of transport costs theoretical justification and by conducting biometric analysis. The overview of the literature of sustainable food packaging and its impact on the supply chain was conducted, and it was found that the food packaging described different types of packaging and new packaging technologies which have an impact on the supply chain and are determined by some factors related to the characteristics of food packaging and the nature of the supply chain. Equally the overview of literature on the transport of food dynamics and the role of transport costs reduction on sustainability was also conducted. It was found that there is a need to develop new technologies and methods for food management and CO2 emissions for longer transport routes reduction. Either the research was conducted by biometric analysis for 2022-2023 to identify current trends, and it was found that the number of analyzed articles, included four clusters, which show that topics are oriented to delivery, flow, algorithms, structure, and role. The bibliometry analysis results show that product packing has links with transport and delivery and algorithms. The authors provided investigations under the topic as it requires knowledge to fill the existing gaps.

Challenges in the implementation of fieldwork learning in the geography curriculum in Indonesia

The objective of this study is to analyze the high school geography curriculum in Indonesia and suggest ways in which fieldwork geography learning can be implemented. To gather data, mixed methods were employed, including analyzing curriculum documents, the results of national exams, and surveys of geography teachers. The study was conducted with 26 geography teachers from South Kalimantan Province in Indonesia. The findings demonstrate that while the geography curriculum in Indonesia allows for fieldwork, not all teachers have the opportunity to carry it out. Furthermore, poor results in national exams may be attributed, in part, to the lack of fieldwork learning on the lithosphere topics. Geography teachers can handle the challenges in carrying out fieldwork by doing more student-centered learning, by developing students' investigative abilities, such as inquiry-based learning or project-based learning. Teachers can overcome cost problems by choosing locations around the school, reducing transportation costs, and using mobile phone technology for data input.

Possibilities of using economic mechanisms when organizing fruit and vegetable cooperatives

This scientific article analyzes the importance of using economic mechanisms for organizing fruit and vegetable cooperatives in the Republic of Uzbekistan, increasing the volume of fruit and vegetable production, productivity indicators globally and in the country, as well as increasing efficiency. Information on fruits and vegetables in the Kashkadarya region and districts was compared. Based on measures aimed at increasing the efficiency of the food program in the Republic of Uzbekistan, the article reflects the assigned tasks. The analysis also shows that cooperatives make a significant contribution to the regional economy in order to create jobs, develop socio-economic opportunities, and stimulate production growth. In particular, a plan of measures was recommended to ensure the competitiveness of fruits and vegetables grown in agriculture on world markets, which plans to further expand the scope of cooperation with foreign countries in the field of standardization of modern technologies, metrology and quality. Certification, introducing information to exporters about changes in foreign market conditions, promising markets, competitors, reducing the costs of transporting export goods through the development of international transport communications, producing innovative products that are competitive and scientific in all spheres of the economy, reducing transport costs through the introduction of standards, development transport and communication systems and the opening of new transport corridors, the introduction of quality control in accordance with the requirements of international standards, strengthening trade, economic and financial cooperation with foreign countries, export support from the state - introducing issues of further development of support mechanisms increases the significance of the article.

Modelling policies to improve affordability and consumption of nutritious foods for complementary feeding in Kenya.

In Kenya 26% of children under age 5 experience stunted growth, 4% are wasted and 11% are underweight. In pregnant women, the prevalence of iron deficiency is 36% and iron-deficiency anaemia prevalence is 26%. Previous studies have identified affordability as a key barrier to the intake of nutrients, particularly from animal-source foods (ASFs). Thus, this study analyzes to what extent the affordability of ASF in Kenya can be improved. It focuses on four ASFs: eggs, milk, chicken and beef. Using a computable general equilibrium model, three policy simulations were undertaken to establish the impact of potential changes on nutritious ASF availability and affordability: a 20% increase in total factor productivity (TFP) for the four products; a 20% TFP increase plus a 25% reduction in trade and transportation margins; and a 20% TFP increase for ASF and maize (a key input in animal feed). Simulations suggest increasing the productivity of the four ASF products would increase their availability and lower consumer prices (up to 17% lower). Household consumption of the four commodities would increase, resulting in improved household dietary diversity. Rural households would gain more compared with urban households. Poor households (the lowest 40%) would register larger welfare (Equivalent Variation) gains than other households in both urban and rural areas. The richest 20% of the population would neither lose nor gain following the policy changes. Reducing transportation costs and trade margins and increasing maize productivity could further reduce the price of ASFs through lower production costs and increased consumption.

Perceptions and attitudes towards unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) use for delivery of HIV medication among fisher folk communities on the Islands of Kalangala, Uganda.

The study aimed to assess the attitudes of stakeholders towards the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (medical drones) for delivering antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Kalangala district of Uganda, which is comprised of 84 islands and has approximately 18,500 People Living with HIV (PLHIV). A qualitative baseline study was conducted to assess the acceptability and feasibility of using a medical drone for ART delivery in the island settlements of Kalangala Islands. The data revealed four emerging themes: knowledge about the drones, perceived benefits of medical drone delivery, perceived risks of medical drone use, and recommendations for future use. The study found that most participants, especially healthcare workers and key opinion leaders, were aware of the medical drones, which could reduce transport costs, deliver medication on time, and reduce healthcare workers' workload. However, there were also perceived risks related to the use of medical drones, such as stigma, reduced contact with healthcare providers, and maintenance and security issues. The study provided evidence that medical drones would be acceptable and have support from various stakeholders in the island settlements for ART delivery. However, concerns were raised about potential stigma and less health worker interaction. This qualitative work allowed the team to address these concerns during the pilot phase.

Evaluating Antiretroviral Therapy Service Delivery Models Through Lot Quality Assurance Sampling in Central Uganda.

This study evaluated the effectiveness and responsiveness of differentiated Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) service delivery models (DSDMs) implemented to enhance antiretroviral therapy (ART) access and outcomes for patients while addressing Tuberculosis (TB)-HIV integration, focusing on four of the five DSDMs currently implemented in Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in eight districts of central Uganda using Lot Quality Assurance Sampling approach from 7th to 23rd March 2023. We randomly sampled 2668 patients who have been on ART for at least 1 year in a Facility-Based Individual Management (FBIM) model or in a non-FBIM DSDM for at least one year. Data were collected through patient interviews and review of records in ART and DSDM registers as well as ART cards. We analyzed the data in proportions, comparing the selected ART outcome and responsiveness indicators between Community Client Led ART Distribution (CCLAD), Community Drugs Distribution Point (CDDP) and Fast-Track Drug Refill (FTDR) DSDMs with the standard care (FBIM) model. The ART outcome variables include patients retained in the 1st line of the ART regimen, patients in World Health Organization clinical stage 1 during the last facility visit, patients who had no CD4 request during the past 12 months, viral load suppression, ART adherence, and patients who reported that they did not experience HIV/AIDS-related symptoms in the past 6 months. The variables on TB care include screening for TB using the intensified case finding form and patients tested positive for TB. Responsiveness variables include the perceived; travel time for ART refill, travel distance for ART refill, convenience and flexibility during ART refill, cost of travel for ART refill, fear of being seen at ART refill point, waiting time before service, adequacy of service time, crowding and risk of infections, social support, ability to address ART treatment challenges, HIV status disclosure and barriers to access. Non-overlap in 95% confidence interval in indicator proportion between non-FBIM DSDM and FBIM means a statistically significant difference in proportion, or otherwise non-significant. Higher proportions of ART patients in the CCLAD and CDDP DSDMs adhered to ART, had suppressed viral load, and a lower TB prevalence than those in FBIM model. Additionally, more CCLAD and CDDP clients reported shorter travel time and distance to access ART than their counterparts in the FBIM model. Compared to FBIM model, higher proportions of those in CCLAD and CDDP also reported flexibility in ART refill scheduling, reduced transport costs, fewer privacy concerns, less HIV/AIDS-related stigma, shorter waiting times, more efficient services, decreased congestion at ART pickup sites, enhanced peer support, improved problem-solving assistance, and increased HIV status disclosure. The FTDR model outperformed FBIM in proportions with fewer requests for CD4 testing, viral load suppression, as well as proportions of clients who reported; shorter travel time, lower transportation cost, decreased privacy concerns, shorter waiting time, and efficient service provision. Compared to both CDDP and FTDR, the FBIM had a higher proportion of clients remain on the first-line ART regimen. Community-based DSDMs show responsiveness to clients' needs without compromising the effectiveness of ART care for patients. Although FTDR also demonstrates high effectiveness and responsiveness for clients on ART, there is potential for further improvement. Planners and implementers of ART programs should consider both demand- and supply-side innovations to sustain the continuation of DSDMs.

Аналіз проблем і математичних методів для їх вирішення в транспортній логістиці

The article examines the importance of transportation for a country's economic development in a globalized world. Transportation is the foundation of supply chains, ensuring the efficient movement of goods, materials, and people, which contributes to global trade, economic growth, cultural exchange, and social integration. The efficiency of transportation technologies is a key factor in successful logistics, where mathematical methods play an important role. The aim of the article is to analyze contemporary issues in transportation logistics and the application of mathematical methods to solve them. The paper addresses issues such as route optimization, supply chain modeling, demand forecasting, the implementation of innovations in transportation technologies, efficient warehousing, and inventory management. Route optimization is critically important for reducing transportation costs and increasing transportation efficiency, which directly impacts economic indicators. Supply chain modeling helps to understand and improve the interaction between different participants in the logistics process, contributing to the creation of more resilient and adaptive supply systems. Demand forecasting is necessary for resource planning and avoiding shortages or surpluses of goods. The implementation of innovations in transportation technologies, such as automation and the use of drones, opens new opportunities for enhancing the efficiency of logistics processes. The application of linear and dynamic programming methods allows for finding optimal solutions under complex conditions of uncertainty. Simulation modeling helps study various scenarios and their impact on logistics processes. Heuristic methods and genetic algorithms are powerful tools for finding approximate solutions in cases where exact methods are inefficient. Machine learning methods enable the processing of large volumes of data and making predictions based on historical data, significantly improving the accuracy of managerial decisions. The article's conclusions emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to solving transportation logistics problems, which includes the integration of the latest mathematical methods and innovative technologies to achieve high efficiency and competitiveness in the modern conditions of globalization.

TORREFACTION OF RICE HUSK AS PREPARATION OF COAL-BIOMASS CO-FIRING AND ITS PROPENSITY ON ASH DEPOSITION

The most extensive use of coal in Indonesia is for electricity generation. Due to increasing concerns about climate change and the need to reduce emissions caused by burning coal, biomass-based fuels are becoming more competitive. The biomass carbonization process, or torrefaction, to produce solid fuel has been introduced elsewhere. This research uses sub-bituminous coal and rice husks, considering Indonesia’s large potential for both. The primary objective of this research was to determine the optimal temperature and residence time for the rice husk torrefaction process, intending to reduce the alkali oxide content that led to ash deposition. This was necessary due to the limited information available, particularly for local rice husks from Indonesia. We carried out the rice husk torrefaction at 300, 350, and 400°C temperatures for 30, 60, and 90 minutes. The results show that a temperature of 350°C and a residence time of 60 minutes were the optimal conditions. In these conditions, the potassium and sodium oxides decreased, and the calorific value increased. To get a coal-rice husk blending with a calorific value greater than 5,000 cal/g (ADB), the proportion of coal to rice husk should be 90 and 10%, respectively. The rice husk torrefaction process did not have much influence on the occurrence of ash deposition. However, the torrefaction process increased the calorific value, reduced transportation costs due to the lower moisture content, and improved grindability so that it was easy to blend with coal.

Features of the construction of canals in half-cut-half-fill

This study examines the construction features of the Bustan Canal in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, designed with a half-cut-half-fill method to optimize water supply and drainage capabilities. Given the region’s high groundwater levels, canals were constructed in trenches, serving dual purposes of irrigation and open drainage to mitigate flooding risks. The primary goal was to enhance the canal’s efficiency coefficient to 0.85 by applying concrete lining to its slopes and bed, transitioning from mechanical to gravity irrigation sourced from the Tuyamuyun Reservoir on the Amu Darya River. The study highlights the advantages of using excavated soil for embankment construction, which significantly reduces transportation costs. Physical properties and granulometric composition of the soils were analyzed in accredited laboratories, confirming optimal compaction densities between 1.72 g/cm³ and 1.77 g/cm³ at moisture contents ranging from 17% to 20%. The findings underscore the importance of this canal system in supporting agriculture over an area of 100,000 hectares, enhancing water management practices in Southern Karakalpakstan.

Potential exportation of wood pellets and torrefied biomass pellets logistics cost analysis: A comparative case study from Portugal

<abstract> <p>This study evaluates the logistics cost associated with transporting Wood Pellets (WP) and Torrefied Biomass Pellets (TBP) from Aveiro, Portugal's principal WP exporting port, to Northern European destinations. With increasing emphasis on sustainable energy, understanding the cost dynamics between WP and TBP becomes crucial for market competitiveness. Using data sourced from the Argus Biomass Markets report, we compared the energy in gigajoules per ton of both WP and TBP. Torrefaction results in pellets with superior energy and bulk densities, influencing their transportation logistics costs. The main metrics for comparison were cost per energy unit and the implications of energy and bulk densities on transport costs. Preliminary findings indicate that although torrefied pellets undergo more significant mass loss than energy loss, their enhanced energy and bulk densities present logistical advantages. These advantages manifest as more tons per volume unit and heightened energy per ton, which ultimately lead to reduced transportation cost per energy unit. The insights from this analysis provide valuable input for the biofuel sector. By understanding the cost benefits associated with TBP transportation in contrast to WP, stakeholders can make strategic decisions, bolstering the competitiveness of Portuguese biofuel products in the European domain.</p> </abstract>