Results Of Pilot Tests Research Articles

Design considerations for major membrane treatment facility for groundwater

The City of Boca Raton Florida will construct a 40 mgd nanofiltration plant in the coming year. This will be the largest plant of its kind in the world. This paper focuses on the design features of the plant and the results of extensive pilot and bench-scale tests. The pilot and bench-scale tests were conducted to find ways to reduce the severe fouling caused by the very high organic content of the raw ground water. Some interesting results from the testing are discussed including zeta potential and electrophoretic testing and side-by-side comparisons of various membranes and antiscalants.

Flux Enhancement in Ultrafiltration of Bitumen Emulsions Using Tubular Polyvinyldiene Flouride Membranes

New emulsified bitumen fuels pose an extreme challenge to ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, rapidly depositing and adhering tar solids on membrane surfaces. In this paper, results of pilot tests demonstrating maintenance of permeate flux in such applications are described. Tubular polyvinyldiene fluoride (PVDF) membranes for ultrafiltration were shown to effectively remove Orimulsion®, a bitumen fuel emulsion, from water, resulting in a permeate quality less than 2.0 mg/L as volatile suspended solids, at an average permeate flux on the order of 35–310 Lph/m2 (21–182 gpd/ft2). The use of one part bentonite clay to ten parts Orimulsion® solids, by mass, was found to enhance permeate flux and improve membrane cleaning. Although additives were not necessary to obtain suitable flux rates or restore permeate flux, their use was shown to reduce membrane costs considerably. Practical methods for cleaning membranes fouled with bitumen suspensions in water, with and without the presence of filtration additives, are presented. Experimental results revealed that flux regeneration was possible. Further testing included development of an optimal cleaning schedule using a simple mathematical relationship based on pilot data.

Catalytic combustion for the production of energy

In this paper, attention is focused on adiabatic lean-premixed catalytic combustion, which has attracted interest in the last decades as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to flame combustion for power generation by gas turbines. The different configurations of the combustion systems for gas turbines are presented. and the results of pilot tests, full-scale bench tests and field trials with retrofitted machines are illustrated. The relevant physico-chemical and catalytic properties of highly active supported PdO catalysts, including reversible PdO–Pd transformation and low-temperature activity, are then addressed. The structural and catalytic properties of highly stable metal substituted hexaaluminates are also discussed. The use of fuel alternative to natural gas is briefly covered. The relevant features of mathematical models for both, the catalyst section and the homogeneous section, that can be used in the design and analysis of the catalytic combustor, are described and the major conclusions of the modelling activity are outlined. Finally, the research opportunities in the area are discussed.

Optimal control of the microfiltration of sugar product using a controller combining fuzzy and genetic approaches

A SUGENO type fuzzy controller is proposed for the automatic control of the crossflow microfiltration process for raw cane sugar. This process is becoming a field of increasing importance in the food industry. In most cases, and especially for sugar products, widespread applications of crossflow microfiltration is limited by the low permeate fluxes usually obtained. This limitation is linked to the difficulty to reduce the degree of membrane fouling (settling of particles on the membrane), a phenomenon which is dependent on several variables and difficult to control. In the present work, human expertise of the process is used to set up the fuzzy controller. The fuzzy controller is validated through simulations using a neural network model of this process and by real time experimentation on a pilot plant. The results of simulations and pilot tests show that it becomes possible to impose dynamics to the process which permits to maintain the state variable close to a given reference and to limit membrane fouling considerably. An off-line optimization of the fuzzy controller is performed using genetic algorithms. The cost results obtained during a real experiment, after genetic optimization of the fuzzy controller are much better than those obtained previously. Furthermore, the tuning of the controller through optimization is realized under constraints which lead, after optimization, to a heuristic structure completely understandable by microfiltration experts.

Development of the adsorption-catalytic reverse-process for incineration of volatile organic compounds in diluted waste gases

Development of adsorption-catalytic reverse-process, based on adsorption of volatile organic compounds (VOC) on the surface of oxide catalyst with periodical incineration of accumulated compounds, applying reverse-flow operation technique is described. Process fundamentals were studied on the base of mathematical model, accounting for heat and mass transfer between gas and catalyst, heat conductivity of the catalyst bed frame, physical adsorption/desorption and irreversible chemisorption of VOC and oxidation of surface compounds. Mathematical modeling showed the high purification efficiency (higher than 99.9%) combined with extremely low energy consumption of the proposed process (less than 1–3 kJ per m 3 of waste gas) in the case of processing of waste gases with low VOC content (below 0.8 g/m 3). Results of pilot tests, confirming theoretical results, are presented in the paper.

Full-scale plant study on fly ash treatment by the acid extraction process

Fly ash discharged from a municipal refuse incineration plant is regulated, by 1992 legislation, to be treated to prevent leaching of heavy metals before final disposal. We have developed a stable and simple fly ash treatment method “Acid Extraction-Sulfide Stabilization Process (AES Process)”, in which the fly ash is acid-extracted and stabilized by NaHS to change the residual heavy metal into insoluble heavy metal sulfide. The results of many fundamental experiments and pilot tests indicate that it is important to consider the characteristics of fly ash (fine, scattering, moisture-absorbing, etc.) in designing the AES Process. Since 1977, seven municipal incineration plants with AES Process have been constructed. At one of these plants, the fly ash and waste water is treated together by the AES Process and evaporation/crystallization process. The fly ash is discharged as stabilized cake for final landfill disposal; solid salt is recycled to soda production plants and condensed water is recycled in the plant as cooling water. This plant discharges no waste water. Operating results of the AES Process is that the stabilized cake conforms to the standard for landfill disposal in T-Hg, Cd and Pb, and the recovered solid salt contains approximately 99% NaCl. The operation cost per ton of the fly ash is ¥3,840 per ton.

FAULT DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS IN BATCH AND SEMI-BATCH PROCESSES USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS

Abstract The objective of this work is to assess the feasibility of adopting artificial neural networks (ANNs) in fault detection and diagnosis for batch and semi-batch processes. Although there is a large volume of related publications available, most of them used steady-state data to train ANNs and, as such, the task of fault diagnosis can only be implemented in continuous operations. Based upon the concept of analytical redundancy, the framework of a two-stage fault monitoring system is proposed in this paper. In the first stage, a hybrid ANN is adopted to predict the long-term dynamic behaviors of the output variables under normal condition. The occurrence of fault(s) can be detected by inspecting the residuals, i.e. the differences between the measured and the predicted values of outputs. A second feedforward neural network is then used for the purpose of differentiating the residual patterns caused by various faults. In addition to the fact the results of pilot tests are quite satisfactory, it is al...

BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER IN BERLIN, USING A 10 m DEEP BASIN AND FLOTATION FOR SECONDARY CLARIFICATION

For municipal treaunent of wastewater, the space-saving 10 m deep basins biological treaunent is an interesting alternative to conventional activated sludge basins of shallow construction. Results of pilot tests in the Berlin-Ruhleben wastewater clarification plant have shown that the biological P-elimination, nitrification and denitrification processes can be implemented as in shallow basins. However, the activated sludge did not settle satisfactorily. So flotation was implemented in the process for secondary clarification and in the meantime has shown to be a big advantage. In a year-long test with the pilot unit, the functional efficiency of the process could be proven. Energy requirements for both systems were found to be approximately the same. A cost estimate based on a preplan revealed a 10% advantage in favour of the 10 m deep biological treaunent basin. For these reasons and for the possibility to further improve this process, three large clarification plants using 10 m biological technology and flotation for secondary clarification will be built in Berlin in the near future.

Catalytic purification of waste gases containing chlorinated hydrocarbons with precious metal catalysts

The development of a two bed catalytic system, consisting of an activated Al 2O 3 guard catalyst and a bimetallic Pd,Pt/Al 2O 3 oxidation catalyst, is described. The catalysts proved to be highly active and resistant to chlorinated hydrocarbons, which are well-known catalyst poisons. Based on the good results of pilot tests a big scale unit was built for the purification of an off-gas stream (up to 15,000 Nm 3/h) coming from an industrial vinyl chloride manufacturing plant. After meanwhile 12,000 hours on stream the catalytic system is still operating with excellent performance. Estimates for the application described show that the catalytic process has a significant economical and technical benefit compared to the conventional thermal incineration.

Models of Sewage Sludge Conditioning

Models of sewage sludge conditioning are needed in order to assess the type of chemicals to be preferred and the optimal dosages. Laboratory and pilot tests were carried out with organic and inorganic chemicals for determining their influence on sludge parameters and equipment performance. A new parameter, named “Specific Resistance to Centrifugation”, for evaluating sludge centrifugability was developed. The pilot tests confirmed that satisfactory solids recoveries can be obtained when the value of this parameter is of 20-30 s. A correlation was also found between the “Specific Resistance to Centrifugation” and dosage, molecular weight and charge density of polyelectrolytes. Other correlations were determined for Specific Resistance to Filtration and compressibility coefficient. In conditioning by inorganic chemicals it was found that ferric chloride mainly influences the specific resistance, while lime the compressibility coefficient. Due to some discrepancies between the classical theory of filtration and actual results of pilot tests, a new parameter called “Average Specific Resistance to Filtration” was proposed. As far as beltpress operation is concerned, a laboratory test was defined thus allowing the drainage phase and the compression one to be simulated. The final cake concentration can be also predicted and it was found a good agreement with the actual experimental values.

Automated X-ray inspection of aluminum castings

The experience gained with several approaches to automatic flaw detection in X-ray images of cast aluminum wheels is described. Basic problems are mentioned, and the applicability of segmentation methods to actual inspection tasks is demonstrated. The discussion focuses on the definition, extraction, and combination of local features for pixel classification. Results of pilot tests are described briefly. Further investigations are suggested, aiming at more generality of the methods and greater stability of the segmentation. >

What happens to the clients?

Despite the fact that each year billions of dollars are spent to provide mental health services to millions of persons, information is seldom systematically and regularly collected about whether clients feel and function better after services, and whether they were satisfied with the services. This paper discusses the results of pilot tests of an approach for regularly collecting such outcome information. Two essential features of the approach are the use of client self-reports and client follow-up. A relatively inexpensive mail collection method is used to follow-up clients. The feasibility, cost, validity, and utility of the outcome monitoring procedures are discussed.

Enzymatische Direktverzuckerung von Kartoffelreibsel. Orientierende Ergebnisse von Pilot‐Versuchen

AbstractEnzymatic Saccharification of Grated Potatoes. Preliminary Results of Pilot Tests. From the aspect of producing sweet carbohydrates from import‐independent, storable source materials grated potatoes were dried, and there inherent starch was saccharified by means of amylolytic enzymes thus evading its expensive isolation. The use of a decanter apparatus turned out to be inevitable in order to produce a sufficiently pure grated material by removing the fruit juice. In spite of considerable purity of the substrate, thorough pasting by means of a special jet apparatus and liquefaction by highly temperature‐stable bacteria‐alpha‐amylase sufficiently high degrees of degradation for dextrose production could not be reached during the succeeding final saccharification by glucoamylase. Purification of the hydrolysate turned out to be extremely difficult due to imperfect flocculability of colloidal nitrogen compounds.

Self energized power system for above knee prostheses

Little, if any, difference in basic layout has obtained in artificial lower limbs since the days of Paré. The bulk of the work to date has been oriented towards improving the conventional prosthetic layout which embodies that of the skeletal structure of the normal lower limb. Part of the Prosthetic programme at the BioEngineering Unit, University of Strathclyde, is the development of an experimental basis of unconventional artificial limbs. One of these—a kneeless lower limb with telescopic action will be described. This, in the form of a simple telescopic linkage, incorporates a self-energized pneumatic mechanism. The resultant gait closely approximates the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of normal gait. The contribution describes the basic concepts, features of the design development, details of the practical construction and presents results of pilot tests on patients.

Research in Plastic Design of Multi-story Frames

The eighth National Engineering Conference, held at Lehigh University in 1956, was devoted in its entirety to the subject of plastic design. At that time there were no plastically designed structures in the United States, or at least there were none that were a matter of record. Undoubtedly there must have been a number of structures designed on the basis of what has been described as a "plastic excuse for an elastic design"; and of course the provision included in the AISCSpecification in 1945 that permitted a 20 percent increase of stress at points of interior support could only be justified on the basis of the same concepts that led to the current plastic design techniques. The purpose of these remarks is to review briefly the advances made since 1956 and to describe in some detail the research being conducted at Lehigh University on the plastic design of multi-story building frames. The latter discussion is divided into two parts: braced frames and unbraced frames. In addition the results of recent pilot tests on a three-story structure are presented.

Cyclic Water Flooding the Spraberry Utilizes "End Effects" to Increase Oil Production Rate

Abstract First response to large-scale water flooding in the fractured very low permeability Spraberry sand has led to a new unique cyclic operation. Capacity water injection is used to restore reservoir pressure. This is followed by many months production without water injection and the cycle repeated. Expansion of the oil, rock and water during pressure decline expels part of the fluids but capillary forces hold much of the injected water in the rock. At least with reservoir pressure restored and with partial water flood development, field performance has proved this cyclic operation is capable of producing oil from the matrix rock at least 50 per cent faster and with lower water percentage than is imbibition of water at stable reservoir pressure. Introduction The Spraberry Field of West Texas presents unusual problems for both primary production and water flooding. Extensive interconnected vertical fractures in the fractional-md sandstone permitted recovery of oil on 160-acre well spacing, but they made capillary end effects dominant. Primary recovery by solution gas drive is less than 10 per cent of oil in place. The concept of displacement of oil from the sand matrix by capillary imbibition of water has led to field techniques which promise greatly increased oil recovery. Free exchange of laboratory research, reservoir information and results of field pilot tests among the various companies has been very important in development of this technology. Five units covering a total of 170,000 acres have been formed for water flooding, and 10 other areas covering an additional 175,500 acres are in various stages of unitization. Part of the Driver Unit reaching fillup first has demonstrated very unusual waterflood behavior and indicated numerous operating problems that will develop within and among the various units. SPRABERRY ROCK AND PRIMARY PERFORMANCE The Spraberry, discovered in February, 1949, is a 1,000-ft section of sandstones, shales and limestones with two main oil productive members: a 10–15 ft sand near the top and a 10–15 ft sand near the base. In part of the field some thinner intermediate sands are oil productive, and others are water bearing. All sands have permeabilities of 1 md or less and porosities of 8–15 per cent. Ordinary core analysis and electric and radiation logs are ineffective in differentiating between oil productive and non- productive sands. Sands capable of containing producible oil are best identified by mercury injection capillary pressure measurement and, in some cases, by core water saturation. About 3,500 wells have been drilled in the 500,000-acre trend.Vertical fractures were observed in practically all Spraberry cores. Continuity and interconnection of fractures were confirmed by pressure interference among wells during early development.' Major fractures trend northeast-southwest as indicated by oriented cores and confirmed by five fluid injection tests, by analysis of the pressure transients observed during development, and by three interference tests in the Driver Unit Water Flood reported herein. Fracture spacing probably averages inches to a few feet.Spraberry wells typically produced 100–400 BOPD initially after hydraulic fracture treatments. By 1962 oil production had declined to an average of 12 bbl/well/day, near the economic limits of operation. Reservoir pressure had declined from 2,300 psi initially in the Upper Spraberry and 2,500 psi in the Lower Spraberry to 500–1,000 psi. Partial closing of the fractures with declining reservoir pressure is believed to be the cause of such low oil production rates at these relatively high reservoir pressures. Cumulative recovery of 208 million bbl of oil is 80 to 90 per cent of that recoverable by primary means. Performance of the entire reservoir is summarized in Fig. 1. IMBIBITION WATER FLOODING By 1952 reservoir performance indicated low primary recoveries. Most engineers, expecting serious channeling of injected fluids through the fractures, held little hope for secondary recovery. With its extensive background of research on the fundamentals of fluid flow within reservoir rocks, Atlantic's Research and Development Division on short notice in 1952 conceived that displacement of oil by capillary imbibition of water into the rock might significantly increase Spraberry recovery. Laboratory data reported by Brownscombe and Dyes scaled to probable reservoir conditions showed potential waterflood recovery equal to or greater than primary recovery with a 10–15 year flood life.A pilot test using three 40-acre injection wells, one central producing well and 18 surrounding observation wells demonstrated technical feasibility of the process. JPT P. 877^