bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrocracking of IPPL vacuum bottoms using coarse iron sulphate particles as additive: runs 86-CG-222 to 226
Authors: Liu D D S , Sears P L , Dawson W H
Published: August 2017

Hydrocracking runs using vacuum tower bottoms containing 1.4 wt % FeS0 4 .H 2 0 (-100 mesh) at LHSV " 0.33 (1.5 kg/h) and a superficial gas velocity of 3.8 ft 3 /h were carried out using PP-2 at 430, 440, 445 and 450 ° C for 4, 4, 2 and 4 days,
respectively. The objective was to examine the operability of the process when large particles of iron sulphate (17% > 150,41m) as received from suppliers were used as additive without processing. Salient features of operation and results for conversions, yields and product properties
are presented. Accumulation of ash in the reactor was severe indicating that the particle size is too large for steady operation at the gas and liquid flow rates and sample withdrawal rate employed. Despite a large sampling rate (2.4 wt % total and 1.3 wt % for point 1), about 400 g of coke
formed at the bottom of the reactor after about two days of operation at 450 ° C with a pitch conversion of only "81 wt %.
Characterization of solid wastes from circulating fluidized bed combustion
Authors: Anthony E J , Ross G G , Berry E E , Hemings R T , Kissel R
K , Doiron C C
Published: August 2017

The characterization of solid wastes from full-scale circulating fluidized bed combustors (CFBC) is necessary to ensure that disposal procedures or utilization strategies for the waste solids are successful. plants are extremely useful in providing hydrodynamic
heat and mass transfer data, that can be used to design and predict the performance of larger units. Combustion studies indicate that data from pilot scale units can be used to approximate the behaviour of a full-scale plant for different fuels and operating conditions even when the pilot plant is
not designed to properly scale the commercial unit. However, the same does not seem to be true for the determination of reduced sulphur species and geotechnical or physical properties of the solid wastes generated from pilot plants. The results of analyses of samples generated from two units, are
discussed. One is a 150 by 150 mm square, 7.3 m high pilot-scale CFBC located at the University of British Columbia and a 22 MWe CFBC located at Chatham, New Brunswick. This unit is operated by the New Brunswick Electric Power Commission (NBEPC). Both used the same New Brunswick coal containing
7% sulphur. The data presented indicate that the pilot-scale unit can significantly over-predict the formation of sulphides and compared with the full-scale unit produces residues with much less promise for either disposal or utilization in low strength concretes. The results strongly suggest
that further work is necessary to understand better the phenomena that produce sulphides and affect the geotechnical properties of wastes.
Control of acid rain precursors
Authors: Whaley H , Anthony E J , Lee G
K
Published: August 2017

Research sponsored under an International Energy Agency Agreement between Canada, Denmark and Sweden has shown that NOx and SOx emissions from pulverized coal flames can be reduced significantly by staged combustion concepts. An evaluation of 45 coals, determined
that much of the fuel nitrogen in the volatile matter can be transformed to.N2 instead of NO. The conversion of fuel nitrogen to NO was from 30 to 40% in conventional flames but only 7 to 14% in staged flames. Nitrogen retained in the char showed about 20% conversion to NO and appeared
to be relatively independent of local oxygen concentration. Reductions in sulphur emissions of 50% by sorbent injection into tertiary combustion air were achievable with a Ca/S molar ratio of 2. These research results have been incorporated into two field demonstrations involving retrofits of
staged combustion systems in a front-wall-fired and a tangentially-fired boiler. An alternative to conventional boilers is provided by fluidized bed combustion systems. These units operate at temperatures below that at which the nitrogen in the air is fixed and are inherently low producers of NOx .
Considerable work has been carried out in Canada under the auspices of CANMET/EMR on a number of pilot- and full-scale FBC units in Canada burning a wide range of Canadian fuels. The results suggest that typically only 10 to 25% of the fuel nitrogen is actually converted to NOx , which results
in low NOx emissions (typically less than 258 ng/J), while removing 90% of the SO2 produced when burning high sulphur fuels. By adroit use of secondary air NO xe missions can be kept to even lower levels in staged bubbling bed combustors, while circulating fluidized bed combustors achieve
staging by the nature of their design, and are also associated with extremely low NOx emissions.
Combustion evaluation of BP TRANSOIL emulsion in CCRL pilot-scale flame tunnel furnace
Authors: Wong J K , Banks G N , Whaley H
Published: August 2017

The handling properties and combustion, flame and heat transfer characteristics of BP TRANSOIL emulsion were investigated and compared with those of a commercially available No.6 fuel oil. Results indicated that BP TRANSOIL emulsion can be handled, pumped and
atomized in the same equipment utilized for No.6 fuel oil and produce combustion flame and heat transfer characteristics similar to those of No.6 fuel oil. The flame was bright, intense and contained very few sparklers at an inlet fuel temperature of 600C .
Coal selection procedure for generic coal water fuels - preliminary report
Authors: Thambimuthu K V
Published: August 2017

A coal selection procedure for the manufacture of generic coal water fuels based on desired combustion properties is presented. Important elements of the criteria include carbon/hydrogen ratio, the volatile content, composition and calorific value, higher heating
value, and inert macerals. To minimize slagging and fouling in a boiler and high carbon losses, the sintering temperature of the ash and the coal free swelling index are additional parameters In the evaluation criteria. Other properties such as coal porosity, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur affect the
fuel ignition stability and the formation of gas pollutants. A preliminary evaluation of various coals has been made according to the assessment criteria. However, a more conclusive assessment of coal suitability must await further analysis to determine the volatile composition and calorific value,
inert macerals, porosity, free swelling index and the ash sintering temperatures.
Simple analytical models for sulphur retention in fluidized bed combustors
Authors: Zhang J O , Anthony E J , Razbin V
V , Friedrich F D
Published: August 2017

Three one-phase analytical models have been developed to interpret sulphur retention data from three pilot-scale bubbling fluidized-bed combustors and Canada's first industrial fluidized bed heating plant. One is a well-mixed flow model. Two are plug flow models,
one of which assumes that sulphur from coal is released at the base of the bed and the other assumes that the sulphur is released uniformly throughout the bed. The S02/Ca0 reaction is assumed to be first order. Its overall rate is determined from data obtained in a bench-scale reactor. A modified
pore plugging model is proposed to correlate the overall rate to the fraction of sorbent sulphated. This results in explicit solutions of the models. The plug flow model which assumes that sulphur is released at the base of the bed agrees well with experiments when high volatile bituminous coal is
fed underbed. Data were obtained for the in situ SO2 concentration profiles measured in a 1 m2 pilot plant and tests conducted at two other 0.155 m2 pilot plants. The well-mixed flow model, however, underpredicts sulphur retention performance for the industrial heating plant when the coal is fed
overbed. It is thought that this is due to the high fluidizing velocity employed, above 3 m/s, for the most of the tests. The effects of recycle, bed overflow system and gas velocity on the effective size for the in-bed sorbent are discussed. The models indicate that no role is played by the volume
occupied by the in-bed heat exchange tubes on the sulphur capture. The effect of the splash zone is also included in the models. The sulphur retention increases primarily with the Ca/S molar ratio and also with gas residence time, solids residence time and the feeding rate of the sulphur per unit
volume of the bed.
Mining of thermal boundary & metallurgical coal the definition of their domain
Authors: Price J T , Gransden J F
Published: August 2017

Coking coal producers often have portions of coal reserves that have undergone in situ oxidation. This reduces or completely suppresses caking properties of the coal and affects its ability to float in froth flotation. Quality control personnel are required to
define the domains of metallurgical and thermal coal in order that the coal released to the plant will not adversely affect flotation or product quality. Methods of determining the boundary must be fast and simple. Therefore, an investigation was made to compare -the advantages and suitability of
various methods for use in defining the domains of metallurgical and thermal coals. The objectives were to investigate a set of systematic tests for detecting in situ oxidation on several coal seams of different ranks, inert contents and varying amounts of oxidation; to analyze the data; and to
determine one or more methods suitable for use in the field. Samples with varying degrees of oxidation were taken from six coal seams from three Western Canadian coal companies. Numerous methods relate to direct oxygen content of the coal and hence can be used to predict the relative degree of
oxidation of a seam. These tests include expansion in a sole heated oven, solvent swelling in pyridene, microreactivity of coke, and coal chemical absorption of oxygen. Results showed that identification of coke microscopic textures can be used as a reference to identify in situ coal oxidation by
counting the aryibunts of altered vitrinite structure in the coke. - Thermal rheological measurements, especially FSI can be used to estimate peirographic inert content of coal. For the samples used in this investigation, all mined coal samples with max fluidities > 2.5 ddpm and FSI
> 3 had little oxidation. However, these values could change if seams contained much higher reactive content. Oxidized samples can also be predicted from plots, of FSI vs petrographic inerts and equations relating contents of volatile matter content io organic macerals in the coal.
Oxidation can perhaps most easily be detected by screening coal to obtain two sample fractions having different inert contents and then determining the change in the FSI. The finer fractions tested here should have an FSI at least 2 units higher than coarser fractions when the coals are non
oxidized. Each seam, however, should be correlated with test parameters.
Utilization of CANMET hydrocracked resid for the production of Soderberg anodes
Authors: Nandi B N , MacPhee J A , Patmore D J , Ciavaglia L A
Published: August 2017

In May 1988 a joint exploratory study to utilize CANMET hydrocracked resid as a binder for anodes for the Soderberg process was initiated involving Alcan, Petro-Canada and CANMET. The resid was supplied by Petro-Canada from their hydrocracker plant in Montreal.
This study consists of (a) preparation and analysis of deashed resid (h) preparation of 10 kg high aromaticity pitch by a newly-developed thermal cracking process (c) analysis of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (d) evaluation of test electrodes. A 10 kg quantity of ash-free resid was made after several
time consuming experiments in which the ash was decreased to 0.1% from 4%. This deashed resid was subjected to thermal treatment under pressure to increase the aromaticity. The aromaticity, i.e. C/H, of this treated resid increased to 1.1 from 0.84 and the softening point from 92°C to
136°C. PAH analysis shows that this resid has a lower concentration of carcenogenic compounds than coal tar pitch by two orders of magnitude. The weight loss on heating in an inert atmosphere, of the anode made with treated resid is 12.7% compared with 7.5%, the value of the anode made
with coal tar pitch. The softening temperature of the heat treated pitch could be decreased considerably by treating with hydrogen under moderate pressure.
Utilization of pipelineable coal-water slurries for combustion
Authors: Whaley H , Thambimuthu K V , Wong J K
Published: August 2017

Higher rank coals perform well as transportation coal-water slurries. They require less additives to stabilize and disperse the coal particles in the slurry. However, from the combustion viewpoint, the higher rank coals are more difficult to ignite and burn.
Conversely lower rank coals with higher volatility make good combustible coal-water fuel. However, they perform less well as transportation fuels due to their lower thermal loading (i.e. thermal content per unit mass of material being conveyed) and the fact that they require more additives to
produce the desired rheological properties.
+525°C pitch content versus microcarbon residue: a correlation for characterizing reaction products obtained by hydrocracking bitumens, heavy oils, and petroleum residua
Authors: Ternan M , Kriz J F
Published: August 2017

An empirical correlation between the wt % microcarbon residue and the wt % +525°C pitch in liquid products from hydroprocessing is reported. Prediction of the +5250C pitch content from experimental measurements of microcarbon residue will make
characterization of hydroprocessed liquids simpler and faster. The data in the correlation were obtained from thermally and catalytically hydrocracked heavy oil and bitumen samples. In addition, one result with a coprocessed liquid product was included.
Environmental benefits of coal liquid fuels
Authors: Thambimuthu K V
Published: August 2017

In response to new environmental pressures on coal utilization, this report examines the benefits of coal-liquid fuels as an alternative and environmentally more benign fuel source. The approach adopted in evaluating the environmental benefits of the fuel is
based on a detailed assessment of the impact of coal-liquid fuels on the various stages of a coal energy utilization cycle, i.e., from coal processing at the mine-mouth to its end use in a power plant. At the coal preparation plant, it was found that the production of coal-liquid fuels is compatible
with deep coal cleaning techniques that significantly reduce the ash, sulphur and nitrogen, often generating the lowest quantity of environmentally polluting solid wastes in the overall energy utilization cycle. The liquid fuel was also subsequently found beneficial to the handling and
transportation of coal in an environmentally benign way. A review of energy production technologies showed that coal-liquid fuels can be readily adapted to applications in conventional coal, oil-designed boilers and in a new generation of pressurized coal combustion or gasification power plants. In
these applications, coal-liquid fuels offer an increased energy efficiency, are more amenable to the utilization of inexpensive technologies for the control of acid rain emissions, permit the use of fuel blending techniques to reduce CO2 emissions, and produce the lowest overall concentration of
solid wastes at the power plant. A crude assessment of costs and cost savings in the production, transportation and utilization of coal-liquid fuels indicates that it may be a viable alternative to high ash and high sulphur washed or run of mine coals. In order to develop more reliable estimates of
the comparative economic and environmental benefits, it is proposed that detailed studies be commissioned to fully assess the impact of fuel usage in coal-fired power plants.
Evaluation of INCO's solids as hot gas clean-up sorbents
Authors: Palmer A D , Furimsky E , Legere M
Published: August 2017

Two INCO solids containing various amounts of mixed metallic sulphides were evaluated as adsorbents for hydrogen sulphide removal from hot gas at 650°C and 850 ° C. The two solids were also roasted at 500 ° C under a flow of air to obtain mixtures
of metallic oxides. The performance of the fresh and roasted samples was measured by breakpoints defined as the time at which the gas exiting the reactor contained either 100 or 1000 ppm of H2S. The variation in COS and SO2 concentrations during the runs was also examined.
Hydrocarbon type analysis of gas oil samples
Authors: Coulombe S
Published: August 2017

Six hydrotreated coker gas oil samples were analyzed by hydrocarbon type separation on a silica-alumina column using a sequential elution method. The samples were investigated to determine their contents in saturates, monoaromatics, diaromatics, polyaromatics and
polar compound types.
Progress report no. 2 - an investigation of catalysts having bimodal pore size distributions for hydrocracking +525oc Athabasca bitumen
Authors: Ternan M
Published: August 2017

The goal of this project is to prepare and test catalysts by performing hydrocracking experiments using +525°C Athabasca bitumen. The distinguishing feature of the catalysts is their content of an alumina component which has much larger pore diameters than
the conventional gamma alumina, prepared from boehmite. Five catalysts containing different amounts of large pore alumina have been prepared. Some of the reaction results with three of these catalysts are compared with partial results from an American Cyanamid catalyst. In general, the catalyst
containing 15 wt % large pore alumina produced the best results.
Characterization of titanium supported precious metal films by direct surface spectroscopy methods
Authors: Brown J R , Galbraith L E
Published: August 2017

Eleven uniquely prepared titanium coupons containing a thin film of one or more of Pt, Ir and Ru metals were examined by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to qualitatively determine surface and near surface elemental siting, element valence state(s) and in a
few cases film composition. An argon ion beam was employed for sputtering (depth profiling)into the uppermost 200-300 nm region of the samples to determine preferential siting and/or element associations
Sludge derived oil fractional separation and water content report no. i
Authors: Giddings T , Farnand B
Published: August 2017

A preliminary study has been performed on water content and removal from sludge derived oil (SDO). Compatibilities of SDO with various gas-oils and other solvents was also investigated. As determined by Karl-Fischer titration and Dean- Stark distillation, the
free water content was found to be approximately 24 percent. Atmospheric distillation of the water from SDO resulted in higher yields, possibly due to reactions occurring at the higher temperatures and the dry conditions provided by the process. Infrared analysis of SDO suggests a large contribution
by carboxylic and amino groups. It was determined that atmospheric distillation was effective in removing water from SDO. Toluene, various gas-oils, and kerosene were investigated as suitable solvents for boiling fractions of SDO. These fractions, obtained by vacuum distillation, were found to be
miscible with toluene but not with the kerosene or gas-oils tested.
Progress report no. 3 - an investigation of catalysts having bimodal pore size distributions for hydrocracking +5250c Athabasca bitumen
Authors: Ternan M
Published: August 2017

Several catalysts containing varying amounts of a new large pore alumina component were prepared. The increased pore size was expected to improve the diffusion rate of the large resid molecules, and hopefully improve the quality of the liquid product produced
from hydrocracking +525 °C Athabasca bitumen. Decreasing the wt % microcarbon residue (MCR) of the +525 fraction was of particular interest. The results obtained with these catalysts were compared to those obtained with an American Cyanamid 1442B catalyst which was used as a standard during
this work. The catalyst containing 15 % large pore alumina was the best of the experimental catalysts. For some reactions it was slightly better than the 1442B catalyst. It converted approximately 4 % more of the +525°C material and its overall hydrodesulphurization was better. However,
for other reactions such as asphaltene conversion, the 1442B catalyst was better. When comparing the mathematical product (% MCR in the +525 fraction multiplied by its weight yield), it was apparent that the catalyst containing 15 % large pore alumina achieved a slightly smaller value than
the 1442B catalyst.
Combustion evaluation of DENSECOAL "P" in CCRL's pilot-scale flame tunnel furnace
Authors: Whaley H , Wong J K , Banks G N
Published: August 2017

The handling properties and combustion, flame and heat transfer characteristics of DENSECOAL "P" coal-water slurries were investigated and compared with those of a commercially available No.6 fuel oil. Results indicated that DENSECOAL "P" can be handled, pumped
and atomized in the same equipment used for No.6 fuel oil. However, CCRL experience with coal-water slurries has shown that the dispersion of fine coal particles in the carrier fluid can be quite abrasive. Therefore, close attention must be paid to atomizer design and fabrication in order to avoid
premature nozzle failure. DENSECOAL "P" produced combustion flame and heat transfer characteristics similar to those of No.6 fuel oil. The slurry flames were bright, intense and contained some sparklers. Heat transfer was shown to improve with increased combustion air temperature from ambient to 200
°C, with the higher temperature having a heat transfer rate slightly higher than that of No.6 fuel oil. It is CCRL's opinion that if the fuel is received in a well-mixed state, as it would be from a pipeline or agitated storage system, then it will make a good boiler fuel whose ignition
properties and combustion quality is acceptable and improves with increased combustion air temperature.
Determination of volatile trace metals in 20 coals for Radian Corporation
Authors: Dureau R
Published: August 2017

Radian Corporation commissioned the Fuels Characterization Research Laboratory (FCRL) of the Energy Research Laboratories (ERL) to analyze for trace metals in 20 coals. Some of the tests used in the determinations follow standardized ASTM test methods, while
others do not. This report describes the methods used for determining lead, beryllium, arsenic, and selenium in whole coal. They are: inductively coupled argon plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP/AES), graphite furnace atomic spectrometry (GFAA) and hydride generation atomic spectrometry
(HGAA). Twenty per cent of the coal samples were analysed in duplicate to determine the precision of the methods. Results of the analyses of NBS Standard Reference Materials 1632b and 1635 are also reported. Accuracy of the methods was determined by comparing the analysis of standard reference
materials with their certified values, where applicable.
Direct identification of organic sulphur species in rasa coal from s l-edge x-ray absorption near edge spectra
Authors: Brown J R , Kasrai M , Bancroft G M , Tan K H , Chen J-M
Published: August 2017

High resolution (< 0.2 eV) sulphur L-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) of several model organic and inorganic sulphur compounds, using monochromatized synchrotron radiation, have been recorded. The near edge features in the S L-edge
spectra are much more sensitive to the sulphur chemical environments than those reported in previous studies using spectroscopic techniques such as XPS or S K-edge XANES. The S L-edge spectra of the model compounds have been used as a fingerprint to speciate the inorganic and, in particular, the
organic forms of sulphur in Rasa coal. The results indicate that 70% of the organic sulphur in Rasa coal is thiophenic in origin and 30% is of aryl sulphide origin. No detectable quantities (> 1 wt%) of pyrite or oxidised form of sulphur was found in this
coal.
Heating plant performance and emissions at Victoria general hospital, Halifax, N.S.
Authors: Lee S W , Razbin V
Published: August 2017

At the request of the management of the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia, staff of the Combustion and Carbonization Research Laboratory (CCRL), CANMET, conducted small scale performance and emissions measurement trials on two boilers at the
hospital's central heating plant. Baseline emissions data obtained in the flue gas samples of Boiler No. 1, rated at 110 000 steam, were normal values that could be expected from an industrial boiler fired with No. 6 fuel oil. A low boiler efficiency was observed at loads in the range of 50 000 lb/h
steam. Particulate and gaseous emissions in the flue gas stream of Boiler No. 2, rated at 100 000 lb/h steam, were higher than expected at medium and high load conditions. Contributing factors included poor atomization of the fuel oil flame impingent on the side walls, and an imbalance caused by
fuel and combustion air flow controls. CCRL staff improved the performance through better synchronization of controls. This report describes combustion test procedures, provides emissions data, heat loss and efficiency calculations, and discusses the combustion data. Recommendations are suggested
for increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions at the heating plant.
The combustion and heat transfer characteristics of pipelineable water-bitumen emulsions
Authors: Whaley H , Wong J K L , Banks G N
Published: August 2017

A research program was undertaken by CANMETs Energy Research Laboratories to compare the combustion and heat transfer characteristics of Western Canadian bitumen emulsions with those of heavy fuel oil. It has been shown that heavy bitumen burns and transfers heat
in much the same manner as heavy fuel oil. It was concluded from this research program that bitumen emulsions would make excellent fuels for boilers and process combustors, providing proper attention is given to the combustion and handling equipment.
Progress in catalysis
Authors: Smith K J , Sanford E C
Published: August 2017

An experimental reactor system is described for regenerating deactivated hydrotreating catalysts through oxidative coke burnoff using laser radiation. The laser reactor was designed to process batches of catalyst extrudates using a rotating bed principle
involving sequential particle irradiation and agitation steps. The catalyst regeneration system contained dual CO 2 laser and agitation units to enhance processing efficiency. The experimental reactor was used to carry out a systematic study involving laser regeneration of spent commercial catalyst
samples from an industrial hydrotreating unit. Carbonaceous deposits on the catalyst surface were removed by the photo-thermally induced chemical reaction of coke molecules with an oxidizing gas mixture. The unique properties of laser heating should reduce the deleterious effects of conventional
coke burn-off such as sintering and metals agglomeration. A parametric study of the regeneration process was undertaken using an established experimental design procedure. Important processing parameters were found to be laser intensity, residence time, oxygen concentration, and gas flow
rate.
Heating plant performance and emissions Nova Scotia hospital, Dartmouth, N.S.
Authors: Razbin V V , Friedrich F D , Lee S W
Published: August 2017

The heating plant at Nova Scotia Hospital is fired with No. 4 residual fuel oil and has experienced a persistent problem of soot emissions. Early in 1991, the Combustion and Carbonization Laboratory (CCRL) of CANMET's Energy Research Laboratories was contracted
to conduct an investigation of possible causes and corrective measures. It was found that the automatic combustion controls on the boilers were inadequate to cope with the rapid fluctuations in steam demand. Frequently, on increasing load, the fuel controller would respond more rapidly than the air
controller, resulting in substoichiometric combustion and heavy smoke emissions. Numerous measures were implemented to improve combustion control and burner performance, including installation and calibration of new electronic control systems with parallel demand systems for fuel and air. Boiler
efficiency was measured over the working load range, and is reported. In addition, gaseous emissions of CO, NOx , and SO2 were measured, and these are discussed in light of a proposed emission standard for industrial boilers, that is expected to take effect in 1994.
Wall pressure during cokemakinq
Authors: Gransden J F , Price J T
Published: August 2017

Pressure exerted by the coal plastic layer during coking largely determines the density of the coke formed and hence its other physical properties. Coke density is observed to increase with depth in the oven suggesting the pressure is dependent on static load as
well as initial coal bulk density.
Effect of selected minerals on high temperature properties of coke
Authors: Price J T , Gransden J F , Khan M A , Ryan B D
Published: August 2017

Selected minerals were added to an industrial coal blend and coked to determine whether elements in different mineral forms change coke properties. Mineralogy can influence dilatation, fluidity, coke texture, and catalyze gasification reactions of carbon at
1100°C and 1500°C.
Combustion tests on distillate fuels with varied hydrocarbon components
Authors: Lee S W
Published: August 2017

Preliminary combustion characteristics of four commercial heating oil blends were examined at the Combustion and Carbonization Research Laboratory (CCRL/ERL/CANMET). One was a No. 2, commercial heating fuel oil, which was used as the baseline material. The second
fuel had a fuel matrix similar to the first one but has a higher flash point due to the removal of some front end light hydrocarbons. The third fuel was prepared by adding very volatile, gasoline component hydrocarbons to the second fuel to lower the flash point. The fourth fuel was prepared
similarly to the third fuel but with a slight difference in the added amount of light hydrocarbons. Combustion performance, especially burner cold start ignition of the fuels, was studied under controlled laboratory conditions. The objective was to determine whether the combustion performance of a
high-flash fuel blend containing lesser concentrations of certain light hydrocarbons and higher concentrations of aromatics than normal fuel compositions (as in the second fuel), can be improved if some much lighter hydrocarbons are added to lower the fuel's flash point (as in the third and the
fourth fuels). Combustion experiments included two selected burner operation patterns, each conducted at three different temperatures. Operating conditions were selected to reflect the normal and the worst case scenarios. The baseline fuel produced a successful burner ignition from a cold start and
performed well throughout the on/off cyclic operations, while the other three test fuels failed to ignite at low temperatures (below 10°C). These test fuels also showed increased particulate emissions compared with the base line fuel when the burners were operated under average basement
temperatures of 15-17°C. Their inability to ignite at low temperatures could present significant operational problems. In addition, their increased particulate emissions could drastically affect the safety and reliability of the appliance over a longer operation period.
Effect of oil from sludge on asphaltene deposition
Authors: Clelland I , Sawatzky H , Farnand B , Smiley G
Published: August 2017

The deposition of asphaltenes can cause severe plugging in formations, wells, pumps, etc. in bitumen/heavy oil recovery operations and in pipelines, when light hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide are added to reduce viscosity. Numerous attempts have been made to
eliminate these problems by using precipitation inhibitors and solvents. Previously we have found that oil from sludge (OFS) has an affinity for asphaltenes and other heavy bituminous components (4,5). Thus OFS is a logical candidate to be investigated in asphaltene deposition studies. The effects
of OFS addition to asphalt cement on both the onset of precipitation and on the rate of settling were investigated in this report The addition of OFS hastens the onset of precipitation, indicating that OFS is a promoter of precipitation and settling. These results indicate an interaction occurs
between the asphaltenes and the OFS. Possibly the OFS is too polar relative to the diluents (low molecular weight alkanes and carbon dioxide) to attain the desired inhibiting effect. The polarity of OFS can be decreased, if sufficient economic incentive exists for the
product.
Effect of coal properties and processing conditions on the reactivity of metallurgical cokes
Authors: Price J T , Gransden J F , Jingfeng Y
Published: August 2017

The reactivity of coke to CO2 at high temperatures influences the energy efficiency and productivity of the blast furnace. Coal properties such as rank, ash chemistry, petrography, and thermal rheology have been related to coke reactivity. Also, coal processing
variables during coke manufacture such as length of storage, heating rates, and final temperature have been related to coke reactivity. Generally, for coals from all geographical areas, ash chemistry is found to exert a dominant effect on coke reactivity. Those with high contents of Si and Al
produce low reactivity cokes whereas those with large amounts of Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, and K produce high reactivity cokes. This study examines the mineral forms in which elements appear in coal and the effect upon coke reactivity. Minerals commonly found in coal (and some other chemicals) were added to
one steel plant coal blend before carbonization in a pilot coke oven. This circumvented problems associated with comparing coals from different geographical locations, having different minerals but also having different rank, petrographic composition, thermal rheology, etc. Additions were kept low
(usually 1%) so as not to change significantly the physical properties of the coke made. Adding kaolin, quartz, plagioclase, orthoclase, muscovite, bauxite, rutile, apatite, gypsum, calcite, aluminum ' oxide magnesium oxide, lime, pyrite, siderite, hematite, magnetite, and sulphur caused coke
reactivity to change (from 0 to 100%) relative to that of the base blend. The different mineral forms of iron and calcium were particularly critical to changes observed in coke reactivity, microtextures, and coal thermal rheology. Processing variables also affect coke properties. Coal storage
was found to markedly increase reactivity. Coal rheology decreased during storage but other physical properties of the coke remained unchanged. Coke reactivity from a second steel plant coal blend was found to decrease with an increase in coal bulk density during processing and also with increases
in coking rate and final processing temperature. However, changes are relatively small with the range of conditions normally used for the production of blast furnace coke. More significant increases in reactivity occur when long coking times are used such as those employed for making foundry coke.
This changes coke anisotropy to smaller units and the mean size of the pores, as measured by optical microscopy and image analysis.
Preliminary investigation of membrane separations for carbon monoxide gas
Authors: Giddings T M , Kuiper A , Farnand B A
Published: August 2017

Membrane systems for the separation of carbon monoxide from hydrogen and carbon dioxide are presently available for industrial scale. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the CO/CO2 ,H2 separation on a laboratory scale. Commercial gas separation
membrane modules small enough for the study were not available. Gas separation using some commercially available composite reverse osmosis membranes was not successful. Membranes fabricated in-house from cellulose acetate were successfully utilized for this study. The life of these membranes was
limited, probably due to the lack of precaution taken to avoid condensible vapours, namely water. The results of gas separation experiments did show that selective permeation of hydrogen and carbon dioxide over carbon monoxide did proceed as expected. Improvements to the "in-house" membranes tested
would be a smaller dense layer thickness, smaller diameter pores, and larger surface areas as determined by test cell size
Emerging clean coal technologies in Canada
Authors: Pint P , Lee G K , Friedrich F D
Published: August 2017

Canada generates over 17% of its electricity from pulverized coal-fired stations. Most stations are mine mouth plants using indigenous coal; the others are supplied from readily accessible domestic or import sources. A variety of coals from lignite to
low-volatile bituminous are burned cleanly, reliably and efficiently in units ranging in size from approximately 100 to 500 MWe. Over the next 20 years coal-fired capacity is forecast to grow by about 25% from 17.6 to 21.7 GW using both conventional and emerging technologies. A number of clean
coal initiatives have been demonstrated or will soon be in commercial service. These include utility applications of circulating fluidized bed combustion, low-NOx flames, furnace sorbent injection, de-NOx treatment and slagging combustion. A detailed design of an integrated gasification combined
cycle (IGCC) generating station has also been completed. Two central heating boilers incorporating a bubbling fluidized bed and a low NOxSOx burner have been successfully commissioned. The full-scale demonstration projects have been extensively supported by pilot-scale combustion facilities for
pulverized coal, circulating and bubbling fluidized beds and flame diagnostics in conjunction with process and furnace modelling and tie emissions characterization.
CANMET: a national leader in coal R&D
Authors: Pint P , Lee G K
Published: August 2017

CANMET's clean coal utilization R&D program is directed at enhancing the acceptance and competitiveness of Canadian coals in export and domestic markets. Current activities encompass a broad range of topics in combustion, carbonization, gasification and
characterization of coals, coal products and coal residues. Priority projects are focused on the extrapolation and validation of pilot scale and modelling studies for application to operational plants, on the implementation of advanced diagnostic techniques and expert systems to optimize process
performance and on pulverized coal injection. These experimental studies, most of which are being conducted in partnership with industry and other government agencies, have provided an inexpensive, reliable option to costly, less definitive field trials where close control of process variables is
difficult. The R&D work has demonstrated that a number of widely accepted standard and empirical tests give inaccurate predictions of actual coal performance and that Canadian coals are excellent feedstocks for generating energy with minimal environmental impact as well as for producing high
quality cokes.
Pilot-scale combustion evaluation of line creek coal blended with high-volatile thermal coals
Authors: Banks G N , Wong J K L , Whaley H
Published: August 2017

The combustion performance of Line Creek coal samples blended with higher volatile Western Canadian coals was evaluated in CCRL's pilot-scale research boiler. These coal samples handled and flowed without difficulty through the pilot-scale conveying and
combustion system. All of the coal samples pulverized and ignited readily to produce stable flames at greater than 99% combustion efficiency. The commercial reference thermal coal gave a combustion efficiency 0.5% greater than the Line Creek coal or its blends. Although one of the blended
Line Creek coals had a combustion efficiency 0.14% greater than the unblended Line Creek coal, combustion efficiency did not increase significantly when Line Creek coal was blended with higher volatile coals. In each case the furnace bottom ash formed a fluid slag over the hot refractory
surfaces The Line Creek and blended coals generated a less liquid slag than the reference or parent Ile Pacific Coast coal. The ash deposits on the water walls and superheater surfaces from each of the tests were light and powdery and did not constitute a fouling problem.
Tweeting dignity: A practical theological reflection on Twitter’s normative function
Authors: Van den Berg Jan Albert
Published: August 2017

Social media makes an important contribution to a rapidly changing world in which various domains of meaning are described anew. The evolving nature and dynamic character of social media therefore provides for a rich praxis terrain with which to interact from a practical theological orientation. More specifically associated with the theme of this contribution, the social media sphere also provides an excellent space not only to rethink but also to reenact expressions of dignity in society. The research is facilitated from a practical theological orientation, with particular focus on a normative dimension as embodied in aspects of dignity. Through the use of an interdisciplinary approach and methodology, some contours of dignity specifically associated with South African politics as well as the so-called Charlie Hebdo attacks in 2015 in Paris expressed on the social media platform, Twitter, are described and discussed. From this empirical analysis, description and discussion, a practical theological reflection is offered in which aspects of dignity associated with a normativity function are described. Some practical theological perspectives contributing to future relevant tweeting on dignity are also formulated and provided in conclusion.
Implementing Environmental Treaty Obligations in Project Finance Activities through an Accountability Mechanism: An Analysis of the World Bank Inspection Panel
Authors: Lin Wei-Chung
Published: August 2017

The establishment of the World Bank Inspection Panel is a crucial development in handling the negative social and environmental impacts of Bank-financed projects. It allows affected people to seek redress for the harms resulting from projects, by questioning the legitimacy of the Bank's lending decisions. The Panel has the mandate to examine whether the Bank has complied with its own safeguard policies in specific projects. Even though the substantive rules applicable in the Panel's investigation process (ie, the World Bank's Operational Policies and Bank Procedures) refer to multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs); the Panel has considered the borrowers' environmental treaty commitments extensively in its investigations on a few occasions. This paper examines the extent to which the World Bank Inspection Panel—as an accountability mechanism—has employed different MEAs to address environmental issues resulting from Bank-funded projects, thereby ensuring compliance with environmental treaty obligations in project finance activities.
Assessing the resiliency of surface water and groundwater systems under groundwater pumping
Authors: Seo Seung Beom , Mahinthakumar Gnanamanikam , Arumugam Sankarasubramanian , Kumar Mukesh
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Since surface water and groundwater systems are fully coupled and integrated systems, increased groundwater withdrawal during drought may reduce groundwater discharges into the stream, thereby prolonging both systems’ recovery from drought. To analyze watershed response to basin-level groundwater pumping, we propose an uncertainty framework to understand the resiliency of groundwater and surface water systems using a fully-coupled hydrologic model under transient pumping. The proposed framework incorporates uncertainties in initial conditions to develop robust estimates of restoration times of both surface water and groundwater systems and quantifies how pumping impacts state variables such as soil moisture. Groundwater pumping impacts over a watershed were also analyzed under different pumping volumes and different potential climate scenarios. Our analyses show that groundwater restoration time is more sensitive to variability in climate forcings as opposed to changes in pumping volumes. After the cessation of pumping, streamflow recovers quickly in comparison to groundwater, which has higher persistence. Pumping impacts on various hydrologic variables were also discussed. Given that surface water and groundwater are inter-connected, optimal management of the both resources should be considered to improve the watershed resiliency under drought. Potential for developing optimal conjunctive management plans using seasonal-to-interannual climate forecasts is also discussed.
Climate change alters low flows in Europe under a 1.5, 2, and 3 degree global warming
Authors: Marx Andreas , Kumar Rohini , Thober Stephan , Zink Matthias , Wanders Niko , Wood Eric F. , Ming Pan , Sheffield Justin , Samaniego Luis
Published: August 2017

Abstract. There is growing evidence that climate change will alter water availability in Europe. Here, we investigate how hydrological low flows are affected under different levels of future global warming (i.e., 1.5, 2 and 3 K). The analysis is based on a multi-model ensemble of 45 hydrological simulations based on three RCPs (rcp2p6, rcp6p0, rcp8p5), five CMIP5 GCMs (GFDL-ESM2M, HadGEM2-ES, IPSL-CM5A-LR, MIROC-ESM-CHEM, NorESM1-M) and three state-of-the-art hydrological models (HMs: mHM, Noah-MP, and PCR-GLOBWB). High resolution model results are available at the unprecedented spatial resolution of 5 km across the pan-European domain at daily temporal resolution. Low river flow is described as the percentile of daily streamflow that is exceeded 90 % of the time. It is determined separately for each GCM/HM combinations and the warming scenarios. The results show that the change signal amplifies with increasing warming levels. Low flows decrease in the Mediterranean while they increase in the Alpine and Northern regions. In the Mediterranean, the level of warming amplifies the signal from −12 % under 1.5 K to −35 % under 3 K global warming largely due to the projected decreases in annual precipitation. In contrast, the signal is amplified from +22 % (1.5 K) to +45 % (3 K) in the Alpine region because of the reduced snow melt contribution. The changes in low flows are significant for regions with relatively large change signals and under higher levels of warming. Nevertheless, it is not possible to distinguish climate induced differences in low flows between 1.5 and 2 K warming because of the large variability inherent in the multi-model ensemble. The contribution by the GCMs to the uncertainty in the model results is generally higher than the one by the HMs. However, the uncertainty due to HMs cannot be neglected. In the Alpine and Northern region as well as the Mediterranean, the uncertainty contribution by the HMs is partly higher than those by the GCMs due to different representations of processes such as snow, soil moisture and evapotranspiration.
Accelerating assimilation development for new observing systems using EFSO
Authors: Lien Guo-Yuan , Hotta Daisuke , Kalnay Eugenia , Miyoshi Takemasa , Chen Tse-Chun
Published: August 2017

Abstract. To successfully assimilate data from a new observing system, it is necessary to develop appropriate data selection strategies, assimilating only the generally useful data. This development work is usually done by trial-and-error using observing system experiments, which are very time- and resource-consuming. This study proposes a new, efficient methodology to accelerate the development using the Ensemble Forecast Sensitivity to Observations (EFSO). First, non-cycled assimilation of the new observation data is conducted to compute EFSO diagnostics for each observation. Second, the average EFSO conditionally sampled in terms of various factors is computed. Third, potential data selection rules are designed based on the EFSO results, and tested in cycled OSEs to verify the actual assimilation impact. The usefulness of this method is demonstrated with the assimilation of satellite precipitation data. It is shown that the EFSO based method can efficiently suggest data selection rules that significantly improve the assimilation results.