Influences of water vapor and fly ash addition on NO and SO2 gas conversion efficiencies enhanced by pulsed corona discharge

The NO and SO₂ gas conversion processes in a pulsed corona discharge field have been studied. The experiments were conducted to investigate the influences of water vapor and fly ash addition on the conversion efficiencies of NO and SO₂. Experimental results show that positive pulsed corona discharge can facilitate NO and SO₂ conversion processes, and the conversion efficiencies of NO and SO₂ are primarily dependent on the radicals OH, O and the active species O₃, HO₂, H₂O₂, etc. With water vapor addition, SO₂ conversion efficiency is improved, but NO conversion process is restrained. Low fly ash concentration helps to enhance the conversion of NO and SO₂; however, the conversion efficiencies of NO and SO₂ are drastically degraded by high fly ash concentration addition. The synergistic effects of water vapor and fly ash addition strengthen the chemical adsorption ability of the fly ash surface, which results in a considerable improvement in the conversion of NO and SO₂. Furthermore, the specific input energy plays an important role in NO and SO₂ conversion efficiencies. Measured conversion efficiencies of NO and SO₂ reach about 60% and 90%, respectively, under the conditions tested.     

Properties of biomass vs. coal fly ashes deposited in electrostatic precipitator

This paper presents comparative experimental studies of the morphology and elemental composition of fly ash particles from coal- and biomass-fired boilers, deposited in each stage of 3-stage electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). It was shown that fly ash morphology, its physical properties, and the percentage of elements in the fly ash taken from each stage of ESP depend on the kind of fuel. The biomass fly ash contains many irregular large particles, which are pieces of unburned wood. Bulk density of biomass fly ash is on average lower than that of coal fly ash, and drastically decreases in the second and third stages of ESP. The resistivity, measured at electric field of 4 kV/cm, of fly ash from biomass-fired boilers is much lower than that from coal, and can be below 10² Ω m, whereas from coal, except the first stage, varies in the range from 10⁷ to 10¹⁰ Ω m. The low resistivity of coal fly ash in the first stage of ESP results from high carbon content, and of biomass is probably an effect of additional high percentage of potassium, calcium and sodium sulfates. The percentage of Si, Al, Na, Fe, and Ti in fly ash from coal-fired boilers is much higher than from biomass, and in the opposite, the percentage of Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Mo, S, Cl, and P in biomass ash exceeds that in coal fly ash. Potential detrimental effects of biomass combustion products (salts, acids, tar) leaving the boiler on the construction elements of the electrostatic precipitator, including electrodes and HV insulators have been discussed in this paper. It was concluded that the long-term effects of biomass co-firing on the electrostatic precipitator performance, including the collection efficiency, have not been sufficiently studied in the literature and these issues require further detailed investigations.     

Spin-glass, antiferromagnetism and kondo behavior in Ce2Au1−x Co x Si3 alloys

Recently, the solid solution Ce₂Au_{1− x Co} xSi₃ has been shown to exhibit many magnetic anomalies associated with the competition between magnetic ordering and the Kondo effect. Here we report high pressure electrical resistivity of Ce₂AuSi₃, ac susceptibility (X) and magnetoresistance of various alloys of this solid solution in order to gain better knowledge of the magnetism of these alloys. High pressure resistivity behavior is consistent with the proposal that Ce₂AuSi₃ lies at the left-hand side of the maximum in Doniach’s magnetic phase diagram. The ac X data reveal that there are in fact two magnetic transitions, one at 2 K and the other at 3 K for this compound, both of which are spin-glass-like. However, as the Co concentration is increased, antiferromagnetism is stabilized for intermediate compositions before attaining non-magnetism for the Co end member.     

Temperature and concentration dependences of the electrical resistivity for alloys of plutonium with americium under normal conditions

The temperature and concentration dependences of the electrical resistivity for alloys of americium with plutonium are analyzed in terms of the multiband conductivity model for binary disordered substitution-type alloys. For the case of high temperatures (T > Θ_D, Θ_D is the Debye temperature), a system of self-consistent equations of the coherent potential approximation has been derived for the scattering of conduction electrons by impurities and phonons without any constraints on the interaction intensity. The definitions of the shift and broadening operator for a single-electron level are used to show qualitatively and quantitatively that the pattern of the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity for alloys is determined by the balance between the coherent and incoherent contributions to the electron-phonon scattering and that the interference conduction electron scattering mechanism can be the main cause of the negative temperature coefficient of resistivity observed in some alloys involving actinides. It is shown that the great values of the observed resistivity may be attributable to interband transitions of charge carriers and renormalization of their effective mass through strong s-d band hybridization. The concentration and temperature dependences of the resistivity for alloys of plutonium and americium calculated in terms of the derived conductivity model are compared with the available experimental data.     

An anomaly in the electrical resistivity of LiNbO3 and its eutectic with 3(Li2O).Nb2O5

Electrical resistivity measurements performed on single and multi-domain single crystals of LiNbO₃ and polycrystalline pellets of the eutectic 3(Li₂O).Nb₂O₅:LiNbO₃ in the temperature range 30–600°C are reported. The resistivity exhibits a broad maximum for all the samples of the present investigation and this anomalous behaviour explains a semimetal-semiconductor transition in the light of a band overlap model.     

A cavity ring-down analyzer for measuring atmospheric levels of methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor

Researchers investigating global climate change need measurements of greenhouse gases with extreme precision and accuracy to enable the development and benchmarking of better climate models. Existing atmospheric monitors based on non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensors have known problems – they are non-linear, sensitive to water vapor concentration, and susceptible to drift. Many cannot easily be simultaneously calibrated across different sites to the level of accuracy required for use in atmospheric studies. We present results from field trials by Pennsylvania State University and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of a newly available analyzer, based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS), capable of measuring the concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapor (H₂O). In addition, we present data from a new analyzer which measures CO₂, methane (CH₄), and H₂O. PACS  07.88.+y     

XRD, microstructural and EPR susceptibility characterization of combustion synthesized nanoscale Mg1−xNixO solid solutions

The lattice parameter a(x) of the stoichiometric Mg_1−xNi_xO (0?x?1) solid solutions prepared by urea-based combustion synthesis with fuel to oxidizer ratio (ψ=1) was determined by X-ray diffraction. It was found that the dependence of the lattice parameter a(x) on the composition deviated more from the linear Vegard's model (VM) when compared to Kuzmin-Mironova (KM) model. a(x) in the Mg_1−xNi_xO system differs nontrivially from the predictions of both VM and KM models. For x=0.4 (Mg_0.6Ni_0.4O), the maximum deviation was about 2 and 1.7 pm, respectively. The increase in the intensity of (1 1 1) peak in XRD with increase of nickel concentration confirms that the substitution induces changes at the unit cell level. Nelson-Riley function (NRF) and Williamson-Hall plots are used to calculate micro strain in the solid solution. This analysis indicates that the micro strain is maximum for the compositions 60-40 (Mg_0.6Ni_0.4O), 50-50 (Mg_0.5Ni_0.5O) and 40-60 (Mg_0.4Ni_0.6O). The crystallite size was estimated using Williamson-Hall plot. We conclude that almost similar sized crystallite is formed in all the compositions studied. Porosity determined using XRD increases with a raise in the nickel concentration. The SEM morphology provides corroborative evidence. EPR susceptibilities of solid solution Mg_1−xNi_xO are determined at room temperature. Variable temperature of EPR allowed to check the Curie-Weiss law for solid solution. The linearity of C_M(x) and Θ(x) with concentration of nickel has ruled out chemical clustering in the samples.     

Novel electrodes of an electrostatic precipitator for air filtration

Using electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) in filtration systems results in higher system energy efficiency than fiber-based filters, but particle re-entrainment could lower the collection efficiency of ESPs. This paper demonstrates a novel ESP that utilizes foam-covered collecting electrodes to reduce particle re-entrainment and enhance collection efficiency. Particles that settle down within the pores of the foam are less likely to re-enter the airflow. Results show that foam-covered ESPs have 99 percent collection efficiency. Parametric plots demonstrate the effects of the key design variables, such as corona voltage, repelling voltage, and free airflow velocity on collection efficiency.     

Correlation between transport properties and quasielastic linewidths of Ce and Yb compounds with unstable 4f-shell

From an analysis of available data it is shown that there is experimental evidence for a rather general correlation of electrical resistivity, ϱ, and thermopower with the quasielastic linewidth of the neutron spectra, Γ_QE, for intermetallic Ce- and Yb-compounds with an unstable 4f-shell. At high temperatures, k_BT > Γ_QE, the 4f-contribution to the resistivity, Δϱ, scales with Γ⁻¹_QE. For Ce-compounds, which show a resistivity maximum, the measured strong temperature dependence of Γ_QE corresponds to the temperature dependence of the resistivity above the resistivity maximum over a few hundred K. Empirical expressions for resistivity and thermopower are presented, which not only yield the observed correlation for k_BT > Γ_QE, but which also describe the low temperature decrease of the two quantities: Fits for the resistivities and the thermopowers of a large number of Ce- and Yb-compounds are is very good agreement with the data over a large range of temperatures. The correlation as well as the empirical expressions for resistivity and thermopower are discussed within a model of M. Weger, which has recently been proposed to account for the so called “resistivity saturation” observed in materials with narrow bands.     

A comparative analysis of graphene oxide films as proton conductors

The electrical conductivity of graphene oxide (GO) films in vapors of water and acid solutions is found to be close to the conductivity of a film formed after drying the solution of phenol-2,4-disulfonic acid in polyvinyl alcohol, which is known to be a proton conductor. We found that the conductivity of a GO film in vapors of the H₂O–H₂SO₄ electrolyte possesses a sharp maximum at ~1 % by weight of sulfuric acid. The highest conductivity of GO films can be expected when placing the films over acid vapors where the acid concentration is essentially lower than in the acid solutions at their maximum conductivity. Since the conductivity of the H₂O–H₂SO₄ electrolyte itself has a maximum at ~30 % by weight of sulfuric acid, the use of intermediate concentrations of H₂SO₄ is recommended in practical applications. The GO films permeated with water or acid solution in water are expected to possess the proton-exchange properties similar to those of other proton-exchanging membranes.     

X‐ray fluorescence analysis of sludge ash from sewage disposal plant

Glass bead/x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry of the sludge incineration ashes generated in sewage processing was developed for the determination of ten major components (Na₂O, MgO, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, P₂O₅, K₂O, CaO, TiO₂, MnO, Fe₂O₃) and five minor elements (Zn, Cu, Cr, As, Pb). Sewage sludge ashes consisted of rock‐forming minerals and phosphate crystals that had been used for phosphorus removal. Ash samples were melted and molded with lithium tetraborate to 35 mm diameter glass disks in a Pt–Au crucible. Analytical results of ten major components and five minor elements agreed well with the recommended values of a phosphate rock standard reference material (NIST SRM 694). Elemental compositions of sewage sludge ash from seven sewage‐processing plants in Japan were determined using this method. Concentrations of Fe₂O₃, SiO₂, and CaO, along with loss of ignition in sewage sludge ash mutually differed among the sewage‐processing plant products. Seasonal variations in concentrations of ten major components and five minor components of ash samples produced from October 2001 to September 2002 were determined using the proposed method. Concentrations of SiO₂increased with the inflow of gravel by rainfall, thereby decreasing concentrations of P₂O₅ originating from excreta and microorganisms. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of the oxygen flow rate on the structure and the properties of Ag-Cu-O sputtered films deposited using a Ag/Cu target with eutectic composition

Ag-Cu-O films were deposited on glass substrates by reactive sputtering of a composite Ag₆₀Cu₄₀ target in various Ar-O₂ mixtures. The films were characterised by energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy and using the four point probe method. The structure of the films is strongly dependent on the oxygen flow rate introduced in the deposition chamber. The variation of the oxygen flow rate allows the deposition of the following structures: Ag-Cu-(O) solid solution, nc-Ag + nc-Cu₂O, nc-Ag + nc-(Ag,Cu)₂O and finally X-ray amorphous. UV-visible reflectance measurements confirm the occurrence of metallic silver into the deposited films. The increase of the oxygen flow rate induces a continuous increase of the film oxygen concentration that can be correlated to the evolution of the film reflectance and the film electrical resistivity. Finally, the structural changes vs. the oxygen content are discussed in terms of reactivity of sputtered atoms with oxygen.     

An intrinsic kinetics model to predict complex ash effects (ash film,dilution, and vaporization) on pulverized coal char burnout in air (O2/N2) and oxy-fuel (O2/CO2) atmospheres

During coal combustion, char chemical reaction is the slowest step, particularly in the last burnout stage, where the char consists of small amounts of carbon in a predominant ash framework. Existing kinetics models tend to deviate from experimental measurements of late char burnout due to the incomplete treatment of ash effects. Ash can improve pore evolution through vaporization, hinder oxygen transport by forming an ash film, and reduce active carbon sites and available surface per unit volume by penetrating into the char matrix. In this work, a sophisticated kinetics model, focusing on these three ash evolution mechanisms (ash vaporization, ash film, and ash dilution) during pulverized coal (PC) char combustion, is developed by integrating them into a thorough mechanistic picture. Further, a detailed comparison of the three distinct ash effects on PC char conversion during air (O₂/N₂) and oxy-fuel (O₂/CO₂) combustion is performed. For the modeled coal, the mass of ash vaporization is approximate 3 orders less than the mass of ash remaining, which participates in ash dilution and ash film formation, both in O₂/N₂ and O₂/CO₂ atmospheres. The influence of these phenomena on burnout time follows the order: ash dilution > ash film > ash vaporization. The influence of ash vaporization on burnout time is minor, but through interactions with the ash dilution and ash film forming processes it can have an impact at high extents of burnout, particularly in O₂/CO₂ atmospheres. In O₂/N₂ atmospheres the residual ash predominately exists as an ash film, whereas it mainly exists as diluted ash in the char matrix in O₂/CO₂ atmospheres. The residual ash particle is encased by a thick film when the ash film forming fraction is high (low ash dilution fraction). These results provide in-depth insights into the conversion of PC char and further utilization of the residual ash.     

Association of rhodamine 6G in light and heavy water solutions

The absorption characteristics of rhodamine 6G molecules in light and heavy water solutions are studied. The association efficiencies of dye molecules and the structure and the binding energy of complexes formed are determined in relation to the solvent composition. The structure of H₂O +D₂O solutions is studied using correlation and low-frequency Raman spectroscopy. The distribution of dissolved complex molecules in the water matrix is shown to have inhomogeneities, which are responsible for a high association efficiency. The characteristic size of these inhomogeneities is estimated. The fractal dimension of the structural formations of light and heavy water molecules is determined as a function of their concentration.     

Electrical and optical properties of Ga doped zinc oxide thin films deposited at room temperature by continuous composition spread

Ga doped ZnO (GZO) thin films were deposited on glass substrates at room temperature by continuous composition spread (CCS) method. CCS is thin films growth method of various Ga_xZn_1−xO(GZO) thin film compositions on a substrate, and evaluating critical properties as a function position, which is directly related to material composition. Various compositions of Ga doped ZnO deposited at room temperature were explored to find excellent electrical and optical properties. Optimized GZO thin films with a low resistivity of 1.46 × 10⁻³ Ω cm and an average transmittance above 90% in the 550 nm wavelength region were able to be formed at an Ar pressure of 2.66 Pa and a room temperature. Also, optimized composition of the GZO thin film which had the lowest resistivity and high transmittance was found at 0.8 wt.% Ga₂O₃ doped in ZnO.     

Electrical and optical properties of chlorine doped SnO2 coatings

Pure and chlorine doped SnO₂ coatings are prepared using spray pyrolysis technique. The effect of chlorine doping on the electrical and optical properties of SnO₂ are studied and compared with other types of doping. The absorption coefficient data vs photon energy are analysed and interpreted in terms of direct and indirect allowed transitions. The electrical resistivity is minimum and the figure of merit is maximum for SnO₂ coatings doped with 0.4 wt% Cl.     

Synthesis and physical properties of LiBC intermetallics

Polycrystalline samples of LiBC compounds, which were predicted as possible candidate for high-T_c superconductivity, have been synthesised by a flux method for a wide range of flux compositions Li_xBC (x=0.5-2.4). Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns showed a plate-like morphology and a single-phase nature of LiBC samples for the starting flux composition of Li_1.25BC. The lattice constants a, c display a systematic variation with x and a maximum volume of the hexagonal unit cell at x=1.25. Electrical resistivity measurements revealed an extrinsic semiconducting behaviour of the single-phase LiBC with an activation energy of 18 meV and a maximum specific resistivity of 2.5 Ω cm at 300 K. In contrast to the theoretical prediction of high T_c, no superconducting features were detected down to 2 K both, by measurements of electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility. However, the results do not allow to refute the theoretical prediction because of the lack of accurate chemical analysis methods for the LiBC compounds synthesised.     

Electrical resistivity of some La-Sr-Nb oxides to 77 K

The electrical resistivity of compounds having compositions LaSr₂Nb _x ,O _y LaSrNb _x O _y , and La₂SrNb _x O _y , prepared by arc melting under argon atmosphere, is determined from 77 to 300 K. Low resistivity compositions are found in these systems for x > 2 and niobium in divalent state. None of the compounds investigated showed large resistance drop reported by Oguchi et al. (1987) in La-Sr-Cu-O compounds prepared by sputtering La₂CuO₄ on niobium substrate and attributed to possible superconductivity about 250 K.     

High‐temperature thermoelectric properties of p‐type skutterudites Ybx Co3FeSb12

Partially filled polycrystalline p‐type skutterudites of nominal compositions Yb_x Co₃FeSb₁₂ were synthesized and their thermoelectric properties characterized. The compositions and filling fractions were confirmed with a combination of Rietveld refinement and elemental analysis. The thermoelectric properties were evaluated from 300 K to 810 K. The Seebeck coefficient and resistivity increase while the thermal conductivity decreases with increasing Yb content. A maximum ZT value of 0.85 was obtained at 810 K. This work is part of a continuing effort to enhance the thermoelectric properties of p‐type skutterudites, as this class of materials continues to be of interest for thermoelectrics applications. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Study on electro-magnetic properties of La substituted Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite synthesized by auto-combustion method

(Ni_0.25Cu_0.20Zn_0.55)La_xFe_2−xO₄ ferrite with x=0.00, 0.025, 0.050 and 0.075 compositions were synthesized through nitrate–citrate auto-combustion method. Crystalline spinel ferrite phase with about 16–19 nm crystallite size was present in the as-burnt ferrite powder. These powders were calcined, compacted and sintered at 950 °C for 4 h. Initial permeability, magnetic loss and AC resistivity of different compositions were measured in the frequency range from 10 Hz to 10 MHz. Saturation magnetization and hysteresis parameters were measured at room temperature with a maximum magnetic field of 10 kOe. Permeability and AC resistivity were found to increase and magnetic loss decreased with La substitution for Fe, up to x=0.025. Saturation magnetization and coercive field also increases up to that limit. The electromagnetic properties were found best in the ferrite composition of x=0.025, which would be better for more miniaturized multi layer chip inductor.