Metalloids in origin and evolution of life

Metalloids in origin and evolution of life. Metalloids have characteristics between metals and non-metals which give them, in some cases, specific properties. At least two of this chemical elements, boron and silicon, are essential to a significant number of living organisms and since some years ago it has been observed that the same metalloids may be involved in the synthesis and stabilization of some molecules relevant to the origin of life

Effect of experimental variables on the inertization of galvanic sluges in clay-based ceramics

The incorporation of several industrial wastes in ceramic matrixes had been attempted as an effective low expense technique for the fixation of metallic species in usable products or simply to reduce the residue volume for further disposal. However, the dominant mechanism of the inertization process and the relevant influent parameters are still unknown, mostly due to the complexity of the systems. This work reports the effect of several processing parameters such as the mixing time, the calcination temperature and duration, the relative amount of sludge, and the physical aspect of the sample (powdered or pressed pellets) on the fixing level of relevant species (SiO2, SO4 2−, Zn, Ni, Ca, Cu, Cr) by leaching in different media (aqueous, acetate, and citrate). Statistical tools were used to define the relevance of each experimental variable on the inertization process of the used galvanic sludge. The relative amount of sludge in the mixture, the calcination temperature and the agglomeration state of the sample were found to be the most influent parameters of the inertization process. The incipient reaction between sludge and ceramic matrix components points out for the dominance of a macro- encapsulation mechanism

Physical and chemical characterisation of metal finishing industrial wastes

In EU countries approximately 150,000 ons/year of galvanic sludges are generated by 4000 industrial units from the orresponding wastewater treatment plants. These sludges are generally classified as hazardous (European Waste Catalogue as adopted in Council Decision 2000/532/CE and as amended by Decisions 2001/118/EC, 2001/119/EC and 2001/573/CE), basically due to the presence of heavy metals. This work attempts to better understand the physical and chemical characteristics of these sludges, by studying 39 samples collected in different Portuguese industries that should represent all kinds of similar wastes independent of their place of generation. Chemical composition and leaching characteristics are given, together with density, grain size distribution, and specific surface area values. Statistical analysis was used for grouping the wastes according to chemical parameters, which might be useful to predict potential reuse as raw materials for different applications

Role of the mixing conditions and composition of galvanic sludges on the inertization process in clay-based ceramics

Hydroxide-metal sludges from electroplating industry are a potential source of environmental contamination due to their high content of heavy metals. The incorporation of these residues in a ceramic matrix can be a promising way to suppress the harmful effect of metals normally present in those sludges. This work reports the role of the mixing time between the waste and ceramic materials and of the calcination step on the fixing level of several metal-containing species (Al, Zn, Ni, Fe, Ca, Cu, Cr) after sequential leaching in different media (aqueous, acetate and citrate). A strong and/or long mixing process will promote the deagglomeration of the coarser agglomerates and then will increase the reactivity of remaining grains towards the ceramic material during the calcination. As a consequence, inertization is improved for fired samples. With non-calcined samples leaching increases as a result of increasing dispersability/availability of species

Types of dry-season stream pools: environmental drivers and fish assemblages

Many river networks in southern Europe are intermittent. In summer, the surface flow is zero and many streams become isolated pools. In this study, 128 dry season pools were studied covering first- to fourth-order streams on the Degebe River network (south Portugal). The aim of the study was to identify pool types based on environmental drivers and conditions and fish assemblages. In summer, dry streambed area exceeded 50% in all reaches and 95% in headwater sections. The pool features were primarily shaped by their location in the river network, which determined the pool morphology and the structure of fish assemblages. Pool sizes increased from upstream to downstream, as did species richness and diversity. Pools in upstream reaches were dominated by small native fishes while the larger-sized individuals tended to occupy deeper, larger, and more persistent pools. Smaller pools in downstream reaches were dominated by non-native species, which may be related to habitat preferences and minimization of negative interactions between native and non-native species. Because dry season pools represent key habitats in intermittent streams, conservation programs should be designed to reduce human pressures and improve hydromorphological heterogeneity and water quality, taking into account the natural patterns of pool types at regional and local scales

Matrix Converter-Based Unified Power-Flow Controllers: Advanced Direct Power Control Method

This paper presents a direct power control (DPC) for three-phase matrix converters operating as unified power flow controllers (UPFCs). Matrix converters (MCs) allow the direct ac/ac power conversion without dc energy storage links; therefore, the MC-based UPFC (MC-UPFC) has reduced volume and cost, reduced capacitor power losses, together with higher reliability. Theoretical principles of direct power control (DPC) based on sliding mode control techniques are established for an MC-UPFC dynamic model including the input filter. As a result, line active and reactive power, together with ac supply reactive power, can be directly controlled by selecting an appropriate matrix converter switching state guaranteeing good steady-state and dynamic responses. Experimental results of DPC controllers for MC-UPFC show decoupled active and reactive power control, zero steady-state tracking error, and fast response times. Compared to an MC-UPFC using active and reactive power linear controllers based on a modified Venturini high-frequency PWM modulator, the experimental results of the advanced DPC-MC guarantee faster responses without overshoot and no steady-state error, presenting no cross-coupling in dynamic and steady-state responses

Implementation of six sigma methodology for the elimination of contamination in Fine Pitch connectors

Quality drives companies to evolve, providing what customers need or even exceeding their expectations through products and services that play their functions properly during their lifetime. From this perspective, this study aims to solve a concrete defect that occurs during the assembly process of an electronic product for the automotive industry. One of the new challenges in the electronics industry is the contamination issue in Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). Contamination can be defined as any type of particles (residues) that are deposited on PCB surface or within a component, causing unwanted behaviours in the electronic device. In the present study, the investigated contamination is organic in nature and is originated by the solder flux. The solder flux is released during the welding process, being deposited inside the PCB Fine Pitch connectors. The DMAIC method was adopted as a Problem Solving tool. This method was selected to ensure the elimination of this type of defect. To support the investigation, the 5W2H and Is/Is Not quality tools were used. The investigation was developed by a multidisciplinary team. After the root-cause identification, the connectors provider was involved to assist in the development of an effective and low cost solution. The final solution resulted in the placement in the connectors of a protective cap. This solution, besides protecting the connectors, allowed a new collaborative relationship along the supply chain

Direct Power Control of Matrix Converter Based Unified Power Flow Controllers

This paper presents the Direct Power Control of Three-Phase Matrix Converters (DPC-MC) operating as Unified Power Flow Controllers (UPFC). Since matrix converters allow direct AC/AC power conversion without intermediate energy storage link, the resulting UPFC has reduced volume and cost, together with higher reliability. Theoretical principles of DPC-MC method are established based on an UPFC model, together with a new direct power control approach based on sliding mode control techniques. As a result, active and reactive power can be directly controlled by selection of an appropriate switching state of matrix converter. This new direct power control approach associated to matrix converters technology guarantees decoupled active and reactive power control, zero error tracking, fast response times and timely control actions. Simulation results show good performance of the proposed system

Continuous beer fermentation with yeast immobilized on alternative cheap carriers and sensorial evaluation of the final product

Continuous beer fermentation offers a wide range of advantages, mostly of economic nature over the traditional batch process. However, due to increased complexity of operation comparing to batch process, flavor problems, risk of contamination, yeast viability, carrier price and inconvenience of immobilization, the continuous beer fermentation has found few practical applications so far. The carrier cost represents a significant part of the investment costs and therefore the need for a cheap support material easy to regenerate is still relevant. This work deals with a complete continuous fermentation system for beer fermentation and maturation consisting of an airlift and a packed-bed reactor containing brewing yeast immobilized on spent grains and corncobs, respectively. The objective of this study was to verify the long-term performance of the system and the suitability of these new cellulose-based carrier materials made from brewing and agricultural by-products. Further the influence of feed rate and aeration rate on bioreactors fermentation performance, immobilized biomass load, ethanol production and flavor profile of both green and maturated beer was followed. The influence of process parameters on sensorial quality of beer has been studied by physicochemical methods as well as by sensorial analysis (acceptance and description tests) carried out by both consumers and experienced tasters. This work clearly demonstrated the technological feasibility of the continuous brewing based on yeast immobilization on cheap alternative carriers (spent grains, corncobs) for continuous production of a beer with a balanced flavor profile.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - SFRH / BPD / 3541 / 2000.Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) - Proc. 00/12767-4.Unicer SA.

Solvent extraction aplied to the recovery of heavy metals from galvanic sludges

In this study, a hydrometallurgical treatment involving the solvent extraction and recovery of some heavy metals from a sulphuric acid leach solution of galvanic sludge, using di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and bis-(2,4,4- trimethylpentyl)-phosphinic acid (Cyanex 272), both diluted in kerosene, has been investigated. The preliminary tests revealed the necessity to remove other metal species than zinc and nickel, contained in the leach solution, and therefore, processes to cement copper and precipitate chromium were then applied to finally obtain a Zn and Ni pregnant solution prior to solvent extraction. For the experimental conditions studied, Cyanex 272 showed a good recovery of Zn after the stripping stage using H2SO4, but D2EHPA effectively promoted a higher Zn extraction than Cyanex 272 did. The dependence of the solvent extraction method on variables such as pH, contact time and concentration of extractant, as well as the effect of different concentrations of sulphuric acid on stripping, are discussed. The discussion also includes the previous conditions developed to separate the main interfering metallic species from the leach solution in order to improve the extraction and recovery of zinc by solvent extraction. The final objective has been to achieve a solution as pure as possible to recover nickel sulphate.Estudou-se o desenvolvimento de um processo metalúrgico para a extracção de metais a partir de lamas galvânicas, passando por fases e extracção com solventes orgânico