Plasma reactor waste management systems

The University of North Dakota is developing a plasma reactor system for use in closed-loop processing that includes biological, materials, manufacturing, and waste processing. Direct-current, high-frequency, or microwave discharges will be used to produce plasmas for the treatment of materials. The plasma reactors offer several advantages over other systems, including low operating temperatures, low operating pressures, mechanical simplicity, and relatively safe operation. Human fecal material, sunflowers, oats, soybeans, and plastic were oxidized in a batch plasma reactor. Over 98 percent of the organic material was converted to gaseous products. The solids were then analyzed and a large amount of water and acid-soluble materials were detected. These materials could possibly be used as nutrients for biological systems

The Effect of Hydrogen Partial Pressure on Lignite Liquefaction in a Two-Stage Hot-Charge Batch Autoclave System

The effect of varying hydrogen partial pressure in a two-stage liquefaction process on conversion of North Dakota lignite to THF solubles was studied using the UND hot-charge, time sample, batch autoclave system. Approximately one hundred and fifty grams of moisture- and ash-free (MAF) Zap lignite, three hundred grams of AO4 (Anthracene oil) solvent and seventy five grams of water were reacted in the autoclave unit. Carbon monoxide was used as feed gas for the first stage and varying amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide were utilized in the second stage. First stage temperatures ranged from 358 C to 370 C while the second stage temperatures were 429 C to 444 C. Residence times in the first and second stages were 20 and 60 minutes, respectively. Liquid and gas samples were taken at one, three, six, ten, twenty, forty, and sixty minutes during the second stage run period. Overall conversion ranged from 68.7 to 85.0 percent while the distillate yield varied from -7.9 to 25.0 percent based on the MAF coal charge. The soluble residuum yield rose with increasing hydrogen partial pressure from 20.1 to 39.3 percent. Light and middle oil production increased directly with hydrogen partial pressure. When the second stage feed gas consisted of pure carbon monoxide, the heavy oil yield was -15.2 percent. With increasing hydrogen content of the feed gas, the heavy oil yield ranged from -15.2 to 3.2 percent and when 100 percent hydrogen feed gas was used in the second stage, a 3.9 percent yield was produced. Conversion reached a maximum after approximately ten minutes in the second stage. Results indicated that syngas may be a viable feed gas if yields can be increased, perhaps by adding hydrogen sulfide or using a hydrogen donating solvent

Chandra Observation of an X-ray Flare at Saturn: Evidence for Direct Solar Control on Saturn's Disk X-ray Emissions

Saturn was observed by Chandra ACIS-S on 20 and 26-27 January 2004 for one full Saturn rotation (10.7 hr) at each epoch. We report here the first observation of an X-ray flare from Saturn's non-auroral (low-latitude) disk, which is seen in direct response to an M6-class flare emanating from a sunspot that was clearly visible from both Saturn and Earth. Saturn's disk X-ray emissions are found to be variable on time scales of hours to weeks to months, and correlated with solar F10.7 cm flux. Unlike Jupiter, X-rays from Saturn's polar (auroral) region have characteristics similar to those from its disk. This report, combined with earlier studies, establishes that disk X-ray emissions of the giant planets Saturn and Jupiter are directly regulated by processes happening on the Sun. We suggest that these emissions could be monitored to study X-ray flaring from solar active regions when they are on the far side and not visible to Near-Earth space weather satellites.Comment: Total 12 pages including 4 figure

Hot-Gas Filter Testing with a Transport Reactor Development Unit

The objective of the hot-gas cleanup (HGC) work on the transport reactor demonstration unit (TRDU) located at the Environmental Research Center is to demonstrate acceptable performance of hot-gas filter elements in a pilot-scale system prior to long-term demonstration tests. The primary focus of the experimental effort in the 2-year project will be the testing of hot- gas filter elements as a function of particulate collection efficiency, filter pressure differential, filter cleanability, and durability during relatively short-term operation (100-200 hours). A filter vessel will be used in combination with the TRDU to evaluate the performance of selected hot- gas filter elements under gasification operating conditions. This work will directly support the Power Systems Development Facility utilizing the M.W. Kellogg transport reactor located at Wilsonville, Alabama and indirectly the Foster Wheeler advanced pressurized fluid-bed combustor, also located at Wilsonville and the Clean Coal IV Pinon Pine IGCC Power Project. This program has a phased approach involving modification and upgrades to the TRDU and the fabrication, assembly, and operation of a hot-gas filter vessel (HGFV) capable of operating at the outlet design conditions of the TRDU. Phase 1 upgraded the TRDU based upon past operating experiences. Additions included a nitrogen supply system upgrade, upgraded LASH auger and 1807 coal feed lines, the addition of a second pressurized coal feed hopper and a dipleg ash hopper, and modifications to spoil the performance of the primary cyclone. Phase 2 included the HGFV design, procurement, and installation. Phases 3 through 5 consist of 200-hour hot-gas filter tests under gasification conditions using the TRDU at temperatures of 540-650{degrees}C (1000-1200{degrees}F), 9.3 bar, and face velocities of 1.4, 2. and 3.8 cm/s, respectively. The increased face velocities are achieved by removing candles between each test

Development of advanced, continuous mild gasification process for the production of co-products

The current objective of the University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) mild gasification project is to optimize reaction char and marketable liquids production on a 100-lb/hr scale using Wyodak subbituminous and Indiana No. 3 bituminous coals. Tests performed using the EERC 100-lb/hr process development unit (PDU) include a refractory-cure (Test P001), a test using petroleum coke (Test P002), and tests using Wyodak and Indiana coals. The reactor system used for the 11 PDU tests conducted to date consists of a spouted, fluid-bed carbonizer equipped with an on-line condensation train that yields three boiling point fractions of coal liquids ranging in volatility from about (77{degrees}--750{degrees}F) (25{degrees}--400{degrees}C). The September--December 1990 quarterly report described reaction conditions and the bulk of the analytical results for Tests P010 and P011. This report describes further P010 and P011 analytical work, including the generation of simulated distillation curves for liquid samples on the basis of sulfur content, using gas chromatography coupled with atomic emission detection (GC/AED) analysis. 13 figs., 3 tabs

Pressurized 1U CubeSat Propulsion System

Since the advent of CubeSats, the demand to push mission capabilities of the form-factor has steadily increased. Propulsion systems are one of the driving factors pushing CubeSats towards increasingly complex missions. One propulsion device, an electrothermal plasma thruster known as Pocket Rocket strikes a balance between performance and cost efficiency, in line with the spirit of the CubeSat standard. The thruster has previously been integrated and tested within a 1U CubeSat form factor. However, while functional, the design lacked sufficient propellant storage capability for most missions. To increase propellant storage capability, a 1U CubeSat form factor where the structure itself is a pressure vessel is developed. The Pocket Rocket thruster is embedded into the structure, with batteries, power processing unit (PPU), and propellant regulation and delivery system contained within the pressure vessel. Containing electronic components inside the pressure vessel assists with radiation and thermal protection systems. When used as part of a generic 3U CubeSat mission, the pressurized 1U form factor is capable of producing between 5 and 50 m/s of Δv

Aquilegia, Vol. 11 No. 5, September 1987: Newsletter of the Colorado Native Plant Society

The Colorado Native Plant Society Newsletter will be published on a bimonthly basis. The contents will consist primarily of a calendar of events, notes of interest, editorials, listings of new members and conservation news. Until there is a Society journal, the Newsletter will include short articles also. The deadline for the Newsletter is one month prior to its release.https://epublications.regis.edu/aquilegia/1036/thumbnail.jp

Aquilegia, Vol. 11 No. 3, May 1987: Newsletter of the Colorado Native Plant Society

The Colorado Native Plant Society Newsletter will be published on a bimonthly basis. The contents will consist primarily of a calendar of events, notes of interest, editorials, listings of new members and conservation news. Until there is a Society journal, the Newsletter will include short articles also. The deadline for the Newsletter is one month prior to its release.https://epublications.regis.edu/aquilegia/1034/thumbnail.jp

Aquilegia, Vol. 11 No. 6, November-December 1987: Newsletter of the Colorado Native Plant Society

The Colorado Native Plant Society Newsletter will be published on a bimonthly basis. The contents will consist primarily of a calendar of events, notes of interest, editorials, listings of new members and conservation news. Until there is a Society journal, the Newsletter will include short articles also. The deadline for the Newsletter is one month prior to its release.https://epublications.regis.edu/aquilegia/1037/thumbnail.jp

Aquilegia, Vol. 11 No. 4, July 1987: Newsletter of the Colorado Native Plant Society

The Colorado Native Plant Society Newsletter will be published on a bimonthly basis. The contents will consist primarily of a calendar of events, notes of interest, editorials, listings of new members and conservation news. Until there is a Society journal, the Newsletter will include short articles also. The deadline for the Newsletter is one month prior to its release.https://epublications.regis.edu/aquilegia/1035/thumbnail.jp