Thermo-catalytic reforming pyrolysis of ensiled Saccharina latissima dominated macroalgal pellets for bioenergy production

Marine macroalgae is a biomass resource for the manufacture of fuels and chemicals, which can be sustainably harvested from seaweed farms or from man-made structures where it accumulates as a biofouling organism. However, in temperate regions farmed macroalgae can only be harvested between late Spring and early Summer, limiting year-round availability. Here we show that a conventional grass ensilage procedure preserves Saccharina latissima dominated biomass on the tonne scale for 30 months, enabling year-round use of this biomass. Following processing, the resulting dried and pelletised ensiled macroalgae material was subject to Thermo-Catalytic Reforming™, comprising sequential pyrolysis (450 °C) and either dry or steam catalytic reforming (700 °C) processes. Both processing methods produced a mixture of bio-oil (1.6–1.9 wt%) and hydrogen-rich permanent gases (30.9–31.1 wt%) with higher heating values of 34.8–35.4 MJ/kg and 18.0–24.2 MJ/m3, respectively, together with char (45.5–48.5 % wt). The permanent gases can be used directly for heat generation, while hydro-treatment of the bio-oil would afford a material that can be blended with traditional transport fuels. This work demonstrates that if operated at scale, the combined harvesting, ensilaging and Thermo-Catalytic Reforming™ of preserved macroalgal biomass offers a year-round decentralised energy resource

Chemical Additives for Corrosion Control in Desalination Plants

The addition of chemical additives has been considered as a standard operation in water treatment systems. This chapter discusses the chemical additives used for the control of corrosion in desalination systems. Specifically, corrosion inhibitors for various metallurgies, biocides, and oxygen scavengers are covered. The pros and cons of the additive chemicals have been highlighted. The need to utilize green corrosion inhibitors based on plants and ionic liquids materials have been emphasized. This class of materials are environmentally friendly, cheap, and readily available

The role of thermo-catalytic reforming for energy recovery from food and drink supply chain wastes

Disposal of food and drink wastes, including packaging wastes, has a significant cost and environmental impact. All carbon containing wastes have an energy potential and the food industry should focus on recovering that energy to offset their reliance on fossil-fuel derived energy sources. This paper focuses on the novel use of intermediate pyrolysis for decarbonizing the food chain, through the treatment of food and packaging waste, to recover energy. The TCR is a versatile technology which overcomes many of the traditional problems associated with fast pyrolysis and can thermo-chemically convert a range of different feedstocks, including inaccessible lignin and some inorganic, recalcitrant materials. The feedstocks are converted into new fuel sources; char, bio-oil (thermally stable) and permanent gases, for further electrical and heat generation. Ultimately with the use of the TCR technology, the food production industry could look to using decentralized power generation located on-site of large food processing facilities to optimize their energy efficiencies

Not Available

Not AvailableThis publication is based on an assessment of fish and fishing gear loss from selected gillnet and trammel net fisheries of India. It presents information on the types, causes and levels of losses, as well as technological, social, environmental and policy options to reduce losses from fishing and post-harvest operations. A secondary data review provided a preliminary understanding of fish and gear losses in India. Data from state governments, fishers cooperative societies, and community centres was used to address some knowledge gaps. Research teams undertook primary data collection in 12 locations, and 583 fishing vessels were surveyed. Respondents in group and key informant interviews included vessel captains, crew, fish vendors and auction agents. Women respondents were interviewed where available. The study found that gillnet fisheries were characterized by sizeable losses of both fish and gear, with a number of causes being highlighted. The combined loss of fish and nets amounted to almost one third of a motorized vessel owner’s income, and was significantly higher than the household’s expenditure on fishing, household maintenance, quality-of-life costs (healthcare, etc.), loan servicing, or leisure activities. Conclusions seek to locate the fish and gear losses in the wider fisheries and macroeconomic context, and emphasize the need to address them as part of broader and holistic development and management agendas. This publication will be of interest to technical specialists and extension agents concerned with loss and waste prevention and reduction, and to those wishing to learn more about the topic and conduct similar research.Not Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableThis publication is based on an assessment of fish and fishing gear loss from selected gillnet and trammel net fisheries of India. It presents information on the types, causes and levels of losses, as well as technological, social, environmental and policy options to reduce losses from fishing and post-harvest operations. A secondary data review provided a preliminary understanding of fish and gear losses in India. Data from state governments, fishers cooperative societies, and community centres was used to address some knowledge gaps. Research teams undertook primary data collection in 12 locations, and 583 fishing vessels were surveyed. Respondents in group and key informant interviews included vessel captains, crew, fish vendors and auction agents. Women respondents were interviewed where available. The study found that gillnet fisheries were characterized by sizeable losses of both fish and gear, with a number of causes being highlighted. The combined loss of fish and nets amounted to almost one third of a motorized vessel owner’s income, and was significantly higher than the household’s expenditure on fishing, household maintenance, quality-of-life costs (healthcare, etc.), loan servicing, or leisure activities. Conclusions seek to locate the fish and gear losses in the wider fisheries and macroeconomic context, and emphasize the need to address them as part of broader and holistic development and management agendas. This publication will be of interest to technical specialists and extension agents concerned with loss and waste prevention and reduction, and to those wishing to learn more about the topic and conduct similar research.Not Availabl