Influence of torrefaction on the grindability and reactivity of woody biomass

7 pages, 5 figures, 4 tables.-- Available online Oct 23, 2007.The use of biomass to produce energy is becoming more and more frequent as it helps to achieve a sustainable environmental scenario. However the exploitation of this fuel source does have drawbacks that need to be solved. In this work, the torrefaction of woody biomass (eucalyptus) was studied in order to improve its properties for pulverised systems. The process consisted in a heating treatment at moderate temperature (240, 260, 280°C) under an inert atmosphere. The grindability of raw biomass and the treated samples was compared and an improvement in the grindability characteristics was observed after the torrefaction process. Thermogravimetric analysis of the samples was carried out in order to study their reactivity in air. The DTG curves of the torrefied biomass showed a double peak nature. The kinetic parameters were calculated for each reaction stage. The torrefaction process was found to influence the parameters of the first stage, whereas those corresponding to the second remained unaffected.This work was carried out with financial support from the Spanish CDTI (Project CENIT PiIBE) and ELCOGAS, S.A. M.G.P. and C.P. acknowledge the support from the CSIC I3P Program co-financed by the European Social Fund, and J.F. from the Plan Regional de Investigacion del Principado de Asturias.Peer reviewe

Conversion from Mycophenolate Mofetil to Enteric-Coated Mycophenolate Sodium in Stable Maintenance Renal Transplant Patients: Pooled Results from Three International, Multicenter Studies

Background. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is effective in renal transplant patients but concerns remain over its gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability. Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS; myfortic) has been developed with the intention of improving mycophenolic acid-related GI tolerability. Methods. Data were pooled in a planned analysis of three subprotocols of the myfortic Prospective Multicenter Study (n7yPROMS). In a 6-month study, efficacy and safety of converting stable renal transplant recipients from MMF to a bioequivalent dose of EC-MPS for mycophenolic acid exposure were evaluated. Treatment efficacy was recorded and graft function was assessed by measuring serum creatinine and estimating creatinine clearance . Adverse events (AEs) and infections were monitored and the incidence of EC-MPS dose changes was recorded. Results. A total of 588 patients were recruited, 564 (96%) of whom completed the study. The rate of treatment failure (defined as biopsy- proven acute rejection, graft loss, or death) was 1.9%, with no episodes of graft loss and only one death reported during the study. Renal function remained stable throughout the trial. EC- MPS was well tolerated; the majority of AEs were mild or moderate in severity. Dose reductions or interruptions were required by 6.3% and 1.9% of patients, respectively. Gastrointestinal AEs occurred in 138 patients( 23.5%). The rate of dose adjustment as a result of a GI AE was 2.2%. Conclusions. Equimolar conversion from MMF to EC- MPS in maintenance renal transplant patients was safe and maintained efficacy

CO2 mitigation for steelmaking using charcoal and plastics wastes as reducing agents and secondary raw materials

En: 1st Spanish National Conference on Advances in Materials Recycling and Eco – Energy Madrid, 12-13 November 2009.-- Editors: F. A. López, F. Puertas, F. J. Alguacil and A. Guerrero.-- 4 pages, 1 figure.The effects of the partial substitution of coal by charcoal or plastic wastes at two stages of the iron production, coking plant and blast furnace, were investigated in terms of the quality of the coke produced and the gasification behaviour in the raceway. From an environmental point of view, the routes proposed bring various potentials in terms of reducing CO2 emissions. The more efficient CO2 reductions ranging from 2 to 28 % imply the availability of biomass grown and charcoal production in a sustainable way, or C-neutral classification of plastic wastes.The authors thank the European Commission for financial support in the RFCS Programme (Contract number: RFSR-CT-2005-00001).Peer reviewe

Conversion From Mycophenolate Mofetil to Enteric-Coated Mycophenolate Sodium in Stable Maintenance Renal Transplant Patients: Pooled Results From Three International, Multicenter Studies

10.1016/j.transproceed.2006.10.216Transplantation Proceedings391103-10