Optimisation of a sorption-enhanced chemical looping steam methane reforming process

An intensified hydrogen production steam reforming process named ‘Sorption-Enhanced Chemical Looping Steam Methane Reforming’ (SE-CL-SMR) was studied. Aspen Plus was used to carry out a thermodynamic investigation into the influence of various operating conditions on hydrogen production and process thermal efficiency. The steam to carbon molar ratio (S/C), the CaO to carbon molar ratio (CaO/C), the metal oxide to carbon molar ratio (MeO/C), the metal oxide composition (NiO:CuO), and the oxidising agent species were all shown to influence the process performance. The main findings were that; (1) the introduction of CaO reduces the potential for coke formation with predicted zero coke formation for CaO/C ratios > 0.4; (2) increasing amounts of metal oxide (MeO/C) and steam (S/C) enhance the hydrogen production yield and purity; (3) due to its involvement in an exothermic reaction, the presence of CuO allows for the reforming reactor to operate as an adiabatic reactor with an operating temperature within the range of 600 °C–700 °C; (4) an increase in the NiO:CuO ratio leads to an increase in methane conversion. With the operating conditions of S/C = 3, CaO/C = 1, MeO/C = 1, NiO:CuO = 0.9 and air as the oxidising agent, a hydrogen purity as high as 98% was predicted for the SE-CL-SMR process, along with the lowest observed CO2 production rate. Under the same conditions and using pinch analysis, the thermodynamic model prediction of the thermal process efficiency is reported as ca. 86%. This is significantly higher than the reported efficiency of 79% for the ‘Sorption-Enhanced Steam Methane Reforming’ (SE-SMR) process, predicted using similar thermodynamic models

Choosing outcome assessment tools in haemophilia care and research: a multidisciplinary perspective

Introduction: The implementation of early long-term, regular clotting factor concentrate (CFC) replacement therapy (‘prophylaxis’) has made it possible to offer boys with haemophilia a near normal life. Many different regimens have reported favourable results, but the optimum treatment regimens have not been established and the cost of prophylaxis is very high. Both for optimizing treatment and reimbursement issues, there is a need to provide objective evidence of both short- and long-term results and benefits of prophylactic regimens. Aims: This report presents a critical review of outcome measures for use in the assessment of musculoskeletal health in persons with haemophilia according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This framework considers structural and functional changes, activities and participation in a context of both personal and environmental factors. Methods: Results were generated by a combination of a critical review of available literature plus expert opinion derived from a two day consensus conference between 48 health care experts from different disciplines involved in haemophilia assessment and care. Outcome tools used in haemophilia were reviewed for reliability and validity in different patient groups and for resources required. Results and conclusion: Recommendations for choice of outcome tools were made according to the ICF domains, economic setting, and reason for use (clinical or research). The next step will be to identify a ‘core’ set of outcome measures for use in clinical care or studies evaluating treatment