Long-Term Soil Gas Surveys in the Northern Part of the Modena Province Pre, During and After the 2012 Seismic Sequence

Three geochemical surveys of soil gas (CO2 and CH4 flux measurements, He, H2, CO2, CH4 and C2H6 concentrations) and isotopic analyses (δ13C–CH4, δD–CH4, δ13C–CO2) were carried out as part of a feasibility study for a natural gas storage site in the Modena Province (Northern Italy), during the 2006-2009 period. In May-June 2012, a seismic sequence (main shocks of ML 5.9 and 5.8) was occurred closely to the investigated area. Chemical and isotopic analysis were repeated in May 2012, September 2012, June 2013 and July 2014.In the 2006-2009 period, at the pre-seismic conditions, chemical composition of soil gas showed that the southern part of the studied area is CH4-dominated, whereas the northern part is CO2-dominated. Relatively anomalous fluxes and concentrations were recorded with a spotted areal distribution. Anyway, CO2 and CH4 values are within the typical range of vegetative and of organic exhalation of the cultivated soil. 2012-2013 soil gas results show CO2 values essentially unvaried with respect to pre-earthquake surveys, while the 2014 values highlight an increasing of CO2 flux in the whole study area. On the contrary, CH4 values seem to be on average higher after the seismic sequence, although with a decreasing trend in the last survey (2014). Isotopic analysis were carried out only on samples with anomalous values. The δ13C-CO2 value suggests a prevalent shallow origin of CO2 (i.e. organic and/or soil-derived) probably related to anaerobic oxidation of heavy hydrocarbons. Methane isotopic data (δ13C-CH4) indicate a typical biogenic origin (i.e. microbial hydrocarbon production) of the CH4, as recognized elsewhere in the Po Plain and surroundings. Obtained results highlight a different CO2 and CH4 behaviour before, during and after the seismic events. These variations could be produced by increasing of bacterial (e.g. peat strata) and methanogenic fermentation processes in the first meters of the soil. No hints of deep degassing can be inferred for the study area after the earthquake, as suggested by isotopic analysis. These achieved outcomes constitute the starting point for subsequent geochemical surveys, in order to assess the temporal variations and to better understand the geochemical processes related to the seismic sequence

Continuous/discrete geochemical monitoring of CO2 Natural Analogues and of Diffuse Degassing Structures (DDS): hints for CO2 storage sites geochemical monitoring protocol

Abstract Italy is one of the most promising prone areas to study the CO 2 behavior underground, the caprock integrity to the CO 2 leakage, mostly in presence of pervious/geochemically active faults, due to a wide availability of CO 2 rich reservoirs at a depth between 1 and 10 km, as highlighted by recent literature. These deep CO 2 reservoirs generate at least 200 leakage areas at surface throughout Italy which have been defined "Diffuse Degassing Structures" (DDS) by INGV. These are widely studied by INGV institutionally by a long term convention with the Civil Protection Department (DPC) with the aim to catalog, monitor and assess the Natural Gas Hazard (NGH, namely the probability of an area to become a site of poisonous peri-volcanic gas exhalation from soils). More than 150 researcher of INGV are involved in monitoring areas affected by the CO 2 presence underground and at surface, by continuous monitoring on-line networks (around 40 stations throughout Italy, including the Etna area, Aeolian Islands, Umbria region, Piemonte region, etc.) and discretely (9 groups of research were involved in the last years to localize, define and monitor almost all the DDSs in Italy), by sampling and analyzing chemical and isotopic compounds, useful to discriminate the origin, evolution and natural gas hazards of the examined DDS. In this paper, we will discuss some DDS catalogued and studied by a Rome INGV Research Unit (UR 11) which focused its work in Central Italy, throughout different DDS, also in relation to the diverse seismotectonic settings, to discover buried faults as possible gas leakage pathways, mostly if they are "geochemically" activated. In particular we discuss, among the discrete monitoring techniques exploited by INGV, soil gas surveying, which consists in a collection of gas samples from the soil zone not saturated (dry zone) to measure the geogas gaseous species both in fluxes (CO 2 , CH 4 , 222 Rn) and in concentration (He, H 2 , H 2 S, helium, hydrogen, CO 2 , CH 4 , 222 Rn), that permeate the soil pores. The total CO 2 flux budget was calculated as "baseline" degassing rate of these " CO 2 analogues". A good discrete areal monitoring is prerequisite to design sound continuous monitoring network to monitor CO 2 related parameters in liquid/gas phases, to review the protocol of the Annex II of the European Directivity on CCS

Study of natural analogues for the comprehension of gas migration mechanism

Soil gas anomalies are useful to recognize influences of surface features on natural gas migration. The study of the association of different gases (with different origin and physical/chemical behavior), the collection of a large number of samples during periods of stable meteorological and soil moisture conditions (e.g., during dry season) and the use of appropriate statistical treatment of data are fundamental in the comprehension of gas migration mechanism. Gas geochemistry has been proven to be a reliable and simple technique to apply, at different scales, to many geological scenarios [Quattrocchi et al. 2001; Baubron et al. 2002; De Gregorio et al. 2002; Pizzino et al. 2002; Lewicki et al. 2003; Voltattorni et al. 2009; Lombardi and Voltattorni, 2010]. The study of spatial distribution of soil gas anomalies, at the surface, can give important and interesting information on the origin and processes involving deep and superficial gas species. This information can be applied and studied in different frameworks, for example: 1. geological sequestration of anthropogenic CO2 to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released to the atmosphere. Natural gas emissions represent extremely attractive surrogates for the study and prediction of the possible consequences of leakage from geological sequestration sites of anthropogenic CO2 (i.e., the return to surface potentially causing localized environmental problems). 2. radionuclide migration in the study of high-level radioactive-waste isolation systems. The main approach is to study the natural migration of radiogenic particles or elements throughout clay formations that are considered an excellent isolation and sealing material due to their ability to immobilize water and other substance over geological timescales

Evaluation of the Theoretical Geothermal Potential of Inferred Geothermal Reservoirs within the Vicano–Cimino and the Sabatini Volcanic Districts (Central Italy) by the Application of the Volume Method

The evaluation of the theoretical geothermal potential of identified unexploited hydrothermal reservoirs within the Vicano–Cimino and Sabatini volcanic districts (Latium region, Italy) has been made on the basis of a revised version of the classical volume method. This method is based on the distribution of the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in shallow and deep aquifers to delimit areas of geothermal interest, according to the hypothesis that zones of high CO2 flux, either from soil degassing and dissolved into aquifers, are spatially related to deep hydrothermal reservoirs. On the whole, 664 fluid discharges (cold waters, thermal waters, and bubbling pools) have been collected from shallow and deep aquifers in the Vicano–Cimino Volcanic District and the Sabatini Volcanic District for chemical and isotopic composition, in an area of approximately 2800 km2. From this large hydro-geochemical dataset the pCO2 values have been computed and then processed to obtain a contour map of its spatial distribution by using geostatistical techniques (kriging). The map of pCO2 has been used to draw up the boundaries of potentially exploitable geothermal systems within the two volcanic districts, corresponding to the areas where endogenous CO2 raise up to the surface from the deep hydrothermal reservoirs. The overall estimated potential productivities and theoretical minimum and maximum thermal power of the two volcanic districts are of about 45 × 103 t/h and 3681–5594 MWt, respectively. This makes the Vicano–Cimino Volcanic District and the Sabatini Volcanic District very suitable for both direct and indirect exploitation of the geothermal resources, in view of the target to reduce electricity generation from conventional and poorly sustainable energy sources

COMPARISON OF THE ELECTROMIOGRAPHIC ACTIVITY OF MUSCLES TRUNK IN DIFFERENT POLE DANCE FIGURES WITH LOCK KNEE

Pole Dance is a physical activity that uses friction and opposition between the body and a vertical bar and requires great isometric contraction of the core muscles so that practitioners remain in the plastic figures that make up an acrobatic or choreographic sequence. The objective was to evaluate the electromyographic activity (EMG) of the rectus abdominis muscles – superior part (RAS) and erector spinae (EE) in different Pole Dance movements using knee lock to fix the body on the bar. Seven Pole Dance practitioners participated in the study, all of whom were considered physically active or very active and able to perform the proposed exercises. To carry out the study, the EMG activity of the RAS and EE muscles was recorded during the performance of three Pole Dance exercises (Indian - IN, Genius - GE and Monkey - MO) and during maximal isometric strength exercises, quantified in the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). To capture the electromyographic signals, surface electrodes made up of two Ag/AgCl disks were used. The volunteers performed each of the exercises twice during a period of five seconds and with a rest period of two minutes between each one. The electromyographic signal obtained during all exercises was quantified in the time domain by the root mean square (RMS) and the maximum normalized values (RMSn) by the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). The results showed that the levels of electromyographic activation of the RAS and EE muscles were significantly higher in the GE exercise and considered moderate. The results can facilitate the selection of exercises aiming at a possible progression in the training and performance in Pole Dance, in addition to being able to be prescribed in order to increase muscular resistance and neuromuscular control of the trunk, contributing to the vertebral column to support greater loads and decrease micromovements (instability) of spinal joints and, consequently, decrease the risk of injury and contribute to improved health.Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Graduação)O Pole Dance é um exercício físico que utiliza do atrito e da oposição entre o corpo e uma barra vertical e que demanda contração isométrica dos músculos do core para que os praticantes permaneçam nas figuras plásticas que compõem uma sequência acrobática ou coreográfica. Objetivou-se avaliar a atividade eletromiográfica (EMG) dos músculos Reto do Abdome – parte superior (RAS) e Eretor da Espinha (EE) em diferentes movimentos de Pole Dance utilizando trava de joelho para fixação do corpo na barra. Sete praticantes de Pole Dance participaram do estudo, todas fisicamente ativas e aptas a realizarem os exercícios propostos. Foi registrada a atividade EMG dos músculos RAS e EE durante a execução de três exercícios de Pole Dance (Indian - IN, Genius - GE e Monkey - MO) e durante exercícios de força isométrica máxima, quantificada no teste de contração isométrica voluntária máxima (CIVM). As voluntárias realizaram duas vezes cada um dos exercícios durante um período de cinco segundos e com intervalo de dois minutos entre cada um. O sinal EMG obtido durante todos os exercícios foi quantificado no domínio do tempo pela raiz quadrada da média (root mean square - RMS) e os valores máximos normalizados (RMSn) pela contração isométrica voluntária máxima (CIVM). Os resultados mostraram níveis de ativação EMG dos músculos RAS e EE significativamente maiores no exercício GE, considerado exercício moderado. Os resultados podem facilitar a seleção de exercícios visando uma possível progressão no treinamento e desempenho no Pole Dance, além de poderem ser prescritos com o fim de aumentar a resistência muscular e o controle neuromuscular do tronco, diminuindo o risco de lesões e contribuindo para a melhoria da saúde

Evaluation of the Theoretical Geothermal Potential of Inferred Geothermal Reservoirs within the Vicano–Cimino and the Sabatini Volcanic Districts (Central Italy) by the Application of the Volume Method

The evaluation of the theoretical geothermal potential of identified unexploited hydrothermal reservoirs within the Vicano–Cimino and Sabatini volcanic districts (Latium region, Italy) has been made on the basis of a revised version of the classical volume method. This method is based on the distribution of the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in shallow and deep aquifers to delimit areas of geothermal interest, according to the hypothesis that zones of high CO2 flux, either from soil degassing and dissolved into aquifers, are spatially related to deep hydrothermal reservoirs. On the whole, 664 fluid discharges (cold waters, thermal waters, and bubbling pools) have been collected from shallow and deep aquifers in the Vicano–Cimino Volcanic District and the Sabatini Volcanic District for chemical and isotopic composition, in an area of approximately 2800 km2. From this large hydro-geochemical dataset the pCO2 values have been computed and then processed to obtain a contour map of its spatial distribution by using geostatistical techniques (kriging). The map of pCO2 has been used to draw up the boundaries of potentially exploitable geothermal systems within the two volcanic districts, corresponding to the areas where endogenous CO2 raise up to the surface from the deep hydrothermal reservoirs. The overall estimated potential productivities and theoretical minimum and maximum thermal power of the two volcanic districts are of about 45 103 t/h and 3681–5594 MWt, respectively. This makes the Vicano–Cimino Volcanic District and the Sabatini Volcanic District very suitable for both direct and indirect exploitation of the geothermal resources, in view of the target to reduce electricity generation from conventional and poorly sustainable energy sourcesPublished1421TR. Studi per le GeorisorseJCR Journa

Experimental Analysis of SOFC Fuelled by Ammonia

In this study, ammonia is presented as a feasible fuel for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Ammonia has several interesting features as fuel due to low-production cost, high-energy density and, focusing on fuel cells and hydrogen application, ammonia is an excellent H2 carrier thanks to high value of volumetric and gravimetric densities. The paper reports experimental test performed to evaluate the feasibility of NH3 directly fed to a 50 cm2 single cell SOFC. A test plan was developed to compare pure ammonia with an equivalent mix of ammonia, nitrogen, and hydrogen and the study of temperature and voltage values strongly indicates that a two stage oxidation of ammonia can be predicted and a previous cracking reaction occurs in the cell due to the nickel catalytic contribution. The study of temperatures and of heat flows show how the cell is cooled down to lower temperature because of heat adsorbed by the reaction and by flow mix entering the anode. The study shows also how for operative temperatures below 800 °C the cracking reaction takes place in the cell active area. Efficiency test demonstrates that the cell can operate at 300 mW cm–2 and 30% efficiency based on ammonia LHV

Theoretical study and performance evaluation of hydrogen production by 200 W solid oxide electrolyzer stack

High temperature steam electrolyzers, taking advantage of high temperature heat, can produce more hydrogen by using less electrical energy than low temperature electrolyzers. This paper presents an experimental study on hydrogen production by using a 200 W solid oxide stack working in reverse mode. A thermodynamic study of the process was performed by measuring the heat and mass balance of stack at different operating conditions. Different definitions of efficiency were used to highlight the limit and potential of the process. The I–V curve, the flow rate measurements and the GC analysis on outlet flows were used to calculate the hydrogen and oxygen productions. In addition, the influence of steam dilution, water utilization and operating temperature on conversion efficiency and stack's thermal balance was evaluated. With this aim, the tests were performed at three operating temperature (700 °C, 750 °C and 800 °C) over a range of steam inlet concentration from 50% to 90% and water utilization up to 70%. The hydrogen and oxygen flows produced by electrolysis, at different loads, were directly measured after water condensation: net flows up to 2.4 ml/(min cm2) of hydrogen and 1.2 ml/(min cm2) of oxygen were measured and compared to the theoretical ones, showing a good agreement