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The paper focuses on magnetron sputtering of the pure calcium target in DC magnetron discharge. The target diameter and thickness are 50 and 3 mm, respectively. Argon and krypton are used as working gases. Continuous and medium frequency discharges are investigated along with the discharge and plasma parameters, including a current–voltage characteristic, mass-to-charge ratio of the plasma composition, ion current, and deposition rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mars has nearly ideal conditions for CO2 dissociation by glow discharge plasmas. The directly generation of O2 and CO on Mars was considered to be feasible and practical for in situ resource utilization of Martian atmosphere to get respirable O2 and fuel. In this paper, we conduct several experiments under simulated Martian conditions to investigate the process and how the key parameters effect the generation of O2 and CO in CO2 glow discharge reactions. The yields of new products (i.e., O2 and CO) under various gas discharge work parameters (i.e., discharge power, frequency, voltage, gap between the discharge plane electrodes and gas pressure) were systematically investigated. The reaction mechanism and reaction path of CO2 glow discharge has been discussed. In our study the max yield of O2 by CO2 discharge dissociation was got about 21.8 g/h at 168 W which is very close to that of NASA MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment) at the same power. Our results showed the great potentiality of glow discharge for the practicable technology of O2 and CO generation for in-situ resource utilization on Mars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high abundance and potential toxicity of ferrocyanide in the environment, data on the bioremediation of these complexes in contaminated soils are missing. In this study we isolated forty bacterial species presented in soil highly contaminated with ferrocyanide complexes, originating from a Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP). All bacterial strains were resistant to ferrocyanide (500 mg L−1). Six isolates showed better growth in the presence of ferrocyanide and were able to use it as a sole nitrogen source. One of them was able to assimilate ferrocyanide‐derived nitrogen and carbon. The strains varied in their tolerance to the ferrocyanide. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values determined in the rich medium ranged from 1400 mg L−1 to 2000 mg L−1 and in all cases were greater than those set on the minimal medium. Molecular analysis revealed that the investigated isolates had the highest similarity to the Bacillus and Rummeliibacillus lineages. Rummeliibacillus was recognized for the first time for its ferrocyanide-degrading potential. Soil samples collected from MGP sites indicated that the overall indigenous population of microorganisms was low. Total cyanide content ranged from 220 mg kg−1 to 346 mg kg−1. Additionally, elevated Pb concentrations and an imbalanced C:N:P ratio were observed. Our study provides new information about the presence of a well-acclimated bacterial community associated with long-term ferrocyanide-contaminated soil. This bacterial community could play an important role in MGP site bioremediation processes and has the potential for application for other bioremediation purposes; however, it is likely limited due to unfavorable environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-laser Additive Manufacturing systems hold great potential to increase productivity. However, adding multiple energy sources to a powder bed fusion system requires careful selection of a laser scan and inert gas flow strategy to optimize component performance. In this work, we explore four different laser scan and argon flow strategies on the quasi-static compressive mechanical response of Body Centered Cubic lattices. Three strategies employ a swim lane method where laser pathing tends to progress parallel to argon flow. Method one only uses a single laser while method two uses four, both with the laser path working against the argon flow. The third method uses four lasers, each operating in their own lane like the second method, but the laser pathing progresses with the argon flow. The fourth method has all four lasers operating in quadrants and the laser pathing trends against the argon flow. The single-laser strategy generally had the lowest mechanical responses compared to the other three strategies. A quadrant strategy generally had the highest quasi-static mechanical responses and was at least 25% greater in stiffness, yield force, ultimate force, and energy absorption when compared to the single laser strategy. However, the four-laser swim strategy where the laser pathing tends against the argon flow was found to be statistically similar to the quadrant strategy. It is hypothesized that spatter introduced onto the powder layer from the melt pool and particle entrainment may be worse for laser pathing which trends with the argon flow direction. Additionally, the additional energy added to the build volume helps to mitigate inter-layer cool time which reduces temperature gradients. This shows that multi-laser AM systems have an impact on part performance and potentially shows lattices built with multi-laser AM systems may have certain advantages over single-laser AM systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of boreholes in tectonically deformed coal (TDC) seams is challenging, hindering the efficient exploitation of coalbed methane (CBM) resources. The reciprocating multi-stage reaming drilling technology presents a promising solution for realizing the formation of horizontal wells in TDC seams that are broken, high-pressure, and collapse-prone. To investigate it, an engineering-geological model was established to conduct physical simulation tests of multi-stage reaming drilling in horizontal wells of the TDC seams using the 11–2 TDC seam of Zhangji Mine in the Huainan Mining District as the geological prototype. Reformed tectonic coal was used to simulate the natural stratum, and drilling parameters were recorded. The test obtained a 110 mm borehole to simulate the reality of 550 mm, and the final hole was 284% of the initial one, which achieved the target and completed the design requirements. During the process, the drilling thrust force and drilling speed remained stable, while the torque increased progressively, and the unsupported borehole wall remained intact after completion. The laboratory results demonstrate that the reciprocating multi-stage reaming drilling technology can be applied in TDC seams. Highlights: The multi-stage reaming drilling technology improves coal methane resource exploitation by forming horizontal wells in tectonically deformed coal seams. Engineering-geological model, simulation tests using samples of tectonic coal confirm technology's suitability for tectonic coal seams. Completed experimental simulation of multi-stage reaming drilling in the laboratory to provide a reference example for field drilling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantitative evaluation method for the magnesia refractory deterioration in the smelting process is proposed based on analysis of static and rotating finger tests to study the dissolution behavior. A transient 3D fluid-solid coupled numerical model was then developed, including the two-phase gas/slag flow pattern, temperature profile, MgO content distribution, solid refractory dissolution, and sample shape change. A kinetic degradation model was introduced to calculate the refractory overall wear rate determined by the coupled effect of the flow-induced erosion and chemical-induced corrosion. The shape change of the solid refractory sample was characterized via the dynamic mesh technique. A close correlation between the simulated results and the experimental data gives confidence in the fundamental validity of the developed numerical model. The results indicate that the flow would increase the overall wear rate by one or two orders of magnitude depending on the velocity. Therefore, flow-induced erosion must be accounted for in estimating the refractory wear rate. The flow-induced erosion and chemical-induced corrosion could be quantified via the wall shear stress and a modified Arrhenius's law, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermochemical model based on the ion and molecule coexistence theory (IMCT) was developed to calculate thermodynamic data in the CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 slag system, considering the influential role of oxide activities on the thermodynamic properties of slags. Using this model, iso-activity contours were obtained for oxide components CaO, SiO2 and Al2O3 in this system at temperatures of 1,873 K and 1,773 K. When compared with the IMCT model, it is found that the predicted activities of oxide components in the CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 system using the model developed in this study better matches experimental data from literature in terms of both trend and numerical value. Therefore, the model developed in this study can serve as a robust modeling tool for metallurgical processes, and the thermodynamic data predicted by this new model can be used to improve the metallurgical technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation pertains to a theoretical study of mathematical model for methane steam reforming in membrane reactor, by simulating the operating variables of the reactor for high hydrogen yield and methane conversion. Basically, it deals with the development of the mathematical model of a fluidized bed Auto thermal membrane reactor (without integrated O2 perm-selective membranes), by using the mass balance macroscopically. Model is validated with the available experimental data in the literature and was found that the prediction from the models is in excellent agreement with the experimental values, with a maximum deviation of –12 to +13% and –12 to +1.8% for methane gas conversion and hydrogen yield, respectively. Finally, it investigates the effect of operating variables namely, reactor pressure, temperature, and steam to methane ratio (SMR) and permeates side pressure, on the methane gas conversion and hydrogen. The prediction reveals that the hydrogen yield and methane conversion increases with increase in reactor temperature and pressure whereas decreases with increase in SMR and permeate side pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using gaseous hydrocarbon sources has shown great promise for large-scale graphene growth, but high growth temperatures (typically 1000 °C) require sophisticated and expensive equipment, which increases graphene production costs. Here, we demonstrate a new approach to produce graphene at low cost from scrap steel sheets treated by thermal evaporation of copper plating, which is a derivative of traditional CVD technology. Without additional carbon sources, graphene film was successfully prepared on copper-coated scrap steel sheets at 820 °C. The resulting graphene has few defects and uniform morphology, comparable to CVD graphene grown at 1000 °C. Finally, the obtained graphene film is used in combination with an interdigital electrode to detect NO2 successfully, showing excellent performance. This technology expands the application of graphene in the manufacture of gas sensing devices and is compatible with traditional microelectronics technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of a steady 2D gas-droplet flow in the near-wall region behind the point of incidence of a normal or an oblique shock wave on a plane wall is investigated. In this case, the normal wave corresponds to the Mach stem in the Mach reflection mode, and the oblique wave corresponds to the regular reflection mode of the incident oblique wave. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of small liquid droplets present in the free stream on the equilibrium temperature of the adiabatic wall behind the point of wave reflection. The question is investigated: to what extent the presence of an oblique shock wave incident on the wall can enhance the effect of reducing the equilibrium wall temperature by small droplets present in the flow. The flow region is split into the outer region of "effectively inviscid flow" and the region of an asymptotic laminar boundary layer. Flow calculations in each region are based on a two-fluid model of a gas-droplet mixture, taking into account the phase transition (evaporation) on the droplet surface. The most interesting wave configurations from the point of view of heat transfer, corresponding to "fully and partially dispersed waves" with incomplete evaporation of droplets behind the reflected wave, are studied. A simple limiting scheme of the formation of a liquid film by droplets deposited on the wall is adopted, with the effects of film instability and spattering being ignored. Based on numerical calculations, the estimates are obtained for the possible decrease in the equilibrium temperature of the adiabatic wall behind the point of incidence of a shock wave in a steady supersonic gas flow containing a low concentration of liquid droplets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cemented paste backfilling (CPB) in underground mines is a widely accepted backfilling technique. It has plenty of scope for application in Indian underground mines. Both the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and tensile strength (TS) are the essential CPB design parameters. During adjacent stope extraction, minor principal stresses in the backfill mass increase; to overcome these minor principal stresses, the CPB should have sufficient TS. There are limited studies reported in literature about TS of CPB both in lab and in situ conditions, correlation between TS and UCS of CPB and tensile strength prediction models. In this article, the tensile strength development in CPB prepared using lead–zinc mill tailings with different binders (cement, fly ash, and slag) was investigated and statistical tensile strength prediction models were developed. Moreover, the correlation between TS and UCS of CPB was statistically determined with a developed correlation model. Further, the in situ strength of paste backfill specimens was determined and compared with the lab-determined strength. The in situ backfill specimens showed a shrunk of 28-day UCS and TS by 9% and 7%, respectively, as compared to lab-prepared specimens. The findings of this study would help in bulk environment-friendly tailings disposal in underground mines, better backfill strength design, and further excavation processes in lead–zinc underground mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) under completely anaerobic sulfate-reducing conditions is an energetically challenging process. To date, anaerobic degradations of only two-ringed naphthalene and three-ringed phenanthrene by sediment-free and enriched sulfate-reducing bacteria have been reported. In this study, sulfate-reducing enrichment cultures capable of degrading naphthalene and four-ringed PAH, pyrene, were enriched from a contaminated former gas plant site soil. Bacterial community composition analysis revealed that a naphthalene-degrading enrichment culture, MMNap, was dominated (84.90%) by a Gram-positive endospore-forming member of the genus Desulfotomaculum with minor contribution (8.60%) from a member of Clostridium. The pyrene-degrading enrichment, MMPyr, was dominated (97.40%) by a species of Desulfotomaculum. The sequences representing the Desulfotomaculum phylotypes shared 98.80% similarity to each other. After 150 days of incubation, MMNap degraded 195 µM naphthalene with simultaneous reduction of sulfate and accumulation of sulfide. Similarly, MMPyr degraded 114 µM pyrene during 180 days of incubation with nearly stochiometric sulfate consumption and sulfide accumulation. In both cases, the addition of sulfate reduction inhibitor, molybdate (20 mM), resulted in complete cessation of the substrate utilization and sulfate reduction that clearly indicated the major role of the sulfate-reducing Desulfotomaculum in biodegradation of the two PAHs. This study is the first report on anaerobic pyrene degradation by a matrix-free, strictly anaerobic, and sulfate-reducing enrichment culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the characteristics of air leakage concerning a "Y" type ventilation in gob-side entry retaining with roof cutting, pressure relief, and the law of a resulted gas accumulation (GA), research is conducted by employing the CFD simulation incorporated with the gauged parameters of working face (WF) mining to analyze the air leakage of "Y" type ventilation. For this purpose, the 1201 fully mechanized coal mining face in the south Wu mining location of the Daxing coal mine is taken as an illustrative example to study the air leakage in the "Y" type ventilation. So, the gas concentration (GC) issue surpassing the limit in the upper corner of the goaf was simulated. The results show that the goaf is formed into an open space when roof cutting and pressure relief technology along the goaf is implemented. The air pressure at the upper corner of the WF would be the lowest, which is only 1.12 Pa. The airflow of air leakage under a pressure difference would move from the gob-side entry retaining to the goaf. Moreover, the simulation of mine ventilation indicates that the volume of air leakage positively correlates with the length of gob-side entry retaining. When the WF is advanced 500 m ahead, the maximum volume of air leakage would reach 247 m3/min within the range of 500–1300 m, and then the rate of air leakage gradually would decrease. When the WF is advanced at 1300 m, the air leakage would become the smallest, which is 175 m3/min. When gas control is under consideration, the effect of gas extraction would be best with the buried pipe whose depth and diameter are set to 4.0 m and 400 mm, respectively. So, the GC in the upper corner would become 0.37%. After the high-level borehole with a 120 mm diameter is mined, the GC in the deep goaf decreased to 3.52%, and the GC at the upper corner became further reduced to 0.21%. While the high-level borehole gas is extracted by employing the extraction system of the high-concentration gas, the extraction system of low-concentration gas is utilized to extract the upper corner gas of the WF, thus, the problem of gas overrun was resolved satisfactorily. During the recovery period of the mining, the GC at each gauging point was less than 0.8%, which effectively guided the secure production in the Daxing coal mine and provided a theoretical foundation to control gas overrun during the mining process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model of steam reforming of pure ethane in a membrane catalytic reactor is proposed. The working elements of the reactor are cylindrical chambers, between which a hydrogen-selective palladium foil is placed. The upper chamber is vacuumized, and the lower one contains a nickel catalyst. In the case of uniform feed of the feedstock (С2Н6 and Н2О) along the perimeter of the lower chamber, the problem is reduced to finding the average flows of С2Н6, СН4, Н2О, СО, СО2, and Н2 by solving a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The studies are carried out in the temperature range of 700–1000 K at acceptable steam/ethane input flow ratios of more than four. The optimal conditions for the process, at which the hydrogen yield is 100%, are found. It is proved that under these conditions and a fixed temperature, the maximum hydrogen flow through the membrane is observed at the minimum permissible ratio of the steam and ethane input flows, equal to four. Comparison of the calculations with the experimental data confirm the assumption of the existence of two sections in the lower chamber (short initial and main sections). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future challenge for copper smelters is to increase metal yield by reducing copper losses and valorizing the slag as a marketable by-product. This can be achieved through further slag cleaning in a conventional submerged arc furnace (SAF) where remaining metallic oxides are reduced, and metal droplets have more settling time. Nevertheless, a significant amount of copper matte and metallic copper is still present as slight inclusions that cannot settle through the slag layer under simple gravity after SAF treatment. This work presents the development of a new industrial type of slag-cleaning concept, based on the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) principle, that can be coupled downstream of conventional slag-cleaning technology (e.g., electric reduction furnace). The cleaning efficiency and operating conditions were evaluated in several pilot test campaigns using a SAF supplemented by an externally applied magnetic field (electromagnet), which interacts with electrodes generating Lorentz forces, which are responsible for an MHD stirring effect. In order to simulate experimental conditions and thus understand reaction kinetics and settle mechanisms during pilot tests, this work includes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. In order to represent these electromagnetic conditions, the focus of this work is to develop a new coupled CFD model. Numerical simulations showed the interactions between MHD flow field, slag properties, and metal recovery in an industrial slag-cleaning reactor and demonstrated the MHD cleaning effect on non-ferrous slags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nuclear fusion reactors, the first wall is the name given to the surface which is in direct contact with the plasma. A part of it is the divertor which is a device that removes fusion products from the plasma and impurities that have entered into it from the vessel lining. It is covered with water cooled tiles which have to withstand high temperatures and high heat fluxes. Moreover, resistance to neutron bombardment, low tritium absorption and low hydrogen permeation are additional demands. One materials concept under research is the application of a Reduced Activation Ferritic Martensitic Steel (RAFM) as a structural material with a tungsten protective coating. Since there is a considerable thermal mismatch between, a functional-graded materials concept was proposed. As the formation of undesired intermetallic Fe-W phases as well as oxidation should be avoided, cold gas spraying was chosen as manufacturing process. Two powder blends of EUROFER97 RAFM steel and a fine tungsten powder cut on the one hand and a coarser one on the other hand were tested in different ratios. The coatings were characterized with respect to their porosity and surface structure. Furthermore, the deposition efficiencies for steel and tungsten were determined each. It turned out that the deposition process is a complex mixed situation of bonding and erosion mechanisms as the deposition windows of these very different materials obviously diverge. Thus, a lower working gas temperature and pressure was advantageous in some cases. Unexpectedly, the coarser tungsten powder in general enabled to achieve better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematical simulation of the process of thermochemical processing of biomass in a reactor is presented. A numerical study of the gasification of coke–ash residue in this reactor was carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) is a technology that efficiently combines power generation and CO2 capture. In CLC, the fuel is oxidized by a metal oxide called an oxygen carrier (OC). CLC uses two reactors: a fuel reactor and an air reactor. The fuel reactor oxidizes the fuel and reduces the OC. The air reactor oxidizes the OC using air and then the OC is cycled back to the fuel reactor. It is typical for both the fuel and the air reactors to be fluidized beds (FBs). In this research, an Aspen Plus model was developed to simulate a CLC system. Aspen Plus has recently included a built-in FB unit operation module. To our knowledge, no literature has been reported using this FB module for simulating fluidized bed combustion or gasification. This FB unit process was investigated in Aspen Plus and a kinetic based model was used and compared the simulation results to experimental data and the commonly used Gibbs equilibrium model. The FB unit and the kinetic model well fit the experimental data for syngas and methane combustion within 2% of the molar composition of syngas combustion and within 4% for the methane combustion. An advantage of this model over other kinetic models in literature is that the core shrinking model kinetic rate equations have been converted into a power law form. This allows Aspen Plus to use a calculator instead of an external Fortran compiler. This greatly simplifies the modeling process. The reaction rate equations are given for all reactions. A sensitivity analysis of the reaction kinetics was conducted. All data, code, and simulation files are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the engineering and computational methodology of designing the main units of a blast-furnace slag dry granulation plant with a capacity of 1 million tons of slags per year, also intended for the recovery of slag heat. This plant can replace the slag wet granulation plant at blast furnace No. 5 at the iron and steel works of Severstal of the same capacity. The method can be used to estimate the radius and rotation frequency of the disk for spraying a slag, mechanical power to the disk drive, granulation chamber (GC) diameter that ensures the solidification of slag droplets, temperature of slag granules at the outlet of the GC, amount of heat transferred by convection to the air and by radiation to the walls of the GC, flow rate of air supplied to cool the slag, changes in the temperatures of the slag and air on fluidized bed grates (FBGs), size of these grates, loss of air pressure in the plant, and power consumption for the fan drive, amount of slag heat disposed of in the plant, and possible generation of electricity due to it. Recommendations on the shape of the side wall of the GC are given. The findings revealed that for a plant with a capacity of 1 million tons of slags per year with a diameter of granules no more than 2 mm, the disk radius should be approximately 0.2 m, with a rotation frequency of 500 rpm and disk drive power of 5.1 kW. The required diameter of the GC at the flight speed of slag droplets of 10.4 m/s is approximately 14.4 m. The slag is cooled in the GC from 1500℃ to 1030℃ and then to 150℃ on three FBGs. Cooling air with a flow rate of 34.8 nm3/s in FBGs is heated to 640℃ and then to 800℃ in the GC. The fan drive power for is approximately 40 kW. In the plant, approximately 43 MW of heat can be disposed for steam generation, and up to 18.5 MW of electricity can be obtained due to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion and failure of electrolytic cell cast components of a gas-collecting bell made of gray cast iron is due to oxidation of iron with oxygen, SO2 gas, and sulfur vapor with formation of magnetite, hematite and pyrrhotite. As a result of iron oxide and sulfide formation scale is formed with a loose structure, which does not protect against interaction with a gaseous medium and does not prevent subsequent corrosion of electrolyzer gas collection bell cast iron components. Reducing the total length of interfacial boundaries within the cast material structure makes it possible to reduce the corrosion damage rate. This is achieved by modifying cast iron with magnesium to obtain spherical graphite inclusions. However, this modification method does not preclude full access of a corrosive gaseous medium to the electrolytic cell gas collection bell cast iron component working surface. A more effective way to protect electrolyzer gas-collecting bell cast component material from corrosion and destruction is alloying, which makes it possible to exclude precipitation of lamellar graphite within the cast iron structure. In addition, alloying elements may form surface oxide compounds that prevent corrosion initiation and development. For example, use of Cr makes it possible to obtain castings with good abrasion resistance due to presence of carbides within the cast iron structure, as well as to increase corrosion resistance due to alloying the metal base, and heat resistance due to an increase in metal base electrochemical potential and creation of a strong neutral oxide film on a casting surface. Comparative analysis of two cast irons showed that corrosion resistance of ChKh3 chromium cast iron is better than that of VCh50 nodular cast iron, and much better than that of lamellar graphite gray cast iron. However, ChKh3 chromium cast iron has poor casting properties, is very sensitive to cooling rate, and is heterogeneous in structure, which complicates casting technology in the manufacture of electrolyzer gas collection bell components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioaugmentation effectively enhances microbial bioremediation of hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from contaminated environments. While screening for pyrene-degrading bacteria from a former manufactured gas plant soil (MGPS), the mixed enrichment culture was found to be more efficient in PAHs biodegradation than the culturable pure strains. Interestingly, analysis of 16S rRNA sequences revealed that the culture was dominated by a previously uncultured member of the family Rhizobiaceae. The culture utilized C1 and other methylotrophic substrates, including dimethylformamide (DMF), which was used as a solvent for supplementing the culture medium with PAHs. In the liquid medium, the culture rapidly degraded phenanthrene, pyrene, and the carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), when provided as the sole carbon source or with DMF as a co-substrate. The efficiency of the culture in the bioremediation of PAHs from the MGPS and a laboratory waste soil (LWS) was evaluated in bench-scale slurry systems. After 28 days, 80% of Σ16 PAHs were efficiently removed from the inoculated MGPS. Notably, the bioaugmentation achieved 90% removal of four-ringed and 60% of highly recalcitrant five- and six-ringed PAHs from the MGPS. Likewise, almost all phenanthrene, pyrene, and 65% BaP were removed from the bioaugmented LWS. This study highlights the application of the methylotrophic enrichment culture dominated by an uncultured bacterium for the efficient bioremediation of PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial conversion of CO2 and CO into chemicals is a promising route that can contribute to the cost-effective reduction of anthropogenic green house and waste gas emissions and create a more circular economy. However, the biotechnological valorization of CO2 and CO into chemicals is still restricted by the limited number of model microorganisms implemented, and the small profit margin of the products synthesized. This perspective paper intends to explore the genetic potential for the microbial conversion of CO2 and CO into ectoines, in a tentative to broaden bioconversion platforms and the portfolio of products from C1 gas fermentations. Ectoine and hydroxyectoine can be produced by microorganisms growing at high salinity. They are high-value commodities for the pharmaceutical and medical sectors (1000–1200 €/kg). Currently microbial ectoine production is based on sugar fermentations, but expansion to other more sustainable and cheaper substrates is desirable. In this work, a literature review to identify halophilic microbes able to use CO2 and CO as a carbon source was performed. Subsequently, genomes of this poll of microbes were mined for genes that encode for ectoine and hydroxyectoine synthesis (ectABCD, ask, asd and ask_ect). As a result, we identified a total of 31 species with the genetic potential to synthesize ectoine and 14 to synthesize hydroxyectoine. These microbes represent the basis for the creation of novel microbial-platforms that can promote the development of cost-effective and sustainable valorization chains of CO2 and CO in different industrial scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere are having deleterious effects on biotic and abiotic systems, causing serious global concerns. Bioprocess technology is able to utilize these gases to manufacture high-value products and provide an excellent alternative to currently expensive conventional carbon sources in use. Methanotrophs are ubiquitous and utilize reduced carbon substrates without C-C bonds, such as methane, methanol, methylamine, and formaldehyde. Notably, methanotrophs produce single-cell proteins, polyhydroxyalkanoates, methanol, and exopolysaccharides, using a unique metabolic pathway during their growth process. Many industries have developed copyright-protected bioprocesses to utilize methane through methanotrophic pathways and manufacture high-value products. Among methanotrophs, Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is one of the most important methane oxidizing bacteria; it has been studied extensively to identify potential applications including methanol and biopolymer production, and the bioremediation of environmental contaminants. This paper summarizes the characteristics and versatile role of methanotrophs and Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. In addition, commercially established biological conversions of methane were constituted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multiphase flow of gas and fines in a packed bed proves to be an adequate representation that can reproduce various phenomena observed in complex packed bed reactors, such as iron-making blast furnaces, Direct Reduction of Iron shaft furnaces, and coal gasifier. However, most research neglect vital characteristics of these reactors, such as lateral inflow, presence of tuyere protrusion, and the raceway's shape and size, leading to a significant incongruence with the reactor being modeled. The present work incorporates these features into a 2D numerical study of a gas–fines–solid system with validation through experimental studies. The mathematical modeling considers the gas and fines as an Eulerian–Eulerian system with the constant voidage model for the solid phase representing the packing particles. Well-established theoretical relations and correlations are used to determine the inter-phase forces and fines accumulation regions. Particular emphasis is placed on the accurate representation of the raceway formed at the tuyere exit, and three approaches are considered, viz., its absence, a correlation-based prediction, and an iso-stress-based model. The effect of various parameters such as gas inlet velocity, packing particle material, packing particle size, fines flux through the tuyere opening, and fines size is simulated and analyzed in detail with a marked interest in the raceway shape and size and accumulation profiles of the fines which are important parameters in the overall flow characterization. An insight into the physics based on the interaction forces between the phases, which is difficult to obtain experimentally, is offered to explain the change in the shape and size of the raceway and accumulation profile observed as the parameters mentioned above are varied. The results indicate an accurate mathematical model which demonstrates excellent predictive capabilities of the raceway and fines accumulation characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today supply chains must internalize the impact of transport on the environment in their cost models. Therefore, managers must reduce green house gas emissions while striving to increase cost efficiency and satisfy demand. Our multi-echelon supply chain model minimizes pollution and cost while trying to achieve the best match between supply and demand over time. Three supply chain network configurations are investigated. Two of them are two-echelon: the first involves several suppliers and one warehouse, while the second involves one warehouse and several retail stores. The third network configuration is a three-echelon supply chain including multiple suppliers, one distribution center, and several retail stores. Using optimal control theory, we derive closed form solutions in such multi-echelon supply chain planning problems with consideration of pollution. This approach extends in a new direction the literature in operations and transport management by simultaneously addressing demand, supply as well as the greenhouse gas emissions that continuously vary in time and location. The proposed model provides a decision maker with the optimal choice of right deliveries, right times, while minimizing green house gas emissions. A numerical illustration presents some insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the problem of roadway support in rapid excavation of large section coal mine roadway, the roadway mechanical analysis model is established. According to the elastic–plastic theory, the expression of stress component in the width and range of roadway stress limit equilibrium zone is obtained. Through theoretical analysis of the stress distribution law within the stress limit equilibrium area, the support technical idea of "simultaneous support of the upper part of the roadway side and the roof, lagging support of the middle and lower part of the roadway side and the bottom angle" and the support technical principle of "strong angle control span + strong side support roof" are put forward. It is applied in 150,802 roadway of Liuzhuang Coal Mine matching with the rapid tunneling system equipment. The application results show that the roadway tunneling speed is increased from 270 to 500 m/month by using the support scheme, and the purpose of safe and efficient tunneling of coal mine roadway is realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pilot-scale mine water treatment facilities were operated for over four years at the Ilwol mine, South Korea. A steel slag-limestone reactor (referred to as the slag reactor) was tested and a successive alkalinity producing system (SAPS) and a SAPS incorporating slag from a basic oxygen steelmaking furnace were compared. The SAPS decreased Mn from 23.3 to 7.4 mg L−1 on average because the alkalinity generated led to saturation with rhodochrosite. Adding a slag reactor removed Mn down to levels of 0.002–1.8 mg L−1 from influent Mn as high as 17.1 mg L−1 with a residence time of 5–25 h. Mn-containing carbonates and oxides were precipitated, which was supported by the geochemical modelling and observed with scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The increased alkalinity in the SAPS before the slag reactor helped remove Mn at a pH range of 8.0–8.3. Mn removal rates and Mn-standardized Mn removal rates in the slag reactor were 0.76 mg L−1 h−1 and 0.105 h−1 in average, respectively. The passive treatment of Mn using an Fe-pretreatment and alkalinity-generation system, a slag-limestone reactor, and a wetland rather than a SAPS including slag, an oxidation-settling pond, and a wetland is suggested to consistently meet the effluent standards for Mn and pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeycomb cermet catalysts were studied before and after stability tests in a fluidized-bed coal reactor with a capacity of 3 Gcal/h. The catalysts were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning microscopy with elemental analysis; their textural and strength characteristics were analyzed. The octane oxidation test reaction was used as a measure of catalytic activity. A 30–40% decrease in activity was found with decreasing strength from 26 to 18 MPa. Based on the obtained change in properties, the time of operation of the catalyst was predicted to be at least two winter seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During their operation, thermal power plants (TPP) produce a huge amount of ash and slag waste, which pollutes the environment. The present paper considers the dumps of the Kemerovskaya State District Power Plant in terms of mineral deposits located on the surface. Dump samples of various ages were analyzed for the content of matrix and microcomponents. Based on the performed analysis, measures for the comprehensive separation of valuable components from waste are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green building development(GBD) plays an important role in improving carbon emission reduction efficiency of the construction industry(CEEOCI), and accelerating the construction industry to achieve carbon neutrality goals. In this paper, for the first time, the topic of "green building development promotes carbon neutrality in the construction industry" is included in the crossover research category of industrial economics and space economics. A framework for the analysis of the impact mechanism of GBD and CEEOCI under the dual perspective of "industry-space" is proposed. Based on China's provincial panel data from 2008 to 2019, using the intermediary adjustment model and the spatial Dubin model to analyze and test the industrial mechanism, spatial mechanism, and spatial effect attenuation boundary of the GBD effect on CEEOCI. The results show GBD is found to promote CEEOCI, and both the GBD and CEEOCI have a clear "center-periphery" spatial pattern. Meanwhile, the impact of GBD on CEEOCI has a "industry-space" two-dimensional mechanism. From an industrial perspective, GBD can change the supply-demand relationship of the construction market by promoting the greening of supporting industries in the construction industry and stimulating green consumption in the market, and ultimately achieve the overall improvement of CEEOCI. From a spatial perspective, GBD can form a new sectoral growth pole and provide elemental support for the improvement of CEEOCI through the polarization effect, but the polarization effect is higher in the range of 1000 km, while attenuation occurs outside the range of 1000 km. This paper provides not only a scientific and effective medium and macro analysis framework for green building development emission reduction performance evaluation but also a new theoretical basis and policy direction for the construction industry to improve carbon reduction efficiency and achieve industrial carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steel industry produces large amounts of slag coming from different stages during the steelmaking process every year. Currently, there are numerous attempts to recycle it or to use it in some other industry sectors and to preserve the environment. The characteristics of the slag depends on the steelmaking process and it is crucial to have it before any attempt of recycling. In this work, slag sample produced in the ladle furnace from SIDERPERU steel plant were collected and analyzed by using energy dispersion X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), SQUID magnetometer and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The chemical analysis obtained by EDX and XRF indicate that the main elemental composition of the material is Fe, Ca, Si and Cr. XRD identifies that these elements are in the phases: FeO, Fe3O4, α-Fe2O3, Ca2SiO4, and Ca2,32Mn0,68SiO7. Magnetometry measurements suggest the Verwey transition for magnetite and the Morin transition for hematite are screened by the presence of superparamagnetic phases. The Mössbauer spectrum shows two doublets related to Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions with hyperfine parameters belonging to that of non-stoichiometric wustite. Also, the presence of hyperfine fields characteristic of the Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 phase identified at room temperature verifies the magnetometry analysis. The analysis of the sample used in this work reveals details connected with the steel fabrication processes and are helpful for posterior recycling attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model of natural gas pressure reduction in a multistage turboexpander has been developed using a thermodynamic approach and taking into account the real gas properties. It has been shown that the maximum use of natural gas overpressure energy is provided when the outlet-to-inlet pressure ratio is above the critical value at each stage. The change in the temperature of the natural gas and its technical work in each stage of the turboexpander have been numerically determined. It has been found that the rates of temperature drop and increment in the technical work of natural gas increase from stage to stage of the turboexpander. Comparison of the calculated and experimental values of the performance parameters of the gas turboexpanders shows that they are in good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Billingham UK, where Mike Spencer spent his entire industrial career, has long been associated with the use of steam reforming for the production of synthesis gas required for the manufacture of some important chemicals, particularly ammonia and methanol. This paper describes the steam reforming process and presents some of the history of the development of tubular reforming. The catalysts, technology and industrial operation of plants are briefly reviewed. Newer technologies, such as adiabatic reforming, autothermal reforming (ATR) and gas heated reforming (GHR) that aim to increase efficiency of and reduce the environmental impact of conventional steam reforming processes are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of slag composition under M'O (monoxide, M = Fe,Mg) saturation and fully liquid conditions on dephosphorization and slag foamability was evaluated in an electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking plant operation by considering thermodynamics and phase equilibria. It was confirmed that M'O saturation slag is more favorable for higher dephosphorization than fully liquid slag due to its high activity of CaO as a thermodynamic driving force. As a quantitative measure of slag foamability, the foaming index was clearly dependent on the temperature and slag composition. Moreover, foam stability was evaluated by applying the predominance stability diagram based on phase equilibria. Consequently, it can be suggested that an efficient direction for dephosphorization and slag foaming during the EAF process is to generate high CaO activity as well as small amounts of M'O monoxide and dicalcium silicate (Ca2SiO4) compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A working process is proposed for an HF(DF) laser, in which evacuation of the reactor is completely excluded. The workflow consists of the following stages: (1) displacement of the reaction products, which are formed after initiation of the working mixture, by an inert gas and (2) subsequent displacement of the inert gas by the working mixture. A design solution is proposed for the system of gas puffing into the reactor. Gas is supplied through an annular slot at one of the reactor ends, which makes it possible to minimize the consumption of inert gas used for displacing the reaction products after initiation of the working mixture. The amount of residual HF(DF) gas in the reactor is incapable of affecting the generation energy in the next cycle. It has been experimentally shown that the displacement technology does not lower the lasing energy in comparison with the pumping technology, but significantly reduces the duration of the HF(DF)-laser operating cycle by approximately two orders of magnitude). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stationary mathematical model is used to estimate the characteristics of gasification of pulverized fuel in a filtration combustion reactor with a coolant counterflow are estimated. The high efficiency of the gasification method under study is established. The movement of the coolant toward the flow of gaseous products makes it possible to recuperate a significant part of the thermal energy released, which has a significant effect on the temperature and composition of combustion products. It is shown that the gasification characteristics can be purposefully changed by varying three main parameters: air flow rate, steam flow rate, and coolant flow. As an example, the dependences of the main gasification characteristics (combustion temperature, product composition, and process efficiency) on control parameters are calculated. Calculations make it possible to estimate possible modes and select an optimal set of control parameters for gasification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to investigate how the location of fire source impacts the species generation. From the standpoint of fire safety, toxicity need to be estimated from the product gases evolved under different conditions of pool fire inside the compartment. However, industries like chemical, nuclear and thermal power plants also possess fuel positions significantly above the floor level inside an enclosure. Also, marine diesel fuel storage position in the ship cabin is just above the base, which implies an elevated pool fire conditions. In the present investigation, the severity of product gases with different pan diameters (ranges from 0.2 to 0.8 m) along with diesel fuel pan elevations in terms of toxicity were analysed. In order to study the behaviour of various fuel position, a large pool diameter 0.8 m was burned in centre, corner and rear wall centre along with six different fire source elevation. Results were analysed in terms of heat release rate (HRR), ratio of CO2/CO, upper hot gas temperature, residence time of upper hot gas, CO yield, CO2 yield and fractional effective dose (FED). The maximum HRR was obtained in the range of 10 kW to 1100 kW. For large pool diameter, results of CO2/CO ratio shows exponential decay trend along with fuel pan elevation, the maximum concentration of CO increased with increase in ceiling temperature showed parabolic trend. Moreover, lower CO2/CO ratio addresses incomplete combustion and thereby leads to higher toxicity inside the compartment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To increase the refining efficiency of the Ruhrstahl–Heraeus (RH) reactor used in steelmaking, extra gas was blown into the molten bath through the bottom of the ladle. Both water experimental and numerical simulation models were established to analyze the flow field behavior to select the optimal bottom-blowing position and to study the effects of the bottom-blowing flow rate on the flow field of the molten bath, slag eye formation, and snorkel refractory materials. The results show that the recirculation flow rate increases and the mixing time decreases with an increase in the bottom-blowing flow rate. When blowing at the optimal position, the velocity of the molten steel in the ladle increases with increasing gas flow rate, and the low-velocity zone between the down-snorkel and ladle wall disappears, but the slag eye is easily formed. The simulation and experimental results were applied to an industrial 150 t RH reactor, where the optimal bottom-blowing flow rate and position improved the refining effect without forming a slag eye or having adverse effects on the snorkel refractory. To reduce the mass fraction of hydrogen to 2.0 ppm, the required processing time was shortened by 16.40 pct, and the dehydrogenation rate was increased by 19.51 pct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In leading countries around the world, research is being conducted on the development of dry slag granulation plants (DSGPs) for blast-furnace slag; these plants support production of dry granulated slag and recovery of physical heat from slag. The design and construction of laboratory or pilot dry granulation plants requires engineering techniques that can be used to design the major components of the plant. The most important component of a dry slag granulation plant is a horizontally rotating device (disk) for spraying slag (a disk), with the molten slag being fed onto this disk. As the slag interacts with the disk, the slag is atomized into drops with a diameter of 1–2 mm that move radially at a speed of 5–15 m/sex through the interior of the granulation chamber, where they undergo radiant and convective heat exchange, and solidify before they come into contact with the cylindrical wall of the chamber. Knowing the maximum diameter d of the molten slag droplets and the speed w at which they move through the granulation chamber, it is possible to estimate the geometric and operating parameters of the spraying device (disk): The disk radius r0, the rotation frequency f of the disk, the maximum slag flow rate Gmax at which the slag becomes atomized, as well as the mechanical power N required for rotation of the disk. In this paper, we obtain fairly simple expressions that enable us to determine the values of r0, f, Gmax, and N as a function of the parameters d and w, and present the results from an analysis of these functions. This analysis also takes into account the thermophysical properties of blast furnace slag: density, coefficient of viscosity, and the coefficient of surface tension. For example, slag droplets with diameter 2 mm and speed 5 m/sec cool in the granulation chamber from 1500 to 1200°C (guaranteed solidification temperature) in about 0.7 sec, in which case the radius of the chamber should be at least 3.5 m. The rotating disk should be approximately 0.047 m in diameter, with a rotation frequency of 16.8 Hz. The maximum volume flow rate of sprayed slag is 0.0035 m3/sec = 12.6 m3/h. The specific consumption of mechanical energy for the disk drive will be ≈ 0.0105 kW·h per metric ton of molten slag. As the droplet velocity w increases, the size of the granulation chamber and the values of r0, Gmax, N will increase significantly, and the rotation frequency of the disk will decrease. As the droplet diameter d decreases, the size of the granulation chamber and the values of r0 and Gmax will significantly decrease, the frequency f will increase, and there will be a slight increase in the power N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most low-melting (brick tile) clays found in the Russian Federation are classified as semi-acidic and acidic, non-caking, with a high content of coloring oxides (Fe2O3> 3%) and a low content of aluminum oxide (12 – 15%). Therefore, bricks of grade M150 or higher cannot be obtained from these clay components, given their low aluminum oxide content. Ceramic bricks of grades M150 – M300 are required for the construction of load-bearing walls of the lower floors of high-rise buildings (ten floors and higher). In this work, a ceramic earthquake-resistant brick was obtained based on waste of combustible shale, namely, intershale clay used as a clay component, and aluminum-containing slag from the production of metallic chromium. Earthquake-resistant brick, fired in the range of 1050 – 1100°C, had a grades M150 – 175. Studies of the phase composition of ceramic brick samples have shown that mullite is formed in the samples when fired at 1100°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of water-based drilling cuttings (WDC) would be generated during the drilling of shale gas wells, which would occupy land resources and pose significant threat to soil and groundwater environment. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using WDC as a replacement of natural clay to prepare sintered bricks. To determine the optimum preparation condition, the weight loss on ignition, bulk density, water absorption, and compressive strength of the samples were tested. Meanwhile, the environmental performance of the final products was evaluated and micro-analysis was conducted via X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that using WDC to manufacture sintered bricks was technically feasible, but the physical mechanical performance would significantly decrease with the increase of the replacement ratio because of the presence of less silica and excessive calcium. The addition of waste glass and fly ash could promote the generation of molten glassy phase and form the crystal particle bonding structure, which would contribute to the physical-mechanical performance of WDC sintered bricks. Some mineral components in raw materials decomposed and formed minerals with better thermal stability during the sintering process. Under the optimum preparation conditions (mass ratio of WDC: waste glass: fly ash at 40:20:40, sintering temperature at 900 °C, and insulation time at 2 h), the physical-mechanical and environmental performance of WDC sintered bricks could meet the requirements of corresponding Chinese standards and ASTM standards. Thus, in this study, an effective solution to recycle WDC from shale gas development is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classical Gibbs paradox concerns the entropy change upon mixing two gases. Whether an observer assigns an entropy increase to the process depends on their ability to distinguish the gases. A resolution is that an "ignorant" observer, who cannot distinguish the gases, has no way of extracting work by mixing them. Moving the thought experiment into the quantum realm, we reveal new and surprising behaviour: the ignorant observer can extract work from mixing different gases, even if the gases cannot be directly distinguished. Moreover, in the macroscopic limit, the quantum case diverges from the classical ideal gas: as much work can be extracted as if the gases were fully distinguishable. We show that the ignorant observer assigns more microstates to the system than found by naive counting in semiclassical statistical mechanics. This demonstrates the importance of accounting for the level of knowledge of an observer, and its implications for genuinely quantum modifications to thermodynamics. The Gibbs paradox stems from the entropy change upon mixing two gases. Here, by considering bosonic and fermionic statistics, the authors show that an observer unable to distinguish the particles' spins assigns a greater entropy increase to the mixing process than is possible in classical physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of a complex experiment-calculated investigation of the structure of a nonstationary gas flow in the working path of a hypersonic ramjet engine are presented. Methods of experimental determining the pressure and temperature distributions over the wall of an axisymmetric channel of complex geometry with a sudden widening are proposed and described. The problem on the gas flow over a ramjet engine positioned in a wind tunnel was solved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides conventional industrial demands, thermally sprayed coatings are increasingly used for innovative products. Such an application is the additive manufacturing of electrical components in automotive engineering. In particular, heating units are currently manufactured by a combination of various spray technologies. At present, simpler spraying processes like flame spraying are investigated with regard to their suitability as a future cost-effective alternative for fabricating isolating alumina coatings. In the present study, alumina cords were flame-sprayed using compressed air and argon as atomizing gases. The results demonstrate finely dispersed microstructures and a more regular and partially even higher surface and volume resistivity compared to past investigations in the literature as well as conventionally plasma-sprayed coatings despite a significantly reduced coating thickness. The content of alpha phase is clearly higher than for plasma-sprayed coatings, regardless of the atomizing gas used. Moreover, flame-sprayed coatings using argon reveal a higher resistivity in comparison to coatings sprayed with air. While the atomizing gas is found to mainly influence the ideal stand-off distance, the phase composition is not changed severely. In addition to the phase composition and kinematics, it can finally be concluded that humidity plays a major role in the coating properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas emission from the working face in a gas-bearing coal seam impairs safe production. Especially in the coal face, influenced by mining, pressure-relief gas in adjacent seams flows into the working face through the goaf. Moreover, caved overlying strata in different regions show differences in pore and seepage characteristics. Thus, the caving of overlying strata in the goaf of a working face was explored by carrying out physical similarity simulation. Then, based on the characteristics of the geometric shapes of caved overlying strata after mining, a trapezoidal three-dimensional model for gas extraction was established. According to the calculation result, the parameters of field high-level boreholes were optimized. Then, the controllability of gas concentration at the working face after gas extraction was assessed by applying statistical process control. The result showed that after the observed surface of the physical similarity model was lightened, it was more favorable for conducting the test. Moreover, the maximum gas concentration in the goaf was negatively correlated with the diameter of high-level boreholes and the negative pressure for gas extraction. A statistical process control chart revealed that the gas concentrations at the working face were safe after gas extraction based on high-level boreholes, which also validated the feasibility and effectiveness of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide layers have been synthesized by magnetron sputtering of ZnO:Ga ceramic and ZnO:Ga + 10 wt % Zn cermet targets in an Ar atmosphere and by reactive sputtering of a zinc target in an Ar–O2 atmosphere. The effect of working gas pressure in the chamber on the growth and structure of ZnO layers has been studied. It has been established that, for all the target types used, the crystal structure of ZnO nanocrystallites forming the layer improves with an increase in working gas pressure. The effect of excess zinc in the reagent flow on the microstructure and properties of the ZnO layers has been analyzed by comparing the electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction data on the layers formed by sputtering targets of different types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the design of a gas-discharge emitter, which is implemented by limiting the spread of the discharge in a narrow gap between two transparent equidistant surfaces, with air as the working gas with a peak brightness of 6.2 Msb, a luminous body of 18 cm2 (at a discharge energy of 75 J), and a halfwidth duration of ~2 μs. This scheme can be used to solve a wide class of problems, for example, those related to photogrammetric measurements in aeroballistic tests, as well as when creating pulsed loads when detonation is initiated in an extended layer of a photosensitive energy-saturated material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of comparative investigations of the pulse-switching characteristics of devices (kivotrons) based on the open discharge in molecular gases (oxygen and nitrogen) and their mixtures with helium are presented. The choice of oxygen and nitrogen is determined by the fact that the coefficients of electron emission under impact of their heavy particles are much higher as compared to that for helium. It is established that this factor, as well as the case of predominantly photoelectron emission mechanism operative in helium, makes the creation of fast switches possible. These switches are advantageous in posing lower requirements on the purity of a working gas medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to explore the determinants of interprovincial income inequality in Indonesia from 2005 to 2013 by using a bi-dimensional inequality decomposition method. It tries, particularly, to analyze how economic tertiarization and concurrent output deindustrialization have affected interprovincial inequality. The bi-dimensional inequality decomposition method decomposes interprovincial inequality as measured by the squared population-weighted coefficient of variation in two dimensions, namely, by regional groups and industrial sectors. While deindustrialization has lowered the relative importance of manufacturing in determining overall interprovincial inequality, manufacturing activities are still very unevenly distributed among regions and provinces. The government needs to implement policies that are conducive to the balanced development of non-oil and gas manufacturing industries based on regional comparative advantages and disadvantages, where further development of economic infrastructures and human resources, particularly outside Java-Bali, is essential. Meanwhile, economic tertiarization has raised the importance of service activities in determining overall interprovincial inequality, particularly inequality within Java-Bali. The tertiary sector accounts for more than half of total GDP in Java-Bali, and many service activities, such as IC, banking, business services and private services, are concentrated in Jakarta and neighboring districts. Particularly, with the advancement of IC technologies, the IC sector has been expanding rapidly. Together with banking, business services and private services, further development of the IC sector is likely to increase interprovincial inequality in Java-Bali unless policies that could facilitate geographical dispersion of these service activities are implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compressors are widely used in different areas of industry and are among the most common types of industrial products. Therefore, the task of improving existing types of compressors and that of developing new designs of compressors are critical needs. The Astanovskii-type rotary compressor with sector pistons is an example of an innovative type of compressor. The operating principle of such a compressor is described and a mathematical model of the processes that occur in the working cavity of the compressor along with a methodology for determining the performance indicators based on the model are presented. Results of a simulation of the operation of gas and refrigeration rotary compressors with sector pistons are presented and the influence of nonequilibrium regenerative heat exchange of a compressible gas with the walls of the working cavity in this type of compressor is estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]