<p>The carbon metabolism in costal sediments is of major importance for the global carbon cycle. Costal sediments are also subjected to physical forcing generating water fluxes above and through the sediments, but how the physical affect the carbon metabolism is currently poorly known. In this study, the effect of advective pore water flow on degradation of organic matter in permeable sandy sediment was investigated in a laboratory study during wintertime. Sediments were collected from both brackish water (Askö) and from a fresh water stream (Getå Stream). In two chamber experiments, with and without advective pore water flow, the degradation of organic matter was measured through carbon dioxide analysis from water and headspace. In Askö sediments mineralization rates ranged from 3.019 - 5.115 mmol C m-2 d-1 and 3.139 mmol C m-2 d-1 with and without advective pore water flow, respectively. Those results correspond with results from earlier studies of carbon mineralization rates in sediment in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the Askö sediment. In Getå Stream sediments mineralization rates ranged between 4.059 mmol C m-2 d-1 and 6.806 mmol C m-2 d-1 with and without advective flow, respectively. The mineralization rates for Getå Stream correspond with earlier studies of carbon mineralization rates in a stream in New Hampshire.</p>

Shallow water flow and lost circulation are frequently encountered problems during drilling top holes of oil, gas or geothermal wells. Plenty of methods have been applied to overcome these problems. Placement of silicate based gel systems is one of the oldest methods to seal such undesired zones. For this study, sodium-silicate based gel system is investigated experimentally. This gel system is deliberately delayed multi-component system mixed as a uniform liquid at the surface but desired to form strong gel where it is placed in the well. The experimentally analyzed system is composed of distilled water, sodium-silicate solution, polymer solution, lost circulation materials, weighting agent and organic initiator. In this study, effect of these components on gel time, gel quality and gel strength at room temperature is investigated as a function of their concentration. To be able to compare gelation time of different compositions, gel time tests were performed by following the developed method in this study. Observation codes were defined to be able to compare the gel qualities of different compositions. For gel time and quality tests, sodium-silicate concentrations from 3.5% to 15% were studied and the concentrations between 7.5% and 10% were found as optimum. Gel time is getting higher as silicate-initiator ratio (SIR) increases for these optimum concentrations. It was also determined that, addition of polymers reduces the gel time and increases the elasticity of the resulting gels. Long term gelation process was investigated by monitoring turbidity (NTU) of the mixtures and plotting NTU versus time curves. Viscosity development curves obtained from rotational viscometer at various constant shear rates indicated reduced gelation times with increasing shear rate. Furthermore, by using modified High-Pressure, High-Temperature filter press cell, it was determined that, addition of lost circulation materials increases the extrusion pressure.

The carbon metabolism in costal sediments is of major importance for the global carbon cycle. Costal sediments are also subjected to physical forcing generating water fluxes above and through the sediments, but how the physical affect the carbon metabolism is currently poorly known. In this study, the effect of advective pore water flow on degradation of organic matter in permeable sandy sediment was investigated in a laboratory study during wintertime. Sediments were collected from both brackish water (Askö) and from a fresh water stream (Getå Stream). In two chamber experiments, with and without advective pore water flow, the degradation of organic matter was measured through carbon dioxide analysis from water and headspace. In Askö sediments mineralization rates ranged from 3.019 - 5.115 mmol C m-2 d-1 and 3.139 mmol C m-2 d-1 with and without advective pore water flow, respectively. Those results correspond with results from earlier studies of carbon mineralization rates in sediment in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the Askö sediment. In Getå Stream sediments mineralization rates ranged between 4.059 mmol C m-2 d-1 and 6.806 mmol C m-2 d-1 with and without advective flow, respectively. The mineralization rates for Getå Stream correspond with earlier studies of carbon mineralization rates in a stream in New Hampshire.

Šiuo magistriniu darbu mėginsiu išsiaiškinti mažosios hidroenegetikos vystimosi galimybes, palyginti jas su kitomis elektrinėmis, išsiaiškinti kokius upių resursus turi mūsų šalis, kokie yra gamtosauginiai reikalavimai hidroenergetikoje, generatoriai, kokie yra hidroelektrinės prijungimo prie tinklo variantai. / The theme of Master project of Electrical engineer is The investigation of potentiolity development of small hydro energetic. I think it is very important, because Lithuania is going to close Ignalina nuclear power station as it is required by the EU. Obviously, we are forced to find solution of energy shortage. One of the solutions are renewable energy sources. Lithuania has potential power in rivers and it has opportunity to expand of small hydro energetic. Byt we have to admit, that nowadays a small hydro energetic is not expanding as fast as it could. In my Master project of electical Engineer I show, how easy is to construct hydro power station, but hard to find a place, where station could be, to conect it with electricity networks for several reasons.

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Large cooling systems consume up to 25% of the total electricity used on deep level mines. These systems are integrated with the water reticulation system to provide chilled service water and cool ventilation air. Improving the energy efficiency of these large cooling systems is an important electrical demand-side management initiative. However, it is critical that the service delivery and system performance be maintained so as to not adversely affect productivity. A novel demand-side management strategy, based on variable water flow, was developed to improve the energy efficiency of large cooling systems like those found on deep mines. The strategy focuses on matching the cooling system supply to the demand through the use of modern energy efficient equipment, such as variable speed drives. The strategy involves the modulation of evaporator, condenser, bulk air cooler and pre-cooling water according to partial load conditions. A unique central energy management system was developed to integrate the proposed strategies on large cooling systems. The system features a generic platform and hierarchical network architecture. Real-time energy management is achieved through monitoring, optimally controlling and reporting on the developed strategy. The system is robust and versatile and can be applied to various large cooling systems. The feasibility of the strategy and energy management system was first investigated through the use of an adapted and verified simulation model and a techno-economic analysis. The strategy was then implemented on four large mine cooling systems and its in situ performance was assessed as experimental validation. The results of the Kusasalethu surface cooling system are discussed in detail as a primary case study while the results of the Kopanang, South Deep South Shaft and South Deep Twin Shaft cooling systems are summarised as secondary case studies. The potential to extend the variable water flow strategy to other industrial cooling systems is assessed through an investigation on the cooling system of the Saldanha Steel plant. Results indicate that, over a period of three months, average electrical load savings of 606-2 609 kW (29.3-35.4%) are realised on the four systems with payback periods of 5-17 months. The average electrical load saving between the sites is 33.3% at an average payback period of 10 months. The service delivery and performance of the cooling system and its critical subsystems are not adversely affected. The potential to extend the method to other large cooling systems is also shown. The developed variable water flow strategy is shown to improve the energy efficiency of large cooling systems, making a valuable contribution towards a more sustainable future. This thesis is presented as a detailed discussion of the entire research process. The key results have also been summarised in a series of five research articles attached as independent annexures. Three articles have been published in international scientific journals, one has been presented at and published in the proceedings of an international conference and one is still under review. / Thesis (PhD (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Large cooling systems consume up to 25% of the total electricity used on deep level mines. These systems are integrated with the water reticulation system to provide chilled service water and cool ventilation air. Improving the energy efficiency of these large cooling systems is an important electrical demand-side management initiative. However, it is critical that the service delivery and system performance be maintained so as to not adversely affect productivity. A novel demand-side management strategy, based on variable water flow, was developed to improve the energy efficiency of large cooling systems like those found on deep mines. The strategy focuses on matching the cooling system supply to the demand through the use of modern energy efficient equipment, such as variable speed drives. The strategy involves the modulation of evaporator, condenser, bulk air cooler and pre-cooling water according to partial load conditions. A unique central energy management system was developed to integrate the proposed strategies on large cooling systems. The system features a generic platform and hierarchical network architecture. Real-time energy management is achieved through monitoring, optimally controlling and reporting on the developed strategy. The system is robust and versatile and can be applied to various large cooling systems. The feasibility of the strategy and energy management system was first investigated through the use of an adapted and verified simulation model and a techno-economic analysis. The strategy was then implemented on four large mine cooling systems and its in situ performance was assessed as experimental validation. The results of the Kusasalethu surface cooling system are discussed in detail as a primary case study while the results of the Kopanang, South Deep South Shaft and South Deep Twin Shaft cooling systems are summarised as secondary case studies. The potential to extend the variable water flow strategy to other industrial cooling systems is assessed through an investigation on the cooling system of the Saldanha Steel plant. Results indicate that, over a period of three months, average electrical load savings of 606-2 609 kW (29.3-35.4%) are realised on the four systems with payback periods of 5-17 months. The average electrical load saving between the sites is 33.3% at an average payback period of 10 months. The service delivery and performance of the cooling system and its critical subsystems are not adversely affected. The potential to extend the method to other large cooling systems is also shown. The developed variable water flow strategy is shown to improve the energy efficiency of large cooling systems, making a valuable contribution towards a more sustainable future. This thesis is presented as a detailed discussion of the entire research process. The key results have also been summarised in a series of five research articles attached as independent annexures. Three articles have been published in international scientific journals, one has been presented at and published in the proceedings of an international conference and one is still under review. / Thesis (PhD (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

This thesis reports on the research undertaken to reduce the water usage within manufacturing through modelling and improving the water efficiencies at both process and production system levels. The primary objectives of this research are: to develop a framework which classifies the various water usages within a manufacturing facility, to define a number of efficiency ratios to highlight the water inefficient activities, and to develop a decision support tool to aid with the selection of the most effective solutions for reduction of water usage within manufacturing applications. The research undertaken in the past three years is divided into four main parts. The first part reviews the relevant literature on water availability and distribution, the role of water in manufacturing, and relevant legislations and policies governing the water usage in manufacturing industries. The review also includes assessment of current water flow modelling and wastewater management tools and technologies. The second part introduces a Manufacturing Water Usage framework which classifies the water usage within a manufacturing facility as production-related and non-production-related water. The Production Water, which is the main focus of this research, is further classified as Process and System Water required to produce a product. Process Water is defined as the water used directly by the production processes, whereas System Water is defined as the water used to support the operation of a process and/or to maintain the production equipment. The framework also incorporates the definition of a number of Water Efficiency Ratios to determine the water critical processes. The third part of the thesis describes the implementation of this framework within a water simulation model as the main engine for a water reduction decision support tool. The final part of the thesis demonstrates the utilisation of this tool to support the decisions aimed at reducing water within a real food production line. In summary, the research has concluded that the consideration of water reduction scenarios within the manufacturing industry requires a detailed understanding of where and how water is used at production process level, and utilisation of this knowledge to develop a series of proactive approaches based on product/process redesign and radical operational planning improvements.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / O estudo teve como objetivo proceder a uma anÃlise comparativa de tÃcnicas para estimativa da infiltraÃÃo de Ãgua no solo, com vistas ao dimensionamento, manejo e avaliaÃÃo de sistemas de irrigaÃÃo por sulcos. O estudo foi conduzido no perÃodo de janeiro a fevereiro de 2006 na Ãrea AT1 da Fazenda Experimental Vale do Curu, Pentecoste, Estado do CearÃ, em um Neossolo FlÃvico de textura franco-arenosa. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o de blocos completamente casualizados, constando de cinco tratamentos e quatro repetiÃÃes. Os tratamentos constaram das seguintes tÃcnicas de infiltraÃÃo de Ãgua no solo: cilindro-infiltrÃmetro, sulco-infiltrÃmetro, entradasaÃda, balanÃo de volume I e balanÃo de volume II. A anÃlise dos resultados permitiu as seguintes conclusÃes: - A lÃmina de Ãgua infiltrada no solo apresentou um maior grau de dependÃncia à variÃvel preparo de solo se comparada à variÃvel teor de Ãgua no solo; - As tÃcnicas de balanÃo volumÃtrico apresentaram resultados semelhantes tanto no que diz respeito à lÃmina infiltrada acumulada quanto ao regime assintÃtico; - As tÃcnicas de entrada-saÃda e cilindro-infiltrÃmetro apresentaram valores de infiltraÃÃo acumulada superestimados se comparados aos demais tratamentos analisados; - As tÃcnicas de balanÃo volumÃtrico apresentaram um menor tempo de resposta à obtenÃÃo do regime assintÃtico, caracterÃstica inerente ao processo fÃsico da infiltraÃÃo de Ãgua no solo. / The study it had as objective to proceed to a comparative analysis of techniques for estimate of the water infiltration in the soil, with sights to the sizing, handling and evaluation of systems of irrigation for furrow. The study was lead in the period of January the February of 2006 in area AT1 of the Fazenda Experimental Vale do Curu, Pentecoste, Cearà State, in one Neossolo FlÃvico of sand loam texture. The adopted experimental delineation was randomized blocks design, consisting of five treatments and four replications. The treatments had consisted of the following techniques of water infiltration in the ground: cylinder infiltrometer, furrow infiltrometer, nflow-outflow, volume balance I and volume balance II. The analysis of the results allowed the following conclusions: - The water infiltrated in the soil presented a bigger degree of dependence to the variable soil tillage if compared with the variable text of water content. - The techniques of volumetric balance had presented resulted similar in what it says respect to the water infiltrated accumulated how much to the asymptotic regime, allowing to recommends the methodology preconized for Christiansen (1966) in situations where the use of the methodology of Walker and Skogerboe (1987) that if present limitation. - The techniques of inflow-outflow and cylinder infiltrometer had presented values of accumulated infiltration overestimated if compared with the too much analyzed treatments, above all to the methodologies of volumetric balance. - The techniques of volumetric balance had presented a lesser time of reply to the attainment of the asymptotic regime, characteristic inherent to the physical process of the water infiltration in the soil.

Apresenta-se um modelo matemático que avalia numericamente a estabilidade do estado estacionário para escoamentos água-ar em sistemas pipeline-riser de geometria variável. Uma análise a partir da teoria de estabilidade linear é aplicada a um modelo matemático adequado ao escoamento água-ar no sistema pipeline-riser. O modelo considera equações de continuidade para a fase líquida e para a fase gasosa, admite-se escoamento unidimensional e em condição isotérmica. O líquido é considerado incompressível enquanto que a fase gasosa é considerada um gás ideal. Admite-se uma equação de momento simplificada para mistura onde despreza-se a inércia (NPW - Modelo No Pressure Wave) e o padrão de escoamento local é definido com base nas condições do escoamento e na inclinação local. Assim, a intermitência severa é controlada principalmente pela gravidade no riser e pela compressibilidade do gás no pipeline. Tanto a correlação de fluxo de deriva quanto o cálculo da queda de pressão por atrito, adotados como lei de fechamento do modelo, são determinados em função do padrão de escoamento. Injeção de gás e válvula de choke são consideradas, respectivamente, na base e no topo do riser. O modelo é aplicado à sistemas pipeline-riser com escoamento água-ar citados na literatura. Os resultados da análise de estabilidade linear numérica são comparados aos resultados experimentais e numéricos apresentando uma excelente concordância. / A mathematical model that numerically evaluates the stability of the stationary state for hilly terrain air-water flows systems is presented. Numerical linear stability analysis is performed to a suitable mathematical model for the two-phase flows in a pipeline-riser system. The mathematical model considers the continuity equations for the liquid and gas phases, one-dimensional flow and isothermal conditions. The liquid is assumed incompressible while the gas phase is considered as an ideal gas. A simplified momentum equation for the mixture, neglecting inertia (NPW - No pressure wave model) is considered and the local flow pattern is defined based on the flow conditions and the local inclination. In this way, severe slugging is controlled mainly by gravity in the riser and compressibility in the pipeline. The void fraction and friction pressure drop, utilized as closure laws, are determined based on the local flow pattern. Gas injection at the bottom of the riser and a choke valve at the top are considered. The model is applied to air-water pipeline-riser systems reported in the literature. Numerical linear stability analysis results are compared with experimental and numerical results reported in the literature with excellent agreement.