The objective of this work is to optimize high-power low-frequency sonication (US) pretreatment of sludge, and especially to investigate for the first time possible improvements by higher pressure and audible frequency. After a preliminary examination of regular process conditions (sludge conditioning, sludge type, prior alkalization, temperature control, etc), effects of US parameters (power -PUS, intensity -IUS, specific energy input -ES, frequency -FS, etc.) and of hydrostatic pressure (Ph) were specifically looked into, separately and in combination, first under cooling at constant temperature (28°C), then under the progressive temperature rise provoked by sonication. First, it was confirmed that specific energy input (ES) plays a key role in sludge US disintegration (i.e. solubilisation of organic matter) and that temperature rise during adiabatic-like sonication is beneficial through additional effects of thermal hydrolysis and cavitation. At a given ES value, low FS (12 kHz vs. 20 kHz) and high PUS enhance soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) due to more violent cavitation, while hydrostatic pressure gives rise to an optimum value due to its opposite effects on cavitation threshold and intensity. One major result is that optimal pressure depends on IUS (P¬US) as well as temperature profile, but not on ES, FS, nor sludge type. Setting the other parameters at the most favorable conditions expected, i.e. 12 kHz, 360 W , 28 gTS/L, and adiabatic conditions, final optimization was achieved by searching for this pressure optimum and examining sequential procedure to avoid too high temperature dampening cavitation intensity and damaging the transducer. Such conditions with sequential mode and Ph of 3.25 bar being selected succeeded in achieving very high SCOD, but only marginally improved subsequent methanization yield.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2006.

The new world of work has an enormous impact on the work-life of employees. Retrenchment, early retirement, unemployment and the demand for better performance are the result of massive restructurings, outsourcing, mergers and acquisitions. The old Psychological contract, as well as lifelong employment, is becoming obsolete in a changing world of work. This leads to increased job insecurity in the workplace. There is substantial evidence in the literature that job insecurity is damaging to psychological health. Job insecurity in not only damaging the individual but impacts negatively on the organisation. Job insecurity leads to mistrust, lack of commitment and general dissatisfaction. In the end it will have a definite impact on organisational performance. The empirical objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between job insecurity, psychological well-being and the relationship with future literacy. A cross-sectional design with an availability sample (n =. 459) was used. The sample was subjected to a specific programme of future literacy training (Map Your Life). Questionnaires were completed prior to the training programme. The reliability and construct validity of the measuring instruments acceptable. (Cronbach alpha coefficients adhere to the cut-off point of > 0,70) with the exception of the Dispositional Optimism Questionnaire (Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0,64). Future literacy is an unknown concept and it was necessary to conceptualise the concept. No instrument to measure future literacy existed and it was necessary to compile such an instrument. A questionnaire consisting of 18 items was compiled to measure future literacy. Factor analysis revealed two factors that measured future literacy. Factor One was named Positive Mindset Towards Future Possibilities and Factor Two, Anticipating, Planning and Preparing for Future Changes. The Cronbach alpha for Factor One was 0,76 and 0,8 1 for the second factor. Results indicated statistical signiticant correlations (of a medium effect) between job insecurity, self-efficacy, dispositional optimism and work locus of control. Self-efficacy and dispositional optimism correlated negatively with job insecurity, indicating that job insecurity decreases as self-efficacy and dispositional optimism increases. The results also indicated a significant negative correlation (medium effect) between job insecurity and future literacy. This implies that as job insecurity decreases future literacy increases. The negative correlation between future literacy and job insecurity indicates that candidates who are future literate experience less job insecurity. When candidates with high and low scores on future literacy were compared with one another, candidates who scored low on all the scales of future literacy experienced high levels job insecurity. Candidates who demonstrated high levels of future literacy experienced significantly lower job insecurity. Black employees experienced significantly higher levels of future literacy when compared to White employees. Multiple regression analysis indicated that self-efficacy, dispositional optimism, work locus of control and future literacy predicted job insecurity when controlling for biographical variables. Limitations and recommendations regarding future research, as well as recommendations for the organisation were made. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2006.

A review of the literature indicates that the understanding of the mixing phenomena in anaerobic digesters is limited and the ability to measure digester mixing characteristics is lacking. Moreover, rheological characteristics of the sludge are largely ignored. The need for a more thorough understanding of fundamental mixing relationships and the ability to measure these relationships in the anaerobic digester is recognized. To this end, investigations using experimental and numerical methods to visualize flow patterns and quantify mixing that impact biogas yields is reported. Results from this research identifies optimum mixing regimes for digesters depending on their sludge rheology, operational regimes, digester dimensions and mixing systems, and also produces an industrial guide to improve digester design. The results show that in order to accurately predict the optimum mixing regime for a particular anaerobic digester, it is necessary to determine to what extent biogas output is dependent upon, and can be influenced by flow patterns in an anaerobic digester. These flows are in turn determined by physical characteristics of the digester, the feed regime, the mixing system and the rheological properties of the sludge. Mixing regimes are tailored to produce flow patterns that could potentially increase biogas production and/or reduce mixing energy input of the digester. An all-inclusive anaerobic digester model is developed and validated using advanced experimental techniques that can be used to optimize the digestion process in terms of physical and biological parameters. In either case, the model provides an ongoing management of anaerobic digester process to improve overall energy yield from the digester and reduce its environmental impact.

Neste trabalho, foram projetados protótipos de uma extrusora e de um equipamento para produção de filmes por laminação e posterior evaporação do solvente. Após os cálculos necessários para montagem dos equipamentos, os desenhos foram feitos em CAD (Software SolidWorks versão 2009). Definidas as combinações ideais entre polímero e plastificante, foram selecionadas as melhores condições de produção para os filmes. O tamanho básico do equipamento de extrusão foi em proporção direta à medida da lâmina e à produção total desejada. Projetou-se a matriz em razão do formato do filme, e a rosca tendo alma cônica, passo constante e diâmetro constante. Para a produção dos filmes por evaporação, após os cálculos de transferência de massa por convecção em escoamento externo, montou-se uma estrutura em acrílico como sistema de secagem e laminadores em diferentes espessuras. Os filmes por extrusão foram preparados a partir de maltodextrina, glicerina e celulose microcristalina, enquanto para a produção de filmes por evaporação de solvente, o pululano foi o polímero de escolha. Verificou-se que pelo método de extrusão, conseguiu-se uma maior produtividade, mas, em contrapartida, pelo método de evaporação de solvente, obteve-se uma qualidade muito maior, isso por ter sido possível desenvolver filmes de características organolépticas melhores, menor espessura, o que consequentemente gerou produtos com um tempo de desintegração menor. Com relação ao método de evaporação, concluiu-se ainda que tanto a técnica de secagem quanto a espessura de laminação são etapas críticas para produção dos filmes, já que, se realizadas inadequadamente, podem afetá-los tanto no aspecto visual, como nas propriedades mecânicas, peso médio, e tempo de desintegração. / The aim of this work was the development of prototypes of an extruder and an equipment for production of films by lamination and solvent casting. After the calculations required for assembly the equipments, the drawings were done in CAD (SolidWorks Software version 2009). Once defined the optimal combinations of polymer and plasticizer, the best conditions for film production were done. The basic size of the extrusion equipment was in direct proportion to the extent of the blade and the desired total output of product. The result was a matrix with a definied format, and a screw with constant pitch and constant diameter. For the production of films by solvent evaporation, after the calculations of mass transfer by convection at external flow, a structure was set up in acrylic serving as a system for drying and rolling using mills with different thicknesses. The films for extrusion were prepared from maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose and glycerin, while for the production of films by solvent evaporation, the polymer choise was pullulan. It was found that the extrusion method allowed good productivity, but in return, by the method of solvent evaporation, we obtained a higher quality, and the possibility of making films with better organoleptic characteristics. The films were thinner, which in turn leds to shorter disintegration time. Concerning the method of solvent evaporation, it was concluded that drying and lamination are critical steps for the production, since if not properly performed, both can affect visual appearance, mechanical properties, weight and disintegration time.

Neste trabalho, foram projetados protótipos de uma extrusora e de um equipamento para produção de filmes por laminação e posterior evaporação do solvente. Após os cálculos necessários para montagem dos equipamentos, os desenhos foram feitos em CAD (Software SolidWorks versão 2009). Definidas as combinações ideais entre polímero e plastificante, foram selecionadas as melhores condições de produção para os filmes. O tamanho básico do equipamento de extrusão foi em proporção direta à medida da lâmina e à produção total desejada. Projetou-se a matriz em razão do formato do filme, e a rosca tendo alma cônica, passo constante e diâmetro constante. Para a produção dos filmes por evaporação, após os cálculos de transferência de massa por convecção em escoamento externo, montou-se uma estrutura em acrílico como sistema de secagem e laminadores em diferentes espessuras. Os filmes por extrusão foram preparados a partir de maltodextrina, glicerina e celulose microcristalina, enquanto para a produção de filmes por evaporação de solvente, o pululano foi o polímero de escolha. Verificou-se que pelo método de extrusão, conseguiu-se uma maior produtividade, mas, em contrapartida, pelo método de evaporação de solvente, obteve-se uma qualidade muito maior, isso por ter sido possível desenvolver filmes de características organolépticas melhores, menor espessura, o que consequentemente gerou produtos com um tempo de desintegração menor. Com relação ao método de evaporação, concluiu-se ainda que tanto a técnica de secagem quanto a espessura de laminação são etapas críticas para produção dos filmes, já que, se realizadas inadequadamente, podem afetá-los tanto no aspecto visual, como nas propriedades mecânicas, peso médio, e tempo de desintegração. / The aim of this work was the development of prototypes of an extruder and an equipment for production of films by lamination and solvent casting. After the calculations required for assembly the equipments, the drawings were done in CAD (SolidWorks Software version 2009). Once defined the optimal combinations of polymer and plasticizer, the best conditions for film production were done. The basic size of the extrusion equipment was in direct proportion to the extent of the blade and the desired total output of product. The result was a matrix with a definied format, and a screw with constant pitch and constant diameter. For the production of films by solvent evaporation, after the calculations of mass transfer by convection at external flow, a structure was set up in acrylic serving as a system for drying and rolling using mills with different thicknesses. The films for extrusion were prepared from maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose and glycerin, while for the production of films by solvent evaporation, the polymer choise was pullulan. It was found that the extrusion method allowed good productivity, but in return, by the method of solvent evaporation, we obtained a higher quality, and the possibility of making films with better organoleptic characteristics. The films were thinner, which in turn leds to shorter disintegration time. Concerning the method of solvent evaporation, it was concluded that drying and lamination are critical steps for the production, since if not properly performed, both can affect visual appearance, mechanical properties, weight and disintegration time.

Partiendo de una breve descripción de las características del modelo comunitarista de integración social con el propósito de marcar distancia y aclarar algunos malentendidos en lo relativo a sus vínculos con la Sittlichkeit hegeliana, en el presente trabajo se analizan algunos de los textos claves de Hegel en los cuales se aprecia su comprensión de la unidad política. Ligado a ello, se intenta reconstruir la noción de integración que se desprende de dichos textos para, finalmente, concluir con algunas reflexiones en torno al potencial de una teoría de inspiración hegeliana para analizar determinados fenómenos vinculados, en la actualidad, con los conceptos de desintegración y exclusión social.---Freedom and Inclusion. Reflections on the Concept of Political Integration in Hegel”. Starting from a short description of the features of the communitarian model of social integration with the purpose of keeping one’s distance and of clarifying some misunderstandings concerning its bonds with the Hegelian Sittlichkeit, this paper analyzes some of Hegel’s key texts in which his understanding of the political unity is appreciated. Connected to this, there is an attempt to reconstruct the notion of integration that follows from those texts so that we can finally conclude with some reflections on the potentiality of a theory of Hegelian inspiration for analyzing certain phenomena tied at present with the concepts of social disintegration and exclusion.

La limitation de la production de biogaz liée aux substrats mobilisables à faible potentiel méthanogène et, les contraintes d’épandage qui conduisent au séchage du digestat, en vue de sa stabilisation ou de son transport, sont deux enjeux pour le développement du procédé de méthanisation. L’effet de la désintégration cellulaire induite par un prétraitement par Champs Électriques Pulsés (CEP) sur la production de biogaz a été évalué sur différents substrats. L’intensité de champ appliqué a varié entre 500 et 3600 V∙cm-1 et les indices de désintégration cellulaire correspondants ont été calculés. L’influence du prétraitement par CEP sur la production de méthane en réacteur batch de 500 mL a été étudiée en utilisant la méthodologie des plans d’expériences et en intégrant différents modes de préparation (taille de particules, préchauffage, hygiénisation). Les résultats obtenus montrent que le traitement CEP peut significativement intensifier la production de biogaz (+5,2 à +12,5 % de CH4). Pour le séchage des digestats, un système de séchage convectif par air chaud à température modérée (40 à 70°C) a été utilisé. D’une part, les effets de la vitesse d’air et de la température de séchage ont été étudiés. D’autre part, les effets de prétraitements par CEP, par micro-ondes, et après un cycle de congélation/décongélation ont également été testés. Nous avons identifié, en utilisant la seconde loi de Fick, les coefficients effectifs de diffusion et conclu à l’inefficacité des CEP pour le séchage des digestats et dans les conditions de séchage testées. / The limitation of the biogas production related to the accessibility of the substrates with a low biochemical methane potential, as well as the constraints of spreading which lead to the drying of the digestate, in order to stabilize or to transport the dried digestate, are two issues for the development of the methanisation process. The cellular disintegration’s effect induced by Pulsed Electrical Field (PEF) pretreatment on biogas production is evaluated on different substrates. The applied field’s strength is varied between 500 and 3600 V/cm and the corresponding cell disintegration index were calculated. The influence of PEF pretreatment on methane production was examined in a 500 mL batch reactor using the experimental design methodology and integrating different methods of preparation (size of particles, preheating, hygenisation). The obtained results show that PEF treatment can significantly increase the biogas production (+5.2 to +12.5% CH4). For the drying of the digestates, a convective drying system with hot air at a moderate temperature (40 to 70°C) is used. On the one hand, the effects of air velocity and drying temperature are evaluated. On the other hand, the effects of pre-processing by PEF, by microwaves, and after a freeze thawing cycle were also tested. Using the second Fick's law, the effective diffusion coefficients are identified and it was concluded that PEFs are ineffective for drying the digestates under the tested drying conditions.

No description available.

The target of the first part of this diploma thesis is focused on the problems relating to the sludge production from the wastewater treatment plant and subsequent sludge treatment. In this thesis complete process of the wastewater treatment is described. Predominantingly is described the process in digestion tanks, therefore stabilization process, whereas the paper is focused on sludge pre-treatment (disintegration) of waste activated sludge before stabilization. The second part of this thesis is focused on the design of the disintegration unit for the wastewater treatment sludge in assist with experimental data. According to measured and fixed parameters the unfired pressure vessel has been designed. On the vessel has been further realized the strength calculation, the heat balance and the economic balance.