The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is conducting a three-year study of toxic air emissions specific to coal fired utilities to assess the potential health risks of trace elements released during coal combustion. Several trace elements in coal associate with the mineral matter while others associate with pyrite. Researchers at the Virginia Center for Coal and Minerals Processing have developed a multiple-property processing circuit capable of providing high rejections of ash-forming mineral matter and pyritic sulfur. Reductions were expected for trace elements associated with the mineral matter and pyritic sulfur in proportion to ash and pyrite reductions. Trace elements associated with the organic fractions of coal that may be more difficult to remove by physical cleaning are ideal candidates for removal by chelating agents. The purpose of this study was to determine whether trace elements can be effectively separated from coal using the circuit followed by chelating agents. Thirteen of the sixteen trace elements examined in this study were reduced (27-93%) in concentration by the circuit. EDTA further reduced (2-17%) the concentrations of several trace elements in the circuit product coals. EDTA was found to be effective at low concentration and without pH adjustment I providing a practical means for further reducing the concentrations of several trace elements beyond circuit processing. / Master of Science

Master of Engineering / Global warming and diminishing energy supplies are two major current concerns. Disposal of plastic wastes is also a major concern. The aim of this research is to address these three concerns by developing a solar powered process, using waste plastics as fuel to generate energy. Research into: i) solar concentrators for high temperature thermochemical processes, and ii) pyrolysis/gasification of waste plastics has been separately reported in the literature. In this study the aim was to bring these fields of research together to design a solar receiver-reactor suitable for the production of a synthesis gas, consisting of hydrogen, from waste plastics. To achieve this aim, studies of plastic decomposition behaviour using the thermal analysis method known as thermogravimetric analysis were conducted. Solar concentrators and their potential to be used for thermochemical processes were also studied. Firstly, the thermal decomposition behaviour of common plastics, namely low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PET), were studied using thermogravimetry at heating rates of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 ºC/min. The kinetic parameters for the decomposition were determined from these experiments. Secondly, a simple solar receiver-reactor in which the plastic decomposition could be achieved was designed. The solar receiver-reactor designed was a quartz tube reactor which can be placed in the focus of a dish type parabolic concentrator capable of generating up to 3 kW in the focus of diameter 50 mm. The thermogravimetric analysis of plastic samples showed that LDPE, HDPE and PET have a single-step decomposition, whereas PVC has a two-step decomposition. The first step was related to the release of hydrogen chloride from the PVC and the second step was related to the release of hydrocarbon from the polymer backbone. If PVC is pretreated to release HCl it can be mixed with other plastics for a single step decomposition. It is likely that a single step plastic decomposition can be achieved in a directly irradiated solar receiver-reactor to generate useful gases consisting of hydrogen.

Solar thermal collectors at high latitudes have been studied, with emphasis on concentrating collectors. A novel design of concentrating collector, the Maximum Reflector Collector (MaReCo), especially designed for high latitudes, has been investigated optically and thermally. The MaReCo is an asymmetrical compound parabolic concentrator with a bi-facial absorber. The collector can be adapted to various installation conditions, for example stand-alone, roof- or wall mounted. MaReCo prototypes have been built and outdoor-tested. The evaluation showed that all types work as expected and that the highest annually delivered energy output, 340 kWh/m2, is found for the roof MaReCo. A study of the heat-losses from the stand-alone MaReCo lead to the conclusion that teflon transparent insulation should be placed around the absorber, which decreases the U-value by about 30%. A method was developed to theoretically study the projected radiation distribution incident on the MaReCo bi-facial absorber. The study showed that the geometry of the collectors could be improved by slight changes in the acceptance intervals. It also indicated that the MaReCo design concept could be used also at mid-European latitudes if the geometry is changed. A novel method was used to perform outdoor measurements of the distribution of concentrated light on the absorber and then to calculate the annually collected zero-loss energy, Ea,corr, together with the annual optical efficiency factor. A study using this method indicated that the absorber should be mounted along the 20º optical axis instead of along the 65º optical axis, which leads to an increase of about 20% in Ea,corr. The same absorber mounting is suggested from heat loss measurements. The Ea,corr at 20º absorber mounting angle can be increased by 5% if the absorber fin thickness is changed from 0.5 to 1 mm and by 13% if two 71.5 mm wide fins are used instead of one that is 143 mm wide. If the Ea,corr for the standard stand-alone MaReCo with 143 mm wide absorber mounted at 65º is compared to that of a collector with a 71.5 mm wide absorber mounted at 20º, the theoretical increase is 38%.

Master of Engineering / Global warming and diminishing energy supplies are two major current concerns. Disposal of plastic wastes is also a major concern. The aim of this research is to address these three concerns by developing a solar powered process, using waste plastics as fuel to generate energy. Research into: i) solar concentrators for high temperature thermochemical processes, and ii) pyrolysis/gasification of waste plastics has been separately reported in the literature. In this study the aim was to bring these fields of research together to design a solar receiver-reactor suitable for the production of a synthesis gas, consisting of hydrogen, from waste plastics. To achieve this aim, studies of plastic decomposition behaviour using the thermal analysis method known as thermogravimetric analysis were conducted. Solar concentrators and their potential to be used for thermochemical processes were also studied. Firstly, the thermal decomposition behaviour of common plastics, namely low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PET), were studied using thermogravimetry at heating rates of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 ºC/min. The kinetic parameters for the decomposition were determined from these experiments. Secondly, a simple solar receiver-reactor in which the plastic decomposition could be achieved was designed. The solar receiver-reactor designed was a quartz tube reactor which can be placed in the focus of a dish type parabolic concentrator capable of generating up to 3 kW in the focus of diameter 50 mm. The thermogravimetric analysis of plastic samples showed that LDPE, HDPE and PET have a single-step decomposition, whereas PVC has a two-step decomposition. The first step was related to the release of hydrogen chloride from the PVC and the second step was related to the release of hydrocarbon from the polymer backbone. If PVC is pretreated to release HCl it can be mixed with other plastics for a single step decomposition. It is likely that a single step plastic decomposition can be achieved in a directly irradiated solar receiver-reactor to generate useful gases consisting of hydrogen.

The purpose of this quantitative study was to compare high school graduation rates between Career and Technical Education (CTE) concentrators and non-CTE concentrators. School systems in the state of Tennessee that offered CTE courses for the 2007-2008 (120 systems) or 2008-2009 (118 systems) school years were used in this study. Fifteen northeast Tennessee systems were also examined to compare the graduation rates of CTE concentrators and non-CTE concentrators. The graduation rates of male and female CTE concentrators was also compared. Research supported the notion that CTE concentrators could improve overall graduation rates for school systems, and female CTE concentrators on average graduate at a higher rate than male CTE concentrators. Five research questions guided this study, and data were analyzed using independent-samples t tests and one-samples t tests. Results indicated that 12th-grade CTE concentrators had a higher graduation rate than non-CTE concentrators. The study further revealed that female CTE concentrators graduated at a significantly higher rate than male CTE concentrators. Findings suggested that CTE concentrators generally improved a school system's overall graduation rate.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização mecânica, microestrutural e inspeção fratográfica do compósito de matriz de alumínio Al-1100 reforçado com partículas de carbeto de silício-SiC (40 μm) fabricados por meio de laminação acumulativa (ARB- do inglês Accumulative Roll Bonding), assim como, para efeito comparativo, foram estudados o Al-1100 processado por ARB sem adição de partículas e Al-1100 como recebido. Ensaio de desgaste microadesivo com esfera fixa e ensaio de tração unidirecional quase estático que foram realizados em amostras sem entalhes e em amostras contendo diferentes geometrias de entalhe. Microscopia óptica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura nos modos: elétrons secundários, elétrons retroespalhados, espectroscopia de energia dispersiva por raios-X e difração de elétrons retroespalhados, difração de raios-X e microtomografia computadorizada foram utilizados para caracterizar as amostras. Os resultados obtidos mostraram êxito da incorporação de partículas de SiC na matriz de Alumínio por meio do processo ARB. Houve ganhos relevantes na resistência máxima à tração, na rigidez e na deformação máxima no momento da ruptura, devido à incorporação de SiCp. Essas propriedades foram bastante influenciadas na presença de concentradores de tensão (entalhes). A resistência ao desgaste do compósito foi excepcionalmente incrementada comparativamente aos demais materiais. Todos os resultados foram corroborados pelas análises microetrutural e fratográficas. / The present study aims to characterize mechanical, microstructural and through fractographic inspection laminates Al-1100 aluminum matrix composite reinforced with silicon carbide particles, SiCp (40 μm), manufactured by accumulative roll bonding (ARB), as well as, for comparative effect, were studied Al-1100 processed by ARB without the addition of particles and Al-1100 received. Micro-adhesive wear test with fixed ball and test almost static unidirectional traction were performed on samples without scoring, and in samples containing different geometries notches. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy modes: secondary electrons, backscattered electrons, energy dispersive X-ray and electron backscatter diffraction, X-ray diffraction and computed microtomography, these were used to characterize the samples. The results indicated successful incorporation of SiC particles in the aluminum matrix by ARB process. There have been significant gains in maximum tensile strength, stiffness and maximum deformation at the time of rupture, due to incorporation of SiCp. These properties were strongly influenced in the presence of stress concentrators (notches). The resistance of the composite wear was exceptionally increased compared to Al-1100 ARB. All results were corroborated by microstructural and fractographics analysis.

O apelo por processos mais limpos em aspectos econômicos e ambientais são desafios na busca de metodologias que atinjam a sustentabilidade na produção dos mais diversos gêneros englobando conceitos que vão da minimização de resíduos a substituição de matrizes energéticas. Neste mesmo cenário, a demanda por óleos vegetais tem se intensificado em virtude do crescimento do mercado oleoquímico nos segmentos de biocombustíveis, alimentos, fármacos e cosméticos. Nas diversas nuances da sustentabilidade, a energia solar vem se destacando por representar uma fonte não poluente e praticamente inesgotável da Terra com grande potencial de aproveitamento. Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal estudar o uso da energia solar nos processos de lixiviação e destilação, associados à obtenção de óleos de amendoim, coco e baru. Na extração, o solvente é aquecido e percola as partículas do material contido no interior de um leito fixo. Foram utilizados nos experimentos dois modelos de concentradores solares para o aquecimento do solvente etanol hidratado combustível, sendo um de formato cilíndrico-parabólico e outro de geometria biangular de doze lados. Para os testes, foram variadas as vazões de alimentação do solvente em 15, 25 e 35 mL/min, sendo a de 25 mL/min que apresentou melhor hidrodinâmica em todas as extrações. O protótipo biangular alcançou uma eficiência 15,34% maior que o primeiro na extração do óleo de amendoim, quando comparado o rendimento com o Soxhlet. Para as extrações com o coco e o baru foram empregues duas granulometrias diferentes em cada e o concentrador biangular atingiu eficiência de 70,88% e 89,24%, respectivamente para a menor granulometria avaliada. A destilação solar foi utilizada na recuperação do solvente resultante da miscela. Os testes em batelada revelaram como sendo 0,16 cm a altura ideal para melhor taxa de evaporação. Tal valor permitiu projetar um modelo de alimentação continua para que o destilador operasse sempre próximo a faixa de altura calculada. Nos processos em batelada e continuo, a destilação alcançou respectivamente 84,2% e 75,58% de rendimento na coleta de destilado e, em contrapartida, 26,86 % e 44,22% de eficiência térmica. Foram obtidos dados do INMET para analisar a influência das condições meteorológicas. / The requirement for cleaner processes in economic and environmental aspects are challenges in the search for methodologies that achieve sustainability in the production of the most diverse genres, encompassing concepts ranging from waste minimization to substitution of energy matrices. In this same scenario, the demand for vegetable oils has intensified due to the growth of the oleochemical market in the biofuel, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic segments. In the various nuances of sustainability, solar energy has stood out because it represents a nonpolluting and virtually inexhaustible source of the Earth with great potential of use. The main objective of this work was to study the use of solar energy in the leaching and distillation processes associated with obtaining peanut, coconut and baru oils. Upon extraction, the solvent is heated and percolates the particles of the material contained within a fixed bed. Two models of solar concentrators for the heating of the hydrous ethanol fuel solvent were used, one of parabolic-cylindrical shape and the other of twelve-sided biangular geometry. For the tests, the solvent feed rates were varied at 15, 25 and 35 mL/min, with 25 mL/min that presented better hydrodynamics at all extractions. The biangular prototype achieved a 15.34% greater efficiency than the first one in the extraction of the peanut oil, when compared the yield with the Soxhlet. For the extraction with the coconut and the baru two different granulometries were used in each one and the biangular concentrator reached efficiency of 70.88% and 89.24%, respectively, for the smaller granulometry evaluated. Solar distillation was used to recover the solvent resulting from miscella. The batch tests revealed to be 0.16 cm the ideal height for better evaporation rate. This value allowed the design of a continuous feed model so that the distiller always operated near the calculated height range. In the batch and continuous processes, distillation reached 84.2% and 75.58%, respectively, in the distillate collection and, in contrast, 26.86% and 44.22% of thermal efficiency. INMET data were obtained to analyze the influence of meteorological conditions. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

This thesis presents and demonstrates procedures to model and optimize the collector field of a parabolic trough solar thermal power plant. The collector field of such a plant is universally organized into parallel loops of solar collectors. Heat transfer fluid returning from the energy conversion plant is heated to a moderately high temperature in the field. Typically fluid enters a collector loop around 270 °C and leaves at 380 °C. The fluid is then returned to the plant to generate steam. In the first part of this thesis, the collector field and the energy conversion system of a typical parabolic trough solar thermal power plant are modeled. The model is compared with actual performance data and is enhanced and verified as necessary. Originally, the collectors in the plants under consideration were provided with evacuated tube receivers of the highest feasible efficiency without much regard for cost effectiveness. In practice, these receivers have failed at an unexpected rate and need replacement. It is unlikely that a very expensive evacuated tube receiver is now the most cost effective for every location in a collector loop. In particular, a receiver optimized for 270 °C operation may not be optimal at 380 °C. For example, a relatively inexpensive receiver with a flat black absorber and no vacuum may be more cost effective in the lower temperature segments of a loop. In the second part of this thesis, a procedure for the optimum deployment of collectors is developed and demonstrated. The results of this research should be directly applicable to the refurbishment and upgrading of several of the largest solar energy plants in the world.

A promising and novel solar concentrator design has been thoroughly investigated and optimised. A prototype concentrator based on this novel geometry was validated using ray tracing techniques. This ray tracing demonstrated the comparative performance of this novel concentrator in regards to equivalent parabolic dishes. The effect of mirror surface normal errors on performance was established using Monte-Carlo based ray tracing code, which agreed well with the optical performance of this prototype which was determined experimentally. A need for low-cost solar cookers to replace bio-mass worldwide was identified, and the concentrator design was then developed as a low-cost solar oven. Despite existing in some number, no current design is able to achieve high performance at low-cost. An industrial partner, Dytecna, was initially involved in the process of this development of the system as a solar cooker. In support of a field trial for the solar cooker developed with Dytecna, a detailed thermal model of the oven was developed. A low-cost lightmeter was constructed and calibrated in order to measure the direct normal irradiance during the field trial in Italy. Laboratory work provided baseline results for the heating of various thermal masses in the oven. The Italian field trials provided a wealth of feedback into the design of the system and many valuable results. The solar cooker was able to bring 0.75L of water to the boil in 33 minutes with an average heat throughput of 203W. Important benchmark results and practical experience of several competing receiver materials was obtained; further lab testing provided more accurate measurements of the receivers' performances. The experiences of the Italian field trial were fed back into the design of a subsequent prototype, intended for a much larger field trial in Tanzania. Improvements in the hotplate, receiver material, and the oven were all incorporated into the design. Additionally, the structure of the solar cooker was redesigned to incorporate a low-cost wooden construction. Supporting work was conducted for the month long trial in which 8 solar cookers would be distributed to families in Tanzania. The field trial in Tanzania provided a wealth of user feedback into the design. At the same time the new solar cooker exceeded previously established performances in Italy. The new design was able to provide an average of 246W of heat to 1kg of water, which was brought to boiling point in 25 minutes. This represents a heating efficiency of 66% compared to the incident solar flux on the hotplate. In response to findings during the Tanzanian trials, further laboratory work was conducted into establishing the reflectivities of low-cost candidate mirror materials. Throughout all phases of the project the design of the solar cooker was refined and improved with the goal of a solar cooker design that could reach price-point, performance, and usability standards which would ensure market success.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização mecânica, microestrutural e inspeção fratográfica do compósito de matriz de alumínio Al-1100 reforçado com partículas de carbeto de silício-SiC (40 μm) fabricados por meio de laminação acumulativa (ARB- do inglês Accumulative Roll Bonding), assim como, para efeito comparativo, foram estudados o Al-1100 processado por ARB sem adição de partículas e Al-1100 como recebido. Ensaio de desgaste microadesivo com esfera fixa e ensaio de tração unidirecional quase estático que foram realizados em amostras sem entalhes e em amostras contendo diferentes geometrias de entalhe. Microscopia óptica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura nos modos: elétrons secundários, elétrons retroespalhados, espectroscopia de energia dispersiva por raios-X e difração de elétrons retroespalhados, difração de raios-X e microtomografia computadorizada foram utilizados para caracterizar as amostras. Os resultados obtidos mostraram êxito da incorporação de partículas de SiC na matriz de Alumínio por meio do processo ARB. Houve ganhos relevantes na resistência máxima à tração, na rigidez e na deformação máxima no momento da ruptura, devido à incorporação de SiCp. Essas propriedades foram bastante influenciadas na presença de concentradores de tensão (entalhes). A resistência ao desgaste do compósito foi excepcionalmente incrementada comparativamente aos demais materiais. Todos os resultados foram corroborados pelas análises microetrutural e fratográficas. / The present study aims to characterize mechanical, microstructural and through fractographic inspection laminates Al-1100 aluminum matrix composite reinforced with silicon carbide particles, SiCp (40 μm), manufactured by accumulative roll bonding (ARB), as well as, for comparative effect, were studied Al-1100 processed by ARB without the addition of particles and Al-1100 received. Micro-adhesive wear test with fixed ball and test almost static unidirectional traction were performed on samples without scoring, and in samples containing different geometries notches. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy modes: secondary electrons, backscattered electrons, energy dispersive X-ray and electron backscatter diffraction, X-ray diffraction and computed microtomography, these were used to characterize the samples. The results indicated successful incorporation of SiC particles in the aluminum matrix by ARB process. There have been significant gains in maximum tensile strength, stiffness and maximum deformation at the time of rupture, due to incorporation of SiCp. These properties were strongly influenced in the presence of stress concentrators (notches). The resistance of the composite wear was exceptionally increased compared to Al-1100 ARB. All results were corroborated by microstructural and fractographics analysis.