<p>The PANDA experiment is a part of the future FAIR accelerator facility and will study the strong interaction by detecting the reaction products from antiproton-proton annihilations in a near full solid-angle configuration. One option for the internal proton target in PANDA is frozen micro-spheres of hydrogen, so-called pellets.</p><p>Such a pellet target is interesting because of the unique characteristics it offers; the high target thickness, the small interaction volume, the minimal gas load on the vacuum system, and the possibility of tracking individual pellets. Nevertheless, it is possible to allocate the bulky equipment needed to produce the pellets at a few meters away from the beam. This way particle detectors can be located close and almost fully around the interaction point.</p><p>This thesis is devoted to the optimization of a pellet target. To perform measurements, a Pellet-Test Station was built at The Svedberg Laboratory, Uppsala. For the first time, experimental results show the pellet distribution in space and time, and in addition, the vacuum along the pellet pipes. Furthermore, dedicated measurements carried out at CELSIUS/WASA demonstrate the existence of pellet heating as a result of beam-target interactions.</p><p>In performing calculations, the potential problems with pellet heating at PANDA are outlined. Moreover, to look at the consequences for the desired physics, a reaction involving short-lived D-mesons has been used to show the advantages of pellets compared to a more spacious target.</p><p>In conclusion, these studies lead to a deeper understanding of the pellet properties, which makes it possible to suggest future improvements, such as cooling with no vibrations.</p>

The reduction behaviour of the olivine iron ore pellet MPBOwas studied in laboratory scale at KTH as well as in the LKABexperimental blast furnace. Initially, a newreduction-under-load, or so-called reduction/softening/melting,test equipment was developed. Experiments using differentreducing conditions, corresponding to different radialpositions of the blast furnace, were conducted. The experimentsincluded different temperature profiles, reducing atmospheresand mechanical loads applied on the sample bed to simulate thevarying conditions in the blast furnace process. The progressof reduction was investigated, as well as the processes ofsintering and contraction during reduction. A model of thecarburisation (pick-up of carbon by the reduced iron) andmelt-down process during rapid contraction was presented. Laboratory testing of MPBO pellets was compared with resultsfrom the LKAB experimental blast furnace. The reduction of ironore pellets in the experimental blast furnace was surveyed by adissection of the furnace after quenching. The high temperaturephenomena occurring when reducing the MPBO pellet, with limitedsoftening and a short temperature range of the melting process,resulting in a thin cohesive zone, were found to be the same inlaboratorytests and in the experimental blast furnace. Thereduction down through the burden of the experimental blastfurnace was similar, but not identical to the results of theRUL experiments. The differences were found to be due todifferent reducing conditions. Therefore, it was concluded thata simulation of the reduction occurring in the blast furnacecan be performed in laboratory scale, provided the experimentalconditions are correctly chosen. Finally, a modification to further improve the properties ofthe MPBO pellets was examined. With the aim to improve theblast furnace process, coating of blast furnace pellets wasinvestigated in laboratory scale, as well as in the LKABexperimental blast furnace. Olivine, dolomite and quartzitewere used as coating agents. In laboratory scale the stickingprevention action of the different coating materials wasverified, in established test methods as well as in new testmethods, modified for blast furnace conditions. Testing of thecoated pellets in the experimental blast furnace revealedseveral advantages; significantly reduced blast furnace fluedust generation, improved gas utilisation and a smoother blastfurnace operation with a potential for a lowered fuel rate. <b>Keywords:</b>Olivine, pellets, pellet testing,reduction/softening/melting, MPBO, blast furnace, reduction,quenching, dissection, coating, sticking, coated pellets.

The PANDA experiment is a part of the future FAIR accelerator facility and will study the strong interaction by detecting the reaction products from antiproton-proton annihilations in a near full solid-angle configuration. One option for the internal proton target in PANDA is frozen micro-spheres of hydrogen, so-called pellets. Such a pellet target is interesting because of the unique characteristics it offers; the high target thickness, the small interaction volume, the minimal gas load on the vacuum system, and the possibility of tracking individual pellets. Nevertheless, it is possible to allocate the bulky equipment needed to produce the pellets at a few meters away from the beam. This way particle detectors can be located close and almost fully around the interaction point. This thesis is devoted to the optimization of a pellet target. To perform measurements, a Pellet-Test Station was built at The Svedberg Laboratory, Uppsala. For the first time, experimental results show the pellet distribution in space and time, and in addition, the vacuum along the pellet pipes. Furthermore, dedicated measurements carried out at CELSIUS/WASA demonstrate the existence of pellet heating as a result of beam-target interactions. In performing calculations, the potential problems with pellet heating at PANDA are outlined. Moreover, to look at the consequences for the desired physics, a reaction involving short-lived D-mesons has been used to show the advantages of pellets compared to a more spacious target. In conclusion, these studies lead to a deeper understanding of the pellet properties, which makes it possible to suggest future improvements, such as cooling with no vibrations.

Wildlife management deals with problems concerning sustainable harvest, conservation of threatened species and adjustment of wildlife populations to levels acceptable to for instance forestry, agriculture, traffic and conservation interests. A detailed knowledge of the population is then required. It is therefore important to develop reliable and cost-efficient survey methods. The purpose of this study was to test the distance sampling method where objects are observed while walking along a line, as a way of counting deer pellet groups and to compare the results with ordinary plot surveys. The inventory speed for distance sampling increases with increasing amount of droppings/km2. The amount of droppings seems to have little or no effect on the inventory speed of the plot survey method. Therefore the plot survey method could be a better alternative than the distance sampling method when the densities of droppings are high and vice versa. When comparing the two methods estimates of animal densities with data (orally) from game managers based on other surveys and flying observations and estimations in the different areas, both methods showed too low density for red deer in Valinge. This indicates that the supplementary feeding seem to have an effect on the results of red deer density for both methods.

A novel design for an automated uranium pellet stacking system is presented. This system is designed to replace the manual method for stacking uranium pellets for CANDU fuel bundles that is currently used at Cameco Fuel Manufacturing in Port Hope, ON. The system presented is designed as a drop-in solution to the current production line at Cameco. As a result, there are constraints that prevent certain parameters from modification. The three main goals of this system are to reduce worker exposure to radiation to as low as reasonably achievable, improve product quality, and increase the productivity of the production line. The proposed system will remove the workers from a position of having to handle the uranium pellets and physically place them on the stacks. While the natural uranium currently in production is not a major health risk for short-term exposure, the possibility of production of slightly enriched uranium bundles makes this system a real need. This system also removes the random pellet placement that the manual system uses by taking precise measurements using laser triangulation sensors. These measurements are used to determine which sizes of end pellets are required to complete the stack to within the specified tolerances. A final measurement is done to ensure the stack is within tolerance. All of this information is recorded and can be traced back to the stacks during quality inspection, which is a major improvement over the existing system. This single automated system will replace two manual stations, while increasing the total output production, thus eliminating pellet stacking as a bottleneck in the fuel bundle assembly process. Current production rates can be met by this single, automated station in two shifts per day, while the current manual process requires three shifts using two stations. Test results of a proof-of-concept prototype indicate that the proposed design meets or exceeds all of the design requirements.

Företaget TräEnergi Teknik AB säljer pelletskaminer. Försäljningen av produkten går inte så bra, men ägaren Carl-Axel Fagerström tycker att produkten borde vara efterfrågad av kunderna eftersom den är både miljövänlig och prisvärd. I denna rapport undersöks hur företaget kan ändra sina marknadsföringsstrategier för att nå ut till potentiella köpare. En enkätundersökning har gjorts hos återförsäljare för att ta reda på slutkundernas behov och önskemål. Ur undersökningen framgick att även om kunden är miljömedveten går priset alltid före. Det visade sig dessutom att kunderna de senaste åren börjat leta efter nya alternativ på grund av de kalla vintrarna och högre elpriserna. Vad gäller marknadsföring tyckte återförsäljarna att mässor, webbsidor, TV-reklam och annons i facktidningar är de bästa kanalerna. Kundernas kännedom om pelletskaminer varierar, att de väljs bort till fördel för värmepumpar handlar ofta om okunskap om produkten. Samtliga av respondenterna anser att det finns en potential i framtiden inom marknaden. För att Träenergi Teknik ska lyckas nå ut till den tilltänkta målgruppen krävs utvecklad marknadsföringsstrategi, detta kan göras genom att mer ingående arbeta mer med kanalstrategi. / The company TräEnergi Teknik AB sells wood/pellet stoves. Sales is not to good however, the owner Carl-Axel Fagerström thinks that the product ought to be more in demand since it is both environmental friendly and worth its price. This study will show how the company can change its market strategies to better reach the market and the potential customers. A survey was conducted among retailers to find out about the customers’ demands and requirements. The results of the survey showed that even though the customer is environmentally conscious, the price is always the decisive factor. The survey also showed that customers in recent years have started to look for new heating solutions due to the hard winters and higher electricity prices. Regarding how to market the product the retailers suggested fairs, web pages, TV commercials and advertizing as the best channels to do so. The customers’ knowledge of pellet stoves varies and the fact that heat pumps are chosen over pellet stoves most likely has to do with the lack of knowledge regarding pellet stoves. All the respondents think there is potential for a future market and to be able to reach their target group, TräEnergi Teknik needs a defined market strategy. This thesis will show that the best strategy is channel differentiation through retailers.

<p>Wildlife management deals with problems concerning sustainable harvest, conservation of threatened species and adjustment of wildlife populations to levels acceptable to for instance forestry, agriculture, traffic and conservation interests. A detailed knowledge of the population is then required. It is therefore important to develop reliable and cost-efficient survey methods.</p><p>The purpose of this study was to test the distance sampling method where objects are observed while walking along a line, as a way of counting deer pellet groups and to compare the results with ordinary plot surveys.</p><p>The inventory speed for distance sampling increases with increasing amount of droppings/km2. The amount of droppings seems to have little or no effect on the inventory speed of the plot survey method. Therefore the plot survey method could be a better alternative than the distance sampling method when the densities of droppings are high and vice versa.</p><p>When comparing the two methods estimates of animal densities with data (orally) from game managers based on other surveys and flying observations and estimations in the different areas, both methods showed too low density for red deer in Valinge. This indicates that the supplementary feeding seem to have an effect on the results of red deer density for both methods.</p>

<p>The reduction behaviour of the olivine iron ore pellet MPBOwas studied in laboratory scale at KTH as well as in the LKABexperimental blast furnace. Initially, a newreduction-under-load, or so-called reduction/softening/melting,test equipment was developed. Experiments using differentreducing conditions, corresponding to different radialpositions of the blast furnace, were conducted. The experimentsincluded different temperature profiles, reducing atmospheresand mechanical loads applied on the sample bed to simulate thevarying conditions in the blast furnace process. The progressof reduction was investigated, as well as the processes ofsintering and contraction during reduction. A model of thecarburisation (pick-up of carbon by the reduced iron) andmelt-down process during rapid contraction was presented.</p><p>Laboratory testing of MPBO pellets was compared with resultsfrom the LKAB experimental blast furnace. The reduction of ironore pellets in the experimental blast furnace was surveyed by adissection of the furnace after quenching. The high temperaturephenomena occurring when reducing the MPBO pellet, with limitedsoftening and a short temperature range of the melting process,resulting in a thin cohesive zone, were found to be the same inlaboratorytests and in the experimental blast furnace. Thereduction down through the burden of the experimental blastfurnace was similar, but not identical to the results of theRUL experiments. The differences were found to be due todifferent reducing conditions. Therefore, it was concluded thata simulation of the reduction occurring in the blast furnacecan be performed in laboratory scale, provided the experimentalconditions are correctly chosen.</p><p>Finally, a modification to further improve the properties ofthe MPBO pellets was examined. With the aim to improve theblast furnace process, coating of blast furnace pellets wasinvestigated in laboratory scale, as well as in the LKABexperimental blast furnace. Olivine, dolomite and quartzitewere used as coating agents. In laboratory scale the stickingprevention action of the different coating materials wasverified, in established test methods as well as in new testmethods, modified for blast furnace conditions. Testing of thecoated pellets in the experimental blast furnace revealedseveral advantages; significantly reduced blast furnace fluedust generation, improved gas utilisation and a smoother blastfurnace operation with a potential for a lowered fuel rate.</p><p><b>Keywords:</b>Olivine, pellets, pellet testing,reduction/softening/melting, MPBO, blast furnace, reduction,quenching, dissection, coating, sticking, coated pellets.</p>

Le développement de nouveaux catalyseurs pour l’hydrogénation sélective du propyne et du propadiène (MAPD) est un processus complexe, puisqu’il s’agit d’une réaction rapide effectuée en gaz-liquide-solide. Dans ces conditions, le flux d'hydrogène transporté aux sites actifs du catalyseur contrôle la vitesse de la réaction, particulièrement à l’échelle pilote. Cela rend difficile la comparaison des performances des différents catalyseurs (conversion et sélectivité). Afin d’améliorer la discrimination des solides, l’hydrogénation sélective du MAPD a été étudiée en monophasique (fluide/solide) dans un réacteur filaire à haute pression et en supercritique.La première partie de la thèse a eu pour objectif de déterminer les conditions de fonctionnement adéquates : un dispositif expérimental microfluidique et une méthodologie associée ont été développés et validés pour obtenir les diagrammes P-T de miscibilité et les coordonnées critiques des systèmes réactionnels mis en jeu. En parallèle, le réacteur a été caractérisé en utilisant des outils numériques (CFD) appliqués à l’hydrodynamique et au transfert de masse. Les tests expérimentaux ont alors pu être menés, dans la seconde partie de la thèse, afin d’étudier l'hydrogénation du MAPD à 303 K entre 20 et 120 bar. Dans ces conditions, plusieurs paramètres ont été étudiés, tels que la PPH (vitesse spatiale horaire, ou WHSV en anglais), la pression et la fraction de solvant. Les résultats montrent un gain important de conversion du MAPD à haute pression et en conditions supercritiques par rapport aux conditions classiques (>5 fois plus). Cela peut s’expliquer par la suppression de l’interface gaz-liquide et l’amélioration des diffusivités. Les variations de sélectivité observées en parallèle montre sa dépendance au flux d’hydrogène amené. Ces résultats prometteurs permettent une meilleure discrimination des catalyseurs ainsi qu’une meilleure compréhension du système réactif. Ainsi, pour la première fois, en utilisant ces données non classiques, il a au final été possible d'estimer des paramètres cinétiques intrinsèques pour l’hydrogénation sélective des coupes C3. / The development of new catalysts for propyne and propadiene (MAPD) hydrogenation is a complex process, because it is a fast reaction performed in gas-liquid-solid. Indeed, in these conditions, the hydrogen flux (G/L and L/S) transported to the reaction sites controls the overall reaction rate, particularly at pilot scale. To avoid this limitation, the MAPD selective hydrogenation was performed in single-phase, using a single pellet string reactor (SPSR) at high-pressure and supercritical conditions. For both conditions, the literature is scarce. Thus, the first step was to develop and validate a microfluidic experimental apparatus and a methodology based on “design of experiments”, in order to obtain PT miscibility diagrams and critical coordinates. These methods combined allowed a fast PT screening compared to conventional phase behavior cells, being around 5 times higher. In parallel, the SPSR was characterized by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for flow and mass transfer. It was shown that the hydrodynamic inside the reactor can be modeled as a plug flow reactor with low axial dispersion, and a LS mass transfer correlation was proposed. After the fluid and reactor characterization, the MAPD hydrogenation was performed at 303 K and from 20 to 120 bar. At these conditions, several parameters were tested, such as WHSV (weight hourly space velocity), pressure and solvent fraction. The results showed that high-pressure and supercritical conditions offer better reaction performance, which is due to the suppression of the gas-liquid limitation and to the diffusivity enhancements (more than 5 times faster than conventional conditions). With this thesis, it was possible, for the first time, to estimate the intrinsic kinetics parameters of a dense C3 cut mixture hydrogenation, allowing a deeper understanding of the involved mechanism. Thus, the use of unconventional conditions has opened a door to new forms of catalyst screening and new ways to study kinetics.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:09:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2919741 bytes, checksum: e2646db8015a4181da35e3ee2b1a0e33 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-21 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / This dissertation is included in area of reuse of solid wastes in paving, with objective to use recycled concrete aggregates and pellet in asphaltic surface course. The aim of the research was to analyze the technical feasibility of asphalt mixtures made with recycled concrete aggregates and pellet, in partial replacement of natural aggregates of the conventional asphalt mix, from tests of physical characterization of aggregates and mechanical performance of asphalt mixtures. The materials used were crushed stone 19 mm, crushed stone 12 mm, crusher dust, recycled concrete aggregate, pellet and 50/70 pen asphalt cement, these materials were obtained from companies in the state of Paraíba. For natural aggregates were performed grading, Los Angeles abrasion, absorption and density. For recycled concrete aggregates were made grading and specific density, and for pellet was carried out grading. One conventional asphaltic mixture were produced containing natural aggregates (crushed stone 19, crushed stone 12, crusher dust) and 50/70 pen asphalt cement, and five asphaltic mixtures were made with partial replacements of crusher dust for recycled concrete aggregates and pellet, in proportions: i) 25% of recycled concrete aggregates; ii) 2% of pellet; iii) 4% of pellet; iv) 23% of recycled concrete aggregates with 2% of pellet, and v) 21% of recycled concrete aggregates with 4% of pellet. The C grading envelope was used and chosen according to DNIT ES 031/2006. The mixtures were performed by the Marshall mix design. The mechanical tests performed were Marshall stability, tensile strength by diametric compression, resilient modulus and Lottman test. The hot asphalt mix containing 75% of natural aggregates, 23% of recycled concrete aggregates and 2% of pellet showed greatest number of parameters in accordance with the technical standards, as a result the best technical viability / Esta dissertação está inserida na problemática de reaproveitamento de resíduos sólidos na pavimentação, buscando o emprego de agregados de resíduos de concreto e pelete em revestimentos asfálticos. O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a viabilidade técnica de misturas asfálticas feitas com agregados de resíduos de concreto e pelete, em substituição parcial aos agregados naturais de mistura asfáltica convencional tipo CBUQ, a partir de ensaios de caracterização física dos agregados e de desempenho mecânico das misturas asfálticas. Os materiais empregados foram brita 19, brita 12, pó de pedra, agregados de resíduos de concreto, pelete e CAP 50/70, obtidos de empresas do Estado da Paraíba. Para os agregados naturais foram realizados a granulometria, abrasão Los Angeles, absorção e densidade. Para os agregados de resíduos de concreto foram realizados os ensaios de granulometria e massa específica, e para o pelete foi realizada a granulometria. Seis misturas asfálticas foram realizadas, sendo uma mistura de referência com os agregados naturais (brita 19, brita 12 e pó de pedra) e CAP 50/70; as demais misturas foram feitas com substituições parciais do pó de pedra pelos agregados de resíduos de concreto e pelete, nas proporções: i) 25% de agregados de resíduos de concreto; ii) 2% de pelete; iii) 4% de pelete; iv) 23% de agregados de resíduos de concreto com 2% de pelete, e v) 21% de agregados de resíduos de concreto com 4% de pelete. A faixa granulométrica utilizada foi a faixa C, que foi escolhida com base na norma DNIT 031/2006 ES. As dosagens realizadas foram por meio do método Marshall. Os ensaios mecânicos realizados foram estabilidade Marshall, resistência à tração por compressão diametral, módulo de resiliência e o ensaio Lottman. A mistura asfáltica tipo CBUQ com 75% de agregados naturais, 23% de agregados de resíduos de concreto e 2% de pelete se apresentou com maior número de parâmetros em conformidade com as normas técnicas, o que evidenciou sua maior viabilidade técnica em relação às demais misturas asfálticas modificadas