The release of critical ash-forming elements during the pyrolysis and combustion of corn stover has been investigated through controlled lab-scale experiments supported by multicomponent and multiphase thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. Fuel samples were treated under isothermal conditions ranging from 500 to 1150 °C, under both pyrolysis and combustion atmospheres. The volatilized material was quantified by means of mass balances based on char and ash elemental analysis, compared to a corresponding feedstock fuel analysis. Close relations between the observed K and Cl release are found, suggesting that Cl is the main facilitator for K release through sublimation of KCl, determined to begin as the reaction temperature approaches 700À800 °C. K is present in abundance relative to Cl, and the K release is found to cease as the fuel reaches complete dechlorination. In addition, around 50 wt % of the Cl is released at temperatures below 500 °C, presumably as HCl formed through ion-exchange reactions with functional groups in the organic matrix. Complete dechlorination was achieved under combustion conditions as the temperature exceeded 800 °C. Approximately 50 wt % of the feedstock S is released at temperatures below 500 °C. This low-temperature release is related to the decomposition of the organic matrix, releasing the organically associated S. Under combustion conditions, the S release increases gradually at temperatures exceeding 800 °C, eventually reaching complete desulfurization at 1150 °C. The silicate/ alumina chemistry is found to play a significant role in the alkali retention. The Si-rich sample is capable of retaining all excess K not released as KCl.
BackgroundEpidemiological studies suggest that long-term exposure to transport noise increases the risk for cardiovascular disorders. The effect of transport noise on blood pressure and hypertension is uncertain.MethodsIn 1993-1997, 57,053 participants aged 50-64 year were enrolled in a population-based cohort study. At enrolment, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured. Incident hypertension during a mean follow-up of 5.3 years was assessed by questionnaire. Residential long-term road traffic noise (Lden) was estimated for 1- and 5-year periods preceding enrolment and preceding diagnosis of hypertension. Residential exposure to railway noise was estimated at enrolment. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of associations between road traffic and railway noise and blood pressure at enrolment with linear regression, adjusting for long-term air pollution, meteorology and potential lifestyle confounders (N = 44,083). Incident self-reported hypertension was analyzed with Cox regression, adjusting for long-term air pollution and potential lifestyle confounders.ResultsWe found a 0.26 mm Hg higher systolic blood pressure (95% confidence intervals (CI): -0.11; 0.63) per 10 dB(A) increase in 1-year mean road traffic noise levels, with stronger associations in men (0.59 mm Hg (CI: 0.13; 1.05) per 10 dB(A)) and older participants (0.65 mm Hg (0.08; 1.22) per 10 dB(A)). Road traffic noise was not associated with diastolic blood pressure or hypertension. Exposure to railway noise above 60 dB was associated with 8% higher risk for hypertension (95% CI: -2%; 19%, P = 0.11).ConclusionsWhile exposure to road traffic noise was associated with systolic blood pressure in subgroups, we were not able to identify associations with hypertension.
Combined in situ small-and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) studies were performed in a new laboratory setup to investigate the dynamical properties of a ruthenium/spinel (Ru/MgAl 2 O 4 ) catalyst, w(Ru) = 4 wt %, during the reduction and subsequent dry methane reforming. The Ru particles in the fresh catalyst sample were found to be partially oxidized. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) indicated a coexistence of pure Ru and RuO 2 nanoparticles. Reduction in hydrogen occurred at a temperature between 373 and 393 K. The mean particle diameter as refined from SAXS of the size regime attributed to scattering from Ru/RuO 2 -particles decreases slightly by about 0.2 nm during the reduction. Dry methane reforming experiments were performed in a temperature interval from 723 to 1023 K by applying a gas mixture of carbon dioxide and methane in molar ratio of 3:1. The catalyst did not show any deactivation during the experiment of overall 32 h, indicated by stable turnover frequencies for methane. The mean Ru-particle diameter remained constant during the dry methane reforming experiments, revealing a high sintering stability of the Ru/MgAl 2 O 4 catalyst.
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