Simulation of gas-solid adsorption process considering particle-size distribution

The particle-size distribution of adsorbents usually plays an important role on the adsorption performance. In this study, population balance equation(PBE) is utilized in the simulation of an adsorption process to model the time-dependent adsorption amount distribution on adsorbent particles of a certain size distribution. Different adsorption kinetics model can be used to build the adsorption rate function in PBE according to specific adsorption processes. Two adsorption processes, including formaldehyde on activated carbon and CO_(2)/N_(2)/CH_(4) mixture on 4A zeolite are simulated as case studies, and the effect of particle-size distribution of adsorbent is analyzed. The simulation results proved that the influence of particle-size distribution is significant. The proposed model can help consider the influence of particlesize distribution of adsorbents on adsorption processes to improve the prediction accuracy of the performance of adsorbents.

Petrology,geochemistry,and crystal size distribution of the basaltic andesite-dacite association at Mt.Sumbing,Central Java,Indonesia:Insights to magma reservoir dynamics and petrogenesis

Ten rock samples consisting of one pyroclastic density current(PDC1)deposit,seven lava flows(LF1–7),and two summit lava domes(LD1,2)were studied to understand the petrogenesis and magma dynamics at Mt.Sumbing.The stratigraphy is arranged as LF1,PDC1,LF2,LF3,LF4,LF5,LF6,LF7,LD1,and LD2;furthermore,these rocks were divided into two types.TypeⅠ,observed in the oldest(LF1)sample,has poor MgO and high Ba/Nb,Th/Yb and Sr.The remaining samples(PDC1–LD2)represent typeⅡ,characterized by high MgO and low Ba/Nb,Th/Yb and Sr values.We suggest that type I is derived from AOC(altered oceanic crust)-rich melts that underwent significant crustal assimilation,while typeⅡoriginates from mantle-rich melts with less significant crustal assimilation.The early stage of typeⅡmagma(PDC1–LF3)was considered a closed system,evolving basaltic andesite into andesite(55.0–60.2 wt%SiO_(2))with a progressively increasing phenocryst(0.30–0.48φ_(PC))and decreasing crystal size distribution(CSD)slope(from-3.9 to-2.9).The evidence of fluctuating silica and phenocryst contents(between 55.9–59.7 wt%and 0.25–0.41φ_(PC),respectively),coupled with the kinked and steep(from-5.0 to-3.3)CSD curves imply the interchanging condition between open(i.e.,magma mixing)and closed magmatic systems during the middle stage(LF4–LF6).Finally,it underwent to closed system again during the final stage(LF7–LD2)because the magma reached dacitic composition(at most 68.9 wt%SiO_(2))with abundant phenocryst(0.38–0.45φ_(PC))and gentle CSD slope(from-4.1 to-1.2).

Distribution of Soil Zinc，Iron，Copper and Manganese Fractions and Its Relationship with Plant Availability

The distribution of various fractions of Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn in 15 types of sods in China and its rela-tionship with plant availability were studied. Wactions of various elements were found to have some similarcharacteristic distribution regularities in wirious types of soils, but various soil types derered to varyingdegrees in the distribution of each fraction. Soil physico-chemical properties, such as pH, CEC and thecontents of OM, CaCO_3, free Fe, free Mn and P_2O_5, were signdicantly correlated with the distribution ofelemental fractions, and a significazit correlation also existed between the distribution and plant amilabilityof elemental fractions. Varfous fractions of each element were divided into two groups bed on their plantavailability. The correlation between the distribution of combination fractions aiid plaxit availability indi-cated a significantly or an extremely significantly positive correlation for Group I but a significantly or anextremely significantly negative correlation for Group II. Therefore, the fractions in Group I were primarypools of available nutrients, while those in Group II could hardly provide available nutrients for plants. Descreasing the transformation of corresponding elements into fractions of Group 11 and increasing the storagecapacity of various fractions of Group I were an important direction for regulation and controiling of soilnutrients. However, some Particular soils with too high contents of Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn should be regulatedand controlled adversely

Applicability of Fractal Models in Estimating Soil Water Retention Characteristics from Particle-Size Distribution Data

Soil water retention characteristics are the key information required in hydrological modeling. Frac-tal models provide a practical alternative for indirectly estimating soil water retention characteristics fromparticle-size distribution data. Predictive capabilities of three fractal models, i.e, Tyler-Wheatcraft model,Rieu-Sposito model, and Brooks-Corey model, were fully evaluated in this work using experimental datafrom an international database and literature. Particle-size distribution data were firstly interpolated into20 classes using a van Genuchten-type equation. Fractal dimensions of the tortuous pore wall and the poresurface were then calculated from the detailed particle-size distribution and incorporated as a parameter infractal water retention models. Comparisons between measured and model-estimated water retention cha-racteristics indicated that these three models were applicable to relatively different soil textures and pressurehead ranges. Tyler-Wheatcraft and Brooks-Corey models led to reasonable agreements for both coarse- andmedium-textured soils, while the latter showed applicability to a broader texture range. In contrast, Rieu-Sposito model was more suitable for fine-textured soils. Fractal models produced a better estimation of watercontents at low pressure heads than at high pressure heads.

Distribution and Transformation of Native and Added Ni Fractions in Purple Soils from Sichuan Province

The distribution and transformation of added and native Ni in purple soils were investigated with both sequential extraction procedure and isotopic tracer technique.The distribution of added and native Ni was greatly dependent on soil properties.Low soil PH was favorable for soluble plus exchangeable (EX) Fraction,while Fe/Mn oxides and clay for Fe/Mn oxide bound (OX) and residual (RES) fractions. The added Ni,however,has not yet reached the distribution equilibrium up to the 150th day after incubation.This was reflected in the fact that the proportion of EX fraction from added Ni was 150%-600% as much as that of native Ni, while that of RES fraction was only about 80%.Once entering soil, the applied soluble Ni was rapidly transformed into Other fractions, but the organic complexed (OM) fraction of added Ni was relatively stable during incubation.The carbonate bound(CAB) fraction showed a progressive increase and attained a peak value after 0-14 d of incubation and thereafter decreased gradually. The occurrence time of this peak advanced as initial soil PH increased, but the peak would disappear when initial soil pH was higher than 7.5(or containing free CaCO3). The transformation processes of the EX,OX and RES fractions could be described by Elovich and two-constant rate equstions,and the rates were positively correlated with soil pH,CEC and clay.These findings could explain why there are differences in ecological and environmental effects of Ni in different soils and at various intervals.

Straw ^(14)C Decomposition and Distribution in Humus Fractions as Influenced by Soil Moisture Regimes

14C-tracer technique and closed incubation method were used to study straw 14C decomposition and distribution in different fractions of newly formed humus under different moisture regimes. Decomposition of straw 14C was faster during the initial days, and slower thereafter. Decay rate constants of straw 14C varied from 3.29x10-3 d-1 to 7.06x10-3 d-1. After 112 d incubation, the amount of straw 14C mineralized was 1.17～1.46 times greater in submerged soils than in upland soils. of the soil residual 14C, 9.08%～15.73%was present in humic acid (HA) and 31.01%～37.62% in fulvic acid (FA). Submerged condition favored the formation of HA, and HA/FA ratio of newly formed humus (labelled) was greater in submerged soils than in upland soils. Clay minerals affected the distribution of straw 14C in different humus fractions. Proportion of 14C present in HA to 14C remaining in soil was greater in Vertisol than in Ultisol.

Sorption of pyrene on two paddy soils and their particle-size fractions

In the present study, the sorption of pyrene on two kinds of bulk paddy soils, Gleyic Stagnic Anthrosols, and Ferric accumulic Stagnic Anthrosols as well as their particle-size fractions was investigated. The sorption isotherms fitted well with Freundlich equation. For both soils, the clay fraction（ 〈 2μm） and coarse sand fraction（2000-250μm） had higher sorption capacity than fine sand fraction（250-20 μm） and silt fraction（20-2 μm）. The IogKoc values obtained of each soil and its particle-size fractions were similar, proving that SOM content was a key factor affecting pyrene sorption. The Kd values showed a significant correlation with contents of dithionite-extractable Fe in both paddy soils and a good relationship with CEC in Gleyic Stagnic Anthrosols, indicating possible effects of surface properties of particle-size fractions on the sorption of pyrene.

Reservoir information extraction using a fractional Fourier transform and a smooth pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution

Currently, it is difficult for people to express signal information simultaneously in the time and frequency domains when analyzing acoustic logging signals using a simple-time or frequency-domain method. It is difficult to use a single type of time-frequency analysis method, which affects the feasibility of acoustic logging signal analysis. In order to solve these problems, in this paper, a fractional Fourier transform and smooth pseudo Wigner Ville distribution （SPWD） were combined and used to analyze array acoustic logging signals. The time-frequency distribution of signals with the variation of orders of fractional Fourier transform was obtained, and the characteristics of the time-frequency distribution of different reservoirs under different orders were summarized. Because of the rotational characteristics of the fractional Fourier transform, the rotation speed of the cross terms was faster than those of primary waves, shear waves, Stoneley waves, and pseudo Rayleigh waves. By choosing different orders for different reservoirs according to the actual circumstances, the cross terms were separated from the four kinds of waves. In this manner, we could extract reservoir information by studying the characteristics of partial waves. Actual logging data showed that the method outlined in this paper greatly weakened cross-term interference and enhanced the ability to identify partial wave signals.

Void Fraction Distributions in Cold-gassed and Hot-sparged Three Phase Stirred Tanks with Multi-impeller

Vertical distributions of void fraction in gas-liquid and gas-liquid-solid stirred tanks have been measured in a fully baffled dished base vessel of 0.48 m diameter, using a conductivity probe. The impeller configuration （a hollow half elliptical blade dispersing turbine below two up-pumping wide blade hydrofoils, identified as HEDT＋2WHu） recommended in previous work has been used in this work. The operating temperatures were 24℃ and 81℃, identified as cold and hot respectively. The effects of superficial gas velocity, agitator speed and the corresponding power input on the local void fraction in two-phase systems are .investigated and discussed. Results show thatth-e increasing of agitator speed or gas flow rate leads to an increase in local-void fraction at the majority of measurement points in both cold and hot systems. However, the unifo,rmity of gas dispersion does not always in crease as the raising of agitator speed and power input. In either cold or hot sparged conditions, the two- and three-phase systems.have similar vertical profiles for void fraction, with maxima in similar locations; however, the void fractions are significantly lower in hot sparging than with cold. In cold operation the presence of particles leads to a lower void fraction at most points, although the local void fractions increase a little with the addition of solid particles at high temperature, in good agreement with the global gas holdup results, and the possible reasons are discussed in this paper. This work can give a better understanding of the differences between cold-gassed and hot-sparged three phase＇stirred tanks.

Distribution,fractionation,and contamination assessment of heavy metals in offshore surface sediments from western Xiamen Bay,China

Surface sediment samples were collected at 21 offshore sites in western Xiamen Bay, Southeast China. Total concentrations of Li, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, St, Mn, Pb, Ba, Fe, and Ti were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; Hg was determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. A modified BCR sequential extraction procedure was used to extract fractions of the above elements. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Hg at most sites met the primary standard criteria of Marine Sediment Quality except site S12 for Pb and S7 for Cr, while concentrations of Zn at 17 sites and Cu at seven sites exceeded the criteria. The mean concentration of Hg was three times higher than the background, with a possible source being the Jiulong River. Fe, Ti, Ba, Co, V, and Li dominated the residual phase, mainly from terrestrial input. Ni, Cr, Pb, and Hg in the non-residual phase varied largely between sites. Sr, Mn, Cu, and Zn were mainly in the non- residual fraction. Most sites showed considerable ecological risk; exceptions were site S7 （very high） and sites S10, S11, and S14 （moderate）. Cu showed moderate-to-high pollution and Pb exhibited no-to-low pollution, while other metals had a non-pollution status according to their ratios of secondary phase to primary phase （RSP）. Results of two assessment methods showed moderate pollution and a very high ecological risk for Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cr at site S7, which might be due to the local sewage treatment plant.

Ultrafine Fraction and Aerosol Attached Activity Size Distribution of Radon Progeny in Living Room

Inhalation of 222Rn progeny in the domestic environment contributes the greatest fraction of the natural radiation exposure to the public. The ultrafine activity of these progeny amounts up to about l 0 percent of the total activity （attached and ultrafine）, but is considered to yield about 50 percent of the total radiation dose. Therefore, measurements of ultrafine fraction are essential for the estimation of radiation dose. The current study presents measured data on the total equilibrium equivalent concentration （EEC） and ultrafine equilibrium equivalent concentration （EECUn）, ultrafine fraction （fb）, attached and unattached activity size distributions of radon progeny in the low ventilated rooms at Minia University, Minia city, Egypt. A screen diffusion battery was used for collection the ultrafine fraction and measuring the total activity concentration of radon progeny. The attached activity size distribution of 214pb is determined by using a low pressure cascade impactor. The EEC of radon progeny varied between 1.3 and 18.9 Bq/m3 with a mean value of 5.2 ± 0.48 Bq/m2. The mean activity thermodynamic diameter （AMTD） ofultrafine of radon progeny was determined to be 1.26 nm with relative mean geometric standard deviations （GSD） of 1.3. The ultrafine fraction of radon progeny, fb, has a range 0.01 to 0.21 with an average of 0.08 ± 0.03. A relative mean GSD of 2.7 was determined for attached 2Lapb at a mean active median aerodynamic diameter （AMD） of 350 nm. Based on the above experimental results, the deposition fractions have been evaluated in each air way generation through the human lung by applying a lung deposition model. The bronchial deposition efficiencies of particles in the size range of attached radon progeny were found to be lower than those of ultrafine progeny. The effect of radon progeny deposition by adult male has been also studied for various levels of physical exertion. The dose conversion factor has been discussed as a function of fb.

Measurement of oil volume fraction and velocity distributions in vertical oil-in-water flows using ERT and a local probe

This paper presents the use of a high performance dual-plane electrical resistance tomography (ERT) system and a local dual-sensor conductance probe to measure the vertical upward oil-in-water pipe flows in which the mean oil volume fraction is up to 23.1%. A sensitivity coefficient back-projection (SBP) algorithm was adopted to reconstruct the flow distributions and a cross correlation method was applied to obtain the oil velocity distributions. The oil volume fraction and velocity distributions obtained from both measurement techniques were compared and good agreement was found, which indicates that the ERT tech- nique can be used to measure the low fraction oil-water flows. Finally, the factors affecting measurement precision were discussed.

Revisiting the Curie-Von Schweidler Law for Dielectric Relaxation and Derivation of Distribution Function for Relaxation Rates as Zipf’s Power Law and Manifestation of Fractional Differential Equation for Capacitor

The classical power law relaxation, i.e. relaxation of current with inverse of power of time for a step-voltage excitation to dielectric—as popularly known as Curie-von Schweidler law is empirically derived and is observed in several relaxation experiments on various dielectrics studies since late 19th Century. This relaxation law is also regarded as “universal-law” for dielectric relaxations;and is also termed as power law. This empirical Curie-von Schewidler relaxation law is then used to derive fractional differential equations describing constituent expression for capacitor. In this paper, we give simple mathematical treatment to derive the distribution of relaxation rates of this Curie-von Schweidler law, and show that the relaxation rate follows Zipf’s power law distribution. We also show the method developed here give Zipfian power law distribution for relaxing time constants. Then we will show however mathematically correct this may be, but physical interpretation from the obtained time constants distribution are contradictory to the Zipfian rate relaxation distribution. In this paper, we develop possible explanation that as to why Zipfian distribution of relaxation rates appears for Curie-von Schweidler Law, and relate this law to time variant rate of relaxation. In this paper, we derive appearance of fractional derivative while using Zipfian power law distribution that gives notion of scale dependent relaxation rate function for Curie-von Schweidler relaxation phenomena. This paper gives analytical approach to get insight of a non-Debye relaxation and gives a new treatment to especially much used empirical Curie-von Schweidler (universal) relaxation law.

Fractional Distribution of Lead and Cadmium in Sludge and Soil Amended with Sludge Compost

The modified three-step sequential extraction procedure proposed by the BCR was used to predict Pb and Cd fractional distribution in sewage sludge and tomato soil amended with sludge compost. There was no significant increasing of Pb and Cd contents in the soil with sludge application as compared with that in the reference soil. The Pb contents were much lower for the soil samples than for the National Soil Standards of Environmental Quality, but Cd contents in soil were much more than background mean Cd contents. Pb content in soil fractions was followed with residual Pb 〉 reducible Pb 〉 exchangeable and weak acid soluble Pb〉 oxidizable Pb. In all soil samples, the partitioning of Cd had the same extractability in the first two steps of the procedure and the residual fraction. Only a small fraction or almost zero extractability was observed at the oxidation step for Pb and Cd.

Relations between chirp transform and Fresnel diffraction,Wigner distribution function and a fast algorithm for chirp transform

Two physical interpretations of chirp transform related to Fresnel diffraction and Wigner distribution function are given. The chirp transform can be regarded as a Fresnel diffraction observed on a spherical tangent to the diffraction plane, or a rotation and stretching transformation of the Wigner distribution function space. A general fast algorithm for the numerical calculation of chirp transform is developed by employing two fast Fourier transform algorithms. The algorithm, by which a good evaluation can be achieved, unifies the calculations of Fresnel diffraction, arbitrary fractional- order Fourier transforms and other scalar diffraction systems. The algorithm is used to calculate the Fourier transform of a Gaussian function and the Fourier transform, the Fresnel transform, the Fractional-order Fourier transforms of a rectangle function to evaluate the performance of this algorithm. The calculated results are in good agreement with the analytical results, both in the amplitude and phase.

UV Photolysis of N2O Isotopomers： Isotopic Fractionations and Product Rotational Quantum State Distributions

The time-dependent quantum wave packet method is used to study the dynamics of the pho- todissociation processes for the isotopomers 14N14N16O, 14N15N16O, 15N14N16O, 15N15N16O, 14N14N17O, and 14N14N18O. In general, the computed isotopic fractionation factors derived from the absorption cross sections of five heavy isotopomers are in good agreement with the experimental results. Relative to the 14NI4N16O isotopomer, the N2 rotational state distributions for the isotopically nitrogen substituted N2O are found to be entirely shifted to higher rotational states. Similar to its isotopic fractionation factors, the N2 rotational state distributions for the asymmetric isotopomers 14N15N16O and 15N14N16O are found to be observably different.

Persistent organic pollutants in global surface soils:Distributions and fractionations

The distribution and fractionation of persistent organic pollutants(POPs)in different matrices refer to how these pollutants are dispersed and separated within various environmental compartments.This is a significant study area as it helps us understand the transport efficiencies and long-range transport potentials of POPs to enter remote areas,particularly polar regions.This study provides a comprehensive review of the progress in understanding the distribution and fractionation of POPs.We focus on the contributions of four intermedia processes(dry and wet depositions for gaseous and particulate POPs)and determine their transfer between air and soil.These processes are controlled by their partitioning between gaseous and particulate phases in the atmosphere.The distribution patterns and fractionations can be categorized into primary and secondary types.Equations are developed to quantificationally study the primary and secondary distributions and fractionations of POPs.The analysis results suggest that the transfer of low molecular weight(LMW)POPs from air to soil is mainly through gas diffusion and particle deposition,whereas high molecular weight(HMW)POPs are mainly via particle deposition.HMW-POPs tend to be trapped near the source,whereas LMW-POPs are more prone to undergo long-range atmospheric transport.This crucial distinction elucidates the primary reason behind their temperatureindependent primary fractionation.However,the secondary distribution and fractionation can only be observed along a temperature gradient,such as latitudinal or altitudinal transects.An animation is produced by a one-dimensional transport model to simulate conceptively the transport of CB-28 and CB-180,revealing the similarities and differences between the primary and secondary distributions and fractionations.We suggest that the decreasing temperature trend along latitudes is not the major reason for POPs to be fractionated into the polar ecosystems,but drives the longer-term accumulation of POPs in cold climates or polar cold trapping.

Interactions between wind and water erosion change sediment yield and particle distribution under simulated conditions

Wind and water erosion are among the most important causes of soil loss, and understanding their interactions is important for estimating soil quality and environmental impacts in regions where both types of erosion occur. We used a wind tunnel and simulated rainfall to study sediment yield, particle-size distribution and the fractal dimension of the sediment particles under wind and water erosion. The experiment was conducted with wind ero- sion firstly and water erosion thereafter, under three wind speeds （0, 11 and 14 m/s） and three rainfall intensities （60, 80 and 100 ram/h）. The results showed that the sediment yield was positively correlated with wind speed and rain- fall intensity （P〈0.01）. Wind erosion exacerbated water erosion and increased sediment yield by 7.25%-38.97% relative to the absence of wind erosion. Wind erosion changed the sediment particle distribution by influencing the micro-topography of the sloping land surface. The clay, silt and sand contents of eroded sediment were also posi- tively correlated with wind speed and rainfall intensity （P〈0.01）. Wind erosion increased clay and silt contents by 0.35%-19.60% and 5.80%-21.10%, respectively, and decreased sand content by 2.40%-8.33%, relative to the absence of wind erosion. The effect of wind erosion on sediment particles became weaker with increasing rainfall intensities, which was consistent with the variation in sediment yield. However, particle-size distribution was not closely correlated with sediment yield （P〉0.05）. The fractal dimension of the sediment particles was significantly different under different intensities of water erosion （P〈0.05）, but no significant difference was found under wind and water erosion. The findings reported in this study implicated that both water and wind erosion should be controlled to reduce their intensifying effects, and the controlling of wind erosion could significantly reduce water erosion in this wind-water erosion crisscross region.

Solubilization of small molecules from coal and the resulting effects on the pore structure distribution

The solubilization of small molecules from coal by solvent extraction and the resulting effects on the pore distribution of a low rank coal were studied. Samples were extracted, in succession, with petroleum ether and with CS2. Extract and residue fractions collected during the solubilization process were analyzed by FTIR and by surface area and porosimetry. The results show that an obvious inflection point exists that allows separating the dissolution sequence into stages. Small molecules are first extracted from the free state, then molecules trapped in micropores are extracted and, finally, molecules trapped in the coal-matrix network are extracted. This is indicated from the extraction yield curves. Chain-like carbonyl compounds, -OH (or -NH) containing compounds that are hydrogen bonded and phenolics dominate the petroleum ether extracts. Chain-like carbonyl components and ether compounds (aliphatic ethers and aromatic ethers) dominate the CS2 extracts. A solvent dissolution mechanism and the effect of small molecule extraction on the pore structure are put forward. Diffusion, dissolution, pore opening, pore shrinking or even collapsing caused by swelling, creating of new micropores, pore opening and, finally, colloidallization of some micropores occurs. In the later stages of the extraction the internal structure of the coal is colloidallized due to swelling and the pore number or volume is greatly reduced.

Forms of Rare Earth Elements in Soils: Ⅰ. Distribution

The distribution of rare earth element (REE) forms in soils is given in the present paper on the basis of sequential fractionation and determination of 34 representative surface soils collected from all parts of China.Results obtained show that the extraction rate of water soluble and exchangeable REE had the odd-even phenomenon and that of organically bound REE from La to Lu tended to reduce gradually with the increase of atomic number.The stability of Sc and the activity and enrichment of Tm in soils are proposed.Furthermore,the paper makes a preliminary discussion on the differences in the concentration distribution of various forms of individual REE in some soils.