A novel 3-layer mixed cultural evolutionary optimization framework for optimal operation of syngas production in a Texaco coal-water slurry gasifier

Optimizing operational parameters for syngas production of Texaco coal-water slurry gasifier studied in this paper is a complicated nonlinear constrained problem concerning 3 BP(Error Back Propagation) neural networks. To solve this model, a new 3-layer cultural evolving algorithm framework which has a population space, a medium space and a belief space is firstly conceived. Standard differential evolution algorithm(DE), genetic algorithm(GA), and particle swarm optimization algorithm(PSO) are embedded in this framework to build 3-layer mixed cultural DE/GA/PSO(3LM-CDE, 3LM-CGA, and 3LM-CPSO) algorithms. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed hybrid algorithms are firstly tested in 20 benchmark nonlinear constrained functions. Then, the operational optimization model for syngas production in a Texaco coal-water slurry gasifier of a real-world chemical plant is solved effectively. The simulation results are encouraging that the 3-layer cultural algorithm evolving framework suggests ways in which the performance of DE, GA, PSO and other population-based evolutionary algorithms(EAs) can be improved,and the optimal operational parameters based on 3LM-CDE algorithm of the syngas production in the Texaco coalwater slurry gasifier shows outstanding computing results than actual industry use and other algorithms.

An elasto-plastic constitutive model incorporating strain softening and dilatancy for interface thin-layer element and its verification

The mechanical behaviors of the interface between coarse-grained soil and concrete were investigated by simple shear tests under condition of mixed soil slurry (bentonite mixed with cement grout).For comparison,the interfaces both without slurry and with bentonite slurry were analyzed.The experimental results show that different slurries exert much influence on the strength and deformation of soil/structure interface.Under mixed soil slurry,strain softening and shear dilatation are observed,while shear dilatation appears under the small normal stress of the interface without slurry,and shear contraction is significant under the condition of the bentonite slurry.The thickness of the interface was determined by analyzing the disturbed height of the sample with both simple shear test and particle flow code (PFC).An elasto-plastic constitutive model incorporating strain softening and dilatancy for thin layer element of interface was formulated in the framework of generalized potential theory.The relation curves of shear stress and shear strain,as well as the relation curves of normal strain and shear strain,were fitted by a piecewise function composed by hyperbolic functions and resembling normal functions.The entire model parameters can be identified by tests.The new model is verified by comparing the measured data of indoor cut-off wall model tests with the predictions from finite element method (FEM).The FEM results indicate that the stress of wall calculated by using Goodman element is too large,and the maximum deviation between the test data and prediction is about 45%.While the prediction from the proposed model is close to the measured data,and the error is generally less than 10%.

Design factors affecting the dynamic performance of soil suspension in an agitated, baffled tank

The effects of particle size, impeller clearance and impeller speed are assessed to show how condition variations influence power consumption in the water-solid slurry suspension in an agitated tank. The energy efficiency of slurry height variation, impeller type and diameter, and solid movement speed has been investigated with six soil series stirred in a soil-water slurry. Coarser sand particles are observed to significantly increase power consumption, while finer particles, for instance clay, decrease the stirring power requirement. The 3-blade HR100 SUPERMIX? impeller manufactured by SATAKE generally performs more efficiently than a conventional4-pitched blade turbine. The impeller's geometric design, including diameter and number of blades influences the impeller's energy efficiency, and HR100 impellers with greater diameters remarkably reduce power consumption. The tests demonstrated that the power required to provide off-bottom solid suspension and solid dispersion can be reduced dramatically by increasing the slurry height rather than by accelerating the impeller, if this option is possible.