A Fusion Neutron Source Driven Sub-Critical Nuclear Energy System: A Way for Early Application of Fusion Technology

This paper proposes a sub-critical nuclear energy system driven by fusion neutron source, FDS, which can be used to transmute long-lived radioactive wastes and to produce fissile nuclear fuel as a way for early application of fusion technology. The necessity and feasibility to develop that system in China are illustrated on the basis of prediction of the demand of energy source in the first half of the 21th century, the status of current fission energy supply and the progress in fusion technology in the world. The characteristics of fusion neutron driver and the potential for transmutation of long-lived nuclear wastes and breeding of fissile nuclear fuel in a blanket are analyzed. A scenario of development steps is proposed.

Recovery of oil and free fatty acids from spent bleaching earth using sub-critical water technology supported with kinetic and thermodynamic study

This work represents the extraction of oil with high free fatty acid content from spent bleaching earth using sub-critical water technology as a greener production pathway. The extraction efficiencies under different conditions were investigated. The studied parameters include temperatures in the range of 180 to 270°C, the feed to solventfeed-to-solvent (in this case water) ratio (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5) and extraction times in the range of 5-60 minutes. The results showed that the optimum temperature, feed to solventfeed-to-solvent ratio, and extraction time were 270°C, 1:3, and 20 minutes, respectively. In another experiment, the extracted free fatty acids were converted into mono-, di-, and triglycerides through esterification with glycerol to increase the value added of the extracted products. The kinetics of the extraction process was found to be corresponding to an irreversible consecutive unimolecular-type first order reaction, consisting of the extraction step followed by the decomposition reaction step. Both reaction rates of extraction and decomposition were estimated using the reaction rate equations utilizing the nonlinear regression method. The apparent activation energy was calculated to be 46.1 kJ·mol-1. This result indicates a diffusion controlled reaction. For more exploration and deep understanding of the extraction mechanism, other thermodynamic parameters were also calculated and analyzed including,ΔH#, ΔS#, and ΔG# of the extraction step.

Law governing strata and ground movement due to sub-critical extraction

The strata movement induced by sub-critical extraction is a problem not receiving due attention because of its relatively small magnitude of deformation. However, with the increase of mining depth, sub-critical extraction has become a general phenomenon. This calls for an in-depth investigation into the characteristics of ground movements observed under different extents of sub-critical extraction, so as to determine the appropriate mining technique for use. Following a discussion of the factors influencing the extent of super-critical extraction, the super-critical extraction extent evaluation criteria was presented, the characteristics and laws of the strata and ground movements caused by such an extraction condition were systematically analyzed, and the mechanism of surface subsidence induced by sub-critical extraction was revealed. The result of study may serve as a basis for the development of the strata and ground movement prediction model and the mining techniques appropriate for use at depth beneath surface structures and buildings.

Fouling process and anti-fouling mechanisms of dynamic membrane assisted by photocatalytic oxidation under sub-critical fluxes

Membrane fouling is often considered as a hindrance for the application of microfiltration/ultrafiltration(MF/UF) for drinking water production. A novel process of photocatalytic membrane reactor/dynamic membrane(PMR/DM), operating in a continuous mode under sub-critical flux, was proposed for the mitigation of membrane fouling caused by humic acids(HAs) in water. The mechanism of membrane fouling alleviation with synergistic photocatalytic oxidation and dynamic layer isolating effect was comprehensively investigated from the characterization of foulant evolution responsible for the reversible and irreversible fouling. The results showed that the PMR/DM utilized photocatalytic oxidation to enhance the porosity and hydrophilicity of the fouling layer by converting the high molecular weight(MW) and hydrophobic HA molecules with carboxylic functional groups and aromatic structures into low-MW hydrophilic or transphilic fractions, including tryptophan-like or fulvic-like substances. The fouling layer formed in the PMR/DM by combination of photocatalytic oxidation and DM running at a sub-critical flux of 100 L·h^-1·m^-2, was more hydrophilic and more porous, resulting in the lowest trans-membrane pressure(TMP) growth rates, as compared to the processes of ceramic membrane(CM), DM and PMR/CM.Meanwhile, the dynamic layer prevented the foulants, particularly the high-MW hydrophobic fractions,from contacting the primary membrane, which enabled the membrane permeability to be restored easily.

Effect of holes on in-plane shear(Mode Ⅱ) crack sub-critical propagation of rock

Shear-box(i.e.compression-shear) test and newly designed electrically conductive adhesive method were used to measure shear crack sub-critical propagation time and rate of sandstone specimen.Different cubic specimens with and without holes were tested to study the effect of holes on the shear crack sub-critical propagation.Numerical and experimental results show that three independent variables of hole,the interval distance S,the distance between the center of hole and the crack tip L,and hole radius R,have different contribution to the ratio of stress intensity factor of the specimen with holes to that of the specimen without hole,KⅡ/KⅡ0.Increasing S and decreasing L and R will result in the decrease of KⅡ/KⅡ0 and help crack arrest.The weight relation of the independent variables for KⅡ/KⅡ0 is S>L>R.The specimen DH3 with the largest value of S and the smallest values of L and R has the longest sub-critical crack propagation time and the smallest sub-critical crack propagation rate.Adding two suitable holes symmetrically to the original crack plane in rock specimen is considered to be a potential method for crack arrest of rock.

In-plane shear(ModeⅡ) crack sub-critical propagation of rock at high temperature

In-plane shear crack sub-critical propagation of rock at high temperature was studied by finite element method and shear-box(i.e.compression-shear) test with newly designed electrically conductive adhesive method.Numerical and experimental results show that the normalized shear(Mode Ⅱ) stress intensity factors,K ⅡT/KT0 is decreased as the temperature increases because high temperature can improve stress distribution at crack tip and reduce the Mode Ⅱ stress intensity factor.Microscopic features of fractured surface are of little pits and secondary micro-cracks in the vicinity(1.5-4.0 mm) of the crack tip.The chevron-shape secondary cracks gradually merge in the length of about 4-5 mm and disappear along the direction of crack propagation.Stable shear crack propagation time is increased with the increasing temperature while the stable shear crack propagation rate is decreased with the increasing temperature,since high temperature can increase the shear(Mode Ⅱ) fracture toughness and prevent the crack growth.It is necessary to ensure the ligament of specimen long enough to measure the maximum unstable crack propagation rate of rock.

Sub-Criticality Measurement with Source Term for Research Reactor in Inverse Kinetics Method

In reactor physics tests, it is important to monitor sub-criticality continuously during criticality approach. Reactivity measurements by the inverse kinetics method are widely used during the operation of a nuclear reactor. This technique is successfully applied at sufficiently high power level or to a core without an external neutron source where the neutron source term in point reactor kinetics equations may be neglected. For operation at low power levels or in the sub-critical domain, the increase in the fluctuation of the neutron signal may cause difficulties in the evaluation of reactivity and the effect of direct emission from the external neutron source may not be neglected. Therefore, contribution of the neutron source must be taken into account and this implies knowledge of a quantity proportional to the source strength, which calls the source term and then it should be determined. The research work has been conducted to measure reactivity with source term using a dedicated reactivity measurement system by the Least Square Inverse Kinetics Method (LSIKM). Application to a simulator of HANARO research reactor, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), with known source strength and reactivity worth has showed consistent and satisfactory agreement.

Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Wheat Straw in Sub-critical Water/Ethanol with Ionic Liquid for Bio-oil Production

Hydrothermal liquefaction of wheat straw in sub-critical water with ionic liquid was investigated in an autoclave. The product distribution at different temperatures and pressures was studied. The liquid oil and the residuals were tested by 1H NMR, FTIR and SEM techniques. The results indicated that under the same conditions, the oil yield from liquefaction of wheat straw in water/ethanol was higher than that in sub-critical water. The result also showed that under the investigated conditions, adding 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride([Bmim]Cl) could increase the total conversion and gas yield, while at the same time the yield of n-hexane insoluble fraction and the tetrahydrofuran soluble fraction was reduced. Moreover, the results also showed that upon adding [Bmim]Cl the contents of the aliphatic hydrogen and phenols in liquid oil also increased along with improved oil quality.

Co-liquefaction of Cotton Seed and Flos Populi in Sub-critical Water/Ethanol Solvent for Bio-oil with Medical Stone Based Additives

The co-liquefaction behaviors of cotton seed(CS)and flos populi(FP)were investigated in the sub-critical water/ethanol mixed solvent using the medical stone(MS)based additives.Oil products were characterized using FTIR,GC-MS,1HNMR,and 13CNMR techniques.The test results showed that the synergistic effect of co-liquefaction was obvious when the ratio of cotton seed and flospopuli was 1:1 without additives.The additives,such as 12-phosphotungstic acid(PW12),HZSM-5,PW12/HZSM-5 and modified medical stone(MS),PW12/MS,Ni/MS,Co/MS,Mo/MS and Co-Mo/MS,could increase the bio-oil yield;and the modified MS resulted in higher liquefied oil yield than that achieved by MS.Furthermore,additives such as Ni/MS,Mo/MS,and Co-Mo/MS also could increase the yield of aliphatic hydrocarbons in liquefied oil.The addition of Co-Mo/MS could lead to a highest liquefied oil yield of 28.8%,while the additive of PW12/HZSM-5 could result in a highest total conversion of 81.6%.Results also revealed that additives,such as PW12/MS,PW12,PW12/HZSM-5,Ni/MS,Co/MS,Mo/MS,and Co-Mo/MS,could increase the H2 production and decrease the CO2 production in gas products.

Application of Sub-Critical Water Extraction in Pharmaceutical Industry

Sub-critical water extraction is a brand-new separation technology. This paper mainly discussed the principle, advantages of sub-critical water extraction, and its applications ranging from the medicinal plants traditionally used in Europe and Asia to produce pharmaceutical extracts (such as volatile oil, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinone, lactone, etc.). Meanwhile, the prospect of sub-critical water extraction in plant extractives is also explored. It will be widely used in the field of medical plants, bringing huge economic benefits, environmental benefits and social benefits.

Technical Study on Extraction of Procyanidins in Lycium ruthenicum Murr. Using Sub-critical Fluid 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane( R134a)and Content Determination from Different Producing Areas

[Objectives] To study the optimal conditions for extracting procyanidins fromLycium ruthenicum Murr. with sub-critical fluid R134 a( 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) in 1 L extraction kettle. [Methods]Taking the extraction rate of procyanidins as an indicator,the influence of pressure,temperature,and extraction time on extraction rate of procyanidins fromL. Ruthenicum Murr. was studied by single factor experimental methods and orthogonal array design. [Results]The order of factors affecting extraction rate of procyanidins was extraction temperature > extraction pressure > extraction time. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: the extraction rate of procyanidins fromL. ruthenicum Murr. was the highest with extraction pressure of 1. 2 MPa,extraction temperature of 50℃ and extraction time of 90 min. The content of procyanidins in L. ruthenicum Murr. from different producing areas was determined by vanillin-HCl method under the optimal conditions. [Conclusions] The method has the advantages of easy operation,good selectivity,low extraction temperature and high extraction efficiency,which is suitable for extraction of procyanidins in L. ruthenicum Murr.

Experimental Study on Ammonia Co-Firing with Coal for Carbon Reduction in the Boiler of a 300-MW Coal-Fired Power Station

To reduce CO_(2) emissions from coal-fired power plants,the development of low-carbon or carbon-free fuel combustion technologies has become urgent.As a new zero-carbon fuel,ammonia(NH_(3))can be used to address the storage and transportation issues of hydrogen energy.Since it is not feasible to completely replace coal with ammonia in the short term,the development of ammonia-coal co-combustion technology at the current stage is a fast and feasible approach to reduce CO_(2) emissions from coal-fired power plants.This study focuses on modifying the boiler and installing two layers of eight pure-ammonia burners in a 300-MW coal-fired power plant to achieve ammonia-coal co-combustion at proportions ranging from 20%to 10%(by heat ratio)at loads of 180-to 300-MW,respectively.The results show that,during ammonia-coal co-combustion in a 300-MW coal-fired power plant,there was a more significant change in NO_(x) emissions at the furnace outlet compared with that under pure-coal combustion as the boiler oxygen levels varied.Moreover,ammonia burners located in the middle part of the main combustion zone exhibited a better high-temperature reduction performance than those located in the upper part of the main combustion zone.Under all ammonia co-combustion conditions,the NH_(3) concentration at the furnace outlet remained below 1 parts per million(ppm).Compared with that under pure-coal conditions,the thermal efficiency of the boiler slightly decreased(by 0.12%-0.38%)under different loads when ammonia co-combustion reached 15 t·h^(-1).Ammonia co-combustion in coal-fired power plants is a potentially feasible technology route for carbon reduction.

Simplified Applicable Model for Fire Tube Boiler

This research aims to present a simplified mathematical model to predict the performance of fire tube boilers, taking into account the necessity of knowing the components of exhaust gases and the extent of their compatibility with environmental laws and requirements. The model shown is for a horizontal, three-pass, wet-back fire tube boiler at steady-state, steady-flow operation. It is concluded from the applicability of the model for different boiler capacity ratings that the results are simplified and important for the boiler manufacturers to predict the performance and make the choice to modify the proposed design to achieve certain needs.

Numerical Simulation of Combustion in 660MW Tangentially Fired Pulverized Coal Boiler on Ultra-Low Load Operation

In this paper,the combustion conditions in the boiler furnace of a 660 MWtangential fired pulverized coal boiler are numerically simulated at 15%and 20%rated loads,to study the flexibility of coal-fired power units on ultra-low load operation.The numerical results show that the boiler can operate safely at 15%and 20%ultra-low loads,and the combustion condition in the furnace is better at 20%load,and the tangent circles formed by each characteristic section in the furnace are better,and when the boiler load is decreased to 15%,the tangent circles in the furnace begin to deteriorate.The average flue gas temperature of different areas of the furnace shows that when the boiler furnace operates under ultra-low load conditions,the average smoke temperature of the cold ash hopper at 20%load is basically the same as the average smoke temperature at 15%load;in the burner area,the average smoke temperature of the cold ash hopper at 20%load is about 50 K higher than that at 15%load;in the burned out area,the average smoke temperature of the cold ash hopper at 20%load is slightly higher than that at 15%load.The average temperature of flue gas in the furnace showed a tendency to increase rapidly with the height of the furnace,then slow down and fluctuate the temperature in the burner area,and finally increase slightly in the burnout area due to the further combustion of combustible components to release heat,and then began to decrease.

Optimizing Two-Phase Flow Heat Transfer:DCS Hybrid Modeling and Automation in Coal-Fired Power Plant Boilers

In response to escalating challenges in energy conservation and emission reduction,this study delves into the complexities of heat transfer in two-phase flows and adjustments to combustion processes within coal-fired boilers.Utilizing a fusion of hybrid modeling and automation technologies,we develop soft measurement models for key combustion parameters,such as the net calorific value of coal,flue gas oxygen content,and fly ash carbon content,within theDistributedControl System(DCS).Validated with performance test data,thesemodels exhibit controlled root mean square error(RMSE)and maximum absolute error(MAXE)values,both within the range of 0.203.Integrated into their respective automatic control systems,thesemodels optimize two-phase flow heat transfer,finetune combustion conditions,and mitigate incomplete combustion.Furthermore,this paper conducts an in-depth exploration of the generationmechanismof nitrogen oxides(NO_(x))and low oxygen emission reduction technology in coal-fired boilers,demonstrating a substantial reduction in furnace exit NO_(x) generation by 30%to 40%and the power supply coal consumption decreased by 1.62 g/(kW h).The research outcomes highlight the model’s rapid responsiveness,enabling prompt reflection of transient variations in various economic indicator parameters.This provides a more effective means for real-time monitoring of crucial variables in coal-fired boilers and facilitates timely combustion adjustments,underscoring notable achievements in boiler combustion.The research not only provides valuable and practical insights into the intricacies of two-phase flow heat transfer and heat exchange but also establishes a pioneering methodology for tackling industry challenges.

Numerical Calculations and Cold Tests for Flow Fields of a 220t/h Retrofitted Oil-Boiler

In this paper, cold simulation experiments and numerical calculations are conducted to predict 3 D flow field aerodynamics for an oil furnace after being retrofitted due to its fuel variation. K ε model and SIMPLE program under body fit coordination (BFC) system, in which TTM non orthogonal method is used to control the irregular geometric boundary, are adopted to solve the control equations. Model tests are conducted to check the calculation results, showing that they are in agreement with each other. Three different alternatives with different side window locations are also calculated to optimize the designs. The field retrofitting results show that the combination of cold tests with numerical calculations has prosperous application in retrofitting or renewing medium and small boilers.

Three-Dimensional Dynamic Modeling of a Tangentially Fired Utility Boiler Furnace

The tangentially fired utility boiler furnace is divided into several sections. The dynamic mathematical models for each section are presented. In the combustion zone, three dimensional model is used, while for the upper sections, lumped parameter model is used instead. With the combination of different models, we can get detailed distributions of gas velocity, temperature, chemical species, heat flux, etc. in the furnace, but with less CPU time. The radiation through the interfaces of each section is cons...

Modeling and Simulation Study on Reverse Swirl of Secondary Air in Large Tangentially Fired Boiler

Based on the porosity method and the improved non uniform QUICK scheme, this paper describes a three dimensional computer simulation to predict the flow characteristics in a tangentially fired boiler. The model is applied to a 600?MW boiler modeling under different operating conditions of reverse swirl of secondary air. The numerical results achieve reasonable agreement with experimental data. The calculated results of flow field, the pressure distribution, the relative diameter of tangential circle, angular momentum flux in furnace and the velocity distribution index in horizontal gas pass are analyzed in detail. And then the effects of the reverse swirl of secondary air on flue gas imbalance are discussed. Finally a reasonable operating condition of the reverse swirl of secondary air is presented.

Neural network approach to predicting mercury emission from utility boiler

The feasibility of using an ANN method to predict the mercury emission and speciation in the flue gas of a power station under un-tested combustion/operational conditions is evaluated. Based on existing field testing datasets for the emissions of three utility boilers, a 3-layer back-propagation network is applied to predict the mercury speciation at the stack. The whole prediction procedure includes： collection of data, structuring an artificial neural network （ANN） model, training process and error evaluation. A total of 59 parameters of coal and ash analyses and power plant operating conditions are treated as input variables, and the actual mercury emissions and their speciation data are used to supervise the training process and verify the performance of prediction modeling. The precision of model prediction （ root- mean-square error is 0. 8 μg/Nm3 for elemental mercury and 0. 9 μg/Nm3 for total mercury） is acceptable since the spikes of semi- mercury continuous emission monitor （SCEM） with wet conversion modules are taken into consideration.

Analysis of Prese nt Operating Situati on of Large Size Coal-F ired Utility Boilers

Large size utility boilers develop rapidly in China, both their reliability and economics have reached better level. The operating situations of various existing boilers on the basis of different coals are analyzed, it is held that, the notable energy imbalance of furnace exit, ever existing in the tangential firing boilers has been solved, with comparatively lower NOX emission concentration of gained. The higher NOX emission concentration and furnace slagging etc. problems existing in wall firing boilers are notable. The comprehensive analysis shows that, it is appropriate to choose lower furnace volume heat release rate and higher flame height in the type selection design of boilers, and sufficient margin should be kept in the selection of coal pulverizing mills.