This book explores the use of nanomaterials as diesel fuel additives. It extensively reviews the diesel engine characteristics and the most frequently used nanomaterials and nanofuels and discusses the practical issues regarding the viability of nanomaterials as fuel additives from technical, environmental, and human health viewpoints. Special attention is focused on questions related to the short-term use of nanomaterials in diesel engines, such as: * What are the most important nanomaterial activities in diesel engines? * What happens to nanomaterials at various stages, from the fuel tank to exhaust? * What are the effects of nanofuel usage on diesel engine characteristics? and * What are the effects of nanomaterials on diesel engine parts and systems? Given its scope, this book is a valuable resource for researchers and engineers in environmental science, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering fields, as well as for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students.

In contrast to traditional combustion, gasification technologies offer the potential for converting coal and low or negative-value feedstocks, such as petroleum coke and various waste materials into usable energy sources or chemicals. With a growing number of companies operating and marketing systems based on gasification concepts worldwide, this book combines the latest information and real-world experience in developing gasification technologies.

Gasification Technologies: A Primer for Engineers and Scientists discusses gasification techniques and the benefits of each technology, including gas clean-up technologies and those used in hybrid systems and fuel cells. It also accounts for the primary products that are recovered and explains how these products are purified and can be used as fuel or for applications in petrochemical processes. The book describes the conditions in which optimal value intermediate products can be recovered, focusing on key factors such as oxygen or air blown reactor, operating temperature, internal and external heating, and reactor design. The authors also establish how gasification can help meet renewable energy targets, address concerns about global warming, and contribute to a better carbon management or achieving Kyoto Protocol commitments.

Gasification Technologies provide a multidimensional and well-rounded examination of current technology, research, applications, and development challenges for the commercialization of this increasingly popular technology.

1 Oxford and Webster's dictionaries,2 give trans-Atlantic agreement in English with a common definition for 'Quality' as 'degree of excellence'. Compared with the many words taken up by other authors' definitions, this is remarkably brief and no doubt unsatisfactory to many people. Yet if 'degree' means a stage in an ascending or descending series, in intensity or in amount, then measurement is by definition explicitly required if terms such as 'quality level', 'good quality', 'high quality' etc. are to have any real meaning. Using measurement is inherent in the methods of all the major writers on the achievement of business improvement through quality. Results from measurements allow improvement by using tools commonly grouped under the heading Statistical Process Control (SPC). Results also form part of the judging criteria of Total Quality Management (TQM) models such as the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in the USA and the more recent European Quality Award. Future revisions of the ISO 9000 series of quality management system standards will specifically require measure ment of defects. However, it is not easy for quality professionals or line managers to find examples of what they should measure and how to do it in their own particular functions in their own particular industries; case st\}dies always seem to refer to others."

The conference, organized jointly by the International Association of Underwater Engineering Contractors and the Society for Underwater Technology, was held in November 1989. The three sessions cover changing requirements for underwater inspection and maintenance; developments in remotely controlled

This book reports on the most recent applications of processes with a particular focus on the source and the properties of biogas and on the characteristics of the fuel cells (FCs). It describes adsorbing materials of potential interest are reviewed and the preparation methods and treatments employed to improve the adsorption properties as well as the stability and regenerability. The characterization of the chemical and physical properties involved in these processes is examined in particular detail. The book also covers aspects that concern the development of the adsorption apparatus with particular attention on the target of low residual concentration and high selectivity.High temperature FCs, such as molten carbonates (MCFCs) or solid oxides (SOFCs), are efficient, with a low environmental impact, and they can use a wide variety of fuels, such as biogas. The presence of some poisonous compounds such as sulphides, halides, and siloxanes can react with electrode catalysts and electrolyte, leading to the degradation and short lifetime of the cell. The treatment of raw biogas to obtain a FC-compatible fuel is mainly based on adsorption processes on suitable materials.

Springer has here produced a major debut in English-language publications. It 's the first book to describe very recent methods for pipe defect assessment such as notch fracture mechanics and critical gross strain. Pipelines remain the least expensive transcontinental mean of transport compared to the rail-bound or terrestrial transport. It has become increasingly paramount to ensure the safe utilization of such plant in order to prevent economical, social and ecological losses. This book adds much to the body of knowledge in this area.

The problem of storing hydrogen safely and effectively is one of the major technological barriers currently preventing the widespread adoption of hydrogen as an energy carrier and the subsequent transition to a so-called hydrogen economy. Practical issues with the storage of hydrogen in both gas and liquid form appear to make reversible solid state hydrogen storage the most promising potential solution. "Hydrogen Storage Materials" addresses the characterisation of the hydrogen storage properties of the materials that are currently being considered for this purpose.

The background to the topic is introduced, along with the various types of materials that are currently under investigation, including nanostructured interstitial and complex hydrides, and porous materials, such as metal-organic frameworks and microporous organic polymers. The main features of "Hydrogen Storage Materials" include: an overview of the different types of hydrogen storage materials and the properties that are of interest for their practical use;descriptions of the gas sorption measurement methods used to determine these properties, and the complementary techniques that can be used to help corroborate hydrogen uptake data; andextensive coverage of the practical considerations for accurate hydrogen sorption measurement that drive both instrument design and the development of experimental methodology.

"Hydrogen Storage Materials" provides an up-to-date overview of the topic for experienced researchers, while including enough introductory material to serve as a useful, practical introduction for newcomers to the field.

This book represents a collection of papers presented at the 4th International Symposium on Analysis and Detection of Explosives held at the Mitzpeh Rachel Kibbutz Guesthouse in Jerusalem, September 7 to 10, 1992. The Symposium was attended by 150 participants from 20 countries and 50 lectures were given including 4 invited keynote lectures. The purpose of the Symposium, as the previous Symposia, was to present and to discuss new approaches, new applications, new methods and techniques in analysis and detection of explosives. The Symposium was, according to the feedback received from many participants, very successful and met the anticipated expectations. New collaborative initiatives between various laboratories from different countries were formed, which is a necessity in our common goals of law enforcement, aviation security and environmental quality, issues which are closely related to the analysis of explosives. I would like to extend my thanks to the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Israel National Police for sponsoring the Symposium, to the contributing Institutions and Agencies for making this Symposium financially possible, and to the members of the International Committee for helpful advice. I am most thankful to my colleagues from the Organizing Committee, especially Dr. Joseph Almog and Dr. Shmuel Zitrin from the Israel National Police, for helping in the organization of this Symposium.

This work highlights contemporary approaches to resource utilization and provides comprehensive coverage of technological advances in residuum conversion. It illustrates state-of-the-art engineering methods for the refinement of heavy oils, bitumen, and other high-sulphur feedstocks.

In the future, our energy systems will need to be renewable and sustainable, efficient and cost-effective, convenient and safe. Hydrogen has been proposed as the perfect fuel for this future energy system. The availability of a reliable and cost-effective supply, safe and efficient storage, and convenient end use of hydrogen will be essential for a transition to a Hydrogen Economy. Research is being conducted throughout the world for the development of safe, cost-effective hydrogen production, storage, and end-use technologies that support and foster this transition. This book is a collection of important research and analysis papers on hydrogen production, storage, and end-use technologies that were presented at the American Chemical Society National Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, in August 1999.

The investigative assault upon the enigmatic asphaltenes has recently resulted in sig nificant advances in many varied disciplines. Taken individually, each discipline exposes certain facets of asphaltenes, but each, alone, can never reveal asphaltenes from all van tages. Even seemingly narrowly focused issues such as the molecular structures of asphal tenes, or the colloidal structures of asphaltenes require a confluence of many lines of investigation to yield an understanding which differs from truth by diminishing uncer tainty. An holistic treatment of the asphaltenes is a powerful approach to evolve further their understanding. For example, examination of asphaltenes at the highest resolution yields molecular structure. A slight increase in scale probes asphaltene colloidal structure. Weaving together asphaltene studies performed at different length scales results in a fabric which envelops an encompassing vision of asphaltenes. At the same time, the interfaces of these hierarchical studies provide additional constraints on imagination, more than investi gations at individual length scales alone. These considerations shaped the timing, format, and the content of our book. The editors are very appreciative of the diligence and hard work manifest in each of the contributed chapters herein. We thank the contributing authors for making this project a success. Oliver C. Mullins Eric Y. Sheu vii CONTENTS I. Asphaltenes: Types and Sources ...................................... ."

This book combines the results of current research with essential background material to provide complete, in-depth coverage of every aspect of in situ and ex situ bioremediation, as well as an extensive overview of the physical and chemical processes currently available for treating petroleum-contaminated soils. Critical information has been collected and assembled under one cover to provide a convenient reference for anyone who must contend with this worldwide problem.
Remediation of Petroleum Contaminated Soils: Biological, Physical, and Chemical Processes describes how to optimize the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil-water systems. It reports on the susceptibility of various petroleum components to biodegradation by microorganisms, and considers all groups of microorganisms for their potential contributions. The book also deals with problem areas such as the transport of organisms, oxygen, or nutrients throughout the subsurface, as well as biodegradation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs). In addition, the book presents a variety of methods for monitoring bioremediation.
This reference discusses current soil remediation processes and includes many innovative approaches. It also investigates means of controlling volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and leachate, and addresses methods for collecting and treating these secondary waste streams. The expansive coverage of this book will furnish readers with a wide range of options for developing treatment strategies and for customizing procedures for specific requirements.

This study focuses on the physical aspects of ultrasonic de-ashing and de-sulfurization, such as cavitation, streaming and their combined effects. Ambedkar Balraj proposes an ultrasound-assisted coal particle breakage mechanism and explores aqueous and solvent-based ultrasonic techniques for de-ashing and de-sulfurization. Ambedkar designs a Taguchi L-27 fractional-factorial matrix to assess the individual effects of key process variables. In this volume he also describes process optimization and scale-up strategies. The author provides a mechanism-based model for ultrasonic reagent-based coal de-sulfurization, proposes a flow diagram for ultrasonic methods of high-throughput coal-wash and discusses the benefits of ultrasonic coal-wash. Coal will continue to be a major fuel source for the foreseeable future and this study helps improve its use by minimising ash and sulfur impurities.

This book presents a thermodynamic and economic analysis of gas-gas systems in power plants, including combined heat and power systems, combined cooling, heat and power systems, hydrogen production facilities and compressed energy storage system. A configuration for high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor is also used as a heat source for the cycle. The book compares different technologies, such as gas-steam and gas-gas systems, using optimized cases. It presents mathematical models that return optimal thermodynamic parameters of the cycles, and applies a novel continuous-time model in order to perform an economic analysis as well. This book utilizes numerous illustrations and worked examples to thoroughly explain the technologies discussed, making it relevant for researchers, market analysts, decision makers, power engineers and students alike.

Series Information:
Applied Energy Technology

This book contains papers presented at the Engineering Foundation Conference on mineral matter in fuels held on November 2-7, 1997 in Kona, Hawaii. The conference is one of a continuing series that was initiated by the CEGB Mar- wood Engineering Laboratories in 1963. The conference was to be eventually organised by the Engineering Foundation as the need for multi-disciplinary work related to c- trolling ash effects in combustors became apparent. The conference covers both the science and the applications. The papers also present case histories, particularly for current fuel technologies, developments in advanced technologies for power generation and mathematical modelling of these processes. Developments since 1963 have been slow, but steady, due to the complexity of the chemical and physical processes involved. However, the research presented here displays great improvement in our understanding of the mechanisms by which mineral matter will influence fuel use. Steve Benson from EERC presented a review and current status of issues related to ash deposition in coal combustion and gasification. The application of new analytical tools, which have been detailed in the previous conferences, is presented. These include CCSEM, as well as new techniques for char- terising sintering of ash, such as TMA, image analysis, X-ray diffraction crystallography and thermal analysis. The new analytical techniques were extended to encompass widely differing fuels such as biomass. Ole H Larsen from ELSAM Denmark presented a review of these advanced techniques.