DEVELOPMENT OF A MECHANISM AND PROCESS TO CONTINUOUSLY PRODUCE SPHERICAL, TORREFIED BIOMASS PELLETS

A recently developed novel biomass fuel pellet, the Q’ Pellet, offers significant improvements over conventional white pellets, with characteristics comparable to those of coal. The Q’ Pellet was initially created at bench scale using a proprietary die and punch design, in which the biomass was torrefied in-situ¬ and then compressed. To bring the benefits of the Q’ Pellet to a commercial level, it must be capable of being produced in a continuous process at a competitive cost. A prototype machine was previously constructed in a first effort to assess continuous processing of the Q’ Pellet. The prototype torrefied biomass in a separate, ex-situ reactor and transported it into a rotary compression stage. Upon evaluation, parts of the prototype were found to be unsuccessful and required a redesign of the material transport method as well as the compression mechanism. A process was developed in which material was torrefied ex-situ and extruded in a pre-compression stage. The extruded biomass overcame multiple handling issues that had been experienced with un-densified biomass, facilitating efficient material transport. Biomass was extruded directly into a novel re-designed pelletizing die, which incorporated a removable cap, ejection pin and a die spring to accommodate a repeatable continuous process. Although after several uses the die required manual intervention due to minor design and manufacturing quality limitations, the system clearly demonstrated the capability of producing the Q’ Pellet in a continuous process. Q’ Pellets produced by the pre-compression method and pelletized in the re-designed die had an average dry basis gross calorific value of 22.04 MJ/kg, pellet durability index of 99.86% and dried to 6.2% of its initial mass following 24 hours submerged in water. This compares well with literature results of 21.29 MJ/kg, 100% pellet durability index and <5% mass increase in a water submersion test. These results indicate that the methods developed herein are capable of producing Q’ Pellets in a continuous process with fuel properties competitive with coal.

The Role of Accidental and Therapeutic Hypothermia in Non-Fatal Drowning

A case of non-fatal drowning with a successful outcome despite a submersion time of 25 min is described. Our case report emphasizes the role of accidental hypothermia in the survival of drowning victims with hypoxic brain injury, and supports the use of therapeutic hypothermia in the resuscitation of these patients.

Proposta de valorização de espaço aberto público da aldeia da Luz

A construção da barragem do Alqueva causou várias transformações na paisagem ao nível sócioeconómico e ecológico. A submersão da antiga aldeia da Luz foi resultado desta construção, com consequente construção de uma nova aldeia. Um acontecimento que é marcante na história do Alqueva. O objetivo do trabalho de projeto é valorizar os espaços abertos públicos da nova aldeia e espaço envolvente. Esta estratégia assentou no reconhecimento e valorização dos sistemas ecológicos e culturais aí presentes, e na valorização do potencial turístico que lhe está associada. A metodologia do trabalho inclui uma análise das aldeias e realização de um inquérito à população (habitantes, residentes ocasionais e visitantes) com o fim de melhor responder aos seus anseios no presente. O trabalho culmina com a Proposta de Valorização de Espaço Aberto Público para a aldeia da Luz e espaço próximo envolvente e com o Plano de Estrutura Ecológica e Cultural (urbana e rural); Aldeia da Luz: towards the open public spaces valorization ABSTRACT: The construction of the Alqueva dam has caused several landscape transformations, in the socioeconomical, ecological matter. The submersion of the old Luz village was a direct result of this construction, with the consequent construction of a new Luz village. An event, which is remarkable in the Alqueva history. The project work objective is to value the public open spaces of the new village and its surrounding space. This strategy settled on the recognition and appreciation of the existing ecological and cultural systems, and in the touristic potential that is associated with it. The work methodology includes analysis of the villages and a survey fulfilment targeting the population (habitants, occasional residents and visitors) with the intent of better answering their current desires. The work culminates with the Public Open Space Appreciation Proposal for the Luz village and nearby surrounding space, and with the Ecological and Cultural Structures Plan (urban and rural).