Painéis-sanduíche com núcleo de EPS reciclado: metodologia de execução e determinação de propriedades termofísicas

New materials made from industrial wastes have been studied as an alternative to traditional fabrication processes in building and civil engineering. These materials are produced considering some issues like: cost, efficiency and reduction of nvironmental damage. Specifically in cases of materials destined to dwellings in low latitude regions, like Brazilian Northeast, efficiency is related to mechanical and thermal resistance. Thus, when thermal insulation and energetic efficiency are aimed, it s important to increase thermal resistance without depletion of mechanical properties. This research was conducted on a construction element made of two plates of cement mortar, interspersed with a plate of recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS). This component, widely known as sandwich-panel, is commonly manufactured with commercial EPS whose substitution was proposed in this study. For this purpose it was applied a detailed methodology that defines parameters to a rational batching of the elements that constitute the nucleus. Samples of recycled EPS were made in two different values of apparent specific mass (ρ = 65 kg/m³; ρ = 130 kg/m³) and submitted to the Quick-Line 30TM that is a thermophysical properties analyzer. Based on the results of thermal conductivity, thermal capacity and thermal diffusivity obtained, it was possible to assure that recycled EPS has thermal insulation characteristics that qualify it to replace commercial EPS in building and civil engineering industry

Secagem do resíduo industrial da acerola em leito de jorro: estudos fluidodinâmicos e análise do desempenho do secador

In this research, the drying process of acerola waste was investigated by using a spouted bed drier. The process was conducted using high density polyethylene inert particles with the objective of producing an ascorbic acid-rich final product. The fruit waste was ground and used to prepare different water-maltodextrin suspensions. Initially, fluidynamical experiments were conducted in order to evaluate the feeding effect on the spouted bed drier fluidynamics behavior. The experimental planning 23 + 3 was used to investigate the effect of the following variables: solids concentration, drying air temperature, intermittence time, production efficiency, solids retention and product losses by elutriation of fine particles on drier walls. The effect of selected independent variables on the drier stability was also evaluated based on a parameter defined as the ratio between the feed suspension volume and the total inert particles volume. Finally, the powder quality was verified in experiments with fixed feed flow and varying air drying temperature, drying air velocity and intermittence time. It was observed that the suspension interferes in the spouted bed drier fluidynamics behavior, and higher air flow is necessary to stabilize the drier. The suspension also promotes the expansion of the spouted bed diameter, decreases the solid circulation and favors the air distribution at the flush area. All variables interfere in the spouted bed performance, and the solids concentration has a major effect on the material retention and losses. The intermittence time also has great effect on the stability and material retention. When it comes to production efficiency, the main effect observed was the drying air temperature. First order models were well adjusted to retention and losses data. The acerola powder presented ascorbic acid levels around 600 to 700 mg/100g. Similar moisture and ascorbic acid levels were obtained for powders obtained by spouted bed and spray drier. However, the powder production efficiency of the spray drier was lower when compared to spouted bed drier. When it comes to energetic analysis, the spray drier process was superior. The results obtained for spouted bed drier are promising and highly dependent on the operational parameters chosen, but in general, it is inferred that this drying process is adequate for paste and suspension drying

Tafonomia de moluscos fósseis do Grupo Bauru (Cretáceo Superior, Bacia Bauru), na região do município de Monte Alto, São Paulo, Brasil

Bivalves mollusks fossils of Bauru Group (Late Cretaceous, Bauru Basin) deposited in scientific collections and collected in outcrops from Monte Alto municipality, São Paulo, are analyzed in their taphonomy. The preservation of recrystallized individual in carbonatic matrix indicates substrate remobilization by unidirectional energetic event in fluvial discharge. The specimens with conjugated valves possess internal sediment similar to the external indicating low exposition to Taphonomical Active Zone, suggesting a bioclastic low time-averaging. The truncate and fragmented posterior portion of specimens from scientific collections is probably related to the incapacity of the taxa to reburrowing the substrate in drowning periods. Both taphonomic patterns corroborate evidences of a fluvial paleoenvironment in the Bauru Group.

Análise energética de sistemas de produção de etanol de mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

This work aimed to analyze the energetic consumption of the etanol production system, using the cassava as carbohidrates source. The researches were carried out from the field in the mid region of Paranapanema river, São Paulo state, during the period January to December, 2007. The energy consumption referring to the phases of crop production and industrial processing were appraised. It was verified that the total energetic cost of the crop production corresponded to 9,528.33 MJ ha(-1), and the most onerous item was the inputs (35.72%). In the industrial step, the energetic consumption was equivalent to 2,208.28 MJ t(-1). The operations of hydrolysis/saccharification/treatment of the juice represented 56.72% of the total energetic expenditure. The cassava crop presented an energetic cost of 1.54 MJ L-1 in relation to the etanol produced in the main agronomic operations crop production, and 11.76 MJ L-1 in the industrial processing. The energy efficiency observed in the cultivation and industrialization of the cassava was of 1.76.

Estudo energético da produção de biocombustível a partir do milho

This research analyzed the energetic consumption of etanol from the corn crops (Zea mays 14 The field surveys were carried out in the Midle Paranapanema River Region, São Paulo state, Brazil, in the period from January to December 2007 The energy consumption on stage of production and industrial processing of grain were evaluated It was verified that the total energetic cost of the crop production corresponded to 15,633 7MJ ha(-1), and the most onerous item was the inputs (77 5%) In the industrial step, the energetic consumption was equivalent to 3.882.2MJ r(-1) The operations of hydrolysis, saccharification and treatment of the broth represented 50 2% of the total energetic expenditure It was also observed an energetic cost of 7 9MJ L(-1) in relation to the atonal produced in the main crop production operations, and II 8MJ L(-1) in the industrial processing The energy balance of crop production and industrialization was of 1 2MJ.

Avaliação energética da produção de etanol utilizando como matéria-prima a cana-de-açúcar

This research analyzed the energetic consumption of the etanol, using as raw-material sugar cane. The searches were carried out from the field in the Midle Paranapanema River Region, São Paulo state, in the period from January to December 2007. The referring energy consumption from the crop production phase and industrial processing were evaluated. It was verified that the total energetic cost of the crop production corresponded to 14370.9MJ ha(-1), and the most onerous item was the inputs (50.4%). In the industrial step, the energetic consumption was equivalent to 1,641.56MJ t(-1), The 'hydrolysis, saccharification and broth treatment operations' represented 71.72% of the total energetic expenditure. It was also observed an energetic cost of 2.0MJ L(-1) in relation to the etanol produced in the main crop production operations, and 19.4MJ L(-1) in the industrial processing. The energy efficiency observed in the crop production and industrialization were of 1.1.

Influences of thermal and electric load fluctuations in the cogeneration attractiveness

The use of mean values of thermal and electric demand can be justifiable for synthesising the configuration and for estimating the economic results because it simplifies the analysis in a preliminary feasibility study of a cogeneration plant. For determining the cogeneration scheme that best fits the energetic needs of a process several cycles and combinations must be considered, and those technically feasible will be analysed according to economic models. Although interesting for a first approach, this procedure do not consider that the peaks and valleys present in the load patterns will impose additional constraints relatively to the equipment capacities. In this paper, the effects of thermal and electric load fluctuation to the cogeneration plant design were considered. An approach for modelling these load variability is proposed for comparing two competing thermal and electric parity competing schemes. A gas turbine associated to a heat recovery steam generator was then proposed and analysed for thermal- and electric-following operational strategies. Thermal-following option revealed to be more attractive for the technical and economic limits defined for this analysis. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermoeconomic analysis of an evaporative desiccant air conditioning system

In this paper, a thermoeconomic analysis method based on the first and second law of thermodynamics and applied to an evaporative cooling system coupled to an adsorption dehumidifier, is presented. The main objective is the use of a method called exergetic manufacturing cost (EMC) applied to a system that operates in three different conditions to minimize the operation costs. Basic parameters are the RIP ratio (reactivation air/process air) and the reactivation air temperature. Results of this work show that the minimum reactivation temperature and the minimum RIP ratio corresponds to the smaller EMC. This result can be corroborated through an energetic analysis. It is noted that this case is also the one corresponding to smaller energy loss. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Energy education: breaking up the rational energy use barriers

Human development is associated directly or indirectly with the energy use, and because of this the energetic sources were dealt with in the recent past, as fully available to human necessities. The reality shows that the energy availability, considering the nonrenewable sources, is limited, and beyond that, the exploration, the processing and the use of energy impose considerable impacts on the environment. There is not a system which operates with no losses and without imposing changes to the environment. Therefore, the energy conservation incorporates the concepts and the actions applied to the research of sustainable balance between nature and the energy availability and use. Such actions can be presented both in the short term, in which the energy system is close to a collapse, or in the medium/long term, in which those responsible for the energy policies are concerned with the structure of the socioeconomic development. Such a situation requires more responsibility in the treatment of energy questions, mainly through education, which represents long-term investments. This paper discusses barriers that are present in the projects applied to energy conservation, by making clear that education is one of the best ways to transform the human behavior in for the rational use of energy. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Combined cycle versus one thousand diesel power plants: pollutant emissions, ecological efficiency and economic analysis

The increase in the use of natural gas in Brazil has stimulated public and private sectors to analyse the possibility of using combined cycle systems for generation of electrical energy. Gas turbine combined cycle power plants are becoming increasingly common due to their high efficiency, short lead times, and ability to meet environmental standards. Power is produced in a generator linked directly to the gas turbine. The gas turbine exhaust gases are sent to a heat recovery steam generator to produce superheated steam that can be used in a steam turbine to produce additional power. In this paper a comparative study between a 1000 MW combined cycle power plant and 1000 kW diesel power plant is presented. In first step, the energetic situation in Brazil, the needs of the electric sector modification and the needs of demand management and integrated means planning are clarified. In another step the characteristics of large and small thermoelectric power plants that use natural gas and diesel fuel, respectively, are presented. The ecological efficiency levels of each type of power plant is considered in the discussion, presenting the emissions of particulate material, sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Physical-chemical and thermodynamic analyses of ethanol steam reforming for hydrogen production

Steam reforming is the most usual method of hydrogen production due to its high production efficiency and technological maturity the use of ethanol for this purpose is an interesting option because it is a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel. The objective of this article is to present the physical-chemical, thermodynamic, and exergetic analysis of a steam reformer of ethanol, in order to produce 0.7 Nm(3)/h of hydrogen as feedstock of a 1 kW PEMFC the global reaction of ethanol is considered. Superheated ethanol reacts with steam at high temperatures producing hydrogen and carbon dioxide, depending strongly on the thermodynamic conditions of reforming, as well as on the technical features of the reformer system and catalysts. The thermodynamic analysis shows the feasibility of this reaction in temperatures about 206 degrees C. Below this temperature, the reaction trends to the reactants. The advance degree increases with temperature and decreases with pressure. Optimal temperatures range between 600 and 700 degrees C. However, when the temperature attains 700 degrees C, the reaction stability occurs, that is, the hydrogen production attains the limit. For temperatures above 700 degrees C, the heat use is very high, involving high costs of production due to the higher volume of fuel or electricity used. The optimal pressure is 1 atm., e.g., at atmospheric pressure. The exergetic analysis shows that the lower irreversibility is attained for lower pressures. However the temperature changes do not affect significantly the irreversibilities. This analysis shows that the best thermodynamic conditions for steam reforming of ethanol are the same conditions suggested in the physical-chemical analysis.

Distribuição espacial, formação de grupos, uso do hábitat e ecologia comportamental de jovens de tubarão limão, negaprion brevirostris (poey 1868), no arquipélago de fernando de noronha

Lemon sharks, Negaprion brevirostris, are common in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, but detailed information about the species in this site is lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the spatial distribution, grouping behavior, habitat use and behavioral ecology of juvenile lemon sharks in the archipelago, and their interaction with some environmental and ecological factors. During 2006 and 2007, the presence and spatial distribution of juvenile sharks were quantified through scuba diving and snorkeling at several sites of the archipelago. In 2008 the habitat use of juvenile sharks was quantified through visual census while snorkeling along 300 x 8 m strip transects. During these transects the grouping behavior of lemon sharks was quantified by ad libitum. Results indicate that Fernando de Noronha Archipelago is used as a nursery area for lemon sharks, and the parturition occurs from November to April. Juveniles preferred using shallower areas available by the tide variation and formed groups only in the presence of adult conspecifics. This preference for shallower habitats and the group behavior probably are anti-predatory tactics used by juvenile lemon sharks, in response to the low availability of shelter and high predation risk of the studied areas. Quantifications of prey availability and predation risk of juveniles showed that, in general, lemon sharks are trading-off food by security and investing in sites with higher possibility of energetic return. Behavioral observations enabled to record juvenile carangid fishes following juvenile lemon sharks, remora host-parasite and juvenile sharks foraging on schools of herrings and octopuses. We also recorded the behavior of juvenile sharks following conspecifics of similar size, circling with two or three individuals and smaller individuals giving way to larger juveniles. When adults are present, juvenile lemon sharks are more social than solitary, indicating that predation is one of the factors that contribute to social behaviors of the species. Results also suggest that when grouped the juveniles have a hierarchical organization according to body size. Furthermore, observation of large adult females with several fresh mating bites and scars in the same habitats used by juvenile lemon sharks, indicates that Fernando de Noronha Archipelago is used as nursery and mating grounds by this species

Thermodynamic analysis of direct steam reforming of ethanol in molten carbonate fuel cell

Fuel cell as molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) operates at high temperatures. Thus, cogeneration processes may be performed, generating heat for its own process or for other purposes of steam generation in the industry. The use of ethanol is one of the best options because this is a renewable and less environmentally offensive fuel, and is cheaper than oil-derived hydrocarbons, as in the case of Brazil. In that country, because of technical, environmental, and economic advantages, the use of ethanol by steam reforming process has been the most investigated process. The objective of this study is to show a thermodynamic analysis of steam reforming of ethanol, to determine the best thermodynamic conditions where the highest volumes of products are produced, making possible a higher production of energy, that is, a more efficient use of resources. To attain this objective, mass and energy balances were performed. Equilibrium constants and advance degrees were calculated to get the best thermodynamic conditions to attain higher reforming efficiency and, hence, higher electric efficiency, using the Nernst equation. The advance degree (according to Castellan 1986, Fundamentos da Fisica/Quimica, Editora LTC, Rio de Janeiro, p. 529, in Portuguese) is a coefficient that indicates the evolution of a reaction, achieving a maximum value when all the reactants' content is used of reforming increases when the operation temperature also increases and when the operation pressure decreases. However, at atmospheric pressure (1 atm), the advance degree tends to stabilize in temperatures above 700 degrees C; that is, the volume of supplemental production of reforming products is very small with respect to high use of energy resources necessary. The use of unused ethanol is also suggested for heating of reactants before reforming. The results show the behavior of MCFC. The current density, at the same tension, is higher at 700 degrees C than other studied temperatures such as 600 and 650 degrees C. This fact occurs due to smaller use of hydrogen at lower temperatures that varies between 46.8% and 58.9% in temperatures between 600 and 700 degrees C. The higher calculated current density is 280 mA/cm(2). The power density increases when the volume of ethanol to be used also increases due to higher production of hydrogen. The highest produced powers at 190 mA/cm(2) are 99.8, 109.8, and 113.7 mW/cm(2) for 873, 923, and 973 K, respectively. The thermodynamic efficiency has the objective to show the connection among operational conditions and energetic factors, which are some parameters that describe a process of internal steam reforming of ethanol.

Orbital evolution of the mu and nu dust ring particles of Uranus

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Estudo teórico aplicado ao petróleo: estabilidade dos alcenos e recuperação terciária

The present work aims to study the theoretical level of some processes employed in the refining of petroleum fractions and tertiary recovery of this fluid. In the third chapter, we investigate a method of hydrogenation of oil fractions by QTAIM (Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules) and thermodynamic parameters. The study of hydrogenation reactions, and the stability of the products formed, is directly related to product improvement in the petrochemical refining. In the fourth chapter, we study the theoretical level of intermolecular interactions that occur in the process of tertiary oil recovery, or competitive interactions involving molecules of non-ionic surfactants, oil and quartz rock where oil is accumulated. Calculations were developed using the semiempirical PM3 method (Parametric Model 3). We studied a set of ten non-ionic surfactants, natural and synthetic origin. The study of rock-surfactant interactions was performed on the surface of the quartz (001) completely hydroxylated. Results were obtained energetic and geometric orientations of various surfactants on quartz. QTAIM was obtained through the analysis of the electron density of interactions, and thus, providing details about the formation of hydrogen bonds and hydrogen-hydrogen systems studied. The results show that the adsorption of ethoxylated surfactants in the rock surface occurs through the hydrogen bonding of the type CH---O, and surfactants derivatives of polyols occurs by OH---O bonds. For structures adsorption studied, the large distance of the surfactant to the surface together with the low values of charge density, indicate that there is a very low interaction, characterizing physical adsorption in all surfactants studied. We demonstrated that surfactants with polar group comprising oxyethylene units, showed the lowest adsorption onto the surface of quartz, unlike the derivatives of polyols