Plasma gasification of refuse derived fuel in a single-stage system using different gasifying agents.

The renewable evolution in the energy industry and the depletion of natural resources are putting pressure on the waste industry to shift towards flexible treatment technologies with efficient materials and/or energy recovery. In this context, a thermochemical conversion method of recent interest is plasma gasification, which is capable of producing syngas from a wide variety of waste streams. The produced syngas can be valorized for both energetic (heat and/or electricity) and chemical (ammonia, hydrogen or liquid hydrocarbons) end-purposes. This paper evaluates the performance of experiments on a single-stage plasma gasification system for the treatment of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from excavated waste. A comparative analysis of the syngas characteristics and process yields was done for seven cases with different types of gasifying agents (CO2+O2, H2O, CO2+H2O and O2+H2O). The syngas compositions were compared to the thermodynamic equilibrium compositions and the performance of the single-stage plasma gasification of RDF was compared to that of similar experiments with biomass and to the performance of a two-stage plasma gasification process with RDF. The temperature range of the experiment was from 1400 to 1600 K and for all cases, a medium calorific value syngas was produced with lower heating values up to 10.9 MJ/Nm(3), low levels of tar, high levels of CO and H2 and which composition was in good agreement to the equilibrium composition. The carbon conversion efficiency ranged from 80% to 100% and maximum cold gas efficiency and mechanical gasification efficiency of respectively 56% and 95%, were registered. Overall, the treatment of RDF proved to be less performant than that of biomass in the same system. Compared to a two-stage plasma gasification system, the produced syngas from the single-stage reactor showed more favourable characteristics, while the recovery of the solid residue as a vitrified slag is an advantage of the two-stage set-up.

Dislocation mechanism of deuterium retention in tungsten under plasma implantation.

We have developed a new theoretical model for deuterium (D) retention in tungsten-based alloys on the basis of its being trapped at dislocations and transported to the surface via the dislocation network with parameters determined by ab initio calculations. The model is used to explain experimentally observed trends of D retention under sub-threshold implantation, which does not produce stable lattice defects to act as traps for D in conventional models. Saturation of D retention with implantation dose and effects due to alloying of tungsten with, e.g. tantalum, are evaluated, and comparison of the model predictions with experimental observations under high-flux plasma implantation conditions is presented.

Development of the gas-puff imaging diagnostic in the TEXTOR tokamak.

Gas puff imaging (GPI) [S. J. Zweben, D. P. Stotler et al., Phys. Plasmas 9, 1981 (2002); R. J. Maqueda, G. A. Wurden et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 74, 2020 (2003)] is a powerful diagnostic that permits a two-dimensional measurement of turbulence in the edge region of a fusion plasma and is based on the observation of the local emission of a neutral gas, actively puffed into the periphery of the plasma. The developed in-vessel GPI telescope observes the emission from the puffed gas along local (at the puff) magnetic field lines. The GPI telescope is specially designed to operate in severe TEXTOR conditions and can be treated as a prototype for the GPI systems on next generation machines. Also, the gas puff nozzle is designed to have a lower divergence of the gas flow than previous GPI diagnostics. The resulting images show poloidally and radially propagating structures, which are associated with plasma blobs. We demonstrate that the local gas puff does not disturb plasma properties. Our results indicate also that the neutral gas emission intensity is more sensitive to the electron density than the electron temperature. Here, we present implementation details of the GPI system on TEXTOR and discuss some design and diagnostic issues related to the development of GPI systems in general.

Integrated analysis and consistency measurement of bremsstrahlung and charge exchange spectroscopy data for the determination of the ion effective charge.

In the context of Bayesian probability theory, we discuss a model for estimating the plasma ion effective charge Z(eff), integrating data from both bremsstrahlung spectroscopy and individual impurity concentrations obtained via charge exchange spectroscopy (CXS). The validity of the model, taking into account statistical as well as systematic uncertainties, is shown via the deviance information criterion. The consistency of the continuum and CXS data regarding Z(eff) is improved, as measured by the symmetrized Kullback-Leibler divergence and the geodesic distance between the respective Z(eff) marginal posterior densities.

Poloidal rotation dynamics, radial electric field, and neoclassical theory in the jet internal-transport-barrier region.

Results from the first measurements of a core plasma poloidal rotation velocity (upsilontheta) across internal transport barriers (ITB) on JET are presented. The spatial and temporal evolution of the ITB can be followed along with the upsilontheta radial profiles, providing a very clear link between the location of the steepest region of the ion temperature gradient and localized spin-up of upsilontheta. The upsilontheta measurements are an order of magnitude higher than the neoclassical predictions for thermal particles in the ITB region, contrary to the close agreement found between the determined and predicted particle and heat transport coefficients [K.-D. Zastrow, Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 46, B255 (2004)]. These results have significant implications for the understanding of transport barrier dynamics due to their large impact on the measured radial electric field profile.

Suppression of temperature fluctuations and energy barrier generation by velocity shear

First measurements of temperature fluctuations in a region of high velocity shear show that absolute and normalized fluctuation levels are reduced across the shear layer, a result that is consistent with weak parallel electron thermal conduction in the electron temperature dynamics. The concomitant reduction of temperature, density, and electric field fluctuations reduces the anomalous conducted and convected heat fluxes.

[Longitudinal physical development of healthy children 0 to 18 years of age. Body length/height, body weight and growth velocity]. / Longitudinale Körperentwicklung gesunder Kinder von 0 bis 18 Jahren. Körperlänge/-höhe, Körpergewicht und Wachstumsgeschwindigkeit.

In addition to the Dortmunder longitudinal growth study we investigated development of height, weight and height velocity in 213 healthy boys and girls 15-18 years old. Number of children decreased in the age group of 17 and 18 years old to 143. The study was performed in a longitudinal way, the measurements were taken in an one year distance. The median height gain in boys between 15 and 18 years amounted to 9.3 cm, in girls to 2.1 cm, respectively. 18 years old boys are 180.1 cm tall, girls 167.9 cm. The median increment of body weight in boys from 15-18 years amounted to 7.3 kg, in girls 4.4 kg, respectively. Median weight in 18 years old boys amounted to 65.2 kg, in girls to 58.0 kg. International comparison with other longitudinal growth studies shows a trend of somewhat higher weight, height and height velocity of the children from our study.

[Longitudinal data of physical growth of healthy children. Lengths of trunk, hand, forearm, upper arm, whole arm, lower leg, thigh and whole leg of children aged 2,5 to 15 years. (author's transl)]. / Longitudinale Längenentwicklung von Rumpf, Hand, Unterarm, Oberarm, Gesamtarm, Unterschenkel, Oberschenkel und Gesamtbein von gesunden 2,5- bis 15jährigen Kindern.

From 1968-78 a longitudinal study was performed concerning development of lengths of trunk, hand, forearm, upper arm, whole arm, lower leg, thigh and whole leg in 709 healthy boys and 711 girls aged 2,5 to 15 years. In boys the mean increase in lengths of trunk amounted to 17.7 cm, of hand to 8.1 cm, of forearm to 12.2 cm, of upper arm to 16.1 cm, of whole arm to 36.8 cm of lower leg to 21.5 cm, of thigh to 27.3 cm, and of whole leg to 54.0 cm. The corresponding lengths in girls amounted in 16.9 cm, 7.2 cm, 11.0 cm, 14.0 cm, 32.6 cm, 18.7 cm, 24.5 cm, and 46.4 cm. Lengths investigated increase almost linearly between 3 and 11 years of age both in boys and girls. Beginning with 12 years boys have an increased development of all lengths when compared with girls.

[Longitudinal data of physical growth of healthy children. IV. Shoulder breadth, thorax breadth, thorax depth, hand breadth, 2 pelvic and epicondylic breadths of children aged 2.5 to 15 years (author's transl)]. / Longitudinale Körperentwicklung gesunder Kinder. IV. Schulterbreite, Brustbreite, Brusttiefe, Handbreite, Beckenund Epicondylenbreiten von Kindern im Alter von 2,5--15 Jahren.

From 1968--1978 a longitudinal study was performed concerning development of shoulder and thorax breadths, thorax depth, breadths of hand, pelvis, humeral and femoral epicondylus in 709 boys and 711 girls aged 2.5 to 15 years. During time studied mean increases in boys amounted in shoulder breadth to 15.1 cm, in thorax breadth to 9.8 cm, in thorax depth to 6.6 cm, in hand breadth to 3.1 cm, in breadths of pelvis I to 10.9 cm, of pelvis II to 8.5 cm, in breadth of humeral epicondylus 2.5 cm and of femoral epicondylus 3.5 cm. The corresponding data in girls amounted to 14.0 cm, 8.0 cm 4.8 cm, 2.5 cm, 11.0 cm, 8.0 cm, 2.0 cm and 2.9 cm. The parameter measured developed both in boys and girls almost linearly until year 12. Beginning with year 13, development of breadths increased in boys are remained unchanged in girls. Development of breadth in boys was always increased compared with girls except pelvic breadth I.

[Longitudinal data of physical growth of healthy children. V. Acromial, radial, styleoideal, daktylion, ileospinal, tibial and medial malleolus heights of children aged 2.5 to 15 years (author's transl)]. / Longitudinale Körperentwicklung gesunder Kinder. V. Akromial-, Radial-, Stylion-, Daktylion-, Ileospinal-, Tibial- und Malleolus medialis-Höhen von Kindern im Alter von2,5 bis 15 Jahren.

From 1968--1978 a longitudinal study was performed concerning development of acromial, radial, styleoideal, daktylion, ileospinal, tibial and medial malleolus heights in 709 boys and 711 girls aged 2.5 to 15 years. During time studied, mean increases in boys amounted in acromial height to 70.0 cm, in radial height to 53.8 cm, in styleoideal height to 41.5 cm, in daktylion height to 33.4 cm in ileospinal height to 52.0 cm, in tibial height to 25.4 cm and in medial malleolus height to 3.8 cm. Corresponding data in girls amounted to 62.8 cm, 49.3 cm, 42.4 cm, 31.2 cm, 46,7 cm, 22.4 and 3.2 cm. Boys had a more intensive development of heights than girls except for styleoideal height. The heights measured developed almost linearly in boys and girls 4 to 10 years old. Development of heights decreased in 11 and 12 years old boys and increased again with year 13. In girls, intensity of growth decreased beginning with year 13.

[Longitudinal data of physical growth of healthy children. II. Height, weight, skinfold thickness of children aged 1.5--16 years (author's transl)]. / Longitudinale Körperentwicklung gesunder Kinder. II. Grösse, Gewicht, Hautfettfalten von Kindern im Alter von 1,5 bis 16 Jahren.

From 1968--1978 a longitudinal study was performed concerning development of height, weight and skinfold thickness in 709 boys and 711 girls 1.5--16 years old. Increase in height during time studied amounted to 92 cm in boys and 82 cm in girls. Mean increases in weight amounted to 49.3 kg and 41.2 kg respectively. Boys had highest increase in growth from 13 to 15 years, girls from 11 to 13 years. Skinfold has been thicker in girls than in boys. Triceps Skinfolds had been ped wave-like in both sexes. Following an unchanged decreased phase, the skinfolds remaining developed its thickness constantly. The phase of stagnation paralleled time of highest increase in growth.

[Longitudinal data of physical growth of healthy children. III. Circumferences of thorax, upper arm, thigh and calf of children aged 2 to 15 years (author's transl)]. / Longitudinale Körperentwicklung gesunder Kinder. III. Burst-, Oberarm-, Oberschenkel- und Wadenumfang von Kindern im Alter von 2,0 bis 15 Jahren.

From 1968--1978 a longitudinal study was performed concerning development of thorax, upper arm, thigh and calf circumferences in 709 boys and 711 girls 2--15 years old. In boys the mean increase in thoracic circumference amounted to 32.9 cm, in upper are circumference to 8.3 cm, in thigh circumference to 20.6 cm and in calf circumference to 13.0 cm. The corresponding circumferences in girls amounted to 30 cm, 7.9 cm, 22.4 cm and 12.7 cm. In boys the circumferences developed almost linearly until year 15. Girls had the same linear development until year 13. Between years 14 and 15 girls had in increased development of all circumferences studied.

[Longitudinal growth data of development of weight, height, skinfold thickness, head-, chest- and abdominal circumferences in healthy children (author's transl)]. / Longitudinale Entwicklung von Körpergewicht, Körperlänge, Hautfettfaltendicke, Kopf-, Brust- und Bauchumfang bei gesunden Kindern. I. Säuglingsalter.

From 1974--1977 anthropometric investigations were performed in 173 healthy infants during the first year of life. Weight, height, skinfold thickness, head-, chest-, and abdominal circumferences had been measured as parameters for growth. Birth weight increased ceased threefold on 12th month in males only. There is no difference in the increase of height in males and females. Width of skinfold thickness increases rapidly until month 5, except abdominal skinfold. A radual decrease follows thereafter. The difference in decreasing velocity of skinfold thickness indicates changes in distribution of subcutaneous fat tissue during infancy. Growth of head-, chest-, and abdominal circumferences of males are similar to that of females.

[Concentrations of hemoglobin, hematocrit and serum iron in healthy infants and children aged 1 month to 16 years (author's transl)]. / Konzentrationen von Hämoglobin, Hämatokrit und Serumeisen bei gesunden Säuglingen und Kindern im Alter von 1 Monat bis 16 Jahren.

10,126 determinations of hemoglobin concentration, 10,055 of hematocrit and 4,420 of serum iron were performed in 7,753 infants and children aged 1 month to 16 years to give normal values for this period in a large town. Both, concentrations of hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased during the 3rd and 8th month. The first decrease in serum iron level appeared later in month 4, the time of the second fall was identical with that of hemoglobin and hematocrit. In females, a third decrease of iron levels appeared with 13 years. Between the 2nd and 8th year of life, a period of instable iron nutriture became apparent. Concentrations of hemoglobin, hematocrit as well as serum iron depend on age. 0.4% of males and females showed a deficient concentration of hemoglobin. 2.9% of males and 1.1% of females had a low, nonacceptable hemoglobin value. Iron deficiency occurred in 8.5% of males and in 8.3% of females. It is probable that the number of children with a pre-latent or latent iron deficiency is much higher.