Benito Navarrete

Influence of plate spacing and ash resistivity on the efficiency of electrostatic precipitators

Abstract This paper contributes to the knowledge of the behaviour of electrostatic precipitators in pulverized-coal power plants. The information was obtained through real tests carried out on different types of coal with real flue gases in a pilot precipitator installed at a pulverized-coal power plant. In particular, the influence of different plate spacings, the characteristics of the ash generated by each type of coal and the mass load of ash in the gas flow are considered. The tests carried out lead to conclusions with respect to the most advantageous arrangement of the plates for each case. Conclusions with respect to other variables that affect the efficiency, such as gas velocity, can also be drawn.

Theoretical modelling of electrostatic precipitators performance (PRELEC code)

Abstract This paper presents a model designed to characterize the performance of plate-type electrostatic precipitators (ESP). PRELEC is a rigorously Deutschian model, completely theoretically derived, that avoids the use of empirical estimations in its calculations. In the present version, those estimations related with non-ideal effects are not considered. PRELEC calculates electric fields, based on the applied voltage wave, including the effects of ionic and particulate space charge. It is able to simulate two possible types of ESP energization: full-wave rectified current and pulse generation. It also allows the transient evolution of electrical conditions inside the ESP during the rapping intervals to be analysed, taking into account the dust build-up influence. The model predictions show good agreement with experimental measurements taken at two ESPs of Spanish Power Plants under several operational conditions, including different dust characteristics, very high resistivity ashes, operation before and after the installation of a flue gas conditioning plant, and the use of rectified current and pulse energization. PRELEC predictions are also compared with those obtained from Version 3 of EPA/SRI model.

EXPERIENCIAS DE APRENDIZAJE EN INGENIERÍA QUÍMICA: DISEÑO, MONTAJE Y PUESTA EN MARCHA DE UNA UNIDAD DE DESTILACIÓN A ESCALA LABORATORIO MEDIANTE EL APRENDIZAJE BASADO EN PROBLEMAS

espanolSe ha propuesto y puesto en practica una nueva metodologia de aprendizaje basado en problemas en una asignatura de caracter experimental en la carrera de ingenieria quimica en la Escuela Tecnica Superior de Ingenieria de la Universidad de Sevilla (Espana). La metodologia se basa en el trabajo con grupos reducidos y aprendizaje basado en problemas, proponiendo nuevos desafios y oportunidades para el desarrollo de competencias de alumnos de ingenieria. Los alumnos han desarrollado tareas de diseno de procesos, seleccion de alternativas, toma de decisiones, diseno de ingenieria basica y gestion de compras, que han culminado con el montaje y puesta en marcha de una unidad de destilacion a escala laboratorio. La metodologia ha permitido trabajar todas las competencias adscritas a la asignatura con un alto grado de participacion y motivacion del alumnado. Por lo tanto, se considera una herramienta atractiva y util para su incorporacion en asignaturas de experimentacion en ingenieria quimica. EnglishA new problem solving methodology is proposed for a course which is essentially experimental for student of chemical engineer at the Higher Technical Engineering School of the University of Seville in Spain is proposed. The methodology is based on small group work and problem-based learning, proposing new challenges and opportunities to develop skills and competencies in engineering student. The students developed tasks regarding process design, selection of optimal alternative, decision making, basic engineering design and purchase management, which concluded with the assembly and starting-up of a laboratory scales distillation unit. The methodology allowed working all subject competences with high participation and motivation from the students. Therefore, it is considered to be a useful and attractive tool to be incorporated to experimental chemical engineering courses.Resumen Se ha propuesto y puesto en practica una nueva metodologia de aprendizaje basado en problemas en una asignatura de caracter experimental en la carrera de ingenieria quimica en la Escuela Tecnica Superior de Ingenieria de la Universidad de Sevilla (Espana). La metodologia se basa en el trabajo con grupos reducidos y aprendizaje basado en problemas, proponiendo nuevos desafios y oportunidades para el desarrollo de competencias de alumnos de ingenieria. Los alumnos han desarrollado tareas de diseno de procesos, seleccion de alternativas, toma de decisiones, diseno de ingenieria basica y gestion de compras, que han culminado con el montaje y puesta en marcha de una unidad de destilacion a escala laboratorio. La metodologia ha permitido trabajar todas las competencias adscritas a la asignatura con un alto grado de participacion y motivacion del alumnado. Por lo tanto, se considera una herramienta atractiva y util para su incorporacion en asignaturas de experimentacion en ingenieria quimica

Air Quality Monitoring Network Design to Control Nitrogen Dioxide and Ozone, Applied in Granada, Spain

This paper describes a method to design air quality monitoring networks for nitrogen dioxide and ozone and its application in Granada, a city located in Andalusia, southern Spain. The city has a population of 236,988 inhabitants, and traffic is its main source of air pollution. Sampling campaigns with passive diffusion samplers at 88 sites were carried out to obtain information on the pollution distribution in Granada. The average concentrations found for NO2 and O3 were 36.5 μg/m3 and 51.6 μg/m3, respectively. Maximum values of up to 57.1 μg/m3 NO2 were found in Granada city center and O3 reached 77.2 μg/m3 downwind from the emission source. After spatial interpolation of the obtained values with Geographical Information Systems, a selection of the best locations for the monitoring stations was made, in line with the macro- and microscale siting requirements of the European Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. Another sampling campaign with diffusive samplers was carried out in 2007 to determine if the locations of the air quality assessment stations were still representative for their zone. A correction was made in the control network following results of this verification campaign.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilisation

According to the recent information, CO2 concentration in the atmosphere reached 402 ppm at the beginning of 2016. On the other hand, fossil fuels remain as the major source to produce energy. The International Energy Agency estimate that those fuels will remain as the most used source during coming decades.

Study of the Use of Bag Filters in Hot Gas Filtration Applications, Pilot Plant Experiences

A complete experimental campaign has been carried out in a hot gas filtration test facility so as to test different types of bag filters. The facility is designed to operate under a wide range of conditions, thus providing an excellent tool for the investigation of hot gas filtration applications for the conventional and advanced electrical power generation industry such as IGCC, PFBC or fuel cell technologies.