J. A. Rodríguez-Añón

Energy evaluation of forest residues originated from shrub species in Galicia

In this study we present an alternative for the management of the excess of shrub species that nowadays take up around 800000 ha in Galicia (NW Spain). This alternative is based on the exploitation of the energetic resources contained in the excess of shrubs by their combustion in specially designed plants for production of electric energy. The different species were sorted into three groups: Ulex europaeus L. (furze), Sarothamnus scoparius (L.) Link (broom) and Erica sp. (heaths). Their LHV were calculated through measurements of the corresponding HHV and resulted 7600, 7300 and 7200 kJ kg(-1) respectively. Biomass productions (T ha(-1)) were also calculated resulting 20 T ha(-1) (furze), 30 T ha(-1) (broom), and 15 T ha(-1) (heaths). Analyses of all these values make these species very valuable for their energy exploitation. Samples were collected over one year in different zones to study the effect of the environmental conditions on the calorific values.

Energy evaluation of forest residues originated from pine in Galicia.

Pine residues originated from cuts and forestry tasks were studied with the main objective of using them as an alternative source of energy. Calorific values were measured using a static bomb calorimeter in an oxygen atmosphere. From these measurements a value of 7500 kJkg(-1) for the mean lower heating value of these kind of residues was found. A rational and sustainable exploitation of the calorific energy contained in these residues can yield a gross benefit of 2.8 x 10(8) per year through its transformation in electric energy. The study was made along one year, using samples collected in different previously characterized zones. Some other parameters such as: elementary composition, heavy metal content, flammability, and bioclimatic properties were also determined.

Energetic Evaluation of Biomass Originating from Forest Waste by Bomb Calorimetry

Calorific values and flammability changes during a year for forest waste originating from silviculture task in Galicia (NW Spain) are reported. These waste materials are becoming to be used as alternative fuels.The present study was made on several hardwood forest species. These forest species occupy nowadays approximately 30% of the total forest surface of Galicia.Calorific values were measured by static bomb calorimeter in an oxygen atmosphere. Flammability was determined using a standard epiradiator. Simultaneously, some other parameters such as elementary chemical composition, heavy metal contents, moisture, density, ash percentage after combustion in the bomb, and main bioclimatic characteristics, were also determined.

Design of risk index maps as a tool to prevent forest fires in the humid Atlantic zone of Galicia (NW Spain)

Abstract In previous articles, we set the basis for the determination of risk indices of forest biomass of Galicia. With this aim, calorific values, flammability, density, moisture contents, ash percentage after combustion, elementary chemical composition, and heavy metal contents over the seasons of the year for the different species which make up the woodland map of a given zone were determined. In the present paper, these studies were applied to this humid Atlantic zone situated in Galicia (NW Spain). The special climatic characteristics of the humid Atlantic zone chosen for our study make its vegetal community singularly gifted. The calorific values of combustion at 25°C were measured by static bomb calorimetry for the different forest species existing in the zone. These data were complemented with flammability values, measured by an epiradiator and completed with chemical analyzes. Some biological and climatic properties necessary for our calculations were taken from available literature. A combined study of all these parameters led to calculation of risk indices of the forest species of the zone over the year. The knowledge of the seasonal risk indices can be very helpful to prevent and fight forest fires effectively, and also for a rational management and exploitation of the forest resources through the obtention of xyloenergy.

Calculation of forest biomass indices as a tool to fight forest fires

Abstract Wildfires are mainly responsible for economical and ecological disasters both in forests and forest resources all over the world. In this article, we report a method which allows the calculation of risk indices to be used in campaigns designed for preventing and/or fighting forest fires. The method is based on the determination of calorific values using a static bomb calorimeter in oxygen atmosphere following the procedure given by Hubbard et al. [in: F.D. Rossini (Ed.), Experimental Thermochemistry, Interscience Publishers, New York, 1956, p. 5] and flammabilities using the method proposed by Valette [Documentos del seminario sobre metodos y equipos para la prevencion de incendios forestales, ICONA, Madrid, 1988]. A combined study of thermochemical data and bioclimatic parameters allowed the calculation of risk indices for the different species making up the forest vegetation of a zone situated in the coast of Galicia (NW Spain). These risk indices can be presented in the form of maps and, thus, be used to prevent and/or fight forest fires.

Use of bomb calorimetry to assess recovery of waste industrial mineral oils through regeneration

This paper shows an application of bomb calorimetry used in the procedure of regeneration of waste industrial mineral oils. Using the treatment here reported a recovery of nearly 50% of the used oils was achieved. Furthermore, the oils so recovered contain concentrations of potentially contaminant elements far below the requirements of the European Union (EU). Generally speaking, it can be said that the used oil treatment is based on the proper combination of two main procedures, namely the addition and mixture of certain chemicals-precipitant, flocculant and demulsifying agents- in a permanently stirred reactor, at high temperature, and the centrifugation of the mixture. This oil, recovered through the technique of oil regenerating, cleaning, and fitness, can be used either as a raw material for the elaboration of new oils or as a fuel to be used for cogeneration of thermal or electric energy. The treatment described is highly remunerative, both as regards to cost -used oil is subject to a low-cost process, especially if compared to its elaboration from raw materials- and as regards to ecology, since it is recycled, thus saving a great amount of raw materials.

New insight into the environmental impact of two imidazolium ionic liquids. Effects on seed germination and soil microbial activity

The next generation of ionic liquids must be synthetized taking into account structures that guarantee the suitable properties for a defined application as well as ecological data. Thus, searching of the right methodologies to know, quickly and efficiently, the ecological effects of these compounds is a preliminary task. The effects of two imidazolium based ionic liquids with different anions, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [C4C1Im][BF4], and 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [C3C1Im][NTf2], on seedling emergence of six tree species and on the microbial behaviour of two soils were determined in this work. Results showed that the highest doses of both ionic liquids caused the total inhibition of germination for almost all the species studied and that the seeds are more sensitive to the presence of these compounds than soil microbial activity. Nevertheless, signals of stress and death are observed from the results of heat released by microorganisms after the addition of the highest doses of both ionic liquids. The novelty of this work resides in the enlargement of knowledge of toxicity of ILs on complex organisms such as arboreal species and microbial activity of soils studied for the first time through a microcalorimetric technique.