scholarly journals JUSTIFICATION OF TRANSPORT WORKS IN THE CONDITIONS OF A BLOCK QUARRY

2021 ◽  
pp. 14-23
Author(s):  
Nina KYRYLENKO ◽  
Volodymyr SHAMRAI ◽  
Liudmyla KOVALEVYCH ◽  
Mykola LEBLYA ◽  
Artur MAKHNO

The increase in oil prices, consumables and tools is necessitate the re–equipment of mining enterprises in Ukraine. The share of automobile transport reaches 35–50 % in the dimension blocks production costs. The purpose of the work is to determine transportation costs (TC) of 1 m3 of blocks depending on the volume and transportation distance within the quarry; improving the transportation plan by solving transportation problems of linear programming. Fuel consumption and dimension block TC for three models of front–end loaders (FEL) were newly calculated on the basis of a comprehensive study. A comparison of the economic feasibility of FEL and dump truck (DT) use in certain mining conditions have been made. The rationalization plan (RP) of dimension blocks transportation within the quarry was newly proposed. The research was performed at the dimension gabbro quarry, blocks transportation in which is performed using FEL CAT 988F (1) and DT KrAZ–256B. FELs CAT 988H (2) and CAT 986H (3) were adopted for comparison. The average annual fuel consumption is determined: among the FELs considered in the research, the (3) consumes the least, and the (1) currently used at the enterprise consumes 22.7 % and 9.7 % more fuel compared to the (3) and the (2), respectively, in similar conditions. Trade blocks transportation using FEL is economically more expedient in comparison with the DT at transportation distance up to 300–400 m. It is determined that the trade blocks TC using the (2) and the (3) is 5.3 % and 12.6 % lower, respectively, compared to the (1). This paper also considers the transportation problem for FELs, in which blocks from several banks must be distributed between several storage areas, provided to minimize TC. According to the proposed RP of transportation, the savings will be up to 13 % compared to the initial conditions, which in monetary terms is 41538–48639 UAH/year depending on the FEL model. The replacement of the (1) for the (3) will reduce block TC by 12.6 % (47000 UAH/year) in the current conditions. The TC using the (3) will be 285303.5 UAH according to the proposed RP, which is 23.7 % (88476 UAH/year) less than the (1) application before the rationalization.   Keywords: dimension stone; front–end loader; commercial blocks transportation costs; transportation problem; cargo traffic rationalization; fuel consumption; haul road gradient.

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 462
Author(s):  
Houssame Boujjat ◽  
Sylvain Rodat ◽  
Stéphane Abanades

Solar biomass gasification is an attractive pathway to promote biomass valorization while chemically storing intermittent solar energy into solar fuels. The economic feasibility of a solar gasification process at a large scale for centralized H2 production was assessed, based on the discounted cash-flow rate of return method to calculate the minimum H2 production cost. H2 production costs from solar-only, hybrid and conventional autothermal biomass gasification were evaluated under various economic scenarios. Considering a biomass reference cost of 0.1 €/kg, and a land cost of 12.9 €/m2, H2 minimum price was estimated at 2.99 €/kgH2 and 2.48 €/kgH2 for the allothermal and hybrid processes, respectively, against 2.25 €/kgH2 in the conventional process. A sensitivity study showed that a 50% reduction in the heliostats and solar tower costs, combined with a lower land cost of below 0.5 €/m2, allowed reaching an area of competitiveness where the three processes meet. Furthermore, an increase in the biomass feedstock cost by a factor of 2 to 3 significantly undermined the profitability of the autothermal process, in favor of solar hybrid and solar-only gasification. A comparative study involving other solar and non-solar processes led to conclude on the profitability of fossil-based processes. However, reduced CO2 emissions from the solar process and the application of carbon credits are definitely in favor of solar gasification economics, which could become more competitive. The massive deployment of concentrated solar energy across the world in the coming years can significantly reduce the cost of the solar materials and components (heliostats), and thus further alleviate the financial cost of solar gasification.


Author(s):  
Ahmed Abu Shaban

Organic farming has achieved significant growth in developing countries. However, it is still in some areas such as Gaza strip at embryonic stage. Introduction and promotion of organic farming would need more information about economic feasibility of shifting from the existing conventional farms to organic farming system. This is the main aim of this study. Data was collected from 100 randomly selected farmers in southern area of Gaza strip using standard questionnaire. Additional focus group discussions were conducted for further qualitative analyses. Data was also collected from the organic farm of Safe Agriculture Association where vegetables are organically produced and marketed. Gross margin and comparative analyses were used to describe cost structure of conventional and organic production and to assess economic potentialities to shift to organic farming. Results varied among vegetable crops as some crops showed very high economic potential to shift to organic farming while other crops did not. Major reasons for crops with good potential were higher yield under organic farming, premium market prices and lower production costs. Major reasons for lower economic potential to shift were the significant lower yield and higher production costs. The study recommends further technical research to explore organic production techniques that allows for higher yield and lower production cost. The study also recommends further market research to investigate consumers' preferences and willingness to pay for organic products.


Joint Rail ◽  
2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Moghbelli ◽  
Y. Gao ◽  
R. Langari ◽  
M. Ehsani

Due to the consideration of fragile security, and longer check-in times and inconveniences due to increased air travel security examination since September 11th 2001, more and more people have turn to ground transportation. Unfortunately, the inefficient, environment-unfriendly and unsafe passenger cars and buses are the only choices available for middle distance trips. Development of high efficiency, clean and high speed railroad passenger transportation system has become more necessary to overcome this weak link. In this paper, the applicability of hybrid drive train technologies for middle-distance passenger train locomotives will be investigated. A systematic design of the diesel based hybrid locomotive helps to increase efficiency, improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and also reduce mass production costs. Furthermore, professional management and maintenance of railroad train locomotives make such new technologies more practical than for road vehicles. The success of such transportation system will have a great positive impact on our social activities, quality of life, energy supply, environment and economy. A diesel based hybrid electric locomotive (HEL) with batteries or an ultracapacitor is an option to reduce fuel consumption and emissions and provide better performance and fuel economy. The reduced fuel consumption helps reduce the amount of pollutants released. Engineering estimation indicate that emissions will be reduced by 70% and fuel efficiency will be increased by at least 30% in hybrid locomotives.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 6410
Author(s):  
Alejandra T. Calabi-Floody ◽  
Gonzalo A. Valdés-Vidal ◽  
Elsa Sanchez-Alonso ◽  
Luis A. Mardones-Parra

Asphalt mixture is the most widely used material in road construction, and the industry is developing more sustainable technologies. Warm mix asphalt (WMA) is a promising alternative as it saves energy, reduces fuel consumption and generates fewer gas and fume emissions, while maintaining a similar performance to hot mix asphalt (HMA). This paper presents an evaluation of the gas emissions at laboratory scale, as well as the energy consumption and production costs, of five types of WMA with the addition of natural zeolite. The control mixture was a HMA manufactured at 155 °C. The mixtures evaluated were two WMA manufactured at 135 °C with 0.3% and 0.6% natural zeolite, and three WMA with partial replacement of raw materials by 10%, 20% and 30% of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP); these mixtures, called WMA–RAP, were manufactured at 125 °C, 135 °C and 145 °C, respectively. The results indicated that all the mixtures evaluated reduced CO and CO2 emissions by 2–6% and 17–37%, respectively. The energy consumption presented a 13% decrease. In the current situation, the production costs for WMA with 0.3 and 0.6% natural zeolite are slightly higher than the control mixture, because the saving achieved in fuel consumption is lower than the current cost of the additive. On the other hand, WMA manufactured with the addition of natural zeolite and RAP could produce cost savings of up to 25%, depending on the amounts of RAP and natural zeolite used.


Processes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashish Manandhar ◽  
Ajay Shah

Lactic acid is an important chemical with numerous commercial applications that can be fermentatively produced from biological feedstocks. Producing lactic acid from corn grain could complement the use of already existing infrastructure for corn grain-based ethanol production with a higher value product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of producing 100,000 metric tons (t) of lactic acid annually from corn grain in a biorefinery. The study estimated the resources (equipment, raw materials, energy, and labor) requirements and costs to produce lactic acid from bacteria, fungi and yeast-based fermentation pathways. Lactic acid production costs were $1181, $1251 and $844, for bacteria, fungi and yeast, respectively. Genetically engineered yeast strains capable of producing lactic acid at low pH support significantly cheaper processes because they do not require simultaneous neutralization and recovery of lactic acid, resulting in lower requirements for chemical, equipment, and utilities. Lactic acid production costs were highly sensitive to sugar-to-lactic-acid conversion rates, grain price, plant size, annual operation hours, and potential use of gypsum. Improvements in process efficiencies and lower equipment and chemical costs would further reduce the cost of lactic acid production from corn grain.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (19) ◽  
pp. 5316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Rivera-González ◽  
David Bolonio ◽  
Luis F. Mazadiego ◽  
Robert Valencia-Chapi

This research assesses the Ecuadorian power generation system, estimating the electricity supply and demand forecast until 2040. For this purpose, three potential alternative scenarios were analyzed using the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) System; S1: Business As Usual; S2: Power Generation Master Plan; and S3: Sustainable Power Generation System. The main goal of this study is to analyze the possible alternatives for electricity supply and demand, fuel consumption, and the future structure of the Ecuadorian power generation system to transform the current system based on petroleum fuels into a sustainable system that consumes natural gas, and progressively introduces renewable power generation plants such as solar, wind, biomass, and hydroelectric until 2040. According to the estimated results through the inclusion of sustainable energy policies, S3 scenario relative to S1 scenario could reduce the average CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions by 11.72%, the average production costs by 9.78%, and the average petroleum fuel consumption by 15.95%. Consequently, a correct energy transition contributes to the protection of the environment and public health and has a direct effect on economic savings for the state, which benefits to improve the citizen’s quality of life.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Massimo Rivarolo ◽  
Gustavo Riveros-Godoy ◽  
Loredana Magistri ◽  
Aristide F. Massardo

This paper aims at investigating clean hydrogen production from the large size (14 GW) hydroelectric power plant of Itaipu, located on the border between Paraguay and Brazil, the two countries that own and manage the plant. The hydrogen, produced by a water electrolysis process, is converted into ammonia through the well-known Haber-Bosch process. Hydraulic energy is employed to produce H2 and N2, respectively, from a large-scale electrolysis system and an air separation unit. An economic feasibility analysis is performed considering the low electrical energy price in this specific scenario and that Paraguay has strong excess of renewable electrical energy but presents a low penetration of electricity. The proposal is an alternative to increase the use of electricity in the country. Different plant sizes were investigated and, for each of them, ammonia production costs were determined and considered as a term of comparison with traditional ammonia synthesis plants, where H2 is produced from methane steam reforming and then purified. The study was performed employing a software developed by the authors’ research group at the University of Genoa. Finally, an energetic, environmental, and economic comparison with the standard production method from methane is presented.


Processes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurambhatti ◽  
Kumar ◽  
Singh

Use of corn fractionation techniques in dry grind process increases the number of coproducts, enhances their quality and value, generates feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production and potentially increases profitability of the dry grind process. The aim of this study is to develop process simulation models for eight different wet and dry corn fractionation techniques recovering germ, pericarp fiber and/or endosperm fiber, and evaluate their techno-economic feasibility at the commercial scale. Ethanol yields for plants processing 1113.11 MT corn/day were 37.2 to 40 million gal for wet fractionation and 37.3 to 31.3 million gal for dry fractionation, compared to 40.2 million gal for conventional dry grind process. Capital costs were higher for wet fractionation processes ($92.85 to $97.38 million) in comparison to conventional ($83.95 million) and dry fractionation ($83.35 to $84.91 million) processes. Due to high value of coproducts, ethanol production costs in most fractionation processes ($1.29 to $1.35/gal) were lower than conventional ($1.36/gal) process. Internal rate of return for most of the wet (6.88 to 8.58%) and dry fractionation (6.45 to 7.04%) processes was higher than the conventional (6.39%) process. Wet fractionation process designed for germ and pericarp fiber recovery was most profitable among the processes.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-376
Author(s):  
KK Saha ◽  
MM Hossain ◽  
MR Ali ◽  
MM Alam

This research work was conducted on economic feasibility of briquette made of coconut coir dust mixed with rice husk at different ratio. This study sought to assess the physical properties and calorific value of briquette and to establish the demand and willingness of potential users to substitute rice husk briquette and firewood. It was observed that briquette made from mixed coconut coir dust and rice husk at the ratio of 1:2 and 1:1 had desirable properties as compared to rice husk briquette. The percent of shatter indices, density, percent of resistance to water penetration, degree of densification and calorific value of briquette of mixing ratio 1:2 were found 99.75, 1.52gm/cc, 87.5, 11.35 and 4043 kcal/kg and of mixing ratio 1:1 were found 99.82, 1.48gm/cc, 87.5, 10.84 and 3657 kcal/kg, respectively. In case of rice husk briquette, the above values were 99.21, 1.40gm/cc, 75, 10.66 and 3537 kcal/kg, respectively. The production costs of mixing ratio 1:2 and 1: 1 were 3.27 Tk/kg and 3.10 Tk/kg, respectively which were lower than that of rice husk briquette. In partial budget, the substitution propositions among the selected briquettes indicated that coconut coir dust briquette of mixing ratio 1:1 appeared as the most impressive one.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 12(2): 369-376, December 2014


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