Possibilities and Generated Emissions of Using Wood and Lignin Biofuel for Heat Production

Energy (including thermal) needs are growing rapidly worldwide thus leading to increased energy production. Considering stricter requirements for the employment of non-renewable energy sources, the use of biofuel in energy facilities appears as one of the best options, having high potential for growth that will increase in the long run both in the Baltic region and the European Union as a whole. This publication investigates the possibilities of using various blends of biofuel containing lignin for heat production and emissions to the air during combustion processes. The paper examines the chemical composition of lignin and bottom ash and explores the impact of a different ratio of lignin in the fuel mixture, the effect of the power of biofuel combustion plants (boilers) and the influence of fuel supply to the combustion chamber on gaseous pollutants (CO, NOx, SO2) and particulate matter emissions. The results of the conducted study demonstrate that, in contrast to pure lignin, the concentrations of alkali metals, boron and, to a lesser extent, nickel and chlorine have increased the most in bottom ash. The use of lignin can effectively reduce the need for conventional biofuel by 30–100% and to increase the temperature of exhaust gases. The lowest emissions have been observed using a mixture of 30% of lignin and biofuel at the lowest range of power (2.5–4 MW). Under the optimal oxygen/temperature mode, carbon monoxide concentrations are approximately 20 mg/Nm3 and those of nitrogen oxides–500 mg/Nm3. Particulate matter emissions reach 150 mg/Nm3, and hence applying air treatment equipment is required.

Technology for Predicting Particulate Matter Emissions at Construction Sites in South Korea

In recent years, particulate matter (PM) has emerged as a major social issue in various industries, particularly in East Asia. PM not only causes various environmental, social, and economic problems but also has a large impact on public health. Thus, there is an urgent requirement for reducing PM emissions. In South Korea, the PM generated at construction sites in urban areas directly or indirectly causes various environmental problems in surrounding areas. Construction sites are considered a major source of PM that must be managed at the national level. Therefore, this study aims to develop a technology for predicting PM emissions at construction sites. First, the major sources of PM at construction sites are determined. Then, PM emission factors are calculated for each source. Furthermore, an algorithm is developed for calculating PM emissions on the basis of an emission factor database, and a system is built for predicting PM emissions at construction sites. The reliability of the proposed technology is evaluated through a case study. The technology is expected to be used for predicting potential PM emissions at construction sites before the start of construction.

Threshold analysis of particulate matter emissions from biological soil crusts and their proportion in total wind erosion

The problem of farmland degradation and air pollution caused by wind erosion and particulate matter emissions is serious. Relying on biological soil crust coverage can effectively inhibit the production of wind erosion materials. However, recent studies have discussed the wind erosion and particulate matter emission processes separately and few studies analyzed both, clarifying the changes in the proportion of particulate matter emissions in the total wind erosion. Aiming at the typical farming-pastoral transition zone in the monsoon climate zone, this study used wind tunnels to analyze the wind erosion and particulate matter emissions of algae crusts and moss crusts for different wind speeds and coverage conditions. Results show that the effects of wind speed and coverage on the total wind erosion of biological soil crusts are similar. However, the emission of particulate matter is particularly sensitive to coverage of biological soil crusts. The proportion of particulate matter emissions in wind erosion decreases with increasing wind speed. According to the trend of the proportion with wind speed, the particle emission capacity of moss crust is directly proportional to the particle size and inversely proportional to the coverage. In contrast, the particle emission capacity of algae crust particles is proportional to the particle size, but the relationship with coverage is not regular. The results of this study can improve the knowledge of the relationship between wind erosion and particulate matter emissions and give relevant information for the management of wind erosion and particulate matter emissions.

Information system for remote monitoring the vehicle operational efficiency

The article describes the information system for remote monitoring and control of vehicle technical condition and motion modes with the use of modern telematics technologies. There are 17 morphological features in the system, which determine the level of telematic support of the main functional elements of the system to obtain information about vehicle technical condition and motion modes in the appropriate infrastructural conditions. The information model of the system for monitoring of parameters of vehicle technical condition, motion modes and infrastructural characteristics was built. This model is implemented in the information and software complex for remote monitoring of vehicle operational efficiency. The results of experimental studies of freight vehicle operational efficiency on a given route with use of the developed information and software complex are presented. The results show significant influence of the vehicle technical speed and average coolant temperature of its engine on operational efficiency indicators such as fuel consumption, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions on the route characterized by different road height profiles.