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Torrefaction is considered as a method for producing biofuels with improved characteristics compared to those of the “raw” biomass (higher calorific value, moisture resistance, better grindability). The torrefaction process is an endothermic process that is usually carried out in a gaseous atmosphere in the absence of oxygen. To reduce the required heat input, it is proposed to employ the oxidative torrefaction and conduct the process in a fluidized bed agitated with flue gases containing less than 6% oxygen. Preliminary studies of the oxidative torrefaction of sunflower husks, including thermogravimetric analysis of the treated material, have shown that the heat treatment time for the biomass should be at least 5 min. A fluidized bed is a reactor with ideal mixing of the treated material where uniform treatment of raw material particles cannot generally be attained. To overcome this disadvantage of the fluidization technique and achieve the required residence time for biomass in a fluidized bed during a continuous torrefaction process, it was proposed to equip a torrefaction reactor with a series of vertical baffles spaced at 50 mm. These baffles induce a loop-like flow of the processed biomass from the inlet to the outlet of the reactor. To investigate the residence time for husk particles in the reactor, a tracer, which was colored to husk particles' color with a water-soluble dye which did not change the weight and size of the particles, was injected into the bed of uncolored particles. Tracer samples were taken every 30 s at the outlet of the reactor and were analyzed using a special procedure to determine the fraction of colored particles in each sample. This enabled us to gauge the time during which the colored particles injected into the fluidized bed reached the point of their discharge from the bed. Studies performed in a “cold” model of the reactor showed that a series of vertical baffles in the bed can provide the required residence time for biomass in a reactor including commercial reactors. Plates can provide the necessary biomass residence time in the reactor.

The problems of environmental pollution in the conditions of high dust content in the air during the development of coal mines in the territory of the Czech Republic are considered. A mechanism for making managerial decisions was developed using an integrated approach using the new technological process Nastup Tušimice (DNT) aimed at eliminating pollutant emissions and managing workers in dusty conditions in mining operations. The recommendations of active and passive measures aimed at reducing dustiness in the process of coal mining have also been developed.

Introduction. The article presents an analysis of researches on the operation of public transport vehicles with an electric drive. Electric buses have been tested in megacities, and despite the advantages, problems were identi- fied both in the selection of the charging type, technological features and with the availability and operation of the charging infrastructure. The operation process is associated with a number of technical restrictions, which in prac- tice make it difficult to select routes for the electric bus operation. The aim of the study is to develop an algorithm for selecting a rational regular urban route for the electric bus operation and to test it on the example of the route network of Tyumen.Materials and methods. A structural diagram of the factors influencing the selection of the route for the electric bus operation has been formed. As a result of processing expert assessments, the most significant factors were identified. The diagram of the interconnections of these factors is identified and limitations for the algorithm are for- mulated based on the theory of systems analysis. The algorithm for selecting the rational regular urban route for the electric bus operation has been developed. It enables creating the simulation model for selecting a rational regular urban route for the operation of an electric bus.Results. The diagram of factors influencing the selection of a rational regular urban route for the operation of an electric bus, taking into account their mutual relations, has been formed. The algorithm and simulation model for se- lecting a rational regular urban route for the operation of an electric bus has been developed. Several urban routes in Tyumen were assessed for the rationality of the introduction of electric buses.Discussion and conclusions. Evaluation of five regular urban routes in Tyumen using the developed algorithm and the simulation model revealed three rational routes, and also showed the inefficiency of the other two. It due to the discrepancy between the duration of the charging session and breaks in operation, as well as the insufficient charge level of the traction battery to ensure the required autonomous movement of the vehicle. In the course of the continuation of these studies, the developed algorithm will be supplemented with the stage of economic assess- ment of routes for the operation of electric buses.

The research deals with the issue of slums, urban sprawl on agriculture land and its impact on the city of Baghdad. This topic needs close attention because it has become a problem facing the city of Baghdad through recruiting agricultural lands and converting them to residential homes in addition to the transgression on the state lands and building abuses. This research deals with the causes of slums, irregular urban sprawl and risks of excesses on land uses of land in Baghdad. In this research, we try to know the extent to which these problems have affected the city of Baghdad. The research methodology based on the descriptive methodology to clarify the factors affecting urban sprawl at the expense of agricultural land, using studies in government and service institutions and images from satellites to clarify the size of urban sprawl over periods after the 2003 war. Finally, a conclusion and future solutions were set to solve these problems.

Mining and mineral processing industry adversely affects ecosystems and communities in nearby areas, including high freshwater consumption and scarcity. That is why the emerging global trend is to use sea water in flotation to recover valuable minerals from finely disseminated base metals ores. Recent studies investigate sea water flotation of copper, molybdenum, nickel sulphides and pyrite, while flotation of sphalerite, the main valuable mineral for zinc production, remains uncovered. This paper examines the feasibility of sphalerite flotation by conventional collectors in artificial sea water using a bubble-particles technique and frothless flotation tests. Potassium isopropyl xanthate (PIPX) and sodium isopropyl dithiophosphate (SIDTP) were used as collectors, and copper sulphate was introduced as the activator, while zinc sulphate and sodium sulphide were used as depressants. We examined the most common size fractions of sphalerite: medium (−74 + 44 μm) and fines (−44 μm). The findings showed the feasibility of sphalerite flotation in artificial sea water. We also established correlations between the rate of bubble-particle attachment and the sphalerite flotation recovery resulting in the growth of flotation recovery with the increase of the bubble-particle attachment rate. The results can be used as guidelines in choosing flotation reagents for sphalerite flotation in sea water. Another practical application of the results is the potential for sustainable development of the industrial sector, ecosystems and societies due to the replacement of fresh water by sea water, although further technological and environmental studies are required.

Aviation is one of the most significant growth drivers not only for the transportation infrastructure, but also for country’s economy as it contributes to both industrial and social progress of society. The paper focuses on Sheremetyevo International Airport, one of the largest Russian airports and analyzes it in terms of short-term and long-term perspectives. Using real statistical data, the article presents the models for forecasting essential performance indicators of airports, namely, passenger traffic and revenue. By comparing quality characteristics, most suitable models were selected and checked for adequacy. Forecasts of the probable changes in the values of the performance indicators were made under the assumption of maintaining the previously formed development trend.

Based on the children’s road traffic injuries analysis and field pedestrians’ behavior observations during the roadway crossing, in order to reduce accidents among pedestrians-children, to create safe approaches to educational institutions is proposed.

AbstractNowadays, researchers are focusing on the methods of using recycled industrial/agricultural wastes as raw materials, which are not only economically but also environmentally useful. In the recent years, many scholars have conducted research on the rational use of rice husks (RHs) and found that RHs are rich in inorganic/organic components and used in combination with the certain building materials to produce new green composite building materials. This paper studies the method of using RH processed products and the sodium silicate solution (liquid glass) made from RH ash to produce cheap wood substitute composite materials, which can be improved the insulation performance of the wall greatly. Obtained results are determined by comparing with the properties of standard polymer composite materials such as particleboards, chipboards, and medium‐density fiberboards (MDF). The significance of the work is pointing out by solving the problem of recycling large‐tonnage agricultural waste and reproduce products with the consumer's value.