Schulze, Tobias; Ricking, Mathias; Schröter-Kermani, Christa; Körner, Andrea; Denner, Hans-Dietrich; Weinfurtner, Karlheinz; Winkler, Andreas; Pekdeger, Asaf Journal of Soils and Sediments 7 (2007), 6, 361-367 Goal, Scope and Background. The European Water Framework Directive implies a risk based sediment management. In this approach sediments are recognised as secondary sources of contaminants, and suspended particulate matter (SPM) as the carrier. For that reason the concept of the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB) includes the establishment of these specimens. The ESB is characterised by a high quality assurance system of standard operation procedures (SOP) to preserve the integrity of the specimens under cryogenic conditions for transportation, storage and handling. The aim of this study was (1) the development and validation of SOPs for the collection of sediment and SPM, and (2) the adaptation and standardisation of sampling techniques for the ESB. This paper provides information about sediment and SPM as new specimens in the ESB. Methods. A redesigned freeze-coring device was tested and applied to collect unconsolidated sediments at the fresh water sampling sites of the German ESB. Liquid nitrogen was used as a cooling agent. Sediment cores were cut on site using a stainless steel saw or an angle grinder with a diamond blade, stored in stainless steel containers and transported to the depot of the ESB inside a nitrogen vapour freezer. SPM was collected using passive sedimentation boxes (SBs). The SBs were installed permanently in surface waters or monitoring stations. Sampling of SPM was performed monthly and the SPM was subsequently frozen on site, stored in stainless steel containers and transported to the depot of the ESB in a nitrogen vapour freezer. At two locations the comparability of this method with sampling using a continuous-flow centrifuge Padberg Z61 was investigated. Results and Discussion. The sediments at almost all fluvial sampling sites of the ESB are sapropel or Gyttja type. The use of a freeze-coring device allowed sampling of these unconsolidated sediments under the conditions of ESB. The device was not applicable at two locations due to tidal influence and fine-grained sediments, respectively due to the depth in case of Lake Belau (~28 m). In these cases piston corers were used for sediment sampling. The collection of time-integrated SPM samples using SBs achieves the approach of the ESB. In comparison, the Padberg Z61 provides only samples, which are representative for the short collection period of 8-10 h (snapshot). A shortcoming of SBs is a possible alteration of SPM during the sampling period of about 4 weeks. However, alteration of the samples is not as evident as shorter collection periods and usage of a Padberg Z61 causes technical and economic difficulties. Conclusions. The modified freeze-coring device and the sedimentation boxes are applicable for the collection of sediment and SPM samples within the framework of the ESB. The chosen sampling and handling techniques attain the requirements of the ESB. Consequently, routine collection and storage of sediment cores and SPM started in 2005. According to our knowledge, the German ESB is the first of all specimen banks worldwide that routinely collects and stores SPM and that applies in situ freeze-coring to collect sediment cores. Perspectives. The collection and storage of sediments and SPM as new specimens in the ESB enhances the possibilities to control the efficacy of the European Water Framework Directive, REACh, and similar regulations and to take further action. doi: 10.1065/jss2007.08.24
Knopf, Burkhard; Fliedner, Annette; Radermacher, Georg; Rüdel, Heinz; Paulus, Martin; Pirntke, Ulrike; Koschorreck, Jan Environmental Sciences Europe 32 (2020), article number 7 ; online 28. Januar 2020 Metal and metalloid concentrations in mussels can vary between seasons. In biota monitoring, the sampling time is therefore an important issue. Within the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB) program blue mussels (Mytilus edulis Complex) are sampled regularly since the 1980s. The samples are collected in two-monthly intervals at two North Sea sites and in 6-month intervals at one Baltic Sea site. All samples from one site and year are combined to annual composite samples and archived as sub-samples under cryogenic conditions. In order to investigate a possible reduction of the number of annual sampling intervals while maintaining comparability with the long-term composite sample data, the seasonal variability of metals/metalloids was analyzed based on the half-yearly and bimonthly samples of 2013, 2015 and 2017. In mussels from the North Sea site Eckwarderhoerne seasonality of metals/metalloids was comparable in all 3 years (arsenic being the only exception). At the North Sea site Koenigshafen seasonality of cobalt, nickel, cadmium, copper, lead, and arsenic was comparable in 2013 and 2015 but not in 2017, while selenium showed the same seasonality in all 3 years. Within 1 year, concentrations of metals and metalloids can vary by the same order of magnitude as observed between annual composite samples of different years making it impossible to select just one representative sampling time point per year that would provide the same information as the respective annual composite sample. The findings highlight the importance of carefully selecting the sampling time point when using mussels in biota monitoring. For the German ESB program it is recommended to continue with the current sampling strategy and analyze annual composite samples in order to maintain comparability with the long-term data series, which are a special feature of the ESB. doi: 10.1186/s12302-020-0289-7
technologyComment of air separation, cryogenic (RER): The main components of air are nitrogen and oxygen, but it also contains smaller amounts of water vapour, argon, carbon dioxide and very small amounts of other gases (e.g. noble gases). The purification and liquefaction of various components of air, in particular oxygen, nitrogen and argon, is an important industrial process, and it is called cryogenic air separation. Cryogenic distillation accounts for approximately 85% of nitrogen and over 95% of oxygen production. It is the preferred supply mode for high volume and high purity requirements (Praxair 2002). Cryogenic air separation is currently the most efficient and cost-effective technology for producing large quantities of oxygen, nitrogen, and argon as gaseous or liquid products (Smith & Klosek 2001). Besides the air needed as a resource the major input for the liquefying process is the electricity to compress the inlet air, which normally comprises 95% of the utility costs of a cryogenic air separation plant. In some plants the amount of processed air (in Nm3) can be up to 5 times larger than the derived liquid products (Cryogenmash 2001). In these plants, the waste gas stream is naturally also much larger (in order to obtain the mass balance). As output of the cryogenic air separation there are three products: liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen and liquid crude argon. The assumed process includes no gaseous co-products. In reality gaseous products are also processed if there is a demand at the production site. The investigated cryogenic air separation process leads to liquid products in the following quality: - Liquid oxygen: min. 99.6 wt-% - Liquid nitrogen: min. 99.9995 wt-% - Liquid argon, crude: 96-98 wt-% An air pre-treatment section downstream of the air compression (0.7 MPa) and after cooling removes process contaminants, including water, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons. The air is then cooled to cryogenic temperatures and distilled into oxygen, nitrogen, and, optionally, argon streams. Alternate compressing and expanding the recycled air can liquefy most of it. Numerous configurations of heat exchange and distillation equipment can separate air into the required product streams. These process alternatives are selected based on the purity and number of product streams, required trade-offs between capital costs and power consumption, and the degree of integration between the air separate unit and other facility units. This process requires very complicated heat integration techniques because the only heat sink for cooling or condensation is another cryogenic stream in the process. Since the boiling point of argon is between that of oxygen and nitrogen, it acts as an impurity in the product streams. If argon were collected and separated from the oxygen product, an oxygen purity of less than 95% by volume would result (Barron & Randall 1985). On the other hand, if argon were collected with the nitrogen product, the purity of nitrogen would not exceed 98.7% by volume. To achieve higher purities of oxygen and nitrogen the elimination of argon is necessary. Commercial argon is the product of cryogenic air separation, where liquefaction and distillation processes are used to produce a low-purity crude argon product. Praxair (2002) Gases > Nitrogen > Production of Nitrogen. Praxair Technology Inc. 2002. Retrieved 16.01.2002 from http://www.praxair.com Smith A. R. and Klosek J. (2001) A Review of Air Separation Technologies and their Integration with Energy Conversion Processes. In: Fuel Processing Technology, 70(2), pp. 115-134. Barron and Randall F. (1985) Cryogenic Systems. 2 Edition. Oxford University Press, New York Cryogenmash (2001) KxAxApx Type Double-Pressure Air Separation Plants. Gen-eral Data. Cryogenic Industries, Moscow, Russia. Retrieved 16.01.2002 from http://www.cryogenmash.ru/production/vru/vru_kgag2_e.htm imageUrlTagReplaceb1f86554-243f-4c79-b3a2-e6a9efa3a7ef
technologyComment of air separation, cryogenic (RER): The main components of air are nitrogen and oxygen, but it also contains smaller amounts of water vapour, argon, carbon dioxide and very small amounts of other gases (e.g. noble gases). The purification and liquefaction of various components of air, in particular oxygen, nitrogen and argon, is an important industrial process, and it is called cryogenic air separation. Cryogenic distillation accounts for approximately 85% of nitrogen and over 95% of oxygen production. It is the preferred supply mode for high volume and high purity requirements (Praxair 2002). Cryogenic air separation is currently the most efficient and cost-effective technology for producing large quantities of oxygen, nitrogen, and argon as gaseous or liquid products (Smith & Klosek 2001). Besides the air needed as a resource the major input for the liquefying process is the electricity to compress the inlet air, which normally comprises 95% of the utility costs of a cryogenic air separation plant. In some plants the amount of processed air (in Nm3) can be up to 5 times larger than the derived liquid products (Cryogenmash 2001). In these plants, the waste gas stream is naturally also much larger (in order to obtain the mass balance). As output of the cryogenic air separation there are three products: liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen and liquid crude argon. The assumed process includes no gaseous co-products. In reality gaseous products are also processed if there is a demand at the production site. The investigated cryogenic air separation process leads to liquid products in the following quality: - Liquid oxygen: min. 99.6 wt-% - Liquid nitrogen: min. 99.9995 wt-% - Liquid argon, crude: 96-98 wt-% An air pre-treatment section downstream of the air compression (0.7 MPa) and after cooling removes process contaminants, including water, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons. The air is then cooled to cryogenic temperatures and distilled into oxygen, nitrogen, and, optionally, argon streams. Alternate compressing and expanding the recycled air can liquefy most of it. Numerous configurations of heat exchange and distillation equipment can separate air into the required product streams. These process alternatives are selected based on the purity and number of product streams, required trade-offs between capital costs and power consumption, and the degree of integration between the air separate unit and other facility units. This process requires very complicated heat integration techniques because the only heat sink for cooling or condensation is another cryogenic stream in the process. Since the boiling point of argon is between that of oxygen and nitrogen, it acts as an impurity in the product streams. If argon were collected and separated from the oxygen product, an oxygen purity of less than 95% by volume would result (Barron & Randall 1985). On the other hand, if argon were collected with the nitrogen product, the purity of nitrogen would not exceed 98.7% by volume. To achieve higher purities of oxygen and nitrogen the elimination of argon is necessary. Commercial argon is the product of cryogenic air separation, where liquefaction and distillation processes are used to produce a low-purity crude argon product. Praxair (2002) Gases > Nitrogen > Production of Nitrogen. Praxair Technology Inc. 2002. Retrieved 16.01.2002 from http://www.praxair.com Smith A. R. and Klosek J. (2001) A Review of Air Separation Technologies and their Integration with Energy Conversion Processes. In: Fuel Processing Technology, 70(2), pp. 115-134. Barron and Randall F. (1985) Cryogenic Systems. 2 Edition. Oxford University Press, New York Cryogenmash (2001) KxAxApx Type Double-Pressure Air Separation Plants. Gen-eral Data. Cryogenic Industries, Moscow, Russia. Retrieved 16.01.2002 from http://www.cryogenmash.ru/production/vru/vru_kgag2_e.htm imageUrlTagReplaceb1f86554-243f-4c79-b3a2-e6a9efa3a7ef
Das Projekt "Saferty of actinides in the nuclear fuel cycle, 1992-1994" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC). Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU) durchgeführt. Objective: To carry out safety studies with nuclear fuels under long-term and off-normal conditions, to evaluate and reduce risks associated with storing and handling actinides, to carry out basic solid state studies on actinides and collect data and bibliographic references on properties and applications of transuranium elements. General Information: Progress to end 1991. The Institute continued efforts to contribute to the safety of nuclear fission by concentrating its research activities on investigations of the behaviour of nuclear fuel after prolonged irradiation and under variable reactor operating conditions. Mechanism for the release of fission products from irradiated fuel were further elucidated, and the formation of particular structural features which may limit the fuel lifetime were better understood. First results of the post-irradiation examination of nitride fuels irradiated in the Fench PHENIX reactor were obtained, demonstrating the technological potential and the limitations of this fuel type. The measurement of the physical fuel properties of nuclear fuels at extremely high temperatures was continued, and first results of the thermal expansion of uranium dioxide for above its melting temperature were obtained. A facility was installed in order to study possibilities of (nuclear) aerosol agglomeration under dynamic conditions in a high-power acoustic field at ultrasonic and audible frequencies. Mixed oxide fuel rods containing minor actinides (MA), which had been irradiated in a fast reactor (PHENIX) in order to study possibilities of MA transmutation, were analysed. Np-based specimens, mostly in the form of single crystals, were prepared for basic experimental solid state physics studies at the Institute and in various overseas and European laboratories. Progress was made in understanding the electronic structure of transuranium elements and their compounds by further development of theories and experimental efforts in high-pressure research and photoelectron spectroscopy. Equipment for Moessbauer spectroscopy and for other physical property measurements at cryogenic temperatures was installed in the new transuranium research user facility. Work to adapt instruments and methods developed at the Institute in the frame of the above programme (fast multi-colour pyrometry and enhancement of industrial filter efficiency) to industrial application was continued, together with partners from industry. Four patent proposals (on acoustically enhanced off-gas scrubbing, on laser-enhanced extraction, on production methods for Ac-225 and Bi-213, and on the preparation of amorphous substances) were filed in 1991. 42 articles in scientific-technical journals were published (or submitted for publication) and 82 lectures were given in conferences on various subjects dealing with the safety of actinides in the nuclear fuel cycle in 1991. Detailed description of work foreseen in 1992 (expected results). Studies of fission product migration ...
Das Projekt "Entwicklung von Kryotechniken für die Zucht von Honigbienen" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Länderinstitut für Bienenkunde Hohen Neuendorf e.V. durchgeführt. Ziel ist die Schaffung von Methoden zur Dauerlagerung von Honigbienen-Sperma. Eine solche Methode wäre ein wertvolles Instrument, um die Krise der Bienenwirtschaft durch Zucht krankheitsresistenter Linien zu lindern. Natürliche Ressourcen würden mittelbar durch die Stützung der Bestäubung durch Bienen geschützt. Da zur Konservierung des Spermas neuartige Ansätze getestet werden, sind außerdem bedeutende Innovationen im Bereich der Lagerung auch anderer Zelltypen zu erhoffen. Das Projekt ist auf drei Jahre angelegt. Zunächst sollen Verfahren zur schnellen und zuverlässigen Bestimmung der Qualität von Drohnensperma entwickelt und validiert werden. Diese werden dann verwendet, um drei Ansätze zur Lagerung des Spermas zu erproben. Dabei handelt es sich um herkömmliches 'slow freezing' (Ausfrieren von Zellwasser durch kontrollierte Abkühlung), Kryoprotektiva-arme Vitrifikation (Überführung in einen glasähnlichen Zustand durch sehr rasche Abkühlung) und Lagerung unter anhydrobiotischen Verhältnissen (Unterbrechung der Lebensvorgänge durch Ersatz von Wasser durch zellstabilisierende Stoffe, die später wieder entfernt werden können). Speziell der letzte Ansatz ist völlig neuartig. Zur Ergebnisverwertung im Bienensektor ist mittelfristig die Erarbeitung eines Kits zur Spermalagerung für den Gebrauch durch Züchter geplant, längerfristig auch die Einrichtung einer Kryo-Bank für Zuchtzwecke und zum Erhalt der gefährdeten Biodiversität von Hautflüglern. Neben der Vermarktung des Kits für die Konservierung von Bienensperma besteht der größte Nutzen für den Industriepartner AMP-Lab in der möglichen Übertragung der Ergebnisse auf die Konservierung von Sperma anderer Nutztiere (Schwein und Geflügel) oder auf Stammzellen von Insekten (wichtig in der Grundlagenforschung) oder auch des Menschen (wichtig für autologe Stammzelltherapien).
Das Projekt "Entwicklung von Kryotechniken für die Zucht von Honigbienen" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von AMP - Lab. Labor für Angewandte Molekulare Physiologie GmbH durchgeführt. Ziel ist die Schaffung von Methoden zur Dauerlagerung von Honigbienen-Sperma. Eine solche Methode wäre ein wertvolles Instrument, um die Krise der Bienenwirtschaft durch Zucht krankheitsresistenter Linien zu lindern. Natürliche Ressourcen würden mittelbar durch die Stützung der Bestäubung durch Bienen geschützt. Da zur Konservierung des Spermas neuartige Ansätze getestet werden, sind außerdem bedeutende Innovationen im Bereich der Lagerung auch anderer Zelltypen zu erhoffen. Das Projekt ist auf drei Jahre angelegt. Arbeitsplanung: Zunächst sollen Verfahren zur schnellen und zuverlässigen Bestimmung der Qualität von Drohnensperma entwickelt und validiert werden. Diese werden dann verwendet, um drei Ansätze zur Lagerung des Spermas zu erproben. Dabei handelt es sich um herkömmliches 'slow freezing' (Ausfrieren von Zellwasser durch kontrollierte Abkühlung), Kryoprotektiva-arme Vitrifikation (Überführung in einen glasähnlichen Zustand durch sehr rasche Abkühlung) und Lagerung unter anhydrobiotischen Verhältnissen (Unterbrechung der Lebensvorgänge durch Ersatz von Wasser durch zellstabilisierende Stoffe, die später wieder entfernt werden können). Speziell der letzte Ansatz ist völlig neuartig. Zur Ergebnisverwertung im Bienensektor ist mittelfristig die Erarbeitung eines Kits zur Spermalagerung für den Gebrauch durch Züchter geplant, längerfristig auch die Einrichtung einer Kryo-Bank für Zuchtzwecke und zum Erhalt der gefährdeten Biodiversität von Hautflüglern. Neben der Vermarktung des Kits für die Konservierung von Bienensperma besteht der größte Nutzen für den Industriepartner AMP-Lab in der möglichen Übertragung der Ergebnisse auf die Konservierung von Sperma anderer Nutztiere (Schwein und Geflügel) oder auf Stammzellen von Insekten (wichtig in der Grundlagenforschung) oder auch des Menschen (wichtig für autologe Stammzelltherapien).
Das Projekt "Sub project: Permafrost history in Arctic Siberia - insights from the cryogenic weathering record at El'gygytgyn Crater, NE Siberia" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung - Institut AWI - Forschungsstelle Potsdam durchgeführt. I propose to determine climate variations expressed in variations of permafrost conditions in Arctic Siberia. Particularly I am interested in establishing a sedimentological method that allows estimating the degree of cryogenic weathering and palaeo soil temperatures through geologic time. My studies explore a lake sediment record from Elgygytgyn Crater lake, Arctic Siberia, spanning the last 300.000 years and representing the longest terrestrial palaeoclimate and -environment archive for the Arctic at present, permafrost sediments from the catchment spanning the last 14.000 years, and a set of surface samples representing modern conditions. I will study the following mineralogical properties in lake, permafrost, and surface sediments, which are considered to mirror long term periglacial dynamics in NE Siberia: (1) The ratio of quartz to feldspar in selected grain size fractions will be used as an indicator reflecting the degree of frost weathering. (2) Image analysis of scanning electron micrographs of particles will be performed to provide a quantification of quartz grain morphology and surface features stemming from frost weathering. (3) Heavy minerals will be used as provenance indicators to define changes in source rock composition and cryogenic detritus. The results prepare a fundamental tool that allows determining the intensity of permafrost conditions through Quaternary glacial cycles and estimating palaeo soil temperatures in the North Siberian Arctic. This is a conceptual outcome of future cores from ICDP funded deep drillings.
Das Projekt "Teilvorhaben: Y1-MAN (B)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von MAN Diesel & Turbo SE durchgeführt. Ziel des Vorhabens ist die Entwicklung von Technologie zur Luftzerlegung, die gegenüber den konventionellen Luftzerlegungsanlagen (ASU) über eine höhere Flexibilität verfügt (FlexASU). Die Flexibilisierung bedeutet eine Vergrößerung des Lastbereichs, aber auch die Erhöhung der Laständerungsgeschwindigkeit. Ermöglicht wird dies durch neue Verfahrens-, Betriebs- und Regelungskonzepte, sowie durch veränderte und auf Flexibilität optimierte Anlagenkomponenten. Turbokompressoren sind in einer Vielzahl von energieintensiven Industrieprozessen (z.B. Chemie, Stahl- und Hüttenwerke, Raffinerien) ein großer Energieverbraucher. Aufgrund ihrer aerodynamischen Eigenschaften sind Turbokompressoren nur sehr eingeschränkt in der Lage flexibel auf unterschiedliche Anforderungen zu reagieren. Eine Erforschung der Flexibilisierung des Energiebedarfs von Turbokompressoren in Industrieprozessen wird einen wesentlichen Anteil zur Ausrichtung von Industrieprozessen auf fluktuierende Energie liefern. Eine Querschnittsfunktion in einer Vielzahl von Industrieprozessen stellt die kryogene Luftzerlegungsanlage dar. Eine Flexibilisierung lässt sich durch den Einsatz einer Vielzahl kleinerer Anlagen erreichen. Dies resultiert aber in einer wesentlichen Erhöhung der Investitionskosten und Einbußen beim Spitzenwirkungsgrad. Für eine wirtschaftlich interessante Flexibilisierung hat die Vergrößerung des Arbeitsbereichs der Turbokompressoren wesentliche Vorteile gegenüber dem Einsatz einer Vielzahl von kleineren Maschinen. In dem Vorhaben soll der mögliche Arbeitsbereich eines in einer Luftzerlegungsanlage eingesetzten Turbokompressors von dem heutigen Stand der Technik deutlich erweitert werden. Arbeitspakete innerhalb des FlexASU Fasttracks II entsprechend der Vorhabenbeschreibung AP Energiemärkte und Wirtschaftlichkeitsstudie AP Modellierung und konstruktive Lösungen der Schlüsselkomponenten: Kompressor AP Prozessmodellierung und Prozessdesign AP Demobetrieb: Kompressorstufe
Das Projekt "Teilvorhaben ILK Dresden: Kryoengineering und Aufbau der Kryotechnik" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Institut für Luft- und Kältetechnik gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH durchgeführt. DC-Hochstromtrassen sind in einem breiten Spektrum industrieller Anwendungen Kern der betrieblichen Infrastruktur mit Kapazitäten bis zu einigen 100 kA. Heute werden diese durch Kupfer- oder Aluminiumschienen großen Querschnitts realisiert. Die Minimierung der dabei anfallenden elektrischen Verluste ist vielfach erfolgskritisch für den Betrieb der Anlagen. Eine Minimierung der Querschnitte kann für industrielle Anwendungen ebenfalls Vorteile mit sich bringen. Ziel des Projektes sind Entwicklung und Bau einer entsprechenden DC-Trasse auf Basis von Supraleitern. Dabei soll in einer optimierten technischen Realisierung die Machbarkeit gezeigt sowie das Einsparungspotential dieser Technologie erfasst werden. Ziel des Projektes ist die Fertigung einer 20 m langen Demonstratorstrecke mit einem Nennstrom von 20 kA. Den Anwendungen entsprechend soll ein Teil der Strecke mit supraleitenden, der andere Teil mit normalleitenden Kupfer- und Aluminiumschienen realisiert werden. Entsprechend muss auch eine geeignete Verbindungstechnik entwickelt werden. In dieser Dimensionierung würde das Projekt bereits konkreten Anwendungsfällen entsprechen.