Triboelectric charging behavior of wood particles during pellet handling processes

Electrostatic charges accumulated on wood particles through triboelectrification during their transportation and handling processes can cause hazardous electrical discharge which may further trigger dust explosion. In this work, tribo-charging behavior of different kinds of wood particles was investigated by a vibrating plate charging method. It was found that reduction in the work function difference between contact bodies might contribute to the reduction of tribo-charge generation, while the reduction of electrical resistivity of wood pellets could effectively accelerate the charge dissipation. As the particle size decreases, accumulated charges increase significantly. In contrast, higher moisture content of wood particles leads to lower charge accumulation due to an accelerated charge dissipation rate. Tribo-charging behaviors of white pellets, torrefied pellet, steam treated pellets and dark pellets have also been investigated. Compared to the white pellets, they all have shown a reduction on charge accumulation to some extent. However, results suggested that all of them have nearly equivalent tribo-charge density as coal and wheat grains used as references in this study.     

Relationship between electric spark sensitivity and activation energy of the thermal decomposition of nitramines for safety measures in industrial processes

This study presents a new simple correlation between electric spark sensitivity of nitramines and their activation energies of thermolysis, which are important for safety measures in industrial processes. The new correlation can help to elucidate the mechanism of initiation of energetic materials by electric spark. It can be used to predict the magnitude of electric spark sensitivity of new nitramines, which is difficult to measure. The methodology assumes that electric spark sensitivity of a nitramine with general formula C_aH_bN_cO_d can be expressed as a function of its activation energy of thermal decomposition as well as optimized elemental composition and the contribution of specific molecular structural parameters. The new correlation has the root mean square and the average deviations of 1.37 and 1.09 J, respectively, for 21 nitramines with different molecular structures. The proposed new method is also tested for 16 nitramines so that there is no experimental data of electrostatic sensitivity for them.     

Comparative assessment of respiratory and other occupational health effects among elementary workers

Objective. This study was conducted to assess hazards faced by elementary workers. Methods. A questionnaire survey and a respiratory function test (spirometry) were carried out on 150 respondents. Results. Major hazards identified related to sharp objects, heavy weight lifting, thermally harsh conditions, working at height, whole body vibration, chemicals, pathogens, increased noise levels and confined space entry. Workers suffered from upper and lower respiratory disorder symptoms, digestive problems, optical and musculoskeletal issues, etc. Spirometric measurement showed obstructive lung disorders to be highest among construction workers (CW) (48%) followed by sanitation workers (SW) (32%) and solid waste pickers (SWP) (28%). Restrictive lung pattern was dominant among SW (56%) followed by SWP (46%) and CW (42%). The observed FEV₁/FVC in diseased SWP, SW and CW ranged from 51 to 96%, from 52 to 98% and from 31 to 99% respectively while observed mean FEV₁ was 2.15, 1.79 and 1.70 L, respectively. Conclusion. The study findings show that occupational exposure can significantly influence respiratory system impairment and contribute to other ailments among elementary workers. The study recommends use of appropriate protective equipment and regular medical examination for early recognition of any health risk so that timely interventions for effective management may be undertaken.     

Influence of the milling tool setup on occupational safety in furniture making

One of the most serious causes of accidents in furniture making is kickback of machined material. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the milling tool setup on hazards associated with kickback in furniture making. The speed of kickback was accepted as the measure of these hazards. The experiment involved controlled changes in milling tool setup, projection of cutting knives over the body of the milling tool, number of cutting knives and clearance angle. Multifactor analysis of variance was applied to the results of individual experiments, showing statistically significant factors and their interactions. Inspection and analysis of traces left by the cutting knives of the tools on the test pieces made of wood materials supported inferential statistics. The obtained results verified some common opinions and ideas on the impact of the milling tool setup on the hazards resulting from kickback in furniture making.     

重大危险源定量风险评估技术研究

系统分析了危险化学品生产装置、设施或场所重大危险源辨识、分级及定量风险评估（QRA）技术,建立了危险化学品重大危险源定量风险评估技术方案;确定了“影响距离”法和“选择数”法进行设备单元选择的技术方法及设备失效模式选择原则;论述了事故后果分析、频率分析及风险计算的技术原理、方法和实施途径;解析了危险化学品重大危险源定量风险评估应实现的目标。     

运煤系统粉尘综合治理方案评估

通过对运煤系统的除尘系统的设计及评估,将3种除尘过程进行详细的比较分析,得出,布袋除尘器方案技术合理,初投资最低,运行费用适中。因此推荐布袋除尘器作为本工程输煤系统除尘方案。     

Reducing disaster risks 1980–2010: Some reflections and speculations

Through personal reflections on themes covering past experiences, the author considers selected experiences of disaster risk management (DRM) that span 30 years of DRM, and makes some speculations concerning the future, and ponders whether within the selected themes the future looks positive or negative. The observations begin with some memories of the Ocho Rios Conference: a multi disciplinary expedition to examine housing and hazards in Pakistan; issues concerning education and training; and finally the success of a massive reconstruction project of rural dwellings in Pakistan following the 2005 earthquake. Some key questions are considered: the value of community-based risk management; the reduction of short- or long-term risks; the protection of critical facilities; whose reality is being addressed? official neglect of education for DRM; the conditions needed to create highly effective safe reconstruction in rural Pakistan.     

Analysis of radiation hazards to personnel on marine platforms

The large number of radio frequency (RF) transmitters employed in modern marine platforms requires that they operate in mutual coexistence while posing no danger to operators and equipment despite the limited available physical space. A key to the successful system integration is the control of the electromagnetic environment on the ships’ topsides, which might pose radiation hazards (RADHAZ) to personnel (HERP). HERP are caused by transmitter antenna installations that generate intentional EM radiation in excess of the safe levels in zones of personnel activity. Radiation safety to personnel is achieved when the average radiation power density is below the permissible exposure limits (PEL) for HERP at locations of personnel activity and medical equipment operation. This paper describes the analysis tools and techniques for the evaluation of HERP on marine platforms. The same approaches could be employed in the analysis of land site antenna deployment scenarios.     

中国海岸地带面临的重大环境变化与灾害及其防御对策

中国海岸地带面向２１世纪的持续发展,面临着相对海面加速上升和热带气旋、风暴潮与低洼地洪涝不断加剧以及海岸环境急剧恶化等一系列重大环境变化与灾害问题。本文着重分析相对海面上升、热带气旋、风暴潮与洪水灾害以及海岸环境污染的特征、演变趋势及防御对策。     

Snow avalanche hazards in the Glen Nevis and Glen Coe areas of Scotland

Until quite recently, snow avalanches in Britain had caused only a few deaths and the occasional destruction of property. Since about 1950, however, the number of people involved in avalanche accidents has risen sharply, particularly in Scotland. The main reason for this has been the growing popularity of mountaineering. This paper examines the situation in the Glen Nevis and Glen Coe areas of the Western Highlands. The types of avalanche occurring at these localities are briefly discussed and relationships between avalanche characteristics and accidents are examined. Mountaineers are the group chiefly responsible for the increase of avalanche deaths and injuries in the Glen Nevis and Glen Coe areas. Responses to the hazard are considered and these are shown to be inadequate. As elsewhere in Scotland, much more research is needed if a further worsening of the problem is to be avoided.