Russian scientists significantly improve combustion efficiency of coal

A team of Russian scientists from the National University of Science and Technology MISIS (NUST MISIS), Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) and Boreskov Institute of Catalysis has suggested a new approach to modifying the combustion behaviour of coal.

The addition of copper salts reduces the content of unburnt carbon in ash residue by 3.1 times and CO content in the gaseous combustion products by 40%, the scientists found. The research was published in Fuel Processing Technology.

“It is too early to give up on coal. China, for instance, relies on coal as the primary energy source for much of the 21st century despite all the ‘green’ trends. In Russia, coal accounts for a little under 20% of the country’s energy balance. Even in Great Britain, the country that’s been consistently implementing its decarbonisation policy, the demand for coal by electricity generators was registered at over 200 thousand tons in the third quarter of 2020,” noted Alexander Gromov, the NUST MISIS team lead and head of MISIS Catalysis Lab.

“It is safe to say that the search for catalytic additives for improved coal-burning efficiency will continue. For us, the search has been quite successful: the use of the additives proposed by our team has been proven to significantly improve coal-burning efficiency, especially with high-ash coals,” Alexander adds.

The method of coal combustion activation by metal salts is based on intensification of the combustion process and reduction of the combustion temperature. The use of salt-based additives makes the combustion more manageable, the researchers note.

In their experiments, the scientists used copper salts as activating additives to improve the reactivity of the high-ash coal fuels, such as anthracite, also known as hard coal, and semicoke. High-ash fuels are characterized by high minimum ignition and combustion temperatures, and low combustion intensity. The introduction of copper salts resulted in improved reactivity and a higher burn rate of the fuel samples. It is also worth mentioning that the content of unburnt carbon in the ash residue of the modified samples was significantly lower than that in the reference samples.

The introduction of copper nitrates, acetates and sulfates to the fuel samples was carried out by the incipient wetness procedure. Ignition and combustion experiments were then performed in a combustion chamber at temperatures of the heating medium varying from 500 °C to 700 °C.

The mechanism of combustion activation relies on the intensification of the production of gas-phase combustion products at the early stage of volatiles’ release and the generation of micro-explosions to prevent formation of slag layers that would otherwise block oxygen from the fuel.

When using oxide-based additives, dynamic contact between the fuel and the additive has to be ensured, the researchers noted. The use of salts as a catalyzing agent doesn’t require that type of contact, which makes this new method of coal modifying potentially applicable in the energy industry.

The researchers believe that the use of salt-based additives for increasing the efficiency of coal-burning could help improve fuel efficiency in energy production, minimize energy use for preheating power generating equipment and reduce carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Chulalongkorn University receives awards from the Engineering Institute of Thailand

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Anongnat Somwangthanaroj, from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, has won the 2020 Outstanding Engineering Textbook Award for her text  “Epoxy Resin for Microelectronic Assembly on Flexible Circuit Boards”.

Mr Piwat Chongcharoen, a fourth-year student from the Department of Electrical Engineering, and Mr Naravich Chutisilp, a fourth-year student from the Department of Computer Engineering, have received the 2020 Academic Excellence Award.

2020 Academic Excellence Medals and 2020 Outstanding Engineering Textbook Award were presented by the Engineering Institute of Thailand Under H.M. the King’s Patronage.

UiTM collaborates with Universitas Jayabaya on Student Colloquium 2021

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia hosted a virtual Student Colloquium 2021 on 22nd February 2021. It was part of the MOU activity between UiTM and Universitas Jayabaya, Indonesia, which was signed in May 2018.

The colloquium provided a virtual platform for students from Malaysia and Indonesia to get together and share their knowledge, ideas, experiences and challenges students faced during the current condition of COVID-19 pandemic.

The session began with a welcoming speech by the Dean of Faculty of Industrial Technology, Universitas Jayabaya, Ir. Herliati, M.T, PhD. followed by Prof. Dr Hadariah Bahron, the Assistant to Vice-Chancellor (International) UiTM. Both agreed that academic events between universities can encourage and develop long term collaboration activities and encourages engagement between both universities in the area of research, student development and teaching.

Two keynote speakers were invited before the parallel sessions. The first keynote was Dr Flora Elvistia Firdaus, Senior Lecturer from Faculty of Industrial Technology, Universitas Jayabaya, followed by Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Azman Yahya, Director of Co-Curriculum Development Centre, UiTM.

The presentation by the students from both the universities was related to the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on academicians as well as students. All participants agreed that students should improve their mindset in a way fitting to the current ODL and pandemic situation.

Students also presented relevant and interesting topics on solar car, unmanned aerial vehicle, machine learning, renewable energy, food technology, manufacturing science and online learning pedagogy.

The colloquium encouraged students to communicate their ideas and opinions. It provided a platform for students from both universities to practice and hone their oral communication skills.

The colloquium was attended by more than 200 participants, where 45 presenters comprising researchers, lecturers and students from both universities presented their research findings. Students with the best presentation were awarded the best presenter award at the end of the colloquium. The event ended with the closing speech from Afifah Suryoono Putri from Universitas Jayabaya and Dr Nor Fazli Adull Manan from UiTM.

President University, Indonesia discusses partnership with Afghanistan

President University, Indonesia held an online meeting with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan o 10 March 2021

The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of Afghanistan to Indonesia, Faizullah Zaki Ibrahimi. Meanwhile, President University was represented by the Rector of PresUniv, Prof. Dr. Jony Oktavian Haryanto, Vice-Rector for Academics and Student Affairs, Handa S. Abidin, and Head of Partnerships Bureau, Marissa Astika.

In this meeting, the university discussed the plan for visits that will be carried out in the near future. These visits aim to build collaboration between President University and schools and universities in Afghanistan, both through student exchanges and scholarships for undergraduate and masters.

CLIL Subject Teacher Training Program in Kazakhstan

Teaching in English with the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)  began at Yesenov University in pedagogical specialities of natural sciences and mathematics, and is dedicated to the training and development of future teachers.

CLIL subject teacher-training program covers the integration of language and discipline. The purpose is to form student-centred learning by combining the use of English in science and mathematics education. The three-year program aims to improve communication skill, motivation, and knowledge, as well as cognitive skills such as critical thinking.

Education in English has been accepted as the national policy by the “Ministry of Education and Science” in Kazakh schools. Language teachers are in great demand in secondary schools and training centres. The CLIL program is part of the implementation of the above policy.

Digital Transformation Strategy for a New Decade

Setting out for digital transformation without a definite strategy is like a bird without wings. Not many companies have even the slightest idea of developing a robust roadmap for their digital transformation initiative.

As business transformation using digital technologies is a long haul, executing the program without any plan can be detrimental to business, as this involves people along with model and culture. And, partnering with reliable digital transformation services is highly recommended for success.

Even before setting out for a digital strategy for business transformation, it is a must for C-level executives to decide on 3 things:

  1. Why is digital transformation important?
  2. What needs to be transformed
  3. How to transform

As a business owner if you have the answers to the above questions, then you can get started with the strategy. Else, try to figure out the answers first before getting started. More than 56% of organizations that don’t have any place for the digital transformation approach have failed miserably.

Digital Transformation Strategy

IMS SDG Week 2021: Together for a sustainable future

Management and Science University (MSU) International Medical School (IMS) concluded its IMS SDG Week 2021 with a closing ceremony mid-March.

Held on campus with full adherence to the current SOPs in place, the ceremony was attended by academic members and students of the School.

Referring to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), MSU President Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid in his address of the week themed ‘Together for a sustainable future’ urged a practice of SDG beyond the policies; supporting with sense and a shared purpose, doing with understanding and believing, with a hundred and fifty per cent commitment and contribution across faculties.

Also lauding the International Medical School (IMS) for being in the frontlines of SDG and entrepreneurship at MSU, Professor Tan Sri Dr Shukri advised its future graduates to go forward with courage and commitment in changing the world. Continuation is about being better every time, he said, and the University’s internationalization will prepare MSUrians joining the medical workforce with the global mindset they need to serve both the local community and the rest of the world.

Among the ceremony’s attendees from IMS programmes Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Hons), and Diploma in Medical Sciences were future doctors currently on the Foundation in Medical Sciences programme of the February and the April intakes; who had begun their studies fully online since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia.

Present at the IMS SDG Week 2021 Closing Ceremony were Vice-President for Quality Assurance and Audit Professor Dr Nabishah Mohamad and Dean of MSU International Medical School (IMS) Professor Dr Mohamad Khairuddin Abdul Wahab.

Participating via Zoom were international partner universities which is Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR ) and Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP).

With a special focus on Goals 3 and 17 of the UNSDGs, respectively for Good Health and Wellbeing and Life Below Water, the IMS SDG Week 2021 was filled with activities comprising workshops on Basic Life Support and Coral Reef Restoration Methods, Strategies, and Approach; a talk on Marine Ecology and Sustainability Awareness; a forum on Healthy Aging; a Riverside Wellness exercise; competition on the Essence of Health; and community engagement through health screening and tree planting.

Industry partners to the IMS SDG Week 2021 of Management and Science University (MSU) included Dorken Reef Resources, Kaia Underwater Academy, and Genting Dementia Care Centre.

The closing ceremony of the IMS SDG Week 2021 presented a contribution of RM4,321 from the MSU International Medical School (IMS) to MSU Foundation, accepted by YMSU Vice-President Dato’ Rosli Yusof.

Scientists propose a cheap and safe way to recycle lithium batteries for electric vehicles

Scientists from the National University of Science and Technology MISIS (NUST MISIS) have presented technology for recycling lithium batteries for electric transport: electric buses, electric scooters, electric cars, etc. It represents a complete engineering cycle: from safe opening and determination of the amount of technogenic raw materials to be extracted and recycled to the introduction of processing lines.

Recycling lithium batteries will reduce their cost by about 30-40% and solve the problem of safe and environmentally friendly storage. The technology can be used for the electric transport development program in Moscow.

“There are more than 56 electrochemical systems produced by industry, and each of them today requires its own method of opening and extracting useful components, which should be not only effective but also safe,” says Ph.D, Professor, Director of the NUST MISIS Center engineering industrial technologies, Vadim Tarasov.

In the current market situation, the reuse of batteries or their disposal is becoming an increasingly urgent issue, because according to calculations by Bloomberg NEF, the global stock of electric vehicle batteries is expected to exceed 3.4 million units by 2025.

NUST MISIS specialists have developed a universal method of opening batteries, the resource of which has been fully drained: they use a cryogenic vacuum installation, which is their know-how and is protected by a patent.

“The technology makes it possible to safely extract lithium and manganese dioxide from storage batteries, including from highly explosive electrochemical systems, including lithium-thionyl chloride, lithium — fluorocarbon, and even lithium-nitric acid chemical power sources in future, without the risk of explosion, added Vadim Tarasov.

“The technology is a multi-stage chain that includes the extraction of battery cells, the production of stainless steel, nickel and titanium during leaching, and some separate chemical operations for the separation of lithium from solution. ”

As a result of the application of the technology, the following substances are obtained at the output: spent electrolyte, which is recycled, and valuable metals: steel, nickel, titanium and lithium.

The method allows us to integrate into existing technological chains at enterprises and does not require significant investments in re-equipment. According to the developers’ estimates, the technology can be introduced at the enterprises of the Moscow region already in 2021-2022.

Canadian College of Technology and Business launches in Vancouver

The Canadian College of Technology and Business (CCTB) has today announced its official launch, offering programs set to prepare students to stand out in the modern workforce.

Based in Vancouver, CCTB offers a wide variety of programmess at differing levels. The curricula focus on some of the disciplines and knowledge that have become a crucial part in the development of businesses and employees across a variety of industries.

Domestic and international students will have access to diplomas in marketing, information systems, data analysis and cybersecurity, amongst others. Through this initial portfolio, CCTB aims to cater to students looking to become the professionals of the next generation.

All programs are designed and taught by seasoned professionals, based on real-life industry needs and aiming to implement contemporary tools and methodology. Boris Poludo, Head of Faculty at CCTB, said: “We are excited to announce the launch of this new, ambitious, project.

“The portfolio is built around the skills employers are seeking in the workforce for the new digital world we live in. Whether students are looking to explore the latest technology trends or develop knowledge in a new area, our programs will ensure they reach their aspirations.”

The first intake is scheduled for May, with the institution ready to deliver all programs through distance and blended learning due to the limitations imposed by the ongoing pandemic. Future plans will see teaching being delivered at CCTB West Pender Campus in The London Building in the heart of downtown Vancouver, in a highly interactive environment to engage students in ways similar to those many companies use to conduct their business.

Canada is one of the most popular destinations of choice for higher education as well as for work opportunities. To assist its students in the transition from study to work, CCTB will also be providing career orientation, guidance and complete employment support.

CCTB is part of Global University Systems (GUS), an international network of higher education institutions. GUS has a strong presence in Canada and its institutions in the country include University Canada West (UCW), Toronto School of Management (TSoM), Trebas Institute and The Language Gallery Canada (TLGC).

Cyndi McLeod, GUS Canada CEO, said: “Our institutions provide a variety of study paths and qualifications and we are always looking to expand to new sectors. As part of an organization brought together by a shared passion for accessible and relevant learning opportunities, CCTB is committed to promoting our brand of quality higher education.”

CCTB offers technical training based on the latest market trends for in-demand technologies, incorporating tools such as Amazon Web Services, Docker, SQL and many more. CCTB is also accredited by British Columbia Private Training Institution as well as by British Columbia Education Quality Assurance.

KNU research team suggests a new way to detect multiple massive black holes

A research team at Kyungpook National University (KNU) analyzed the gas movement in the centre of the galaxy and suggested a new way to detect multiple massive black holes.

Jae Jin Shin, a postdoctoral researcher, School of Earth System and Sciences at Kyungpook National University, Professor Min Jin Kim, and Professor Jong Hak Woo of Seoul National University found evidence that there is a second massive black hole in the centre of NGC 1068, about 47 million light-years away.

Multi-mass black holes are considered key to understanding the stages of galaxy merging. Large-mass black holes are also very difficult to observe in general but can be observed in the form of active galactic nuclei that occur when material enters a large-mass black hole. Thus, multi-mass black holes are mainly found in the form of multi-active galactic nuclei.

The main method of multi-active galactic nuclei detection is to find multiple nuclei in galactic photographs observed in multiple wavelength bands. There are only about 30 massive black holes discovered using this method. For statistical research, additional multi-mass black hole detection is of paramount importance.

Researchers at KNU used observations from the Very Large Telescope, an 8.2-meter telescope in Chile, to analyze the gas motion in the centre of NGC 1068 and found another gas eruption about 600 light-years from the centre of the galaxy.

Gas venting is a phenomenon in which surrounding gases are pushed out by massive energy from active galactic nuclei and is at the same time one of the powerful indicators of active galactic nuclei. In other words, the presence of another gas emission suggests the possibility of another active galactic nucleus in NGC 1068.

The study is significant in that in addition to the existing photographic method, it has found multiple active galactic nuclei using gas motion.

Jae Jin Shin, the research director, said, “We expect this study to play a major role in understanding galaxy mergers and further galaxy evolution by applying new methods using gas motion to many data that already exist.”

The study was published on February 16 in the international journal “The Astrophysical Journal”.