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Solutions of organic analytes of known mass fraction are typically used to calibrate the measurement processes used to determine these compounds in matrix samples. Appropriate value assignments and uncertainty calculations for calibration solutions are critical for accurate measurements. Evidence of successful participation in formal, relevant international comparisons is needed to document measurement capability claims (CMCs) made by national metrology institutes (NMIs) and designated institutes (DIs). To enable NMIs and DIs to update or establish their claims, in 2015 the Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG) sponsored CCQM-K131 "Low-Polarity Analytes in a Multicomponent Organic Solution: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Acetonitrile".
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) result from combustion sources and are ubiquitous in environmental samples. The PAH congeners, benz[a]anthracene (BaA), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), and naphthalene (Nap) were selected as the target analytes for CCQM-K131. These targets span the volatility range of PAHs found in environmental samples and include potentially problematic chromatographic separations. Nineteen NMIs participated in CCQM-K131. The consensus summary mass fractions for the three PAHs are in the range of (5 to 25) μg/g with relative standard deviations of (2.5 to 3.5) %.
Successful participation in CCQM-K131 demonstrates the following measurement capabilities in determining mass fraction of organic compounds of moderate to insignificant volatility, molar mass of 100 g/mol up to 500 g/mol, and polarity pKow < −2 in a multicomponent organic solution ranging in mass fraction from 100 ng/g to 100 μg/g: (1) value assignment of primary reference standards (if in-house purity assessment carried out), (2) value assignment of single and/or multi-component organic solutions, and (3) separation and quantification using gas chromatography or liquid chromatography.
Under the auspices of the Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG) of the Comité Consultatif pour la Quantité de Matière (CCQM) a key comparison, CCQM K55.b, was coordinated by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) in 2010/2011. Nineteen national measurement institutes and the BIPM participated. Participants were required to assign the mass fraction of aldrin present as the main component in the comparison sample for CCQM-K55.b which consisted of technical grade aldrin obtained from the National Measurement Institute Australia that had been subject to serial recrystallization and drying prior to sub-division into the units supplied for the comparison.
Aldrin was selected to be representative of the performance of a laboratory's measurement capability for the purity assignment of organic compounds of medium structural complexity [molar mass range 300 Da to 500 Da] and low polarity (pKOW < -2) for which related structure impurities can be quantified by capillary gas phase chromatography (GC).
The key comparison reference value (KCRV) for the aldrin content of the material was 950.8 mg/g with a combined standard uncertainty of 0.85 mg/g. The KCRV was assigned by combination of KCRVs assigned by consensus from participant results for each orthogonal impurity class. The relative expanded uncertainties reported by laboratories having results consistent with the KCRV ranged from 0.3% to 0.6% using a mass balance approach and 0.5% to 1% using a qNMR method.
The major analytical challenge posed by the material proved to be the detection and quantification of a significant amount of oligomeric organic material within the sample and most participants relying on a mass balance approach displayed a positive bias relative to the KCRV (overestimation of aldrin content) in excess of 10 mg/g due to not having adequate procedures in place to detect and quantify the non-volatile content–specifically the non-volatile organics content–of the comparison sample.
There was in general excellent agreement between participants in the identification and the quantification of the total and individual related structure impurities, water content and the residual solvent content of the sample.
The comparison demonstrated the utility of 1H NMR as an independent method for quantitative analysis of high purity compounds. In discussion of the participant results it was noted that while several had access to qNMR estimates for the aldrin content that were inconsistent with their mass balance determination they decided to accept the mass balance result and assumed a hidden bias in their NMR data. By contrast, laboratories that placed greater confidence in their qNMR result were able to resolve the discrepancy through additional studies that provided evidence of the presence of non-volatile organic impurity at the requisite level to bring their mass balance and qNMR estimates into agreement.
KEY COMPARISON
Under the auspices of the Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG) of the Comité Consultatif pour la Quantité de Matière (CCQM) a key comparison, CCQM K55.c, was coordinated by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) in 2012. Twenty National Measurement Institutes or Designated Institutes and the BIPM participated. Participants were required to assign the mass fraction of valine present as the main component in the comparison sample for CCQM-K55.c. The comparison samples were prepared from analytical grade L-valine purchased from a commercial supplier and used as provided without further treatment or purification.
Valine was selected to be representative of the performance of a laboratory's measurement capability for the purity assignment of organic compounds of low structural complexity [molecular weight range 100300] and high polarity (pKOW > –2).
The KCRV for the valine content of the material was 992.0 mg/g with a combined standard uncertainty of 0.3 mg/g. The key comparison reference value (KCRV) was assigned by combination of KCRVs assigned from participant results for each orthogonal impurity class. The relative expanded uncertainties reported by laboratories having results consistent with the KCRV ranged from 1 mg/g to 6 mg/g when using mass balance based approaches alone, 2 mg/g to 7 mg/g using quantitative 1H NMR (qNMR) based approaches and from 1 mg/g to 2.5 mg/g when a result obtained by a mass balance method was combined with a separate qNMR result.
The material provided several analytical challenges. In addition to the need to identify and quantify various related amino acid impurities including leucine, isoleucine, alanine and a-amino butyrate, care was required to select appropriate conditions for performing Karl Fischer titration assay for water content to avoid bias due to in situ formation of water by self-condensation under the assay conditions. It also proved to be a challenging compound for purity assignment by qNMR techniques.
There was overall excellent agreement between participants in the identification and the quantification of the total and individual related structure impurities, water content, residual solvent and total non-volatile content of the sample. Appropriate technical justifications were developed to rationalise observed discrepancies in the limited cases where methodology differences led to inconsistent results.
The comparison demonstrated that to perform a qNMR purity assignment the selection of appropriate parameters and an understanding of their potential influence on the assigned value is critical for reliable implementation of the method, particularly when one or more of the peaks to be quantified consist of complex multiplet signals.
The CCQM-K88 key comparison was organized by the Inorganic Analysis Working Group of CCQM to test the abilities of the national metrology institutes to measure the mass fraction of lead in lead-free solder containing silver and copper. National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), National Institute of Metrology of China (NIM) and Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) acted as the coordinating laboratories. The participants used different measurement methods, though most of them used inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) or isotope-dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID-ICP-MS). Accounting for relative expanded uncertainty, comparability of measurement results was successfully demonstrated by the participating NMIs for the measurement of the mass fraction of lead in lead-free solder at the level of 200 mg/kg.
It is expected that metals at mass fractions greater than approximately 100 mg/kg in lead-free solder containing silver and copper can be determined by each participant using the same technique(s) employed for this key comparison to achieve similar uncertainties mentioned in the present report.
The unique optical properties, such as size-tunable absorption and emission, caused semiconductor nanocrystals to attract a great deal of interest for recent technological developments. For the evaluation of semiconductor nanocrystals as new materials for various applications like optoelectronic devices, knowledge of the structure–property relationships is indispensable, but still presents a challenge. Here, we address these challenges for thioglycolic acid-capped CdTe nanocrystals with a focus on the quantification of thiol ligands, identification of the ligand shell structure and their influence on the optical properties of these nanocrystals. We present the use of a simple analytical technique, the Ellman's test, and ICP-OES analysis for the study of the surface chemistry of these nanomaterials. Together with theoretical calculations, the results of these studies show the strong influence of the amount of Cd–thiolates present in the ligand shell on the concentration-dependent emission properties, thereby providing the basis for a better understanding of the chemical nature of the NC–ligand interface. In this context, the present work contributes to the establishment of a clearer picture and better control of the surface chemistry, which will provide the basis for the design of highly emitting nanocrystals and the prediction of their applicability.
A 9Be-solution has been chemically prepared from phenakite (Be2SiO4) mineral grains as commercial 9Be-solutions are too high in long-lived 10Be. The solution is intended to be used as a carrier for radiochemical separation of 10Be to be measured by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Thus, accurate data of the 9Be-concentration of this solution is essential to guarantee for high-accuracy 10Be data in the future. After devastating preliminary results (~8 % standard deviation), eight laboratories finally produced twelve individual results by four different analytical methods. A certain lab and method bias might be identified by sophisticated statistical evaluation. Some laboratories also (grossly) underestimate their uncertainties. Thus, the simple weighted mean of this round-robin exercise needed to be corrected by introducing additional allowances (Paule-Mandel-approach). The final result has been calculated to (2,246 ± 11) µg 9Be/(g solution) with a reasonably low weighted standard deviation of 0.49 %. The maximum deviation of a single lab value from the weighted mean is 2.4 % when removing one Grubbs outlier (11 % off from the mean) from the data set. As 10Be-data, which is usually calculated from measured 10Be/9Be by AMS and stable 9Be, cannot be more accurate than the determined 9Be-concentration, it seems highly advisable to establish or improve quality assurance by having self-made carrier-solutions analysed at more than a single lab and regularly taking part in round-robin exercises.
Slags from the nonferrous metals industry have great potential to be used as feedstocks for the production of alkali-activated materials. Until now, however, only very limited information has been available about the structural characteristics of these materials. In the work presented herein, synthetic slags in the CaO–FeOx–SiO2 system, representing typical compositions of Fe-rich slags, and inorganic polymers (IPs) produced from the synthetic slags by activation with alkali Silicate solutions have been studied by means of X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the Fe K-edge. The iron in the slags was largely Fe2+, with an average coordination number of approximately 5 for the iron in the amorphous fraction. The increase in average oxidation number after alkali-activation was conceptualized as the consequence of slag dissolution and IP precipitation, and employed to calculate the degrees of reaction of the slags. The degree of reaction of the slags increased with increasing amorphous fraction. The iron in the IPs had an average coordination number of approximately 5; thus, IPs produced from the Fe-rich slags studied here are not Fe-analogs of aluminosilicate geopolymers, but differ significantly in terms of structure from the latter.
The concept and technical details of the implementation of the developed integrated monitoring system within the IMO-WIND project are presented. The tasks of the components of the system and its requirements are described. Selected results from the continuous monitoring during operation of the plant M5000_2 regarding the task design verification and dynamic structural analysis are given.
To ensure a high operational reliability of offshore wind turbines (OWEC) with economically acceptable repair and maintenance efforts, comprehensive diagnosis and supervision concepts are required. Automatic monitoring Systems will be an essential part of such concepts. Because of the fact, that during Operation there will be static and dynamic interaction between the components ‘structure’, ‘machinery’ and ‘blades’ it is necessary to develop the monitoring techniques in an overall concept. These monitoring Systems are supposed to be applied for the design and testing as well as for the Operation and maintenance phases. The knowledge of the dynamic behavior of wind turbines is important both for the design and for a safe Operation. The available monitoring data from a period of three years, allow first conclusions on the long-term Operation of such Systems in terms of quality requirements to the instrumentation to the structure and the rotor blades
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) DocCenter has received more and more reports of cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, some even with fatal outcomes after indoor use of charcoal grills. CO is odorless, colorless, non-irritant and does not produce any other warning effect perceptible to humans. The BfR and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) have completed a cooperative research project to investigate the toxic concentrations of CO that are reached when charcoal grills or open fires are used indoors.
This study compares the mercury distribution in the vapor phase, the phosphor powder and the glass matrix of new and spent fluorescent lamps. The spent fluorescent lamps were obtained at the collection yards of a public waste management company in Hamburg, Germany. An innovative systematic sampling method is utilized to collect six spent and eight corresponding new, off-the-shelf fluorescent lamp samples. The efficiency of several acid digestion methods for the determination of the elemental composition was studied and elemental mass fractions of K, Na, Y, Ca, Ba, Eu, Al, Pb, Mg, Hg, and P were measured. The study also finds aqua regia to be the best reagent for acid digestion. However, no significant difference in mercury distribution was found in the different phases of the new and spent fluorescent lamps.
In the past, integration of fluorescent dyes into polymers for active polymer optical fibers (POFs) is well studied, however, photobleaching of organic chromophores is still a problem for several optical applications. Inorganic luminescent nanoparticles like lanthanide-based systems can present an alternative due to their high chemical stability. Furthermore they do not show photobleaching and photoblinking. Certainly, integration of nanoparticles into a polymer matrix is challenging because of their high affinity to agglomeration which leads to scattering of the polymer samples.
Producing active polymer optical fibers (POFs) is a key step towards new applications such as fluorescent fiber solar concentrators (FFSCs), sensors, contactless coupling devices, or fiber integrated light sources and lasers. Therefore, integration of fluorescent nanoparticles into the polymer matrix is necessary and becomes accessible via in situ polymerization. For optical applications, the polymer has to fulfill various requirements such as chemical and physical stability, optical transparency in the application-relevant spectral region as well as a good synthetic accessibility. A common material for these is poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The β-phase NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) were synthesized from the rare earth salts via thermal decomposition method in high-boiling point solvent 1-octadecene and capping agent oleic acid. Current results show hazy samples of the polymer with integrated nanoparticles made from monomer solution of methyl methacrylate. However, further optical tuning such as increasing the transparency of the bulk samples by changing the monomer solution to non-polar n-butyl methacrylate (nButMA) or cyclohexyl methacrylate (CHMA) or further optimization of the UCNP shell could lead to more suitable polymer bulk samples.
Fire resistance testing of components made of carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) usually demands intermediate-scale or full-scale testing. A bench-scale test is presented as a practicable and efficient method to assess how different fire protective systems improve the structural integrity of CFRPs during fire. The direct flame of a fully developed fire was applied to one side of the CFRP specimen, which was simultaneously loaded with compressive force. Three different approaches (film, non-woven, and coatings) were applied: paper with a thickness in the range of μm consisting of cellulose nanofibre (CNF)/clay nanocomposite, nonwoven mats with thickness in the range of cm and intumescent coatings with a thickness in the range of mm. The uncoated specimen failed after just 17 s. Protection by these systems provides fire stability, as they multiply the time to failure by as much as up to 43 times. The reduced heating rates of the protected specimens demonstrate the reduced heat penetration, indicating the coatings’ excellent heat shielding properties. Bench-scale fire stability testing is shown to be suitable tool to identify, compare and assess different approaches to fire protection.
High-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GF-MAS) was employed for determining adsorbable organic chlorine (AOCl) in water. Organic chlorine was indirectly quantified by monitoring the molecular absorption of the transient aluminum monochloride molecule (AlCl) around a wavelength of 261.42 nm in a graphite furnace. An aluminum solution was used as the molecularforming modifier. A zirconium coated graphite furnace, as well as Sr and Ag solutions were applied as modifiers for a maximal enhancement of the absorption signal. The pyrolysis and vaporization temperatures were 600 °C and 2300 °C, respectively. Non-spectral interferences were observed with F, Br, and I at concentrations higher than 6 mg L-1, 50 mg L-1, and 100 mg L-1, respectively. Calibration curves with NaCl, 4-chlorophenol, and trichlorophenol present the same slope and dynamic range, which indicates the chlorine atom specificity of the method. This method was evaluated and validated using synthetic water samples, following the current standard DIN EN ISO 9562:2004 for the determination of the sum parameter adsorbable organic halides (AOX) for water quality. These samples contain 4-chlorophenol as the chlorinated organic standard in an inorganic chloride matrix. Prior to analysis, organic chlorine was extracted from the inorganic matrix via solid-phase extraction with a recovery rate >95%. There were no statistically significant differences observed between measured and known values and for a t-test a confidence level of 95% was achieved. The limits of detection and characteristic mass were found to be 48 and 22 pg, respectively. The calibration curve was linear in the range 0.1–2.5 ng with a correlation coefficient R2 = 0.9986.
An alternative method for lithium isotope amount ratio analysis based on a combination of high-resolution atomic absorption spectrometry and spectral data analysis by machine learning (ML) is proposed herein. It is based on the well-known isotope shift of approximately 15 pm for the electronic transition 22P←22S at around the wavelength of 670.8 nm, which can be measured by the state-of-the-art high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. For isotope amount ratio analysis, a scalable tree boosting ML algorithm (XGBoost) was employed and calibrated using a set of samples with 6Li isotope amount fractions, ranging from 0.06 to 0.99 mol mol–1, previously determined by a multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS). The calibration ML model was validated with two certified reference materials (LSVEC and IRMM-016). The procedure was applied toward the isotope amount ratio determination of a set of stock chemicals (Li2CO3, LiNO3, LiCl, and LiOH) and a BAM candidate reference material NMC111 (LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2), a Li-battery cathode material. The results of these determinations were compared with those obtained by MC-ICP-MS and found to be metrologically comparable and compatible. The residual bias was −1.8‰, and the precision obtained ranged from 1.9 to 6.2‰. This precision was sufficient to resolve naturally occurring variations, as demonstrated for samples ranging from approximately −3 to +15‰. To assess its suitability to technical applications, the NMC111 cathode candidate reference material was analyzed using high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry with and without matrix purification. The results obtained were metrologically compatible with each other.
Boron isotope amount ratios n(10B)/n(11B) have been determined by monitoring the absorption spectrum of boron monohydride (BH) in a graphite furnace using high-resolution continuum source molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-MAS). Bands (0→0) and (1→1) for the electronic transition X1Σ+ → A1Π were evaluated around wavelengths 433.1 nm and 437.1 nm respectively. Clean and free of memory effect molecular spectra of BH were recorded. In order to eliminate the memory effect of boron, a combination of 2% (v/v) hydrogen gas in argon and 1% trifluoromethane in argon, an acid solution of calcium chloride and mannitol as chemical modifiers was used. Partial least square regression (PLS) for analysis of samples and reference materials were applied. For this, a spectral library with different isotopes ratios for PLS regression was built. Results obtained around the 433.1 nm and 437.1 nm spectral regions are metrologically compatible with those reported by mass spectrometric methods. Moreover, for the evaluated region of 437 nm, an accuracy of 0.15‰ is obtained as the average deviation from the isotope reference materials. Expanded uncertainties with a coverage factor of k = 2 range between 0.15 and 0.44‰. This accuracy and precision are compatible with those obtained by mass spectrometry for boron isotope ratio measurements.
Proof load testing may be performed to confirm the reliability of the bridge for an existing classification or to prove the reliability for a higher classification. In this paper, a probabilistic decision analysis approach is applied to the scenario for the evaluation of target proof load in the situation where information on the bridge resistance model is lacking. In this case, the resistance model is established by proof loading and taking very basic prior knowledge into account. The decision scenario is modelled in the context of the proof load test planner who shall choose the required load level for assessment of a bridge. The choice of the load level depends on the risks due to the testing and the expected benefit gain from the test. Information acquired about the loading response from monitoring during the proof load testing is modelled by taking basis in the model uncertainty formulation. The optimal proof load level for classification of a single lane, simply supported bridge of 8m span subjected to live load from very heavy (gross weight > 80 tons) transport vehicles was calculated. The optimal proof load level was identified as leading to a positive expected benefit gain to the decision maker while also satisfying target reliability criteria for remaining service life. The analysis was performed for the evaluation of bridge performance with respect to five classifications of very heavy transport vehicles with different vehicle weights and configurations.
Zurzeit befindet sich die VDI-Richtlinie 3783 Blatt 1 in der Überarbeitung, wobei ein Modellwechsel auf ein Lagrange‘sches Partikelmodell erfolgt. Für die Berechnung der Gasausbreitung mit Gebäuden ist ein Windfeld erforderlich. Mit AUSTAL wird auch das diagnostische Windfeldmodell TALdia zur Verfügung gestellt, das mittels empirischer Ansätze die Rezirkulationszonen von Gebäuden und Hindernissen modelliert. Ein prognostisches Windfeldmodell auf Grundlage der Navier-Stokes-Gleichungen sollte bei komplexen Bebauungs-situationen bessere Berechnungsergebnisse liefern, was aber mit einem größeren Berechnungsaufwand verbunden ist. Im Rahmen eines IGF- Forschungsvorhabens wurde das prognostische Windfeldmodell OFWind als Open Source – Software entwickelt. Im Vergleich mit den experimentellen Ergebnissen des Forschungsvorhabens wird die Anwendbarkeit der beiden Windfeldmodelle bei drei komplexen Bebauungssituationen untersucht.
Im vorliegenden Bericht wurde untersucht, Spanndrahtbrüche in einem Brückenträger sowohl mittels Schallemissionsanalyse (SEA) als auch mit (eingebetteter) verteilter faseroptischer akustischer Sensorik (DAS) zu erkennen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Bruchsignale anhand beider Messverfahren detektiert werden können. Die jeweils detektierten Drahtbrüche werden miteinander verglichen. Durch eine Gegenüberstellung werden SEA und DAS detailliert dargestellt.
Singlet oxygen can severely damage biological tissue, which is exploited in photodynamic therapy (PDT). In PDT, the effective range is limited by the distribution of the photosensitizer (PS) and the illuminated area. However, no distinction is made between healthy and pathological tissue, which can cause undesired damage. This encouraged us to exploit the more acidic pH of cancerous tissue and design pH-controllable singlet oxygen-generating boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes. A pH sensitivity of the dyes is achieved by the introduction of an electronically decoupled, photoinduced electron transfer (PET)-capable subunit in meso-position of the BODIPY core. To favor triplet-state formation as required for singlet Oxygen generation, iodine substituents were introduced at the chromophore core. The resulting pH-controlled singlet oxygen-generating dyes with pKa values in the physiological range were subsequently assessed regarding their potential as pH-controlled PS for PDT.
Using HeLa cells, we could successfully demonstrate markedly different pH-dependent cytotoxicities upon illumination.
The oxidation of sulfur in aqueous solutions is an important process in several geochemical and industrial contexts. In concrete technology, it is particularly relevant for the protection of steel reinforcement in slag cement-based concretes, as the presence of sulfides affects the passivation of the steel and corrosion initiation in the presence of chlorides. However, the knowledge about the kinetics of sulfide oxidation in alkaline solutions, such as concrete pore solutions, is incomplete. To address this issue, we prepared solutions with 0.80 M NaOH, and nominally 10, 100 and 350 mM HS−, respectively, and followed the evolution of the sulfur species during bubbling with oxygen-containing gas (concentration 100% or 22%) using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the sulfur K-edge. Polysulfide, thiosulfate, sulfite and sulfate were identified and quantified via linear combination fitting of the spectra, using previously measured standards. A preliminary analysis of the results shows that the initial rate constant of sulfide oxidation depends strongly on the HS− concentration, while it less strongly depending on the oxygen concentration, in line with previous results for lower pH values. Approaches to fit the data to obtain the rate constants of all relevant reactions will be discussed.
For hazard assessment purposes, the dispersion of gases in complex urban areas is often a scenario to be considered. However, predicting the dispersion of heavy gases is still a challenge. In Germany, the VDI Guideline 3783, Part 1 and 2 is widely used for gas dispersion modelling. Whilst Part 1 uses a gauss model for calculating the dispersion of light or neutrally buoyant gases, Part 2 uses wind tunnel experiments to evaluate the heavier-than-air gas dispersion in generic built up areas. In practice, with this guideline, it is often not possible to adequately represent the existing obstacle configuration. To overcome this limitation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods could be used. Whilst CFD models can represent obstacles in the dispersion area correctly, actual publications show that there is still further research needed to simulate the atmospheric flow and the heavy gas dispersion. This paper presents a modified k-ε-turbulence model that was developed in OpenFOAM v5.0 (England, London, The OpenFOAM Foundation Ltd Incorporated) to enhance the simulation of the atmospheric wind field and the heavy gas dispersion in built-up areas. Wind tunnel measurements for the dispersion of neutrally buoyant and heavy gases in built-up environments were used to evaluate the model. As a result, requirements for the simulation of the gas dispersion under atmospheric conditions have been identified and the model showed an overall good performance in predicting the experimental values.
Gefahrstofffreisetzungen aus technischen Anlagen können erhebliche Risiken für Mensch und Umwelt bergen und sind deshalb bei der Planung, der Genehmigung und im Regelbetrieb technischer Anlagen zu berücksichtigen. Zur Identifizierung von Gefahrenbereichen im Zusammenhang mit Gasfreisetzungen und zur Bewertung der Wirksamkeit von Schutzmaßnahmen werden Ausbreitungsrechnungen mithilfe verschiedener Modelle durchgeführt. Es werden zunehmend komplexere Berechnungsmodelle eingesetzt, die verlässlichere Prognosen liefern und helfen sollen, die Risiken durch windgetriebene Ausbreitung von Gasen weiter zu reduzieren. Mit steigender Komplexität der Simulationsverfahren steigen allerdings auch der Aufwand für die Entwicklung und die anwendungsbezogene Evaluierung neuer Modelle. Mit den vorgestellten Arbeiten wollen die Autoren einen Beitrag zur Entwicklung und Bereitstellung frei verfügbarer numerischer Strömungs- und Transportmodelle leisten und speziell die Weiterentwicklung der im Bereich Auswirkungsbetrachtungen verwendeten Werkzeuge unterstützen. Der Artikel beschreibt erste Problemlösungen auf dem Weg zur Entwicklung entsprechender, frei verfügbarer und angemessen validierter Softwaretools.
In this investigation, two conventional peristaltic pumps are compared with a new pump based on the “easy click” principle using a simultaneous ICP-AES instrument with standard operating conditions. It is found that the figures of merit achieved are quite comparable for all three pumps. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) range between 0.2% and 1.8%, and limits of detection as low as 0.1 μg/L have been achieved , demonstrating that the easy click principle of the new pump does not compromise the analytical figures of merit.
Producing active polymer optical fibers (POFs) is a key step towards new applications such as fluorescent fiber solar concentrators (FFSCs), sensors, contactless coupling devices, or fiber integrated light sources and lasers. Therefore, integration of fluorescent nanoparticles into the polymer matrix is necessary and becomes accessible via in situ polymerization. For optical applications, the polymer has to fulfill various requirements such as chemical and physical stability, optical transparency in the application-relevant spectral region as well as a good synthetic accessibility. A common material for these is poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The beta-phase NaYF4 : Yb3+, Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) were synthesized from the rare earth salts via thermal decomposition method in high-boiling point solvent 1-octadecene and capping agent oleic acid. Current results show hazy samples of the polymer with integrated nanoparticles made from monomer solution of methyl methacrylate. However, further optical tuning such as increasing the transparency of the bulk samples by changing the monomer solution to non-polar n-butyl methacrylate (nButMA) or cyclohexyl methacrylate (CHMA) or further optimization of the UCNP shell could lead to more suitable polymer bulk samples.
Extraction, chromatographic separation, and quantification of low-concentration organic compounds in complex matrices are core challenges for reference material producers and providers of calibration services. Evidence of successful participation in formal, relevant international comparisons is needed to document measurement capability claims made by national metrology institutes (NMIs) and designated institutes (DIs). To enable NMIs and DIs to update or establish their claims, in 2014 the Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG) initiated CCQM-K95.1 "Low-Polarity Analytes in a Botanical Matrix: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Tea". This was a follow-on comparison from CCQM-K95 which was completed in 2014.
The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) benz[a]anthracene (BaA) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are considered priority pollutants by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are regulated contaminants in food, pose chromatographic separation challenges, and for which exist well-characterized measurement procedures and standard materials. BaA and BaP in a smoked tea were therefore selected as representative target measurands for CCQM-K95.1. Ten NMIs participated in CCQM-K95.1. The consensus summary mass fractions for the two PAHs are in the range of (50 to 70) ng/g with relative standard deviations of (6 to 10) %.
Successful participation in CCQM K95.1 demonstrates the following measurement capabilities in determining mass fraction of organic compounds, with molar mass of 100 g/mol to 500 g/mol and having polarity pKow −2, in a botanical matrix ranging in mass fraction from 10 ng/g to 1000 ng/g: (1) value assignment of primary reference standards (if in-house purity assessment carried out), (2) value assignment of single and/or multi-component organic solutions, (3) extraction of analytes of interest from the matrix, (4) cleanup and separation of analytes of interest from interfering matrix or extract components, and (5) separation and quantification using gas chromatography or liquid chromatography.
A fast and simple method for sulfur quantification in crude oils was developed by using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS). For this, heavy crude oil samples were prepared as microemulsion (shake) and injected into a graphite furnace (shut). Finally, the concentration of sulfur was determined by monitoring in situ the transient molecular spectrum of GeS at wavelength 295.205nm after adding a germanium solution as molecular forming agent (and go). Zirconium dioxide in the form of nanoparticles (45–55nm) was employed as a permanent modifier of the graphite furnace. Calibration was done with an aqueous solution standard of ammonium sulfate, and a characteristic mass (m0) of 7.5ng was achieved. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated analizing, ten heavy crude oil samples with Sulfur amounts ranging between 0.3 and 4.5% as well as two NIST standard reference materials, 1620c and 1622e. Results were compared with those obtained by routine ICP-OES analysis, and no statistical relevant differences were found.
Risk Assessment and Value of Action Analysis for Icing Conditions of Wind Turbines Close to Highways
(2019)
The paper presents research results from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network INFRASTAR in the field of reliability approaches for decision-making for wind turbines and bridges. This paper addresses the application of Bayesian decision analysis for installation of heating systems in wind turbine blades in cases where an ice detection system is already installed in order to allow wind turbines to be placed close to highways. Generally, application of ice detection and heating systems for wind turbines is very relevant in cases where the wind turbines are planned to be placed close to urban areas and highways, where risks need to be considered due to icing events, which may lead to consequences including human fatality, functional disruptions, and/or economic losses. The risk of people being killed in a car passing on highways near a wind turbine due to blades parts or ice pieces being thrown away in cases of overicing is considered in this paper. The probability of being killed per kilometer and per year is considered for three cases: blade parts thrown away as a result of a partial or total failure of a blade, ice thrown away in two cases, i.e., of stopped wind turbines and of wind turbines in operation. Risks due to blade parts being thrown away cannot be avoided, since low strengths of material, maintenance or manufacturing errors, mechanical or electrical failures may result in failure of a blade or blade part. The blade (parts) thrown away from wind turbines in operation imply possible consequences/fatalities for people near the wind turbines, including in areas close to highways.
Similar consequences are relevant for ice being thrown away from wind turbine blades during icing situations. In this paper, we examine the question as to whether it is valuable to put a heating System on the blades in addition to ice detection systems. This is especially interesting in countries with limited space for placing wind turbines; in addition, it is considered if higher power production can be obtained due to less downtime if a heating system is installed.
The mechanism of action of zirconium permanent modifiers on graphite surfaces was investigated in order to understand its influence on the analytical signal in atomic and molecular absorption spectrometry (AAS/MAS). For this, the molecule formation of CaF was studied, which is used for the indirect analytical determination of fluorine in high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS). The kinetics of this reaction was established by monitoring its molecular spectrum at different atomisation temperatures. An Arrhenius plot showed a pseudo-first order reaction with respect to fluorine (n = 1). An intermediate state was isolated, and its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic methods: scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEMEDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES and EXAFS), and Raman microspectroscopy. We propose here a mechanism, where ZrO2 acts as a heterogeneous catalyst: after a pyrolytic step, an intermediate state of ZrO(OCaF) is activated, and at higher temperatures, CaF(g) is released from the zirconium-coated graphite surface. No evidence of the formation of zirconium carbide was found. Consequently, as the CaF formation is catalysed by a heterogeneous catalyst, surface modifications with ZrO2 nanoparticles and ZrO xerogels were investigated in order to increase the surface area. Their influence was evaluated in the molecule formation of CaF, CaCl, CaBr, and CaI. Graphite furnace modification with zirconium oxide nanoparticles proves to be the best choice for fluorine analysis with a signal enhancement of more than eleven times with respect a non-coated graphite furnace. However, the influence of zirconium modifications in the analytical signals of Cl, and I is lower than the F signals or even negative in case of the Br. Understanding zirconium modifiers as heterogeneous catalysts offers a new perspective to AAS and MAS, and reveals the potential of surface analytical methods for development of improved permanent modifiers and graphite furnace coatings.
Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have been widely investigated for their use in separation, gas adsorption, catalysis, and biotechnology. Their practical applications, however, can be hampered by their structural instability in humid acidic conditions. Here, guided by density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate that the acidic stability of two polymorphic ZIFs (i.e., ZIF-8 and ZIF-L) can be enhanced by the incorporation of functional groups on polypeptides or DNA. A range of complementary synchrotron investigations into the local chemical structure and bonding environment suggest that the enhanced acidic stability arises from the newly established coordinative interactions between the Zn centers and the inserted carboxylate (for polypeptides) or phosphate (for DNA) groups, both of which have lower pKas than the imidazolate ligand. With functional biomolecular homologs (i.e., enzymes), we demonstrate a symbiotic stability reinforcement effect, i.e., the encapsulated biomolecules stabilize the ZIF matrix while the ZIF exoskeleton protects the enzyme from denaturation.
The 2010 CCQM-K79 'Comparison of value-assigned CRMs and PT materials: Ethanol in aqueous media' is the second key comparison directly testing the chemical measurement services provided to customers by National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and Designated Institutes (DIs). CCQM-K79 compared the assigned ethanol values of proficiency test (PT) and certified reference materials (CRMs) using measurements made on these materials under repeatability conditions. Nine NMIs submitted 27 CRM or value-assigned PT materials for evaluation. These materials represent many of the higher-order reference materials then available for this commercially and forensically important measurand.
The assigned ethanol mass fraction in the materials ranged from 0.1 mg/kg to 334 mg/kg. All materials were stored and prepared according the specifications provided by each NMI. Samples were processed and analyzed under repeatability conditions by one analytical team using a gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) method of demonstrated trueness and precision.
Given the number of materials and the time required for each analysis, the majority of the measurements were made in two measurement campaigns ('runs'). Due to a shipping delay from one NMI, an unanticipated third campaign was required. In all three campaigns, replicate analyses (three injections of one preparation separated in time) were made for one randomly selected unit of each of the 27 materials. Nine of the 27 materials were gravimetrically diluted before measurement to provide solutions with ethanol mass fraction in the established linear range of the GC-FID method. The repeatability measurement value for each analyzed solution was estimated as the mean of all replicate values. The within- and between-campaign variance components were estimated using one-way ANOVA. Markov Chain Monte Carlo Bayesian analysis was used to estimate 95% level-of-confidence coverage intervals for the mean values.
Uncertainty-weighted generalized distance regression was used to establish the key comparison reference function (KCRF) relating the assigned values to the repeatability measurements. On the basis of leave-one-out cross-validation, all of the assigned values for all 27 materials were deemed equivalent at the 95% level of confidence. These materials were used to define the KCRF.
Parametric bootstrap Monte Carlo was used to estimate 95% level-of-confidence coverage intervals for the degrees of equivalence of materials, d ± U95(d), and of the participating NMIs, D ± U95(D). Because of the very wide range of ethanol mass fraction in the materials, these degrees of equivalence are expressed in percent relative form: %d ± U95(%d) and %D ± U95(%D). The median of the absolute values of the %D for the participating NMIs is less than 0.05% with a median U95(%D) of less than 1%. These results demonstrate that the participating NMIs have the ability to correctly value-assign CRMs and proficiency test materials for ethanol in aqueous media and similar measurands.