http://hdl.handle.net/10204/943 2013-06-20T00:45:55Z http://hdl.handle.net/10204/6792 Title: The current waste generation and management trends in South Africa: A Review Authors: Nkosi, N; Muzenda, E; Zvimba, J; Pilusa, J Abstract: This paper, a continuation and expansion of the work of Muzenda et al, 2012 [1] looks at the current waste generation and management trends in South Africa. The waste tyre problem in South Africa is also briefly discussed. Solid waste management is a growing environmental problem in developing countries such as South Africa. The increasing standard of living and economic growth results in challenges in the management of both general and hazardous waste. Landfill sites life spans have been reduced and hence the need for waste minimization, utilization and alternative disposal methods. Waste tyre management is challenge as they are non compactable and non-biodegradable. The Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) proposed by the Recycling and Economic Initiative of South Africa (REDISA) is a waste tyre recycling and utilization initiative. This paper is review on the current waste generation and management in South Africa. The objectives of this paper were achieved through a literature review. Description: International Conference on Integrated Waste Management and Green Energy Engineering, Johannesburg (South Africa), 15-16 April 2013. Published in Planetary Scientific Research Center 2013-04-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10204/6711 Title: Solar absorption and thermal emission properties of multiwall carbon nanotube/nickel oxide nanocomposite thin films synthesized by sol-gel process Authors: Roro, KT; Tile, N; Mwakikunga, B; Yalisi, B; Forbes, A Abstract: Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/nickel oxide (NiO) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by a sol–gel process and coated on an aluminium substrate. The MWCNTs were chemically functionalized and then added into NiO alcogels, and magnetic stirred for homogeneous dispersion into the NiO matrix solution. The morphology of the resulting nanocomposite thin films showed that the MWCNTs were embedded in the NiO nano-particle matrix, while HRTEM confirmed that the MWCNTs were surrounded by the NiO nano-particles. Raman spectra for functionalized MWCNTs displayed a red shift from the pristine MWCNTs suggesting successful purification/functionalization. The spectrum for the MWCNTs/NiO nanocomposite indicated the presence of both the TO and LO phonons of NiO, and the D and G bands of the MWCNTs. Red and blue shifts of the NiO phonons and the MWCNT phonons suggested that the vibrational properties of both materials were changed to form new nanocomposite vibrational properties. Despite unoptimized layer thickness and composition, the solar absorptance of the functionalized MWCNTs/NiO nanocomposite films was 0.84 (for a single layer). The thermal emittance at 100 °C was approximately 0.2. These results suggest that MWCNTs/NiO nanocomposite materials are suitable for solar thermal applications. Description: Copyright: 2012 Elsevier. This is an ABSTRACT ONLY. The definitive version is published in Materials Science and Engineering: B, vol. 177(8), pp 581–587 2012-05-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10204/6692 Title: Energy from wastewater - a feasibility study and guide for: Technology developers and researchers, industry and wastewater generators and policy makers Authors: Burton, S; Cohen, B; Harrison, S; Pather-Elias, S; Stafford, W; Van Hille, R; Von Blottnitz, H Abstract: This guide is based on a study funded by the Water Research Commission with the purpose of determining the feasibility of developing technologies for energy recovery from wastewater. A full technical report is available for further reference (WRC report no 1732/1/09). The availability of clean, renewable fuels is well recognised to be core to sustainable economic growth. The use of wastewater as a renewable energy resource has been poorly exploited to date particularly in developing countries such as South Africa. Wastewaters as renewable sources of energy are valuable to supplement and/or replace non-renewable sources, reduce the environmental burden of conventional power generation and provide the added benefit of enhanced waste processing. The study reviewed the available literature and surveyed international and national practice in energy recovery from wastewater in order to identify the most significant potential for new research and innovation. A survey of potentials for energy from wastewater in South Africa served to identify which types of substrates are available in significant amounts. The project also included a set of case studies that show what factors to consider in developing energy from wastewater projects. Workshops were held to provide opportunities for consultation with stakeholders in the fields of wastewater treatment and technology development, in order to determine areas where technical and application problems might exist (WRC report no1732/1/09). This guide makes recommendations relevant to the R&D sector regarding recovery of energy from wastewater. It also seeks to provide information about directions which would be useful to South Africa’s research community by identifying areas where R&D are needed, and by highlighting areas to which the WRC might direct funding in future. Description: Copyright: 2009 South African Water Resource Commission. This is an ABSTRACT ONLY. The definitive version is published in WRC, Report No. TT 400/09. 2012-07-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10204/6647 Title: Operating cost analysis of an annexed ethanol distillery in a rural, landlocked African country Authors: Amigun, B; Von Blottnitz, H Abstract: Given the high cost of crude oil, uncertainties regarding future reserves as well as the phenomenon of global warming, alternative fuels such as bioethanol need to be developed and deployed. This work presents an economic analysis (operating cost analysis) of one annexed African distillery operating in a landlocked and rural location. Specifically, the study attempts to analyze the impacts that some of the critical factors influencing bioethanol production will have on its viability and also present an analysis of the breakdown of the operating costs of the distillery, in an equation format to enable easier and more rapid use of the data in numerical and economic models, and in the preliminary design and optimization of bioethanol plants. The cost of ethanol production was estimated at $19.57/HL with cost of feedstock (molasses ‘‘type C’’) constituting about one third of the production cost. The study also identified other major, intermediate, and minor input factors, which can provide insights to both the possible barriers to implementation that should be overcome, and on the technological improvement options that should be stimulated by research and development in ethanol industry. Finally, from the operating cost analysis of the annexed distillery, it emerged that the factorial approach to estimation is principally a sound one, with no indication of untypical cost items. Some of the typical cost items do however display ratios to the base cost that are outside of previously reported limits. Description: Copyright: 2011 Wiley-Blackwell. This is an ABSTRACT ONLY. The definitive version is published in Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, vol. 30(3), pp 500-515 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ep.10489/pdf 2011-10-01T00:00:00Z