Showing papers by "Sidney A. Thompson published in 2007"

Belted strand retention fabric: an alternative to silt fences for erosion and sediment control

Abstract: In this study SiltSaver belted strand reten- tion fence was compared with traditional type C silt fence with the goal of determining if it would be acceptable for use as a sediment barrier in Georgia. ASTM standard methods were used to evaluate flow through and sediment removal efficiency using three different site specific soils. For flow without sediment, there were no statistical differ- ences, although the BSRF showed a slightly higher flow rate than the type C fence that was tested. Flow rates with sediment were generally 30% to 85% lower on the BSRF than the type C fence with the greater differences ob- served with the finer particle sizes and the double concen- tration runs. This indicates the influence of the soil parti- cles on the flow rate and may suggest that the sediment trapped behind the fence is controlling the flow rate more than the fence itself. The results from the analysis of the effluent and sediment removal efficiency indicated that the BSRF was more effective at retaining the sediment behind the fence. Both the suspended solids content and the turbidity of the effluent was lower using the BSRF fence material than the Type C fence material for all test conditions. Sediment removal efficiencies for the BSRF were significantly higher for all three tested soils at both the single and double concentration. Additional tests were conducted using variations of the ASTM standard and these tests showed similar trends. Testing also indicated that the design of the supporting apparatus was sufficient for holding the materials. While no testing program can provide results to prove an application will function under all conditions that will be encountered in the field, our testing indicates that the SiltSaver BSRF should be an effective alternative to standard Type C silt fence.

Adding Value to Poultry Litter using Fractionation, Pyrolysis, and Pelleting

Abstract: In areas of excess poultry litter production, eco-friendly and more energy efficient utilization alternatives must be developed. In raw form, poultry litter has certain draw backs for both energy production and fertilizer such as high ash content and moisture content, a corrosive nature, low heat content, low bulk density, and low nutrient content. Fractionation divides poultry litter into a fine, nutrient rich fraction and a coarse, energy rich fraction. Pyrolysis of the coarse fraction produces char, bio-oil, and gases. The pyrolysis process can provide energy to pellet the fine fraction; char can be sold or used as an energy source or a soil amendment, and bio-oil can be used as a pellet binder.

Ammonia and Fine Particulates Inside and Outside Tunnel Ventilated Broiler Houses – A First Look

Abstract: Air emissions from animal feeding operations have become a growing concern. Much work has been done to study occupational exposures and the exhaust concentrations associated with animal facilities, however little information has been provided about air quality around the houses. This study investigates ammonia and PM2.5 (particulate matter = 2.5 um in diameter) inside and outside (up to 152 m from the house) of commercial tunnel-ventilated broiler houses on a farm (6 houses 11 x 130 m) in northeast Georgia. PM2.5 was measured in real time using aerosol monitors and on a time-integrated basis using cyclone samplers. Ammonia was measured using electrochemical sensors. None of the 24-h PM2.5 measures collected when the houses were in tunnel ventilation exceeded the U.S. EPA 24-h National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 65 ug/m3. Ammonia levels outside the house appeared to be considerably less than 1 ppm, but wind direction at the site was not recorded and wind at a remote weather station was contrary to the direction of the sensors on the days that ammonia data were taken. Additional study is needed to confirm these results.

Energy and Bio-oil Production from Poultry Litter using Fractionation and Pyrolysis- A Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Abstract: Recently data quality was questioned in a major piece of research published in a renowned scientific journal. This not only defamed the research scientist involved, but also supported the need of well entrained ethics in our education. Therefore it is necessary to incorporate data quality control and management practices in the engineering curriculum for graduate students. The reliability of results obtained from any project depends upon the quality of data collection as described in “Good Laboratory Practices” (EPA 40 CFR PARTS 160, 792, and 806, 1999). The United Stated Environmental Protection Agency uses the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) as a modern tool of engineering to ensure data and management quality of funded projects. The overall purpose of QAPP is to reduce and control error in research data.