ZHEN FANG(方真)

ZHEN FANG(方真)

I am a supercritical water man

I am always trying to be the best

RESUME

NAME: Zhen FANG
SEX: Male
NATIONALITY: CHINA (Canadian Permanent Resident)
DATE OF BIRTH: xx November, 1963
MARITAL STATUS: Married
CURRENT POSITION: Research Associate, Energy & Environmental Group
Mining & Metallurgical Eng. McGill University

EDUCATION:

09/1988-10/1991 Ph.D., Mechanical (Energy) Engineering, National Agricultural
University (China). Dissertation: A Study of a Biomass Pyrolysis Gasifier
and Its Application in Rural Energy Supply System.

09/1985-07/1988 M.Sc., Mechanical (Energy) Engineering, National Agricultural
University (China). Thesis: The Simulation of Developmental Strategy of
Rural Energy in Beijing Area.

09/1979-07/1983 B.Sc., Mechanical (Energy) Engineering, National Agricultural
University (China). Thesis: Design and Modification S195-Diesel Engine:
Cylinder Diameter from 95mm to 100mm.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

It is found that PET (Fang et al.[13], 1999), nylon (Smith & Fang et al.[10], 2000) and cellulose (Fang & Kozinski[8], 2000; Sasaki & Fang et al.[9, 30], 2000) can completely dissolve in water in subcritical region.

AWARDS/HONORS:

1. Monbusho Lectureship, Ministry of Education (Japan) (03/1997-02/1999)

2. AIST Fellowship, Agency of Industrial Science and Technology (Japan) (03/1996-03/1997)

3. Marie Curie Fellowship, The European Commission (03/1995-03/1996)

4. Second S&T Progress Prize, 1989, the Academy of Sciences of China (Programming and Strategy of Rural Energy Development in Beijing) (China)

RESEARCH INTERESTS:

Supercritical Water (SCW) Oxidation, Fine Particles Synthesis by SCW, Recycling Polymers by SCW, Energy Conversion (gasification/liquefaction), Diamond Anvil Cell Techniques, Environment Analysis, Bio-energy, Pyrolysis, Energy System and Policy.

TEACHING INTERESTS:

Heat Transfer, Supercritical Water and Its Applications, Bio-energy, Engineering Thermodynamics, Mechanics of Fluids.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

02/1999-Present Research Associate (granted by NSERC), Dept. of Mining & Metallurgical
Engineering, McGill Univ. (Canada), on supercritical water oxidation
hazardous wastes or recycling polymers.

03/1997-02/1999 Research Lecturer (Monbusho Fellowship), Research Center of
Supercritical Fluid Technology, Chemical Engineering Department,
Tohoku (Imperial) University (Japan),
on recycling polymer or biomass in supercritical water.

03/1996-03/1997 Visiting Researcher (AIST Fellowship), Biomass Lab, National Institute
for Resources and Environment (Japan), on liquefaction/gasification of
biomass in compressed water.

03/1995-03/1996 Postdoctoral Fellow (Marie Curie Fellowship), Dept. of Chemical &
Environmental Engineering, University of Zaragoza (Spain), on fluidized
bed gasification/pyrolysis biomass.

09/1991-03/1995 Senior Engineer, China National Center for Rural Technology
Development, on energy & environment.

03/1987-09/1988 Researcher (Internship), Institute of Energy Research, State Planning
Commission (China), on energy & environment.

07/1983-09/1985 Engineer, Fujian Machine Works (Fujian, China), on engine designing and
testing.

PUBLICATIONS:

JOURNAL PAPERS:

1. Zhen Fang, Si-kun Xu and J. A. Kozinski, De-polymerization of Polyvinylchloride Using Supercritical Water, In Preparation for Journal of Applied Polymer Science (2000).

2. Zhen Fang, Si-kun Xu and J. A. Kozinski, Phase Behavior and Oxidation of a PCB of Decachlorobiphenyl in Supercritical Water, Submitted to Combustion and Flame Dec. (2000).

3. Si-kun Xu, Zhen Fang and J. A. Kozinski, Oxidation of Naphthalene in Supercritical Water up to 420oC and 30 MPa, Submitted to Fuel, Oct. (2000).

4. Zhen Fang and J. A. Kozinski, A Comparative Study of Polystyrene Decomposition in Supercritical Water and Air Environments Using Diamond Anvil Cell, Journal of Applied Polymer Science Dec. (2000) (accepted).

ABSTRACT: Polystyrene (PS) decomposition in supercritical water (SCW) and in air was studied with the diamond anvil cell (DAC) technique coupled with microscopy and FT-IR. Apparent concentrations were calculated using digital imaging analysis. When PS+water systems (11.8-22.6 wt% PS) were rapidly heated at a rate of 2.3oC/s, the PS particle melted at 279.8-322.1oC. After formation of a globule at 409.3-452.5oC, the globule started dissolving changing color to yellow at 496.1oC. At 570.3oC and 742.5 MPa, solubility reached the maximum of 91.5 wt% (11.8 wt% PS). The soluble material was styrene-like liquid, which was identified by IR after cooling. For isothermal 400 or 450oC runs (10-20 min) in SCW, two heterogeneous liquid phases consisting of water and liquid decomposed PS were found. Styrene-like liquid products were identified after the reactions. PS decomposition stages in air consisted of melting, gas generation, liquid ring configuration and finally yellow volatile products formation at 583.2oC. The results show conclusively that polystyrene can be dissolved in SCW above 496.1oC and homogenous reaction is likely to occur above 570.3oC. Reactions in SCW at 400 and 450oC take place in heterogeneous liquid phases while in the PS+air system, a liquid ring formed undergoes de-polymerization.

5. Zhen Fang and J. A. Kozinski, A Study of Rubber Liquefaction in Supercritical Water Using DAC-Stereomicroscopy and FT-IR Spectrometry, Fuel, Nov. (2000) (accepted).

ABSTRACT: Phase behavior and liquefaction of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) in supercritical water were studied with a diamond anvil cell (DAC) technique coupled with optical microscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy. Apparent concentrations were calculated using digital imaging analysis. When SBR+H2O+H2O2 systems (15.0-28.8 wt% SBR) were rapidly heated at a rate of 2.7-9.7oC/s at pressures ranging from 809 to 1038 MPa, SBR particle began dissolving at 542-546, 196 and 201oC with 0, 5, 10 wt% H2O2 concentration, respectively. Solubility increased with H2O2 concentration. After solubility reached the maximum at 521-558oC, a non-dissolved particle expanded and changed to reddish volatile compounds at 535-585oC, which underwent liquefaction and then carbonization as temperature increased to 686oC. The dissolved compounds in water inhibited formation of char. For the isothermal runs at 450oC and 395-721 MPa, liquefaction started at 27.13, 11.05, 0.88 minutes with 0, 5, 10 wt% H2O2 concentration, respectively. The results show conclusively that the SBR can dissolve in supercritical water while non-dissolved residue undergoes liquefaction. Addition of H2O2 promoted the liquefaction process.

6. Zhen Fang, Si-kun Xu and J. A. Kozinski, Behavior of Metals during Combustion of Industrial Organic Wastes in Supercritical Water, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, August (2000) (accepted).

ABSTRACT: De-inking solid residue (DISR) doped with nitrates of 2000 mg/kg of Pb, Cd, and Cr was burned in supercritical water in a batch reactor. Combustion runs were carried out under supercritical water conditions: 30.6 MPa, 450 or 525 oC, and 17.1% or 65.7% excess oxygen. The run time varied between 5 and 30 min. In all runs, more than 99.2% (up to 100%) of the Pb precipitated to ash, with leachability varying from 0.5% to 7.3% and decreasing with increasing run time and temperature. In runs at 450 oC, the soluble Cd concentration showed little or no change, but its ash's leachability dropped when more oxygen was added. At 65.7% excess oxygen, when temperature was increased from 450 to 525 oC, the Cd concentration and ash leachability declined, and a downward trend appeared with longer run time. In runs at 450 oC and 17.1% excess oxygen, the soluble Cr concentration increased with time from 4.1% (5 min) to 19.2% (30 min). When 65.7% oxygen was applied, it declined to 12.6% at 30 min, which was followed by an increase from 15.0% (5 min) to 37.5% (15 min). In the runs with 65.7% oxygen, as the temperature went up from 450 to 525 oC, the soluble Cr concentration rose to 26.1% at 5 min and subsequently showed a trend similar to that observed for the runs at 450 oC. At 30.6 MPa, 525 oC, and a 30-min run time, 100% of the Pb, 97.6% of the Cd, and 87.3% of the Cr were converted to an insoluble substance. Only 0.5% of the Pb, 0.6% of the Cd and 0.8% of the Cr in ash were leached. Tests with 20,000 mg/kg Pb, Cd, and Cr were conducted under the same conditions (pressure/temperature/time). Only 0.03% of the Pb but 82.0% of the Cd and 79.4% of the Cr remained soluble. It was found that CO2 and acetate from organics combustion could help to remove heavy metals via formation of insoluble carbonate salts. X-ray diffraction spectra indicated the presence of PbCrO4 and Al2Si2O5(OH)4 in the ash. Electron microprobe results showed a close connection between Pb and Cr but no relation between Pb and Cd in the ash. The main solid products were CdO, CdCO3, CrO2, HCrO2, PbCrO4, PbCO3 and PbOx. In general, the "combustion" of DISR in supercritical water showed an effective removal of heavy metals.

7. Zhen Fang and Janusz A. Kozinski, Phase Changes of Benzo(a)pyrene in Supercritical Water Combustion, Combustion and Flame, August (2000) (accepted).

ABSTRACT: This paper presents new data on the behavior of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) during supercritical water combustion. It focuses on phase changes of the BaP throughout the transition from subcritical to supercritical regions. A sequence of images illustrates BaP's phase change for the first time in combustion literature. They were obtained in situ using a hydrothermal diamond anvil cell coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometer as well as optical and infrared microscopes. Combustion, at different oxygen excess (0-49% H2O2), and pyrolysis experiments were conducted. The results show conclusively that
(1) BaP is stable at pyrolytic conditions up to 452oC;
(2) It can dissolve in supercritical water at 441.0-469.7oC forming partly decomposed globule. At extended reaction times above 500oC the globule undergoes carbonization while the dissolved compounds inhibit char formation. No complete dissolution was observed.
(3) BaP combustion occurs simultaneously with dissolution in a single homogenous phase. At higher oxygen content, the dissolution and complete combustion takes place even in subcritical region (352.9oC and 145 MPa). In such case no melting phase is present.

8. Zhen Fang and Janusz A. Kozinski, Phase Behavior and Combustion of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Sludge in Supercritical Water at Pressures up to 822 MPa and Temperatures up to 535 癈, Proceedings of The Combustion Institute, Pittsburgh, v.28, (2000) (strictly refereed, equivalent to publication in Combustion and Flame) (accepted).

ABSTRACT: Phase behaviors of cellulose, naphthalene (NT) and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in subcritical and supercritical water were studied with a diamond anvil cell technique and optical microscopy at heating rates of 8-10oC/s. The homogeneous phases were obtained for cellulose at 329.5oC and 345.1 MPa; for NT at 383.2oC and 419.7 MPa; and for BaP at 508.1oC and 770.2 MPa. Establishing the homogenous conditions was important for the combustion study of NT- and BaP-contaminated cellulose-based sludge in supercritical water (SCW). A batch reactor (6 mL volume) was used in the SCW combustion experiments. It was found that 99.2% carbon, 99.86% BaP and 100% NT were converted within the SCW during 300 s reaction time under 450oC, 30.6 MPa, and 17.1% excess oxygen. Thus, even residues with high ash content (~20%) and stable polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) could become almost completely oxidized to CO2 and H2O in this novel type of "incineration". The conversion rates increased at longer reaction times (up to 30 min.) and higher oxygen concentration (65.7%). During the SCW combustion, water, oxygen, sludge (mainly cellulose) and PAHs may become a single phase before their decomposition via pyrolysis or oxidation. A transformation pathway of the major components of the sludge during SCW combustion is proposed. The major trends in the suggested mechanism are (1) the rapid hydrolysis of cellulose to oligomers and glucose, (2) the dissolution of naphthalene and its oxidation to quinones, (3) the cleaving of benzo(a)pyrene and formation of acetylene and cycloalkenes with benzylic rings, and (4) the homogeneous oxidation of dissolved organic species to light hydrocarbons� acids� acetate, which is transformed to carbon dioxide and water.

9. M. Sasaki, Zhen Fang, Y. Fukushima, T. Adschiri and K. Arai, Dissolution and Hydrolysis of Cellulose in Subcritical and Supercritical Water, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 39(8), 2883-2890 (2000).

Abstract: Decompn. expts. of microcryst. cellulose were conducted in subcrit. and supercrit. water (25 MPa, 320-400 癈, and 0.05-10.0 s). At 400 癈 hydrolysis products were mainly obtained, while in 320-350 癈 water, aq. decompn. products of glucose were the main products. Kinetic studies of cellulose, cellobiose, and glucose at these conditions showed that below 350 癈 the cellulose decompn. rate was slower than the glucose and cellobiose decompn. rates, while above 350 癈, the cellulose hydrolysis rate drastically increased and became higher than the glucose and cellobiose decompn. rates. Direct observation of the cellulose reaction in high-temp. water at high-pressure conditions by using a diamond anvil cell (DAC) showed that, below 280 癈, cellulose particles became gradually smaller with increasing reaction time but, at high temps. (300-320 癈), cellulose particles disappeared with increasing transparency and much more rapidly than expected from the lower temp. results. These results suggest that cellulose hydrolysis at high temp. takes place with dissoln. in water. This is probably because of the cleavage of intra- and intermol. hydrogen linkages in the cellulose crystal. Thus, a homogeneous atm. is formed in supercrit. water, and this results in the drastic increase of the cellulose decompn. rate above 350 癈.

10. R.L. Smith Jr, Zhen Fang, Hiroshi Inomata and Kunio Arai, Phase Behavior and Reaction of Nylon 6/6 in Water at High Temperatures and Pressures, Journal of Applied Polymer Science 76(7), 1062-1073 (2000).

Abstract: The phase behavior and reaction of nylon 6/6 (N66) in water were studied with a diamond anvil cell (DAC) technique and visual microscopy. N66 concns. in water and cell temps. were varied from 11-46% and from 264-425?, resp. The pressures studied ranged from 30-900 MPa. When an aq. soln. of 27% N66 was rapidly heated (2.6?/s) to 372? at 30 MPa, the soln. became homogeneous at 331?. Upon cooling, the final pressure was 30 MPa and both particles and gas were obsd. Anal. of the particles by Raman indicated decompd. N66 solid. When an aq. soln. of 31% N66 was rapidly heated (2.9?/s) to 425? at 58 MPa, the soln. became homogeneous at 323?. Upon cooling, the final pressure was 143 MPa, and, remarkably, only a second liq. pptd. and no gas or solids were obsd. From the expts., the authors concluded that the reaction pathways are completely different between the subcrit. and supercrit. water conditions. For the case of subcrit. conditions, the final products were solid particles having a nylon character along with a considerable amt. of gas. At supercrit. water conditions, the final products were liqs. having little nylon character and no gas. Expts. were performed at a const. temp. of 272? at initial pressures ranging from 87-400 MPa. As the reaction proceeded, the pressure was measured at 30-s intervals. At av. pressures < 300 Mpa, the N66 samples melted and appeared to become homogeneous. At av. pressures > 520 MPa, the N66 samples remained heterogeneous. From these results, the rate of hydrolysis was concluded to increase with pressure. The reaction vol. was found to be -21.1 cm3/mol, which can be explained by the overall formation of water-sol. products.

11. Zhen Fang, Richard L. Smith, Jr., Hiroshi Inomata and Kunio Arai, Phase Behavior and Reaction of Polyethylene in Supercritical Water at Pressure up to 2.6 GPa and Temperature up to 670oC, The Journal of Supercritical Fluids 16, 207-216 (2000).

Abstract: The phase behavior and reaction mechanism of polyethylene (PE) in supercrit. water were studied using the diamond anvil cell (DAC) technique with visual and Raman spectroscopy. When PE + water (12-30% PE) mixts. were rapidly heated at initial pressure of 110-690 MPa, PE first melted and formed a liq. spherulitic phase. The spherules began to expand at above 450� and underwent a color change to red at about 570�. At higher temps., the red color disappeared and the molten PE phase became transparent. Upon further heating, the red color returned and other material underwent homogeneous reaction as evidenced by a dark color which appeared throughout the cell. Volatile liqs. were formed on the surface of the liq. PE phase spherule. For reactions run at higher temp. (645-671�) at pressure 1.9-2.6 GPa, thin films formed on the anvils after quenching that have C=C, OH, and C-C Raman bands, which indicated that hydrolysis products formed even though the reaction time was relatively short (290-475 s). Reactions performed at a const. temp. of 423� and at an initial pressure of 850 MPa showed only a slight decrease (0.03 MPa/s) in pressure with time. Thus, PE and water remain a heterogeneous system over the polymer (12-30% PE) compns. studied during heating and reaction in supercrit. water. Only after PE decomps. to lower mol. wt. hydrocarbons, above about 565�, can homogeneous reaction conditions result.

12. T. Adschiri, T. Sato, H. Shibuichi, Zhen Fang, S. Okazaki, K. Arai, Extraction of Taiheiyo coal with supercritical water - HCOOH mixture, Fuel, 79, 243-248, (2000).

Abstract: Taiheiyo coals were extd. with supercrit. toluene (SC-toluene) (653 K, 20 MPa), supercrit. water (SCW) (653 K, 35 MPa) and formic acid (HCOOH)-SCW mixed solvents (653 K, 35 MPa) using a semi-batch type system. The results clearly indicate that the coal conversion (= 1 - wt. of residual coal (daf)/wt. of loaded coal (daf)) and the liq. yield (= wt. of liq. exts./wt. of loaded coal) in HCOOH-SCW were higher than those in SCW and SC-toluene. A considerable portion of coal is thus converted into light oils probably through hydrolysis and hydrogenation in HCOOH-SCW. We conducted another series of expts. for direct in situ observation of coal conversion in SCW and HCOOH-SCW using a diamond anvil cell (DAC). In HCOOH-SCW, the effective and rapid hydrogenation of coal with HCOOH occurs mainly at the early stage of the reaction.

13. Zhen Fang, Richard L. Smith, Jr., Hiroshi Inomata and Kunio Arai, Phase Behavior and Reaction of Polyethylene Terephthalate - Water Systems at Pressures up to 173 MPa and Temperatures up to 490oC, The Journal of Supercritical Fluids 15, 229-243 (1999).

Abstract: The phase behavior and reaction rate of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in water were studied with a hydrothermal diamond anvil cell (DAC), visual microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Exptl. runs were made to observe PET under subcrit. water, supercrit. water and pyrolysis conditions, and also terephthalic acid (TPA) under supercrit. water conditions. Over the range of PET concns. studied (12 to 59 wt%), most systems became homogeneous. For the case where samples were heated slowly, the homogenization temp. was around the PET m.p. (241癈). For PET samples that were rapidly heated and underwent a solid-liq. transition upon heating, the homogeneous temp. was between 297癈 and 318癈. For samples that were rapidly heated and underwent crystn. during heating, the homogenization temp. was between 360癈 and 396癈. The homogenization temp. for TPA+water was around 356癈. PET particles that were well dispersed into the aq. phase and rapidly heated to supercrit. conditions were found to undergo surface crystn. and subsequent melting of the cryst. oligomers. In general, the crystals formed during both heating and cooling were oligomeric forms of TPA, as apparent from the high dissoln. temps. and as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy after cooling.

14. T. Minowa, Zhen Fang (Fang Zhen) and T. Ogi, Cellulose Decomposition in Hot-compressed Water with Alkali or Nickel Catalyst, The Journal of Supercritical Fluids 13, 253-259 (1998).

Abstract: Cellulose, a major component of woody biomass, was reacted in hot-compressed water using a sodium carbonate catalyst, a reduced nickel catalyst or no catalyst at different reaction temps. from 200 to 350癈. The reaction mixt. was sepd. into oil, gases, residue and aq. phase to discuss the reaction mechanism based on the product distribution. Hydrolysis can play an important role in forming glucose/oligomer, and the obtained glucose/oligomer can decomp. quickly to non-glucose aq. products, oil, char and gases. Under the catalyst-free condition, the interpretation of the observation led to a simplified reaction scheme, which produced finally char and gases through oil as intermediates. With regard to the alkali catalyst, the observation suggested a role of the alkali catalyst in inhibiting the formation of char from oil (stabilization of oil); resulting in oil prodn. On the other hand, the nickel catalyst could catalyze the steam reforming reaction of aq. products as intermediates and the methanation reaction.

15. T. Minowa and Zhen Fang, Hydrogen Production from Cellulose in Hot Compressed Water Using Reduced Nickel Catalyst: Products Distribution at Different Reaction Temperatures, Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, 31(3), 488-491 (1998)

Abstract: Cellulose, a major component of woody biomass, was gasified in hot-compressed water using reduced nickel catalyst at reaction temps. from 200 to 350�. The product distribution was analyzed at different temps. and reaction times. Cellulose decompd. to water-sol. products at first, and then, the water-sol. products reacted to form hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The obtained hydrogen was consumed by a methanation reaction to form methane. A reaction model for catalytic and noncatalytic cellulose decompn. is proposed.

16. T. Minowa, Zhen Fang, T. Ogi and G. Varhegyi, Decomposition of Cellulose and Glucose in Hot Compressed Water under Catalyst-free Condition, Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, 31(1), 131-134 (1998).

Abstract: Cellulose (I), a major component of woody biomass, was reacted in hot-compressed water under catalyst-free conditions at different reaction temps. from 200 to 350�. The product distribution was analyzed at different temps. and(or) holding times. A simplified reaction scheme is proposed, in which char-like residues are produced from I through water-sol. products and oils as intermediates. Expts. with I and glucose feedstocks resulted in the same product distribution, suggesting that I decompn. starts with a 1st hydrolysis step. Levoglucosan and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural were also detected. The role of alkali catalysts in I liquefaction is discussed.

17. T. Minowa, Zhen Fang (Fang Zhen), T. Ogi and G. Varhegyi, Liquefaction of Cellulose in Hot Water Using Sodium Carbonate: Products Distribution at Different Reaction Temperatures, Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, 30(1), 28-32 (1997).

Abstract: Cellulose (I) was liquefied in hot compressed water at different reaction temps. using Na2CO3 as the catalyst, and a reaction mechanism was discussed based on the product distribution. Decompn. of I started at a reaction temp. <180�, and it decompd. quickly at 260-300�; no I remained after reaction at >300�. Only water-sol. products were obtained at <260�. Comparison of expts. with I and glucose (II) indicated that 1 of the main pathways is hydrolysis, followed by secondary reactions of the formed II. Oil was formed at >260�, and its yield reached the highest values at 320-340�, although no I remained at >300�, showing the validity of the scheme of oil formation from water-sol. products as intermediates. I and II feedstocks produced the same oil yields, supporting the above scheme. The secondary decompn. of oil to gases was obsd.

18. Zhen Fang (Fang Zhen), A Model of a Pyrolysis Gasifier for Prediction Compositions and Flow Rate of Produced Gas, Fuel Science and Technology International, 12(5), 705-714 (1994).

Abstract: A model of a pyrolysis gasifier, which comprises a pyrolysis, a cracking unit, and a combination chamber was developed to predict performance parameters and to simulate operation. The model consists of a pyrolysis-cracking sub-model, a secondary gasification sub-model, and a combustion sub-model, of which the pyrolysis-cracking sub-model is modified to predict components of the pyrolysis gas. The combined models can predict components, heating value, flow rate of the produced gas, thermal efficiency, and total energy efficiency of the gasifier. The Crank-Nicholson Scheme (half implicit difference formulation), in which the time step is not confined by stability and the cutting error is small, was applied to solving the model whose differential equations are nonlinear and have no analytic soln. Then, the nonlinear difference algebraic equations were solved by interactions, which requires less storage of computer. Under-relaxation is applied to avoiding divergence of Causs-Seidel interactions. Finally, the simulated results were input to Software Lotus 1-2-3, by which the results are printed and graphed so as to compare with the exptl. data. There was acceptable agreement between model and exptl. data, thus validating the model.

19. Zhen Fang (Fang Zhen), An MLP Model Applicable to Rural Energy System, Energy Sources (International), 16(2), 195-208 (1994).

Abstract: A multiple-linear-programming (MLP) model is developed for the planning of rural energy system. The system, composed of energy, economy, and ecology, is divided into four connected single-linear-programming models from
high to low according to economic classification, departments, trades, products, and energy supply system. Each model is optimized from high to low, and its parameters are then modified by one lower-step optimization from low to high; repetition is continued until the system reaches the final state. Rural Beijing is taken as an example. A three-step model (involving departments, trades, key products, and the energy supply system) is applied to rural energy system planning. A computer is used to obtain the results. After the analysis is completed, the economy and energy plan are delineated and some suggestions for planning are proposed.

20. Zhen Fang (Fang Zhen), Rural Energy Resources, Applications and Consumption in China, Energy Sources (International), 16(2), 229-240 (1994).

Abstract: This paper introduces rural energy resources (including firewood, crop straw, manure, small hydropower, small coal mines, solar energy, wind energy, ocean energy, geothermal, and human and animal power) and their present applications and consumption in China. Rural energy resource applications and development, and consumption situations as well as potential energy savings, are analyzed. Finally, the present government policies and suggestions for rural energy development are discussed.

21. Zhen Fang (Fang Zhen), A Biomass Pyrolysis Gasifier Applicable to Rural China, Fuel Science and Technology International, 11(8), 1025-1035 (1993).

Abstract: A pyrolysis gasifier for indigenous crop residues was developed to help solve the problem of rural energy shortage and to reduce pollution in China. The pyrolysis gasification system was successfully operated with corncob. Under optimized conditions, the heating value of the gas was �12.4 MJ/m3, no tar was formed, the conversion rate was .apprx.60.2%, and the total energy efficiency was .apprx.59.3%. Regressive anal. of the data shows that the flow rate of the gas is an exponential function of time.

22. Zhen Fang (Fang Zhen), Physical and Chemical Properties of Corncob for Thermal Conversions, Fuel Science and Technology International, 11(8), 1037-1045 (1993).

Abstract: The m.p., cohesiveness, heating value, sp. gr., thermal cond. and sp. heat, and chem. compn. (cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, extractables, and ash) of corncob were detd. Elemental compn. (C, H, O, S, N), water and ash content, volatile and fixed C, reactivity, and volatility were also detd. Corncob is suitable for thermal conversion into fuels for rural China.

23. Zhen Fang (Fang Zhen), A Model of the Energy-Supply and Demand System at the Village Level, Energy-The International Journal, 18(4), 365-369 (1993).

24. Zhen Fang (Fang Zhen), An SD Model Applicable to the Study of Rural Energy Development Strategy in Beijing, Energy Systems and Policy-An Interdisciplinary Journal, 14, 213-226 (1990).

25. Zhen Fang and Zeng Dechao, Approach and Development of Technology of Utilization of Bio-energy, Energy of China, 11, 9-11 (1991) (in Chinese).

CONFERENCE PAEPRS:

26. Zhen Fang and J. A. Kozinski, Phase Behavior and Reaction of Organic Material in Supercritical Water, Advances in the Development and Application of In-situ Techniques for the Investigation of Geo-chemical Systems, Goldschmidt 2001 (May) meeting, Roanoke, Virginia.

27. Zhen Fang and J. A. Kozinski, Visual and FT-IR Study of Polystyrene Decomposition in Supercritical Water and Air Environments, 50th Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference, Montreal (October, 2000) (Presentation).

28. T. Minowa and Zhen Fang, Low Temperature Catalytic Gasification of Cellulose, Progress In Thermochemical Biomass Conversion, Tyrol, Austria (Sep., 2000).

ABSTRACT: Cellulose, a major component of woody biomass, was reacted in the hot-compressed water of 200 - 350 癈 and 4 - 22 MPa using a reduced nickel catalyst. The product distribution was analyzed to elucidate the overall reaction mechanism on the low temperature catalytic gasification. Cellulose decomposed to water-soluble products and gases with increasing in the reaction time, and then, the water-soluble products decreased to form gases after no cellulose remained in the reactor. The water-soluble products are considered as intermediates. The obtained gases mainly consisted of CO2, H2 and CH4. At low gas yield, CO2 and H2 were obtained in excess of equilibrium, and then, H2 was consumed to form CH4 with increasing in the gas yield. The reaction rate of methanation is slower than that of steam gasification, and the low temperature catalytic gasification can be expected as a method of hydrogen production from wet biomass.

29. T. Ogi, T. Minowa and Zhen Fang, Decomposition of Cellulose in the Presence or Absence of Catalyst in Hot Compressed Water: Characterization of Products by NMR, Joint Sixth International Symposium on Hydrothermal Reactions (ISHR) & Fourth International Conference on Solvo-Thermal Reactions (ICSTR), Kochi, Japan (July, 2000).

Abstract: Cellulose, a main component of biomass, was reacted in hot compressed water at 180-350? with and without a catalyst. Oil, char, gas and an aqueous phase were obtained as reaction products depending on the reaction temperature and catalyst. The obtained oil and aqueous phase were analyzed by NMR, a characterization was conducted and relationship with the reaction mechanism was discussed.

30. T. Adschiri, M. Sasaki, Z. Fang, Y. Fukushima and K. Arai, Cellulose Hydrolysis in Supercritical Water to Recover Chemicals, Editor(s): M. A. Abraham and R. P. Hesketh (Publisher: Elsevier Science B.V.), React. Eng. Pollut. Prev. 205-220, (2000).

Abstract: Cellulose (I) decompn. expts. were conducted in subcrit. and supercrit. water (25 MPa, 320 - 400�, and 0.05 - 10.0 s). At 400�, hydrolysis products were mainly obtained, whereas in 320 - 350� water, pyrolysis products were main products. To understand this change of product distributions around the crit. temp., kinetic studies were conducted for reactions of I, cellobiose (II), and glucose (III) in subcrit. and supercrit. water. Below 350�, the I hydrolysis rate was slower than II or III decompn. rate. However, above 350�, the I hydrolysis rate drastically increased and became higher than the II or III decompn. rates. For understanding the change of I hydrolysis rate around 350�, direct observation of the reaction field by using a diamond anvil cell (DAC) was conducted. Below 280�, I particles became gradually smaller with time. However, the shrinking rate of the particles increased greatly around 300�. In the range of temp. from 300 to 320�, I disappeared without changing its particle shape. After 2 h cooling of the produced solns. at room temp., white ppts. came out from the solns., which were shown to be I-like materials which had been solubilized in high-temp. water. These results suggest that I can dissolve in high-temp. water, which is probably because of the cleavage of intramol. and intermol. hydrogen linkages in I crystal. Thus, a homogeneous hydrolysis atm. is formed in high-temp. water, and this probably results in the drastic increase of the I hydrolysis rate above 350�.

31. Zhen Fang and J. A. Kozinski, Diamond Anvil Cell Study of Benzo(a)Pyrene Transformations During Supercritical Water Combustion and Pyrolysis, The annual Spring Technical Meeting of the Combustion Institute, Canadian Section, 13-1-6, (May, 2000).

32. T. Sato, H. Shibuichi, Zhen Fang, S. Okazaki, T. Adschiri and K. Arai, Coal Conversion in Supercritical Water, Proceedings of the 1999 International Symposium on Fundamentals for Innovative Coal Utilization, Sapporo, Japan, 159-166, (1999).

33. Zhen Fang, R. L. Smith, Jr., H. Inomata and K. Arai, Phase Behavior and Reaction of Polyethylene Terephthalate - Water Systems at Pressures up to 173 MPa and Temperatures up to 490oC, Special Issue of The review of high pressure science and technology, V.8 229 (1998).

34. T. Minowa, Zhen Fang (Fang Zhen) and T. Ogi, Cellulose decomposition in hot-compressed water with alkali or nickel catalyst, Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on Supercritical Fluids, Sendai, Japan 563-566 (May 1997).

35. Zhen Fang, T. Minowa and T. Ogi, Reaction Cellulose in Hot Compressed Water without Catalyst: Products distribution and Effect of Temperatures, Proceedings of the Society of Chemical Engineering, Japan, 30th Mtg. (March 1997).

36. J. L. Sanchez, Zhen Fang and J. Arauzo, Black Liquor Pyrolysis and Char Reactivity, Editor(s): Bridgwater, A. V.; Boocock, Dave G. B. Dev. Thermochem. Biomass Convers. 1, 294-304. Publisher: Blackie, London, UK (1997).

Abstract: Black liquor gasification for recovery occurs in several stages, i.e., drying of the black liquor droplets, devolatilization or pyrolysis, gasification of the resulting char, and depending on the temp., coalescence and melting of the inorg. salts. The knowledge of each of these individual stages is important for a better understanding of the global process. Black liquor pyrolysis and gasification were studied in 2 different exptl. systems, i.e., (a) in a bench scale reactor, where the compn. of the gases was analyzed by GC; and (b) by means of a thermogravimetric system, expts. with dry black liquor and char were conducted to analyze their reactivity. Different atmospheres, i.e., N-O (5-15%) and N-CO2 (10-20%), were used.

37. Zhen Fang, J. L. Sanchez and J. Arauzo, Gasificacion Catalitica En Lecho Fluidizado a Baja Temperatura De Lejias Nrgras Procedentes de la Coccion de Paja de Cereal, Proceedings of International Energy Conference in Cuba (Nov. 1996).

38. T. Minowa, Zhen Fang and T. Ogi, Reaction Cellulose in Hot Water Using Sodium Carbonate and/or Nickel Catalyst, Proceedings of the Society of Chemical Engineering, Japan, 29th Mtg. (March 1996).

39. Zhen Fang, J.L. Sanchez and J. Arauzo, Catalytic Pyro-gasification Original black Liquor in a Fluidized bed at Low Temperature, Proceedings of 7th Mediterranean Congress of Chemical Engineering, Barcelona (Spain) 340 (Oct. 1996).

40. Zhen Fang (Fang Zhen), Gas Production by Pyrolysis of Biomass, Proceeding of 7th European Conference of Biomass for Energy and Environment, Agricultural and Industry, Florence, Italy (1992).

41. Zhen Fang, Zeng Dechao and Zhang Datong, A Study of Energy Supply and Demand System at the Village Level, International Conference of Agricultural Engineering, Beijing, China, VII26-29 (1992).

42. Zhen Fang (Fang Zhen), Rural Energy Development of Strategic Research in Beijing Area, Proceeding of 1992 International System Dynamics Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, 718-727 (1992).

BOOK (in Chinese):

Zhang Zenmin, Zhen Fang et al., Rural Energy Planning and Strategic Development, Ed., Chemical Industry Press (1994).

REPORT:

ZHEN FANG, A Biomass Gasifier for Gas/Oil Production for Environment and Power, Marie Curie Fellowship Final Report, European Commission DG XII, Contract No.: CII*-CT94-0557, Feb. 1996.

TRANSLATION:

Zhen Fang, Approach to Spark Program Management, Proceedings of the International Seminar of Management of Agricultural Research, Beijing, China, May 25-27 (from Chinese into English).

LANGUAGES:

Chinese, English, Japanese (level 3)

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES:

1. The Combustion Institute
2. Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan
3. Canadian Chemical Engineering Society

ADDRESS:

305-3484 Rue Hutchison, Montreal, CANADA, H2X 2G8
Tel: 514-844-1049, email: [email protected]
Homepage: http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/dakota/70/

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