This question paper consists of 3 printed pages, each of which is identified by the Code Number PREN109201

UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS School of Process, Environmental and Materials Engineering May/June 2008 Examinations

PREN109201 RESOURCES, PROCESSES AND HAZARDS 2

Time allowed: 2 hours Answer three questions, one Question from each Section PLEASE SHOW ALL WORKINGS IN ANSWERS TO NUMERICAL QUESTIONS. SECTION A 1 (a) (b) Describe the importance of gas density in the detection and control of smoke (using smoke vents) from fires. [20 marks] A fire is burning at the bottom of 30 m high stairwell of a building. Assuming that the average temperature of the hot gases filling the stairwell is 150oC: (i) (ii) calculate the density of the gases (the universal gas constant is 8314 J/(kmol K) and assume the same molecular weight as that of air). [15 marks] calculate the pressure difference that these conditions will generate between the bottom of the stairwell and the surrounding atmosphere (which is at 20oC and 1 bar pressure). [15 marks] Outline the pattern of Energy Consumption in the UK industrial sector. Explain the significance of the calorific value of a fuel. Estimate the area of solar photo-cells required to generate 1.5kWh per day of electricity if the incident solar flux is 150W/m2, the electrical conversion efficiency of the photo-cells is 10% and the solar flux is available for 10 hours per day. [50 marks]

(c)

(i) (ii) (iii)

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SECTION B 2 (a) Explain why atomisation is a fundamental requirement in the combustion of a heavy fuel oil and outline the techniques that are used to achieve atomisation in industrial oil burners. Why it is often necessary to heat the oil prior to atomisation? [50 marks] Discuss the significance of burning velocity, flammability limits and flame temperature for gaseous fuel combustion. Describe the essential features of an atmospheric (partially premixed) gas burner for domestic heating. [50 marks]

(b)

Answer TWO of the following. Illustrate your answers with diagrams or graphs as appropriate. (a) (b) Discuss the significance and pattern of carbon dioxide pollutant emissions from energy sources. [50 marks] A biomass has a gross calorific value, on an as-received basis, of 20,000 kJ/kg and contains 5% hydrogen, 10% water and 10% ash by weight. Calculate the net calorific value of the biomass on an as-received basis and on a dry ash free basis (enthalpy of vaporisation of water is 2442 kJ/kg). [50 marks] Explain the basic principles of: (i) Power generation from pulverised coal combustion; (ii) Nuclear power generation.

(c)

[50 marks]

SECTION C 4 (a) Explain why the mass burning rate in fires in compartments may be much larger than in fires out in the open (for the same fuel type and fuel load). [20 marks] Draw a qualitative diagram of the heat release rate as a function of compartment ventilation. Clearly identify the regions of Ventilation Controlled and Fuel Controlled regimes. [25 marks] Describe the phases of fire development inside a compartment (and their significance). [40 marks] Define and explain the phenomenon of backdraught. [15 marks]

(b)

(c) (d)

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(a)

(i) Explain the concept of a t-square fire. Making suitable assumptions calculate: (ii) the rate of heat release; (iii) the total heat released by 3 minutes after ignition in a post-office mail sorting room. (iv) Give an estimate of the mass of material burned at the end of this period. [50marks] Define "fire resistance". How is it measured? What are the three criteria of fire resistance? Briefly explain the meaning of each. Why is the BS fire resistance test applicable only to cellulosic fuel fires? [50 marks] END

(b)