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Caceres, G., Nasirov, S., Zhang, H. L., & Araya-Letelier, G. (2015). Residential Solar PV Planning in Santiago, Chile: Incorporating the PM10 Parameter. Sustainability, 7(1), 422–440.
Abstract: This paper addresses an economic study of the installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels for residential power generation in Santiago, Chile, based on the different parameters of a PV system, such as efficiency. As a performance indicator, the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) was used, which indicates the benefit of the facility vs. the current cost of electrical energy. In addition, due to a high level of airborne dusts typically associated with PM10, the effect of the dust deposition on PV panels' surfaces and the effect on panel performance are examined. Two different scenarios are analyzed: on-grid PV plants and off-grid PV plants.
Keywords: PV solar panels; efficiency; LCOE; dust; PM10; Santiago; Chile
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Cardenas, C., Guzman, F., Carmona, M., Munoz, C., Nilo, L., Labra, A., et al. (2020). Synthetic Peptides as a Promising Alternative to Control Viral Infections in Atlantic Salmon. Pathogens, 9(8), 600.
Abstract: Viral infections in salmonids represent an ongoing challenge for the aquaculture industry. Two RNA viruses, the infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) and the infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV), have become a latent risk without healing therapies available for either. In this context, antiviral peptides emerge as effective and relatively safe therapeutic molecules. Based on in silico analysis of VP2 protein from IPNV and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from ISAV, a set of peptides was designed and were chemically synthesized to block selected key events in their corresponding infectivity processes. The peptides were tested in fish cell lines in vitro, and four were selected for decreasing the viral load: peptide GIM182 for IPNV, and peptides GIM535, GIM538 and GIM539 for ISAV. In vivo tests with the IPNV GIM 182 peptide were carried out using Salmo salar fish, showing a significant decrease of viral load, and proving the safety of the peptide for fish. The results indicate that the use of peptides as antiviral agents in disease control might be a viable alternative to explore in aquaculture.`
Keywords: interfering peptides; viral treatment; RNA fish virusesViral infections in salmonids represent an ongoing challenge for the aquaculture industry. Two RNA viruses, the infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) and the infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV), have become a latent risk without healing therapies available for either. In this context, antiviral peptides emerge as effective and relatively safe therapeutic molecules. Based on in silico analysis of VP2 protein from IPNV and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from ISAV, a set of peptides was designed and were chemically synthesized to block selected key events in their corresponding infectivity processes. The peptides were tested in fish cell lines in vitro, and four were selected for decreasing the viral load: peptide GIM182 for IPNV, and peptides GIM535, GIM538 and GIM539 for ISAV. In vivo tests with the IPNV GIM 182 peptide were carried out using Salmo salar fish, showing a significant decrease of viral load, and proving the safety of the peptide for fish. The results indicate that the use of peptides as antiviral agents in disease control might be a viable alternative to explore in aquaculture.
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Carrasco, M., Alvarez, F., Velazquez, R., Concha, J., & Perez-Cotapos, F. (2019). Brush-Holder Integrated Load Sensor Prototype for SAG Grinding Mill Motor. Electronics, 8(11), 14 pp.
Abstract: One of the most widely used electro-mechanical systems in large-scale mining is the electric motor. This device is employed in practically every phase of production. For this reason, it needs to be inspected regularly to maintain maximum operability, thus avoiding unplanned stoppages. In order to identify potential faults, regular check-ups are performed to measure the internal parameters of the components, especially the brushes and brush-holders. Both components must be properly aligned and calibrated to avoid electric arcs to the internal insulation of the motor. Although there is an increasing effort to improve inspection tasks, most inspection procedures are manual, leading to unnecessary costs in inspection time, errors in data entry, and, in extreme cases, measurement errors. This research presents the design, development, and assessment of an integrated measurement prototype for measuring spring tension and other key parameters in brush-holders used in electric motors. It aims to provide the mining industry with a new, fully automatic inspection system that will facilitate maintenance and checking. Our development research was carried out specifically on the brush system of a SAG grinding mill motor. These machines commonly use SIEMENS motors; however, the instrument can be easily adapted to any motor by simply changing the physical dimensions of the prototype.
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Crutchik, D., Morales, N., Vazquez-Padin, J. R., & Garrido, J. M. (2017). Enhancement of struvite pellets crystallization in a fullscale plant using an industrial grade magnesium product. Water Sci. Technol., 75(3), 609–618.
Abstract: A full-scale struvite crystallization system was operated for the treatment of the centrate obtained from the sludge anaerobic digester in a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, the feasibility of an industrial grade Mg(OH) (2) as a cheap magnesium and alkali source was also investigated. The struvite crystallization plant was operated for two different periods: period I, in which an influent with low phosphate concentration (34.0 mg P . L (-1)) was fed to the crystallization plant; and period II, in which an influent with higher phosphate concentration (68.0 mg P . L (-1)) was used. A high efficiency of phosphorus recovery by struvite crystallization was obtained, even when the effluent treated had a high level of alkalinity. Phosphorus recovery percentage was around 77%, with a phosphate concentration in the effluent between 10.0 and 30.0 mg P .L- 1. The experiments gained struvite pellets of 0.5- 5.0 mm size. Moreover, the consumption of Mg(OH) (2) was estimated at 1.5 mol Mg added . mol P recovered (-1). Thus, industrial grade Mg(OH) (2) can be an economical alternative as magnesium and alkali sources for struvite crystallization at industrial scale.
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Crutchik, D., Rodrigues, S., Ruddle, D., & Garrido, J. M. (2018). Evaluation of a low-cost magnesium product for phosphorus recovery by struvite crystallization. J. Chem. Technol. Biotechnol., 93(4), 1012–1021.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The development of a cost-effective process of struvite crystallization requires the selection of appropriate sources of alkali and magnesium. In this study, the effectiveness of two industrial grade products, MgO and Mg(OH)(2), as magnesium and alkali sources to recover phosphorus as struvite were investigated and compared in a first set of experiments. Subsequently, the use of industrial Mg(OH)(2) was compared in two different struvite crystallization systems, an upflow fluidized bed reactor (FBR) and a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) coupled to a settler tank. RESULTS: At the same operational conditions, the consumption of MgO was higher than Mg(OH)(2) consumption. Moreover, industrial Mg(OH)(2) consumption for FBR and the CSTR operation was 1.6 and 1.1 1 mol Mg added mol(-1) P precipitated, respectively. This difference was caused by the high mixing intensity and the higher contact time between the Mg(OH)(2) slurry and the influent in the CSTR, favouring the conversion. CONCLUSIONS: Both industrial grade magnesium products are promising options for struvite crystallization. However, Mg(OH)(2) was more effective than the starting material, MgO, to recover phosphorus. Struvite crystallization by adding an industrial grade Mg(OH)(2) could be economically viable with regard to alternative physico-chemical P removal processes using metal salts, increasing the attractiveness of this P recovery process. (C) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Giustinianovich, E. A., Campos, J. L., Roeckel, M. D., Estrada, A. J., Mosquera-Corral, A., & del Rio, A. V. (2018). Influence of biomass acclimation on the performance of a partial nitritation-anammox reactor treating industrial saline effluents. Chemosphere, 194, 131–138.
Abstract: The performance of the partial nitritation/anammox processes was evaluated for the treatment of fish canning effluents. A sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was fed with industrial wastewater, with variable salt and total ammonium nitrogen (TAN) concentrations in the range of 1.75-18.00 g-NaCl L-1 and 112 – 267 mg-TAN L-1. The SBR operation was divided into two experiments: (A) progressive increase of salt concentrations from 1.75 to 1833 g-NaCl L-1; (B) direct application of high salt concentration (18 g-NaCl L-1). The progressive increase of NaCl concentration provoked the inhibition of the anammox biomass by up to 94% when 18 g-NaCl L-1 were added. The stable operation of the processes was achieved after 154 days when the nitrogen removal rate was 0.021 +/- 0.007 g N/L.d (corresponding to 30% of removal efficiency). To avoid the development of NOB activity at low salt concentrations and to stabilize the performance of the processes dissolved oxygen was supplied by intermittent aeration. A greater removal rate of 0.029 +/- 0.017 g-N L-1 d(-1) was obtained with direct exposure of the inoculum to 18 g-NaCl L-1 in less than 40 days. Also, higher specific activities than those from the inoculum were achieved for salt concentrations of 15 and 20 g-NaCl L-1 after 39 days of operation. This first study of the performance of the partial nitritation/anammox processes, to treat saline wastewaters, indicates that the acclimation period can be avoided to shorten the start-up period for industrial application purposes. Nevertheless, further experiments are needed in order to improve the efficiency of the processes. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Nasirov, S., & Agostini, C. A. (2018). Mining experts' perspectives on the determinants of solar technologies adoption in the Chilean mining industry. Renew. Sust. Energ. Rev., 95, 194–202.
Abstract: The energy demand in Chile arises mostly from mining, its largest industry that accounts for about 35% of total electricity consumption. Energy generation to satisfy this demand depends completely on imported fossil fuels. As a result, the mining industry faces several energy related challenges. In particular, the cost and environmental impact of fuel sources are threatening the competitiveness of the industry and urge for new developments. In that regard, the importance of using clean and cost-competitive renewable energy sources has increased significantly in Chile and several government policies helped to increase the investment in them. The impact has been particularly large in the development of solar energy in the northern part of the country, where almost all mines are located. In fact, the country has become one of the largest solar markets in Latin America thanks to its abundant solar resources, favorable market conditions, and successful policy reforms. Solar energy then, could play a significant role as an alternative to satisfy the mining industry's energy demand offering a broad range of technological solutions. This study examines the key issues – barriers and drivers-influencing the adoption of solar technologies in the Chilean mining industry from the perspective of mining actors. As a result of the analysis the paper also provides a scope for appropriate policy interventions.
Keywords: Mining industry; Energy challenges; Solar energy; Chile
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Parrado, C., Girard, A., Simon, F., & Fuentealba, E. (2016). 2050 LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) projection for a hybrid PV (photovoltaic)-CSP (concentrated solar power) plant in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Energy, 94, 422–430.
Abstract: This study calculates the LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) on the PSDA (Atacama Solar Platform) for a solar-solar energy mix with the objective of evaluate new options for continuous energy delivery. LCOE was calculated for three 50 MW (megawatt) power plants: A PV (photovoltaic), a CSP (concentrated solar power) plant with 15 h TES (thermal energy storage) and a hybrid PV-CSP plant constituted with 20 MWp of PV and 30 MW of CSP with 15 h TES. Calculations present two scenario projections (Blue Map and Roadmap) until 2050 for each type of plant. Due to the huge solar resource available in northern Chile, the PV-CSP hybrid plant results to be a feasible option for electricity generation, as well as being effectively able to meet electricity demand profile of the mining industry present in the area. This type of energy could mitigate long-term energy costs for the heavy mining activity, as well as the country CO2 emissions. Findings point out that PV-CSP plants are a feasible option able to contribute to the continuous delivery of sustainable electricity in northern Chile. Moreover, this option can also contribute towards electricity price stabilization, thus benefiting the mining industry, as well as reducing Chile's carbon footprint. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: LCOE; PV; CSP; Mining industry; Solar resource; Hybrid
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