Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum Volume 2011 Issue 1

Fischer-Tropsch synthetic paraffinic kerosines (FT-SPKs), such as Gas-to- Liquids (GTL) Kerosine, are now accepted as suitable blend components for Jet fuel production, via ASTM D7566. This sets limitations on distillation profiles for the final fuel and neat SPK, and the cycloparaffin content of the neat SPK. SPKs, from FT and other production routes, can be envisaged that would fall outside these limits yet produce perfectly acceptable, even desirable fuels. They are not generally available yet but one can define their compositions in terms of key components (normal paraffins, iso-paraffins and cycloparaffins) and carbon number distributions, derived from 2-dimensional gas chromatography. Surrogate blends approximating to these compositions have been produced with existing FT kerosines and commercial solvents.

The methodology used to blend these surrogate fuels will be presented as well as the results of the first experimental campaign at Rolls-Royce Derby on 5 real and surrogate SPKs in Technology Readiness Level 3 (TRL 3) altitude relight tests, with a baseline crude-derived Jet A-1. SPK choices permitted the impact of several main compositional variables on laboratory and performance measures to be determined from the small fuel set. Standard specification tests and altitude relight tests were performed. Not only were engine/combustor performances assessed but also combustion processes were captured with high speed flame imaging subject to a poster by DLR (Mosbach et al). Laboratory tests showed some sensitivity to SPK composition (e.g. viscosity increasing and lower heating value decreasing with increased cycloparaffin content) but these were less evident with ignition relight test results. All SPKs ignited, suggesting that the distillation criteria could be relaxed from current values. There may be a positive impact of lower iso/normal content on ignition performance, but this needs testing in more advanced (higher TRL) equipment.

Increasing oil prices, strict environmental regulations and lack of sufficient growth in renewable energy sector have led to renewed interest in Fischer- Tropsch technology. Improved understanding of reaction mechanisms and development of detailed kinetic models for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) would facilitate better design and optimization of all FTS reactor configurations.

In this work, detailed kinetic models have been developed utilizing mechanistic approach. Experiments were conducted over 25% Co/0.27%Ru/Al2O3 (in parts by weight) catalyst in a 1L stirred tank slurry reactor over a wide range of conditions. Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson type rate expressions were derived for the entire product spectrum. Models are based on the assumption that 1-olefins re-adsorb on active sites. Effective pressure of olefin (PCnH2n*) at the catalyst surface was assumed to vary exponentially with carbon number (according to Henry's law).

The genetic algorithm followed by Levenberg-Marquardt method was used to estimate kinetic parameters for 13 models using a single set of process conditions (i.e. T = 220°C, P = 2.4 MPa, H2/CO feed ratio of 2.1, and gas space velocity of 6 NL/g-cat/h). Two models FT-6 and FT-8 showed carbon number dependent chain growth probability and olefin to paraffin ratios. The model predictions were in good agreement with experimental data. Model FT-6 is based on dissociative adsorption of CO, followed by Eley-Rideal reaction with molecular H2, while FT-8 follows dissociative adsorption of CO and H2, to form building block monomer CH2. For both of the models, chain growth takes place by alkyl mechanism and oE-olefins are formed by aB-hydride elimination reaction. Formation of paraffin occurs via single-site reaction with molecular hydrogen (FT-6) or via dual site reaction with adsorbed hydrogen (FT-8).

Parameter estimation resulted in at least one negative parameter in both models. However, to assess the physical meaningfulness of results and the true values of kinetic parameters, one has to use data at multiple sets of process conditions. This work is in progress. Nevertheless, from a qualitative point of view initial results provide valuable insight into selection of reaction mechanisms and rate determining steps for future developments and refinements.

Plastics, which are basically polymer materials, are now an integral part of our daily lives: packaging, transport, textile, Hi-technology… Total Petrochemicals produces and develops useful lightweight and durable plastics that play a key role in the sustainable development of our world, making our lives easier, cleaner, safer and more enjoyable. These products include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene but also since recently polylactic acid, a biopolymer based on a renewable raw material.

Plastics are produced by polymerizing monomer units (ethylene in the case of polyethylene) under certain temperature and pressure conditions and most of the time in the presence of a catalyst. Catalysts, and more particularly organometallic species, are the cornerstones of the production of these polymers. Since 1980, the polyolefin field has undergone a revolution with the development of single-site catalysts referred to as metallocenes. The metallocene catalyst technology helps produce polyolefins, which boast improved chemical and physical properties and are less heavy and less bulky than those traditionally produced.

Total Research Center-Qatar (TRC-Q) researchers, jointly with Total Petrochemicals Research and Development teams, prospect and develop new catalysts to design and manufacture innovative high-level performance plastics. The objective is to optimize the catalysts synthesis for industrial scale application and to produce such catalysts in high yields in the most efficient way.

There is a direct relation between the catalyst structure and the polymer chemical and physical properties. The relation is investigated by changing the size and type of the catalyst substituents; metallic centers … (steric, electronic and symmetrical modifications of the catalysts); and studying the impact of such changes on the polymer microstructure.

A set of products has been selected to explain this relation and bring to light new advances in polyolefins and biopolymers catalysis.

Membrane distillation differs from other membrane technologies in that the driving force for desalination is the difference in vapor pressure of water across the membrane, rather than total pressure. The membranes for MD are hydrophobic, which allows water vapor (but not liquid water) to pass. The vapor pressure gradient is created by heating the source water thereby elevating its vapor pressure. The major energy requirement is for low-grade thermal energy. Moreover, the Qatari economy is based on its massive hydrocarbon industry. In such industries water is routinely used in a number of applications in the form of process or cooling water. In a number of cases the water used can be seawater but with certain restrictions due to corrosion, fouling and water composition, large volumes of fresh water are required around the chemical plants. It is well known that many processes produce large amounts of excess heat i.e., heat beyond what can be efficiently used in the process. Industrial waste heat recovery methods attempt to extract some of the energy as work that otherwise would be wasted. Typical methods of recovering heat in industrial applications include direct heat recovery to the process itself, economizers, regenerators, and waste heat boilers.

An investigation into the potential of using industrial low-grade waste heat in desalination using membrane distillation has been carried out. Three well-known chemical processes were considered: LNG, ethylene and VCM. Using an approach based on pinch technology for heat integration, process streams in the three processes were screened to eliminate unsuitable sources of low-grade heat. Consequently, the LNG and ethylene processes were eliminated because of their unsuitable cooling curves that tended to highlight extreme temperatures. The VCM process on the other hand showed a promising outlook, in particular in the direct chlorination section where a major vapor stream is condensed through the temperature range 118 to 460C. This is precisely the ideal range for low -grade heat recovery. Exploiting literature data and modeling concepts, a flowsheet for a potential MD plant was designed with relevant terminal temperatures.

In the recent years, development of alternative jet fuels is gaining importance owing to the demand for diversifying fuel and cleaner combustion. Liquid fuels have high volumetric energy content and ease of handling therefore preferred by the aviation industry. However, liquid fuels add additional complications in combustion process in thrust generation due to the needed preparatory steps of atomization and vaporization. Alternate jet fuels then must meet the vital needed requirements such as rapid atomization, vaporization, quick re-ignition at high altitude, stable combustion before being used.

At TAMUQ - Micro-Scale Thermo Fluids Laboratory (MSTF), an experimental facility is designed and developed to carry out a detailed investigation on the spray characteristics of jet fuels at different injection conditions. The spray characteristics such as droplet size, velocity and spray cone angle are investigated at different injection pressures. These details are obtained using the state-of-the-art non-intrusive laser diagnostics techniques. Experimental techniques involving both point-wise as well as plane-wise measurements are planned using the Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA) and Global Sizing Velocimetry (GSV) respectively to obtain the spray characteristics.

Initially, water is used to tune and establish experimental parameters in TAMUQ spray characterization facility followed by the conventional jet fuel, JetA1. The spray characteristics of water will then be compared with that of JetA1 fuel. This facility will later be used to study the spray characteristics of different gas-to-liquid (GTL) fuels as part of the on-going Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) funded project involving Texas A&M at Qatar (TAMUQ), German Aerospace Laboratory (DLR), and Rolls-Royce (UK). The main objective of this work is to support the initial phase of the QSTP funded project. The spray characterization facility developed at TAMUQ will help to explore the potential of GTL fuels as an environmental friendly, alternate jet fuel.

Cobalt (Co) turnover frequency (TOF) has been reported to be independent of Co dispersion and support type. However, wide discrepancies in Co TOF values exist in the literature. Differences in catalyst preparation, process conditions, and characterization technique could be major factors that may account for the discrepancies. Therefore, a more accurate assessment of Co turnover frequency (TOF) is needed. In this study, Co TOFs over different Co/Al2O3 catalysts promoted with Pd, Ru, Pt and Re at the beginning of reaction and at steady state were determined. The catalysts were prepared in different batches, which resulted in two Co cluster sizes: small Co particle size (∼6 nm) and large Co particle size (11.5 nm). Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) reaction was carried out at different conditions in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). All promoted Co catalysts were characterized using BET, TPR, H2-chemisorption and pulse re-oxidation. The FTS was conducted at 220–230 °C, 1.5 MPa, 6–13 Nl/gcat/h and H2/CO = 2.1. Results indicate that catalyst preparation including promoter effect and process conditions significantly impact initial and steady state TOF values. The Co catalysts with larger particles had a larger Co TOF and low space velocity (SV) reduced the number of Co active sites due to severe catalyst deactivation at high CO conversion. For SV of 8.0–13.0 Nl/g-cat/h and 1.5 MPa, high Co TOF values (0.074–0.082 s⁻1, at 210 °C) over the Re and Pt promoted 25%Co/Al2O3 were achieved and were in good agreement with recently published value (0.073s⁻1) in a few literature. Moreover, these values are about two times the values (0.023–0.045 s⁻1) reported in some Co related literature under similar conditions. Therefore, true TOF on single Co cluster with the size of 11.5 nm at 210 °C and 1.5–2.0 MPa should be about 0.073–0.082 s⁻1 (this value is conversion dependent). The effect of promoters (Pd, Ru, Pt and Re) and process conditions on FTS activity and selectivities (hydrocarbons, watersoluble oxygenates and CO2) was also studied.

The current technology for CO2 reduction is CO2 capture and storage (CCS). An alternative technology is to capture CO2 and convert it to chemicals by thermal catalysis. The technology is not appropriate to low concentration of CO2 (<1%), such as CO2 in air except it has to be driven by thermal energy mainly produced by fossil fuel combustion. The solar energy driven CO2 conversion is an only technology without extra CO2 emission (neutral carbon process) and very compatible with atmospheric CO2 condition. Solar energy is most abundant in the world. However, it is difficult to store the produced electric energy in large quantities using the present technologies. Hereby there is still a real need to exploit other methods to easily convert and store solar energy alongside discovering new technologies to largely store electric energy. Photocatalysis, utilizing solar energy to drive chemical reactions over a photocatalyst, is a novel and advanced technology. Solar hydrogen production is an approach to convert solar energy to chemical energy hydrogen by means of photocatalysis. Alternatively, the photoreduction of CO2 directly to a renewable fuel, such as methanol is another approach to convert and store solar energy in chemical bonds. Compared with hydrogen, methanol is a superior fuel due to 1) its higher energy density (1000 times higher than hydrogen per volume) and 2) easier storage and transporation.

Photocatalytic CO2 conversion towards methanol mimics natural plant photosynthesis. Nature represents the blueprint for storing sunlight in the form of chemical fuels (such as sugars) by CO2 conversion. The primary steps of natural photosynthesis involve the absorption of sunlight and its conversion into separated electron/hole pairs. The holes of this wireless current are then captured by the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) to oxidize water to oxygen, which allows the electrons are captured by PSI to reduce NADP+ to NADPH (the reduced form of NADP+).

In this paper we will offer an overview of this emerging technology and its potential applications by using cheap inorganic photocatalyst instead of complex proteins/enzymes while the reduction product is methanol rather than NADPH.

Qatar has high increasing electrical energy demand, from less than 50MW 1954 to 5,250MW in 2010. Electrical energy generating was only 1,500MW in 1995, 4,535MW in 2009, and soon will be 9,000MW. The expected additional capacity needed by 2016 is 5,500MW with high average emission CO2 of 32 tons/capita/year.

Qatar has strong solar energy potential, (2070–2250)kWH/m2yr, which could takes place to fulfill the future need energy balance towards Qatar Vision 2030. The mean hourly, daily, monthly and yearly solar irradiation data measured on ground and by satellite collected for several cities such as: Doha, Dukhan, Al-Khor, Ruwais, Abu-Samra, Al-Utoriyah, and Rodhat Al-Faras have been investigated. The measured data on ground is compared with the satellite's data. This preliminary investigation and data analysis could be good preliminary design for “Qatar Solar Atlas”.

The electrical energy consumption breakdown by sectors: residential, commercial, government, industrial, and the total consumption through (2007–2009) are studied. The residential sector is the highest consumption 35 % while the industrial sector uses less. Residential villa consumes three times residential flat. This sector needs energy auditing to save energy in A/C and lighting energy.

The objective of this research is to assist and lead the authority and government to the energy roadmap, energy footprint, Qatar solar atlas, and energy policy to secure energy future with minimizing energy demand and presenting the solar energy potential.

In this research the energy demand and energy forecasting for the nearest future to achieve Qatar Vision 2030 are presented. The energy required to be installed is addressed with emphasize on the solar energy potential with gradually application using mature and proven solar technology. Several scenarios to present Qatar forecasting electrical power demand to 2024 as base case, low and high expected values is presented. The peak expected load through 2022 world football club is considered.

The world is running out of energy, thus energy preservation is of paramount importance. Using current technology, ethylene is purified from petroleum feed stocks using the very energy intensive cryogenic distillation method. However, a purification procedure based on the redox properties of nickel bis-dithiolene complexes has been theoretically studied, in order to design a more convenient route to ethylene purification. Several possible addition routes of ethylene to neutral and anionic Ni(S2C2(CN)2)2 complexes have been modeled using density functional theory. An intraligand addition and subsequent decomposition is preferred for the neutral complex, while the interligand adduct is formed in the presence of the anion, in line with previous experimental results. The effect of the anion, whose role is as a mediator in the initial step of the reaction, is discussed, and the ability of this compound to avoid poisoning by acetylene is investigated. The results from the CN substituted complex are then compared with that of ethylene addition to CF3, H, and OH substituted nickel dithiolene complexes.

Miniaturization and increase in performance of electronic devices, resulted in an increase of energy density loads generated. In recent times, micro-scale cooling devices such as microchannel heat sinks have evolved as a plausible solution to the above heat transfer challenge. Nanofluids emerged as a good candidate in improving the cooling performance of micro cooling systems. Nanofluids are colloidal suspensions consisting of nano-sized particles (less than 100nm) dispersed in a base fluid. Nanofluids are considered ideal for micro-channel devices because they not only improve the heat transfer capabilities, due to increased thermal conductivity, but also minimize the clogging problem. Present work experimentally investigates the heat transfer performance of nanofluids through a microchannel with constant temperature wall boundary condition. Laminar flow of SiO2-water nanofluids inside a rectangular microchannel flow assembly is examined. The effect of flow rate on thermal performance of nanofluid is analyzed along with variation in thermo-physical properties. Interestingly, experimental results shows heat transfer enhancement at lower flow rates and heat transfer degradation at higher flow rates. Theoretical reasoning for this kind of opposing trend is given based on flow conditions and thermo-physical properties of nanofluids. Moreover, Novel near surface velocity measurement of Nanofluids compared with that of regular fluid at the same condition.

I. Introduction

Photovoltaic (PV) energy generation has been one of the most active research areas in the past decades, because it is essentially inexhaustible and environmental friendly with respect to the conventional energy sources.

However, nowadays the higher initial installation cost, lower efficiency and reliability of the PV system still block its widespread application. To overcome these problems, our project focuses on a novel PV system, including the novel PV interface inverter by combination of the battery into the quasi-Z-source inverter (qZSI). All of these aim at controlling output power of the PV system to the grid flexibly, thus, to extremely improve the scientific and economic developments of Qatar.

II. Methods And Results

This paper proposes the charging and discharging control of qZSI with battery for PV power generation system.

1) To monitor the battery state of charge (SOC), the output power-based SOC control is designed.

2) The closed-loop control of shoot-through duty ratio and direct power control of space-vector modulation are separately designed to acquire the stability of DC and AC voltages.

3) Related simulations and experiments are performed.

4) A 3 KW hardware experimental platform is being set up based on the TMS320F28335 32-bit floating-point DSP controller and PM100CLA120 Intelligent Power Module (IPM) for main power switching devices. We have done optimization design on the hardware circuits. Up to now, the hardware prototype has been partly set up.

III. Conclusions And Future Work

The acquired results indicate that the proposed control algorithm could stabilize the DC bus voltage and realize the battery charging and discharging without extra circuits, providing a significant method to enhance the performances of PV power generation systems.

Next step is to go on building the setup and perform related experiments, and then apply the designed control methods on the multilevel PV system, which is in accordance with our project timeline.

This paper highlights the recent work carried out at Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) in the development of novel synthetic fuels geared towards the aviation industry's utilization. The research activities implemented involve a unique multi-disciplinary collaboration between academia and industry, which was facilitated by QF through funding provided by the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) and Rolls-Royce. This project utilizes the expertise of academia in fundamental research and the R&D expertise of world leading industrial firms (Shell and Rolls-Royce).

The broad objective of the project is to upgrade Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) derived Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (SPK) based fuels to meet the standards and properties as required by the aviation industry. The work done by our group at TAMUQ is concerned with formulating and testing GTL derived jet fuels for their suitability as replacements for kerosene. The SPK fuels being developed play an important role in the diversification of Qatar's natural gas resources, while also being guided by Qatar Airways inspiration on becoming the world leader in alternative clean fuel utilization.

This paper specifically looks at the relationship between the chemical compositions of SPKs and their physical properties. The chemical groups that compose SPK are normal-, iso- and cyclo- paraffins. The role these paraffins had on jet fuel properties (e.g. density, freezing point, flash point, etc…) were tested and correlated with their hydrocarbon composition. TAMUQ built a world-class Fuel Characterization Laboratory to conduct experimental investigations aimed at developing a wide array of blends using a diverse portfolio of solvents and base chemicals. The experimental data provide a basis for developing statistical models for composition vs. property relationships. Of the properties tested, the freezing point relationship was the most interesting as it showed high nonlinearity over wide range of compositions. Furthermore, a unique aspect of the freezing point testing protocol was the capturing of images of the fuel crystals as it showed a variety of crystal shapes based on blend profiles. A key aspect of the further planned studies is the inclusion of important new chemical groups such as aromatics in the preparation of blends.

Natural gas and oil processing, among many other applications in the chemical industry, depends on accurate predictions of the thermodynamic and transport properties for their accurate and reliable design. Especially in the energy sector, in which the flow rates of process streams are large and equipment is big, improper design can be costly, both in terms of investment and operating costs. Equations of state (EOS) enable the evaluation of thermodynamic properties over a wide range of temperature and pressures and are routinely used for chemical process design. Many EOS exist but relatively few have become widely used, most notably the Peng-Robinson EOS in the oil and gas industry. However, the Peng-Robinson EOS and most other cubic EOS are unsuitable for predicting the phase behavior of mixtures that contain polar compounds. Such mixtures occur even in industries normally associated with the processing of non-polar substances (e.g., hydrocarbons). For example, natural gas may be contaminated by small amounts of water, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide, often removed using amines and glycols. Modern models such as the SAFT (statistical associating fluid theory), and its variants, and the CPA (cubic plus association) EOS are suitable alternatives but require solving the association equations before computing any thermodynamic property. The Mattedi-Tavares-Castier (MTC) EOS is an entirely explicit model that avoids this drawback but is capable of predictions of accuracy similar to that of the SAFT and CPA EOS. In this paper, we show results of calculations of phase equilibrium and calorimetric properties with the MTC EOS for systems of interest to gas processing industries.

Many developed and developing economies are seeking to mitigate future climate change risks by developing strategies to reduce carbon emissions and the use of fossil fuels. Industrial energy use efficiency can be significantly enhanced by better energy recovery and integration promises significant potential to reduce emissions at low cost. These approaches are seen as crucial enablers of sustainable solutions in industries and are expected to reduce energy consumption significantly within existing technology. Many concepts and methods have been proposed for optimizing energy systems for individual processes and multiple processes linked through central utility systems. Pinch analysis along with other principles for process integration is the most widely applied approach to maximize process heat recovery. Systematic methods are also available for energy integration in an overall plant, or Total Site, consisting of multiple processes served by a common utility system. Scientific community also takes attention on development of sustainable industrial zone.

Even though not adequately covered by design approaches, reductions can be further advanced by energy recovery between multiple plants to exploit synergies between heating, cooling and power requirements in industrial zones or cities. In these zones significant quantities of fuel are combusted in order to provide the necessary energy for industrial activities. In many countries, substantial reductions in fuel consumption and GHG emissions at a national level would require efficiency gains in the industrial zones. Multiple processing plants are typically concentrated in a zone, with each plant consisting of one or more processes. Plants have their own independent operating and maintenance schedules, utility systems, and are owned and operated by different entities. The distances between plants can be considerable. To date, waste heat recovery and reuse across processing plants in industrial zones is a largely unexplored research area. We present an approach to enable the targeting of waste heat recovery and cogeneration potentials across plants in industrial zones and the development of concrete integration options based on economic criteria.

To face new hydrocarbon production metering systems and back allocation challenges, Total E&P Qatar and its Research Center (TRC-Q), located in the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), test novel approaches to improve current production metering system in the Al-Khalij field. This field is operated under a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Qatar Petroleum (QP).

A field pilot, which involves three platforms offshore, is currently conducted to test a Data Validation and Reconciliation (DVR) software. This tool is used for production accounting, monitoring and as an alarm system related to equipments’ failure. The main outcome to be expected from this pilot will be an automatic validation of on-line production data before their final recording in the database.

The key advantage of the DVR approach is to take into account all the information redundancy and data uncertainties. In the DVR approach, a realistic uncertainty is associated with the information (measurement / model parameter) and a statistical method is applied to re-estimate and improve simultaneously the information and its subsequent uncertainty.

The current status of this study is presented along with improvements and challenges.

A few examples of on line monitoring of Al-Khalij Wells’ production are presented through a comparison between the DVR on-line virtual meter outputs and the on-site production tests. The results, obtained from sensitivity analysis are also discussed to assess the improvements achieved by applying the DVR approach.

There have been a number of studies regarding the efficiency of state-of-the-art thermal (Multi-Effect Distillation, MED), power driven (sea water reverse osmosis, SWRO) and hybrid (MED/SWRO) desalination systems. The comparisons between desalination technologies can be made on a number of critical parameters such as (i) cost of produced water, (ii) energy efficiency, (iii) environmental impact, (iv) reliability and (v) footprint. Whilst the reported relative advantages with respect to parameters (iii) through (v) are conclusive, there remain conflicting recommendations with respect to parameters (i) and (ii), partly due to energy pricing assumptions. Furthermore, existing studies work on the implicit assumption that there is demand for surplus power from integrated power generation and desalination systems.

The presented assessments compare the different thermal, power driven and hybrid desalination systems for output (water/power) achieved from identical energy inputs into thermal power and co-generation cycles for different ratios of desired water and power outputs. This eliminates energy and water pricing issues from the analysis and makes the findings applicable to a range of conventional (e.g. natural gas) and renewable (e.g solar) thermal energy sources. A number of simulations studies have been performed to identify the most energy efficient and cost effective desalination technologies for different water and power generation needs. The key parameters such as power and heat requirements and capital expenditures used in the thermodynamic and economic assessments are in line with ranges reported in the literature and existing plant data. Trade-offs between capital intensity and energy efficiency, which are particularly pronounced in thermal technologies, have also been studied. The paper makes clear recommendations as to the preferred desalination technology for a given seawater quality and water and power demand situation. The paper further explores the impact of technological advances in the form of lower capital costs and higher energy efficiency in the two broad classes of (i) power driven, and (ii) thermal desalination technology. All studies have been performed for seawater qualities observed in the Arabian Gulf.

The estimated sulphur output from Qatar is around 4 Mtpa by 2012, primarily from gas processing operations(Sulphur magazine, March/April 2009). Shell is using novel technologies to utilize sulphur in various applications such as concrete (Shell Thiocrete*), asphalt (Shell Thiopave*) and fertilizers (Shell Thiogro*). The sulphur utilization programme in Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre is part of a global research and development effort to develop Shell's sulphur concrete and sulphur modified asphalt technologies, with particular emphasis on the needs of the Gulf region. Shell's innovative sulphur concrete technology has the potential to take sulphur concrete from use in niche applications such as chemical flooring to more mainstream applications such as garden products, road construction products (e.g. pavers and traffic barriers) and marine products. This is because the relatively low cost of the modification technology allows sulphur concrete to be considered in applications previously covered only by Portland cement. The first field trial of sulphur concrete in Qatar is a 16 square metre area of sulphur concrete tiles in the Pearl GTL Worker's Village, Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar, laid in May 2008. Laboratory results showed that the bending strength of all the sulphur concrete mixtures was greater than the strength of the cement concrete. Moreover, the water absorption of the sulphur concrete tiles was lower than that of the cement concrete tiles. Shell's sulphur-modified asphalt is a technology developed by Shell Sulphur Solutions in 2003, enabling a portion of the bitumen in an asphalt mix to be replaced by modified sulphur, resulting in a pavement that has enhanced mechanical properties such as increased stiffness and significantly reduced permanent deformation. A trial two-lane section of roadway of asphalt mix containing sections of Shell Thiopave and conventional asphalt mixture was constructed in October 2007 at Pearl GTL Worker's Village. The results of the field monitoring study showed that the total road section (sulphur-modified asphalt and conventional mixture) was free of any moderate or major distresses. Industrial hygiene monitoring during laying operations showed that SO2 and H2S emissions remain below the maximum limits when the temperature is controlled than 1450C.The laboratory characterization showed that the sulphur-modified asphalt mixture exhibited better resistance to permanent deformation and higher stiffness than the conventional mixture.

Background: Laser - Ultrasound is a new non-contact technique used to detect the defects in the hot surfaces like hot billets etc. Determination of corrosion in the plates, using this non-contact technique seemed a promising research effort.

Objectives: In this work, an inspection system has been presented that uses Laser-Ultrasound (LU) technique for Nondestructive testing (NDT) of metallic structures with specific interest in Oil & Gas sector.

Methods: The developed system is the first one of its kind in the Middle- Eastern region. The nature of signals is quite unique as well and traditional signal processing runs into a lot of algorithmic complications with them. A new approach has been developed for this setup in order to efficiently enhance signal to noise ratio for the underlying signals so that any subsequent classification/intelligent-detection system can be based on the outcomes of this algorithm. Multiform Tiltable Exponential Distribution (MTED) kernel, which is a generalization of 2nd order Cohen's class functions in Time-Frequency Representation (TFR) space, has been used in this work to isolate the essential frequency components with temporal and frequency based masking filters.

Results: While detecting defect points is quite similar to the conventional ultrasonic testing, the detection of corrosion is quite different. The reason being is the surface properties, and hence the surface vibrations, are quite different for a corroded surface as compared to a polished surface. In this respect, we have observed the propagation of the surface Rayleigh waves manifests a pattern that can be mapped to the corrosion concentration on the surface.

Conclusion: Interesting observation has been made with coated corroded surfaces where the behavior has been found to be quite similar. Thus, the underlying technique can be applied without any need to remove the coatings from the sample under study.

To adequately predict reliability and optimize the time-to-maintenance for complex system design and reliability problems, this research develops a new model for complex systems, which are subject to performance degradation and multiple dependent failure modes. In particular, the hazard rate corresponding to each failure mode depends both on time and system state. The system state stochastically degrades over time, and the degradation is described by a stochastic process. The degradation rate, in particular, depends on time and is also a function of the degradation level.

This research develops a reliability model for complex systems, which are subject to performance degradation and multiple dependent failure modes. A joint model of system degradation and failure time is constructed. The system state stochastically degrades over time, and the degradation is described by a stochastic process. Unlike existing reliability models, we consider a realistic scenario where the degradation rate is, not only a function of time, but also the degradation level at that time.

The goal of this research project is to develop the optimum Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) schedules. The developed model will be used as the basis in our future research on CBM scheduling.

Depleting oil reserves, environmental pressure, as well as abundant reserves of coal, natural gas and biomass, have all contributed to a revived interest in Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) technology for producing ultra-clean, virtually sulfurfree, transportation fuels and chemicals. F-T technology involves conversion of synthesis gas (i.e., a mixture of H2 and CO) to a wide spectrum of hydrocarbons. In this study, the kinetics of the Fischer Tropsch (FT) synthesis reaction over 0.27 % Ru 25 % Co/Al2O3 catalyst was studied in a 1L stirred tank slurry reactor (STSR). Supported cobalt catalysts and slurry reactors are used in commercial processes for natural gas conversion to liquid fuels (e.g. ORYX GTL in Qatar). With known kinetics one can size reactors and predict their performance as a function of process conditions. Experiments were conducted at reactor pressures of 1.4 MPa and 2.4 MPa, temperatures of 205°C and 220°C, H2/CO feed ratios of 1.4 and 2.1 and gas space velocities ranging from 2 to 15 NL/g-cat*h.

Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW) type rate equations were derived on the basis of a set of reactions originating from carbide, Eley-Rideal and enolic pathways, and two empirical power laws from the literature were used to describe CO disappearance rates.

Model rate laws were fitted to isothermal experimental rates using least-squares nonlinear regression to obtain model parameter values. Physical and statistical tests were used to discriminate between rival models. Optimisations were performed by first applying bounds to obtain realistic values of the parameters and then assumptions were made regarding the degree of adsorption for some species. Finally, nonlinear regression of model rate laws using non-isothermal experimental rates was also performed by applying Arrhenius law-based constraints to obtain physically meaningful results.

Goodness of fit for the most physically significant models were compared using qualitative (parity curves) and quantitative (mean absolute relative residuals (MARR), R-square and F-test) analysis. It was found that the model based on carbide mechanism involving dissociative CO and hydrogen adsorption (M1) and the model based on hydrogen-assisted dissociative adsorption of CO followed by hydrogenation of dissociatively adsorbed CO (M3) provided the best fit to the experimental data.

Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) Engines hold promises of being the next generation of internal combustion engines due to their ability to produce high thermal efficiencies, in addition to low nitric oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). HCCI combustion is achieved through the auto-ignition of a compressed homogeneous fuel-air mixture, thus making it a “fusion” between spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines. The main challenge experienced when developing HCCI engines is the absence of a combustion trigger hence making it difficult to control its combustion timing.

The aim of this research project is to develop a natural gas HCCI engine to improve the performance of stationary power plants in Qatar. Since HCCI primarily depends on temperature and chemical composition of the mixture, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and adjusting intake temperature are the techniques that will be used to control ignition timing. Previously, a simulation model was developed using a highly sophisticated program, GT-Power. It was noticed that simulation time for such a model was high. Therefore a simple, non-linear model was developed to capture the main thermodynamical features of the HCCI engine. In this oral presentation, we will explain how the model was developed as well as the optimization technique used to adjust an experimental correlation to predict ignition timing. We will show that performance data produced by our model is in accordance with the data acquired from GT-Power. In addition, several methods were exhausted to further simplify the model and produce a linear version that could be used in linear control schemes. Data from the finalized linear model were compared to the initial non-linear model and proved to be a sufficient approximation. A Linear Quadratic Regulator Controller scheme will be used on our final linear model to control the EGR ratio and intake temperature, which will ultimately control the combustion timing. Finally, a block diagram of the proposed control scheme was developed. Further work for validation and implementation of the proposed scheme will be discussed.

Qatar is one of the largest producers of polymers in the Middle East, with a total annual turnover of $3.5 billion. The annual consumption of industrial and domestic polymers in the region generates significant amount of plastic waste in Qatar and in Gulf Corporation Countries (GCC). Recently, recycling of plastics has become an optimum waste management solution due to the efficiency of incorporating the plastic waste management stream into commodity and structural applications. One of the main obstacles in the region is collection and sorting of plastics, due to the variety and high volume of waste streams. To solve this problem, and to upgrade the recycled polymer applications, optimisation of additives and processing techniques were used in this work, such as the addition of glass fibre reinforcement, wood, mica and date palm fibre in selected volume fractions, in order to minimise the effect of the residual “secondary” polymers in the main composite.

A tremendous improvement has been achieved in the mechanical properties and the thermal stability of the selected systems, due to the synergistic effect of the complementing additives. In addition to their much-improved thermomechanical performance, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of the new recycled composites showed to have improved effect on the environment compared to the unadulterated systems. A complex analysis showing the interdependencies between the improved materials properties and the positive environmental impact is presented for the first time.

Qatar has experienced great change in its infrastructure, continuous upgrading of its major industrial cities, of its network of roads and highways and major construction and development along its coastline in particular the eastern coastline. These activities can all have an impact on the marine life and terrestrial wildlife, vegetation and floristic composition.

One strip of coastline on the north-eastern section of Qatar remains in parts virgin land and the coastal zone is considered a least impacted zone. A baseline survey was commissioned to record all physical/chemical and biological data of the Qatar marine zone.

This survey, representing field data collected between February and April 2010, encompassed a 35km long stretch of coastline and extended 20km offshore and as far inland as 1km, it also included Umm Tais Island and Al Jasasiya. The seabed and the water body were documented by video photography. Fish population was studied by deployment of fish nets. Mangrove forests were studied in detail. The coastline was surveyed covering landform, vegetation and observations on wildlife. The benthic community of corals, seagrass meadows and microalga beds were fully mapped. Seawater and sediment physicochemical parameters and biota were analyzed. Current meters were deployed to study the sea current speed and direction in the study area.

A full record of terrestrial geology, morphology and vegetation, along with coastal and intertidal biota have been documented. An extensive range of physiochemical parameters have been documented and analyzed according to international standards. State of the art mapping techniques have been employed to provide visual records of both physiochemical and biological constituents. This study documents a large number of organisms not previously reported for the Arabian Gulf. These include almost 106 species belonging to 8 phyla, 17 classes, 36 orders and 63 families.

This project, carried out by the Qatar University, Environmental Studies Center, exemplifies a comprehensive, well run and well documented ecological baseline study. This information will enable future monitoring and substantial data on which stakeholders can take prudent action to conserve, preserve or sustain.

Nanotechnology is regarded as the next great scientific/industrial revolution due to the possibility of designing nanostructured materials that possess novel electronic, optical, magnetic, and catalytic properties. Nanomaterials could potentially be applied in pollution control, catalysis, water remediation, clean energy.

Nanocatalysis is a phenomenon of significant research and important practical applications in a variety of fields such as materials, environmental and atmospheric sciences. Low-temperature catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the most important problems in pollution since even small exposures to CO (ppm) can be lethal. Nanophase metal and metal oxide catalysts, with controlled particle size, high surface area, and more densely populated unsaturated surface coordination sites, could potentially provide significantly improved catalytic performance over conventional catalysts. It is therefore, expected that nanoparticle catalysts would show high catalytic activity for the low temperature oxidation of CO than bulk materials.

Noble metals are well known oxidation catalysts with high activity and stability, even in the presence of moisture and sulfur compounds, and they are usually used in gas exhaust emissions control. The high cost of precious metals and their sensitivity to sulfur poisoning motivated re-searchers to search for new catalysts. Alloying is a phenomenon that can either improve the catalytic properties of the original single-metal catalysts for CO oxidation. Recently, we reported the effect of support on the catatalytic activity of Au catalyst.

We have prepared metallic and bimetallic nanocatalysts on different supports using differ-ent synthesis methods. The catalytic activity of each catalyst was carried out by using a flow tube reactor coupled to an infrared detector. Our results indicate that unsupported AuCu alloy shows higher activity than Au or Cu alone. These results attributed to the formation of CuO within the bimetallic nanoparticles, which improves the catalytic activity of Au-Cu alloy nanoparticle. On the other hand, Au nanoparticles supported on CeO2 exhibit higher catalytic activity than Cu, CuO, and AuCu alloy supported on CeO2. These results attributed to the strong interaction of Au with CeO2.

Barchan dunes in Qatar are restricted to the southeastern region of the country. They are currently a disappearing natural habitat due to the northwesterly Al Shamal winds, which are scouring the landscape and spreading desertification, as they pass. This research aims to understand whether the synergy between the physical transport of dust, moisture retention and microbial growth beneath the dune surface, could be exploited to stop erosion of an active dune. Microbial communities at the surface down to 30cm below have been quantified using direct counts of live/dead cells through fluorescent stains, culturing sand microbes in media selective for general heterotrophs, fungi and/or cyanobacteria, and by conducting culture-independent phylogenetic characterization based on 16S/18S rRNA analysis. Current results show that there is more genetic material found in barchans at depths between 15 to 30 cm deep than at the surface, due to the cooler, moister, and UV-protected sand below the surface. Isolated colonies sequenced from barchans include Arthrobacter and Marmonicola sp., which are typical of bacteria associated with soils. Capacitance and thermal probes recording the humidity and temperature were deployed just beneath the sand surface. For the first time, diurnal variations of temperature and humidity profiles below a dune surface have been recorded. A correlation for migration velocity of Qatar dunes west of Umm Said was established. We anticipate that greater understanding of dune biology will lead to the development of new engineering technology to stabilize Barchans.

The debate around carbon emission reduction seems to be hinging on capture and storage despite limited information about suitable sites and associated risks. It is unfortunate that alternatives to underground storage have not been discussed and disseminated for public opinion. This presentation aims at demystifying the broader picture on carbon management and the associated issues. Given the current lack of progress on a large-scale carbon management, it is important to look at alternative carbon sequestration methods that carry less risk but may require further development work. In this context, carbon mineralization using a special chemical reaction approach that aims to solve two environmental problems in one solution has been studied. This approach stems from the fact that the GCC states produce fresh water from desalination processes and therefore reject huge amounts of concentrated brine into the sea and at the same time emit large amounts of CO2 from the massive hydrocarbon industries. These challenging environmental problems are the subject of a qatar national research fund project undertaken at Qatar University. The results obtained indicate that it is feasible to convert a significant amount of captured CO2 into a stable bicarbonate and at the same time reduce concentrated brine reject into the Arabian Gulf. Details of the proposed process will be presented. This is considered as a major contribution given the current status of the carbon conundrum.

Clean air is an essential requirement to protect human health and the ecosystem. Achieving acceptable air quality requires the monitoring of ambient air quality, the setting of standards by the Ministry of Environment (MoE), and the implementation of control technologies.

Air quality is a national priority for Qatar. The Qatar Energy and Environment Research Institute (QEERI) and TOTAL Research Center-Qatar, with their knowledge of local conditions, have set up a joint research pilot project to assess air quality within a 15–20 km radius circle centered on Qatar Foundation. This project will provide the policy maker with air quality monitoring data and real-time pollutant concentration mapping, so that they may develop air quality management strategies.

The pilot project will encompass most of Doha, as well as “background” areas, thus providing valuable information towards understanding the dynamics of air pollution. Although limited in geographic scope, the pilot project will help to understand the potential issues that would be associated with a full-scale project. These issues include assessing the quality of existing data, testing of various research tools and methods, identification and communication with the stakeholders involved. Importantly, the success of this project relies on data availability and quality from existing and forthcoming air quality monitoring stations.

To account for the small-scale variability of concentrations, typically not represented by fixed monitoring stations, a network of micro-sensors is being built. It will provide additional data to assess the influence from specific emission sources, in particular traffic, on air quality. A number of sensors will be deployed at varying distance along the roads. Data from the micro-sensors will be evaluated against fixed monitoring stations data as a performance benchmark.

Kriging is used to produce real-time concentrations maps. This advanced interpolation technique uses auxiliary data such as emissions inventory, land use, or model outputs in order to derive concentration information between measurement points. Kriging output consists of real-time concentration maps constrained by all the available information.

Training and capacity building will be also an important outcome of this pilot project between QEERI and TOTAL, thanks to the participation of students from Qatari universities to the project.

A limestone-plateau of 11,400 sq. km, Qatar continues to import approximately 90% of its food. By establishing a position of foreign dependence, Qatar's food security is at risk due to fluctuating prices (as experienced in 2008) and potential disruptions in supply. The total arable land in the GCC is in the order of 1.7%, resulting in an industry that only accounts for 1–4% of total revenue (0.1% in Qatar). As such, Qatar is only 23% self-sufficient in vegetables, 0.76% in cereal, 23.1% in fruits and 12.5 % in livestock.

At present production outputs, Qatar's self-sufficiency will be further reduced as demand increases. For instance, Qatar's population increased linearly at 14.3 % per year from 2003 (0.71 million) to 2009 (1.6 million) and is expected to reach 3.2 million by 2020 and 4.9 million by 2030 Moreover, inevitable domestic vulnerabilities could hinder the productivity of the domestic system. For instance, temperatures in the Gulf are forecasted to increase by 1.8°C by 2040 leading to desertification, whilst increasing water scarcity in a region already heavily water stressed. It is estimated that 73% of aquifers in the GCC have depleted, whilst locally, aquifers are used 9 times faster than their replenishing rate.

The development of a domestic food system, agro-investment and continued activity in the global market should be considered as critical constituents in any final food security strategy. Sustainable local production presents the core of the Qatar National Food Security Program, which is centred on solar-desalination as a means for water supply. Agro-investment is essential because it allows the importer to benefit from virtual water through the import of water intensive crops. Finally, enhancing purchasing power and diversifying suppliers allows the importer to establish a stronger position in the global market. The proposed food program faces the tough challenge of achieving food security whilst preserving the natural environment. As such, this paper will discuss the dynamic relationship between the food system and its environment, explore its resilience and ultimately put forward a series of recommendations which are aimed at enhancing Qatar's food security whilst considering its environment.

Compared with conventional diesel refining process, GTL diesel offers significant environmental advantages such as less carbon emissions and improvement of air quality. However, the GTL technology often requires intensive energy and resources input.

This paper applies Life cycle assessment (LCA) method to quantify the environmental impacts of gas-to-liquid fuel processes. LCA is a tool for the analysis of environmental impacts of a product or a system, taking into account the complete life cycle of a product. Data are collected from the literature for the current “common practice”. Impact assessment was carried out considering 18 impact categories classified into three damage categories: human health, ecosystem quality and resources.

This paper will present results of environmental burdens of GTL diesel in comparison with biomass biodiesel processes. The results indicate how much of each process's contribution to environmental burdens, thus suggesting where efforts shall be placed in order to improve the environmental performance. Source of the environmental burdens will also be identified and suggestions will be made how the environmental impacts of GTL technology can be minimize through improved design and energy integration.

Amidoximes are an important class of organic compounds featuring a fused amide and oxime functionality and their use as starting materials for the synthesis of valuable heterocyclics and related intermediates enabled wide applications in novel pharmaceuticals, antitumor agents, antimalarial agents, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) substrates, enhanced textile materials, synthetic polymers, and chelating resins. In this work, amidoxime functionality dependent CO2 adsorption behavior is presented. It is showed that amidoxime groups offer new chemical terminals for selective CO2 binding and such previously unknown behavior puts this well-known class of organic building blocks into spotlight for the pursuit of commercial scale CO2 capture and storage. In an attempt to quantify their performance, four representative amidoximes with varying amidoxime content were screened by using high-pressure magnetic suspension sorption apparatus. The highest percent amidoxime functionality present in acetamidoxime was found to show the highest capacity with 2.71 mmol/g. Acetamidoxime also featured a dimerization, which leads to an enhanced adsorption with an increase in temperature. Moreover, polymeric amidoxime showed superior adsorption per surface area when compared to a well-known activated carbon.

This paper presents the results of an experimental work and life cycle analysis of reinforced mortar samples retrofitted with natural, and virgin and recycled polymers. The objectives of this study were to investigate the behavior of retrofitted concretes experimentally, and to compare the defined fiber reinforced concrete samples from environmental point of view using life cycle analysis. The mixtures of reinforced concretes was prepared as control mixture which includes no fibers, natural (palm) fiber reinforced mixture, virgin and recycled polypropylene (PP) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) reinforced concrete mixtures, natural fiber and virgin and recycled PP reinforced concrete mixtures, and natural fiber and virgin and recycled LDPE reinforced concrete mixtures. The experimental tests were performed to investigate the behavior of reinforced concrete samples in such a way that either durable or not. Moreover, those concrete mixtures were also compared using life cycle assessment method according to their environmental effects. Within the scope of the study, GaBi software was used for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis. Landfilling was considered as reference scenario and compared with filled recycled plastics. A quantitative impact assessment was performed for four environmental impact categories, global warming (GWP) over a hundred years, human toxicity (HTP), abiotic depletion (ADP) and acidification potential (AP) were taken into consideration during LCA. At the end of the study, according to the compressive strength tests results, it was seen that natural fiber reinforced concrete did not perform well at each testing age, and also according to the pore definition test, permeability of natural fiber reinforced concrete was higher than that of the control mixture which means that durability of natural fiber reinforced concrete against harsh environment is very low. Moreover, according to life cycle analysis, recycled polymer fibers reinforced concrete mixtures have lower environmental effect for all impact assessment categories. On the other hand, natural fiber reinforced concrete mixtures has the worst environmental effect, but when the natural fiber mixed with recycled or virgin polymers those concrete mixtures have better environmental effect.

Due to exponential growth of population and consumption of natural resources at an even faster pace, the impact of human behavior on the natural environment is becoming readily apparent. Resources are becoming less abundant, space is becoming more limited, and pollution of air, water, and land are beginning to have a direct impact on the inhabitants of the planet. This paper presents the findings of the study that was undertaken to understand the environmentally significant behavior. The study analyzes the factors that have been found to have some influence, positive or negative, on pro-environmental behavior such as demographic factors, external factors (economic, social and cultural) and internal factors (motivation, pro-environmental knowledge, awareness, values, attitudes, emotion, responsibilities and priorities). The study consist of two parts, part one was a questionnaire-based exploratory study to elicit responses from citizens and other residents. Utilizing suitable sampling technique, responses were collected from a multitude of respondents. This was done to provide representation of various groups residing in Qatar. Based on the findings of the questionnaire study and exhaustive literature review the second part of the study focused on developing an interpretative structural model of the barriers to pro-environmental behavior. The research shows that not all barriers of require the same amount of attention. There exists a group of barriers that have a high driving power and low dependence requiring maximum attention and are of strategic importance and another group that have a high dependence but low driving power. This classification provides a useful tool to policy makers developing strategies to conserve environment so as to differentiate between independent and dependent variables which would further help them to focus on those variables that are most important for inculcating environmentally responsible behavior in the people residing in the state of Qatar.

A new class of treatment processes called Advanced Reduction Processes (ARPs) has been developed and employed for destroying persistent organic contaminants in wastewater. ARPs combine reducing reagents with activating methods to produce highly reactive reducing free radicals. These ARPs have the potential to effectively destroy a wide range of oxidized contaminants such as chlorinated organics, perchlorate, nitrate, nitrite, chromate, arsenate, selenate, bromate and a number of radionuclides. Sponsored by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) under the National Priorities Research Program (NPRP), this research is the first effort to chart the boundaries of this new group of treatment processes applied to degrading chlorinated organics by reductive dechlorination. ARPs were applied for destroying 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA) which is detected in industrial wastewaters and sludges in several petrochemical and oil and gas industries. The literature indicates that DCA is very difficult to destroy using conventional treatment processes. This novel approach of ARPs has the potential to effectively destroy this persistent contaminant because ARPs overcome kinetic limitations of conventional processes by producing highly reactive reducing free radicals that can rapidly destroy chlorinated contaminants.

Batch experiments were conducted with all combinations of reducing reagents (4) and activating methods (3) resulting in 12 potential ARPs being evaluated against one target compound (DCA). The reagents evaluated are dithionite, sulfite, sulfide, and ferrous iron. The activating methods evaluated are UV light generated by medium-pressure lamps (UV-M), UV light generated by narrowband lamps (UV-N), and microwave irradiation (MW). Over 90 % degradation of DCA was accomplished using S2O42- as the reducing agent and medium-pressure UV lamp as the activating method. The rate of DCA degradation was rapid indicating that the kinetics would not limit the practical application of ARPs for efficient removal of DCA from wastewater.

CO2 is one of the byproducts of natural gas production in Qatar. High rate of natural gas production in Qatar has led to significant amounts of CO2 production. Release of CO2 into the atmosphere may be harmful from the global warming standpoint. Recent increase in CO2 concentration in atmosphere due to burning of fossil fuels and deforestation may be one of the main causes for acceleration in global warming. Since fossil fuels will be a critical component of world energy supplies for the coming decades, methods for disposal of CO2 that do not involve long residence of CO2 in the atmosphere should be studied.

One of these methods is injection of CO2 in underground saline aquifers. It is generally believed that saline aquifers provide the largest potential for CO2 sequestration. However, the effort required to screen and select saline aquifers for safe and long-term storage is significant. It is also important that screened CO2 storage sites are exploited to their full potential.

In this work, we studied CO2 sequestration potential in Qatar's Aruma aquifer. Aruma aquifer is a saline aquifer in the southwest of Qatar. It occupies an area of about 1985 km2 on land, which is approximately 16% of Qatar's area. We developed a compositional model for CO2 sequestration in the Aruma aquifer. Our model is based on available log data and flow test data from the Qatar Department of Agricultural and Water Research. We modeled CO2 injection at a constant rate for a period of 30 years and monitored the CO2 propagation for 200 years. We identified a suitable CO2 injection rate to keep pore pressure below formation fracturing pressure. We also studied water production at some distance from CO2 injection wells as a possible way to control pore pressure. This method resulted in significant increase in CO2 sequestration potential of the Aruma aquifer. The water produced from this aquifer is less saline than seawater and could provide a good water source in the desalination process. The main source of current Qatar's water usage is desalination of seawater.

Background: The impact of heat stress alone on immune function is complex in nature; however, it appears a core temperature within the range of 37–39±C has little impact on neutrophil, lymphocyte and natural killer cell function. However, during passive heating where core temperature increases outside of this range there is a proliferation in leukocytes and cytokines with the magnitude dependent upon the extent and the duration of the heat stress.

Laboratory and field-based experiments investigating the effect of exercise on immune function have shown moderate levels of training enhances the immune function; however, both high intensity acute and chronic exercise can result in immune suppression. Research has shown that immune suppression is at least partly responsible for the reported increase incidence of infection in athletes, which is influenced by a number of factors including, and possibly a combination of intensity and duration of exercise; and the psychological stress of training and competition.

Given that both passive heating and exercise can have significant effects on the immune function that are based upon the stress experienced, it seems plausible that combined impact of heat stress and exercise stress may have an accumulative effect.

Conclusion: Unfortunately, relatively little is known about the immunosuppressive effect of exercising in extreme temperature. This is an important consideration to individuals completing physical labour or athletes training and playing in an extreme environment such as that experienced during the summer months in Qatar.

We aim to develop an energy-efficient, low-cost desalination technology for creating new, affordable water sources from brackish waters. Since Qatar has extremely limited rechargeable water sources, technologies facilitating safe use of impaired and unconventional water sources are needed. Capacitive deionization (CDI) technology can meet the unique, logistical and economic needs for inland desalination. CDI technology, unlike reverse osmosis and nanofiltration, operates under ambient pressure and can be sustained with renewable energy sources. In this process, ions move to the electrode surface and build up an electrical double layer (EDL) when an external potential is applied. Metal oxide nano-particle coatings are widely used in super-capacitors to increase the capacitance. We are employing fourth-generation CDI technology (i.e., alumina, silica nano-particle coated porous carbon) for brackish water treatment. The presence of oxides together with the functional groups on the carbon surface enhances the ion removal process. Sorption capacity of up to 0.05 mM/g electrode has been achieved for monovalent ions with high reversibility and no obvious loss of capacity in long-term operation. During regeneration, up to 50% of the charge can be harvested. Preliminary results indicate that higher sorption capacity exists for divalent cations compared to monovalent ions. Comprehensive tests are underway for various electrolytes (1:2, 2:1, 2:2) and brackish water samples to cover a wide gradient in salt concentration and ionic composition. This project will lead to the development of low-cost inland desalination systems and can be expected to boost Qatar's scientific profile in global and regional water industry.

While much has been made of sustainable living, green architecture and home design, the vast majority of green home technologies and related environmental innovations have been developed and tested in countries that do not possess the harsh climate found in Qatar. Systems and equipment designed and tested in the UK, for example, would not have been exposed to the heat, humidity and dust commonly found here, and, therefore, their suitability is uncertain. Similarly, there is a data vacuum on the subject of how green home technologies actually do perform in Qatar. Exactly how efficient are some of these technologies and should they be considered as viable alternatives in the support of sustainability planning?

The Green Home Automation Project (GHAP) is an environmental research in which data was collected on the electricity and water usage of a faculty member's villa for a one-year period. The same villa was then theoretically analysed for energy savings using green home automation technologies, energy efficient LED lighting and improved HVAC systems.

A comparative study was performed between the Old Current System (OCS) and the New Proposed System (NPS). Results of the theoretical comparative study showed significant energy savings when compared to the operation of the test villa. Using the suggested improvements, the NPS used 70% less energy for lighting and 40% less energy for HVAC than the OCS. These savings were calculated and compared for a “typical year” per villa.

Phase II of GHAP involved automating the same test villa to determine additional savings that could make the test villa greener. Both the lighting and the air-conditioning was controller via a central controller. Data has been collected over the last six months and indicates a 45% savings in electricity over the previous year.

This real world data supports the conclusion that (1) home automation can substantially reduce energy consumption in the State of Qatar and (2) and that further investigations into other green home innovations that can be automated should be undertaken.

Resource distribution among and within habitats affects the abundance, richness and composition of communities. Yet, the role of resource distribution on species interactions is rarely studied. Generalist predators have the ability to survive extreme conditions by using a variety of foods that allows the population to grow during times of low food availability. Most lizard species are generalist predators, including those of the genus Uromastyx which are mainly herbivores but consume a large variety of plants. To date very few quantitative studies exist on the food and feeding habits of the spiny-tailed lizard worldwide.

The aims of this study are 1) to identify the diet of the lizard Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis, one of the biodiversity flagship species as well as of cultural relevance for Qatar, 2) to report the first data available on the plants consumed by this lizard in Qatar, 3) to help translocation programs directed to the conservation of this species in Qatar.

We examined 371 faecal samples that were collected between March and April 2010 in the Al-Kharrara desert in the south of Qatar. Our results show that in a single month these lizards consumed 34 different plant taxa belonging to at least 17 families, 29 genera and 18 species. Plant diversity was high with up to 19 different taxa found in one single faeces. Animal remains were also found in 26 % of the faeces. We explored the effect of faeces size, sampling day and study zone on the diversity of plants consumed by the lizards and found that all three variables were significantly correlated with plant diversity. Lizards consumed 31% of the plants present in the study area, suggesting that some plants are likely preferred or that grazing-impact by ungulates may affect food availability for lizard populations.

Competition between livestock and native herbivores is a global environmental problem, and livestock management should be implemented for the conservation of native vegetation in Qatar. Conservation efforts in Qatar are constrained by a lack of basic data on the distribution, abundance and population dynamics for nearly all species, and more scientific contributions are needed in the near future.

Thermal desalination process is proven to be robust for large scale installation and meet specific water quality requirement, but it needs high energy cost with serious environmental concerns related to discharge of brine. On the other hand, membrane processes have started gaining market acceptance due to improvement in membrane chemistry, efficient pre-treatment and smaller foot print, but still face many challenges when implemented in high salinity and bio-fouling sea water conditions, like the Arabian Gulf. Current desalination research trend include increasing the top brine temperature in thermal process, combating algal blooms for membrane process, and introducing innovative hybrid processes.

Membrane Distillation (MD) is one of the innovative emerging techniques for desalination of sea water. The driving force in MD is due to vapour pressure difference. The potential advantage of MD process is that feed solutions having temperature much lower than its boiling point under atmospheric pressure can be applied. MD process produces high quality effluent and leverages low grade waste heat and can also be coupled with renewable energy systems. Thus, MD can be efficiently used to recover additional product water from RO and thermal desalination process brines. This will augment the production of water from existing desalination facilities (RO and Thermal) as well as reduce the brine volume discharge and minimize impact to environment. The key challenges in improving the MD process are membrane, process modelling, design, module optimization and recovery of low grade waste heat. A consortium of industry, academic institution, technology providers and water utilities was recently formed in Qatar to evaluate the suitability of MD technology for sea water desalination in the region. The research study is carried out in multi phases including bench scale studies, model development, low grade waste heat evaluation and pilot scale demonstration. Bench scale studies results and evaluation of various technologies will be presented. The project outcome would be sustainable augmentation of water production, reduced environmental impact and capacity building in the State of Qatar.

B. thuringiensis is a gram-positive bacterium which produces, during sporulation, crystalline inclusions containing one or more delta-endotoxins. The latter are selectively toxic against a wide variety of insects, including important pests. Formulations based on B. thuringiensis have been used safely in developed countries as bioinsecticides for agriculture, forestry and disease vector control. This kind of bioinsecticides occupies the first place in the biopesticides world market and is essential for crop protection. The importance of such bioinsecticides and the emergence of new insect resistance cases, promoted worldwide isolation and screening programmes of new strains with particularly high insecticidal activities.

This project aims to develop an integrated approach that will explore activities of new B. thuringiensis isolates from Qatar and the Gulf region, an unexplored region, by performing an important programme of B. thuringiensis strains isolation from Qatar, screening using modern molecular techniques, gene investigation and bioassays.

The screening of 151 B. thuringiensis strains isolated from Qatar, allowed the evidence of strains having different crystal forms. In fact, these strains produce parasporal crystals that have pyramidal, bipyramidal, cubical, spherical and amorphous forms. These results demonstrate the heterogeneity and the fact that they produce different bioinsecticides acting on different insect families. Among these B. thuringiensis strains, only 58 strains produce bipyramidal crystals (38 %).

Similar results were obtained in the laboratory by Al-Zahra Attar and Sara Zakzouk who have screened respectively 199 and 87 other strains and obtained about the same ratio of bipyramidal crystal producing strains. The latter plasmid DNAs were analyzed showing different plasmid patterns. These results demonstrate that the bipyramidal crystal producing strains belong to different families. By PCR and electrophoresis of the amplified DNA fragments, we could predict the nature of the delta-endotoxin coding genes and the delta-endotoxin insecticidal activities. All the studied strain has protease activities except one that is protease minus. Such is very rare among Bacillus thuringiensis strains, but exists in Qatar. This strain is of high industrial value, since preventing proteolysis of delta-endotoxin and secreted active proteins and enzymes and could be considered as a suitable host for stable heterologous gene expression and protein secretion.