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Fourier transform infrared transmission (FT-IR) and attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectra of water-ethanol mixtures are recorded and reconstructed thanks to a causal dispersion analysis technique. As expected, the Beer's law technique is an empirical approximate method that cannot account for complex spectral features. On the other hand, a rigorous analysis performed by using the theoretical optical paths for both experimental techniques and Gaussian dispersion analysis (GDA) allows the dielectric functions of the pure liquids to be calculated. Simulations of the whole mid-infrared spectra in the range 500-4000 cm(-1) match the experimental data very well, whatever the water-ethanol mixtures. This method is a powerful tool to quantify such model mixtures and more generally could be the first step toward software for assistance to the FT-IR spectrum analysis.

In 1998 the City of Rockland, Maine, began a major capital improvement program aimed at its aging wastewater collection and treatment system. The program encompassed the (1) upgrade of its 20-year old wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) and (2) abatement of discharges from the City's combined sewer overflows (CSOs). One of the most important design considerations for both of these functions was to ensure that high-strength industrial wastewaters would be transported, uninterrupted, to the WWTF during overflow events. Other key considerations with the WWTF upgrade included: provisions for high-rate treatment of CSO flows; replacement of inefficient process equipment; improved sludge thickening and dewatering; and addition of an extensive odor control system. The planning and design considerations to accomplish these wastewater treatment and CSO abatement objectives are described herein.

This invention relates a method and apparatus for studying the desorption of gases from coals using optical microscopy. Such desorption reveals the ways in which production of gas from coal occurs under various completion and production scenarios. It can also reveal the efficacy of various stimulation and enhancement methods. The invention discloses methods and apparatus that enable simulation of coalbed reservoirs in a laboratory, and teaches how correlating various analytical techniques with said microscopy can allow researchers to readily evaluate coalbed reservoir properties and production factors. Introduction Recent advances in laboratory simulations of coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs allow for the examination and video capture of the coal-water interface during dewatering. Laboratory simulations of CBM reservoirs allow for the scientific investigation of reservoir properties. Sub-saturated coal samples are carefully prepared by means of a mass flow controller (which counts the number of methane molecules added to the cell) and over-pressurized by means of an air-driven water piston pump. In addition, reservoir properties and/or production factors may be varied in order to evaluate their relative effects. Once the sample cell has had adequate time to achieve equilibrium, a close focus telescope with CCD imager plane is used to capture the depressurization of the sample cell and desorption of methane from the coal surface. In addition to providing the first visual evidence of methane desorbing from coal, the ability to capture video microscopy of the depressurization of simulated reservoirs provides a new method for the examination of the effect of various reservoir parameters on dewatering. Statement of Theory and Definitions The study of desorption of gases from coals reveals the ways in which production of gas from coal occurs under various completion and production scenarios. It can also reveal the efficacy of various stimulation and enhancement methods. Laboratory simulation of CBM reservoirs allows variation of pertinent reservoir parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and salinity. This provides a method for thorough experimentation and interpretation of the coal of interest. Reservoir parameters can then be independently examined and best practices for specific areas may be developed from the results. Description and Application of Equipment and Procedures The capture of video microscopy of the desorption of gases from coal requires two parts:a high-pressure sample cell with coal loaded to specific reservoir conditions (i.e. temperature, pressure, salinity) equipped with an optical window anda video microscopy camera capable of focusing through the sample cell's optical window onto the coal surface (Figure 1). (For additional information on the preparation of simulated CBM reservoirs see Laboratory Simulations of CBM Reservoirs; Patent #).