FMH606+Master Prcent 26 Prcent 23039 Prcent 3Bs+Thesis+2011+Including+Descriptions

Telemark University College
Faculty of Technology
FMH606 Master's Thesis

Spring 2011
This document describes the main thesis proposals. Please send an email to Lars.A.Tokheim@hit.no with
this information: student number, name, programme and your priorities (ID and priority number 1, 2, 3 and
4). Alternatively, make a printout of the table and fill in the requested information before handing it over to
Lars-André Tokheim or Nils-Olav Skeie. The deadline for choosing topic is Monday 13 December 2010.
Student number: ____________________
Student name: ____________________
Programme (PT/EET/SCE): ____________________
ID Title Supervisor(s) Students External Priority

partner (indicate
with 1, 2,
3 and 4)
1 Comparison of oil droplet sizing Knut Vågsæther PT M-I Epcon Reserved
techniques – Laser Diffraction (reserved)
vs. Optical video technique
2 Modeling and simulation of Rune Bakke and PT, EET Yara
Calcium Nitrate use in Biogas Deshai Botheju or SCE International
production processes
3 Large scale test of Calcium Rune Bakke and EET Yara
Nitrate for optimization of Deshai Botheju International
Biogas production processes
4 Pilot scale biogas process Rune Bakke and EET -
performance Wenche
Bergland
5 Biogas production of co- Rune Bakke and EET -
digestion of manure and apple Wenche
waste Bergland
6 Nitrification of digested cow Rune Bakke and EET Foss farm (Knut
manure Deshai Botheju Vassdal)
7 Methane production combining Rune Bakke, EET -
digestion and photo synthesis Lars Erik Øi and
Finn Haugen
8 Adapting the standard ADM1 Rune Bakke, EET, PT -
model to an experimental biogas Finn Haugen, or SCE
reactor Deshai Botheju
Adress: Kjølnes ring 56, NO-3918 Porsgrunn, Norway. Phone: 35 57 50 00. Fax: 35 55 75 47.
9 Automatic models for Marius Lysaker PT or SCE Jernbaneverket
geographic analysis applied to and Geodata AS
railway lines
10 Densities of CO2-loaded Dag Eimer and PT or EET Tel-Tek (Han
aqueous amine solutions Morten Chr. Jingyi)
Melaaen
11 Physical solubility and mass Dag Eimer PT or EET Tel-Tek (Ying
transfer of carbon dioxide in Jiru)
aqueous MEA solutions via
volume-drop method
12 Embedded CO2 cost in industrial Wilhelm EET or PT Tel-Tek (Arne
products Rondeel Anundskås)
13 CCS in the Skagerrak/Kattegatt Wilhelm EET, PT Tel-Tek (Anette
region – transport options Rondeel or SCE Mathisen)
14 Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus Lars Erik Øi PT or EET -
simulation programs for CO2
absorption
15 Cost estimation of CO2 removal Lars Erik Øi PT or EET -
based on process simulation and
equipment dimensioning
16 Development of CO2 removal Lars Erik Øi EET University of Reserved
process optimization (reserved) Kiev
methodology based on process
simulation and cost estimation
tools
17 Multiphase flow simulations Britt Halvorsen PT Kongsberg Oil Reserved
using Leda-Flow together with (reserved) & Gas
K-Spice Technologies
18 Inflow control and packers in Britt Halvorsen PT Statoil Research Reserved
horizontal oil wells (reserved) Centre
Porsgrunn
(Dr.ing Vidar
Mathiesen)
19 Improving the efficiency of a Britt Halvorsen PT RB Kolubara Reserved
coal power plant using CLC (reserved) (ESP) Serbia
20 Inflow control and packers in Britt Halvorsen PT Statoil Research Reserved
horizontal oil wells (reserved) Centre
Porsgrunn (Atle
Johnsen
Gyllensten)
21 Butane dehydrogenation Klaus-Joachim PT or EET Norner
Jens Innovation AS
22 Analysis of oxidative Klaus-Joachim PT or EET Tel-Tek (Wang
degradation of amines by Ion Jens Tielin)
Chromatography
23 HPLC analysis of amine waste Klaus-Joachim PT or EET Tel-Tek (Jon
originating from a CO2 capture Jens Hovland)
unit
24 Determination of equilibrium Klaus-Joachim PT or EET Statoil
constants for the CO2 capture Jens and
reaction by amines Gamunu
Arachchige
25 Biomass Micro Fuel combustion Lars-André PT or EET Huazhong
in laboratory kiln Tokheim University of
Science and
Technology
(Xiao Bo)
26 Evaluation of rotary kiln Lars-André SCE, PT Norcem
modelling results by Tokheim and or EET (Arnstein
experimental data from full-scale Hiromi Jakobsen; Jarle
tests Ariyaratne Jacobsen)
27 Laser measurements of fire water Dag PT, EET Statoil
droplet Bjerketvedt, or SCE
Knut Vågsæther,
Marius Lysaker
and André
Gaathaug
28 CO2 shock tube Dag PT or EET Statoil
Bjerketvedt,
Knut Vågsæther
and André
Gaathaug
29 Explosions of hydrogen-air in Dag PT or EET Statoil and IEA
confined spaces Bjerketvedt, HIA Task 31
Knut Vågsæther project
and André
Gaathaug
30 Control and optimisation of Bjørn SCE Skagerak Kraft Reserved
‘Kragerø-vassdraget’ Glemmestad and (Reserved) (Gunne Hegglid)
Dietmar Winkler
31 Gas lift control and optimisation Bjørn SCE Statoil (Kjetil
for a field with five oil wells Glemmestad Fjalestad)
32 Flow rate estimation and data Bjørn PT or SCE Statoil (Geir
reconciliation for gas lifted oil Glemmestad / Arne Evjen og
wells Carlos Pfeiffer Kjetil Fjalestad)
33 Use of MPC in hydropower Bjørn SCE -
plants Glemmestad and
Wenjing Zhou
34 Surge control for subsea turbo Bjørn SCE FMC Kongsberg
compressors and multi-phase Glemmestad Subsea, Process
pumps using cascade-loop with Department,
torque or power control as the Asker
inner fast loop
35 Modeling and predictive control Bernt Lie SCE ISEL, Lisboa
of a tubular bioreactor (José Igreja)
36 Port-Hamiltonian modeling and Bernt Lie SCE -
control of hydro power systems
37 Modeling for control of hydro Bernt Lie SCE -
power systems
38 Design study of laboratory hydro Bernt Lie SCE -
power plant
39 Optimal location of sensors in Bernt Lie SCE Statoil (Alexey
dynamic system Pavlov and
Kjetil Fjalestad)
40 Networked model predictive Bernt Lie SCE ISEL, Lisboa
control (N-MPC) for serial large (José Igreja)
scale processes
41 Power production from osmotic Bernt Lie PT or EET ISEL, Lisboa
pressure difference between (João Gomes)
fresh water and sea water
42 Modelling and control of Carlos Pfeiffer SCE, PT -
industrial boilers and furnaces or EET
43 Tuning techniques for Linear Carlos Pfeiffer SCE, PT -
Model Predictive Control or EET
44 Modeling, Identification and David Di Ruscio SCE Statoil (Kjetil
Control of separator Fjalestad)
45 Discrete LQ optimal control and David Di Ruscio SCE Statoil (Kjetil
MPC with integral action Fjalestad)
46 Optimal PI controller tuning David Di Ruscio SCE Statoil (Kjetil
based on integrator plus time Fjalestad)
delay models
47 System identification for weather David Di Ruscio SCE -
forecasting and Bernt Lie
48 Development of a Model for David Di Ruscio SCE Olsense
estimation of the longitudinal Technology (Ole
and transversal slope of a road Olsen)
based on data from a tri-axis
gyroscope and accelerometer
sensor
49 Modelling, Simulation and Dietmar Winkler SCE -
Optimisation using
JModelica.org
50 Stability Analysis of AGC in the Dietmar Winkler SCE Skagerak Kraft / Reserved
Norwegian Energy System (Reserved) Statkraft
51 New developments in acoustic Maths SCE -
chemometrics - assessment of 3- Halstensen,
axial accelerometers and flow Benjamin Kaku
conditioners for process Arvoh and
monitoring of liquid/liquid, Felicia Nkem
liquid/gas, solids/gas systems Ihunegbo
52 ModBus protocol tester with Nils-Olav Skeie SCE KROHNE
record/replay option Skarpenord
(Håkon
Tjelland)
53 Wireless Sensor Network based Morten SCE Pepperl+Fuchs
on RFID sensors, with system Pedersen and (Agnar Sæland)
integration Nils-Olav Skeie
54 Monitoring and control of Magne Waskaas PT, EET -
Lithium-ion batteries and Nils-Olav or SCE
Skeie
55 Data Fusion with ERT & ECT Saba SCE PTL Ltd.,
for image enhancement in Mylvaganam, Manchester and
interface detection in pipe Britt Halvorsen, University of
separators Yan Ru, Manchester
Chaminda
Pradeep and
Christo
Rautenbach
56 Tomographic approach to flow Saba SCE or PT PTL Ltd.,
regime identification in Mylvaganam, Manchester and
multiphase flow Yan Ru, University of
Chaminda Manchester
Pradeep and
Christo
Rautenbach
57 Ultrasonic Level Measurements Saba SCE Tel-Tek (Håkon
with buffer rods Mylvaganam Viumdal) and
Hydro (Morten
Liane and Bjørn
Petter Moxnes)
58 System Integration of NI WSN Saba SCE National
in DELTA V platform Mylvaganam Instruments and
and Hans Petter Emerson Process
Halvorsen Management
59 Flow regime detection in Saba SCE or PT PTL Ltd.,
different particles using Mylvaganam, Manchester
Electrical Capacitance Britt Halvorsen,
Tomography Yan Ru and
Christo
Rautenbach
60 Use of CANbus X-analyser from Saba SCE GE Oil and Gas Reserved
Softing to access CANbus Mylvaganam (Reserved) Drilling and
subsea instruments Production
Systems
61 Test unit for CO2 capture Hans Petter SCE Tel-Tek
solvent Halvorsen and
Klaus-Joachim
Jens
62 Optimization of a Jenike tester Gisle Enstad EET, PT -
or SCE
63 Powder Power – a feasibility Gisle Enstad EET, PT Tel-Tek, dept.
study or SCE POSTEC
(Songxiong
Ding)
64 Measurement of minimum Gisle Enstad PT Tel-Tek, dept.
fluidisation velocity with an POSTEC
elevated temperature fluidisation (Songxiong
rig Ding)
65 Particle size reduction with a pin Gisle Enstad PT Tel-Tek, dept.
mill POSTEC
(Songxiong
Ding)
66 Determination of Particle Gisle Enstad PT or EET Tel-Tek, dept.
Velocities in Pneumatic POSTEC
Conveying (Chandana
Ratnayake)
67 Development of a connection Dietmar Winkler SCE MiljøBil
card for battery packs in and Nils-Olav Grenland (E.
electrical cars Skeie Engen and R.
Stoiber)

Title: Comparison of oil droplet sizing techniques – Laser Diffraction vs. Optical video
technique.
TUC supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Knut Vågsæther
External partner: M-I Epcon
Task description:
- Do a literature review of Laser diffraction and Optical video technique.

- Plan and perform experiments with different drop size distributions in the M-I Epcon
test rig.
- Use both Malvern Mastersizer and Advanced Sensors OiW.
- Write a report.
Task background:
Determination of oil droplet sizes in produced water is important to predict and understand oil
removal efficiencies for various oil removal equipment. One can often see that the oil removal
process is linked to a certain oil droplet size.
Typical and standard method for oil droplet sizing is use of Laser Diffraction techniques, such
as manual sampling for Malvern Mastersizer, but online technique is also available. More
recently one other method has reach the marked and the oil industry. This new method is
based on online video camera technique (optical) and is equipped with software that will
count visual droplets and particles in the produced water. Software can also to some extent
divide these substances into oil and particles.
Comparison has already shown discrepancies, and it is important to learn more on how to
compare results from the two methods.
Student:
Marius Røring (2PT), reserved
Practical arrangements:
Experiments will be performed at M-I Epcon.
Signatures:
Student (date and signature):
Supervisor (date and signature):


Title: Modeling and simulation of Calcium Nitrate use in Biogas production processes
TUC supervisor: Prof. Rune Bakke and Post doc Deshai Botheju
External partner: Yara International
Task description: The existing model for Oxygen shall be adapted to Nitrate and calibrated
based on laboratory data. The model may also be expanded as needed to handle observed
process behaviour.
Task background: Biogas production is essential for renewable energy supply. It has been
found that the addition of Oxygen as well as Calcium Nitrate is a possibility to enhance
digestion; increase CH4 production and reduce H2S formation. For the Oxygen optimized
process a model was already built up and calibrated with tests on micro aeration. It seems to
be necessary for a better understanding to perform similar for Calcium Nitrate application:
Yara has a global business based upon controlled dosing of calcium nitrate in municipal and
industrial sewer systems to prevent emissions of H2S. The company is continuously searching
for new applications related to the existing. This project fits very well into their development
strategy.
Student category: PT, EET or SCE students
Practical arrangements: The Master Thesis will be performed At TUC in cooperation with
Yara International, by Wolfram Franke at Yara Technology Centre in Porsgrunn
Signatures:

Title: Large scale test of Calcium Nitrate for optimization of Biogas production processes
External partner: Yara International
Task description: The use of Calcium Nitrate shall be tested in a digester on a waste water
treatment plant. Results will later on be joined with results from a large scale test performed
on an agricultural biogas plant in Germany. Result of the Thesis shall be a comparison of
Calcium Nitrate treated/untreated systems as well as waste water treatment plant versus
agricultural plant.
Task background: Biogas production is essential for renewable energy supply. It has been
found that the addition of Oxygen as well as Calcium Nitrate is a possibility to enhance
digestion; increase CH4 production and reduce H2S formation. For the Oxygen optimized
process a model was already built up and calibrated with tests on micro aeration. It seems to
be necessary for a better understanding to perform similar for Calcium Nitrate application:
Yara has a global business based upon controlled dosing of calcium nitrate in municipal and
industrial sewer systems to prevent emissions of H2S. The company is continuously searching
for new applications related to the existing. This project fits very well into their development
strategy.
Student category: EET students
Practical arrangements: The Master Thesis will be performed At TUC in cooperation with
Yara International, by Wolfram Franke at Yara Technology Centre in Porsgrunn
Signatures:

Title: Pilot scale biogas process performance
TUC supervisor: Prof. Rune Bakke and Assist. Prof. Wenche Bergland
External partner:
Task description:
Run an AD pilot reactor treating apple waste to optimize and document its performance. Make
mass and energy balances. Model and simulate the process. Evaluate the automatic control
system.
Task background:
A research objective is to optimize biogas processes, which includes the development of
methods to enhance the process efficiency and stability. The pilot reactor in the process hall is
an instrument for this purpose.
Practical arrangements: Provided by TUC.
Signatures:

Title: Biogas production of co-digestion of manure and apple waste
TUC supervisor: Prof. Rune Bakke and Assist. Prof. Wenche Bergland
External partner:
Task description: Run many batch AD reactors treating various mixtures of apple waste and
pig manure to identify good mixtures for biogas production performance. Make mass and
energy balances. Model and simulate full scale plants.
Task background:
A research objective is to optimize biogas processes, which includes the development of
methods to enhance the process efficiency and stability, including co-digestion of waste
materials.
Signatures:

Title: Nitrification of digested cow manure
External partner: Knut Vasdal, Foss farm
Task description:
Run fed batch pilot nitrifying reactors treating cow manure that has been through anaerobic
digestion for biogas production to document its performance. Make mass and energy balances.
Model and simulate the process. Evaluate the concept.
Task background:
A research objective is to optimize biogas processes, but AD processes are not very
economically attractive in agriculture unless added value for the manure as fertilizer is also
obtained. A combination of new biogas process and the production of a valuable nitrified
liquid fertilizer can make AD solutions more favourable. The combined concept is tested
independently in lab scale and pilot processes in field tests on cow manure for the AD part.
Nitrification is only tested in lab. More work is therefore required to combine the key process
steps in pilot scale. A proposed project is intended to test nitrification in lab and pilot scale of
the liquid effluent from the existing AD pilot plant at Foss farm in Skien, and to evaluate
quality and value of the nitrified fertilizer.
Signatures:

Title: Methane production combining digestion and photo synthesis
TUC supervisor: Prof. Rune Bakke, Assoc. Prof. Lars Erik Øi and Assoc. Prof. Finn Haugen
External partner:
Task description: Make mathematical models of process combinations for biogas production.
Implement the models on selected simulation platforms and evaluate the usefulness of these
platforms for various simulation purposes. Simulate hypothetical cases to identify potentially
sustainable process combinations.
Task background: A research objective is to optimize biogas processes, but AD processes

are generally not very economically attractive. Modeling and simulations are attractive tools
to search for the most feasible process plant designs.
Signatures:

Title: Adapting the standard ADM1 model to an experimental biogas reactor
TUC supervisor: Rune Bakke, Finn Haugen, Deshai Botheju
External partner:
Task description: ADM1 (Anaerobic Digestion Model no. 1) is a standard model of

developed by a task group in IWA( International Water Association). The main aim of this
thesis is to adapt the ADM1 model to en existing experimental biogas reactor located at
Telemark University College. Data files from previous experiments are available, but running
new experiments is also to be considered. The ADM1 model can be simulated in Aquasim
and/or Simba (both simulation tools are available at TUC). Another aim of the thesis is to give
an overview over various ADM models (the ADM1 model is not the only AD model), and
proper methods of model adaption.
Task background: In the research activities at TUC about optimization and control of biogas
production in AD (Anaerobic Digestion) reactors mathematical models play an important role.
To make these models become sufficiently accurate, they must be adapted to data from
experiments made on the given physical systems (reactors).
Student category: EET, PT, SCE
Signatures:

Title: Automatic models for geographic analysis applied to railway lines
TUC supervisor: Marius Lysaker
External partner: Jernbaneverket and Geodata AS
Task background:
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a rapidly growing discipline that allows for
analysis of geographic data within a variety of applications. The background for this task is
the need for analyzing existing railway lines. To estimate the optimal speed a train can hold
along a given route, it is essential to have detailed information regarding all horizontal and
vertical curvatures along the track. Horizontal curve radius is not currently documented
geographically for existing railway lines in Norway and estimation of optimal speeds is
currently based on manual registration. The purpose of this thesis is to develop a framework
for calculating horizontal curvature along the railway and use this for recognition of areas
where the horizontal curvature is above a given threshold.
Task description:
 Basic software study

o ArcGIS Desktop
o Python
 Develop a mathematical framework in Python and implement user interface in ArcGIS
Desktop
 Investigate possible automatic solutions
 Compare results with results from manual registrations
Student category:
PT or SCE students
GIS training will be given by Geodata AS.
Signatures:


Title: Densities of CO2-loaded aqueous amine solutions
TUC supervisor: Prof. Dag Eimer and Morten Chr. Melaaen (co-supervisor)
External partner: Han Jingyi (assistant supervisor), Tel-Tek
Task description:
The task is to measure densities of aqueous amine solutions loaded with CO2 to various levels at
a range of temperatures. It is furthermore intended that the data shall be correlated by fitting
parameters to appropriate models such that these models can account for mixture densities at
various temperatures, amine concentrations and CO2 loadings. Literature review is of course
part of this work. The amine in focus will be MDEA (N-Methyldiethanolamine) and DEA
(Diethanolamine). The densities of unloaded MDEA and DEA solutions are available and can
be used to compare and for correlation work. The work will, however, start with some work on
MEA solutions to check previous measurements and to “run in” the technique for the new
student.
All data measured shall be analyzed and correlated. Uncertainties shall be estimated. Formal
chemical engineering analysis shall be applied to all details of the method.
Final thesis shall include literature review, review and description of experimental technique,
theoretical treatment and a discussion of the work and achievements.
Task background:
In recent years, the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial gas streams has become
even more important due to the focus on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The removal of
CO2 is considered to be the largest contributor to the global warming, and is thus the major
target for reduction.
Chemical absorption is the main method for removal of CO2. MEA has been employed as an
important industrial absorbent with its rapid reaction rate, relative low cost and thermal
stability. In order to improve the energy efficiency of MEA, the mass fraction of its aqueous
solution is generally wanted increased.
This work is an integral and important part of a big research effort financed by Statoil and the
Norwegian Research Council. The focus of this project is to develop new technology for
capture of CO2 from exhaust gases. This again is part of efforts made to reduce the cost of
cutting climate gas emissions.
Physical data including solution densities are important parameters for industrial design
estimates. There is still uncharted territory.
Student category:
PT or EET students
In the CO2 laboratory a new density meter, or meters, (Anton Paar DMA4500 and DMAHP) are
available for measuring densities of liquids including CO2 loaded solutions. The density meter
can operate with pressure and temperatures to cover all the range met in absorption-desorption
process. There are also facilities for making gas mixtures to control the atmosphere over the
solution when measuring with CO2 loadings. An automatic burette is available for titrations
needed to determine liquid compositions.
Signatures:


Title: Physical solubility and mass transfer of carbon dioxide in aqueous MEA solutions via
volume-drop method
TUC supervisor: Prof. Dag A. Eimer
External partner: Tel-Tek, Ying Jiru (Jerry) (Assistant supervisor)
Task description:
Investigate physical solubility of CO2 in aqueous Monoethanolamine (MEA) solutions by

using "N2O analogy method". It is an integral part of the work to investigate properties of the
apparatus to be used. The student will use a modified experimental technique to study the
physical solubilities and mass transfer coefficient of aq.MEA+CO2 system at 20-70 °C.
There is a need to study experimentally properties of an improved experimental method that

has been developed. Therefore, it is necessary to make a modification of the test method and
measure the solubility of CO2 in aqueous MEA solutions with a wide concentration range and
variation of ionic strength.
All data measured shall be analyzed and correlated. Uncertainties shall be estimated. Formal
chemical engineering analysis shall be applied to all details of the method.
Final thesis shall include literature review, review and description of experimental technique,
theoretical treatment and a discussion of the work and achievements.
Task background:
In recent years, the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial gas streams has become
even more important due to the focus on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The removal
of CO2 is considered to be the largest contributor to the global warming, and is thus the major
target for reduction.
Chemical absorption is the main method for removal of CO2. MEA has been employed as an
important industrial absorbent with its rapid reaction rate, relative low cost and thermal
stability. In order to improve the energy efficiency of MEA, the mass fraction of its aqueous
solution is generally wanted increased.
capture of CO2 from exhaust gases. This again is part of efforts made to reduce the cost of
cutting climate gas emissions.
Physical solubility and mass transfer coefficient are important parameters for investigation of
diffusivity, reaction kinetic calculations and industrial design. Even though the solubilities of
N2O and CO2 in aqueous MEA solution are studied by many researchers, the reported data
differs relatively much. This is probably caused by different measurement methods used and
by the fact that the solubility is sensitive to operating conditions such as gas saturating,
leakage from the absorption set-up and air purge.
Student category:
PT and EET students
Laboratory facilities and apparatus will be provided. The apparatus and auxiliary equipment is
ready for use.
Signatures:


Title: Embedded CO2 cost in industrial products
TUC supervisor: Prof. Wilhelm Rondeel, TUC
External partner: Dr.ing. Arne Anundskås, TelTek
Task description:
The CO2 sources in the CCS project described below (Task background) are a mixture of
industrial and power generation processes. Cement factories, petrochemical plants, fertilizer
industry as well as gas and coal fired power stations are included.
It is of importance for the project to visualize the real technical costs (independent of possible
free allocations of CO2 quotas, fiscal and taxation regimes) related to the abatement of CO2
embedded in the final product.
Most of the industrial partners in the project are facing tough global competition. Through this
analysis the possible future challenge, in a world where the total CCS cost may have to be
carried by the emitter, can be visualized.
The task will most probably involve some elements of LCA (Life Cycle Analysis) and
reflections related to so-called possible “carbon leakage”.
The CO2 embedded in necessary external inputs, as electric power, or raw materials, to the
relevant process has to be included, but treated separately, in the total analysis.
In addition to the industrial processes relevant for the Interreg – Gassnova project, other
industrial processes important for Norway, like aluminium and ferroalloys, could be included.
An approximate cost database that contains the relevant input parameters related to CCS is
available from the project database.
Task background:
Telemark University College is, together with TelTek, engaged in a CO2 project on CCS
(Carbon Capture and Storage), financed by industry, Gassnova (The Norwegian State) and the
European Union (Interreg). The project has a focus on the complete CCS value chain, from
capture, through transport options to a final storage, preferably in the Skagerrak/Kattegatt
region.
This project is characterized by the fact that CO2 from a number of both industrial sources and
power generation, in the three Scandinavian countries, is included.
Student category:
EET and PT students
No laboratory requirements or other special facilities needed.
Signatures:


Title: CCS in the Skagerrak/Kattegatt region – transport options
TUC supervisor: Prof. Wilhelm Rondeel, TUC
External partner: Ph.D. Anette Mathisen, TelTek
Task description:
The development of an optimized transport system for CO2 from a number of geographically
distributed CO2 sources in the Skagerrak/Kattegatt region to a final storage location is an
important part of the Interreg – Gassnova project described below (Task background).
A primary task will be to develop a general model, or methodology, for finding a robust and
cost optimized total transport concept.
Input parameters like geographical locations, volumes and unit costs for ship and pipeline
transport are, at a relatively approximate level, available from the project data base.
It shall be a part of the task to apply the developed model/methodology on the specific
parameters in the actual project, and propose a preferred concept to the project team.
Task background:
Telemark University College is, together with TelTek, engaged in a

CO2 project on CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage), financed by industry, Gassnova (The
Norwegian State) and the European Union (Interreg).
The project has a focus on the complete CCS value chain, from capture, through transport
options to a final storage, preferably in the Skagerrak/Kattegatt region.
This project is characterized by the fact that CO2 from a number of both industrial sources and
power generation, in the three Scandinavian countries, is included.
Student category:
EET, PT and SCE students
No laboratory requirements or other special facilities needed.
Signatures:


Title: Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus simulation programs for CO2 absorption
TUC supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Lars Erik Øi
External partner: -
Task description:
Aims:
Compare different process simulation programs especially HYSYS (Aspen HYSYS) and
Aspen Plus for the calculation of CO2 removal from atmospheric exhaust gas.
Tasks:
1. Literature search on process simulation of plants for CO2 removal from atmospheric
exhaust.
2. Aspen HYSYS calculations of CO2 removal with absorption and desorption in an
amine solution. Calculations of dependencies of different removal efficiencies,
process choices, equipment dimensions and other assumptions.
3. Calculations with the simulating program Aspen Plus, and possibly with the program
Promax, and make comparisons with Hysys calculations.
4. Evaluation of advantages and draw-backs with the different programs.
Task background:
The most actual method for removal of CO2 from atmospheric exhaust is by the help of amine
solutions.
Aspen HYSYS has been much used in student projects at Telemark University College for
process simulation of CO2 removal. Other programs are also available.
Reference:
Øi, L.E.(speaker), “Aspen HYSYS Simulation of CO2 Removal by Amine Absorption
from a Gas Based Power Plant”, SIMS2007 Conference, Gøteborg 30.-31.10.2007.
Internett: http://www.ep.liu.se/ecp/027/008/ecp072708.pdf
Jane Nysæter Madsen: Process Simulation Programs for CO2 Absorption, Master
Thesis, Høgskolen I Telemark, Spring 2010.
Student category:
PT and EET students
The working place will be TUC.
Signatures:


Title: Cost estimation of CO2 removal based on process simulation and equipment
dimensioning
External partner: -
Task description:
Aims:
Improve models for calculation, equipment dimensioning and cost estimation of CO2 removal
from atmospheric exhaust gas. Evaluate the influence of different cost estimation sources.
Tasks:
1. Evaluation of earlier projects on process simulation, equipment dimensioning and cost

estimation of CO2 removal plants.
2. Aspen HYSYS calculations of CO2 removal with absorption and desorption in an
amine solution.
3. Calculate cost estimates based on process simulation with different cost estimation
data.
4. Evaluation of uncertainties in the calculations.
Task background:
The most actual method for removal of CO2 from atmospheric exhaust is by the help of amine
solutions. Cost estimates for CO2 removal from gas based power plants have been made for
Kårstø, Tjeldbergodden, Mongstad and Porsgrunn. The details in these cost estimates are
normally not open available.
HYSYS has been much used in student projects at Telemark University College for process
simulation and as a basis for dimensioning and cost estimation of CO2 removal. However,
these calculations have large uncertainties. Telemark University College has collaborated
with different companies (TelTek, Hydro, Aker Kværner, Norcem and Skagerak) which work
with plans for CO2 removal. In autumn 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, Master student projects
have resulted in an improved model for cost estimation using Aspen HYSYS.
Student category:
PT and EET students
The working place will be TUC.
Signatures:


Title: Development of CO2 removal process optimization methodology based on process
simulation and cost estimation tools
External partner: University of Kiev
Task description and background:
To be specified later.
Student:
Vladyslav Shchuchenko (EET), reserved
To be determined.
Signatures:

Title: Multiphase flow simulations using Leda-Flow together with K-Spice
TUC supervisor: Assoc. Professor Britt Halvorsen
External partner: Kongsberg Oil & Gas Technologies
Task description:
Studying problems related to multiphase flow in pipelines. The student is going to use a new
simulation tool for multiphase flow called Leda-Flow, in combination with the dynamic
process simulator K-Spice®. K-Spice® is used for detailed design and verification of oil and
gas processes and control systems at all stages of the Lifecycle process.
Task background: -
Student:
Stian Dreyer Jonskås, reserved
Work location for the thesis will be at Kongsberg Oil & Gas Technologies.
The study and report is confidential.
Signatures:

Title: Inflow control and packers in horizontal oil wells
External partner: Statoil Research Centre Porsgrunn (Dr.ing Vidar Mathiesen)
Task description:
The study can be divided into 3 sub-activities:
 Perform a literature study to find state of the art of inflow control device and packers
for horizontal oil wells, with emphasis on carbonate reservoirs.
 Establish a near well model of reservoir by using CFD. Include required sub-models
and perform a verification of the model versus literature data.
 Perform near wells simulation of selected cases with different inflow control and
packers.
Task background:
Statoil is the largest oil and gas producer on the Norwegian shelf. In addition, Statoil is
participating in oil and gas production in Canada, Angola, Gulf of Mexico, Libya, Russia,
Brazil, Iran and Iraq among others. In Porsgrunn, Statoil has a research centre, and they are
responsible for R&D related to upstream and downstream activities. Both experimental and
theoretical studies are done. The research centre has an important activity related to inflow
control device (ICD) in order to increase oil recovery.
Work location for the thesis will be at Telemark University College, but in close relation with
researchers at Statoil.
Signatures:


Title: Improving the efficiency of a coal power plant using CLC
TUC supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Britt Halvorsen
External partner: RB Kolubara (ESP) Serbia
Task background:
The emission of CO2 from coal power plants is significant, and improvements of the power
production process are needed. Separation of CO2 from the exhaust gas decreases the thermal
efficiency of the power plant. It is important find methods to reduce the CO2 emission and at
the same time keep the efficiency at an acceptable level.
Task description:
Literature study on:
 Chemical Looping Combustion in combination with coal power plant.
 Combination of coal and biomass. Gasification.
Calculation of thermal efficiency by using alternative methods for reducing CO2 emission.
The study may include a visit to:

 Vienna University of Technology to meet researchers working with “Gasification”
and “Chemical looping Combustion”.
 Power plant (8MW) in Guessing, Austria based on a circulating fluidized bed steam
blown gasifier.
Student category:
Dragan Pavlovic (PT), reserved
Work location for the thesis will be at RB Kolubara (ESP) Serbia
Signatures:

Title: Inflow control and packers in horizontal oil wells
External partner: Statoil Research Centre Porsgrunn (Atle Johnsen Gyllensten)
Task description:
Statoil want to improve the method of modelling ICD by using CFD. The Simulations will be
performed with moving grid to study the force balance on a disk in the ICD. The study will
include:
 Simulations with Fluent/Ansys
 Simulations with the open source alternative OpenFOAM
 Comparison of the results from these two CFD tools
Task background: -
Statoil is the largest oil and gas producer on the Norwegian shelf. In addition, Statoil is
participating in oil and gas production in Canada, Angola, Gulf of Mexico, Libya, Russia,
Brazil, Iran and Iraq among others. In Porsgrunn, Statoil has a research centre, and they are
responsible for R&D related to upstream and downstream activities. Both experimental and
theoretical studies are done. The research centre has an important activity related to inflow
control device (ICD) in order to increase oil recovery.
Student:
Kjetil Brakstad, reserved
Work location for the thesis will be at Statoil, in close relation with researchers there. The
study and report is confidential. The student has to sign a confidential agreement.
Signatures:


Title: Butane dehydrogenation
TUC supervisor: Prof. Klaus-J. Jens
External partner: Norner Innovation AS
Task description:
Butene-1 (B-1) and butadiene (BD) are valuable petrochemical feedstocks. Recently butene-2
(B-2) has been increasingly focused as raw material for the metathesis reaction butene-to-
propylene. All these molecules may be produced by n-butane dehydrogenation using i.e. the
Houdry process (today: Catadiene process; chromia-alumina catalyst).
The task of the project is to investigate n-butene dehydrogenation and in particular the process
window with respect to yield optimization of B-1, cis/trans B-2 vs BD. This investigation
shall also include, if time permits, oxydehydrogenation conditions utilizing either oxygen or
CO2 as oxidant also in conjunction with a mesoporous catalyst support.
Task background:
Alkane dehydrogenation reactions are equilibrium limited[1] and hence recent development
efforts have focused on oxidative dehydrogenation. However, the presence of oxygen also
reduces olefin yield[2],[3],[4],[5]. Already in 1972 CO2 has been proposed as a ‘soft’ oxidizing
agent for dehydrogenation of C2-C4 alkanes[6]. This theme has recently been re-investigated
for i-butane (Cr2O3-SiO2 [7] and NiO/Al2O3 [8]catalysts) and n-butane (titanium pyrophosphate
catalyst[9]) oxydehydrogenation. Interestingly oxidative dehydrogenation supported by CO2
addition is showing promising results on catalysts containing mesoporous support
materials[10].
Kinetic studies during the 1950’s and 1960’s indicate that n-butane dehydrogenation to
butene-1 (B-1), butene-2 (B-2) and butadiene (BD) may be a step-wise process[11]. The
relative amounts of B-1 vs cis/trans B-2 are given by the thermodynamics at reaction
conditions ; the chromia- alumina catalyst is reported to give near thermodynamic equilibrium
yield[11].
The Catadiene dehydrogenation technology is optimized towards BD yield. Today B-1/B-2

interconversion technology is available[12]. But although the chromia-alumina catalyst is the
classic Catadiene catalyst, optimization of B-1/B-2 vs BD yield has, to our knowledge, not
been reported. This optimization could be an important piece of know-how to utilize n-alkane
dehydrogenation (i.e. Catadiene) technology in a novel manner.
Student category:
PT, EET students
The catalyst test rig is available in the process hall. The catalyst(s) is(are) to be prepared in
cooperation with Norner Innovation AS.
Signatures:
[1] J. A. Moulijn, M. Makkee, A. van Diepen, Chemical Process Technology, 2007.

[2] E. A. Mamedov*, V. C. Corberan, Applied Catalysis A: General 1995, 127, 1.
[3] W. Liu, S. Y. Lai, H. Dai, S. Wang, H. Sun, C. T. Au*, Catalysis Today 2008, 131,
450.
[4] R. Vidal-Michel, K. L. Hohn*, Journal of Catalysis 2005, 221, 127.
[5] C. Larese*, J. M. Campos-Martin, J. J. Calvino, G. Blanco, J. L. G. Fierro*, Z. C.
Kang, Journal of Catalysis 2002, 208, 12.
[6] D. B. Fox, E. H. Lee*, M.-H. Rei, Industrial Engineering Chemistry Product Research
Development 1972, 11, 444.
[7] M. A. Botavina, G. Martra, A. Y. A., N. A. Gaidai, N. V. Nekrasov, D. V. Trushin, S.
Coluccia, A. L. Lapidus, Applied Catalysis A: General 2008, 347, 126.
[8] J.-F. Ding, Z.-F. Qin, S.-W. Chen, X.-K. Li, G.-F. Wang, J.-G. Wang*, Journal of
Fuel Chemistry and Technology 2010, 38, 458.
[9] F. Urlan, I.-C. Marcu*, I. Sandulescu, Catalysis Communications 2008, 9, 2403.
[10] X. Zhao, X. Wang*, Catalysis Communications 2006, 7, 633.
[11] S. Carra, L. Forni, C. Vintani, Journal of Catalysis 1967, 9, 154.
[12] R. J. Gartside, M. I. Greene, H. Kaleem, Hydrocarbon Processing 2005, 57.

Title: Analysis of oxidative degradation of amines by Ion Chromatography
TUC supervisor: Prof. Klaus-J. Jens
External partner: Wang Tielin / Tel-Tek
Task description:
The task is to optimize an anion chromatography (IC) based method to identify products of
oxidative degradation of amine for CO2 capture, typically MEA, AMP, etc.
The degraded MEA solutions will be prepared in an autoclave at different conditions. The
work includes quantitative analysis of MEA degradation products. This will require
preparation of a calibration curve and measurement of different degraded samples.
Furthermore, a literature review of the oxidative degradation of MEA shall be included. A

comparison to the literature study is to be made.
Task background:
Carbon dioxide removal from flue gas streams is important to reduce its greenhouse effect.
MEA is the most widely used solvent for CO2 absorption, but its use in an oxidizing
environment such as a flue gas may be more limited because of oxidative degradation[1], [2], [3].
A better understanding of the possible MEA degradation pathways is important for
developing a MEA oxidation inhibition strategy.
capture of CO2 from exhaust gases.
Student category:
PT or EET students
An anion chromatograph is available for amine degradation products analysis. An autoclave

and a thermostat for preparing degraded amine solutions are ready in the CO2 laboratory. This
reaction unit can be operated at wide ranges of pressures and temperatures. Other facilities
such as electric balance and automatic titrator are also available in the CO2 laboratory.
Signatures:
[1] B. R. Strazisar*, R. R. Anderson, C. M. White, Energy & Fuels 2003, 17, 1034.
[2] H. Lepaumier, D. Picq, P.-L. Carrette*, Industrial Engineering Chemistry Research
2009, 48, 9061.
2009, 48, 9068.

Title: HPLC analysis of amine waste originating from a CO2 capture unit
TUC supervisor: Prof. Klaus-Joachim Jens

Senior Engineer Nora Furuvik
External partner: J. Hovland / Tel-Tek
Task description:
Investigation of the POPLC concept for application on aged amine absorbent/amine waste
samples. Proof of concept by analysis of model amine waste samples and real samples.
o Review degraded amine analysis literature.

o Using a standard test, run in the HPLC unit
o Establish POPLC concept on a HPLC unit.
o Identification of the mobile phase
o HPLC column identification
o POPLC demonstration on a model of a degraded amine system
o Application of developed POPLC method on industrial degraded amine solution
Task background:
An amine based absorption-desorption process is generally accepted as the work horse of
post-combustion CO2 removal. Amine degradation1 during flue-gas clean-up is an issue of
concern and current investigations. Due to the large variety of compounds formed, i.e. amine
derivatives, aldehydes, organic acids, inorganic/organic salts etc, an array of analysis methods
has to be employed if a complete mass balance is required.
Thus there is a need to find a new fast analysis method for aged amine analysis.
The traditional first step in liquid chromatographic (i.e. HPLC) analysis is stationary phase
selection followed by mobile phase & operating condition optimisation2. This is due to the
1
B.R. Strazisar, R.R. Anderson, C.M. White, Energy & Fuels, 17, 1034 (2003).
2
Handbook of analytical techniques, Ed. H. Grünzler, A. Williams, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim 2001, Germany
simplicity of the latter two variables. The recent advent of SOS-LC3 has changed this
situation4. Bischoff Chromatography is thus marketing POPLC (phase optimised LC)
technology5 which is based on optimized combination of column segments with different
functionalities for isocratic separation6.
Student category:
PT or EET students
HPLC equipment is available in the instrumental analysis laboratory (E-113).
Signatures:
3
SOS-LC: stationary phase optimised selectivity liquid chromatography
4
S.z. Nyiredy, Z. Szucs, L. Szepesy, J. Chromatogr. A, 1157, 122 (2007).
5
http://www.poplc.de (accessed 07.01.2010).
6
S.z. Nyiredy, Z. Szucs, L. Szepesy, J., Chromatographia, 63, S3 (2006).

Title: Determination of equilibrium constants for the CO2 capture reaction by amines
TUC supervisor: Prof. Klaus–J. Jens / PhD student Gamunu Arachchige
External partner: Statoil
Task description:
The focus of this research is to find K values of the reaction of CO2 with selected amines.
These values will be experimentally determined at constant temperature [T], constant pressure
[P] and constant concentration of amine solution [C] using the classical method (The
Carbamino Quenching Method)1. The results are expected to be important findings for future
research, because the K values for industrially interesting amines are rare in the literature.
Furthermore, a literature review of reported K values of this reaction is to be prepared and
critically reviewed. A summary of known methods for determination of K for the target
reaction is also to be included.
Task background:
Amine based processes are expected to be the most widely employed because of high affinity
for CO2 at low partial pressure of CO2 in the flue gas stream. However, the technology’s
challenge is that it consumes much energy to regenerate the absorbent. Therefore, better
absorbents which consume less energy, have higher cyclic capacity for CO2, higher mass
transfer rate should be found.
In order to speed up development a predictive model to find better and more intelligently
formulated absorbents is needed. The current project will contribute towards this target by
determination of equilibrium constants for the reaction of selected amines with CO2 since
knowledge about the K values is crucial for building a realistic model.
1
Kern, D. M. J. Chem. Educ. 1960, 37 (1), 14 – 23.
Student category:
PT or EET students
Equipment is available in the CO2 laboratory. The carbamino quenching method is established
but needs to be optimised.
Signatures:


[NB: Deadline for chosing this project: 6 December]
Title: Biomass Micro Fuel combustion in laboratory kiln
TUC supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Lars-André Tokheim
External partner: Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Prof. Xiao Bo
Task background:
In cement kilns the thermal energy demand is very high, since a gas temperature of around
2000 °C is required in the rotary kiln. Traditionally, such kilns are fuelled by fossil fuels, typically
pulverized coal, giving relatively high CO2 emissions. Part of the coal can be replaced by biofuels,
which are considered CO2 neutral, hence reducing the net CO2 emissions. Utilization of CO2
neutral fuels in cement kilns is an important research field at TUC [1-5].
Biomass Micro Fuel (BMF) is a fine powder produced from dried biomass, preferrably waste
biomass. Professor Xiao Bo at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in China
has considerable experience with production and characterization of BMF [6-8], and HUST and
TUC have established a research cooperation in the field of BMF combustion, focusing on the
potential utilization of BMF in cement kilns [9]. During the Fall 2010 semester, a student project
group characterized BMF as a fuel and compared it with other fuels [10].
A laboratory kiln is presently being constructed at HUST, and will be used for BMF combustion
experiments.
Task description:
The project could include the following tasks:
 Planning, execution and result evaluation of BMF experiments using the lab kiln at HUST
 If necessary, contributions to the final design of the lab kiln
 Thorough description of the laboratory kiln system at HUST
 Option: Continuation of previous work on BMF characterization
Student category:
PT or EET
The work will be carried at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan,
China, from January (or late December) to June 2011 (6 months). This is made possible through a
Chinese student exchange programme, and is open for European students only (partial funding of
travel/stay is available).
Those interested in going, should indicate this as soon as possible (by 6 December at the latest,
send an email to Lars.A.Tokheim@hit.no), since some preparatory work (visa application etc)
must be made as soon as possible. If you have any questions, don’t hesistate to ask.
Signatures:
References:
[1] Tokheim, L., 'Burning chamber installation for increased use of alternative fuels at Norcem Brevik', Proc. 7th International KHD
Humboldt Wedag Symposium, Cologne, Germany, 17-19 May, 2006
[2] Tokheim, L., 'Kiln system modification for increased utilization of alternative fuels at Norcem Brevik', Cement International 4
(4), 3-8, 2006.
[3] Tokheim, L. & Brevik, P., 'Carbon dioxide emission reduction by increased utilization of waste-derived fuels in the cement
industry', Proc. International Conference on Sustainability in the Cement and Concrete Industry, Lillehammer, Norway, 16-19
September 2007
[4] Tokheim, L.; Gautestad, T.; Axelsen, E. & Bjerketvedt, D., 'Energy recovery of wastes: Experience with solid alternative fuels
combustion in a precalciner cement kiln', Proc. 3rd International Symposium on Incineration and Flue Gas Treatment
Technologies, Brussels, Belgium, 2-4 July 2001
[5] Ariyaratne, W.; Tokheim, L. & Melaaen, M., 'Net CO2 emissions from solid recovered fuels: Evaluation of the selective
dissolution method', Proc. ASME-ATI-UIT 2010 Conference on Thermal and Environmental Issues in Energy Systems,
Sorrento, Italy, 16-19 May 2010
[6] Xiao, B.: “The Introduction of Ecological Energy and Biomass Micro Fuel Technology”, Technial note, Huazhong Univesity of
Science and Technology, May 2007
[7] Xiao, B.: “The Future of the Bio-Energy”, Presentation, Bioenergy Workshop, Shanghai EXPO, China, October 2010
[8] Luo, S.Y., Xiao, B., Hu, Z.Q., Liu, S.M. and Guan, Y.W.: ”Experimental Study on Oxygen-Enriched Combustion of Biomass
Micro Fuel”, Energy, 34, pp. 1880-1884, 2009
[9] Tokheim, L.A.: “Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction by Combustion of Carbon-Neutral Waste Fuels in the Cement Industry”,
Presentation, Bioenergy Workshop, Shanghai EXPO, China, October 2010
[10] Al-Hawani, R., Hasli, Ø. and Li, L., “Biomass Micro Fuel combustion”, Project report, Telemark University College, November
2010

Title: Evaluation of rotary kiln modelling results by experimental data from full-scale tests
TUC supervisors: Assoc. Prof. Lars-André Tokheim, PhD student Hiromi Ariyaratne and
Prof. Morten C. Melaaen
External partner: Norcem (Kiln Engineer Arnstein Jakobsen and Automation Engineeer
Jarle Jacobsen)
Task background:
In cement kilns the thermal energy demand is very high, since a gas temperature of around
2000 °C is required in the rotary kiln. Traditionally, such kilns are fuelled by fossil fuels,
typically pulverized coal, giving relatively high CO2 emissions. Part of the coal can be
replaced by biofuels, which are considered CO2 neutral, hence reducing the net CO2
emissions. Utilization of CO2 neutral fuels in cement kilns is an important research field at
TUC [1-5].
PhD student Hiromi Ariyaratne is investigating to what extent pulverized coal can be replaced
by different types of alternative fuels in the rotary kiln burner of a cement kiln system. The
research, which is executed in close cooperation with Norcem, combines laboratory tests, full-
scale tests and mathematical modelling and simulation of some of the processes in the rotary
kiln.
The modelling work includes simple 0D- and 1D-models implemented in Matlab as well as
2D- and/or 3D-modelling using CFD analysis. For the latter part, optimized grid generation is
a challenge since the combustion process involves very high inlet velocities in the burner.
In the full-scale tests that are to be performed later, process data will be required to
validate/verify the mathematical models. Hence, it has to be determined which data should be
used and how such data could be effectively collected and/or measured.
Portable equipment for measuring gas compositions, as well as equipment for measuring very
high temperatures (>1100 °C) in a difficult environment, has been (or is being) purchased by
TUC. This equipment will be available for making spot measurements in the full-scale
process.
In addition, process data from several thousand “tags” are available from Norcem’s Process
History Database (PHD). Moreover, Norcem has recently installed a new temperature scanner
– continuously measuring the surface temperature of the rotating kiln shell – as well as a
flame temperature pyrometer. The kiln shell temperature distribution and the flame
temperature partly reflect the process going on inside the rotary kiln.
Task description:
The project could include the following tasks:
 Give a thorough technical description of the functioning of the kiln shell temperature
scanner and the flame temperature pyrometer
 Evaluate the quality of the data collected by the mentioned temperature instruments
 Propose an efficient method to extract data from the mentioned temperature
instruments, preferrably for export to Excel or Matlab
 Carry out test measurements using portable equipment (available at TUC) in the full-
scale process
 Evaluate what process data that could/should be used for validation of mathematical
models
 Investigate optimum grid generation for CFD analysis of the combustion process
Student category:
SCE students interested in combustion, PT and EET students interested in instrumentation
The work will primarily be carried out at TUC, however some work at Norcem is foreseen.
Signatures:
References:
[1] Tokheim, L., 'Burning chamber installation for increased use of alternative fuels at Norcem Brevik', Proc. 7th International KHD
Humboldt Wedag Symposium, Cologne, Germany, 17-19 May, 2006
[2] Tokheim, L., 'Kiln system modification for increased utilization of alternative fuels at Norcem Brevik', Cement International 4
(4), 3-8, 2006.
[3] Tokheim, L. & Brevik, P., 'Carbon dioxide emission reduction by increased utilization of waste-derived fuels in the cement
industry', Proc. International Conference on Sustainability in the Cement and Concrete Industry, Lillehammer, Norway, 16-19
September 2007
[4] Tokheim, L.; Gautestad, T.; Axelsen, E. & Bjerketvedt, D., 'Energy recovery of wastes: Experience with solid alternative fuels
combustion in a precalciner cement kiln', Proc. 3rd International Symposium on Incineration and Flue Gas Treatment
Technologies, Brussels, Belgium, 2-4 July 2001
[5] Ariyaratne, W.; Tokheim, L. & Melaaen, M., 'Net CO2 emissions from solid recovered fuels: Evaluation of the selective
dissolution method', Proc. ASME-ATI-UIT 2010 Conference on Thermal and Environmental Issues in Energy Systems,
Sorrento, Italy, 16-19 May 2010

Title: Laser measurements of fire water droplet
TUC supervisors: Professor Dag Bjerketvedt

Assist. Professor Knut Vågsæther ,
Assoc. Professor Marius Lysaker
M.Sc. André Gaathaug
Task description:
1) Make a literature study on laser safety
2) Take part in the installation of the Oxford LC20-50 laser
3) Perform experiments with fire water droplets and high speed filming
4) Test numerical codes for characterisation of water droplets
Task background:
This project will be part of our on work fire and explosion safety in cooperation with Statoil.
Simulation (http://www.computit.no/) of fire mitigation by water sprays requires detailed
knowledge of the droplet size distributions and droplet velocities. Since droplet sizes goes
from m to several mm it’s a demanding task to characterize the spay. In this project we want
to test high speed filming as a method of characterizing droplet size distributions from fire
water sprays. This work will be part of 4 year project finance by Statoil.
Student category:
PT, EET and SCE students
Practical arrangements: At TUC
Signatures:

FMH606 Thesis
Title: CO2 shock tube
TUC supervisors: Professor Dag Bjerketvedt

Assoc. Professor Knut Vågsæther
Task description:
1) Make a literature review on shock tube design and applications of shock tubes.
2) Design a CO2 shock tube experiment
3) Perform experiments with the CO2 shock tube using high speed video and pressure
diagnostics.
Task background:
Carbon capture and storage systems require handling large volumes of high pressure CO2.
Having thorough knowledge of the related hazards is essential in how to prevent, detect,
control and mitigate accidents. Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosions (BLEVEs) of
superheated liquid CO2 boiling is not fully understood. Analogies can be made between gas
explosions and rapid phase transitions occurring in BLEVEs. Laboratory shock tube tests are
needed for validation of equation of state models and for the development of computational
fluid dynamic codes for use in risk analysis.
Student category:
PT or EET students
The work will be carried out at TUC.
Signatures:


Title: Explosions of hydrogen-air in confined spaces
TUC supervisor: Professor Dag Bjerketvedt

Assist. Professor Knut Vågsæther
External partner: Statoil and IEA HIA Task 31 project
Task description:
1) Make a literature review of natural ventilation of hydrogen and explosions of hydrogen-air

in confined spaces
2) Design a test rig for ventilation and explosion testing
3) Perform experiments in the test rig
Task background:
Natural ventilation is an effective way of preventing build-up of combustible hydrogen clouds

inside confined spaces. However, the natural ventilation appears to fail sometimes and
explosion occurs. This type of events needs to be investigated further and the knowledge is of
major practical importance for the industry. This thesis work will be part of the new IEA HIA
Task 31 project on Hydrogen Safety . The New Task 31 was approved at the 63rd HIA
Executive Committee meeting in Istanbul on November 11, 2010.
Student category:
PT or EET students
Practical arrangements: -
Signatures:

FMH606 Master’s Thesis

Title: Control and optimisation of ‘Kragerøvassdraget’
TUC supervisor: Prof. Bjørn Glemmestad / Assist. Prof. Dietmar Winkler
External partner: Skagerak Kraft (Gunne Hegglid)
Task description:
The following tasks should be carried out:

1. Investigate existing model for flow and flood for the water system.
2. Evaluate the need for new automatic measurements.
3. Use model, weather forecast and measurements to estimate water flow and level for
the next 2-5 days.
4. Use MPC and/or optimisation to find optimal control strategy for the gate at Dalsfoss
taking all constrains into account.
Task background:
Today one person is responsible for management of flood situations etc at

‘Kragerøvassdraget’ based on water level and water flow measurements. In addition,
information from weather stations and weather forecasts are used. It is desired to maintain
good competence within this area and it is also desired to automate flood situations to some
extent.
Student category:
SCE
The elective course SCEV3210 ‘Modelling and simulation of hydro power systems’ is
required. Oral communication skills in Norwegian are required and prior knowledge of
Skagerak is beneficial.
Signatures:


Title: Gas lift control and optimisation for a field with five oil wells
TUC supervisor: Prof. Bjørn Glemmestad
External partner: Kjetil Fjalestad, Statoil
Task description:
1. Literature survey on automatic control of flow rates from oil wells with gas lift
2. Literature survey on experience of multi phase flow meters on oil wells
3. Establish simple models for the process units incorporated in gas lifted oil wells (e.g.
control valves and pipe lines)
4. Implement and simulate the models in Matlab
5. Case study: Test the models with data from the Norne-field
6. Design a control system for 5 gas lift valves in the case study enabling optimal oil
production
Task background:
For reservoir monitoring, production planning and optimisation of oil production, it is

important to know what is produced from each well in a reservoir. To determine flow rates of
gas and liquid from each well multi phase meters (MPMs) and/or process models could be
applied. For fields with MPMs installed, the experience with the instruments is not always too
good. Soft sensors (model based estimators) may give better flow rate estimates than MPMs.
Multi phase meters are installed on five wells at Norne. Since the gas lift flow rate is not
measured, and the lift gas is injected upstream the MPMs, the actual produced gas is not
measured. The total gas lift for the five wells is measured. But it is not known how the total
gas lift is distributed to the five wells.
A choke flow model for the gas lift valve is developed. The model inputs are measured
pressures upstream and downstream the gas valve, thus estimating the gas lift flow rate for
each well. Based on the new soft sensing method, the gas lift rates may be calculated on-line.
The model could easily be implemented in the control system, enabling automatic control and
optimisation of the gas lift to each of the wells.
Student category:
SCE students
The work will be carried out at Telemark University College
Signatures:


Title: Flow rate estimation and data reconciliation for gas lifted oil wells
TUC supervisor: Bjørn Glemmestad / Carlos Pfeiffer
External partner: Geir Arne Evjen and Kjetil Fjalestad, Statoil
Task description:
1. Literature survey on automatic control of flow rates from oil wells with gas lift
2. Literature survey on experience of multi phase flow meters on oil wells
3. Establish simple models for the process units incorporated in gas lifted oil wells (e.g.
control valves and pipe lines) to enable flow rate estimation
4. Implement estimators (based on the developed models) and data reconciliation for gas and
oil flow rates in Matlab
5. Case study: Test the methods on data from five wells on the Norne-field
Task background:
For reservoir monitoring, production planning and optimisation of oil production, it is

important to know what is produced from each well in a reservoir. To determine flow rates of
gas and liquid from each well multi phase meters (MPMs) and/or process models could be
applied. For fields with MPMs installed, the experience with the instruments is not always too
good. Soft sensors (model based estimators) may give better flow rate estimates than MPMs.
Multi phase meters are installed on five wells at Norne. Since the gas lift flow rate is not
measured, and the lift gas is injected upstream the MPMs, the actual produced gas is not
measured. The total gas lift for the five wells is measured. But it is not known how the total
gas lift is distributed to the five wells.
A choke flow model for the gas lift valve is developed. The model inputs are measured
pressures upstream and downstream the gas valve, thus estimating the gas lift flow rate for
each well. Using data and models for the gas lift and production wells, the flow rates of gas
and liquid could be estimated for each of the wells. It is important to have robust and accurate
flow rate estimates to optimise the production
Student category:
PT and SCE students
The work will be carried out at Telemark University College.
Signatures:


Title: Use of MPC in hydropower plants
TUC supervisor: Bjørn Glemmestad / Wenjing Zhou
External partner: -
Task description:
The following tasks shall be done:

1. Literature study about control of power plants and hydropower plants in particular.
2. Develop a model (preferably in Matlab) for simulation and control of hydropower
plants
3. Develop (or use) a MPC and/or PID controller the plant and simulate control of
frequency and power
4. Discuss and simulate how MPC can be used in hydropower plants with more than one
turbine/generator for optimal distribution of loads and in case of shut-down of one
unit.
Task background:
This master thesis is within the scope of research at Telemark University College within
control and optimisation of hydropower plants. If the work is very successful parts of it may
be published at an international conference.
Student category: SCE
Some previous knowledge of hydropower plants from e.g. the course ‘Modelling and
Simulation of Hydropower Systems’ or from project work is desired.
Signatures:

Title: Surge control for subsea turbo compressors and multi-phase pumps using cascade-loop
with torque or power control as the inner fast loop
TUC supervisor: Bjørn Glemmestad
External partner: FMC Kongsberg Subsea, Process Department, Asker
Task description:
Analyse a fast method for subsea surge control, using the topside equipment for motor control
of power or torque as a fast loop and the conventional recirculation as a slower loop. A
recommendation for how the fast control method could work together with the slower control
method should be given.
Task background:
Normally the speed of a turbo compressor or a multi-phase helicoaxial pump is controlled by a

process variable. For both type of equipment there might be changes in the composition of the
flow. When this flow becomes too light, the flow pattern in the rotating equipment will be
disturbed and there might be a surge, which potentially can be harmful for the equipment.
Normally such a situation will be solved by a recycle loop with a fast valve to increase the
flow, but due to communication time for signals in a topside controlled subsea process, such a
solution might be too slow. One solution is to close the loop subsea, but this is not the
preferred solution.
Using a loop for torque or power as a cascade controller between the controller for the process
variable and the speed, this will be used as a first fast compensation for changes in
composition of the flow. Lighter flow will then cause the compressor or pump to speed up.
Slower changes due to changes in the production well, will use the recirculation when
necessary.
The solution must take into consideration that all subsea process measurements will have a
delay and that the control system and the motor control (VSD) will be placed topside.
Student category:
SCE
Practical arrangements: -
Signatures:

Figure 1: Typical process for multi phase pump (MPP), with speed control

Title: Modeling and predictive control of a tubular bioreactor
TUC supervisor: Bernt Lie, prof., Telemark University College
External partner: José Igreja, prof., ISEL, Lisboa
Task description:
1. A model of a tubular bioreactor is given. The model is to be discretised by a suitable
method such as orthogonal collocation and implemented in MATLAB.
2. The model developed and implemented in task 1 is to be validated through simulation.
3. A suitable control objective for the bioreactor is to be suggested, and an MPC controller
with stabilizing condition for the system is to be developed.
4. The work that is done is to be reported in a thesis.
Task background:
Tubular bioreactors are described by partial differential equations. The control objective is
described by the state function of the system, and the control inputs affect the boundary of the
system. It is of interest to study Model Predictive Control of such tubular bioreactors.
Student category:
SCE students
The work will be carried out at ISEL, Lisbon.
Signatures:

Title: Port-Hamiltonian modeling and control of hydro power systems
External partner: -
Task description:
1. An overview of the Port-Hamiltonian approach is to be given. Particular emphasis should

be placed on
i. How the approach can be used for developing dynamic models, with particular
emphasis on systems with variable mass (the spatial description),
ii. How the approach can be used for developing (nonlinear) control structures.
2. The Port-Hamiltonian approach is to be used for developing a dynamic model of a hydro
power system of sufficient complexity to illustrate the usefulness of the approach,
including the waterway with turbine, electric generator, transmission line, and load.
3. The Port-Hamiltonian approach should be used for developing a stabilizing controller for
the hydro power system.
4. Simulation should be used to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach.
5. The work is to be reported in a thesis.
Task background:
In the Hamilton-Jacobi theory of theoretical mechanics, the Hamiltonian plays a key role. For
time invariant systems, the Hamiltonian is equal to the total energy of the system. A
Hamiltonian is also introduced in optimal control theory. During the last decade, the Port-
Hamiltonian approach has been suggested as a way to develop acausal models of dynamic
systems, and also leads to nonlinear control structures related to passivity based and
dissipative controllers. It is of interest to study how the Port-Hamiltonian approach can be
used to model hydro power systems, and how the idea can be utilized for developing control
structures for such systems.
Duindam, V., etc. (2006). Modeling and Control of Complex Physical Systems: The Port-
Hamiltonian Approach. Springer-Verlag.
Student category:
SCE students
Signatures:


Title: Modeling for control of hydro power systems
External partner: -
Task description:
1. An overview of hydro power systems is to be given, with special emphasis on storage

based systems.
2. Description of a model library for hydro power simulation should be given, with models
suitable for prediction and control of the various units.
3. Parameters for an illustrative hydro power plant (e.g. Sundsbarm) w/ grid is to be given.
4. A model for the chosen hydro power plant is to be implemented in MATLAB, Modelica, or
another suitable simulation language, and the simulation model is to be validated.
5. If there is time, a control structure is to be developed for the simulated system, and the
suggested structure is to be compared with a standard control structure for such systems.
Task background:
Hydro power systems of storage type consists of a reservoir, a waterway, turbine gate +
turbine, generator, transmission lines/grid, and consumer loads. The inlet tunnel from the
reservoir to the penstock typically has a varying cross sectional area. In fact: several inlet
tunnels may be joined in manifolds. Surge volumes of different types may be present. The
system may have manifolds with several penstocks to several turbines, and the water may
exhibit compressibility in the penstock + the penstock walls may exhibit elasticity. Governors
of various types may be used to control the turbine gate operation. Generators of different
types and with a different number of pole pairs may be used. Several generators connected to
a grid have restrictions on the frequency. Etc. It is of interest to give as complete a description
in the form of a dynamic model as possible of the various units in a hydro power system. As
the various models may operate on different time scales, it is of interest to rationally develop
simplified models that are suitable on the chosen time scale. As an example, simplified
models of generators are needed, and it is useful with a rational development of simplified
models in the time domain based on standard generator models from Kirchhoff’s laws, etc.
The developed models are meant for controller design/operational analysis, and illustrative
realistic parameters should be chosen.
Student category:
SCE students
Signatures:


Title: Design study of laboratory hydro power plant
External partner: -
Task description:
1. An overview of hydro power systems is to be given, with special emphasis on storage

based systems.
2. An overview of the existing rig (dimension, elements such as reservoir, pipe, etc.) and its
current use is to be given.
3. A simple dynamic model of the system is to be developed, and a first simulation study is
to be given to determine power capacity, time constants, etc. for various efficiencies in
turbine and generator (one-phase?).
4. Based on the simulation study, possible turbine and generator configurations should be
discussed. Together with supervisors, choice of equipment is to be decided upon.
5. Various sensors should be discussed in order to render the lab rig “controllable”.
6. If there is time:
i. Turbine and generator is to be implemented, and a model that describes the rig
operation is to be developed,
ii. An attempt should be made to control the produced power/”grid frequency”.
Task background:
As part of the study of hydro power systems at Telemark University College, Department of
Electric Engineering, Information Technology, and Cybernetics, it is of interest to modify a
current laboratory rig so that it can also operate as a tiny hydro power plant. The purpose of
such a laboratory rig would be to illustrate concepts in hydro power systems. Specifically, the
Process Hall holds a “penstock” with a height difference of some 7.5 m, and with a maximal
water throughput estimated to 4 ltr/s. The theoretical production capacity is thus in the order
of 300 W. At the outlet from the “penstock”, water will be collected in a vessel and be
pumped back up to the reservoir at the penstock inlet. The current rig needs to be fitted with a
“turbine gate” and a turbine/generator; it should be possible to control the gate opening from a
computer. Various measurements should be considered (flow rate, pressure, power produced,
etc.). The “consumer load” could e.g. be a series of light bulbs.
The main task is to fit a dynamic model to the dimension of the current rig, and test through
simulations how a modified rig would behave. Based on the study, a turbine should be chosen
(the efficiency is not critical), as well as a suitable generator. Various possibilities for turbine
and generator should be discussed: purchased/commercial ones, or hand-made ones; the latter
will be less efficient, but may be more illustrative.
Student category:
SCE students
Signatures:


Title: Optimal location of sensors in dynamic system
External partner: Alexey Pavlov and Kjetil Fjalestad, Statoil
Task description:
1. Literature survey on sensor locations for estimation and control purposes.

2. Implementation and simulation of the model for the pipe line with outlet valve using
Matlab.
3. Determination of transfer functions from disturbance to sensor and from control input to
controlled variable for different sensor locations.
4. Analysis of the impact of sensor location on the controllability of the process.
5. Evaluation of the generic results from the sensor location analysis.
6. A report is to be written on the work carried out.
Task background:
A dynamic system in state space form is defined by the model, the inputs, and the outputs.
Feedback control is based on available measurements: either the control law uses the
measurement signals directly (after necessary filtration, etc.), or the control law uses estimated
states, where the measurements are indirectly fed back through the state estimator. From a
control point of view, the system has two sets of inputs: control signals and disturbances, and
two sets of outputs: controlled variables and measurements. In order for the control system to
work, the system must be controllable from the control inputs, and observable from the
controlled variables. To have trustable state estimates, additional requirements must be added:
the estimator must be controllable from the disturbances, and observable through the
measurements. For the estimator, some freedom exists – the freedom to assume disturbances:
are the disturbances independent for each state (implying full controllability for the estimator),
or is there a disturbance input matrix? However, the freedom to assume disturbances may
come at the cost of unphysical disturbances.
A minimum requirement for the location of sensors is that the measurements render the
estimator observable. Previous work in the literature has considered the observability gramian
of the estimator in conjunction with the cost of the sensor system as a measure of the sensor
system. This is fine for systems where each state has an independent disturbance. However,
the disturbance-measurement input-output structure may also give undesirable zero dynamics
in the estimator. An unstable zero dynamics in the estimator may seriously limit the attainable
bandwidth of the estimator.
The closed loop control performance is also constrained by the control input – controlled
variable zero dynamics. The controlled variables of a system are often prescribed, but a
similar study as for the sensors can be used for the location of control variables.
The process that should be analysed is a vertical pipe with a compressible fluid. The objective
is to control the pressure in a specific location (inlet, outlet, or at any chosen position) of the
pipe with a valve at the outlet. The inflow to the pipe may be regarded as a disturbance.
Different locations (and numbers) of sensors should be evaluated. A distributed model of the
pipe has been established and may be used for simulations of the system. Examples of such
processes may be oil and gas producing wells, transport pipe lines, and well drilling systems.
Student category:
SCE students
Signatures:


Title: Networked model predictive control (N-MPC) for serial large scale processes
External partner: José Igreja, prof., ISEL, Lisboa
Task description:
1. Develop a network MPC for serial linear processes and implemented in MATLAB.
2. The control developed and implemented in task 1 is to be validated through simulation in
an available water distribution canal pool model in SIMULINK.
3. A suitable decentralized control objective for the water distribution canal pool is to be
suggested, and the N-MPC controller performance for the serial system is to be analyzed.
Task background:
Decentralized model predictive control is a way to develop efficient control and optimization
architectures and algorithms with less computational and maintenance burden for higher
requirements production process control. Develop a network MPC for serial linear processes
and implemented in MATLAB.
Student category:
SCE students
Signatures:

Title: Power production from osmotic pressure difference
between fresh water and sea water
External partner: João Gomes, prof., ISEL, Lisboa
Task description:
Description of the Work:
 Manufacture and basic examination of membrane samples for PRO.

 Modification of existing membrane types to make them suitable for PRO.
 Characterisation of the membrane samples and their performance. Measurement of
water and salt permeability as well as osmotic properties.
 Investigation of the influence of fluid flow in the module on PRO performance related
to theoretical models.
 Analysis of the equivalence of concentration and pressure differences and the mass
transfer in osmosis through real membranes. Study of osmosis in biological
membranes to see if new ideas can be applied in synthetic membranes.
 Testing of a membrane module in a real environment of freshwater and seawater, for
feasibility study utilisation purposes.
Expected Results and Exploitation Plans:
 Description and performance of new prototype membranes optimised for salinity

power production, based on a power production of 4 W/m2 of membrane as main
criteria.
 A feasibility study of salinity power production, based on process calculations from
measured membrane parameters and experience from running a test module.
 An evaluation of the realism of development of commercial salinity power production
and how an implementation may be realised.
The work that is done is to be reported in a thesis.
Task background:
Objectives and Problems to be Solved: Large amounts of energy can be extracted where
freshwater mix with salt water. If the mixing process takes place in a pressure retarded
osmosis (PRO) plant, a technical energy potential corresponding to approximately 100 m
waterfall for the river water may be realised. Previous studies have focused on existing
membranes made for reverse osmosis (RO). The present research project is based on the
development of new membranes and the use of pressure exchange devices. The main
objective of the project is to develop and test membranes suited for economic power
production by mixing of fresh-water and seawater in PRO. Further, membrane modules that
can secure the necessary contact between flowing water and the membrane, and with
acceptable frictional losses from fluid flow will be developed. Further, the objective is to
perform a feasibility study of power production by PRO using fresh water and seawater. This
involves process calculations based on observed membrane performance. A plant performance
model incorporating all unit operations important will be developed, based on an existing
preliminary version. Results from a test unit operating in a real freshwater/sea water
environment will be incorporated in this evaluation.
Student category:
PT and EET students
Signatures:


Title: Modelling and control of industrial boilers and furnaces
TUC supervisor: Carlos F. Pfeiffer, Ph.D.
External partner: -
Task description:
1. A description of an industrial system for high pressure steam production should be

produced.
2. A first principle dynamic model for the boiler, including the combustion system (furnace)
and heat exchangers for steam production should be developed.
3. The model should be implemented and validated through simulation, in e.g. Matlab,
Scilab language or Modelica.
4. The model should be linearized and a transfer functions model obtained.
5. Transfer functions based linear multivariable control strategies using decouplers,
feedback, feed-forward, and high and low selectors, should be investigated, developed and
tested using Simulink (matlab), Sicos (Scilab) or Modelica with the nonlinear model.
6. A state space linear model should be developed.
7. A linear Model Predictive Control strategy should be developed and tested with the
nonlinear model using Matlab or Scilab.
8. A comparison between the two approaches should be established.
9. The work should be reported in a written report.
Task background:
Efficient steam production is of great importance in most chemical plants. Part of the steam
production system is the furnace, which can be operated using natural gas, carbon, or other
fossil combustibles. Security and environmental constraints require that there is always an
execs air for the combustion. In the other hand, two much excess air or oxygen implies lower
flame temperatures and higher costs of operations. Traditional control strategies uses a
combination of feedback, feed-forward, ratio, and high and low selectors control strategies to
meet the constraints. More advanced techniques include the use of decouplers.
An alternative approach would be to use Model Predictive Control with linear models,
considering the constrains of always meeting steam production needs and maintaining an
excess of combustion air, but optimizing the operating cost. The goal of the thesis it to
formulate such a Model Predictive Control strategy and compare it with traditional classic
control strategies, using the developed nonlinear and linear models.
Student category:
SCE + PT + EET students
Signatures:


Title: Tuning techniques for Linear Model Predictive Control
TUC supervisor: Carlos F. Pfeiffer, Ph.D.
External partner:
Task description:
1. A description of different techniques of Linear Model Predictive Control (linear MPC).

2. Research of a benchmark model for testing the techniques.
3. Simulation of the different LMPC techniques using Matlab or Scilab.
4. A geometric analysis and interpretation of the effect of the structure and scaling of the
weighting matrices used on the errors and on the changes of manipulations.
5. A tuning strategy for MPC.
6. The work should be reported in a written report.
Task background:
Model Predictive Control (MPC) is perhaps the most promising advanced control technique
for multivariable processes. There are currently several industrial control systems that offer
some sort of MPC, and most of them utilize weighting matrices to penalize the errors and
changes on the manipulations, but the problem remains that there are not many guidelines on
how to select these weighting matrices. A geometric interpretation and analysis of the effect
of the structure and scaling of these matrices may give insight on the tuning of linear MPC
controllers. This project would require a good working knowledge of Model Predictive
Control, Optimization and Linear Algebra.
Student category:
SCE + PT + EET students
Signatures:


Title: Modeling, Identification and Control of separator
TUC supervisor: David Di Ruscio
External partner: Statoil (Kjetil Fjalestad)
Task description:
Oil, water, gas ore three-phase separators is an important process in the oil industry. Usually
the level of oil and water and the separator pressure is measured. The inlet feed-flow to the
separator may cause problems in operating the separator. The feed-flow may be viewed as a
disturbance which causes sudden slugging behavior.
In three phase oil (water, gas) separators the inlet feed-flow to the separator is usually not
measured. Based on a separator model and a control system it would be of interest to
investigate if a Kalman filter type estimator may be used in order to estimate the feed-flow of
oil, water and gas to the separator. Furthermore, the control system may then be extended to
have a feed-forward controller from the estimated feed-flow.
The separator control system may consist of conventional P, PI ore PID type controllers with
additional feed-forward from the estimated feed-flow. However, more advanced model based
control systems such as LQ, LQG and MPC may also be considered.
The thesis involve literature reaserch, modeling of three-phase oil separators, control system
design, Kalman filter and estimation. The theory should be investigated and simulated in
detail in MATLAB using m-file script programming.
Task background: -
Student category:
SCE students.
The work with the thesis will be held at TUC.
Signatures:


Title: Discrete LQ optimal control and MPC with integral action
Task description: -
Task background:
The theory of Linear Quadratic (LQ) optimal control on the one side and Model Predictictive
Control (MPC) on the other side is well established disciplines. However, it would be of
interest to investigate a new method for “discrete LQ and MPC control with integral action”,
of models which are containing unknown slowly varying process and measurements
disturbances, respectively. This method should both be theoretically as well as investigated
by simulation experiments. Some non-linear process models, e.g. chemical reactors,
distillation columns etc., should be used as bench mark processes and linear approximate
models used for the LQ and MPC controller design.
Student category:
SCE students.
The work with the thesis will be held at TUC
Signatures:

Title: Optimal PI controller tuning based on integrator plus time delay models
Task description:
Task background:
Recently a new algorithm for PI controller tuning is developed and presented in MIC journal
by the supervisor. This PI controller tuning may give optimal settings in the sense that the
sensitivity index, Ms, is minimized. Further investigations of this is of interest.
It is of great interest to further investigate this method on systems with large time constants
and relatively small dead times (time delay).
An example of such a system may be high purity distillation columns which usually are
controlled by two single loop PI/PID controllers.
It would also be of interest to compare the new PI controller tuning algorithm with an LQ
optimal control strategy.
Reference: Di Ruscio (2010), http://www.mic-journal.no/PDF/2010/MIC-2010-4-3.pdf
Student category:
SCE students.
The work with the thesis will be held at TUC
Signatures:

Title: System identification for weather forecasting
TUC supervisors: David Di Ruscio, dr.ing. (main supervisor), Bernt Lie (co-supervisor)
External partner:
Task description:
1. Give an overview of available on-line weather data for various coordinates of relevance to
Porsgrunn, as well as the data format of the available data and the protocol for collecting
the data. Computer functions for collecting the data should, if necessary, be developed.
2. Assume that a weather station at HiT with OPC server is available. Discuss how such data
can be used in a system for weather forecasting based on system identification. Discuss
also a suitable system for storing and retrieving the data, as well as for presenting the data.
3. Based on collected data, develop a model for weather forecasting for Porsgrunn/HiT based
on available on-line data, and develop a way to present the data on a web page.
4. Discuss a strategy to improve the prediction model by including more weather data from
“upstream” locations. Discuss suitable locations for such extra weather data.
Task background:
Weather forecasting is traditionally based on solving the Navier Stokes equations (PDE) or
similar, and computationally quite demanding. Measurements from high quality weather
stations are combined with the models.
It is of interest to see how well weather can be predicted using the empirical methods of
system identification such as subspace identification methods (DSR, etc.). The idea is thus to
use simpler models in combination with a number of measurements from (possibly) cheap
weather stations. Some such weather data are available through the internet/TCP-IP. Weather
stations with OPC servers are also becoming available, and conceptually a network/grid of
such weather stations could be used in combination with system identification methods to try
to get reasonably good weather forecasting.
It is to be expected that weather forecasting based on local data has a relatively short horizon
of validity. Furthermore, it is to be expected that weather data from “upstream” the local
coordinates can be used to give improved long term prediction. All such predictions will have
some uncertainty, and it is of interest to present the prediction results with uncertainty.
Student category:
SCE students
The work will be carried out at HiT.
Signatures:


Title: Development of a Model for estimation of the longitudinal and transversal slope of a
road based on data from a tri-axis gyroscope and accelerometer sensor
External partner: Olsense Technology (Ole Olsen)
Task description:
The system should be extended with a model for estimation of the longitudinal and transverse
slopes on a road. The sub tasks will be:
 Give a description of the system, the tri-axis gyroscope and accelerometer sensor, and
how the sensor can be used for slope estimation,
 Check the limitation of such a system using a sampling frequency of 100 Hz,
 Evaluate different methods and models that can be used for estimation of the slope,
 A set of reference points for every 10 meters of a specific road can be used when
developing the model,
 Validation of the model.
Task background:
A continuous estimation of longitudinal and transverse slopes on a road is wanted. A system

consisting of a tri-axis gyroscope and accelerometer sensor with electronics is connected to a
PC. The software is using a sampling frequency is 100 Hz in collecting the date from the
sensor. A model is wanted to continuously estimating the slopes of the road.
The system will be installed in a car, and using the model the slope of the roads can be logged.
Student category:
SCE students
Measurement system and data will be available.
Signatures:
Student (date and signature): ……………………………………………………….
Supervisor (date and signature): ………………………………………………………


Title: Modelling, Simulation and Optimisation using JModelica.org
TUC supervisor: Dietmar Winkler
Task description:
This thesis will involve building an simple physical model (e.g., hydro electric power plant)
which then shall be used to simulate and run optimisations with the help of the new open-
source tool JModelica.org. The different tasks will contain:
1. Research theory of physical modelling with Modelica

2. Research status and usage of JModelica.org tools
• which Modelica language constructs are supported
• how can the language Optimica be used to describe optimisation problems
3. Modelling
• create a physical model as basis for later optimisation
4. Post processing and optimisation
• formulate some optimisation targets
• simulate the example and analyse the outputs
• how does this compare with other (known) optimisation approaches
Task background:
From the JModelica.org website:
JModelica.org is an extensible Modelica -based open source platform for

optimization, simulation and analysis of complex dynamic systems. The main
objective of the project is to create an industrially viable open source platform for
optimization of Modelica models, while offering a flexible platform serving as a
virtual lab for algorithm development and research. As such, JModelica.org is intended
to provide a platform for technology transfer where industrially relevant problems can
inspire new research and where state of the art algorithms can be propagated form
academia into industrial use. JModelica.org is a result of research at the Department of
Automatic Control, Lund University , and is now maintained and developed by
Modelon AB .
Prerequisites:
• Good knowledge in Modelica® and Python (or will to learn the language in a short
time)
• Comfortable with the usage of modern software tools (version control systems, code
editors, mathematical analysis tools (e.g., SVN/Git, SciPy)
• Eager to learn a new optimisation language
Student category:
SCE students
Students can work with their own laptops. The required software is freely available. The work
will include include a lot of community research. JModelica.org is a still in active
development which means the student will face bug issues but will also be able to contribute
actively to the development of JModelica.org and its enhancement.
Signatures:


Title: Stability Analysis of AGC in the Norwegian Energy System
TUC supervisor: Dietmar Winkler
External partner: Skagerak Kraft / Statkraft
Task description:
1. Theory:
• Describe the functionality of Automatic Generation Control (AGC), Load
Frequency Control (LFC), the turbine controller and how these systems
are/should be used in the Norwegian energy system
2. Modelling:
• Build a model of energy system containing several generators with their
respective turbine controllers and a AGC for part of the system.
3. Analyse:
• Execute stability analysis of the created models. What are the conditions under
which the system acts stable or unstable.
• Analyse what the challenges with respect to frequency in the
Norwegian/Nordic energy net are. Investigate if problems could occur because
of the introduction of a AGC system .
Task background:
The frequency in the Norwegian energy system should never exceed a frequency band of
49,9 Hz – 50,1Hz. Unfortunately analysis of the net have shown that this limit is often
violated with a rising tendency since 1995.
AGC (Automatic Generation Control) is a tool to automatise the power production. LFC
(Load Frequency Control) is a part of AGC and a energy producer can use this functionality to
control his scheduled production. At the same time the energy network operator can use the
same functionality (i.e., LFC) to keep the frequency stable.
Energy producers are already obliged to help keeping the correct network frequency by using
turbine controllers with inbuilt droop control. By the introduction of AGC another control
loop in introduced which surrounds the inner turbine control loop. Depending on how the LFC
system is used there is even a risk of introducing a third controller loop which might de-
stabilise the system even more.
Prerequisites:
• Successful completed course SCEV3210 (implies good knowledge in Modelica®,

Hydro Power Systems, and Energy Systems)
• Comfortable with the usage of modern software tools (version control systems, code
editors, mathematical analysis tools (e.g., Dymola, MATLAB, SciPy)
• Knowledge of Norwegian is needed since most of the current documentation of the
Norwegian energy system is available in Norwegian only.
Student category:
SCE students
Student needs to have own laptop and may be working partly at the Skagerak premises for the
literature research.
Signatures:


Title: New developments in acoustic chemometrics - assessment of 3-axial accelerometers
and flow conditioners for process monitoring of liquid/liquid, liquid/gas, solids/gas systems
TUC supervisor: Maths Halstensen, Applied Chemometrics Research Group (ACRG)
Co-supervisors: Benjamin Kaku Arvoh, Felicia Nkem Ihunegbo, ACRG
Task description:
Acoustic chemometrics is a relatively new process monitoring technique developed by

Applied Chemometrics Research Group (ACRG). There has been continual research and
development of this technique due the numerous advantages that this technique possesses over
other primitive measurement systems. Currently, ACRG comprises of three lectures and three
PhD students. Over the past 10 – 15 years of its development, ACRG has published more than
30 scientific publications [1-6] in relation to both industrial and research applications. There
have been publications on the optimum sensor location in acoustic monitoring but there is still
yet to be a publication on flow conditioning characterization. During the beginning of this
year, the two co-supervisors carried out preliminary study on characterizing flow conditioners,
however, more research work needs to be carried to unearth the potentials of this method.
ACRG has designed and built two rigs at HiT for research and development. The experimental
work for this project will be carried out in ACRG laboratory.
ACRG has acquired a new tri-axial accelerometer for experimental study. The standard
accelerometer can measure vibration in one direction only. This new tri-axial accelerometer
will acquire the same signal in all three directions (x, y and z). The objective here is to find
out whether the other two directions can improve signal to noise ratio as compared to the
standard accelerometers when there are changes in the flow conditions. Figure 1 shows a
schematic diagram of a tri-axial accelerometer in flow systems. In addition to this, different
orifice diameters, shape and material will used to study some systems with the intention of
identifying the optimum shape, material and diameter that must be used in acoustic
chemometrics.
The study involves experimental work on an experimental fluid flow rig and also on a rig used
to simulate particle flow where particle size distributions and mass flow can be varied.
A critical task regarding the 3-axial accelerometer is to find a way to arrange the data from the
3-axial accelerometer and make it ready for multivariate analysis.
Figure 1: vibrations in flow systems
This study is a part of a larger scientific research project, and the results will be published as a
paper in a scientific journal (e.g. Journal of chemometrics or chemometrics and intelligent
laboratory systems) The Master student working on this project will get the opportunity to
participate in the publication.
Student category:
SCE students only
The experimental work will take place in Applied Chemometrics Research Group’s laboratory
Signatures:
Co-Supervisor (date and signature):
Co-Supervisor (date and signature):
References
[1] doi:10.1016/j.chemolab.2008.04.007
[2] doi:10.1016/S0169-7439(98)00114-2
[3] doi:10.1016/j.chemolab.2006.05.012 |
[4] doi:10.1016/S0169-7439(98)00114-2
[5] doi:10.1016/j.powtec.2008.07.001
[6] doi:10.1016/j.powtec.2009.05.021

Title: ModBus protocol tester with record/replay option
TUC supervisor: Nils-Olav Skeie
External partner: Håkon Tjelland / KROHNE Skarpenord
Task description:
A specific protocol is needed for communication between two or more computer systems. The
ModBus protocol is a widely used protocol in the process industry today for serial and
network communication. A protocol tester is a software tool used to simulate the remote
system in order to test the communication setup and communication modules in a computer
system.
This protocol tester should be able to record the communication sequence for a specific
system, save the communication data on a XML file, and replay the same communication data
and sequence for another system.
The tester should also contain a sensor model for simulating values from one or several
sensors The sensor model can be either a fixed value or a value varying according to the
normal distribution.
The tester should support functions for the holding registers, short and float data format, and
the RTU and TCP protocol standards.
The tasks will be:
1. Describe the difference between the ModBus RTU and ModBus TCP standards,
2. Describe how the ModBus protocol can exchange different types of data like short,
float and strings,
3. Describe the XML file format,
4. Develop a protocol tester that can use a COM port or a network port for
communication. The development tool will be Visual Studio, based on object
orientated based analysis and design using the programming language C#. The data
formats should be a fixed short value, adjustable by the user. The configuration data
should be saved on a XML based configuration file. It should be possible to run
several instances of the application for different COM ports or network ports
simultaneously,
5. Extend the protocol tester with record and replay options for data (short and float
values) where the data should be stored on XML based log files,
6. Extend the protocol tester with sensor models that can be connected to specific
communication channels (holding registers) where the mean and deviation can be
adjusted by the user. The data format should be both short and float.
Task background:
KROHNE Norway AS, consisting of KROHNE Skarpenord in Brevik and KROHNE

Instrumentation in Moss, is part of the German KROHNE company. KROHNE is one of the
word leaders of sensors for level and flow measurement.
KROHNE Skarpenord has delivered highly reliable tank level gauging systems to the marine
industry for more than 25 years. The high end system CARGOMASTER® (CM) is mainly used
for tank ships. The latest version of this system, version 5 (CMv5), has been installed on more
than 200 ships worldwide.
The main purpose of the ModBus protocol tester is to be able to test different combinations
regarding the ModBus protocol on a CARGOMASTER® system in-house for setup, testing,
and FAT purposes without the need of an external system.
Student category:
The requirements are basic knowledge in programming, and a good grading from the
SCE1306 (OOADP) and the SCE2006 (Ind-IT) courses. The student will as a minimum
combine the knowledge from the following courses:
 SCE1206: Sensor Technology and Instrumentation,

 SCE1306: Object Oriented Analysis, Design, and Programming,
 SCE2006: Industrial IT.
The work should be done mainly at the Telemark University College in Porsgrunn. Visits to
KROHNE Skarpenord in Brevik for discussions, demonstrations and meetings will be part of
the thesis.
Signatures:


Title: Wireless Sensor Network based on RFID tags and system integration
TUC supervisor: Morten Pedersen (main supervisor) and Nils-Olav Skeie (co-supervisor)
External partner: Agnar Sæland / Pepperl+Fuchs
Task description:
RFID systems based on active and passive tags can be used for non-contact monitoring. The
task will look into different technologies, include some testing of ranges and measurement
speeds, and end up with a complete PLC system for identification.
The subtasks will be:
 Give en overview of the RFID technologies including:

o Low frequency, high frequency, ultra high frequency sensor devices,
o Passive and active sensor devices,
o Read-only and read-write sensor devices.
 Build PLC based RFID system for testing of ranges and measurement speeds like:
o The minimum and maximum detection ranges for different sensor devices, both
single tag reading and multi tag reading,
o Any assumption about the detection ranges for different speeds of the tag
devices, both single tag and multi tag reading,
o Discuss any factors influencing the ranges and measurement speeds.
 Any assumption of the number of sensor devices detecting at the same time when
several sensors are read by the gateway in the same time frame.
 Compare RFID systems, Barcode Systems and Vision Systems. Any advantages of the
RFID systems?
 Build a PLC system with a Graphical User Interface for configuration, sensor device
indications, and logging.
Task background:
RFID system is a type of wireless sensor network that can be used for batch processes and
traceability in the process industry. Today the RFID technology consists of many solutions with
different frequencies, passive and active sensor devices and sensor devices with write options. A
gateway is used for communication with the sensors.
The objective of the master thesis is to get a better overview of the technology today, and get
some knowledge of the advantages and limitations of this technology.
Student category:
SCE students.
The work will be at TUC. The necessary hardware and software will be available from TUC
and Pepperl+Fuchs.
Signatures:


Title: Monitoring and control of Lithium-ion batteries
TUC supervisor: Prof. Magne Waskaas (main supervisor) and Assoc. Prof. Nils Olav Skeie
(co-supervisor)
Task description:
The State of Charge (SoC) and State of Health (SoH) are two important parameters for
Lithium-ion batteries. The SoC is an important parameter for estimating the maximum
capacity of the battery, together with the cell voltage, the cell temperature, and the cell
impedance.
The sub tasks will be:
 Evaluate methods for in situ assessment of the SoC parameter of Lithium-ion batteries,
including traditional empirical methods, equivalent circuit model-based methods,
electrochemical model-based methods, and experimental methods.
 Lithium-ion batteries are based on serial and/or parallel connections of cells. Evaluate
the passive and active balancing methods for such batteries.
 Any relationship between the SoC and SoH?
 The degradation of the battery will depend on the SoC and SoH. Any assumption how
the number of charging and discharging cycles will affect the degradation?
 An experimental setup and measurement of the relationship between the cell
impedance, the cell temperature, the cell voltage, and the SoC.
Task background:
Today more and more equipment is becoming wireless, and the marked for electrical cars are
expanding. This development requires batteries, and the knowledge about how to get the most
out of the batteries. The battery in an electrical car is an expensive and large part of the car.
Methods are wanted that can improve the available power and energy, enabling the battery to
be smaller, lighter, and less expensive. For these reasons, lithium-ion battery control is a
critical research topic for advancing low-cost technologies. In practice, batteries must be
monitored and controlled based on parameters that can be measured in situ. A Battery
Management System (BMS) is used for monitoring and controlling lithium-ion batteries.
Student category:
PT, EET, or SCE students
The work will be carried out at TUC, and a rig will be available for the experiments.
Signatures:
Student (date and signature): …………………………………………………………..
Supervisor (date and signature): ………………………………………………………...


Title: Data Fusion with ERT & ECT for image enhancement in interface detection in pipe
separators
TUC supervisors: Saba Mylvaganam, Britt Halvorsen
Co-supervisors: Yan Ru, Chaminda Pradeep , Christo Rautenbach
External partner: PTL Ltd., Manchester and University of Manchester
Task description:
ECT is a method for determination of the dielectric permittivity distribution of the materials in
vessels or conduits using capacitance or resistance measurements with non-invasively placed
electrodes. Fusion of data from these measurements, leads to useful results for flow
visualization. It offers some advantages over other tomography modalities, such as no
radiation ablation, rapid response, low cost, being non-intrusive, and the ability to withstand
high temperature and high pressure. There is an increased focus on four phase flow studies in
the oil and gas industry in pipes. The four phases are usually gas, oil, water and sand. The
detection of interfaces between these four phases is important in devising supervisory and
control strategies in the production, separation, transport and storage of oil and gas.
The planned activities in this project involve
(1) Short survey of current published research in the topics covered here
(2) Learning to use ECT and ERT systems
(3) Using the ECT and ERT systems for detecting the interfaces in 2 or 3 phase systems
(4) Generating bubbly flow and studying the bubbles using tomography systems
(5) Verifying selected bubble characteristics using other modalities
(6) Observing the particles in multiphase flow and detecting the boundary of the particles.
(7) Using digital image processing technologies, such as wavelet and fractals, to improve
the quality and reliability of the images.
(8) Report according using template of TUC with systematically archived data sets and
software
Task background:
Electrical process tomography has been in existence since the beginning 80’s and has now
become an attractive candidate for non-intrusive monitoring and visualisation of processes.
HiT is planning a workshop addressing basic principles and applications of electrical
tomography, including measurement principles, sensors and software algorithms in January
2010. Considerable work on process tomography has been done during the last 10 years in the
Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Cybernetics at HiT. HiT has the
latest equipment on multimodal and capacitance based tomography. The hardware and software
are for running experiments are available in house. Possibilities are there for visiting other
organisations and companies working with process tomography.
Student category:
For SCE students. Prior experience in the usage of tomographic equipment is expected.
Necessary hardware and software will be provided by HiT. Work will be performed in Sensor
Lab and Flow Lab. However, possible interaction with process tomography research groups in
Norway and abroad.
Signatures:

Title: Tomographic approach to flow regime identification in multiphase flow
TUC supervisor: Saba Mylvaganam
Co-supervisors: Yan Ru, Chaminda Pradeep and Christo Rautenbach
External partner: PTL Ltd., Manchester and University of Manchester
Task description:
Main focus on tasks is use of electrical capacitance and resistance tomography in flow regime
observations and their identification. Non-intrusive nature of the tomographic approach helps
to study flow regimes without altering existing flow patterns. Activities involve
(1) Brief survey of latest literature on relevant topics

(2) Studying and experiencing the multimodal tomography sensor to use in multi-phase
flow rig for data acquisition, processing and flow visualisation.
(3) Generating different flow regimes in multi-phase flow rig and use of multi modal
tomography for identification of them.
(4) Developing a model to identifying the flow regimes, using the data acquired in model
training/development.
(5) Repeating the experiment and acquiring the data for validation and prediction.
(6) Validation of the model and verifying predictability.
(7) Report according using template of TUC with systematically archived data sets and
software
Task background:
Systems hardware and software dedicated for tomographic measurement systems are available
and currently used in various experimental works in TUC. TUC has done work on process
tomography during the last 10 years and has the latest equipment on multimodal and
capacitance based tomography. The hardware and software are available. Possibilities are
there for visiting other organisations working with process tomography.
Student category:
For SCE and PT students. Prior experience in the usage of tomographic equipment is
advantageous
Necessary hardware and software will be provided by HiT. Work will be performed in Sensor
Lab and Process Lab. However, possible interaction with process tomography research groups
in Norway and abroad.
Signatures:


Title: Ultrasonic Level Measurements with buffer rods
TUC supervisor: Saba Mylvaganam
External partner: Håkon Viumdal, Tel-Tek, Morten Liane, Hydro, Bjørn Petter Moxnes,
Hydro
Task description:
Implementing and optimizing a LabView program, for determining different levels/interfaces

in liquids, by utilizing acoustic buffer rods to determine levels.
The tasks involved in this project are:
1. Depending on available buffer rods, the experiments with focus on SNR properties of
the cladded buffer rods vs. the uncladded rods, with ensuing analysis of the results,
should be performed.
2. Improve the LabView program developed by the SCE4006 group project “Estimating
heights of molten metal using ultrasonic transducer with buffer rods”, which is further
improved by Håkon Viumdal. Different data fusion strategies should be evaluated and
implemented.
3. The LabView program should import data from the new SIMI ultrasonic measurement
device, which the student have to spend some time on setting up and getting familiar
with.
4. Real data should be sampled during the programming and used to improve the
program
5. Structured testing of the program, making sure that the program is performing robust
measurements should be executed. The experiments could be performed in water with
a piece of metal placed at the bottom, determining the metal/bath interface, and/or the
interface in a water/oil bath.
6. Final test in molten zinc at TUC followed possibly by tests in a real aluminium cell to
detect the interface molten aluminium/cryolite.
7. Report using template of TUC with systematically archived data sets and software
Task background:
In aluminium electrolysis cells, the temperatures are high in the range of 960C to 980C.
Because the cell has liquid molten materials, the possibility of using ultrasonics for the
detection of these heights of molten materials has been tested by the present supervisor and
others over the past years. However, ultrasonic measurements with acoustic buffer rods could
be used for many other applications, but the goal is make a operational measurement system
for detecting the aluminium/cryolite interface in the aluminium electrolysis process. The focus
will be on improving the LabView program and ultrasonic level measurements testing in
water/metal and water oil, with various sensors and buffer design with the necessary LabView
based signal processing. Measurements in a real aluminium electrolysis cell will most likely
also be a possibility. Close interaction with experts in IEEE UFFC is also planned for this
task.
Student category:
This project is a project that are based on the SCE4006 group project “Ultrasonic time domain
reflectrometry in molten metals using various buffer rods”, performed by students autumn
2010, and is mainly designed for one of the group members, but other candidates may also
consider this project. Previous experience in the Usage of Panametrics and EPOCH ultrasonic
systems is a requisite.
Different buffer rods, transducers and ultrasound devices will be available at the sensor lab.
Security and safety equipment are accessible and should be used in work with molten metal.
Prospective measurements will be performed in a real electrolysis process in Hydro Årdal.
Signatures:


Title: System Integration of NI WSN in DELTA V platform
TUC supervisor: Professor Saba Mylvaganam, Hans-Petter Halvorsen, M.Sc.
External partner: National Instruments, Emerson Process Management
Task description:
Sensor networks are very often distributed spatially to function autonomously but have
extensive co-operation in providing information on various measurands depending on the
applications. Typical examples are temperature, sound level, pressure, humidity, light
intensity, concentration of pollutants etc. in a given environment. Increasingly sensor
networks are used in intruder detection, estimating vehicles/people present in a given area
under supervision. Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are being implemented in military,
civilian and industrial applications. Following this trend, we want to look into the following:
1. Short survey on WSN in cross platform applications.

2. Improving the functionality of existing WSN system based on NI modules and DELTA V
systems
3. Integrating NI WSN in a DELTA V platform
4. Testing remote operations
5. System Integration
6. Report using template of TUC with systematically archived data sets and software
Task background:
Wireless communication has been implemented successfully in phones and computers. WSN
is now implemented in different applications in healthcare, condition monitoring and
automatic surveillance in buildings, unmanned supervision and control in the process
industries. The challenge lies in automating decision making based on the values process
parameters observed by the WSN, preferably without too much of human intervention, thus
leading to a truly robust WSN based
Currently, the wireless sensors have been used for monitoring, where a human operator must
decide whether the process parameters should be changed or not. The objective is that the
technology will prove to be robust enough to also be used to process control where the
changes in the industrial processes should happen automatically without human intervention.
This will be the next major challenge for systems based on wireless technology.
Wireless technology has many potential benefits for remote monitoring applications; however,
it has been slow to see adoption in industry because of the complexities of programming and
deploying a reliable, secure, and high-performance wireless system.
Figure Typical example of wireless sensor networking , from , from www.ni.no
Student category: SCE students. Prerequisite: Experience with WSN is mandatory.
Practical arrangements: EIK has the latest wireless sensor modules from National
Instruments. The sensor lab has other facilities for testing sensors. The project will be
allocated the DELTA V- lab for the practical implementations. Close collaboration with NI is
expected. Depending on the need new modules will be purchased during the course of the
project. The project is suitable for students with experience in LabVIEW programming.
Signatures:


Title: Flow regime detection in different particles using Electrical Capacitance Tomography
TUC supervisors: Prof. Saba Mylvaganam, Assoc. Prof. Britt Halvorsen, PhD student Yan
Ru and PhD stduent Christo Rautenbach
External partner: PTL ltd.
Task description:
In the transport of particles, there is a need for identifying flow regimes so as to avoid
clogging of transport pipe lines timely enough to avoid expensive maintenance work.
Particulate flow can be studied using electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) without
affecting the flow pattern, as the technique is based on using non-invasive set of capacitance
sensors.
In this study, the flow regimes associated with different material particulates in fluidised bed
will be investigated using ECT. The tasks assigned are
(1) Literature survey and overview on flow regime studies and the application of ECT in
these
(2) Using existing systems for flow visualisation in fluidised beds
(3) Usage of ECT for characterizing flows particulate flow
(4) Developing flow visualisations using the time series from ECT equipment
(5) Identifying and estimating parameters of relevance for flow regime studies
(5) Delivery of written thesis following the guidelines from TUC
Task background:
Basic principles and applications of electrical tomography, including measurement
principles, sensors and software algorithms can be learnt direct in a dedicated seminar
in January 2011. HiT has done work on process tomography during the last 10 years and has
the latest equipment on multimodal and capacitance based tomography. The hardware and
software are available. Possibilities are there for visiting other organisations working with
process tomography.
Student category:
For SCE students and of special relevance to PT-students.
EIK / HiT has the latest EIT equipment and has close interaction with the University of
Manchester. Necessary hardware and software will be provided by HiT. Work will be
performed in Sensor Lab and Flow Lab. However, possible interaction with process
tomography research groups in Norway and abroad.
Signatures:


Title: Use of CANbus X-analyser from Softing to access CANbus subsea instruments
TUC supervisor: Prof Saba Mylvaganam
External partner: GE Oil and Gas Drilling and Production Systems
Task description:
1. Demonstrate how the X-Analyzer can be used to access a CANbus instrument in the
workshop, to evaluate the overall condition of the instrument, prior to deployment.
The ability to access a CANbus instrument should be demonstrated on a low cost
CANbus transmitter, before accessing the high prised subsea instruments.
2. Demonstrate how the X-Analyzer can be used as logger, to log the traffic on an active
CANbus link from a subsea master electronic unit, to CANbus instruments, prior to
deployment. The ability to access a CANbus link should be demonstrated on a low
cost CANbus transmitter and CANbus master, before accessing the high prised subsea
instruments and subsea electronics.
3. Investigate if the X-Analyzer tool can be used from topside to access subsea
instruments, for diagnostic purposes and troubleshooting. If possible, explain how this
can be done.
Task background:
The subsea instrumentation business has up to date used many variants of communication,
analogue and different digital protocols, between subsea control modules and the subsea
instruments. An initiative called SIIS (Subsea Instrumentation Interface Standard) has been
formed as a comity. This comity has standardized all communication to CANbus with CAN
open. (See http://www.siis-jip.com) To meet the challenge of serving customers in the
aftermarket, we are about to acquire proper diagnostic equipment to communicate with subsea
instruments, and should gain in depth knowledge of CANbus. Furthermore, we need to
develop a diagnostic tool which can access the subsea instruments from topside. It might be
possible to do this with the X-analyzer tool we have purchased.
Student category:
SCE (Semester 4)
For students with GE Oil and Gas Subsea Control Systems knowledge from a summer job or
prior experience in Subsea Systems engineering.
Knowledge of subsea based instruments and communication protocols (CANBUS).

Basic knowledge of PLC (Mitsubishi) including programming using ladder logics and FBD
(functional block diagrams) is necessary.
1. Mitsubishi MELSEC PLC FX3G-14M

2. Mitsubishi CANOPEN FX2n-32CAN Module
3. CANcard2 from SOFTING
4. X Analyser Software from Warwick Control Technologies
5. GX IEC Developer Software from Mitsubishi
6. CANOPEN WIKA Pressure Transmitter model D-20-9
Main work location is at GE Oil and Gas facility in Dusavik, Stavanger.
Signatures:


Title: Test unit for CO2 capture solvent
TUC supervisor: Senior Engineer Hans Petter Halvorsen / Prof. Klaus-J. Jens
External partner: Tel-Tek
Task description:
The task at hand is to design, construct, automize and demonstrate a laboratory test unit for
degradation of solvents for the capture of CO2 from exhaust gases.
A principal sketch and specification of the amine degradation unit is available. Based on this
information a detailed design including apparatus control strategy shall be prepared. The next
step is to build the test apparatus and to automize it using appropriate software such as i.e.
LabVIEW.
Task background:
MEA is the most widely used solvent for CO2 absorption, but its use may be more limited
because of degradation[1], [2], [3]. A better understanding of this possible MEA degradation is
important for developing a MEA oxidation inhibition strategy. A critical pre-requisite is
access to a laboratory test apparatus to degrade CO2 capture solvents (such as MEA) at
relevant conditions.
capture of CO2 from exhaust gases.
Student category:
SCE students
The unit shall be constructed in the CO2 laboratory. Financing is available to buy necessary
mechanical and electrical components as well as control software.
Signatures:
[1] B. R. Strazisar*, R. R. Anderson, C. M. White, Energy & Fuels 2003, 17, 1034.
2009, 48, 9061.
2009, 48, 9068.

Title: Optimization of a Jenike tester
TUC supervisor: Gisle G. Enstad
External partner: No external partner
Task description: The Jenike tester is used to measure flow properties of powders, mainly by
measuring yield loci for different densities of the powder. The tester is filled with the powder
and the powder is compacted to a certain density, and then sheared to steady state at a normal
stress depending on density of the powder. Having thus consolidated the powder, the shear
strength at a normal stress lower than at steady state is measured. Then the tester is emptied,
and a new sample is filled into the tester and consolidated in the same way as before, and a
new shear test is carried out at a different normal stress. For a complete yield locus this
procedure has to be repeated 4 times to get 4 points on the yield locus. However, by preparing
one sample and shearing only to the onset of failure, and then reducing the shear stress to zero
again, the failure strength may be determined without destroying the consolidated sample. The
normal stress can then be changed, and the shearing restarted and stopped at the onset of
failure, where after the shear stress is reduced to zero again, ready for another test. By
repeating this procedure a number of points on the yield locus can be determined by the same
sample, saving all the time that otherwise would be needed for refilling, preparing and
consolidating new samples. If this scheme is working, it will save a lot of time for carrying out
a Jenike test, at the same time as the scatter caused by variation between samples will be
avoided. The tester has to be automated so that the shearing can be stopped fast enough, the
shear stress can be reduced to zero automatically, and if possible the application of normal
stress should also be automated. Tests have to be carried out on a few powders to check if the
results obtained in this alternative way are the same as one would get in the traditional way.
Task background: Jenike tests in the traditional way are time consuming. There is therefore
a need for reducing the time of testing. An alternative tester is the ring shear tester, but instead
of investing in such a tester, improving the use of the Jenike tester as described here may
make the Jenike tester even less time consuming than the ring shear tester. In fact some
preliminary tests of this concept were carried out about 15 years ago in a co-operation with
IIT in New Delhi, where a Jenike tester was modified as described. The results looked very
promising, but have not been followed up so far.
Student category: The task is best suited for an EET student, but the other categories should
not be excluded. (PT, EET or SCE students)
Practical arrangements: The automation should be implemented on one of the Jenike testers
owned by Tel-Tek, dept. POSTEC, where most of the work will be carried out. Office space
must be provided by TUC.
Signatures:


Title: Powder Power – a feasibility study
External partner: Tel-Tek, dept. POSTEC

Songxiong Ding
Task description: Energy from biomass has been of great importance right from the first
time man learned how to control fire. In modern times biomass is represented by wood from
forests, as well as various types of other crops and also wastes. A number of projects are going
on in order to find optimal ways of using this type of energy, but in most cases conversion into
a gas or a liquid is used. The advantage is that liquids and gases from biomass can be used
more or less directly in equipment developed for oil and natural gases. However, all
conversions require energy, and the liquids and gases that are produced, contain less energy
than the solids they were produced from. Milling the solids into a powder usually has to be
done in any case, and it takes a lot less energy than the conversion to liquids and gases. By
using the powders directly the conversion losses are avoided. Therefore power production
directly from powders should be an interesting alternative. The aim of the task is to evaluate
how feasible direct use of biomass powder can be in power production, and in what
circumstances, based on literature surveys and collection of information from other available
sources, as well as by carrying out small scale experiments where appropriate.
Task background: Biomass is produced from CO2 in the atmosphere. When biomass is
burned, the CO2 is released back to the atmosphere again. Therefore using biomass as an
energy carrier is CO2 neutral, and may become an important part of the total energy supply for
the future. By developing the necessary technology for applying biomass as a powder in the
energy conversion, the biomass cycle can become a lot more efficient than by having to
convert the biomass to liquids or gases.
Student category: The task is suitable for all student categories. (PT, EET or SCE students)
Practical arrangements: Experimental work can be carried out at Tel-Tek, dept. POSTEC.
TUC must provide office space.
Signatures:

Title: Measurement of minimum fluidisation velocity with an elevated temperature
fluidisation rig
TUC supervisor: Prof. Gisle Enstad
External partner: Dr. Songxiong Ding
Task description: Minimum fluidisation velocity (umf ) is closely related to the intrinsic
properties of particles. It is also found that the umf can be influenced by geometric and
operational parameters, pressure and temperature etc. The best recourse to get the minimum
fluidisation velocity umf for a specific particulate solid is to carry out experimental
measurements. This projects will be mainly using a fluidisation rig at POSTEC to measure the
umf for different qualities of particulate solids at elevated-temperature conditions. It will also
involve some work on development of the fluidisation rig.
Task background: An elevated temperature fluidisation rig has been developed in the
present stage; some trial testing has been carried out. Modifications to its control and
operational systems are needed to improve its performance.
Student category:
A preference to students in the PT dept. (PT, EET or SCE students)
Practical arrangements: Office space has to be provided by TUC, but the equipment and the
test are to be carried out in the Powder Hall of Tel-Tek, dept. POSTEC.
Signatures:

Title: Particle size reduction with a pin mill
TUC supervisor: Prof. Gisle Enstad
External partner: Dr. Songxiong Ding
Task description: The pin mill at POSTEC will be used to grind raw feeds into fine particles.
The size and its PSD (particle size distribution), and if possible, the shapes will be measured
for the feeds and final products. Pins different in shapes and sizes would be used in pin mill,
and the effects on the final product with applications of different pins would then be
investigated.
Task background: The pin mill at POSTEC has been used to grind carbon graphite in order
to find an approach to mill carbon down to a size as required. Power consumption was also a
concern in the same activity.
Student category:
A preference to students in the PT dept. (PT, EET or SCE students)
Practical arrangements: TUC must provide office space, but the equipment and the tests are
to be carried out in the premises of Tel-Tek, dept. POSTEC.
Signatures:

Title: Determination of Particle Velocities in Pneumatic Conveying
External partner: Tel-Tek, dept. POSTEC

Chandana Ratnayake
Task description:
Particle velocity has been identified as a very important parameter in pneumatic conveying
systems. Even though conveying air velocity can be determined based on air volume flow
measurements, it is difficult to determine particle velocity, which has a big effect on product
degradation, pipe wall erosion, etc. Many pressure drop determination models/techniques will
also be benefitted with accurate measurement of particle velocity.
An attempt will be made to determine particle velocity based on pressure signals. It is widely
believed that the fluctuations of pressure signals have a direct relationship to conveying mode.
Signal analysis and cross correlation techniques will be used to determine particle velocity.
Task background:
In pneumatic conveying the solid particle velocity always lags behind the air velocity. The
difference between these two velocities, called the slip velocity, plays an important role in the
design of pneumatic conveying systems. Velocity of solid is generally determined by knowing
the air velocity and slip velocity, which has been discussed in many research studies. But, as
per today, there is no solid explanation or way of determining slip velocity or particle velocity.
As explained under “Task description”, direct or indirect accurate measuring technique for
particle velocity will benefit for pneumatic conveying system design, optimisation,
troubleshooting and also on-line mass flow meter.
Student category:
The study is best suited for a PT or EET student (PT, EET or SCE students)
POSTEC Powder hall has a (semi) industrial scale pneumatic conveying rig with necessary
measuring sensors and also other bench scale testing devices. The experiments and data
collection will be carried out at POSTEC, but TUC has to provide the necessary office space.
Signatures:


Title: Development of a connection card for battery packs in electrical cars
TUC supervisor: Dietmar Winkler (main supervisor) and Nils-Olav Skeie (co-supervisor)
External partner: MiljøBil Grenland (E. Engen and R. Stoiber)
Task description:
The main task will be to design and test connection cards for interconnection between battery
cells and BMS in an electrical car. The connection card must be designed, produced, and
tested according to automotive standards.
The sub tasks are:
 Give an overview of battery system and BMS with focus on the interconnections
between the battery cells and the BMS,
 Give an overview of techniques for balancing the battery cells in a battery system,
 Give an overview of automotive standards and test procedures for such connection
cards,
 Design a connection card according to automotive standards, with the bus bars
included on the connection card (printed circuit board). The specifications are:
o Dimensioning the card for high current (100-200 Amperes)
o Evaluate possible production techniques of the connection card,
o Include voltage and temperature sensors, or connection of such sensors,
o Impedance, quality, and durability of voltage and temperature sensors will be
important parameters for the connection cards,
 Define test procedures for such a connection card,
 Develop a prototype of the connection card and test the card according to the test
procedures.
Task background:
Address: Kjølnes ring 56, NO-3918 Porsgrunn, Norway. Phone: 35 57 50 00. Fax: 35 55 75 47.
Electrical cars today have a large battery system controlled by a Battery Management System
(BMS). The battery system (battery pack) consists of a set of battery cells interconnected in
both serial and parallel to give the required voltage and current. The current can be very high
(100 to 200 amperes) demanding a very low internal resistance in the connections between the
different battery cells and the connection cards (bus bars), and between the connection cards
and the BMS. The connection card can be a printed circuit board (PCB) with the bus bars
included.
In order to control the charging and discharging of the battery system, the voltage and the
temperature of each battery cell should be monitored by the BMS. The connection card should
have the sensors included, or connection for the sensors, in addition to the battery cell
connections.
The connection cards will be an important part of the battery system as impedance, quality
and durability of voltage and temperature sensors will be crucial for the power system of
electrical cars.
Student category:
SCE students
Production and testing of the connection card will be in cooperation with MiljøBil Grenland
on Herøya.
Signatures:
Student (date and signature): ………………………………………………………………
Supervisor (date and signature): ……………………………………………………………..

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FMH606+Master Prcent 26 Prcent 23039 Prcent 3Bs+Thesis+2011+Including+Descriptions

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Telemark University College

FMH606 Master's Thesis

Student number: ____________________

Student name: ____________________

Programme (PT/EET/SCE): ____________________

ID Title Supervisor(s) Students External Priority

FMH606 Master's Thesis

TUC supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Knut Vågsæther

External partner: M-I Epcon

- Do a literature review of Laser diffraction and Optical video technique.

Marius Røring (2PT), reserved

Experiments will be performed at M-I Epcon.

Student (date and signature):

Supervisor (date and signature):

FMH606 Master's Thesis

External partner: Yara International

Student category: PT, EET or SCE students

Student (date and signature):

Supervisor (date and signature):

FMH606 Master's Thesis

External partner: Yara International

Student category: EET students

Student (date and signature):

Supervisor (date and signature):

FMH606 Master's Thesis

Student category: EET students

Practical arrangements: Provided by TUC.

Student (date and signature):

Supervisor (date and signature):

FMH606 Master's Thesis

Student category: EET students

Practical arrangements: Provided by TUC.

Student (date and signature):

Supervisor (date and signature):

FMH606 Master's Thesis

External partner: Knut Vasdal, Foss farm

Student category: EET students

Practical arrangements: Provided by TUC.

Student (date and signature):

Supervisor (date and signature):

FMH606 Master's Thesis

Task background: A research objective is to optimize biogas processes, but AD processes

Student category: EET students

Practical arrangements: Provided by TUC.

Student (date and signature):

Supervisor (date and signature):

FMH606 Master's Thesis

TUC supervisor: Rune Bakke, Finn Haugen, Deshai Botheju

Task description: ADM1 (Anaerobic Digestion Model no. 1) is a standard model of

Student category: EET, PT, SCE

Practical arrangements: Provided by TUC.

Student (date and signature):

Supervisor (date and signature):

FMH606 Master's Thesis

TUC supervisor: Marius Lysaker

External partner: Jernbaneverket and Geodata AS

 Basic software study

GIS training will be given by Geodata AS.

Student (date and signature):

Supervisor (date and signature):

FMH606 Master's Thesis

External partner: Han Jingyi (assistant supervisor), Tel-Tek

Student (date and signature):