• Journal of Energy Engineering
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.78-89
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• 2017

Spontaneous combustion propensity of various coals of carbonization grade as a pulverized fuel of coal fired power plant has been tested from an initial temperature of $25^{\circ}C$ to $600^{\circ}C$ by heated in an oven with air to analyze an self oxidation starting temperature. This tests produce a CPT(Cross Point Temperature), IT(Ignition temperature) and CPS(Cross Point Slope) by calculated as the slope of time taken a rapid exothermic oxidation reaction at CPT base. CPS show a carbonization rank dependence, whereby wood pellet has the highest propensity to spontaneous combustion of $20.995^{\circ}C/min$. A subbituminous KIDECO coal shows an CPS values of $15.370^{\circ}C/min$ whereas it of pet coke of the highest carbonization rank has $20.950^{\circ}C/min$. The nature of this trend is most likely a concentration of volatile matter and oxygen functional groups of coal surface that governs the available component for oxidation as well as surface area of fuel char, and constant pressure molar heat.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.99-104
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• 2017

Background: Workers laboring in steel industries in tropical settings with high ambient temperatures are subjected to thermally stressful environments that can create well-known risks of heat-related illnesses and limit workers' productivity. Methods: A cross-sectional study undertaken in a steel industry in a city nicknamed "Steel City" in Southern India assessed thermal stress by wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and level of dehydration from urine color and urine specific gravity. A structured questionnaire captured self-reported heat-related health symptoms of workers. Results: Some 90% WBGT measurements were higher than recommended threshold limit values ($27.2-41.7^{\circ}C$) for heavy and moderate workloads and radiational heat from processes were very high in blooming-mill/coke-oven ($67.6^{\circ}C$ globe temperature). Widespread heat-related health concerns were prevalent among workers, including excessive sweating, fatigue, and tiredness reported by 50% workers. Productivity loss was significantly reported high in workers with direct heat exposures compared to those with indirect heat exposures ($x^2=26.1258$, degrees of freedom = 1, p < 0.001). Change in urine color was 7.4 times higher among workers exposed to WBGTs above threshold limit values (TLVs). Conclusion: Preliminary evidence shows that high heat exposures and heavy workload adversely affect the workers' health and reduce their work capacities. Health and productivity risks in developing tropical country work settings can be further aggravated by the predicted temperature rise due to climate change, without appropriate interventions. Apart from industries enhancing welfare facilities and designing control interventions, further physiological studies with a seasonal approach and interventional studies are needed to strengthen evidence for developing comprehensive policies to protect workers employed in high heat industries.