Technology development issues

At the same time, many practical issued associated with the use of optical oxygen sensors in food packs still remain. These have to be addressed to adapt the existing sensing materials and prototype systems for real-life applications, achieve the required sensor specifications, operational performance and safety. Considerable technological developments and effort in eliminating current problems and bottlenecks are required, to facilitate widespread use of the oxygen sensors by food and packaging industry. 

The Conference did not result in a radical change of direction for the OPCW or substantive decisions on crucial, still outstanding issues (e g. so called non-lethal agents, riot control agents, law enforcement , nil declarations in respect of OCPFs and like. The problems of scientific and technological development were tackled only very generally. 

GASIFICATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND SYSTEM INTEGRATION ISSUES... 

The value of the extra chlorine recovered will pay for the membranes in about nine months. Addition of operating costs still gives an attractive pay-out. However, the base case for Table 7.4 assumes that nothing is done to handle the chlorine issuing from liquefaction. This is not an option. The real question is how the membrane process compares with the alternatives, and this is the subject of Table 7.5. The basis assumed is an 800 tonnes per day plant with gas composition 93.16% CI2,2.40% O2, 3.82% N2, 0.37% CO2, and 0.25% H2. The table covers costs only. Product values are highly sensitive to local conditions and are not included. In all cases, the membrane option is based on the field test in order to give the most reliable numbers available. Technological development will improve the case for the use of membranes. 

In 2000, the European Commission issued a communication on the precautionary principle (EU 2000), in which it adopted a procedure for the application of this concept. The precautionary principle is not defined in the treaty, which prescribes it only once - to protect the environment. But in practice, its scope is much wider, beyond that of environmental policy, and, specifically where preliminary objective scientific evaluation, indicates that there are reasonable grounds for concern that the potentially dangerous effects on the environment, human, animal, or plant health may be inconsistent with the high level of protection chosen for the Community. The precautionary principle is implemented, for example, in the EU food law and also affects, among others, policies relating to consumer protection, trade and research, and technological development. 

The critical technology development areas are advanced materials, manufacturing techniques, and other advancements that will lower costs, increase durability, and improve reliability and performance for all fuel cell systems and applications. These activities need to address not only core fuel cell stack issues but also balance of plant (BOP) subsystems such as fuel processors hydrogen production, delivery, and storage power electronics sensors and controls air handling equipment and heat exchangers. Research and development areas include ... 

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