Browsing by Author "Vijitha, AVP"

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Alternative for river sand
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2007-11) Ekanayaka, EMTM; Jayawardene, MN; Kannangara, KKDM; Puswewala, UGA; Rathnayake, NP; Chaminda, SP; Vijitha, AVP; Karunaratne, S
The need of finding an alternative for river sand arises due to the over exploitation of river sand and its various harmful consequences. The focus of the current study was on offshore sand, which is clearly one of the most viable alternatives for river sand, with respect to availability, ease of extraction, environmental impact and cost. Offshore sand is already used in Sri Lanka mainly for road filling and it is also used for construction in all over the world. A sea survey was conducted in Kaluthara-Benthota sea area and a resource distribution map was plotted. Samples from Muthurajawela offshore sand stick piles were collected and CT content was checked. Offshore sand saturated with sea water has Cl' content around 0.3%, where as if the seawater is gravity drained; it reduced to around the acceptable 0.075%. The action of an average rain fall would be enough to reduce the CT contents to below acceptable levels. However, two other alternatives were also studied in a limited way, namely manufactured sand and quarry dust are quarry products. While quarry dust is merely a by product from the production of course aggregate and tends to be flaky in shape, manufacture sand is actually produced such that a more desirable "rounded cubic" shape is obtained.
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Analysing the relationship between skin and formation damage of an oil well (time depended)
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2016-07) Ruwanpathirana, RS; Nagasinghe, RV; Welagedara, WWVP; Wickrama, MADMG; Senadhira, AMADM; Ratnayake, NP; Vijitha, AVP; Hemalal, PVA
The concept of skin and formation damage play a vital role in productivity of an oil well. The objective of this study is to introduce the effect of skin into the well flowing equation in transient state. The effect of formation damage zone on the well flowing pressure was introduced to the original solution of diffusivity equation by considering three scenarios. In the first scenario it was assumed that oil is flowing through the reservoir with average (effective) permeability. In the second scenario it was assumed that the oil is flowing with the permeability of reservoir till the boundary of formation damage zone and within the altered zone, oil is flowing with the permeability of damage zone. The third scenario is similar to the second scenario, however it was assumed that the oil is flowing within the altered zone with an average permeability. By considering the difference between calculated reservoir permeability for all three scenarios and assumed values, scenario three was selected as the most suitable way to introduce the effect of skin in to the well flowing equation in transient condition.
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Analysing the Relationship Between Skin and Formation Damage of an Oil Well (Time Depended)
(2016-08-22) Ruwanpathirana, RS; Nagasinghe, RV; Welagedara, WWVP; Wickrama, MADMG; Senadhira, AMADM; Ratnayake, NP; Vijitha, AVP
The concept of skin and formation damage play a vital role in productivity of an oil well. The objective of this study is to introduce the effect of skin into the well flowing equation in transient state. The effect of formation damage zone on the well flowing pressure was introduced to the original solution of diffusivity equation by considering three scenarios. In the first scenario it was assumed that oil is flowing through the reservoir with average (effective) permeability. In the second scenario it was assumed that the oil is flowing with the permeability of reservoir till the boundary of formation damage zone and within the altered zone, oil is flowing with the permeability of damage zone. The third scenario is similar to the second scenario, however it was assumed that the oil is flowing within the altered zone with an average permeability. By considering the difference between calculated reservoir permeability for all three scenarios and assumed values, scenario three was selected as the most suitable way to introduce the effect of skin in to the well flowing equation in transient condition.
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Applicability of pre-heating techniques for recovery of garnet from garnet biotite gneiss
Jayakodi, JDSU; Weliwita, BY; Nishanthan, SS; Samaradivakara, GVI; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Rohitha, LPS; Vijitha, AVP; ; ; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Dassanayake, ABN; Elakneswaran, Y
In mineral processing industry, the highest energy is consumed by crushing and grinding operations. However, if we can initiate micro cracks in the hard rock pieces in advance, we should be able to reduce the crushing energy and liberate useful minerals economically. Various pre-heating techniques have been tried by the scientists around the world to liberate minerals from rocks. In this investigation, pre-heating techniques were used to liberate Garnet from Garnet Biotite Gneiss. The market price of Garnet varies with the particle size. Hence, the samples were crushed and sized into industry needed three size fractions: (+250-850) μm, (+180-250) μm and (-180) μm. Afterwards, by means of Wilfley Table, Garnet was separated from rocks. Final Garnet recovery percentage was recorded for different temperatures. Furthermore, energy calculation was done for each sample to get an idea about the power consumption. It was observed that the crushing strength decreases with the temperature increment and it has been proven by identifying propagation of micro cracks in thin sections, prepared from rock samples pre-heat treated in Muffle Furnace and Microwave Oven. The analysis reveals that the preheat treated and quenched samples give higher Garnet recovery than Garnet recovered from as-received samples of Garnet rich Biotite Gneiss.
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Assessing different methods of salt removal techniques from offshore sand
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2008-05) Ilankoon, IMSK; Jayarathne, LGR; Karunanayake, KDP; Thamilinpamalar, N; Wimalarathna, WMNJ; Vijitha, AVP; Ratnayake, NP; Karunaratne, S
Usage of offshore sand as an alternative to inland river sand is beneficial due to the various environmental impacts of river sand mining in Sri Lanka. However, higher amount of chloride ions in the sea sand can corrode the reinforcements of the concrete. Therefore it's necessary to identify suitable, low cost and efficient method to remove cl* ions from the sea sand. In this study, three different salt removal techniques; mechanical washing, natural washing and recently introduced grain to grain collision were evaluated using samples from beach sand, river sand, offshore sand and old stock piled offshore sand. Relative salt content and absolute cl* content were measured using conductivity measurements and titration, respectively. Mean grain size and other textural parameters were calculated using sieve analysis. Results indicate lOOg of sand soaked in 200ml of water, required approximately 10 minuets to remove salt from sea sand. Natural removal of chloride by rainwater shows one year of Monsoon rain is more than sufficient to remove salt from even 10 m thick piles of sea sand. However, grain to grain collision does not show significant capacity to remove salt.
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Characterisation of sediment deposition of Bolgoda lake using acoustic and sampling methods
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2021-12) Jayasooriya, SPND; Fernando, SFRS; Priyantha, HNL; Vijitha, AVP; Premasiri, HMR; Samaradivakara, GVI; Dissanayake, DMDOK; Jayawardena, CL
Bolgoda Lake is one of the main water resources in the western province, which has two major basins explained as Bolgoda south and north lakes. Lake sedimentation is a serious dilemma for water scarcity, productivity, and flooding effect. So, identification of sediment characteristics is most critical. The attempt of this study is to identify the sedimentation pattern, sediment type, and mineral composition of the sediment from the data collected from core sampling, grab sampling, and the bathymetric data obtained from spot depth eco sounder that combines with Magellan 510. Hence, grain size distribution (GSD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and bathymetric surveys were utilised to recognise sediment type, heavy metal composition, and sedimentation pattern, respectively. These analyses revealed that bottom sediment has poorly sorted, very fine skewed, physical characteristics have statistical distribution and discover the sediment type as sandy silt. Also, bathymetric analysis upholds the sedimentation pattern that accumulates sediment from the left bank to the right bank of the Bolgoda lake via the water column and to identify the sediment distribution along the lake bottom.
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Dynamics of the Madu-Ganga Estuary
De Silva, UHNH; Somasiri, RBHP; Jayasekara, NNL; Ratnayake, AS; Dushyantha, N; Weththasinghe, SM; Samaradivakara, GVI; Vijitha, AVP; Ratnayake, NP; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Dassanayake ABN; Elakneswaran, Y;
Among the estuaries in Sri Lanka, Madu-Ganga Estuary plays a significant role to generate a massive income through tourism. The existing tropical ecosystem attracts the tourists. However, this ecosystem faces problems of environmental deterioration problems which affect the tourism industry and income of the local community. Therefore, this research is mainly focused for understanding hydro dynamics and sediment dynamics process in Madu-Ganga Estuary. The four field visits were carried out to cover southwest and northeast monsoon periods. In situ and laboratory tests were conducted for surface and bottom water samples of Madu-Ganga Estuary to analyse the quality of the water. In addition, grab and core samples and sub-bottom profile data were used to identify sediment distribution patterns of the estuary. Moreover, time series satellite images were used to identify nearshore sediment dynamics along the western coast of Sri Lanka. Results show that a significant variation of water quality parameters under the estuary mouth opened and closed conditions. The spatial variation of chloride content also indicates that estuary mouth opened condition plays a major role to control seawater invasion in this aquatic system. Sub-bottom profile data shows cyclic/seasonal changes in accumulation of sediments in Madu-Ganga Estuary. Time series satellite images indicate that sand can probably receive from the southern region by predominant longshore currents during the southwest monsoon. Further studies are recommended to identify lake ecosystem responses to physicochemical changes and to design seasonal mining capability.
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Exploration of ilmenite potential in and around Kalu and Benthara river mouths with special reference to the variation of TiO2 content along a selected strech of Kalu Ganga
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2006-10) Kumara, HANHM; Medagoda, CJ; Sivakala, S; Sugaraj, K; Wickrama, MADMG; Vijitha, AVP; Dissanayake, DMDOK; Rathnayake, NP; Karunaratne, S; Dissanayake, DMDOK; Ratnayake, N; Chaminda, SP
Although Ilmanite, Rutil, Zircon and Monazite occurs in beach sand of Sri Lanka, the sufficiently concentrated deposits for economic exploitation have been only identified yet in and around Pulmoddai, Baruwala and Kudremalai beaches. Of these, Pulmoddai is the largest beach sand deposit ever found in Sri Lanka, which is estimated to contain nearly, 4,000,000 tons of raw sand. However it has been noticed that beach mineral sand occurrence in many other parts of the country and detail investigation has not been carried out yet in those areas. Exploitation has been carried out only in Pulmoddai which is located near the rebels control areas. Since 1998 with production coming to a stand still, the Pulmoddai plant which a government own company is confined to selling its existing stockpile with Zircon and Rutile being bagged and transported to Colombo and exported. Therefore finding an alternative source to supply the demand of the export market to earn foreign exchange is a prior necessity of the country. Therefore this study was carried out to identify ilmenite potential in and around Kalu and Benthara river mouths and investigation has been carried out to identify the variation of Ti02 content in ilmenite along the Kalu Ganga track by sand sediment analysis. Gravity and the magnetic separation processes were employed for the processing of the sand samples. Results show that the particle size of Ilmenite in both river mouths deposits were reported in the range of+ l25J.lIl1to +250~tm sizeand this may mainly depend on grain size, flow velocity of the river, distance travel as well as energy of the sea waves. Variation of the titanium content in ilmenite along the Kalu Ganga can be concluded may due to the replacement of Fe in Ilmenite with another foreign element available in the river.
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GPR mapping as a method for placer mineral exploration: A case study in Akurala, Sri Lanka
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2022-12-23) Beddage, BCD; Ijas, MUA; Wijayalath, WATN; Vijitha, AVP; Premasiri, HMR; Jayawardena, CL
Placer mineral exploration includes mapping underlying strata extensively. There are numerous exploration techniques, including electric and gamma logging, shallow vertical drill holes, exploratory trenches, and pits. Due to limitations of these conventional methods, geophysical methods such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), are widely being used. The purpose of this study is to map placer deposits using GPR as an exploratory approach. GPR is a modern, rapid, no-contact, high-resolution technique which transmit, reflect and receipt of high frequency electromagnetic (radar) wave. This study was carried out at Akurala, Galle, Southern Sri Lanka using 300MHz antenna. Based on the GPR data, sand layers were identified in clay beds, of an old riverbed, and the sand layer is deposited as a fluvial deposit, which are the sediments deposited by paleo river channel. Average thickness of the sand bed could be interpreted as 0.94m, extending perpendicular to shoreline, and situated at approximately 1.25m depth below surface level. GPR data profile indicate that the sand layer may enrich with valuable minerals and heavy minerals, and it was validated using thin sections prepared from test pit sampling.
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Heavy metals in agricultural soils and level of contamination with crop production
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2023-08-28) Sumanathilake, RMSBD; Jegatheeswaran, N; Pabanda, KGM; Vijitha, AVP; Premasiri, HMR
Heavy metals (HM) can be defined as metallic elements that are greater than 40 in atomic weight and above 5 g/cm3 in specific gravity and cause abnormal effects on the biota at low concentrations. This study aimed to assess the levels of HM contamination in soils and unpolished rice grains (Oryza sativa) at three separated paddy cultivation fields in Anuradhapura, Gampaha, and Jaffna over one consecutive season. The concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were detected using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). According to the results, HM concentrations of As and Pb in the soil for all studied fields were below the maximum permissible limits (MPL) set by the World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization (WHO/FAO). However, Pb content in rice grains was high in all stations relative to the MPL for crops given by WHO/FAO. The results revealed that Cd has exceeded MPL of both soil and grains in the Jaffna paddy field according to the WHO/FAO guidelines and Cd has a high transfer factor (TF>0.27) from soil to grain among all concerned agricultural lands. Other heavy metals have lower TF values (0.001 to 0.131). Regarding the contamination factor, As, Cd and Pb showed a moderate level of contamination severity over three regions.
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Heavy mineral sands in Kirinda area, deposit characteristics and extraction potential
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2020-12) Fernando, AKN; Perera, EMNS; Saranga, LS; Vijitha, AVP; Dissanayake, DMDOK; Dassanayake, ABN
Kirinda fishery harbour is dredged out periodically to pump out sand to maintain its depth. Sand samples (n= 38) were collected from the dredged-out sand pile covering all the regions and were analysed for mineralogy, particle size distribution (PSD) and microscopic observation. Mineralogical analysis via X-ray Diffraction (XRD) revealed positive availability of heavy minerals such as Ilmenite, Rutile and Zircon in different forms of compounds. As per the results of PSD test, more than 90% of the particles lay below 250 μm size. The highest percentage of the distribution fall in the range of 180 μm - 212μm. With the comparison of PSD graphs and geometrical parameters (mean, skewness, sorting, kurtosis) obtained from results, it can be concluded that the sand in the study area is well sorted. The X-Ray Fluorescent (XRF) test was carried out to find the enrichment ratio of heavy minerals. There was a considerable increment in the enrichment ratio of samples before and after Wilfley separation. But the percentage of heavy minerals in the samples is not up to upper continental crust limits of economically minable heavy minerals.
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Identification of Most Suitable Locations for Rock Quarrying to Supply Aggregate Requirements of the Colombo Port City Development Project
(2016-08-22) Nayanthara, PGN; Rosairo, KDARP; Gunawardana, GMSM; Sanjeewa, WPG; Dissanayake, DMDOK; Vijitha, AVP; Multi-Criteria Evaluation; Satellite Imagery Analysis; Spatial Analysis
‘Colombo Port City Development Project’ aims at reclaiming a minimum of 269 hectares of waterfront sheltered by Colombo South Harbour Breakwater for mixed development activities. It has been estimated that a total requirement of 26.6 million m3 of dredged sand and 3.45 million m3 of quarry materials for the reclamation and construction of coastal structures. The main objective of the present study is to assess and characterize the capability of identified quarry sites to provide different categories of rock for the project. The quarry site assessment of eleven quarries were carried out by incorporating factors such as rock quality parameters, mineable rock volume, type of rock, jointing or racturing in the rock mass, licence category, mining, hydrogeological and socio economic aspects. The data were gathered using numerous sources. Having combined geographic information systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE), the present study sought to locate the most suitable areas for rock quarrying to supply rock materials to Port City Project. The findings of the research indicate that four quarry sites are most capable of supplying all categories of rock and rest are more suitable for supplying rock products below 500 kg. Further findings of the research include suitable transportation routes and capacities for rock materials, potential adverse impacts on supplying materials and corresponding mitigatory measures to be adopted.
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Identification of soil property impacts on manufacturing of high strength soil bricks in selected areas of Hambanthota and Ratnapura Districts
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2019-08) Batapola, NM; Hewarachchi, KG; Rimosan, R; Karunadhipathi, HL; Vijitha, AVP; Dissanayake, DMDOK; Dissanayake, DMDOK; Samaradivakara, GVI
Soil Cement Bricks (SCB) are cost effective, energy efficient and environmental friendly alternative building material which address the problems related to fired clay bricks such as costly masonry, high energy usage and other environmental problems. Characteristics of soil have a great influence on the strength and performance of SCB. This paper presents an experimental study carried out on the influence of soil properties on the characteristics of SCB. Eight soil samples, collected from the soil excavation sites located at Hambanthota and Ratnapura districts were used to produce bricks with 10% of ordinary portland cement and a 1.8:1 volume compaction ratio through a locally fabricated pressing machine. Dry and wet compressive strengths and water absorption of the bricks were analyzed with physical properties of the soils. In this study, it was depicted that well graded soils with high coefficient of uniformity and plasticity index lower than 15% are suitable for manufacturing high strength, durable and quality SCB.
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Identification of the Most Suitable Location in Kaduwela Area to Establish a Mega Quarry Site to Supply Aggregate Requirements of Mega Projects in Colombo
(2016-08-22) Banujan, B; Pathirana, GPDH; Ranaweera, DKL; Vijitha, AVP; Dissanayake, DMDOK
Western Megapolis Project is a massive scale development project. The scale of the project demands huge amount of coarse aggregates for its construction. Most of these projects are concentrated within or on the pheriphery of Colombo district. Hence, the requirement to find a coarse aggregate source within Colombo district, closer to metropolitan area is inevitable. This project was carried out in order to identify the most suitable location to establish a mega quarry to address the above issue. Initially a desk study was carried out to analyse spatial data in order to get a rough idea about suitable locations. Field visits were carried out to observe prospective lands, collect rock samples and to gather sociological data through a questionnaire survey. The suitable location was determined by considering the distance to Colombo metropolitan area, rock outcrops, current mining activities, existing settlements, land ownership etc. The quality of rock samples were investigated through Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) and Los Angeles Abrasion Value (LAAV) tests. The volume of aggregates that can be extracted was calculated and compared with estimated aggregate demand. It was concluded that the aggregate requirement of considered construction projects could be satisfied by implementing the Mega Quarry project.
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Identification of the most suitable location in Kaduwela area to establish a mega quarry site to supply aggregate requirements of mega projects in Colombo
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2016-07) Banujan, B; Pathirana, GPDH; Ranaweera, DKL; Vijitha, AVP; Dissanayake, DMDOK; Hemalal, PVA
Western Megapolis Project is a massive scale development project. The scale of the project demands huge amount of coarse aggregates for its construction. Most of these projects are concentrated within or on the pheriphery of Colombo district. Hence, the requirement to find a coarse aggregate source within Colombo district, closer to metropolitan area is inevitable. This project was carried out in order to identify the most suitable location to establish a mega quarry to address the above issue. Initially a desk study was carried out to analyse spatial data in order to get a rough idea about suitable locations. Field visits were carried out to observe prospective lands, collect rock samples and to gather sociological data through a questionnaire survey. The suitable location was determined by considering the distance to Colombo metropolitan area, rock outcrops, current mining activities, existing settlements, land ownership etc. The quality of rock samples were investigated through Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) and Los Angeles Abrasion Value (LAAV) tests. The volume of aggregates that can be extracted was calculated and compared with estimated aggregate demand. It was concluded that the aggregate requirement of considered construction projects could be satisfied by implementing the Mega Quarry project.
item: Conference-Full-text
Identification of the most suitable locations for rock quarrying to supply aggregate requirements of the Colombo Port City development project
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2016-07) Nayanthara, PGN; Rosairo, KDARP; Gunawardana, GMSM; Sanjeewa, WPG; Dissanayake, DMDOK; Vijitha, AVP; Hemalal, PVA
‘Colombo Port City Development Project’ aims at reclaiming a minimum of 269 hectares of waterfront sheltered by Colombo South Harbour Breakwater for mixed development activities. It has been estimated that a total requirement of 26.6 million m3 of dredged sand and 3.45 million m3 of quarry materials for the reclamation and construction of coastal structures. The main objective of the present study is to assess and characterize the capability of identified quarry sites to provide different categories of rock for the project. The quarry site assessment of eleven quarries were carried out by incorporating factors such as rock quality parameters, mineable rock volume, type of rock, jointing or racturing in the rock mass, licence category, mining, hydrogeological and socio economic aspects. The data were gathered using numerous sources. Having combined geographic information systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE), the present study sought to locate the most suitable areas for rock quarrying to supply rock materials to Port City Project. The findings of the research indicate that four quarry sites are most capable of supplying all categories of rock and rest are more suitable for supplying rock products below 500 kg. Further findings of the research include suitable transportation routes and capacities for rock materials, potential adverse impacts on supplying materials and corresponding mitigatory measures to be adopted.
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Impact of water saturation model on the reservoir estimation ; a case study on dorado and Barracuda Wells in Mannar Basin, Sri Lanka
Wijesuriya, HTTB; Abeysinghe, RYGK; Roshanthan, S; Wickrama, MADMG; Ratnayake, NP; Vijitha, AVP; Senadhira, AMADM; Senevirathne, BSMCK; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Dassanayake, ABN; Elakneswaran, y; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Dassanayake, ABN; Elakneswaran, y
Fluid carrying properties of rocks (permeability) and the interaction between fluid and rock that influence the flow of the fluids(porosity and saturation) are required to evaluate the maximum recovery and producibility of any petroleum reservoir. Determination of Water Saturation (Sw) is a critical and complex petro physical calculation, as there are number of independent methods used to calculate the same. The objective of this research was to analyse the impact of water saturation model on the reservoir estimation, using the well-log data of Dorado-1 well and Barracuda well in Mannar Basin, Sri Lanka. First, quick look analysis was done with the welllog data. Then the saturation of water in pay zones were calculated using five water saturation calculation approaches namely Archie’s equation, Equivalent Model, Indonesia model, Dual Water Model and Juhasz model. For both wells the highest water saturation values were found with Dual Water Model and Juhanz model, 0.89 for the Dorado well and 0.83 for Barracuda well. While Equivalent model gave the lowest saturation value, 0.46, for Dorado well and the Archie’s model estimated the lowest value of 0.60 for Barracuda well. Except the results of Dual Water Model and Juhasz model, all other models estimated different values for water saturation. This leads to a considerable difference in reservoir estimation. Therefore, for a reservoir it is important to establish the most suitable water saturation calculation method to estimate the volume of reservoir correctly.
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Investigation of Bolgoda lake to establish a ferry service for University of Moratuwa
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2021-12) Padmasiri, IHHI; Weerasinghe, GAJB; Dasanayaka, DMH; Samaradivakara, GVI; Vijitha, AVP; Dissanayake, DMDOK; Jayawardena, CL
Colombo is one of the major cities which has a high population density with a smaller number of transportation facilities over many years. Even though it has a good canal system, waterway transportation is not implemented for no reason. With the idea of establishing a ferry service from the University of Moratuwa to Panadura along the Bolgoda lake, our research was carried out to determine the main parameters relevant to the aim of the project. Prioritise factors considered are Bolgoda lake bathymetry, identification of restricted areas, highly sensitive areas, material type to be dredged, and possible locations for terminals. Initially, the research area was narrowed down from the boatyard of the University of Moratuwa to the Vijayarama temple. There are several ways to determine the bathymetry of a water body, and echo-sounding techniques were used in our research. Bathymetry of the region was determined with cut volume to be dredged to make the ferry path safe using "Hondex PS 7" echo sounder and Surfer software. "ArcGIS" software was utilised to generate maps, and "Slope W" software was used in analysing dredge slope and its stability. The research was carried out during the dry season, and the water level was indicated as 4.2 m on the gauge at the bridge.
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Natural gas utilization plan for Sri Lanka
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2015-07) Wanniarachchi, KCR; De Mel, WDM; Marasinghe, AGNS; Sinthusan, T; Vijitha, AVP; Hemalal, PVA
Natural gas is finding its place at the heart of the energy discussion all over the world. It is being a cheap and relatively environmentally friendly alternative energy. The recent emergence of this discussion is due to substantial new discovery of natural gas in Sri Lanka. As a developing country, Sri Lanka spends an excessive amount of money for energy. The new discovery of natural gas deposits may be able to raise the Sri Lankan economy in next decades. To start gas production in the country should have a plan to consume the gas within the country to gain the best use of its research. Under the topic of natural gas utilization system for Sri Lanka the research is carried out to find the best way or the most economical way of utilizing the natural gas in Sri Lanka comparing scale and the economic factors. The research is focused on five special areas :Distribution of NG within the country :Public and private transportation :Power generation: Domestic and industrial use of NG: Fertilizer manufacturing Study area of this research on scientific and economic comparisons of above processes to address this important problem in the presence of uncertainty. This work presents such a method based on decision analysis of gas prices as well. It includes the entire well-to-market supply chain, from extraction, conversion, and transportation, to reconversion at the target market. Finally, it identifies the best gas transporting method according to the current situation, daily production, how these effects to the power generation sector in Sri Lanka, propose the most economical and safe method of using NG for domestic use which suitable for Sri Lankan context with analyzed data with evidence.
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Offshore sand exploration around Kaluthara-Beruwala area
(Department of Earth Resources Engineering, 2007-11) Gunasinghe, AWDC; Chandana, NHS; Ranaweera, DHD; Vijitha, AVP; Rathnayake, NP; Karunaratne, S
Offshore minerals are used as a raw mineral for various types of industries around the world. The exclusive economic zone belonging to Sri Lanka more than eight times land area of the country, offering huge potential for extraction and exploitation of minerals. Industrial sector, including mining and minerals, should grow to achieve the development of the country. Therefore this study was carried out to investigate the offshore sand mineral potential around Kaluthara — Beruwela area. About 200 samples were collected from sea floor, from a grid of 500m, 1000m Easting and Northing respectively. Investigation was carried out to identify the variation of particle size and mineral content around the Kaluthara area by sieve analysis. For each sample, particle size distribution curves were plotted and mean particle sizes, sorting and skewness were obtained. Heavy mineral content was also determined using gravity separation, magnetic separation; high tension separation and microscopic observation. Resource maps were plotted and mineral resources areas were demarcated.