Almaz R Sadrtdinov1, Liliya M Esmagilova1, Vladimir A Saldaev1, Zulfiya G Sattarova1 and Alexey A Mokhovikov2
Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, Volume 142, Number 1
Abstract
The paper describes the process of thermochemical wood waste processing in to dimethyl ether. The physical picture of the process of waste wood recycling was compiled and studied and the mathematical model in the form of differential and algebraic equations with initial and boundary conditions was developed on its basis. The mathematical model allows to determine the optimum operating parameters of synthesis gas producing process, suitable for the catalytic synthesis of dimethyl ether and to calculate the basic constructive parameters of the equipment flowsheet.
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
Timerbaev N.F., Safin R.R., Safin R.G. and Ziatdinova D.F. 2014 Modeling of the process of energy-technological treatment of wood waste by method of direct-flow gasification Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences (EAAS)9 141-146
Saravanakumar A. and Haridasan T.M. 2013 A novel performance study of kiln using long stick wood pyrolytic conversion for charcoal production Energy Education Science and Technology A: Energy Science and Research31 711-722
Park W.C., Atreya A. and Baum H.R. 2010 Experimental and theoretical investigation of heat and mass transfer processes during wood pyrolysis Combustion and Flame157 481-494
Saravanakumar A., Haridasan T.M. and Reed T.B. 2010 Flaming pyrolysis model of the fixed bed cross draft long-stick wood gasifier Fuel Processing Technology91 669-675
Sadrtdinov A.R., Sattarova Z.G., Prosvirnikov D.B. and Tuntsev D.V. 2015 Modeling of thermal treatment of wood waste in the gasifiers In 2015 Int. Conf. on Mechanical Engineering, Automation and Control Systems (MEACS) 1-5
Semelsberger T.A., Ott K.C., Borup R.L. and Greene H.L. 2006 Generating hydrogen-rich fuelcell feeds from dimethyl ether (DME) using physical mixtures of a commercial Cu/Zn/Al2O3 catalyst and several solid-acid catalysts Applied Catalysis B: Environmental65 291-300
Qi Gong-Xin, Zheng Xiao-Ming, Fei Jin-Hua and Hou Zhao-Yin 2001 A novel catalyst for DME synthesis from CO hydrogenation: 1. Activity, structure and surface properties Journal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical176 195-203
Hadipour A. and Sohrabi M. 2008 Synthesis of some bifunctional catalysts and determination of kinetic parameters for direct conversion of syngas to dimethyl ether Chemical Engineering Journal137 294-301
Di Blasi C., Branca C., Lombardi V., Ciappa P. and Di Giacomo C. 2013 Effects of particle size and density on the packed-bed pyrolysis of wood Energy and Fuels27 6781-6791
Safin R.R., Khasanshin R.R., Shaikhutdinova A.R. and Safina A.V. 2014 Research of heating rate while termo modification of wood World Applied Sciences Journal30 1618-1621
Saravanakumar A., Hagge M.J., Haridasan T.M. and Bryden K.M. 2011 Numerical modelling of a fixed bed updraft long stick wood gasifier Biomass and Bioenergy35 4248-4260
Saravanakumar A., Haridasan, Reed T.M., Tomas B., Bai and Kasturi R. 2007 Experimental investigation and modelling study of long stick wood gasification in a top lit updraft fixed bed gasifier Fuel86 2846-2856
Among all the islands near to Kota Kinabalu City (KK), Sapi Island (Pulau Sapi) wins the most votes as the favorite of tourists. Not only it offers more nature experience, the new activities such as Coral Flyer (longest island to island zipline in the world) make this little island more exciting. After you see all its features and secrets in this article, you will love Sapi even more.
Sapi Island is only 25-acre (10 ha) big and the second smallest island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Though it’s about ⅓ the size of more popular and developed Manukan Island nearby, people like its less commercialized setting and every facility is just a short walk away.
Pic: jetty of Sapi Island, with Gaya Island in the background
Once you arrive Sapi Island, thousands of fishes and beautiful sea view at the jetty already impress you, most will think “it’s gonna to be an awesome tour!” I feel the same no matter how many times I visit Sapi. Sapi is really a gift to KK, how many cities in the world have nice tropical island only 7 KM away?
Pic: my friend was so delighted in his first visit to Sapi Island. He also says he likes Sapi better than Manukan.
Sapi Island has everything it takes to be a cool island destination, i.e. blue sky, white sandy beach, crystal clear seawater, green forest, and… how about some wildlife?
Let’s meet the “dragons” of Sapi. I mean Monitor Lizard. Dozens of monitor lizards roam freely at the forest edge of Sapi and some grows up to 2 Meters long, so big that tourists mistake them as Komodo Dragon. Monitor Lizards are not aggressive and they are never a problem to the tourists. Just ignore them like how they ignore you. They only bite when you leave them no choice.
At first tourists would find these reptiles a bit intimidating, then they will enjoy it as part the nature experience. In fact, this is an attraction to green tourists who love the idea of sharing space with wildlife. Wild boars and macaques are also present occasionally.
You can just laze on the beach or go swimming. If you are not a swimmer, don’t go too far out. Certain sections, especially the area near to jetty, have a sudden incline of 2 to 3 Meters deep. So always keep an eyes on your children, though there are lifeguards around.
The beach of Sapi Island is small so it can be quite crowded during weekends and school holiday. Sapi is a forested island covered by old secondary jungle, the forest is fully protected after this island was gazetted as a national park since 1979. The trees grow very dense and tall, providing good shade behind the beach. The best months to visit Sapi are from Feb to May.
Below is a short video that shows what Sapi Island has (and its least explored corners):
Snorkelling
Fire your tour guide if he doesn’t recommend you to snorkel in Sapi Island. It’s a must-try. The best concentration of corals is located at southern side of the island. You won’t see much coral if you snorkel near the beach full with tourists.
You don’t need to make any appointment with Nemo. They are always there. Sapi Island seems to have more fishes than other islands of KK. If you want to go fishing near to KK, experienced anglers will bring you to water around Sapi Island.
Most corals I saw during snorkelling are hard corals such as lettuce and staghorn corals. During low tide, they are just a few feet under my belly. In sunny day, the visibility is excellent. Corals also need sunlight like plant, the clear water helps them to flourish.
Pic: This giant clam is about 1-feet wide, about 4 to 6 years old I think.
You can rent a life jacket for snorkelling if you don’t know how to swim.
Ok, no picture, no evidence, so the following is the moving pictures of my snorkelling in Sapi:
Besides snorkelling, there are many other fun things you can try on Sapi Island, for example, Coral Flyer (World’s longest island to island zipline), Sea Walking, Scuba diving.
Hidden Beaches
As I said, the beach can be packed with tourists in peak season. Since you can’t ask everyone on the beach to keep quiet, you can move to “hidden” beaches at other side of the island for more tranquility. It’s also the area that faces the rich corals I mentioned above.
Pic: the way (yellow pointer) to hidden beaches are behind the rock outcrop next to tourist beach
But there is a little obstacle course for you to cross to other side. The rocks in the water are quite slippery. For me, climbing over the dry boulders along the rocky shore is easier.
It’s a walk of about 200 Meters that worths your effort. Bring some water (and snorkelling gears) with you. Otherwise it’s very troublesome to walk back to tourist area to get it.
Pic: there are two hidden beaches on the same side. Some locals also don’t know this. They are all yours. You are welcome.
Pic: campers at the secret beach
Secret Cliff
Here is another secret location with rewarding view, only for those who are keen to walk 800 Meters to higher ground. Your friends who are lazy to follow you will regret, after they see the nice photos you share on Instagram.
The starting point of the trail is next to a fenced area behind tourist beach and a shelter named “Pondok Tenggiri”. It’s guarded by a few dragons. Don’t worry, they (monitor lizards) will flee when you approach lol. You will spot a not-so-useful trail map at forest edge.
The route starts with steep ascend in the beginning. After 486 Meters, you will reach a Y junction, follow the trail at the left. There is no direction sign along the trail, keep your eyes wide open so you won’t miss the junction.
After 300 Meters, you will come to an open area with exposed sedimentary rocks and greeted by a few noisy White-breasted woodswallow (bird). Congratulations! You have discovered the secret cliff that is unseen by 99.9% of the tourists. Even though it’s only a 25 minutes walk, it feels like a major achievement for getting there.
The cliff gives you a magnificent view of rocky shore facing the vast blue ocean behind Sapi Island. Watch your footing as there is no fence. A fall from this 50 feet cliff is hazardous to your health, and there are very few people come here, in case you need help badly. Anyway, this cliff could be a potential spot for recreational abseiling.
On another side of the secret cliff is a descending path leads to a rocky beach, where you can get very clear view of hidden beaches.
You may turn back to the starting point after taking some photos on secret cliff, or you can continue to explore another route at the junction, by walking another 500 Meters on the ridge to complete the loop trail of Sapi Island. The remaining jungle trail is not well-maintained. Unless you are very interested in trees, there are some big Keruing and other beautiful trees to see, otherwise don’t waste your time.
Pic: a monument near the end of jungle trail. How many typo do you spot? If this thing happens today, sure it’ll go viral on the Net.
Rocky Beach
Another beach worths checking out is the Rocky Beach at the 200-Meter narrow channel between Sapi and Gaya Island. During low tide, you can even walk to Gaya Island, the biggest island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Wildlife also uses this as a migration shortcut between islands.
The shore is blanketed by tens of thousands of sandstone pebbles and rocks, this likes an upstream river in interior of Sabah.
The 235-Meter zipline Coral Flyer can be seen from here.
Facilities on Sapi
The amenities for tourists are basic but quite complete on Sapi Island. Jetty, toilets / changing rooms, benches, cafe, grocery shop and shelters are available for public access. The only thing that Sapi doesn’t have is island accommodation. Camping is allowed but you must inform the Park Warden at reception counter for the permission.
Pic: public toilets of Sapi Island. Thank you for not peeing in the sea. There are shower heads outside for you to rinse your body.
Pic: I was so shocked to see this monitor lizard in man’s toilet because it’s a female. An awkward moment when we both were speechless and stared at each other. Nature, remember this is Nature. Wildlife has the right to enjoy the amenities like human does. Just kidding.
Sapi Cafe is open from 8am to 4pm every day, and they serve common food and drink such as fried rice from RM7 to RM23 (≈US$2-7). You can click here to see their menu (prices as of Apr 2015), which has good variety of choices (Note: Some food items may not available sometimes).
Pic: lunch buffet stalls on the island, usually run by travel agent for their tour groups, but they might accept walk-in customers.
You can rent snorkelling gears (RM25/day≈US$7.60/day for snorkel, mask, fins & life jacket), beach mat, camping tent, etc. from a shop in island. Small locker is available for rent for RM10 (≈US$3) a day. Refundable deposit applies so bring extra cash. You may click here to see the list of items and their rental/deposit rates (prices as of Apr 2015).
Pic: island grocery shop, opens from 8am to 4pm, some items sold include snacks, soft drink, beer, sunblock lotion, insect repellent, soap & shampoo, batteries, medicines.
Travel Fees
Sapi Island is a public marine park managed by the government (Sabah Parks) and open to walk-in local and international tourists every day. After you pay for the return boat transfer, you need to purchase ticket (which is called Conservation Fee) to enter the island. The table below is the ticket rates.
Visitor
Ticket Fee
Malaysian – Adult (18 & above) – Below 18 years old – Senior Citizen – Student (below 16)
RM3 RM1 RM1 RM0.50
Non-Malaysian – Adult – Child
RM10 (≈US$3) RM6 (≈US$1.80)
*6% GST tax would be applied to ticket soon
Some travel agents may charge you RM150 to RM180 (≈US$45-55) per person for a tour package (include land/boat transfer, lunch, entrance fee, snorkelling gears, guide service) to Sapi Island. If you arrange the trip on your own, it’ll cost only RM80 (≈US$24) or less. For example, let’s say you are a foreign adult tourist, below is the sample budget:
Return Boat Transfer (& Terminal Fee): RM30
Island Entrance Fee: RM10 (non-Malaysian adult)
Snorkelling Gears: RM25 (rent from shop in island)
Lunch: RM15 (bring your own lunch)
Camping Fee
For camper, the park imposes a small Camping Fee of RM5 (≈US$1.50) for adult and RM2 (≈US$0.60) for child (below 18). Please be informed that you need to pay additional RM50 (≈US$15) to boat operator for next-day pickup. Camping tent (fit 4 people) is available for rent at RM30/day (≈US$9/day) on the island. The island shops close at 4pm, so you better take out your belonging from locker or buy your last-minute supply such as food before they close.
How to get there
Sapi Island (see Location Map) is only 10 to 15 minutes away from KK by boat. You can hire a boat at any one of the boat terminals in KK City (open from 8am to 4pm). Please note the last boat returning to KK City departs at 4pm or 4:30pm.
More Photos
For further information log on website :
http://www.mysabah.com/wordpress/sapi-island/
Kota Kinabalu City (KK) is the gateway to Sabah. Some of our islands are only 15 minutes away from KK by boat. In KK, there are three boat / ferry terminals that can take you to most Sabah islands at west coast. However, their services and charges are slightly different to one another. All of them opens from 8am to 5pm every day (boat service ends about 4:00pm).
Pic: map of 3 boat terminals (green) and neighboring islands of KK
1. Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal
Jesselton Point is the most popular public ferry terminal at the edge of KK city centre, and it’s packed with local and foreign tourists during weekends. If you stay in KK city centre, it is within walking distance.
Pic: entrance of Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. The building at the right is ticketing hall.
Their boat service can start as early as 7:30am in weekends, but the boat only moves after it’s full with passengers (about 10 to 12 people). If you go in big group, you can negotiate for discount. Their fares are the cheapest so most people use their boat service to visit islands off KK.
Pic: the ticket counters run by over 10 operators competing with one another. This is the place where you buy return boat fare.
Pic: after you buy the ticket, you can sit in the hall (toilet is at the left corner). They will inform you once the boat is full and ready to depart. The waiting time is short if there are many tourists.
Destinations
Below are a list of islands you can go from Jesselton Point:
If you want to visit less popular islands such as Sulug and Gaya Base Camp and there are not enough people joining, they will ask you to pay extra or even charter a boat (over RM200)
You can tell them what time to pick you up for return. The last boat transfer is around 4pm.
Pic: jetty of Jesselton Point
Though their fare is the cheapest, the boatmen ride the speedboat like cowboy, making the trip very bumpy. Anyway, it’s only 15 minutes so most people can put up with this.
Gaya Island
To go to Gayana Eco Resort or Bunga Raya Resort, you can book the tour at the office of these resort operators in this terminal. However, these resorts are private zone, they only allow resort guests to enter, unless you purchase a tour such as lunch package from them.
Labuan & Brunei
You can go to Labuan and Brunei from Jesselton Point. They have regular ferry service as the following:
KK → Labuan: departs at 8:00am & 1:30pm (take 3.5 hours)
KK → Brunei: depart at 8:00am (transit Labuan, take 6.5 hours)
You also can go to the following islands in west coast. Most operators will require you to book an island tour in advance, so they would or would not accept walk-in customers. Since these islands are far away, they usually use catamaran instead of speedboat.
Jesselton Point is more like an activity centre for tourists and locals. Besides island transfer, there are many things you can get or do here. You can charter a boat to go fishing or even fish at their jetty (for a fee). For islanders, they can rent snorkeling set (fin, snorkel, mask) before they depart to islands. You can park your car in the parking lot next to the terminal (for RM1 per hour).
Pic: Jesselton Point has some shops where tourists can buy sunblock lotion, swimwear, sunglass, flip-flop, swimming float, soft drink, snacks, insect repellent, beach mat, souvenirs, etc.
Pic: there are good variety of food and beverages in their hawker centre.
Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty is a harbour between Pacific Sutera Hotel and Magellan Sutera Resort. Going to islands is very convenient if you stay in one of these hotels (which is 3 KM away from KK City Centre). The services also open to public. Some locals also like the ample free parking space there.
Pic: Sutera Harbour is a beautiful port parked with many private yacht port and sailboats. At the background is Pacific Sutera Hotel.
Pic: at the right are the kiosks of tour operators who offer boat transfer and island tour. The popular agents here are Sea Quest and Summer Cruise Holiday.
Same as Jesselton Point, they also offer island transfer to Manukan, Sapi and Mamutik Island. The return fare costs RM60 (≈US$16.75) per adult and RM30 (≈US$9) per Child, which has included jetty fee. Conservation Fee (entry to island) is not included. Island hopping is available for an additional fee of RM10 (≈US$3) per island. The fare may be slightly higher than Jesselton Point, but I like them for a few reasons:
Their staff and boatman are more professional (less bumpy ride).
The boat departs on time at fixed schedule (no matter it’s full or not).
They have staff stations on island to guide you if required.
The boat looks newer or well-maintained.
Other Islands
They also offer trip to the following islands (required booking of island tour in advance).
Besides boat transfer and island tour, they have watersport centre that offers diving courses / services, parasailing, jetski, flyfish, banana boat ride, sea-walking, kayak, sunset cruise, fishing, etc. The harbor also has short and long term rental berthing services for boats.
STAR Marina is located behind Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort (STAR) and operated by Borneo Divers, about 7KM away from KK. They offer full-fledged professional services on all island tours and watersports, not just boat transfer.
They have fixed schedule to these islands. The fee of return boat transfer is RM65 (≈US$19.50) for Adult and RM40 (≈US$12) for Child (12 & below), which includes 10% service tax. You can purchase optional items such as picnic box for RM50 (≈US$15) and snorkel gears. You may download the brochure of Island Transfer Services for details. They are willing to provide extra service such as sending you to the best spot for snorkeling.
Pic: 60-Metre-long jetty designed by Design B.U.BE from Singapore
Pic: air-conditioned service centre of STAR Marina
Pic: tour service counters of STAR Marina
Pic: snorkeling set for rent
Pic: they also look after your belonging during the island trip, or you may keep some of your things in the locker in STAR Marina.
Amenities
You can find the most complete motorised and non-motorised watersport activities in STAR Marina. Just to list some, diving (and PADI certitication courses), coastal and deep-sea fishing at Mengalum Island and Pulau Tiga Island, windsurfing, jet-ski, waterski, wakeboard, ocean kayak, paddle board, banana boat, Hobie Cat (a small sailing catamaran).
Pic: Dive centre of STAR Marina
To learn more detail about the activities, you may download the following brochures:
A word of cautious to those who want to get island transfer other than the three locations I mentioned above. There are some illegal and unlicensed boat operators around KK Central Market and Wisma Merdeka Shopping Mall lobbying ignorant tourists to employ their services. In one case, a group of tourists were robbed and left on an island. I would say they are lucky because it can be worse, e.g. kidnap, rape (though these haven’t happened yet).
Photos taken in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Borneo
For further information log on website :
http://www.mysabah.com/wordpress/go-islands-around-kota-kinabalu-city/
