In this work, the influence of KCl concentration on the gasification characteristics of lignite coal char between 800−1100 °C is studied through the experiments of temperature programmed gasification and isothermal gasification using a thermogravimetric analyzer. The gasification kinetics, characteristic parameters, and the reaction mechanism of catalytic gasification is explored using the random pore model (RPM). In view of temperature programmed gasification, the gasification rate of coal char is relatively slow when the temperature is below 700 °C, and only when the temperature is higher than 700 °C, the gasification starts to accelerate. Results show that with the existence of a catalyst, the temperature required for gasification reaction is reduced and the gasification reaction rate is increased. Furthermore, the higher concentration of KCl leads to the shorter half reaction time, the higher gasification rate, and the stronger catalysis. In addition, the activation energy of AW-ch... [more]

The demand for natural products is steadily increasing, and pharmacotechnological engineering is needed to allow rigorous investigation of their efficacy and safety in clinical conditions representing still unmet needs. Among aged patients affected by dementia, up to 80% of residents in nursing homes suffer from chronic pain and 97% from fluctuant neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), of which the most challenging is agitation. It is, at least in part, due to undertreated pain and treated with antipsychotics almost doubling the risk of death. In the frame of a scoping review assessing the existence of essential oils undergoing engineering pharmacotechnological processes using solid lipid nanoparticle delivery systems for clinical translation in pain and/or neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), here we identified that the sole essential oil engineered to overcome the c... [more]

Voltage sags are a serious problem within power supplies, which pose threats to both residential electricity and industrial manufacturing. Since any one sag may be recorded by multiple monitoring devices from different substations, the issue of redundant information in data arises. In this regard, a novel method for voltage sag events based on projection technology, shape dynamic time warping (shapeDTW), and spectral clustering is proposed. The main contributions of this paper may be summarized as follows: (1) We present a new method for extracting the voltage anomaly waveform, which is a fast projection segmentation algorithm (FPSA). The voltage sag waveform is only a part of the voltage anomaly waveform, so the voltage anomaly waveform contains more information. (2) ShapeDTW and spectral clustering are used to match and cluster voltage anomaly waveforms, so as to achieve the normalization of voltage sag events. (3) In practical engineering, the proposed method in the paper can be use... [more]

The present paper considers the wire drawing process through a conical die and provides an approximate solution for the drawing force, assuming an arbitrary hardening law. The solution is based on the upper bound theorem. However, this theorem does not apply to the stationary flow of strain-hardening materials. Therefore, an adopted engineering approach is to replace the original material model with a non-homogeneous, perfectly plastic model. The kinematically admissible velocity field is derived from an exact semi-analytical solution for the flow through an infinite channel, which increases the accuracy of the solution. The solution for the homogeneous perfectly plastic material compares with an available solution. The general solution is valid for any die angle. The numerical example focuses on the range of angles used in wire drawing. Since the material model is pressure-independent, it is straightforward to adopt the solution for calculating the force in extrusion.

For Francis pump turbines, the pressure pulsation characteristics of the draft tube are some of the key concerns during the operation of the units. The pressure pulsation characteristics of the draft tube are directly related to the draft tube spiral cavitating vortex rope. In this paper, the velocity distribution in the draft tube of a Francis pump turbine is tested by means of laser Doppler velocimetry. The velocity pulsation was found to be directly related to the pressure pulsation, while the velocity pulsation was also influenced by the cavitation coefficient. The main frequency of the velocity pulsation was close to the main frequency of the pressure pulsation and became larger as the cavitation factor increased.

Hydrokinetic turbine deployment in inland water reticulation systems such as irrigation canals has potential for future renewable energy development. Although research and development analysing the hydrodynamic effects of these turbines in tidal applications has been carried out, inland canal system applications with spatial constraints leading to possible blockage and backwater effects resulting from turbine deployment have not been considered. Some attempts have been made to develop backwater models, but these were site-specific and performed under constant operational conditions. Therefore, the aim of this work was to develop a generic and simplified method for calculating the backwater effect of HK turbines in inland systems. An analytical backwater approximation based on assumptions of performance metrics and inflow conditions was tested using validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. For detailed prediction of the turbine effect on the flow field, CFD models based on R... [more]

Process Intensification (PI) is a modern trend in Chemical Reaction Engineering (CRE) science [...]

Continual efforts to have better processes lead us to search for new ways to improve and innovate. One of the most powerful approaches to innovating technical systems is the TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving). TRIZ is, unfortunately, very hard to learn and adequately use. This paper introduces a new comprehensive algorithm for the innovation of processes in production based on TRIZ principles. The Algorithm for Process Innovation by Increasing Ideality (AP3I) helps search for innovative ways to improve or change the process—either the whole process or its segments. Besides the original TRIZ, AP3I is easier to use and might be applied by engineers in industrial practice. On the other hand, results from AP3I are probably weaker compared to full TRIZ. Still, the AP3I can be very helpful in efforts to improve processes and can provide powerful ideas. The overall algorithm is also demonstrated in case studies on processes of packing and assembly.

Steel slag is modified with additives to improve its high-temperature sulfur-fixing performance. The effects of sodium lignosulfonate, NaCl, KNO3 and MnO2 on the sulfur fixing performance of steel slag were explored after the ideal calcium−sulfur ratio of steel slag was established to be 2.5. An orthogonal experiment was used to explore the primary and secondary impacts of different additives on the sulfur fixing efficiency. The optimal factor level combination was identified to be 8% sodium lignosulfonate, 1% NaCl, 5% MnO2, and 7% KNO3, with a maximum sulfur fixing efficiency of 70.81%. According to XRF analysis, the sulfur-fixing effect of steel slag with additives was clearly superior to that of steel slag without additives. According to an XRD analysis, the diffraction peak of sulfur-fixing products of steel slag with additives was significantly improved, resulting in a high-temperature resistant phase that prevented sulfur-fixing products from degrading. According to SEM research,... [more]

A novel method for quasi-continuous tar monitoring in hot syngas from biomass gasification is reported. A very small syngas stream is extracted from the gasifier output, and the oxygen demand for tar combustion is determined by a well-defined dosage of synthetic air. Assuming the total oxidation of all of the combustible components at the Pt-electrode of a lambda-probe, the difference of the residual oxygen concentrations from successive operations with and without tar condensation represents the oxygen demand. From experiments in the laboratory with H2/N2/naphthalene model syngas, the linear sensitivity and a lower detection limit of about 70 ± 5 mg/m3 was estimated, and a very good long-term stability can be expected. This extremely sensitive and robust monitoring concept was evaluated further by the extraction of a small, constant flow of hot syngas as a sample (9 L/h) using a Laval nozzle combined with a metallic filter (a sintered metal plate (pore diameter 10 µm)) and a gas pump... [more]

In recent years, with the development of hydrogen energy economy, there is an increasing demand for hydrogen in the market, and hydrogen production through biomass will provide an important way to supply clean, environmentally friendly and highly efficient hydrogen. In this study, cow dung was selected as the biomass source, and the efficiency of the biomass to hydrogen reaction was explored by coupling high temperature pyrolysis and water vapor gasification. The experimental conditions of gasification temperature, water mass fraction, heating rate and feed temperature were systematically studied and optimized to determine the optimal conditions for in situ hydrogen production by gasification of cow dung. The relationship of each factor to the yield of hydrogen production by gasification of cow dung semi-coke was investigated in order to elucidate the mechanism of the hydrogen production. The experiment determined the optimal operating parameters of in situ gasification: gasification t... [more]

spp. are Gram-negative facultative bacteria that cause severe economic and animal losses. Pasteurella-based vaccines are the most promising solution for controlling Pasteurella spp. outbreaks. Remarkably, insufficient biomass cultivation (low cell viability and productivity) and lack of knowledge about the cultivation process have impacted the bulk production of animal vaccines. Bioprocess optimization in the shake flask and bioreactor is required to improve process efficiency while lowering production costs. However, its state of the art is limited in providing insights on its biomass upscaling, preventing a cost-effective vaccine with mass-produced bacteria from being developed. In general, in the optimum cultivation of Pasteurella spp., production factors such as pH (6.0−8.2), agitation speed (90−500 rpm), and temperature (35−40 °C) are used to improve production yield. Hence, this review discusses the production strategy of Pasteurella and Mannheimia species that can potentially be... [more]

The ignition temperature of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and the internal temperature-field distribution of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) during active regeneration are investigated during an engine bench test in this study. Based on the dropped to idle (DTI) test, a test method is developed to determine the safe regeneration temperature of the DPF. The results show that when the inlet temperature of the DOC is more than 240 °C, the DOC begins ignition and reaches the target temperature of 600 °C set for active regeneration of DPF; when the inlet exhaust temperature of the DOC is between 240 and 280 °C, a higher injection rate is required to reduce the secondary pollution of HC and thus make the DPF reach the set target temperature as soon as possible. The active regeneration process of the DPF is divided into three stages. During ignition, the temperature of the DPF inlet and outlet increases rapidly and successively. The internal and outlet temperatures of DPF during regen... [more]

This study presents an alternative process for designing and manufacturing customized trays for dental-whitening treatments. The process is based on a digitized approach consisting of three main stages: design of a reference model, its manufacturing by AM, and thermoforming of the tray. The aim of the study was to develop a high-performance tray, able to guarantee comfort, safety, and efficacy for whitening treatments. To evaluate the patient’s experience, some tests under real operating conditions were performed. Twenty people carried out a nighttime treatment of 14 days. Each patient was asked to assess the overall level of satisfaction and the comfort of the tray and its ability to retain the gel. Tooth whitening was also determined according to the VITAPAN scale. All patients involved in the study were satisfied and provided positive feedback about comfort and tightness of the tray. At the end of the treatment, 15 out of 20 patients achieved shade A1 on the VITAPAN scale. The mean... [more]

The hyperburner is a key component of a TBCC engine, and its reliable ignition and stable operation are critical. The gliding arc plasma igniter driven by differential pressure has the technical advantages of low energy consumption and high jet temperature. In this paper, the electrical and flow characteristics of the gliding arc plasma igniter are studied, and the basic ignition experiment in the hyperburner is carried out. Electrical characteristic experiments show that the discharge duration, the evolution of the gliding arc and the fracture frequency are affected by the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the igniter (Δp). With the increase in Δp, the frequency of the trapezoidal envelope in the voltage and current waveforms increases, and the frequency of the evolution and fracture of the gliding arc increases. The continuous discharge time of the gliding arc decreases when Δp = 550 Torr. The flow characteristic experiments show that the velocity of the swirl sheat... [more]

With the development of large-scale renewable energy consumption and multi-infeed high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, the demand of a system for the synchronous condensers with a strong dynamic reactive power support capacity and a strong short-time overload capacity is increasing. Meanwhile, with the reuse of a large number of retired thermal units, the most practical and economic way is to transform thermal units into synchronous condensers. The cost difference in the life-cycle of the synchronous condenser transformed from a thermal unit (SCTTU) and the newly established synchronous condenser (NESC) is a key factor that affects the decision-making and construction of the transformation from thermal unit to synchronous condenser. However, the life-cycle cost (LCC) of the synchronous condenser transformed from a thermal unit and the newly established synchronous condenser contains many uncertain factors, which affect the accuracy of the LCC estimation value. In order to quanti... [more]

Methanol and ammonia are important chemical materials in the chemical industry. During the production of methanol and ammonia, a large amount of waste heat is released. The waste heat can be used to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions. In this study, pinch analysis is used to design the heat exchanger network (HEN) of pulverized coke (PC) chemical looping gasification coupled with coke-oven gas (COG) to methanol and ammonia (PCCLHG-CGTMA). The heat integration process is accomplished in two ways, as mentioned below. (1) The HENs in each of the three heat exchange units are designed individually; (2) the HENs of the three heat exchange units are treated as a whole and designed simultaneously. Compared to the HEN designed individually, when the HENs are designed as a whole, a total of 112.12 MW of hot and cold utilities are saved. In the HENs designed as a whole, the reduction in operating cost is sufficient to offset the increase in capital cost; the total annual cost (TAC) is reduced... [more]

The chemical structures of tectonically deformed coal are significantly altered by stress. However, the stress response of non-covalent bonds in deformation experiments and the role of non-covalent bonds in the deformation process of coal have not been studied yet. In this work, coals before and after simulative deformation experiments were systematically investigated to uncover the coal’s deformation mechanism and the variation of non-covalent bonds. The results indicate that differential stress and temperature can promote ductile deformation while confine pressure hinders the deformation process. Differential stress and temperature in the ranges of 100−150 MPa and 100−200 °C, respectively, are key transition conditions from brittle to ductile deformation for the selected bituminous coal. Furthermore, hydrogen bonds and π−π bonds crosslinking coal molecular networks determine the mechanical properties of the coal. The simulative deformation experiments indicate that, with an increase... [more]

A high temperature cascade heat pump (HTCHP) system using low-grade heat from waste water to generate steam for industrial processes is studied from the thermodynamic and economic view. The effects of intermediate temperature, heat source temperature, heat sink temperature, working fluids, and the pinch point temperature difference at the evaporator, condenser, and intermediate heat exchanger on the thermodynamic performance and cost-effectiveness of the HTCHP system are investigated. The PBP varying with the gas price and electricity price is evaluated as well. The results show that optimal intermediate temperatures exist under different operational conditions, not only for the COP, but also for the PBP. A high heat source temperature and low heat sink temperature are conducive to increasing the COP and shortening the PBP. Working fluid pair R1234Ze(E)-R1233zd(Z) shows a promising application in the HTCHP system for its relatively high COP, short PBP, and low GWP. A lower pinch point... [more]

In modern industrial systems, high-dimensional process data provide rich information for process monitoring. To make full use of local information of industrial process, a distributed robust dictionary pair learning (DRDPL) is proposed for refined process monitoring. Firstly, the global system is divided into several sub-blocks based on the reliable prior knowledge of industrial processes, which achieves dimensionality reduction and reduces process complexity. Secondly, a robust dictionary pair learning (RDPL) method is developed to build a local monitoring model for each sub-block. The sparse constraint with l2,1 norm is added to the analytical dictionary, and a low rank constraint is applied to the synthetical dictionary, so as to obtain robust dictionary pairs. Then, Bayesian inference method is introduced to fuse local monitoring information to global anomaly detection, and the block contribution index and variable contribution index are used to realize anomaly isolation. Finally,... [more]

Coal spontaneous combustion is one of the most severe and constant hazards in the coal industry. Understanding the mechanisms is the basis for effective hazard control in the coal-producing process. This paper investigated two types of oxidized coal samples from the re-mining faces of an underground coal mine. Proximate analysis, elemental analysis, surface analysis, temperature-programmed experiments, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis were conducted to study the spontaneous combustion characteristics. Various reaction mechanism functions were adopted to calculate the kinetic parameters, and multiple linear regression was performed to simulate the reaction behavior. The results show that the thermal decomposition of the oxidized coal followed a two-stage reaction model. The first stage reaction occupied smaller apparent activation energy and promoted the second stage reaction, dominating the heat production. Therefore, significant prevention measures for coal spontaneous c... [more]

In this paper, a method is proposed to accurately measure the torsional vibration of a ship’s propulsion shafting, and calculate its instantaneous torque based on instantaneous speed data. The instantaneous speed signal of a ship is measured by a data acquisition instrument indirectly under the deceleration condition, and then filtered by the five-point smoothing algorithm. The filtered instantaneous speed signal is further processed to calculate the maximum amplitude of the torsional vibration, along with the maximum torque of the propulsion shafting under specific operating conditions. The proposed method can effectively improve the calculation accuracy of the torsional vibration of the shafting, and provides reliable theoretical basis for setting the safe speed of the ship’s diesel engine.

Transporting green hydrogen by existing natural gas networks has become a practical means to accommodate curtailed wind and solar power. Restricted by pipe materials and pressure levels, there is an upper limit on the hydrogen blending ratio of hydrogen-enriched compressed natural gas (HCNG) that can be transported by natural gas pipelines, which affects whether the natural gas network can supply energy safely and reliably. To this end, this paper investigates the effects of the intermittent and fluctuating green hydrogen produced by different types of renewable energy on the dynamic distribution of hydrogen concentration after it is blended into natural gas pipelines. Based on the isothermal steady-state simulation results of the natural gas network, two convection−diffusion models for the dynamic simulation of hydrogen injections are proposed. Finally, the dynamic changes of hydrogen concentration in the pipelines under scenarios of multiple green hydrogen types and multiple injectio... [more]

Currently, volume fracturing of horizontal wells is the main technology for shale oil development. A large amount of fracturing fluid is injected into the formation, but the flowback efficiency is very low. Besides, the impact of fluid retention on productivity is not fully clear. There is still a debate about fast-back or slow-back after fracturing, and the formulation of a reasonable cleanup scheme is lacking a theoretical basis. To illustrate the injected-fluid recovery and production performance of shale oil wells, an integrated workflow involving a complex fracture model and oil-water production simulation was presented, enabling a confident history match of flowback data. Then, the impacts of pumping rate, slick water ratio, cluster spacing, stage spacing and flowback rate were quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the pumping rate is negatively correlated with injected-fluid recovery, but positively correlated with oil production. A high ratio of slick water would induc... [more]

To study the influence of injection time and injection volume on the working process of a two-stroke kerosene direct injection engine, an experimental study was carried out on an improved two-stroke inline three-cylinder gasoline engine, combined with calculations and analysis with GT-POWER and AVL FIRE software. The results showed that when the injection end angle increased from 50° to 70° before the top dead center (BTDC), the average pressure and temperature in the cylinder increased rapidly, the peak value of pressure and temperature and the cumulative heat release increased, and the combustion process in the cylinder was more sufficient. The fuel injection volume was set to 7.5 mg, 8 mg, and 8.5 mg. With increasing fuel injection volume, the average pressure and average temperature first increased and then decreased, the peak value gradually increased, the heat release rate and cumulative heat release increased sharply, the corresponding time gradually advanced, and the peak value... [more]