Application Of Electrostatic Field Research Articles

Effect of Electrostatic Field Assisted Thawing on the Quality of Previously Frozen Beef Striploins

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of applying electrostatic field (EF)–assisted thawing on the quality attributes of previously frozen beef striploin. Beef striploins from both sides of 12 USDA Choice carcasses were halved, frozen at −40°C, and thawed under 4 EF voltage treatments: 0 kV (control), 2.5 kV, 5 kV, and 10 kV. After reaching the internal temperature of −1°C, striploins were weighed for yield calculation, swabbed for microbial analysis, fabricated into steaks, and assigned to either 0- or 14-d aging period and retail displayed for 0 or 7 d. Subjective and objective color measurements were taken during the retail display. Upon completion of retail display, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), cook loss, sarcomere length, troponin-T degradation, muscle fiber spacing, lipid oxidation, antioxidant capacity, pH, and proximate analysis were performed. All EF treatments increased purge loss compared to the control (P<0.05) and did not improve thawing speed, with samples from 10 kV actually taking the longest to thaw (P<0.05). The 2.5 kV and 5 kV samples aged 14 d showed less discoloration than those from 0 kV and 10 kV, and 5 kV samples aged 14 d had higher a* than those from the other treatments (P<0.05). Samples thawed under 10 kV showed a reduction in WBSF compared to the control (P<0.05), but there was no impact of EF on aerobic plate count, sarcomere length, troponin-T degradation,relative fat %, crude protein %, moisture %, purge protein concentration, pH, lipid oxidation, or antioxidant capacity for either the hydrophilic (water soluble) and lipophilic (lipid soluble) portion of the samples (P>0.05). Overall, our study determined that there was no economic benefit to apply EF during thawing regarding yield and purge loss. However, the application of EF may improve tenderness and extend shelf life of beef during retail display.

Molecular study on the growth mechanism of CO2-H2 binary hydrate promoted by electric field

The storage and transportation of hydrogen (H2) are widely recognized as the main challenge of hydrogen utilization technology. The hydrate-based method is one of the safe and environmentally friendly hydrogen storage methods. However, the harsh generation conditions and slow growth rate of H2 hydrate hinder its industrial application. Therefore, exploring methods to reduce the reaction conditions of H2 hydrate and improve growth efficiency is worth further research. This study investigated the effect of different intensities of electrostatic fields (0–0.9 V/nm) on the growth of CO2-H2 binary hydrates through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Representative parameters such as growth configuration, number of cages, dipole moment, four body angular order parameters, mean square displacement, occupancy rate, etc. were analyzed. The T, P conditions used for the simulation were 255 K, 80 MPa, and 400 ns in duration. The results suggest that a certain range of electric field strength can increase the growth rate of CO2-H2 binary hydrates and reduce the conditions required for hydrogen hydrate formation. The growth-promoting effect of the electric field is primarily manifested in the increased growth rate of binary hydrates. Detailed analysis reveals that electric field of a certain strength can to some extent promote the multiple occupancy of H2 within cage structures, thereby enhancing the hydrate's ability to capture H2. These molecular insights are beneficial for the application of electrostatic field in hydrate-based technologies to improving the storage efficiency of H2 hydrate and the reuse of CO2.

Enhancing microalgal biomass production in lab-scale raceway ponds through innovative computational fluid dynamics-based electrode deflectors

The design of novel electrode deflector structures (EDSs) introduced a promising strategy for enhancing raceway ponds performance, increasing carbon fixation, and improving microalgal biomass accumulation. The computational fluid dynamics, based flow field principles, proved that the potency of arc-shaped electrode deflector structures (A-EDS) and spiral electrode deflector structures (S-EDS) were optimal. These configurations yielded superior culture effects, notably reducing dead zones by 9.1% and 11.7%, while elevating biomass increments of 14.7% and 11.5% compared to the control, respectively. In comparison to scenarios without electrostatic field application, the A-EDS group demonstrated pronounced post-stimulation growth, exhibiting an additional biomass increase of 11.2%, coupled with a remarkable 23.6% surge in CO2 fixation rate and mixing time reduction by 14.7%. A-EDS and S-EDS, combined with strategic electric field integration, provided a theoretical basis for promoting microalgal biomass production and enhancing carbon fixation in a raceway pond environment to similar production practices.

Molecular insights into ions permeation and destruction behavior in methane hydrate driven by electrostatic fields

The formation and dissociation of gas hydrate can be promoted by different electrostatic field intensity, so it is considered as one of the potential technologies with great application value in hydrate exploitation, hydrate prevention in oil and gas wells and pipelines, and hydrate-related technologies. Generally, these technologies are used in the environment of ionic solution, resulting in the phenomenon of ion electrophoresis. The physical–chemical interaction between ions migration and hydrate is inevitable, but this interaction remains unclear. Herein, the crystal structure of methane hydrate infiltrated and destabilized by ions (K+, Na+, Li+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Cl-) driven by electrostatic fields was shown through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Specifically, as the strength of the electrostatic field increases, the rate of diffusion and migration of ions in hydrate increases, accompanied by stronger destruction. Monovalent K+ migration is more effective in destroying hydrate structure under weak electrostatic fields, while divalent cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+) are more effective under strong electrostatic fields. The order of migration rate of ions in hydrate cages is K+ > Na+ > Li+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+. The difference of migration rate and destruction effect of ions in hydrate system is closely related to the hydration radius, hydration geometry, and hydration energy of ions. Dehydration and water molecular replacement occur in the process of hydrated ions driven by strong electrostatic fields entering the methane hydrate phase from the liquid phase. These molecular insights on the impacts of ions migration behavior on methane hydrate are beneficial for the application of electrostatic field in hydrate mining, safety of oil and gas pipeline transportation, and hydrate-related technologies.

The application of electrostatic field technology for the preservation of perishable foods

With the global promotion of healthy diet, people's demand for freshness of food has risen, so extending the shelf life of food has become a hot topic now. Electrostatic field is widely concerned because it has the advantages of simple equipment, low cost, low maintenance, low energy consumption, one investment can be used for a long time, flexible operation, no drug pollution, no secondary pollution to the environment, and can better retain the original quality and flavor of food. As a non-thermal physical preservation technology, electrostatic field preservation can produce ozone and electric ions to kill bacteria inside and outside the food and reduce the enzyme activity, so as to play the effect of preservation. In this paper, based on the introduction of the working principle and mechanism of action of electrostatic field processing technology, the research progress of the application of this technology in different perishable food sterilization and preservation is described, and the limitations of electrostatic field technology are proposed, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the processing application of electrostatic field in perishable food and to provide guidance for the industrial production of electrostatic field.

Powder coating apparatus for manufacturing coating film used as catalyst layer of solid polymer fuel cell, has aerosol generator for generating aerosol containing powder, and electrostatic field application apparatus for obtaining coating film

Powder coating apparatus for manufacturing coating film used as catalyst layer of solid polymer fuel cell, has aerosol generator for generating aerosol containing powder, and electrostatic field application apparatus for obtaining coating film

Pulse Low-Frequency Electrostatic Field Application for Injuries of Knee Joint Capsular Ligament Apparatus in Children: a Prospective Randomized Comparative Study

INTRODUCTION. Rehabilitation of children with knee joint injuries is very relevant due to a high prevalence of such a localization of injuries leading to loss of limb function and often requiring surgical treatment and intensive rehabilitation. AIM. To establish scientifically the isolated use of low-frequency pulsed electrostatic field and in combination with robotic mechanotherapy in treatment of the knee joint capsular ligamentous apparatus injuries in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS. 60 children aged 13 to 18 years with damage to the capsular ligamentous apparatus of the knee joint were included in the clinical study. The study group was represented by 30 children receiving a combined effect of the low-frequency pulsed electrostatic field and robotic mechanotherapy. A comparison group of 30 children was exposed to the low-frequency pulsed electrostatic field. Medical rehabilitation was prescribed in the early post-immobilization period after arthroscopic operations. To determine the effectiveness of medical rehabilitation techniques, we used orthopedic status assessment, a subjacent determination of the severity of pain syndrome according to the VAS, clinical assessment of motor deficit, laser Doppler flowmetry, ultrasound examination of knee joints, infrared thermography, and psychological testing using the Spielberg-Hanin scale. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. A prospective open randomized comparative study revealed a more pronounced regression of pain syndrome, earlier restoration of the motions in the injured joint, and relief of posttraumatic synovitis signs when using two physical factors in children with damage to the capsule-ligament apparatus of the knee joint in combination. The clinical and functional results obtained are of great importance in injuries of the knee joint with the risk of contracture formation in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION. High therapeutic efficacy, good tolerability of procedures, and the absence of adverse reactions substantiate expediency of the low frequency pulsed electrostatic field introduction in combination with robotic mechanotherapy for injuries of the capsular ligamentous apparatus of the knee joint in children into the practice of children’s medical and preventive medical organizations.

Molecular behaviour of a surfactant layer under an external electrostatic field

The impact of electrostatic fields on film tension was investigated by molecular simulations. The simulation results confirmed the experimentally observed correlation (C.M. Phan, M. Haseeb, 2020) between film tension and the applied field. The surface tension, and film tension, are linearly reduced with an increasing electrostatic field. A closer investigation reveals the molecular nature of electrostatic field-induced reduction. The molecular mechanism of reduction was not ionic displacement as proposed previously. Instead, the reduction was caused by the disrupted H-bonds network. Electrostatic field application can help understand the H-bonds structure of water at the surface and bulk interior.

Методики расчета тепловых процессов в условиях естественной конвекции газообразного метана при влиянии электростатических полей

Relying on the review and analysis of scientific and technical literature, as well as the results of experimental studies, we developed new methods for calculating thermal processes occurring in gaseous methane during its natural convection, under the influence of electrostatic fields. In this study we show methods for calculating and determining the coefficients of heat transfer to gaseous methane under the influence of electric wind, as well as methods for calculating and determining the effect of electrostatic fields on the negative process of sedimentation on a heated experimental working plate in the volume of gaseous methane. A general method has been developed for the effective and safe application of electrostatic fields in gaseous methane, which must be carried out in the calculations, design, creation, and operation of new engines, power plants, and techno systems for single and reusable ground, air, aerospace and space-based aircraft.

Cylindrical condenser in a liquid cleaning device

The article presents the results of theoretical substantiation and experimental confirmation of the effectiveness of non-reactive technologies for cleaning liquids. The method of research includes the main theoretical provisions of the process of coagulation treatment of water taking into account modern trends of its development, modern methods of using this process of water purification, laboratory and production studies on natural waters using the developed device of non-reactive water treatment. Studies of sediment kinetics when settling water after its coagulation showed that the deposition time was reduced – from 30–40 min (without additional treatment) to 8…10 min when treating a coagulant solution in a spiral coil and to 3…5 min when treating in a spiral coil with electrostatic field application.

Tuning the Optical Band Gap of Semiconductor Nanocomposites-A Case Study with ZnS/Carbon.

The linear photochemical response of materials depends on two critical parameters: the size of the optical band gap determines the onset of optical excitation, whereas the absolute energetic positions of the band edges define the reductive or oxidative character of photo-generated electrons and holes. Tuning these characteristics is necessary for many potential applications and can be achieved through changes in the bulk composition or particle size, adjustment of the surface chemistry or the application of electrostatic fields. In this contribution the influence of surface chemistry and fields is investigated systematically with the help of standard DFT calculations for a typical case, namely composites prepared from ZnS quantum dots and functionalized carbon nanotubes. After comparing results with existing qualitative and quantitative experimental data, it is shown conclusively, that the details of the surface chemistry (especially defects) in combination with electrostatic fields have the largest influence. In conclusion, the development of novel or improved photoresponsive materials therefore will have to integrate a careful analysis of the interplay between surface chemistry, surface charges and interaction with the material environment or substrate.

Gas Combustion Efficiency Enhancement: Application Study of Intense Elestrostatic Field

Abstract A number of international, European Union and Latvian legislative acts have been developed, which regulate the efficiency of gas combustion plants and greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. These legislative acts require the development of new scientifically efficient methods for gas optimal combustion with a minor impact on the environment. In order to achieve such a goal, different methods can be used, but the most efficient is an intensive electrostatic field application to control combustion and harmful emission formation in premixed flames. In the framework of the current study, the authors developed a hybrid burner, which allowed generating an intensive electrostatic field with intensity of more than 1000 kV/m. The study also investigated the impact of such a field on the formation of harmful emissions, including CO2 and flue gas temperature. The empirical results showed that an intensive DC electrostatic field generated inside of the burner had an impact on the flame shape, CO2, NOx emissions and flue gas temperature. In its turn, by applying an intensive pulsating electrostatic field (multivariable experiment) it was possible to achieve the reduction in NOx, CO emissions with a simultaneous increase in flue gas temperature, which was related to combustion process efficiency enhancement.

Effects of electrostatic field strength on grain‐boundary core structures in SrTiO3

AbstractUnderstanding interactions between externally applied electric fields and the interfacial structures of nanoscale ceramics is important for controlling their functional properties. In ceramic oxides, functional properties are determined by oxygen vacancy concentrations near and within grain‐boundary core structures. In this study it is shown that the application of electrostatic fields ranging from 0 to nominally 170 V/cm during diffusion bonding of bicrystals alters the atomic and electronic core structures of (100) twist grain boundaries in SrTiO3. The applied electric field strength affects local oxygen vacancy concentrations and ordering of the oxygen sublattice. Results for this model system indicate that electrostatic fields applied during ceramic manufacturing can be employed as a new processing parameter to tailor defect structure configurations and obtain unprecedented ceramic microstructures. The ability to manipulate interface configurations with electric fields in the absence of any sintering additives may have far reaching implications for tuning polarization and band structures in electroceramics while avoiding effects of often unwanted dopants.

The effect of electric fields on grain growth in MgAl2O4 spinel

The application of electrostatic fields during processing of oxide ceramic microstructures was previously reported to enhance densification and grain growth. In this study effects of the externally applied electrostatic field strength on grain growth in MgAl2O4 were investigated. Free sintering of green bodies showed accelerated grain growth by about 20% in the presence of an applied nominal field strength of 0.95 kV/cm. In contrast to previous studies, annealing of dense microstructures in the presence of a nominal electric field strength as high as 2.22 kV/cm revealed no additional grain growth. A machine learning algorithm for grain size analysis enabled grain size distributions including up to 30,000 grains. Due to the resulting counting statistics for microstructure analysis, it was discovered that the applied electrostatic fields caused grain growth predominantly during the early stages of sintering, i.e., at lower green body densities, hence suggesting an enhancement of surface diffusion.

Electrostatic fields control grain boundary structure in SrTiO3

Functional properties of oxide ceramics are often controlled by the addition of dopant elements and the resulting alteration of oxygen vacancy concentrations within grain boundary core structures. A challenge in designing nanoscale ceramic microstructures is forming stable grain boundary networks, while minimizing unwanted impurity concentrations. In this study, it was discovered that the application of electrostatic fields during diffusion bonding of undoped SrTiO3 bicrystals leads to modifications of grain boundary core structures while misorientation angles remained unchanged. The applied electric field not only changes atomic and electronic interface structures, but also causes modifications of ensuing dielectric properties by altering local oxygen vacancy concentrations. The observations for this model system demonstrate the potential to control and modify the microscopic degrees of freedom of grain boundaries in the absence of dopant elements. Field-assisted modifications of grain boundary networks may become a disruptive technology in designing oxide microstructures for a wide range of applications.

Does electro-osmosis work in moisture damage prevention? Applicability of infrared-based methods to verify water distribution under electric fields

Abstract In the recent years electro-osmosis drying devices applied to walls in both modern and historic masonry has become one of the leading innovative techniques to prevent damages caused by capillary rising water in building materials. Since the scientific community is raising many doubts on these techniques, the authors aim to propose a fast, simple, noninvasive and economic method to evaluate the dehumidification process specimens of the most used building materials. The paper presents a procedure to monitor water content in different specimens of the most used building materials (e.g. brick, mortar and plaster) and verify any kind of possible effect of electro-osmosis on water diffusion, above all drying kinetic. The procedure is based on the measure of water content and drying behaviour with and without the application of electrostatic fields with the traditional gravimetric method, infrared thermography and optical reflectance in the 940–980 nm with a high sensitivity avalanche photodiode. This allowed us to visualize the surface water content gradient of different building materials. Using different voltage values between tow electrodes coupled with the material under examination, we observed no variation in water distribution inside the material nor any difference in evaporation phenomena. For strong electric field values (V > 150 V/m), compared to those normally used in electro-osmosis dehumidification, we measured mainly the heating caused by the Joule effect due to the intrinsic ion's distribution inside the material.

(Invited) Electrostatic Field and Non-Thermal Plasma for Handling and Processing Bio-Molecules and Cells

Electrostatic field is an important tool for handling fine objects such as biological molecules and cells. Non-thermal plasma generates reactive radicals. Long life-time radicals can migrate in liquids to penetrate membranes of cells and tissues. Electrophoresis, or Coulombic force has been widely used in biology for separation of cells and molecules. Dielectrophoresis in non-uniform AC-field uses gradient force. Since AC voltage can be applied to conductive liquid with minimum generation of bubbles, dielectrophoresis is an important tool for handling living cells and micro-organisms. Due to polarization, gradient force appears on particles of neutral charge, and magnitude and direction of the gradient force depend on the frequency response of the objects. Gradient force can be generated using a focused laser without using fixed electrodes. Biological cells are pulled into the laser focus where E-field is high, and they are trapped. This is called laser tweezers, and is a convenient tool for handling microbes and fine objects with diameter range between 0.2 – 5 micro-meter. Laser tweezers cannot hold DNA molecules of random-coiled shape, because they are too thin (2 nm diameter). The globule transition of DNA molecules can be used to fold random-coiled DNA into a solid globule DNA. This transition is reversible, controlled by concentration of counter ions in medium. Globule DNAs, therefore, can be stretched again. Globule DNAs are manipulated by laser tweezers. Droplet-in-oil emulsion is a suitable container to be manipulated using electrostatic force or laser tweezers. This emulsion system can be used to conduct PCR amplification starting from single fragment of DNA. High electric field causes reversible or irreversible puncture of membrane of cells. This phenomenon can be used for cell fusion, infection of genes and chemicals, cell fusion, or sterilization. To punctuate cell membranes, reactive radicals are also effective. Radicals are generated in NTP and injected into liquid. Certain long-lived radicals migrate in the liquid and penetrate into cells through membrane or protein shell. E.coli or B. subtilis spore in liquid was exposed to NTP, either DBD(dielectric barrier discharge) or a plasma jet with Ar or He. Analysis using decay of GFP (green fluorescent protein) fluorescence proved that oxidative radicals are penetrating through the membrane into cells. Exposure of NTP to Bacteriophages indicated that protein shells are damaged at first, and that double stranded DNA is stronger than that of single stranded genes of the phages. In conclusion, electrostatic force and NTP are effective tools for handling and for processing biological particles including cells, viruses and molecules. Wide range of applications are still to be developed. Several examples will be reported of the application of electrostatic field and NTP in handling and processing of cells and single DNA molecules.

Effect of freezing under electrostatic field on the quality of lamb meat

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of electrostatic field treatment on the quality attributes of frozen lamb meat. The static external electric field was applied at the intensities of E = 0–5.8 × 104 V/m during freezing at − 20 °C. Following freezing under electrostatic field, meat samples were thawed and their quality characteristics such as drip loss, texture, and colour were assessed by instrumental methods. Light microscopy technique was used to investigate the microstructure of meat. Results showed that electrostatic field application during freezing led to the significant microstructural changes in meat tissue. The average ice crystal size in the meat samples frozen under 5.8 × 104 V/m electric field decreased up to 60% in comparison to the conventional freezing process. It was also found that the drip loss decreased with increasing the electrostatic field strength. The colour and hardness of the meat were not significantly influenced by electric field. Industrial relevance This study gives significant information about the effect of electrostatic freezing on the quality of meat. It shows the effectiveness of electrostatic for decreasing the size of ice crystals and helps maintain the quality of meat during freezing. Since this method requires less energy and causes less damage to food the industrial application of this technology is growing.

Effects of cycle duration of an external electrostatic field on anammox biomass activity.

In this study, the effects of different cycle durations of an external electrostatic field on an anammox biomass were investigated. The total application time per day was 12 h at 2 V/cm for different cycle durations (i.e., continuous application-resting time) of 3 h-3 h, 6 h-6 h, and 12 h-12 h. Compared with the control reactor, the nitrogen removal rates (NRRs) increased by 18.7%, 27.4% and 8.50% using an external electrostatic field application with a continuous application time of 3 h, 6 h and 12 h. Moreover, after the reactor was running smoothly for approximately 215 days under the optimal electrostatic field condition (mode 2, continuous application-rest time: 6 h-6 h), the total nitrogen (TN) removal rate reached a peak value of approximately 6468 g-N/m3/d, which was 44.7% higher than the control. The increase in 16S rRNA gene copy numbers, heme c content and enzyme activities were demonstrated to be the main reasons for enhancement of the NRR of the anammox process. Additionally, transmission electron microscope observations proved that a morphological change in the anammox biomass occurred under an electrostatic field application.

The effect of pulsating electrostatic field application on the development of delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) symptoms after eccentric exercise.

[Purpose] The aim of the study was to establish whether pulsating electrostatic field application, shown to increase blood flow and metabolic activity and to function as an ion pump, is able to reduce muscle pain after exercise-induced muscle damage. [Subjects and Methods] Seven participants (4 males, 3 females) performed two sessions of downhill running separated by at least 4 weeks. After the running sessions, participants were either treated for 45 min with a pulsating electrostatic field (field intensity, 9000 V; current, <9 mA; frequency, 50 Hz) or a sham treatment. The order of the intervention was random, and the condition was blinded for the participants. Muscle soreness score, creatine kinase, and jump ability were assessed before and up to 48 hours after running. [Results] Twenty-four and 48 hours after the downhill running, the muscle soreness score tended to be less increased after pulsating electrostatic field administration when compared with the sham setting (changes in muscle soreness score: 3.7±1.6 vs. 5.7±2.2 after 24 h and 3.1±2.0 vs. 5.4±3.2 after 48 h, respectively). No further differences were detected. [Conclusion] The outcomes show that a pulsating electrostatic field might be a promising treatment to reduce muscle soreness after exercise-induced muscle damage. However, further studies are needed to confirm the present outcomes and to establish the mechanism by which a pulsating electrostatic field may reduce muscle pain.