Average Bulk Density Research Articles

High oxygen nanocomposite barrier films based on xylan and nanocrystalline cellulose

The goal of this work is to produce nanocomposite film with low oxygen permeability by casting an aqueous solution containing xylan, sorbitol and nanocrystalline cellulose. The morphology of the resulting nanocomposite films was examined by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy which showed that control films containing xylan and sorbitol had a more open structure as compared to xylan-sorbitol films containing sulfonated nanocrystalline cellulose. The average pore diameter, bulk density, porosity and tortuosity factor measurements of control xylan films and nanocomposite xylan films were examined by mercury intrusion porosimetry techniques. Xylan films reinforced with nanocrystalline cellulose were denser and exhibited higher tortuosity factor than the control xylan films. Control xylan films had average pore diameter, bulk density, porosity and tortuosity factor of 0.1730 µm, 0.6165 g/ml, 53.0161% and 1.258, respectively as compared to xylan films reinforced with 50% nanocrystalline cellulose with average pore diameter of 0.0581 µm, bulk density of 1.1513 g/ml, porosity of 22.8906% and tortuosity factor of 2.005. Oxygen transmission rate tests demonstrated that films prepared with xylan, sorbitol and 5%, 10%, 25% and 50% sulfonated nanocrystalline cellulose exhibited a significantly reduced oxygen permeability of 1.1387, 1.0933, 0.8986 and 0.1799 cm3·µm/m2·d·kPa respectively with respect to films prepared solely from xylan and sorbitol with a oxygen permeability of 189.1665 cm3·µm/m2·d·kPa. These properties suggested these nanocomposite films have promising barrier properties.

Study of the bulk density of high consistency pulp and engineering application in the bleaching tower

From experimental simulation of the process of high consistency pulp moving in a bleaching tower, the aerated bulk density and packed bulk density were measured and studied by using a self-made experimental system. The scattered experimental data – pressure p, and bulk density difference, which was between packed bulk density and aerated bulk density (ρ-ρ0) – were fitted by using Matlab software, and some good-fitting regression curves and equations were obtained. The results showed there was a break point W in the regression curves; within the range 0 £ p £ W the relationship between (ρ-ρ0) and p was a linear function, while for W £ p £ 70000 the relationship was a power function. To effectively meet with the bleaching response for the different kinds and different consistencies of pulp in the tower, by using the fitting regression equations combined with the expressions of average bulk density and pressure in the tower caused by gravity-driven pulp, two equations for average packed density ρa were deduced with the aim of deciding the maximum volume value of the tower, in agreement with the sizes of the towers presently used by major companies.

Sugarcane Residue Management Effects in Reducing Soil Erosion from Quarter-drains in Southern Louisiana

Rainfall events which occur each spring in southern Louisiana have intensities and runoff that can cause significant soil erosion of alluvium small surface ditches (quarter-drains) to remove excess surface water from sugarcane furrows to main field surface ditches. As a result sediment from furrows and eroded soil from quarter-drains accumulate in quarter-drains and main ditches reducing their capacity to carry runoff water from flat sugarcane fields. An experiment was conducted following the 2001 harvest season in Southern Louisiana on alluvial soil to determine the effect of two sugarcane residue management practices on soil erosion and deposition in quarter-drains. Selected post-harvest residue management treatments were: (1) residue left on the field and swept from row-crowns to furrows and (2) residue removed by burning. Based on six rainfall events (cumulative rainfall = 368 mm), residue left on-site significantly reduced erosion from quarter-drains by 60% in comparison to quarter-drains where residue was burned, the average reduction in soil loss from these rainfall events where residue was swept and left in the furrows was 0.89 kg/m of quarter-drain length; the average soil bulk density of 1.5 Mg/m3. Maximum erosion occurred at the junction or intersection with the quarter-drains and the main field ditch. For plots where residue was removed by burning, a gradual deterioration of the side-walls of the quarter-drain occurred, including at the intersection with the field ditch, where maximum erosion depths in excess of 18 mm were recorded. Based on these results, sugarcane residue left on-site was effective in reducing soil erosion from quarter-drains during a four-month period from spring to early summer in the 2002 growing season.

Development of Two Pellet Die Organic Fertilizer Compression Machine

This research aims to study a development of two pellet die organic fertilizer compression machine. The pellet system consisted of 4 rollers which divided into 2 rollers of each side using electrical motor 3hp, transmit to gear of walking tractor. A foreword and reverse gear are used for transmitting power into shaft pellet compression. Diameter of cylinder compression was 254.00mm, with the hole size on the pellet die is 5.0mm, the diameter of rollers was 70mm, the length was 130mm. at the speed of shaft pellet compression was 250rpm. Speed of shaft feeder was 225rpm. The average bulk density of pellet is 745.40kg m-3. The average compression capacity of the machine was 504.43kg/hr. The percentage of durability of pellet and broken pellet were about 91.73% and 8.27% respectively

Moisture dependent physical and mechanical properties of chickpea seeds

Abstract: The moisture-dependent physical properties are important in designing and fabricating equipment and structures for handling, transporting, processing and storage, and also for assessing quality. This study was carried out to determine the effect of moisture content on some physical and mechanical properties for two varieties of chickpea seeds (Giza 3, and Giza 195). Four levels of moisture content ranging from 11.6% d.b. (dry basis) to 25.4% d.b. were used. The average length, width, thickness, and geometric mean diameter ranged from (7.92±0.04) mm to (8.14±0.04) mm, (6.10±0.04) mm to (6.37± 0.04) mm, (6.43±0.04) mm to (6.84±0.04) mm and (6.77±0.07) mm to (7.08±0.07) mm, respectively. The average sphericity and roundness ranged from (85.53±0.19)% to (87.00±0.19)% and (93.70±0.35)% to (94.14±0.35)%, respectively. The average measured surface area, calculated surface area, and projected area ranged from (144.73±1.55) mm 2 to (158.78±1.55) mm 2 , (146.89±1.58) mm 2 to (159.78±1.58) mm 2 , and (46.53±0.50) mm 2 to (48.93±0.50) mm 2 , respectively. The average bulk density, true density, porosity and angle of repose ranged from (730.05±11.84) kg/m 3 to (694.17±11.84) kg/m 3 , (1 , 225.12± 19.51) kg/m 3 to (1 , 308.02±19.51) kg/m 3 , (44.13±0.49)% to (43.29±0.49)%, and (25.20±0.41) o (degrees) to (29.10±0.41) o (degrees), respectively and also increased linearly with an increase in moisture content. The average seed weight and thousand seeds weight ranged from (0.142±0.002) gm to (0.184±0.002) gm, and (177.38±2.17) gm to (194.75±2.17) gm, respectively. The average static coefficient of friction against wood, stainless steel, galvanized iron and iron surfaces and internal with the same seeds ranged from (0.430±0.016) to (0.460±0.016), (0.321±0.007) to (0.366±0.007), (0.327±0.004) to (0.371±0.004), (0.412±0.011) to (0.496±0.011) and (0.638±0.022) to (0.741±0.022), respectively. The average terminal velocity ranged from (5.18±0.34) m/s to (9.14±0.34) m/s. The average penetration depth at load 6kg and tools diameter 1 mm was determined as mechanical property, and generally increased in magnitude with an increase in moisture content. The physical properties were linearly dependent upon moisture content. Keywords: moisture , physical properties, mechanical properties , c hickpea DOI: 10.3965/j.issn.1934-6344.2010.0 4 .0 70 -0 83 Citation: Ayman H. Amer Eissa, Mohamed M A, Moustafa H, Abdul Rahman O. Alghanna. Moisture dependent physical and mechanical properties of chickpea seeds . Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2010; 3( 4 ): 70 <span style=line-height: 140%; font-family:

Physical properties of tung seed: An industrial oil yielding crop

Data on physical properties of seeds have significant importance for machinery and process equipments design. This study was conducted to investigate some physical properties of tung seed (Aleutites Fordii) namely, dimensions, 100 unit mass, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, aspect ratio, surface area, bulk density, true density, porosity, terminal velocity and coefficient of friction. The applications of these properties are also discussed. The tung seed has an average of 13.24% (d.b.) moisture and 40.37% oil content. The average seed length, width, thickness were 22.61mm, 20.35mm, 13.95mm, respectively. The average surface area of tung seed is 1084.20mm2 while the sphericity and aspect ratio were 0.82 and 90.07%, respectively. The average bulk density of seed was 0.502g/cm3 while the true density was 0.995g/cm3, and the corresponding porosity was 49.88%. The terminal velocity was 8.3m/s. The static coefficient of friction on three different contacting materials has been found out and the results showed that the mean value of static coefficient friction was least in case of aluminum sheet while it is highest for plywood.

High Oxygen Nanocomposite Barrier Films Based on Xylan and Nanocrystalline Cellulose

Abstract The goal of this work is to produce nanocomposite film with low oxygen permeability by casting an aqueous solution containing xylan, sorbitol and nanocrystalline cellulose. The morphology of the resulting nanocomposite films was examined by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy which showed that control films containing xylan and sorbitol had a more open structure as compared to xylan-sorbitol films containing sulfonated nanocrystalline cellulose. The average pore diameter, bulk density, porosity and tortuosity factor measurements of control xylan films and nanocomposite xylan films were examined by mercury intrusion porosimetry techniques. Xylan films reinforced with nanocrystalline cellulose were denser and exhibited higher tortuosity factor than the control xylan films. Control xylan films had average pore diameter, bulk density, porosity and tortuosity factor of 0.1730 µm, 0.6165 g/ml, 53.0161% and 1.258, respectively as compared to xylan films reinforced with 50% nanocrystalline cellulose with average pore diameter of 0.0581 µm, bulk density of 1.1513 g/ml, porosity of 22.8906% and tortuosity factor of 2.005. Oxygen transmission rate tests demonstrated that films prepared with xylan, sorbitol and 5%, 10%, 25% and 50% sulfonated nanocrystalline cellulose exhibited a significantly reduced oxygen permeability of 1.1387, 1.0933, 0.8986 and 0.1799 cm3·µm/m2·d·kPa respectively with respect to films prepared solely from xylan and sorbitol with a oxygen permeability of 189.1665 cm3·µm/m2·d·kPa. These properties suggested these nanocomposite films have promising barrier properties.

The effects of dairy cow weight on selected soil physical properties indicative of compaction

AbstractThe effect of treading by dairy cows of three different weights on soil physical properties was investigated under different soil moisture deficit (SMD) treatments in the south of Ireland. SMD was used as a readily predicable surrogate for volumetric water content. Animal treading in grassland ecosystems is known to affect soil and vegetation properties, which can influence agricultural system productivity. Treading action can result in reduced soil water infiltration and increased runoff. In Ireland short winter housing and early spring turnout are key elements of low cost grass based production. However, there is potential for soil damage as a consequence of animal treading during early spring and late autumn. This study shows that SMD is the main factor affecting changes in bulk density (BD), soil shear strength, penetration resistance (PR) and total porosity. At high SMD (dry), soil was less sensitive to trampling damage than at low SMD (wet). At SMD 0 mm, BD increased by 6.1% post trampling, whereas it only increased by 3.1, 4.0 and 0.5% at SMD 11, 14, and 29 mm, respectively. Average soil BD was 2.3% greater immediately post trampling, and 4.6% greater in the hoof marks. PR was significantly greater following trampling by the heavy weight cow compared with the light or medium weight cow. There was no significant effect of cow weight on soil water content or soil BD. The results indicate that forecasted SMD can be used as a management input for rotational grazing systems to protect soil quality.

Soil disturbances due to machinery traffic on steep skid trail in the north mountainous forest of Iran

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of skid trail slope and traffic levels on soil disturbances at two soil depths (0–10 and 10–20 cm). The treatments were set at four traffic levels (2, 7, 12 and 20), two slope classes ( 20%) and two soil depths (0–10 and 10–20 cm). Results show that skidder traffic, longitudinal slope and soil depth have significant effect on soil bulk density in skid trail. Comparison of average soil bulk density in different traffic levels shows that there are significant differences in average bulk density between different traffic levels and control (p 0.05), although skidder traffic and slope affected soil moisture content.

PEANUT CROP RESPONSE TO NON-UNIFORMITY OF IRRIGATION APPLICATION UNDER SPRINKLER SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

Experimental study was conducted for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in sandy soil, which ‎has 1.57 g/cm3 average bulk density in 1.2 m soil depth and 25.2 ‎cm/h saturated hydraulic conductivity, located at an arid site in ‎northern Egypt (Moderiat El Tahreer, Behara Governorate, Egypt) for one season ‎started on 19 July 2008 and ended on 30 October 2008. A Complete Randomized Block Design was experimentally accomplished for three sprinkler irrigation layouts as square, rectangular, ‎and triangular, three overlapping percentages as 100, ‎‎80, and 60%, and three irrigation levels as 0.6, 0.8, ‎and 1.0 from crop evapotranspiration (ET). A mean ‎of application rate in mm/h was recorded for individual sprinkler and ‎increased by increasing water pressure due to increasing discharge. It ‎was decreased by increasing sprinkler pattern diameter. On the contrary, ‎discharge was unaffected by trajectory angle. But, mean of application ‎rate was increased by decreasing trajectory angle due to decreasing of ‎sprinkler pattern diameter.‎ 1.0ET irrigation treatment achieved ‎‎ 3.908, 3.703, and 3.308 Mg/ha maximum peanut yields in square layout, 4.145, 3.869, and 3.559 Mg/ha in triangular layout, and 3.970, 3.788, and 3.485 Mg/ha in ‎rectangular layout for 100, ‎‎80, and 60% water overlapping percentage, respectively. ‎Peanut yield-water function was a linear relationship within ‎sprinkler treatment. Peanut yield was significantly affected by both irrigation amount and non-uniformity caused by sprinkler layouts and water overlapping.

Study on Some Physico-Engineering Properties of Dry, Soaked and Sprouted Rice Seed

Physico-engineering properties of dry, soaked and sprouted rice seed at 1.03, 3.48, 4.64 and 9.47 mm sprout length with 24, 36, 44 and 52 h of incubation period were determined. The average length, width and thickness were 9.2, 3.05 and 2.0 mm for dry, 9.1, 3.03 and 1.98 mm for soaked paddy. The kernel dimensions for each sprout length were 1.03 (9.36, 2.77 and 2.49 mm), 3.48 (9.28, 2.86 and 2.01 mm), 4.64 (9.67, 2.94 and 2.04 mm) and 9.47 mm (9.88, 2.97 and 2.03 mm). The average bulk densities and angle of repose of seed were determined.

A possible YORP effect on C and S Main Belt Asteroids

A rotating frequency analysis in a previous paper, showed that two samples of C and S-type asteroids belonging to the Main Belt, but not to any families, present two different values for the transition diameter to a Maxwellian distribution of the rotation frequency, respectively 48 and 33 km. In this paper, after a more detailed statistical analysis, aiming to verify that the result is physically relevant, we found a better estimate for the transition diameter, respectively D C = 44 ± 2 km and D S = 30 ± 1 km. The ratio between these estimated transition diameters, D C / D S = 1.5 ± 0.1, can be supported with the help of the YORP (Yarkovsky–O’Keefe–Radzievskii–Paddack) effect, although other physical causes cannot be completely ruled out. In this paper we have derived a simple scaling law for YORP which, taking into account the different average heliocentric distance, the bulk density, the albedo and the asteroid “asymmetry surface factor”, has enabled us to reasonably justify the ratio between the diameters transition of C-type and S-type asteroids. The same scaling law can be used to estimate a new ratio between the bulk densities of S and C asteroids samples (giving ρ S / ρ C ≈ 2.9 ± 0.3), and can explain why the asteroids near the transition diameter have about the same absolute magnitude. For C-type asteroids, using the found density ratio and other estimates of S-type density, it is also possible to estimate an average bulk density equal to 0.9 ± 0.1 g cm −3, a value compatible with icy composition. The suggested explanation for the difference of the transition diameters is a plausible hypothesis, consistent with the data, but it needs to be studied more in depth with further observations.

다단입자채집기와 입자계수기 자료를 이용한 서울 에어러솔 밀도 계산

In order to calculate the aerosol bulk densities of <TEX>$PM_{1.0}$</TEX> and <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX>, aerosol mass and number concentrations were measured for the period of December 2008~April 2009. <TEX>$PM_{1.0}$</TEX> and <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX> mass concentrations were measured using a cascade impactor (Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor, MOUDI) while their volume concentrations were calculated based on number concentrations from an environmental dust monitor (EDM). Normal aerosol size distribution fitting functions were retrieved for number size distribution since aerosols < <TEX>$2.5{\mu}m$</TEX> were measured from the EDM. Strong correlation was found between <TEX>$PM_{1.0}$</TEX> mass and volume concentrations obtained with a <TEX>$R^2$</TEX> of 0.95. The calculated average bulk densities of <TEX>$PM_{1.0}$</TEX> and <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX> were <TEX>$1.97{\pm}0.33g/cm^3$</TEX> and <TEX>$2.15{\pm}0.18g/cm^3$</TEX>, respectively.

Ground based operation effects on soil disturbance by steel tracked skidder in a steep slope of forest

In this study, the effects of slope and traffic intensity on soil compaction, rutting and forest floor removal was evaluated on a skid trail in the natural forest of north of Iran. Combination of two levels of slope &amp;lt; 20% (SC1) and &amp;gt; 20% (SC2) and three levels of traffic (one, five and nine traffics) were studied. Treatment plots, with three replications, were established on the skid trail prior to skidding. The results of this study showed that all bulk densities were considerably higher in SC2 than in SC1 and average soil bulk densities were measured from 1.07 (g∙cm&lt;sup&gt;&amp;ndash;3&lt;/sup&gt;) to 1.23 (g∙cm&lt;sup&gt;&amp;ndash;3&lt;/sup&gt;) on skid trail and 0.91 (g∙cm&lt;sup&gt;&amp;ndash;3&lt;/sup&gt;) in undisturbed areas. With the increment of traffic, soil compaction increased but there was no significant difference among the three levels of traffic frequency in SC1 whereas it was significant between one and five cycles in SC2. Greatest rut depth was measured as 12 cm at nine traffics in SC2, although increase of traffic density caused deeper rut depth at all slope treatments, but it was higher at the SC2 in comparison to SC1. Litter mass decreased considerably on the skid trail with the increasing in slope and traffic. No important difference has been detected between SC1 and SC2 in terms of Litter mass removal. These results provide clear evidence that soil disturbance on steep trail is intensified.

Interferometer density measurements of a high-velocity plasmoid

The plasmoid produced by a half-scale contoured gap coaxial plasma accelerator using ablative polyethylene capillary plasma injectors is measured using a quadrature heterodyne HeNe interferometer. The plasmoid is found to have a sharp rise in density at the leading edge, with a gradual falloff after the peak density. For this early test series, an average bulk density of 5×1014 cm−3 is observed, with densities up to 8×1014 cm−3 seen on some shots. Although plasmoid mass is only about 58 μg due to the low current and injected mass used in these tests, good shot-to-shot repeatability is attained making analysis relatively straightforward, thus providing a solid foundation for interpreting future experimental results.

Analysis of Fresh Mushroom Compost

Fresh mushroom compost is a byproduct of the edible mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) industry and represents the composted growing substrate that remains after a crop has been harvested to completion. Thirty samples were obtained from commercial mushroom farms in southeastern Pennsylvania and sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine plant nutrient content, bulk density, and particle size distribution of fresh mushroom compost. Fresh mushroom compost had an average pH of 6.6, with an average carbon:nitrogen ratio of 13:1. Organic matter content averaged 25.86% (wet weight), 146.73 lb/yard3 (wet volume) or 60.97% (dry weight). For the primary macronutrients, average total nitrogen content averaged 1.12% (wet weight), 6.40 lb/yard3 (wet volume) or 2.65% (dry weight), phosphorus measured 0.29% (wet weight), 1.67 lb/yard3 (wet volume) or 0.69% (dry weight), and potassium was 1.04% (wet weight), 5.89 lb/yard3 (wet volume) or 2.44% (dry weight). Average soluble salt content was 13.30 mmho/cm (wet weight basis). However, on a per acre basis, the calculated sodium absorption ratio of 0.38 was considered very low. The average bulk density of fresh mushroom compost was 574.73 lb/yard3 (wet volume basis), and 91% of the material measured ≤3/8 inch in diameter as determined on a wet weight basis. Overall, fresh mushroom compost is suitable as a natural organic fertilizer and soil amendment for agriculture and horticulture.

Physical Properties of Canadian Grown Flaxseed in Relation to Its Processing

The average flaxseed length, width, thickness and 1000 seed mass were 4.64 mm, 2.37 mm, 1.0 mm and 5.77 g, respectively. The average surface area was 15.49 mm2 while the sphericity and aspect ratio were 0.48 and 51.04%, respectively. The average bulk density was 652.16 kg/m3 while the true density was 784.36 kg/m3, and the corresponding porosity was 16.83%. The angle of repose for flaxseed was 24.40 while the terminal velocity was 2.9 m/s. The results showed that the mean value of static coefficient friction was least in case of plastic sheet while it is highest for rubber sheet.

Changes in distribution patterns of soil penetration resistance within a silage-corn field following the use of heavy harvesting equipments

Soil compaction caused by heavy wheeling reduces water infiltration, root development, and yield, and increases bulk density and soil strength. The objective of this study was to determine changes in spatial variability patterns of soil penetration resistance before and after using the silage machine in a corn-growing field. Soil penetration resistance was measured in a 100 × 400 m field with 10 m intervals just before and after harvesting. Measurements were taken from the 20 cm top layer on rows and inter-rows throughout each transect. The mean penetration resistance of 1353 measurements before and after harvesting was 2097 and 3116 kPa, respectively. Average bulk density within the field increased from 1.14 g cm-3 to 1.46 g cm^{-3}, but wet aggregate stability decreased from 33.4% to 17.9% following harvesting. Punctual kriging analysis was performed to prepare distribution maps of soil penetration resistance with 1 m intervals within the field. The patterns of variation in soil penetration resistance following harvesting showed remarkable differences compared to pre-harvesting.

Effect of Traffic Rate and Type on Soil Compaction in Sandy South Georgia Soils

Soil compaction is one of the largest problems faced by modern mechanized agricultural and forestry operations. This makes research in the area of soil compaction critical. This study was undertaken to see how different types and levels of traffic have influenced soil compaction in sandy soils at the Valdosta State University Lake Louise field station south of Valdosta, GA. Four different traffic patterns were investigated in this study. The first area has relatively high vehicular traffic, the second more moderate vehicular traffic, and the third area a relatively low level of vehicle traffic. The fourth area has experienced foot, horse, and ATV traffic, but full sized vehicles like cars and vans have not been used in the area. To study compaction, soil cores of known volume were taken at the soil surface and at 30-cm depths. These cores were taken both in the trafficked area (road, trail) and alongside the trafficked area at three locations for each treatment. Average soil bulk density values for the trafficked and untrafficked areas were statistically compared to determine the effects of traffic patterns on soil compaction. Results indicate that soils were more compacted along trafficked areas than in the corresponding untrafficked areas with the exception of the fourth area, which had experienced the lightest traffic load.

Dependence of volume (oven dry weight) of harvesting residues on forest site type

Kasvukohatingimuste mõju raiejäätmete kuivmassile To limit the emissions of greenhouse gases the wider utilization of renewable energy is mandatory for all EU countries. The aim of the present study was to estimate the potential quantities of harvesting residues as a source of renewable fuel. The sample plots were selected to cover the majority of site types. Based on the characteristics of the stand and the weight of the harvesting residues from different site types 2 formulas of linear regression were composed. As a result it was determined that depending on the forest site type the oven dry weight of harvesting residues per m3 of the stem varies from 22 m3/ha (bog whortleberry site type) to 144 m3/ha (alder fen site type). If to consider the average bulk density to be 500 kg/m3, the share of harvesting residues from the volume of the stand varies from 4.4 to 28.8%.