Clay Granules Research Articles

Stabilisasi Tanah Lempung Ekspansif dengan Menggunakan Campuran Soda Api (NaOH) pada Tanah Dasar di Daerah Godong - Purwodadi Km 50 Kabupaten Grobogan

Tinggi rendahnya tingkat kembang dan susut tanah lempung ekspansif ditentukan oleh kandungan montmorillonite yang sering menimbulkan masalah pada bangunan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisa komposisi campuran soda api yang terbaik untuk memperbaiki sifat ekspansif tanah lempung. Penelitian ini menggunakan larutan soda api (NaOH) sebagai stabilisator dengan melalui proses pemadatan Modified Proctor. Hasil terbaik diperoleh pada 25 x tumbukan, nilai dari indeks properties menunjukkan peningkatan, Uji UCS menunjukkan penurunan, Uji CBR dengan perendaman 7 hari dengan campuran soda api 10% menunjukkan hasil yang terbaik, sedangkan nilai Tekanan Mengembang dan Potential Mengembang mengalami penurunan yang signifikan.

On using clay and nanoclay ceramic granules in reducing lead, arsenic, nitrate, and turbidity from water

New technology has provided a cheap and abundant access to nanoclay which has more prominent and efficient properties than clay. The aim of this research was a performance review of clay and nanoclay granules for the purpose of improving physicochemical as well as biological quality of water. To this end, clay granules and a 50% composition of clay and nanoclay with an average of a 5-mm diameter were made and placed in the 1000 °C furnace for 7 h. 150 g of any kind of granule was put in a closed system with presence of 300 ml of sample of synthesized contaminated water for 24 h. Then, heavy metals (lead and arsenic), anions (nitrate), turbidity, electrical conductivity and microbial contamination (coliforms) were measured. The clay and nanoclay granules had adsorbed the lead, respectively, with 0/4 and /44 mg/l by 80% and 88% yield. They have been almost effective in declining nitrate, arsenic, turbidity, and electrical conductivity, though ineffective in removal of microbial contamination. The results show that the adsorption yield for nanoclay is much higher than that for clay.

Selection of material for X-ray tomography analysis and DEM simulations: comparison between granular materials of biological and non-biological origins

Physical properties and X-ray tomography images of five different granular materials: glass bead, glass grit, short grain white rice, sorghum and clay granules (Seramis) are investigated to select the most promising materials for numerical simulations and time-lapse X-ray tomography imaging. The examined materials represent granular materials of non-biological origin (glass bead, glass grit and Seramis) and granular plant materials (rice and sorghum). The choice of materials was dictated by their mechanical and packing properties, on one hand, and 3D imaging qualities of granular materials and quantitative particle shape analysis, on the other hand. It was found that materials of biological origin, i.e. rice and sorghum, showed promising characteristics and may be considered as the most appropriate materials for comparison between time-lapse X-ray tomography experiments and numerical simulation.

Double-stranded RNA Oral Delivery Methods to Induce RNA Interference in Phloem and Plant-sap-feeding Hemipteran Insects.

Phloem and plant sap feeding insects invade the integrity of crops and fruits to retrieve nutrients, in the process damaging food crops. Hemipteran insects account for a number of economically substantial pests of plants that cause damage to crops by feeding on phloem sap. The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) and the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) are hemipteran insect pests introduced in North America, where they are an invasive agricultural pest of high-value specialty, row, and staple crops and citrus fruits, as well as a nuisance pest when they aggregate indoors. Insecticide resistance in many species has led to the development of alternate methods of pest management strategies. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene silencing mechanism for functional genomic studies that has potential applications as a tool for the management of insect pests. Exogenously synthesized dsRNA or small interfering RNA (siRNA) can trigger highly efficient gene silencing through the degradation of endogenous RNA, which is homologous to that presented. Effective and environmental use of RNAi as molecular biopesticides for biocontrol of hemipteran insects requires the in vivo delivery of dsRNAs through feeding. Here we demonstrate methods for delivery of dsRNA to insects: loading of dsRNA into green beans by immersion, and absorbing of gene-specific dsRNA with oral delivery through ingestion. We have also outlined non-transgenic plant delivery approaches using foliar sprays, root drench, trunk injections as well as clay granules, all of which may be essential for sustained release of dsRNA. Efficient delivery by orally ingested dsRNA was confirmed as an effective dosage to induce a significant decrease in expression of targeted genes, such as juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase (JHAMT) and vitellogenin (Vg). These innovative methods represent strategies for delivery of dsRNA to use in crop protection and overcome environmental challenges for pest management.

Field assessment of cats' litter box substrate preferences

Abstract Cats living inside a home without any possibility of outdoor access have to defecate in a litter box. To suit the cats' needs, several recommendations seem to be agreed upon. The litter box has to be clean and in a calm spot easily accessible to the cat. It has to be in a size that fits the cat. The number of litter boxes has to be correlated with the number of cats present at home as well as the size of the household. The box should contain a substrate that allows the cat to comfortably dig in it. The box should be of a size and the litter of a style that the cat can defecate without soiling itself in the process. The litter should be sufficiently absorbent and manage odor. Facing a great range of commercial possibilities, cat owners have to make a choice. There is no standard recommendation about substrate. The study sought to identify preferences of cats regarding a specific type of substrate by comparing clay granules, silica in microgranules, silica granules, and wood pellets. The study was divided into 2 phases. Eighteen cats were selected for the first phase that lasted 4 weeks. Three strictly identical and uncovered litter boxes were presented to the cats. Each box contained one of the substrates (i.e., clay granules, silica in microgranules, wood pellets). The cats demonstrated a significant preference for the clay or silicate substrates (no significant difference between them) as opposed to the wood pellets. In the second phase, 12 cats were observed during 2 weeks to compare their reaction to clay and silicate. Here, the same grain texture (i.e., granules) was used. The cats showed a significant inclination to defecate into the clay substrate, instead of the silica substrate.

Statistical characterization of granular material applied as crash absorber in ship building

AbstractThis contribution deals with the determination of material parameters of lightweight granules, which will be used to increase the crashworthiness in ship construction. Using expanded glass or clay granules as a crash absorber requires a detailed knowledge about the single grain properties, such as Young's modulus or crushing strength. Therefore, a uniaxial compression test was performed and the results are covered with a statistical model consisting of nine parameters. (© 2017 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Influence of low-pozzolanic activity calcined mica clay on hydration and hardening of Portland cement

This study investigated the possibility of using artificial materials obtained during combustion of mica clay as an additive for Portland cement. The mica clay granules were burned at 700–1100°C for 1 h. It was considered that the pozzolanic activity of the investigated mica clay would depend on the combustion temperature. The highest pozzolanic activity (134 mg calcium oxide (CaO)/g) was observed in the samples calcined at a temperature of 900°C. In the samples, 5, 10, 15 and 25% (by weight) of the Portland cement was replaced with calcined additive at the temperature of 900°C. The samples were then hardened for 28 d under normal conditions. Owing to relatively low pozzolanic activity, the pozzolanic reaction in the samples with the additive up to 28 d of hydration was not noticeable. However, calcined mica clay additive acted as a microfiller and significantly increased the rate of hydration of Portland cement clinker minerals. The calcined mica clay additive had a positive effect on the compressive strength of samples cured for 28 d under normal conditions because up to 15 wt% of ordinary Portland cement can be replaced with the additive being investigated without impairing the strength class of the cement.

Synthesis of porous bentonite organoclay granule and its adsorption of tributyltin

We report a new method to synthesise porous organoclay granules which is suitable for high flow rate wastewater treatment applications. Granulation process consists of three steps: mixing natural clay powder, fine coal dust and corn starch into a homogeneous mixture; granulating in a rotating tilted pan granulator by spraying water mist; and heat treatment firstly at 190°C for 30min to solidify and then calcined at 550°C for 4h to create pores. These procedures produced very strong porous clay granules with a crushing strength of 8.41N, the permeability of the granules was 1.56×106mD and hydraulic conductivity of 1.5cm/s. To further enhance the adsorption performance, the granules were later modified by surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA) and tested for its adsorption capacity for removing toxic antifouling agent tributyltin (TBT) at high flow rate. It was found that cationic HDTMA modification enhanced the TBT adsorption capacity by 20%. This new granulation method allows the mass production of porous organo clay granules while the porous granular clay is also a good substrate for coating material such as nano sized zero-valent iron to further extent its application.

Modelling the material parameter distribution of expanded granules

This work deals with the determination of material parameters for different expanded glass and clay granules. When using these materials as crash absorbers, the crushing strength and Young’s modulus are of particular interest, especially for Discrete Element Simulation. Single particle tests were performed with a uniaxial compression test, and the stress–strain curves were recorded. The Young’s modulus was determined based on a Hertzian contact model. To model the obtained results statistically, two models dependent on the particle diameter are introduced to describe the distribution of the parameters. These approaches are combined to a three-dimensional model covering the probability of a parameter tuple consisting of diameter, crushing strength, and Young’s modulus. Finally, this model is used to generate sample numbers at random, corresponding to a type of granules using an inverse transform sampling.

Whole-Plant Manual and Image-Based Phenotyping in Controlled Environments.

Phenotypic measurements and images of crops grown under controlled-environment conditions can be analyzed to compare plant growth and other phenotypes from diverse varieties. Those demonstrating the most favorable phenotypic traits can then be used for crop improvement strategies. This article details a protocol for image-based root and shoot phenotyping of plants grown in the greenhouse to compare traits among different varieties. Diverse maize lines were grown in the greenhouse in large 8-gallon treepots in a clay granule substrate. Replicates of each line were harvested at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks after planting to capture developmental information. Whole-plant phenotypes include biomass accumulation, ontogeny, architecture, and photosynthetic efficiency of leaves. Image analysis was used to measure leaf surface area and tassel size and to extract shape variance information from complex 3D root architectures. Notably, this framework is extensible to any number of above- or below-ground phenotypes, both morphological and physiological. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Stable cesium (133Cs) uptake by Calla palustris from different substrates

The uptake of stable cesium (133Cs) by Calla palustris was evaluated from four different substrates: water, soil, keramzit (a clay granule) and water with the addition of a potassium compound, after an eight days exposure to a solution of 0.5mM cesium chloride. Stable cesium was used because it is commonly supposed that its uptake by plants is the same of that of radiocesium (137Cs). The plants were differentiated in their parts (roots, healthy leaves, dead leaves and flowers) and analyzed with ICP-MS. The lowest average concentration of absorbed Cs was found in plants exposed in soil (0.7mg/kg, S.D.=96.8), while the highest in plants exposed in water (147mg/kg, S.D.=51.7). During the experiment the water planted plants removed 31.6% of provided Cs while those planted in soil removed only 0.06%. The addition of potassium to water was tested because of the competition effect that arises between these two elements: this effect was confirmed with the result that the average uptake in the presence of potassium was lower (41mg/kg in exposed plants, S.D.=76.1). The uptake was also lower in the solid-based substrates (soil and keramzit), because of the known tendency of Cs to bind with soil particles, thus becoming less available to plants. There was no evidence that the different parts of the plant showed different uptake effectiveness, or that the health of the plant (evaluated with a qualitative method) had any effect on the uptake of Cs.

Elimination of persistent emerging micropollutants in a suspended-bed photocatalytic reactor: influence of operating conditions and combination with aerobic biological treatment.

A larger, lab-scale photocatalytic suspended-bed reactor using TiO2 sol-gel-coated expanded clay granules as a bed material was evaluated for oxidative removal of the persistent pharmaceuticals doxycycline, prednisolone, amoxicillin, and sulfamethizole, as well as their mixture, in ppm concentrations. The photocatalytic degradation potential of drug molecules increases as their adsorption affinity increases towards TiO2-containing coatings. The performance of the photocatalytic reactor in the removal of drugs was improved by optimizing the fluidization process parameters. The reactor operation at high bed loadings is determined by the abrasion resistance of the catalyst coating. The long-term stability of the coated bed was enhanced by optimal loading, achieving a higher removal rate while placing moderate mechanical stress on the coated granules. The photocatalytic pretreatment decreased the toxicity of doxycycline solutions to several bacterial strains, including the environmental bacterium Pseudomonas putida and bacterial strains freshly isolated from the activated sludge. The treatment of doxycycline-containing water with a combination of photocatalytic treatment and bio-oxidation resulted in 98% removal of the target in the bioreactor outlet, with no deterioration in the operation of the biological process.

Greenhouse Gas and Ammonia Emissions from Slurry Storage: Impacts of Temperature and Potential Mitigation through Covering (Pig Slurry) or Acidification (Cattle Slurry).

Storage of livestock slurries is a significant source of methane (CH) and ammonia (NH) emissions to the atmosphere, for which accurate quantification and potential mitigation methods are required. Methane and NH emissions were measured from pilot-scale cattle slurry (CS) and pig slurry (PS) stores under cool, temperate, and warm conditions (approximately 8, 11, and 17°C, respectively) and including two potential mitigation practices: (i) a clay granule floating cover (PS) and (ii) slurry acidification (CS). Cumulative emissions of both gases were influenced by mean temperature over the storage period. Methane emissions from the control treatments over the 2-mo storage periods for the cool, temperate, and warm periods were 0.3, 0.1, and 34.3 g CH kg slurry volatile solids for CS and 4.4, 20.1, and 27.7 g CH kg slurry volatile solids for PS. Respective NH emissions for each period were 4, 7, and 12% of initial slurry N content for CS and 12, 18, and 28% of initial slurry N content for PS. Covering PS with clay granules reduced NH emissions by 77% across the three storage periods but had no impact on CH emissions. Acidification of CS reduced CH and NH emissions by 61 and 75%, respectively, across the three storage periods. Nitrous oxide emissions were also monitored but were insignificant. The development of approaches that take into account the influence of storage timing (temperature) and duration on emission estimates for national emission inventory purposes is recommended.

Aqueous photocatalytic degradation of selected micropollutants by Pd-modified titanium dioxide in three photoreactor types

ABSTRACTThe goals of the present study were to synthesise highly efficient Pd-TiO2 photocatalyst, to characterise its performance in slurry in smaller scale and to investigate its performance in the aqueous photocatalytic oxidation of three antibiotics: doxycycline, sulphamethizole and amoxicillin. The performance of the photocatalyst was evaluated in an open batch slurry reactor equipped with a fluorescent long-wavelength ultraviolet (UVA) lamp (0.2 L). With the fastest degrading doxycycline, experimental research was continued in a fixed-bed continuous flow photoreactor (0.13 L), with the Pd-TiO2 photocatalyst attached to a glass plate, and a medium laboratory-scale three-phase fluidised-bed reactor (2 L) equipped with four fluorescent UVA lamps, with the photocatalyst attached to the surface of expanded clay granules employed as the bed material. While showing very high activity in the batch slurry reactor, far surpassing P25 Aeroxide, the performance of Pd-TiO2 with doxycycline was comparable to P25 in the semi-continuous reactors.

Tests on direct tensile characteristics of expanded clay lightweight aggregate concrete

The tensile characteristics of lightweight aggregate concrete under direct tension were examined with a view to enhancing the utilisation of artificially expanded clay granules as secondary aggregates. Ready-mixed concrete specimens were classified into two groups: all-lightweight concrete (ALWC) and sand-lightweight concrete (SLWC). The test parameters considered for each group were the maximum aggregate size (4–19 mm) and the lateral depth of specimens with a rectangular section (100–500 mm). The complete stress–crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) response was measured under direct tension. The results show that the slope of the ascending branch of the stress–CMOD curve is slightly smaller for SLWC specimens than for ALWC specimens. The displacement at peak stress tends to increase with the lateral depth of the specimen, whereas the tensile strength of the concrete decreases, revealing the size effect phenomenon. However, the tensile strength of concrete and the softening slope at the descending branch of the stress–CMOD curve are marginally affected by the specimen's lateral depth and maximum aggregate size, owing to the reduced aggregate interlocking capacity across the crack. Gopalaratnam and Shah's model was modified to evaluate the stress–CMOD responses of the lightweight aggregate concretes, and the suggested and existing models were compared with the test results.

Recovery of copper from PVC multiwire cable waste by steam gasification

Screened multiwire, PVC insulated tinned copper cable was gasified with steam at high temperature (HTSG) under atmospheric pressure for recovery of cooper. Gases from the process were additionally equilibrated at 850°C on the bed of calcined clay granules and more than 98% of C+H content in the cable was transformed to non-condensing species. Granules prepared from local clay were generally resistant for chlorination, there was also almost no deposition of metals, Cu and Sn, on the catalytic bed. It was found that 28% of chlorine reacted to form CaCl2, 71% was retained in aqueous condensate and only 0.6% was absorbed in alkaline scrubber. More than 99% of calcium existed in the process solid residue as a mixture of calcium chloride and calcium oxide/hydroxide. PVC and other hydrocarbon constituents were completely removed from the cable sample. Copper was preserved in original form and volatilization of copper species appeared insignificant. Tin was alloying with copper and its volatilization was less than 1%. Fractionation and speciation of metals, chlorine and calcium were discussed on the basis of equilibrium model calculated with HSC Chemistry software. High temperature steam gasification prevents direct use of the air and steam/water is in the process simultaneously gaseous carrier and reagent, which may be recycled together with hydrocarbon condensates.

Effect of spray dryer settings on the morphology of illite clay granules

<p class="R-AbstractKeywords"><span lang="X-NONE">Spray drying is an effective and common method for powder drying, e.g. clay. The morphology and properties of spray dried granules depend on properties of slurry and operational conditions of spray dryer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of spray dryer settings on the morphology of illite clay granules. </span></p><p class="R-AbstractKeywords"><span lang="X-NONE">Laboratory scale spray dryer was used. Operational conditions: inlet temperature 190-220˚C, outlet temperature 70-96˚C, spray dispersion is obtained using two-fluid nozzle where the slurry feed was varied from 4.5 to 15 ml/min and gas pressure 15-40 mm. Slurry was prepared from clay fraction under 2 µm without additives. Latvian illite clay from Iecava, Pavāri and Laža deposits was studied. Slurries with concentration 1, 8 and 15 mass% was used.The size and morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, surface area and porosity by liquid nitrogen sorption.</span></p><p class="R-AbstractKeywords"><span lang="X-NONE">All obtained granules irrespective of </span><span lang="X-NONE">spray dryer settings</span><span lang="X-NONE"> were well-rounded and dense without large pores or holes, however the surface was rough. The mean diameter of granules was in range of 2.6-5.4 µm, depending on slurry feed rate. The surface area of produced granules mostly depended on clay composition and was in a range of 70-92 m2/g. Inlet temperature in a range of 190-220 °C was found to be appropriate to produce well dried clay granules (moisture content <10 wt%). </span></p>

Stabilisasi Tanah Lempung dengan Mengunakan Larutan Asam Sulfat (H2so4) pada Tanah Dasar di Daerah Godong - Purwodadi Km 50 Kabupaten Grogogan

An expansive clay soil material that is composed of various minerals include kaolinite, montmorillonite and illite group. Mineral montmorilinite have the sensitivity to the effects of the water is very easy to expand and contract. High and low levels of development (swelling) and shrinkage (shrinkage) expansive clay is determined by the high and low content of montmorillonite on expansive clay granules. Because of these properties are very high content of montmorillonite often cause problems in the building. This study uses a solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) as a stabilizer through the compaction process Modified Proctor on OMC Proctor standard by the number of collisions each is 10 x, 25 x and 56 x, and the amount of additional water in cc on dry ground, with variations in increments of 100%, water by 90%:10% H2SO4, water by 80%: 20% H2SO4 and water by 90%: 30% H2SO4. This research was conducted testing-testing in the laboratory include: physical properties, mechanical properties. swelling pressure, swelling potential and CBR with curing and no curing. Results of the test-the test, can increase the value of physical and mechanical properties, while pergujian against swelling pressure and swelling potential is not significantly increased.

Using small-angle X-ray scattering to investigate the compaction behaviour of a granulated clay

The compaction behaviour of a commercial granulated clay (magnesium aluminium smectite, gMgSm) was investigated using macroscopic pressure-density measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray microtomography (XμT) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). This material was studied as a potential compaction excipient for pharmaceutical tabletting, but also as a model system demonstrating the capabilities of SAXS for investigating compaction in other situations.Bulk compaction measurements showed that the gMgSm was more difficult to compact than polymeric pharmaceutical excipients such as spheronised microcrystalline cellulose (sMCC), corresponding to harder granules. Moreover, in spite of using lubrication (magnesium stearate) on the tooling surfaces, rather high ejection forces were observed, which may cause problems during commercial tabletting, requiring further amelioration. Although the compacted gMgSm specimens were more porous, however, they still exhibited acceptable cohesive strengths, comparable to sMCC. Hence, there may be scope for using granular clay as one component of a tabletting formulation.Following principles established in previous work, SAXS revealed information concerning the intragranular structure of the gMgSm and its response to compaction. The results showed that little compression of the intragranular morphology occurred below a relative density of 0·6, suggesting that granule rearrangements or fragmentation were the dominant mechanisms during this stage. By contrast, granule deformation became considerably more important at higher relative density, which also coincided with a significant increase in the cohesive strength of compacted specimens.Spatially-resolved SAXS data was also used to investigate local variations in compaction behaviour within specimens of different shape. The results revealed the expected patterns of density variations within flat-faced cylindrical specimens. Significant variations in density, the magnitude of compressive strain and principal strain direction were also revealed in the vicinity of a debossed feature (a diametral notch) and within bi-convex specimens. The variations in compaction around the debossed notch, with a small region of high density below and low density along the flanks, appeared to be responsible for extensive cracking, which could also cause problems in commercial tabletting.

Titanium dioxide sol–gel-coated expanded clay granules for use in photocatalytic fluidized-bed reactor

An experimental research into the titania coatings on granulated expanded clay to be used in fluidized-bed photocatalytic reactor was undertaken. The preparation procedures were performed via sol–gel method using dip coating techniques. Two sol–gel compositions based on tetrabutyl orthotitanate and titanium tetraisopropoxide as well as two commercial TiO2 sols were examined. The impacts of titania precursor concentration, modification of sol–gel by industrially available TiO2 nanoparticles, the substrate withdrawal speed and thermal treatment conditions on the coatings’ properties were studied. The photocatalytic activity of expanded clay-supported titania was evaluated by the degradation of an emerging micropollutant, tetracycline family antibiotic doxycycline. Mechanically stable and active coatings with properties dependent on sol–gel processing parameters were obtained. The application of porous titania sol–gel-coated expanded clays could combine pollutants’ adsorption and their photocatalytic degradation. The compromise between coatings’ improved photocatalytic performance, on the one hand, and their adhesion and attrition properties, significant for fluidized-bed operation, on the other hand, lead to the determination of appropriate processing parameters.