Compressed Air Spray Research Articles

An Affordable Dual Purpose Spray Setup for Lithium-Ion Batteries Thin Film Electrode Deposition

This work presents a versatile and cost-effective spray setup that integrates both compressed air spray and electrospray techniques, specifically designed for small-scale laboratory use. This setup provides researchers with an accessible tool to explore spray methods for growing battery electrodes. While these techniques hold significant industrial promise, affordable and simple methods for their use in research settings have been limited. To address this, the setup includes custom control software and detailed information on costs and materials, offering an easy-to-implement solution. The system was tested with three samples per technique, using identical settings, to evaluate the repeatability of each method and gain insights into the uniformity and structure of the resulting films. The structural and morphological characteristics of the samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The air-spray samples showed greater consistency and repeatability, whereas the electrospray samples exhibited better deposition results in terms of material coverage and higher crystallinity films. Cracking was observed in the air-spray samples, which was related to thermal stress, and both techniques exhibited solvent evaporation issues. The issues encountered with the setup and samples are summarized, along with possible solutions and the next steps for future upgrades and research.

Sniffing out danger: rapid antipredator training of an endangered marsupial

Globally, predator aversion training has assisted naive prey species to learn to evade introduced predators, improving translocation success. Eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii; hereafter ‘bandicoot’) are extinct on mainland Australia due to habitat loss and introduced predators, and are the focus of a long-term captive breeding and reintroduction program. Our trials showed that captive bandicoots failed to recognise cat (Felis catus) scents as belonging to a predator, suggesting prey naivety towards cats. We trialled five stimuli to elicit short-term fear behaviour in bandicoots. An automatic compressed air spray and automatic bin lid were most effective. We coupled these stimuli with cat urine during predator aversion training and presented them to bandicoots on three occasions. Bandicoots learnt to avoid the area containing cat urine, suggesting bandicoots are capable of learning new behaviours rapidly. Six trained and five untrained captive bandicoots where released onto Summerland Peninsular, Phillip Island (with cat densities at 1.1 cats/km2). Both had high survival and recapture rates 7 months after release. Training endangered species to avoid introduced predators could assist with long-term species recovery.

Preparation and Characterization of CL-20 Based Composites by Compressed Air Spray Evaporation

Preparation and Characterization of CL-20 Based Composites by Compressed Air Spray Evaporation

Preparation and Characterization of TATB/VitonA Nanocomposites

Nano-TATB particles were prepared by an ultrasonic-assisted spray method. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to select the best binder—VitonA. Then, using VitonA as a binder, TATB/VitonA nanocomposites were prepared by a compressed air spray evaporation method and the formation mechanism of TATB/VitonA nanocomposites was proposed. Meanwhile, the crystal morphology, particle size, crystal structure, thermal decomposition properties, and impact sensitivity properties of the raw materials of TATB, the prepared nano-TATB particles, and the TATB/VitonA nanocomposites were characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), laser particle size analyzer (LPSA), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and impact sensitivity instrument. The detonation performances of TATB/VitonA were calculated by the EXPLO5 program. The results indicated that the size of TATB/VitonA nanocomposites was 0.5–1 μm. The results also indicated that TATB/VitonA nanocomposites were composed of many nano-TATB particles (40–60 nm). The crystal structure of TATB/VitonA nanoparticles was not changed. The activation energy of TATB/VitonA nanocomposites was higher than nano-TATB particles by 42.62 kJ·mol−1, and the characteristic drop of the proportion of TATB/VitonA nanocomposites was higher than nano-TATB particles by 13.8 cm. The thermal stability of TATB/VitonA nanocomposites was higher, while their mechanical sensitivities were lower, which showed potential for sustainable use in the field of energetic materials.

OC13 COMPARING SPRAYABLE HEMOSTAT/SEALANT ADJUNCT TO TRADITIONAL HEMOSTASIS AFTER CARDIAC REDO SURGERY: A RANDOMIZED SUTDY

Abstract Background: Bleeding after cardiac surgery is a common, unresolved, and consequence-heavy. Despite meticulous hemostasis, some degree of diffuse bleeding (referred to microvascular bleeding) tends to persist at surgery completion. Several techniques to reduce post-operative bleeding have been attempted. We have utilized a thin sprayable layer of a hemostat/sealant (Tisseel, Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, Illinois) to reduce post-operative blood loss This study (NCT02360800) compared the effectiveness of adjunct hemostat/sealant, applied via a compressed air spray, in sealing the microvascular bed prior to chest closure in cardiac redo surgery Methods: All patients undergoing any type of cardiac redo surgery between March 2015 to October 2017 were enrolled and allocated in a 1:3 ratio to adjunct hemostat/sealant spray or control (defined as no specific treatment for microvascular bleeding) A 1:2 best-neighbor propensity matching technique was then applied to obtain a matched cohort. Primary analyses: Post-operative bleeding at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 hours post-surgery Secondary analyses: allogeneic blood product transfusion during 4 post-operative days. Results: The study included 71 participants (17 adjunct hemostat/sealant; 54 control/no specific treatment) Of these, 54 propensity-matched subjects (17 adjunct hemostat/sealant; 34 control/no specific treatment) were analysed Hemostat/sealant use resulted in significantly lower post-operative blood loss at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 hour timepoints Significantly lower amounts of blood products were transfused to the matched and unmatched hemostat/sealant vs. control cohort participants Conclusion: In patients undergoing cardiac redo surgery, adjunct hemostat/sealant spray use was associated with less post-operative blood loss and lower blood product transfusion utilization.

Creation of Fine Grained-Layer and High Hardness-Layer Using IH-FPP Treatment System and Its Effect on the Fatigue Properties of Steel

In order to improve the fatigue properties of SCM435H steel, a surface treatment system was developed that combines high-frequency induction heating (IH) with fine particle peening (FPP). In this IH-FPP system, a compressed air spray from the FPP nozzle rapidly cools the specimen surface, which is pre-heated by the IH system. The specimen surface can be simultaneously modified by plastic deformation and quenching. The IH-FPP process was performed at temperatures ranging from 400-750°C. Vickers hardness and residual stress distributions were measured in order to examine the characteristics of the surface-modified layer created by the developed process. Surface microstructures were also observed using an optical microscope. As a result, the developed processes from 650-750°C created a surface with a high hardness and an extremely fine-grained microstructure. The fine-grained microstructure was created due to dynamic recrystallization. In order to clarify the effects of the IH-FPP treatment on fatigue strength of notched SCM435H steel with a stress concentration factor of Kt = 2.36, fatigue tests were performed at room temperature using a rotational bending fatigue testing machine. The specimen treated by IH-FPP process at 700°C exhibited the highest fatigue strength. This was because micro crack initiation and propagation were inhibited by the surface modified layer with high hardness and fine-grain. This result suggests that the IH-FPP treatment process is highly effective in improving the fatigue strength of steel.

Effect of simultaneous surface modification process on wear resistance of martensitic stainless steel

In order to improve the wear resistance of martensitic stainless steel, a surface treatment system was developed that combines high-frequency induction heating (IH) with fine particle peening (FPP). In this system, a compressed air spray from the FPP nozzle rapidly cools the specimen surface, which is heated by the IH system. The specimen surface can be simultaneously modified by work hardening and quenching. Vickers hardness and retained austenite measurements were conducted to characterize the surface-modified layer generated by the developed process. Surface microstructures were also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy. The process created a surface with a high hardness and an extremely fine-grained microstructure. The fine-grained microstructure was generated by dynamic recrystallization. The process reduced the amount of retained austenite in the surface layer because it increased the precipitated chromium carbide content. Reciprocating sliding wear tests were conducted to evaluate the wear resistance of the surface. The specimen modified by the developed process exhibited higher wear resistance than specimens that had only been quenched. This implies that the developed simultaneous process can significantly improve the wear resistance of steel surfaces.

XPS Analysis of Silane Films on the Surface of a Dental Ceramic

This study was designed to investigate the surface properties and the thickness of organofunctional silane films formed on leucite-reinforced feldspathic (LRF) ceramic surfaces after different methods of silane application using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Six LRF ceramic discs (Mirage®, Myron Intl., Kansas City, KS, USA) were produced according to the manufacturer's instructions and polished to a 1 μm finish. A silane coupling agent was applied to five ceramic discs using different application methods: (A) immersion in silane solution for 60 s and dried with compressed air spray for 15 s; (B) as method A but heat treated with hot air at 50±5°C for 15 s; (C) silane was applied with a brush for 60 s and dried with compressed air spray for 15 s; (D) as method C but heat treated with hot air at 50±5°C for 15 s; (E) as method C followed by rinsing the specimens with hot water (15 s) and drying with hot air for 30 s. The ceramic surfaces were then analyzed by XPS at 15°–60° take-off angles. The results showed the highest and the lowest increase of C1s (C in the structure of silane) for treatments A and E, respectively. Signals of COO or C–COO in the high resolution spectra of C1s were observed for all silane-treated ceramic surfaces. The proportion of C–Si groups on the silane-treated surfaces compared with the untreated surface was significantly increased. XPS analysis indicates that the thickness of the silane film on a leucite-reinforced feldspathic ceramic surface is a function of the mode of application. The lowest film thickness of silane was found for treatment E, which more closely matches that of a monolayer.

EVALUATION OF INSECTICIDES FOR CONTROL OF CORN INSECT PESTS IN SWEET CORN, 2003

FAW is a serious pest of sweet corn in Florida that normally requires intensive management with insecticides during vegetative and reproductive stages to produce a marketable crop. CEW typically attacks the ears later in the season and frequently requires insecticide treatments in the spring months throughout the state. Euxesta stigmatias larvae attack the corn silk, ears and cob rendering the ears unmarketable. The purpose of this trial was to compare two newer insecticides against standard insecticides for control of the above pests. The trial was conducted at the Everglades Research and Education Center, Belle Glade, FL in a Lauderhill organic soil (i.e., euic, hyperthermic Lithic Medisaprists). Yellow sweet corn seeds (Novartis Seeds ‘GSS 5771’) were planted 20 Aug 2003, 9 inches apart on 30-inch centers using a John Deere Max Merge planter. The study was arranged in a RCB design with four replicates. Plots were 30 ft long, six rows wide, and separated by 5 ft planted, untreated buffers. Blocks were separated on all sides by 15 ft of unplanted buffers. Treatments for naturally occurring FAW were begun once infestation levels reached above a 20% threshold level. Insecticides were applied on 10, 17, 24 Sep, and 1, 8, 14 and 17 Oct using a compressed air spray system mounted on a high clearance spider spray track tractor at 40 psi (nozzle pressure) using 8005 EVS TeeJet nozzles at 15-inch centers across the six-row boom. Insecticides were applied in spray volumes of 30 gpa on the first four dates and 55 gpa on the last three dates. Induce spray adjuvant was added at 0.25% v/v to all treatments, including the water check. Pretreatment (8 Sep) and post treatment samples to evaluate the treatments consisted of examining 10 randomly selected plants in each of the center three rows in each plot (30 plants per treatment replicate) for live FAW larvae. Thirty ears per treatment plot were harvested on 20 Oct and examined for FAW, CEW and E. stigmatias damage. Data were subjected to ANOVA and means were separated using LSD (P ≤ 0.05).

Methods for estimating the transfer efficiency of a compressed air spray gun.

The transfer efficiency of a compressed air spray gun is an important performance index with regard to worker health, environmental, and economic considerations. It is defined as the fraction of paint sprayed that coats the surface. Worker exposure has been identified as a function of the transfer efficiency based on total mass of paint sprayed, which can be predicted by a mathematical model developed with nonvolatile oil. This study extends the existing model to include volatile effects by employing a mathematical approach based on a mass balance. This method allows the current model to predict transfer efficiency bounds at two extreme situations: all volatile compounds evaporate either before or after droplet impaction. Model predictions show that tight transfer efficiency bounds are obtained, especially for high values of transfer efficiency. Thus, the average of the upper and lower bounds should be a reasonable estimate of transfer efficiency. It is also found that the current model prediction, which is based on total mass of paint sprayed, for nonvolatile material can be converted to a transfer efficiency based on the mass of solids. The laboratory study shows that the predicted transfer efficiency based on the mass of solids is within the 95 percent C.I. of the measured value. This work relates the transfer efficiency used in industry, which is calculated on the basis of paint solids, with a model that predicts worker exposure during spray painting operations.

Numerical Simulation of Human Exposure to Aerosols Generated During Compressed Air Spray-Painting in Cross-Flow Ventilated Booths

This paper examines the use of computational fluid dynamics as a tool for predicting human exposure to aerosols generated during compressed air spray painting in cross-flow ventilated booths. Wind tunnel experiments employing a mannequin and non-volatile oil provide data to evaluate the numerical predictions. Fidap (v8.01) is used to calculate the velocity field and particle trajectories, while in-house codes were developed to post-process the trajectory data into mass concentrations, size distributions, transfer efficiency, and over-spray generation rates. The predicted dimensionless breathing-zone concentration of 0.13±23 percent is in agreement with the measured value of 0.13±15 percent given the uncertainties involved in such comparisons. Computational fluid dynamics is a powerful tool capable of providing useful information to occupational hygiene engineers involved in controlling human exposures to toxic airborne contaminants.

Modeling Breathing-Zone Concentrations of Airborne Contaminants Generated During Compressed Air Spray Painting

This paper presents a mathematical model to predict breathing-zone concentrations of airborne contaminants generated during compressed air spray painting in cross-flow ventilated booths. The model focuses on characterizing the generation and transport of overspray mist. It extends previous work on conventional spray guns to include exposures generated by HVLP guns. Dimensional analysis and scale model wind-tunnel studies are employed using non-volatile oils, instead of paint, to produce empirical equations for estimating exposure to total mass. Results indicate that a dimensionless breathing zone concentration is a nonlinear function of the ratio of momentum flux of air from the spray gun to the momentum flux of air passing through the projected area of the workers body. The orientation of the spraying operation within the booth is also very significant. The exposure model requires an estimate of the contaminant generation rate, which is approximated by a simple impactor model. The results represent an initial step in the construction of more realistic models capable of predicting exposure as a mathematical function of the governing parameters.

Modeling Breathing-Zone Concentrations of Airborne Contaminants Generated During Compressed Air Spray Painting

This paper presents a mathematical model to predict breathing-zone concentrations of airborne contaminants generated during compressed air spray painting in cross-flow ventilated booths. The model focuses on characterizing the generation and transport of overspray mist. It extends previous work on conventional spray guns to include exposures generated by HVLP guns. Dimensional analysis and scale model wind-tunnel studies are employed using non-volatile oils, instead of paint, to produce empirical equations for estimating exposure to total mass. Results indicate that a dimensionless breathing zone concentration is a nonlinear function of the ratio of momentum flux of air from the spray gun to the momentum flux of air passing through the projected area of the worker's body. The orientation of the spraying operation within the booth is also very significant. The exposure model requires an estimate of the contaminant generation rate, which is approximated by a simple impactor model. The results represent an initial step in the construction of more realistic models capable of predicting exposure as a mathematical function of the governing parameters.

Influence of Spray Painting Parameters on Breathing Zone Particle Size Distributions

Abstract Published sampling data indicate large variability in overspray particle size distributions generated during compressed air spray painting. Several task parameters may influence this variability, including spray nozzle pressure, air-to-liquid mass flow ratio, and worker orientation to the spray booth freestream. This research investigated the importance of these parameters on the resulting breathing zone size distributions. To measure volatile paint mist distributions, droplets were collected on polycarbonate membrane filters treated with a spread retardant and then sized with a light microscope. Size distributions were measured first in a laboratory wind tunnel with a mannequin, flat plate, corn oil, and spray nozzle, and then in an actual paint spray booth. Despite sampling bias due to inlet aspiration efficiency, the results indicate that the worker's position to the freestream strongly influences breathing zone geometric mean diameters. Larger size distributions result when the worker stands ...

Kenaf tolerance to acifluorfen, cyanazine, diuron, fluometuron, fomesafen, lactofen, or prometryn applied postemergence-directed

Field experiments were conducted in 1993 (Dundee clay loam, 1.8% OM, pH 6.2), and 1994 (Tunica clay loam, 1.8% OM, pH 5.5) to evaluate kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus L.) tolerance to acifluorfen (0.42, 0.56, and 0.84 kg ai ha −1), cyanazine (0.89, 1.2, and 1.8 kg ai ha −1), diuron (0.67, 0.89, and 1.3 kg ai ha −1), fomesafen (0.42, 0.56, and 0.84 kg ai ha −1), fluometuron (1.12, 1.45, and 2.24 kg ai ha −1), lactofen (0.22, 0.29, and 0.45 kg ai ha −1) or prometryn (0.56, 0.73, and 1.12 kg ai ha −1), applied postemergence-directed. Herbicides were applied with a compressed air spray system calibrated to deliver 187 1 ha −1 of spray solution. Four-row plots (3 × 6 m) were simultaneously cultivated and sprayed. Herbicides were directed towards the base of kenaf plants which were 30 to 35 cm tall in 1993 and 35 to 51 cm tall in 1994. X-77 ® (0.25% v v ) was used as an adjuvant in 1993 for all treatments. In 1994, Agri-Dex ® (1.0% v v ) was used with diuron and fomesafen and Latron, AG-98 ® (0.25% v v ), was used with all other herbicides. All rates of diuron or fomesafen caused kenaf injury (necrosis) but did not exceed 22 and 14%, respectively. Only fomesafen at the highest rate resulted in kenaf height reduction 24 days after treatment (DAT). All injury symptoms disappeared as leaves abscised and no visual injury symptoms were observed either year by mid season. Kenaf was defoliated in the fall of each year and 5.3 m of the center two rows was hand-harvested at ground level. No treatment caused yield reductions when compared to the untreated control except the high rate of diuron in 1994.

Cotton Aphid Control, 1995

Abstract Treatments were tested for relative efficacy against cotton aphid in nonirrigated cotton planted 5 May at Stoneville, MS. Plots of 8 rows (40 inch centers) by 65 ft, separated by 15 ft alleys, were arranged in a RCBD with 4 replicates. All treatments were applied by a high-clearance spray machine equipped with a compressed air spray system. Total spray volume was 6 gal/acre at 5 mph and 35 psi using 2 TX10 nozzles/row. Plots within a replicate were sprayed consecutively with the boom rinsed twice and blown clear between plots. A pretreatment survey on 19 Jun indicated a moderate aphid infestation. Treatments were applied on 20 and 27 Jun. Efficacy was determined by counting aphids per square inch on leaves in the top and middle portions of 80 randomly chosen plants/treatment at 3 and 6 or 7 DAT.

Cotton Aphid Control, 1994

Abstract Treatments were tested for relative efficacy against cotton aphid in nonirrigated cotton planted 6 May at Stoneville, MS. Plots of 8 rows (40 inch centers) by 65 ft, separated by 15 ft alleys, were arranged in a RCBD with 4 replicates. All treatments were applied by a high-clearance spray machine equipped with a compressed air spray system. Total spray volume was 6 gpa at 5 mph and 35 psi using 2, TX10 nozzles/row. Plots within a replicate were sprayed consecutively with the boom rinsed twice and blown clear between plots. Treatments were applied on 5 Jul. Efficacy was determined by counting aphids per square inch on leaves in the top and middle portions of 40 randomly chosen plants/ treatment at 3 and 6 DAT.

Cotton Aphid Control, 1993B

Abstract Insecticides were evaluated for relative efficacy against cotton aphid in nonirrigated cotton planted 6 May at Stoneville, MS. Plots of 8 rows (40 inch centers) by 65 ft, separated by 15 ft alleys, were arranged in a RCBD with 4 replicates. All treatments were applied by a high-clearance spray machine equipped with a compressed air spray system. Total spray volume was 6 gpa at 5 mph and 35 psi using 2 TX10 nozzles/row. Plots within a replicate were sprayed consecutively with the boom rinsed twice and blown clear between plots. Treatments were applied on 6 Jul. Efficacy was determined by counting aphids per square inch on leaves in the top, middle, and bottom third portions of 40 randomlychosen plants 1 h before initial treatment and at 3, 7, and 14 DAT.

Evaluation of Insecticides for Control of Tarnished Plantbugs on Cotton in Mississippi, 1994

Abstract This evaluation was made on Coker 312 cotton planted as buffer rows for a transgenic cotton trial which had received little insecticidal input throughout the season. Pretreatment assessment of the plantbug infestation was made by sampling 2 outside rows of 9 randomly chosen plots within the test site immediately prior to insecticide application by making 20 sweeps with a 15 inch diameter sweep net. The test was applied 30 Aug under the following conditions: 0-2.3 mph wind, 92°F, 53% RH, and 50% cloud cover. Statistical design was randomized complete block with 3 replications. Plots were 8 rows (38 inch centers) wide and 35 ft long. Applications were made with a high clearance plot sprayer equipped with a compressed air spray system utilizing a flat boom with TX4, hollow cone nozzles spaced at 19 inches traveling at 4 mph. Volumetric application rate was 5 gpa except for the Danitol and VI0009 treatments which were applied at 20 gpa by reducing tractor speed. Post treatment sampling was made 3 DAT by 20 sweeps with a 15 inch sweep net in each pair of the center 4 rows of each plot.

Cotton Aphid Control, 1993A

Abstract Treatments were tested for relative efficacy against cotton aphid in nonirrigated cotton planted 6 May at Stoneville, MS. Plots of 8 rows (40 inch centers) by 65 ft, separated by 15 ft alleys, were arranged in a RCBD with 4 replicates. All treatments were applied by a high-clearance spray machine equipped with a compressed air spray system. Total spray volume was 6 gpa at 5 mph and 35 psi using 2 TX10 nozzles/row. Plots within a replicate were sprayed consecutively with the boom rinsed twice and blown clear between plots. A pretreatment survey indicated a moderate aphid infestation. Treatments were applied on 6 Jul. Efficacy was determined by counting aphids per square inch on leaves in the top, middle, and bottom third portions of 40 randomly-chosen plants/treatment at 3, 5, and 8 DAT.