Conical Tank Research Articles

Unsupervised Fault Detection in a Controlled Conical Tank

Current trends in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) have increased the sensorization of systems, thus increasing data availability to apply data-driven fault detection and diagnosis techniques to monitor these systems. In this work, we show the capabilities of an information-driven method for detecting and quantifying faults in a subsystem common among a broad range of industries: the conical tank. Our main experiment consists of using a simple black-box model (multi-layer perceptron -- MLP) to capture the dynamics of a PID-controlled conical tank built in Simulink and then induce pump failures of different severities; the derived data-driven indicators that we developed increase with the severity of the fault validating its usefulness in this controlled setting. A complementary experiment is carried out to enrich our analysis; this consists of simulating an open-loop discrete-time version of the conical tank to explore a range of fault severity and analyze the distribution of the indicators across this range. All our results show the applicability of the data-driven fault monitoring method in conical tanks subjected to either open- or closed-loop operation.

Model Predictive Control for Level Control of a Conical Tank

Conical tanks have a high application rate in industrial processes, especially in colloidal mills, chemical processes, and food processing. The use of conical tanks presents significant benefits because they contribute to sedimentation and reduce the accumulation of impurities compared to conventional cylindrical tanks. However, level control of a conical tank due to its shape requires advanced strategies to guarantee efficient control. In this research, a model predictive control (MPC) method was designed and implemented for the level control of a conical tank on a laboratory scale. To evaluate the performance of the controller, it was compared with a traditional proportional–integral (PI) controller, and the rise time, settling time, overshoot, and error in the steady state were analyzed when different set point changes were tested. In addition, the system was subjected to disturbances, and the MPC demonstrated better performance in a transient state, as well as smooth and stable action controls that allowed for an increase in the useful life of the actuator. In addition, an interactive graphical interface was developed that allowed a dynamic response in a real plant to be experienced; this provides an academic tool for designing control strategies before implementation in a real process.

Retraction Note: Soft computing-based fuzzy integral sliding mode control: a real-time investigation on a conical tank process

Retraction Note: Soft computing-based fuzzy integral sliding mode control: a real-time investigation on a conical tank process

Taylor series and adaptive passivity-based control for conical tanks level regulation

Taylor series and adaptive passivity-based control for conical tanks level regulation

Physico-Mechanical Properties of Pumpkin Seeds in the Context of Drying Processes

The paper highlights the significance of the drying process in post-harvest cucurbit seed treatment technology. To improve the effectiveness of drying high-moisture seeds, a plant construction design was introduced, incorporating the concept of providing varied heat distribution to a vigorously agitated seed layer. The paper validates the necessity of refining the dimensional, frictional, and aerodynamic properties of pumpkin seeds to determine the optimal operating modes for the proposed dryer. (Research purpose) To identify the physical and mechanical properties of pumpkin seeds by defining their dimensional, frictional and aerodynamic characteristics. (Materials and methods) The study employs one-factor experimental research methods with subsequent statistical data processing. An experimental study was conducted on the physical and mechanical properties of Volzhskaya Grey pumpkin seeds possessing a standard moisture content ranging between 9.3 and 9.7 percent. Well-known laboratory apparatuses, namely the «conical tank» and the «inclined plane», were used to determine the natural repose angle and to enhance the accuracy of friction coefficients determination. For analyzing the aerodynamic properties of the seeds, the K-293 Petkus air separator was employed. (Results and discussion) Research methods were developed and experimental plants were described. It was established that with a probability confidence level of 0.95, the static friction coefficients of pumpkin seeds on a solid steel sheet, a perforated steel sieve and on rubber are 0.473, 0.418, 0.481, respectively, and the dynamic friction coefficients under the identical conditions are measured as 0.331, 0.293, 0.337. The average angle of natural repose is found to be 22 degrees, the midsection area is 97.94 square millimeters, the soaring velocity is 7.083 meters per second, the windage coefficient stands at 0.196 and the aerodynamic drag coefficient is 0.136. (Conclusions). The assumption that enhancing the drying efficiency of vegetable seeds can be achieved by implementing a diverse thermal energy supply to continuously moving mass inside the apparatus is confirmed, provided that the seeds do not stick together in layers resulting in blockage of the coolant flow. An improved design of the dryer configurations has been developed and, to validate its optimum design and technological specifications, an in-depth analysis of the seeds' dimensional, frictional, and aerodynamic attributes has been conducted.

Internal Model Controller for Conical Tank System

This manuscript proposes an internal model controller (IMC) for conical tank system with hybrid approach. The hybrid approach is the combination of lotus effect optimization (LEA) and attentive evolutionary generative adversarial network (AEGAN) algorithm; hence it is known as LEA-AEGAN approach. The main purpose of the work is to enhanced drainage of process fluid. Process fluids can be of various mixes of solids, semisolids, slurries, and liquids. The inclination angle of the tank aids drainage eliminates sediments, and so on, but it also adds non-linearity into the system. The IMC is used to nonlinear systems, which is required to regulate the level of a conical tank. The proposed LEA is utilized to find the optimal controller parameters and minimize the error of the system. And the AEGAN is used to predicts the control parameters and ensure the controller tuning. By using the proposed system, it is implemented by MATLAB platform and compared with the existing techniques. The settling time, overshoot, and rise time of the proposed controller is 21.9sec, 11.11%, and 2.2sec, respectively

Advanced golden jackal optimization-based fractional-order integral terminal sliding-mode (FO-ITSM) controller for level control of the conical tank system

This article examines a conical tank nonlinear system's level control. A crucial component of facilities like milk processing plants and sugarcane mills is the conical tank. The fluid drains entirely due to the conical shape of the tank. The conical form of the system causes nonlinear dynamics. The conical tank nonlinear system transfer mechanism is not easily accessible, and different operating heights require different transfer mechanisms, making controller design difficult. Developing the Fractional-Order Integral Terminal Sliding-Mode (FO-ITSM) Controller system for Advanced Golden Jackal Optimisation (GJO) based conical tank systems is the main objective of this paper. This is utilised to deliver real-time liquid level management in non-linear conical systems. The dynamics of these models make it possible to identify the conical tank system that produces control signals from liquid samples taken at reference levels with greater accuracy. This system, which is employed on multiple platforms, maintains and controls the liquid level while meeting all design specifications, including time constant, no overshoot, less settling, and rise time. For research simulation work, MATLAB software's FOMCON toolbox is utilised.

Fractional PID with Genetic Algorithm Approach for Industrial Tank Level Control Process

Process control is used in various types of industries to boost production while using current resources, product quality, and safety, with level control being one of the most important schemes. It is suggested that study be conducted on nonlinear continuous processes, particularly in process control applications such as conical tank level control. Initially, each process receives one set of Proportional-Integral (PI) controller settings and a First Order Plus Dead-Time (FOPDT) model using the Ziegler Nicholas (ZN) step response tuning method. The numerous FOPDT models and parameter sets are also obtained. Responses obtained with a single set of parameters and responses obtained with many sets of parameters are compared. By creating a Fractional PID Controller (FPID) with Genetic Algorithm (GA), a simulation-based tuning strategy is proposed. The step responses are acquired through experimental research using fine-tuned settings. At most operational points, the Fractional PID Controller with Genetic Algorithm-based tuning approach outperforms, with lowest oscillation, extremely tiny overshoot, minimum average ISE, and minimum average IAE. The proposed FPID with GA method provides better setpoint and regulatory tracking performance compared to ZN-PID.

Effect of the Geometric Shapes of Elevated Tanks on their Dynamic Response

This study examines the impacts of geometric shapes of elevated tanks owing to the seismic loading action. Four typical tank shapes have been studied, namely: intze tank with a shaft, pure conical tank with a frame, combined conical tank, and cylindrical tank with a frame through a single degree of freedom, two degrees of freedom, and three dimensional finite element method, based on the full and empty condition using computer simulation program LUSAS FEA through added mass approach for accounting fluid-structure interaction. The results revealed that the intze shape is the most suitable shape to be analyzed based on mechanical approaches. While the impossibility of applying these approaches to conical tanks.

Implementation of a Globally Linearised Controller in Real Time for Two Conical Tanks Interacting Level Process

The aim of this paper focuses on the design and real-time implementation of a Globally Linearized Controller (GLC) for Two Conical Tanks Interacting Level Process (TCTILP) that exhibits severe non-linear characteristics. Because of its adequate mixing and drainage properties, conical tanks are favoured in the industrial sector, yet control issues arising from their non-linear dynamics are considerable. This method's underlying premise is that a system with non-linear original variables can be transformed in some way to make it linear. The globally linearized controller is designed based on a linear model that accurately represents the entire operating range of a non-linear system, allowing for the practical application of linear control methods to achieve desired system performance. The fundamental dynamics and interactions between the two tanks are captured in a mathematical model of the TCTILP process. For various set points of levels h1 and h2, the performance of the GLC is contrasted with that of the traditional PI controller. According to real-time findings, GLC works better with shorter settling times and smaller error indices than conventional controllers. This work enhances process control by offering a workable and effective method for handling intricate non-linear systems. The robustness and versatility of the globally linearized controller make it an invaluable tool for a wide range of industrial applications requiring conical tank processes.

An Experimental Validation of Model Based Control Techniques for Interacting Nonlinear Systems

Model based controllers are those controllers that has gained significant attention in the arena of nonlinear process control. Conical tank is a nonlinear process whose nonlinearity increases when it interacts with another conical tank. Maintaining the level of an interacting nonlinear process operating with constraints is the control objective of this paper. Model Predictive Control (MPC) has the capability of handling constraints and exerts a control action with optimization. MPC is employed for this process and the experimental results obtained are subjected to time domain analysis and the performances are compared with the performance of Proportional’, ’Integral’, ’Derivative (PID) and Internal Model controller based PID (IMC’, ’PID) controller.

Aeolian Liquid Vibrations in Conical Tanks with Baffles under Wind Loading with Fuzzy Parameters

The Aeolian liquid vibrations in conical reservoirs caused by low-velocity, steady winds have been under consideration. Both amplitudes and dominant frequencies of wind loadings have been constantly changed, so to adequately describe the vibration process, fuzzy logic methods have been applied. At the first stage, the crisp initial value problem for conical shells with and without baffles has been considered. The liquid inside the reservoirs has been supposed to be an incompressible and ideal one, and its flow induced by the forced harmonic excitation, has been considered as potential. So, there exists a potential to satisfy the Laplace equation. The impermeable condition has been used at wetted surface boundaries of the shell, whereas the dynamic and kinematic boundary conditions have been set on the free liquid surface. A system of singular integral equations has been obtained for values of the velocity potential and the function describing the free surface rise. Its solution has been gained by boundary element methods. The crisp boundary value problem has been reduced to the second-order system of differential equations. After receiving the crisp solution of this system, the initial data have been fuzzified, involving triangular fuzzy numbers, and the fuzzy initial value problem has been formulated. The numerical solution to this problem with uncertain intervals involved has been obtained and analyzed.

Effect of Ovality on the Buckling Behavior of Thin-Walled Liquid-Filled Conical Tanks

This study investigates the influence of ovality on the buckling behavior of thin-walled liquid-filled conical tanks through comprehensive numerical simulations. The structural stability of conical tanks is of paramount importance in various engineering applications, such as storage vessels and aerospace structures. However, the presence of ovality, characterized by deviations from perfect circularity, can significantly affect the structural response and integrity of these tanks. To explore the effects of ovality, a finite element analysis (FEA) approach is employed, considering various ovality levels in the tank geometry. A comprehensive parametric study is conducted, varying key parameters such as tank dimensions, material properties, and liquid filling levels. The buckling behavior of the tanks is assessed by examining critical buckling loads and corresponding deformation modes. Results from the numerical simulations reveal that even small levels of ovality can substantially reduce the buckling load capacity of conical tanks. As ovality increases, the onset of buckling occurs at lower applied loads, leading to premature structural failure. The presence of liquid filling further exacerbates the buckling phenomenon, with the liquid sloshing effect amplifying the structural response. The study also investigates the influence of different materials on the buckling behavior of conical tanks subjected to ovality. It is found that the material stiffness and yield strength play a crucial role in determining the critical buckling load and mode shape. Furthermore, the effect of liquid fill level is explored, demonstrating that higher fill levels increase the vulnerability to buckling.

The effect of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) on photoreceptor abundance, rhodopsin expression and growth in developing gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) larvae

This study determined the effect of prey DHA on larval gilthead sea bream (GSB; Sparus aurata) photoreceptor abundance, rhodopsin expression, and growth performance. It was carried out in a twenty-eight 400 l conical tank system that was stocked with 100 viable GSB eggs/l/tank. This allowed the testing of 4 levels of rotifer DHA; 0.99 (Low; L), 1.9 (Intermediate low; I-L), 3.2 (Intermediate high; I-H) and 12.1(High; H) mg DHA/g DW rotifer, which were fed (10 rotifers/ml) to 3-16 DPH larvae. These rotifer diets continued to be offered to 17-34 DPH fish, although these larvae predominantly fed on 4 DHA enriched Artemia nauplii treatments that were offered at a concentration from 0.1 nauplii/ml to 4 nauplii/ml, depending on larval age. This resulted in 4 DHA rotifer-Artemia ranges: 0.99-0.0 (L), 1.9-2.6 (I-L), 3.2-7.2 (I-H), and 12.1-11.77 (H) mg DHA/g DW. The 4 DHA treatments and ranges were tested in replicates of 7 conical tanks per treatment. Increasing rotifer DHA significantly (P<0.0001) improved TL, in an exponential manner, throughout larval rearing. DW in 34 DPH larvae was markedly (P<0.05) enhanced with dietary DHA inclusion in the rotifers and Artemia. There was a significant (P < 0.005) prey DHA dose dependent range effect on the abundance of photoreceptor cells in the retina of 34 DPH larvae. The gene expression of rhodopsin in GSB larvae was significantly (P<0.05) upregulated with dietary DHA dose range and larval age (P<0.0001). This study established a link between dietary DHA level with photoreceptor abundance and rhodopsin expression, which led to improved vision, prey acquisition, and growth in developing GSB larvae.

Performance Analysis of Controller for Non-Linear System using Model Based and Data Driven Techniques

The main challenge for every sector is regulating the flow and level of the liquid during the process. In various manufacturing sectors, the conical tank is frequently employed. The conical tank's design causes non-linearity, therefore controlling the liquid level in a conical tank process is the most difficult issue. As a result, the process output may occasionally be impacted. The level control of the conical process has been the subject of a great deal of research. A conical bottomed tank is utilized for complete fluid drainage in various process industries, where its nonlinearity may only be at the bottom. The tank can be made entirely conical to increase drainage effectiveness even further. However, because of the tank's constant change, the process is highly nonlinear, making it challenging to manage the liquid level. Most commonly, a conical-shaped tank system is used in colloidal mills, leaching extractions in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, food processing industries, petroleum industries, molasses, liquid feed and liquid fertilizer storage, chemical holding and mix tanks, and reactor tanks for the processing of biodiesel. Conical tanks are employed in storage and holding tanks to prevent settlement and sludge. On the basis of traditional modelling (transfer function modelling), system identification and data-based methodology, modelling and controller design are carried out on a single conical tank. Based on time domain specifications, the performance of the designed controllers is examined. Data-based controller design has been shown to be superior to the other two strategies. A controller is designed and then modelled using the MATLAB platform.

Experimental investigation of a stepped solar still employing a phase change material, a conical tank, and a solar dish

The configuration of an external solar dish improves the performance of stepped slope solar still (SS) in an experimental setting. The use of an external solar dish raises the effects of the water basin, resulting in a higher rate of evaporation. The stepped still was designed, built, and tested in Ismailia, Egypt, using local weather conditions. The proposed SS had a 1 m2 base area and eight steps, a solar dish with a concentration ratio of 80, a cone tank, two centrifugal pumps, four photovoltaic modules totaling 1000 W, a control unit, and solenoid valves. The impact of utilizing the storage material during the phases was investigated. A nozzle was installed at the top of the cone tank. Four mass flow rates of circulated water were examined 250, 350, 450, and 550 mL/min. The control unit receives inputs from the photovoltaic output, photodiodes, and water temperature inside the cone. The control unit outputs the signal for the two solar dish motors, centrifugal pumps, and solenoid valves. First, a standard stepped SS, second, a stepped SS using phase change material (PCM), and finally, a stepped SS using PCM combined with a solar dish were investigated. The conventional stepped SSs with PCM had an optimal mass flow rate of 250 mL/min, whereas the stepped SS integrated with the solar dish had 550 mL/min of mass flow rate (an optimum value). The highest daily freshwater productivity was 7.63, 9.18, 11.23, and 13.9 kg/d for water spraying mass flow rates of 250, 350, 450, and 550 mL/min, respectively, with 0.0161 $/L/m2 of a maximum projected cost, according to data from an integrated stepped SS.

"Non-linear numerical study of the dynamic response of elevated steel conical tank under seismic excitation"

"Non-linear numerical study of the dynamic response of elevated steel conical tank under seismic excitation"

Adaptive Practical Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for Echo State Network Models.

This article proposes an adaptive practical nonlinear model predictive (NMPC) control algorithm which uses an echo state network (ESN) estimated online as a process model. In the proposed control algorithm, the ESN readout parameters are estimated online using a recursive least-squares method that considers an adaptive directional forgetting factor. The ESN model is used to obtain online a nonlinear prediction of the system free response, and a linearized version of the neural model is obtained at each sampling time to get a local approximation of the system step response, which is used to build the dynamic matrix of the system. The proposed controller was evaluated in a benchmark conical tank level control problem, and the results were compared with three baseline controllers. The proposed approach achieved similar results as the ones obtained by its nonadaptive baseline version in a scenario with the process operating with the nominal parameters, and outperformed all baseline algorithms in a scenario with process parameter changes. Additionally, the computational time required by the proposed algorithm was one-tenth of that required by the baseline NMPC, which shows that the proposed algorithm is suitable to implement state-of-the-art adaptive NMPC in a computationally affordable manner.

Prediction of buckling capacity of liquid-filled steel conical tanks considering field-measured imperfections

Geometric imperfections caused by fabrication and welding reduce the buckling capacity of steel conical tanks. Few studies have considered field-measured geometric imperfections in such type of shell structures. This study carries out elastoplastic finite element analyses (FEA) to evaluate the buckling capacity of a full-scale stiffened conical steel water tank by considering its imperfections extracted from high-resolution laser scan data. Both global and local imperfections are obtained by comparing the laser scan data with the nominal tank geometry. The global imperfection involves deviation of the actual central axis of the tank from its nominal axis and ovalization of the tank circumference, whereas the local imperfection involves local fluctuations of the tank geometry around the circumference at a given elevation. The FEA is conducted using the commercial package ANSYS where both geometric and material nonlinearities are considered in the analysis. A four-node shell element with a six degrees of freedom per node is utilized in the model. The analysis results shed light on the shapes and magnitudes of global and local imperfections in an existing stiffened steel conical tank and their impact on the buckling capacity of the tank. Furthermore, the adequacy of imperfection tolerances recommended in widely used design standards for steel tanks are examined and compared with those extracted from the field measurements. The analysis results suggest that the local imperfections can be more critical than the combination of global and local imperfections in terms of the buckling capacity of the conical steel tank.

Utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Lotus Effect in an Emerging Intelligent Drone for Persevering Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar energy has been receiving increasing attention due to the wide range of functionality it now supports and the promise of reduced environmental pollution. However, there are a few ongoing challenges, one of which relates to regular maintenance, especially for those high roof-mounted solar panels whose efficiency might have been degraded because of dust and dirt particle deposits. This paper is aimed at developing an autonomous drone which is equipped with a camera, a GPS sensor, a transceiver, and a pump conical tank to hold water with lotus effects, for the purpose of maintenance cleaning of solar panels which have been mounted on the roof top of buildings. The proposed system considers the combination of MobileNet and VGG-16 CNN techniques together for object detection and recognition that will enable assessment of solar panels, alongside the lotus effect physical technique that will enable maintenance of the solar panels. This would also put out of danger those human lives who have previously risked carrying out such high installation inspections and maintenance. A pump tank is designed and fabricated using a 3D printer to hold water with the lotus effect and is fitted on the drone. The proposed intelligent drone has been prototyped and deployed on-site at Taif University. The experimental results confirm the ability to detect dust and dirt particle deposits on solar panels while flying autonomously before proceeding to maintain them. The cleaning process with the use of the lotus effect has led to an increase in the power efficiency of the solar panels by approximately 31%, while the accuracy of the MobileNet framework for detecting particle deposits on the solar panels and thereafter making maintenance decisions rose to approximately 99%.