Conventional Pad Research Articles

Lateral flow immunoassay device to detect staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in durian candy.

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), a potent enterotoxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus, has been implicated in incidences of Staphylococcal food poisoning in the Philippines. The use of lateral flow immunoassay devices to detect this toxin in solid food samples, like durian candy, at the point of sampling is constrained by the requirement for sample purification (e.g. centrifugation). This problem is also true with the other applications of LFIA devices on food samples. To overcome this challenge, a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) device capable of detecting SEB in unpurified durian candy sample was developed in this study. A modified LFIA device was assembled with three layers of glass fiber pads functioning as sample pads instead of a conventional cellulose fiber pad. Unlike with the cellulose fiber pad, the glass fiber sample pads acted as filter and allowed the flow of a 1:5 dilution of durian candy. The LFIA device applied to spiked 1:5 diluted durian candy samples achieved a visual limit of detection of 5ng/mL for SEB, which is twofold lower than reported for previous LFIA devices designed to detect SEB in food samples.

Comparative Study on the Tribological Performance of Conventional and Metal Matrix Composite Brake Pads in Automotive Applications

Abstract: This study investigates the wear and mechanical properties of aluminum alloy composites reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. Aluminum-based composites are increasingly favored in engineering due to their excellent properties, and incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles presents a promising method for further enhancement. The composites were produced using a powder metallurgy technique, and their mechanical performance—including tensile strength, hardness, and impact resistance—was thoroughly assessed. Additionally, wear tests under various conditions were conducted to evaluate the composites' wear resistance. The findings indicate that incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles significantly enhances both the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the aluminum alloy.

(Dielectric Science and Technology Division Poster Award, 1st Place) The Influence of Pad Micro-Features on Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) Performance: Insights from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

With semiconductor chip dimensions shrinking below 7 nanometers, Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) becomes more critical [1], [2]. To meet the increasing demand for precision and uniformity in the fabrication of wafers and chips, enhancements in CMP consumables and operating conditions are necessary. To address these requirements, novel pad designs have been developed, particularly those that do not require conditioning [3]. It is known that the CMP polishing rate depends on pressure, pad wafer relative velocity, and the distribution of pad asperities [4]. As conventional pads provide small and random contact areas, the external pressure applied by the head determines the material removal rate (MRR) [5] Advanced pads with micro-features provide more contact areas and help deliver consistent pressure and slurry distribution during Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) [6], [7]. This study uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate the flow between pad and wafer surfaces to determine how pad surface micro-features affect the CMP process. The abrasive residence time, total fluid pressure, and slurry flow velocity are evaluated for four distinct pad micro-feature geometries: square, square-circle, circle, and ellipse. Increasing the number of edges in the pad micro-feature patterns increases pressure drop, leading to more interaction between pad and slurry and enhancement of MRR. The findings of this study confirm the effectiveness of micro-featured pads in optimizing CMP processes and provide valuable insights into the influence of microfeature geometries on critical parameters for improving the semiconductor fabrication process.[1] J. Seo, Journal of Materials Research, 36, 235–257, Jan, 2021.[2] B. Suryadevara, Advances in Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP). Woodhead Publishing, 2021.[3] S. Lee and E. Hwang, “Smart pad fabrication for CMP,” LMA Res Rep, vol. 10, pp. 100–104, 2002.[4] G. Ahmadi and X. Xia, J Electrochem Soc, 148, G99, 2001.[5] X. Xia and G. Ahmadi, Particulate Science and Technology, 20, 187–196, 2002.[6] S. Lee, G. Kim, M. Mcgahay, H. Kim, and H. Cho, “Pad Designs-To navigate the fundamentals of CMP.”[7] M. Mcgahay, G. Kim, S. Lee, H. Cho, and H. Kim, “Critical Feature Size of Polishing Pad and Its Performance.”

Performance enhancement of reactive foam dyeing for cotton fabric through different foaming agents and stabilizers

Purpose In the textile dyeing industry, the foam dyeing has been recognized as a significantly sustainable alternative for the cotton fabrics. However, this efficient technology undergoes the many issues related to the foam generation, foam optimization and the required performance of the resultant fabrics. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues through the development and optimization of the novel reactive foam dyeing recipes for the cotton fabrics. Design/methodology/approach The foam dyeing recipes were generated and optimized using the different stabilizers, foaming agents and three primary colors of reactive dyes. The different recipes were applied onto the cotton fabric using laboratory scale foam coating machine. The performance of the foam coated and padded fabrics was evaluated using different criteria including the shade depth, rubbing fastness, air permeability, washing fastness, perspiration fastness, light fastness and tear strength. Then, a complex decision-making approach, namely, analytic hierarchy process (AHP), was applied for the ranking of the key recipes based on the main criteria. Findings The newly optimized foam dyeing recipes were found very competitive with the conventional pad dyeing process with respect to the shade-depth and the other performance properties. The optimization of foaming parameters and addition of stabilizers have advanced the foam dyeing process, which would accelerate the implementation of foam dyeing methods in the textile industry. Furthermore, significant water and energy savings would be achieved as compared to the conventional foam dyeing. AHP model offered a comprehensive and rational way to identify the most important recipes amongst the selected recipes. Originality/value In this research, novel foam dyeing recipes have been developed for the cotton fabrics through the optimization of the different stabilizers, foaming agents and the three primary colors of reactive dyes. Until now, the exiting literature has not reported the combination of these stabilizers with the different foaming agents and three primary reactive dyes for the improvement of sustainable foam cotton dyeing process.

Metal 3D-Printed Bioinspired Lattice Elevator Braking Pads for Enhanced Dynamic Friction Performance.

The elevator industry is constantly expanding creating an increased demand for the integration of high technological tools to increase elevator efficiency and safety. Towards this direction, Additive Manufacturing (AM), and especially metal AM, is one of the technologies that could offer numerous competitive advantages in the production of industrial parts, such as integration of complex geometry, high manufacturability of high-strength metal alloys, etc. In this context, the present study has 3D designed, 3D printing manufactured, and evaluated novel bioinspired structures for elevator safety gear friction pads with the aim of enhancing their dynamic friction performance and eliminating the undesired behavior properties observed in conventional pads. Four different friction pads with embedded bioinspired surface lattice structures were formed on the template of the friction surface of the conventional pads and 3D printed by the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process utilizing tool steel H13 powder as feedstock material. Each safety gear friction pad underwent tribological tests to evaluate its dynamic coefficient of friction (CoF). The results indicated that pads with a high contact surface area, such as those with car-tire-like and extended honeycomb structures, exhibit high CoF of 0.549 and 0.459, respectively. Based on the acquired CoFs, Finite Element Models (FEM) were developed to access the performance of braking pads under realistic operation conditions, highlighting the lower stress concentration for the aforementioned designs. The 3D-printed safety gear friction pads were assembled in an existing emergency progressive safety gear system of KLEEMANN Group, providing sufficient functionality.

Improving the sustainability and effectiveness of photovoltaic evaporative cooling greenhouse in the Sahel

Anthropogenic climate change has caused worldwide extreme weather events including droughts, floods and heatwaves. It disproportionately affects developing countries through food insecurity. Greenhouse is important and relevant to the food-energy-water security in many regions. This study investigates the thermal behavior of photovoltaic evaporative cooling greenhouse made with eco-friendly coolers. The cooling potential of local plant materials was assessed under ambient conditions. Experimental thermal data obtained from optimized evaporative cooling system equipped with Hyphaene thebaica fibers (HF-pad) and conventional Celdek pad (C-pad), were used in heat and mass transfer equations to derive the greenhouse cooling performances. Computational fluid dynamics analysis software was used to investigate the refrigerant fluid distribution in the greenhouse. Cooler using HF-pad allows to keep the microclimate below 25 °C, with maximum moisture rate up to 80%, under harsh ambient conditions (temperature: 30–45 °C, humidity: 10–15%). HF-pad had the highest cooling coefficient of performance (COP = 9 against 6 for C-pad), the best cost to efficiency ratio (CER = 5; 4 times less than C-pad) and the lowest outlet temperature (20.0 °C). Due to higher outlet air velocity (1.116 m/s against 0.825 m/s for HF-pad), C-pad cooler spread cool air (20.5 °C) up to 1.25 m farther than its counterpart, creating higher pressure in the atmosphere (1.42 Pa against 0.71 Pa), with 2 times turbulent kinetic energy (0.014 J/kg). HF-pad presented cooling performances that compete with conventional pads. Moreover, optimization of HF-pad frame engineering and the technology scaling up to industrial level can allow better thermal and economic performances.

Alleviating thermal challenges in hydrodynamic bearings: A novel approach through thrust bearing pads with embedded cooling circuitry and deep recess

At high speeds minimization of operating temperature is the critical design objective in hydrodynamic thrust bearings. During the high speed operations of heavy duty machines high temperatures are generated in thrust bearings due to vigorous viscous shearing of lubricant oil film. Under such circumstances thermal effects gain critical importance. Consequences of thermal effects include pad deformation, increased wear, material degradation etc. in hydrodynamic bearings. This research explores a pioneering approach to mitigate thermal challenges by integrating deep recesses and cooling circuitry in thrust bearing pads. The integrated design facilitates enhanced heat dissipation and load carrying capacity along with optimized lubrication process. In this study CFD (CFX) simulation code is used to numerically evaluate the effect of hybrid bearing configuration (conventional thrust pad equipped with deep recess and embedded cooling circuitry) on the performance parameters of thrust bearing. The simulation results confirm an appreciable decrease in maximum pad temperature and thermal pad deformation. The maximum pad temperature decreased from 85℃ to 71℃. Similarly value of thermal pad deformation decreased from 36 µm to 24 µm. The outcomes hold promise for enhancing the thermal performance of existing machinery and inspiring the development of next-generation thrust bearing systems, marking a transformative advancement in the field of mechanical engineering.

Investigating the effect of using softer rail-pads on ground-borne vibration from underground railways

ABSTRACT In this study, a series of vibration measurements were performed on a section of one of the lines of the Doha Metro to explore the effect of changing rail-pads from conventional higher stiffness under-rail pads to lower stiffness web-supporting pads on the vibration levels at the free surface. Vibration levels were measured for the two cases of lower and higher stiffness’ pads at the free surface directly above the railway track. Additionally, vibration levels were measured in the railway tunnel to investigate the effect of changing rail-pad’s stiffness on the vibration levels at different locations inside the tunnel. Vibration measurements due to moving trains from the two cases were processed and analysed to calculate the Insertion Gain (IG) of vibration at the free surface and at the other locations. It was found that the use of softer rail-pads has resulted in reduction in the vibration levels at the free surface by about 10 dB for most frequencies in the range 40–200 Hz. Further numerical investigation was conducted to simulate the railway section under consideration. To simulate the track fastening system accurately, the dynamic stiffness of the rail-pads for the two cases was estimated using the measurement of vibration of rails due to impact hammer excitation and measurement of axle-box accelerations of a moving trains. The parameters of problem at-hand were used as inputs to the numerical Pipe-in-Pipe (PiP) model to calculate the insertion gain numerically at the free surface and this showed good match with the results from the measurements.

Emissions-based options appraisal for modular building foundations: a case study

A study was undertaken to evaluate the embodied greenhouse gas emissions of four different design options for the foundation of a residential modular building in the East Midlands, UK. The assessment considered the embodied carbon dioxide equivalent of material production (without and with Portland cement replacement using ground granulated blast-furnace slag), transportation, construction works (such as soil excavation) and plant usage on site and off site. The findings indicated that helical piles and reinforced concrete slabs supported with expanded polystyrene were the most sustainable options (in terms of embodied emissions) compared with conventional strip and pad foundations. This study provides valuable insight into considerations and constraints that may arise when evaluating the sustainability of modular building foundations. It offers practical guidance for decision makers in the modular construction sector seeking to mitigate the environmental impact of their geotechnical design.

The hemostatic effect and wound healing of novel collagen-containing polyester dressing

Collagen plays an important role in hemostasis and tissue repair processes. Traditional passive wound dressings like gauze, bandage, and cotton wool could hardly fit the open wounds and exerted no active effect on wound healing. Even worse, they would adhere to the skin tissue, causing dehydration and second injury upon replacement. Polyester is commonly used in the medical field and is a safe and inexpensive polymer. Due to the hydrophobic surface, polyester does not adhere to tissue; however, polyester does not have the hemostatic properties. We designed a material composed of collagen and polyester, encapsulated hydrolyzed collagen in polyester particles, and made collagen-polyester non-woven fabric by melt blowing method, The collagen content was 1% and the collagen-polyester dressing exhibited a hydrophobic nature, preventing moisture from sticking to its surface. The purpose of this study was to compare the hemostatic effect of collagen-polyester nonwovens with conventional polyester pads, and to observe the adhesion of the pads to the wound. The wound healing and shrinkage rates of collagen-polyester dressings and conventional pads were compared in a rat wound healing test. The hemostatic test showed that the polyester pads containing 1% collagen significantly shortened the bleeding time compared with the traditional polyester pads, and retained the hydrophobicity and non-adhesion properties. The collagen-polyester dressing had better angiogenesis and granulation degree than the control group on the 14th day, and reduced the wound shrinkage rate. Collagen polyester dressings have excellent hemostasis, regeneration, shrinkage reduction and non-adhering for wounds. Overall, the novel collagen-containing polyester dressing is ideal choice for wound dressings.

Dynamic performance of sleeper-damping track with elastic side-supporting pad

ABSTRACT Vibration and noise induced by urban rail transit has been a growing public concern worldwide. A new sleeper-damping track with elastic side-supporting pad (SDTESSP) has been proposed to reduce the environmental vibration caused by metro trains. To evaluate the dynamic performance of SDTESSP system, a refined 3D vehicle-SDTESSP coupled dynamics model was developed in this work. Firstly, the SDTESSP model was established based on the mode superposition method, and the mode shape vectors, and natural frequencies are obtained through a finite element method, and the finite element model of the SDTESSP was verified by the mechanical property and impact tests. Then, the influences of rail irregularities, vehicle running speed, and structural parameters of elastic side-supporting pad (ESSP) on the dynamic performances of the vehicle and SDTESSP are evaluated in detail. Finally, under the same track stiffness, the dynamic responses of the vehicle and track system caused by the conventional elastic under-supporting pad (USP) and the new side-supporting pad (SSP) are compared. The results show that the proposed dynamics model can avoid the difficulty in casting dynamics equation and enables detailed evaluations for the dynamic performance of the SDTESSP system. Furthermore, the optimal thickness and taper range of the ESSP are presented by comprehensively considering all dynamic indexes, and the damping performance of the sleeper-damping track using SSP is better than that using USP.

A bioinspired stiffness tunable sucker for passive adaptation and firm attachment to angular substrates.

The ability to adapt and conform to angular and uneven surfaces improves the suction cup's performance in grasping and manipulation. However, in most cases, the adaptation costs lack of required stiffness for manipulation after surface attachment; thus, the ideal scenario is to have compliance during adaptation and stiffness after attachment to the surface. Inspired by the capability of stiffness regulation in octopus suction cup, this article presents a suction cup that adapts to steep angular surfaces due to compliance and has high stiffness after attachment. In this design, the stiffness after attachment is provided by using granular jamming as vacuum driven stiffness modulation. Thus, the design is composed of a conventional active suction pad connected to a granular stalk, emulating a hinge behavior during adaptation and creating high stiffness by jamming granular particles driven by the same vacuum as the suction pad. During the experiment, the suction cup can adapt to angles up to 85° with a force lower than 0.5N. We also investigated the effect of granular stalk's length on the adaptation and how this design performs compared to passive adaptation without stiffness modulation.

CFD Analysis of the Effect of Heat Distribution on Different Heating Pad Piping Arrangements for Flexitank Application

Variations in piping arrangements of heating pad for flexitank applications causes a difference in the time required to completely liquidise the liquid during the discharging process. As reference, a conventional heating pad took about 48 hours to heat up the flexitank. There are many commercials heating pad used in flexitank applications to facilitate the discharging process of liquid. However, there are still uncertainty or limitation reference regarding the heating pad for flexitank application. One of the solutions to minimize the time taken for discharging process is identify the finest piping arrangement of heating pad. Based on the previous study, piping arrangement plays an important role for performance of the heating pad heat distribution. Thus, this paper aims to study the thermal behaviour of different heating pad arrangement for flexitank application with references to commercial arrangement of floor heating pad based on various inlet pressure using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation software. This study was done by comparing thermal analysis of three piping arrangement which is conventional arrangement, Serpentine arrangement, and Spiral arrangement. The geometry of heating pad was created using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, SolidWorks. The results have discussed some important components parameter that must be controlled for the system to function efficiently. These parameters include pressure distribution within the pipes, temperature distribution along the pipes, and piping arrangement patterns. The simulation results show that the Counterflow arrangement has a uniform temperature distribution between the inlet and outlet. The study concluded that counterflow arrangement generally the best arrangement among these three since the configuration allowing less pressure losses and better thermal distribution on flexitank and heating pad. This study is therefore useful for designers to explore more adequately the benefits of underfloor heating system on many applications.

Experimental study of vibration attenuation at rail joints by using Ethylene propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber

In railways the damage of rails at the joints due to heavy load transport has been a common issue for the last few years. To overcome this problem to some extent in this project, the projects will try to reduce dynamic vibration at rail joints. In this project, we will compare the frequencies of conventional rail pad in railways with the EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) material-based pads with different layers at rail joints in railway track. EPDM rubber exhibits very good mechanical properties which last for long period. All the frequencies will be recorded with the help of vibration meter which consists of the sensor. The behavior of the track is also finding with the analysis tool (ANSYS – harmonic analysis).The main motto of this project is to Analysis of Vibration Attenuation at Rail Joints with Dynamic Vibration Absorber by Using EPDM Rubber. The Attenuation of dynamic vibration will be found through the collection of data from the rail with vibration meter and those values are utilized for harmonic analysis. The final output will be giving us how effectively EPDM rubber pads will optimize and sustain under the dynamic vibration in rails. This project is helpful in the future scope of railways, vibration reduction mechanisms and other sectors.

Is menstrual cup a sustainable and safe alternative in menstrual hygiene management? A qualitative exploratory study based on user's experience in India

IntroductionMenstrual cup (MC) is the least popular alternative for Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) among the reproductive age group women in India. While studies across the globe have shown its usefulness over the conventional sanitary pads, there is a dearth of studies on use and satisfaction status among the MC users from Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Our study intends to explore the experiences and challenges encountered by the MC users. MethodA qualitative explorative study among 26 MC users was carried out telephonically using an In-Depth Interview Guide (IDI). The interviews were audio-recorded followed by transcription and translation. Data were analysed using thematic analysis method. MAXQDA (VERBI Software, Berlin, Germany) software was used for analysis. ResultThe age of participants ranged 25–37 years with a mean age of 29.6 (±0.91) years and their average duration of MC use was 2.4 (±0.34) years. MCs were found to be more economical, safe, convenient, and environment friendly compared to sanitary pads. The motivation to use MC was ingrained with the detrimental experiences of using sanitary pad. However, MC users had concerns about the lack of easy accessibility to cups, availability of appropriate size cup and support system for guidance and awareness. ConclusionMC is an effective and convenient period product that has potential to be an alternate method for MHM. However, it needs more awareness, promotion for wider use leveraging existing platforms. Future research is recommended to study the socio-cultural aspect about the acceptability of MC in rural India.

Study on the effectiveness of modified colonoscopy nursing pads in colonoscopy

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of modified colonoscopy nursing pads in colonoscopy.MethodsA total of 262 subjects who underwent colonoscopy at our endoscopy center between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group, with 131 cases in each group. The control group used conventional nursing pads, while the experimental group used modified nursing pads. The success rate of the first correct position, the time spent by the nurse to guide the correct position, the bed unit contamination rate, the contamination rate of the operator's protective equipment, the privacy protection of the examinees and the satisfaction degree after the examination were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe success rate of the first correct position of the examinees in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05), and the time spent by the nurses to guide the correct position in the experimental group was less than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The bed unit contamination rate and operator's protective equipment contamination rate of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group, and the satisfaction degree of the examinees was higher in the experimental group than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe modified colonoscopy nursing pad can save the time of correct colonoscopy positioning of examinees, improve the efficiency of colonoscopy, reduce the workload of nursing staff, effectively protect the privacy of patients, reduce the bed unit contamination and protective equipment contamination, and then improve the comfort and satisfaction of patients.

A Complete Model for Mesh Pad Mist Eliminators in Oil and Gas Processing by Analogy with Distillation Packing

Summary Current models for pressure drop in mesh pads are not adequate for pressure drop critical applications and do not cover the flooding regime commonly encountered when mesh pads are used as a coalescer. In addition, these models do not predict the flooding capacity of mesh pads. Pressure drop and capacity models for mesh pads are presented and compared with literature experimental data for fluid systems ranging from atmospheric pressure to 85-bar natural gas. The experimental data were successfully correlated from the region of countercurrent flow through to flooding of the mesh pads. The model captures, quantitatively, the pressure drop and liquid holdup in mesh pads as well as predicting the flood point of the mesh. When combined with a separation performance method, flooding in layered mesh pads can also be predicted. The model covers both conventional and co-knit mesh pads and can be adapted to other packing geometries, requiring only dry pressure drop data.

Use of Movable Bus Stop Loading Pads: Feasibility and Design Alternatives

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 requires bus stops to be accessible for individuals with disabilities. At a minimum, bus stops must have firm, stable, slip-resistant loading pads with connected sidewalks and curb ramps. Consequently, the typical approach of transit agencies has been to install permanent concrete loading pads at bus stops. This study explored alternatives to conventional concrete pads with movable pads that could be installed quickly, resulting in savings in construction and labor costs and minimizing both disruptions to traffic and impacts to abutting businesses. Potential design alternatives in terms of materials and structural support for these pads were evaluated. The review focused on existing and alternative design materials, especially in applications other than for transit purposes. Six materials were evaluated based on their structural performance, long-term durability, adaptability, life cycle cost, aesthetics, and safety and accessibility of transit riders with mobility devices. Of the six materials, plastic lumber and metal were found to have the highest potential to replace conventional designs. Two design alternatives that rely on the concept of bridge construction were introduced, both of which consist of four major components: foundation, slab, beam, and connections. These new design alternatives are anticipated to minimize maintenance of traffic and the need for heavy machinery to excavate, fill, and/or compact the soil.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and N-Methylol Dimethyl Phosphonopropion Amide (MDPA) System for Flame Retardant Cotton Fabrics.

The aim of the present research work was to develop halogen and formaldehyde-free, durable flame retardant fabric along with multifunctional properties and to find the optimal conditions and parameters. In this research, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were grown onto 100% cotton fabric using the sonochemical method. Zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were used as precursors. After ZnO NPs growth, N-Methylol dimethylphosphonopropionamide (MDPA) flame retardant was applied in the presence of 1, 2, 3, 4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) as cross-linkers using the conventional pad–dry–cure method. Induced coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) was used to determine the deposited amount of Zn and phosphorous (P) contents. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to determine the surface morphology and characterization of the developed samples. Furthermore, the thermal degradation of the untreated and treated samples was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, the vertical flame retardant test, limiting oxygen index (LOI), ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), and antibacterial activity of samples were examined. The developed samples showed excellent results for flame retardancy (i.e., 39 mm char length, 0 s after flame time, 0 s after glow time), 32.2 LOI, 143.76 UPF, and 100% antibacterial activity.

Experimental performance evaluation of date palm fibers for a direct evaporative cooler operating in hot and arid climate

This paper presents an experimental investigation of a direct evaporative cooler, DEC, designed and installed in the hot and arid region of Biskra, Algeria. Date palm tree fibers are used as a novel evaporative cooling material. Different performance parameters are experimentally tested to assess the thermal performances of the DEC system. Results show that the cooling capacity, cooling efficiency and total cooling capacity of the pad improve by increasing the pad thickness and air mass flow rate in extreme ambient conditions. Besides, operation duration has no remarkable effect on the DEC performance. The operating parameters (pad thickness, air mass flow rate, ambient conditions, quantity and temperature of water) are the determinant factors to reach the optimum operating conditions of DEC. Finally, a comparison with the usual cooling systems shows that the date palm fibers pad is an effective material compared to the conventional pads in hot and arid zones.