Discharge Systems Research Articles

The impact of cold plasma innovative technology on quality and safety of refrigerated hamburger: Analysis of microbial safety and physicochemical properties

Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) is an innovative non-thermal decontamination technology that is considered a great alternative to conventional preservation methods. Most importantly, improving microbial safety along with maintaining the sensory and quality properties of the treated foods, especially for perishable products. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effects of novel dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and Jet cold plasma systems and their impact on the physicochemical, color, and sensory properties of refrigerated hamburger samples. In the current study, hamburger samples were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Molds and Yeasts microbial suspension (~106 CFU/mL), and then were treated with argon (Ar), helium (He), nitrogen (N), and atmosphere (Atm) gases at different times (s) (0, 30, 60, 90, 180, 360). Similarly, uninoculated samples were considered for total viable count (TVC) testing. The results exhibited that plasma system type, gas type, and treatment time had a significant antimicrobial effect with a microbial reduction ranging from 0.01 to 2 log CFU/g and 0.04–1.5 log CFU/g for DBD and Jet plasma systems, respectively. Also, a treatment time longer than 90 s for DBD and 180 s for jet resulted in a significant reduction in microbial count. The ability of atmospheric cold plasma to inactivate tested foodborne pathogenic bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus) was stronger than other gases because the concentration of O3 and NO gases in atmospheric plasma is higher than other used plasma gases. Surface color measurements (L*, a* and b*) of samples in both methods (DBD and Jet) were not significantly affected. Moreover, samples treated with various plasma gases have indicated insignificant oxidation changes (Thiobarbituric acid assay). These outcomes can assist to reduce microbial contamination and oxidation of hamburgers as a high-consumption and perishable product using ACP technology. Owing to the non-thermal nature of ACP, samples treated with ACP have exhibited no or least effects on the physical, chemical, and sensory features of various food products. As a result, cold plasma innovative technology can be proposed and used as an efficient preservative method to increase the shelf life of food products.

Synchronization of chaos in semiconductor gas discharge model with local mean energy approximation

The delta synchronization is a useful method to analyze appearance of chaotic synchronization in gas discharge systems. In recent studies, the generalized synchronization method has been implemented in various gas discharge systems. However, synchronization is not detected with this conventional method. In our previous study, we introduced the delta synchronization method and applied it to the gas discharge-semiconductor system (GDSS) via the one-dimensional ‘simple’ fluid model approach. In the present study, we implement this method in the more detailed (in terms of plasma chemical reactions and treatment of the electron transport) fluid model, namely the ‘extended’ fluid model or ‘local mean energy approximation’ model. The description of the GDSS model is given, and a bifurcation diagram demonstrates the system’s transition to the chaotic regime. The unpredictable motion, which proves the existence of Poincaré chaos, and the delta synchronized motion are confirmed by the numerical simulations, and corresponding algorithms are given. The time sequences corresponding to the unpredictability and delta synchronization are presented in tables. For consistency, the absence of generalized synchronization is also shown via the auxiliary system approach. The numerical characteristics indicating the degrees of chaos and synchronization are described and implemented in the analysis. These features are also used to compare our results to the simpler model.

Prevalence and severity of discharge medication discrepancies resolved by pharmacists at a veterans affairs teaching hospital

AbstractIntroductionAlthough reassuring outcome data exist, not all pharmacist discharge efforts have been effective. This may be explained by heterogenous medication reconciliation definitions and processes. At a Veterans Affairs Teaching Hospital, Clinical Pharmacy Specialists (CPS) review the discharge medication reconciliation as part of a multidisciplinary process. The objective of this study is to describe CPS' role in resolving discharge medication reconciliation discrepancies and to evaluate potential patient harm avoided through pharmacist intervention.MethodsPatients discharged home on at least one medication between October 21, 2021 and February 16, 2022 were included in this prospective single cohort study at a Veterans Affairs Hospital. Medication discrepancies were recorded. A panel of independent pharmacists categorized the clinical impact of discrepancies based on the potential to cause patient discomfort or clinical deterioration had the discrepancy gone unresolved: unlikely (class I), moderate (class II), or severe (class III).ResultsA total of 300 discharges were evaluated and 546 discrepancies identified. A majority (n = 202, 67.3%) of discharges had a discrepancy, with an average of 1.8 (SD ± 2.4) discrepancies per discharge. Pharmacists provided education during 84.3% of discharges and spent an average of 21.7 (SD ± 16.7) minutes per discharge. Panelists identified 359 (65.8%) class I, 149 (27.3%) class II, and 38 (7%) class III discrepancies. Omitted medication and incorrect dosing discrepancies conferred highest risk for potential patient harm. An increase in the number of medication changes from admission to discharge was the only variable predictive of discrepancies at discharge.ConclusionPharmacists play a vital role at hospital discharge by resolving discrepancies and mitigating potential adverse outcomes. Designing discharge systems that prevent omitted medication and incorrect dosing discrepancies may be beneficial as these errors had the largest potential clinical impact; however, this hypothesis was unable to be tested in this study and deserves further research.

Modifying Ionogel Solid-Electrolytes for Complex Electrochemical Systems

The solution processability of ionogel solid electrolytes has recently garnered attention in the Li-ion battery community as a means to address the interface and fabrication issues commonly associated with most solid electrolytes. However, the trapped ionic liquid (ILE) component has hindered the electrochemical performance. Herein, we present a process to tune the properties by replacing the ILE in a silica-based ionogel after fabrication with a liquid component befitting the desired application. Electrochemical cycling under various conditions showcases gels containing different liquid components incorporated into LiFePO4 (LFP)/gel/Li cells: high power (455 W kg–1 at a 1 C discharge) systems using carbonates, low temperatures (−40 °C) using ethers, or high temperatures (100 °C) using ionic liquids. Fabrication of additive-manufactured cells utilizing the exchanged carbonate-based system is demonstrated in a planar LFP/Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) system, where a marked improvement over an ionogel is found in terms of rate capability, capacity, and cycle stability (118 vs 41 mA h g–1 at C/4). This process represents a promising route to create a separator-less cell, potentially in complex architectures, where the electrolyte properties can be facilely tuned to meet the required conditions for a wide range of battery chemistries while maintaining a uniform electrolyte access throughout cast electrodes.

Study of biocementation treatment to prevent erosion by concentrated water flow in a small-scale sand slope

Road drainage systems collect runoff water during rainfall; however, their malfunction or defective discharge systems may cause downslope soil erosion through scour and runoff. Under climate changes scenario it is expected the occurrence of intense rainfalls with high erosion potential, and therefore it is important to increase slope resilience against this. This study assesses the effectiveness of biocementation through enzymatically induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) technique to prevent ravine formation caused by this phenomenon. The effectiveness of the EICP treatment was evaluated by comparing the results of an erosion test performed on a small-scale laboratory slope with those found in tests where identical slopes were covered with calcareous riprap, or with mulch of pine bark, both traditional solutions adopted in Europe to solve this problem. For this purpose, five identical small-scale slopes (maximum height 15 cm, slope V:H = 1:2) were built with dry uniform grading size sand in the laboratory. The first slope was the reference case, where no treatment was applied. The second was treated by spraying with enzymes and a feeding solution, while the third was treated only with feeding solution to analyze the contribution of the soil native bacteria in carbonate precipitation. The fourth and fifth slopes were tested with the traditional cover solutions mentioned. All slopes were subjected to a water thread of 0.13 l/min simulating a culvert outflow. The untreated reference slope has developed a marked erosive channel along the entire length of the slope at the end of 9 min. Almost the same happened on the slope treated with feeding solution, showing that the amount of carbonate precipitated by soil native bacteria is not enough to prevent erosion. For the enzyme-treated slope no scour or runoff erosion have occurred, and the test was stopped only when the first signs of instability appeared, after complete saturation, at the end of 15 min. The slopes where the traditional solutions were applied exhibited resistance to runoff erosion but scour erosion has occurred. These tests ended also when the first signs of instability appeared also after saturation. Regardless of the erosion countermeasure adopted all have prevented runoff erosion of the slopes, but only EICP prevented scour erosion, proofing the efficiency of this treatment against ravine formation.

Relationship of Photosynthetic Activity of Polygonum acuminatum and Ludwigia lagunae with Physicochemical Aspects of Greywater in a Zero-Liquid Discharge System

Landscape harmony is a key factor in the application of nature-based solutions to provide green areas. The search for plants that meet this requirement is crucial in this context. We evaluated the adaptation, resistance, and performance of Polygonum acuminatum and Ludwigia lagunae, macrophytes from the Pantanal biome, in greywater-fed mesocosms simulating zero-liquid discharge systems. Four irrigation solutions were tested for 212 d. Neither species exhibited stress conditions in the adaptation phase, with photosynthetic activity (Fv/Fm) close to that obtained in Pantanal. However, over time, the mesocosms irrigated with greywater (GW) without nutrient supplementation exhibited stress according to correlation analyses of photosystem PSII and physicochemical parameters; L. lagunae for dissolved oxygen below 3 mg L−1 and P. acuminatum for water temperatures above 27 °C. Supplementation of GW with nutrients resulted in good growth and performance. Both species were able to receive high chemical oxygen demand (COD) loads, averaging 34 g m−2 day−1 for L. lagunae and 11 g m−2 day−1 for P. acuminatum, with an average removal of 85% by both. L. lagunae had better evapotranspiration capacity, with greater potential for use in cooling islands, whereas P. acuminatum showed a more resistant metabolism without nutrient supplementation.

Heterogeneity-Driven Hydrodynamics Conditions the Hydrochemistry of Spring Water in Volcanic Islands.

Perched aquifers represent significant unexploited groundwater reserves in volcanic islands and contain valuable freshwater resources. These water reserves provide critical resources to indigenous populations suffering water scarcity. Groundwater discharged from a perched aquifer into two adjacent (14 m) springs in the volcanic summits constituted by basaltic and pyroclastic deposits of Gran Canaria Island (Spain) was examined. Based on springs discharge data, a three-dimensional groundwater flow and solute transport model of the investigated perched aquifer was calibrated to reproduce its hydraulic regime, as well as to explain the hydrochemical and isotopic composition of its main discharge systems, the studied springs. Groundwater flow simulations effectively replicated flow paths of the two springs affected by the existing geological heterogeneities, with differential travel times of 246 and 130 years, respectively, and with a convergent flow toward them partially explaining the averaged differences in electrical conductivity, δ18 O, and tritium observed between the springs. It can be concluded that, although water quality in both springs is similar and homogenous, as they come from the same aquifer system, geological heterogeneities in the upper elevation volcanic areas is likely the cause for the differences in the residence times of the two springs, which suggests that the flow regimes for the two springs are independent. The chemistry of the two springs, however, is essentially the same, with the exception of tritium, which is used to ascertain residence time.

Process simulation and analysis of high‐pressure reverse osmosis (HPRO) in the treatment and utilization of desalination brine (saline wastewater)

Reverse osmosis (RO) is nowadays considered to be the most dominant desalination technology. Nonetheless, due to osmotic pressure constraints, conventional RO cannot desalinate brine effluents (>70 g/L of total dissolved solids [TDS]). Thus, high-pressure RO (HPRO), that is, RO operating at a pressure of more than 82 bar, has recently attracted the interest of the water and wastewater industry. To this aim, a process simulation for the HPRO process was implemented and several sensitivity analyses were conducted for the first time. The results showed that by increasing the recovery rate by 0.05, energy consumption decreased by 3.5%. An increase in the feed brine temperature from 5°C to 30°C increases the permeate flow rate (up to 0.929 m3/h), the permeate concentration (up to 468 mg/L TDS), and the recovery rate (up to 0.435). A 10-bar pressure increases the permeate flow by approximately 9.8% and decreases the permeate concentration by approximately 6 mg/L TDS. Moreover, the use of an energy recovery device significantly reduces energy consumption by 26% (from 4.93-5.10 to 3.65-3.78 kWh/m3). Overall, HPRO is a promising technology for brine treatment and valorization in zero liquid discharge and minimal liquid discharge systems.

Optical emission spectroscopy study of plasma parameters in low-pressure hollow cathode plasma jet and planar magnetron powered by DC and pulsed DC supply

Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) has become a non-intrusive and versatile method for plasma parameters determination. Each spectral line in emission spectroscopy corresponds to an optical transition between two quantum levels of atom/molecule. The spectral line intensities are controlled by densities of species in various upper states. We calculated the electron temperature (Te) and electron density (ne) in low-pressure discharge systems based on the modified Boltzmann equation and line intensity ratios. We have evaluated the mentioned plasma parameters in the low-pressure hollow cathode plasma jet (HC) and planar magnetron cathode system (PM) in the continuous DC and the pulsed-DC regime. We present the dependences of the electron temperature (Te) and electron density (ne) on the applied power and the argon flow rate in the mentioned two systems together with a qualitative discussion of the obtained results.

Simulation study on electron heating characteristics in magnetic enhancement capacitively coupled plasmas with a longitudinal magnetic field

The electron heating characteristics of magnetic enhancement capacitively coupled argon plasmas in presence of both longitudinal and transverse uniform magnetic field have been explored through both theoretical and numerical calculations. It is found that the longitudinal magnetic field can affect the heating by changing the level of the pressure heating along the longitudinal direction and that of the Ohmic heating along the direction which is perpendicular to both driving electric field and the applied transverse magnetic field, and a continuously increased longitudinal magnetic field can induce pressure heating to become dominant. Moreover, the electron temperature as well as proportion of some low energy electrons will increase if a small longitudinal magnetic field is introduced, which is attributed to the increased average electron energy. We believe that the research will provide guidance for optimizing the magnetic field configuration of some discharge systems having both transverse and longitudinal magnetic field.

Optimization-based modeling and analysis of brine reflux osmotically assisted reverse osmosis for application toward zero liquid discharge systems

Significant amounts of high-salinity wastewater generated by water-intensive industrial activities such as shale oil and gas production have raised serious environmental concerns in recent years. Existing and emerging desalination technologies offer promise to manage these high salinity wastewater streams while simultaneously producing fresh water that could be diverted for beneficial uses. Osmotically assisted reverse osmosis (OARO) is one such emerging desalination technology capable of handling hypersaline brines and achieving high recoveries. However, rigorous modeling and analysis is needed to evaluate the process performance, energy consumption, and treatment cost of various OARO configurations. This work presents detailed modeling and analysis of brine-reflux OARO (BR-OARO) system and compares it with other commonly discussed configurations, including cascading osmotically mediated reverse osmosis (COMRO), consecutive loop OARO, and split feed counterflow RO, through a cost optimization-based framework. We analyze and compare the treatment costs, membrane area, specific energy consumption, and design parameters of the aforementioned configurations with the ultimate goal of achieving zero liquid discharge (ZLD). The results indicate that the BR-OARO system with treatment cost of 5.1 US $/m3 of produced water with 10% salinity outperforms other configurations in terms of number of stages needed, treatment cost, membrane area, and energy consumption.

River habitat assessment and restoration in high dam flood discharge systems with total dissolved gas supersaturation

The success of river habitat restoration relies on accurate assessment proxies. However, determining how to quantitatively assess the impact of multiple stressors during flood discharge from high dams in riverine ecosystems and where and how to implement more reliable recovery interventions remain challenges. Here, we developed a bottom-up mechanistic framework for assessing the effects of total dissolved gas supersaturation (TDGS) and hydrodynamics on fish habitat quality and applied it to the downstream river reach of the Xiangjiaba Dam in Southwest China. The results showed that the available habitat area of river sturgeon was the smallest, while Chinese sucker had the largest available habitat area among the three target species under all discharge scenarios. Although the TDGS levels were evenly mixed laterally, the habitat suitability index indicated that the suitable habitats were primarily within both sides of the river reach under all scenarios, which is contrary to findings based on the traditional TDGS risk assessment model. The traditional TDGS risk assessment model overestimates the impact of dams on habitats. This divergence reflected the sensitivity of the habitat assessment to fish habitat preferences, fish tolerance to TDGS and the biological response of fish under TDGS. Additionally, the priority areas for restoration can be identified by habitat suitability index with lower values. We simulated twenty-four schemes and found that interventions such as stone groups, ecological spur dike, water-retaining weir and river dredging can enhance habitat suitability for fish species under multiple stressors, providing novel insights into where and how to mitigate the impact of TDGS. Our findings offer a transferable framework for the quantitative evaluation of fish habitat and implementation of restoration management during dam flood discharge periods, thus providing a new perspective for biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration in dam-regulated rivers with TDGS around the world.

Comparative techno-economic and environmental analysis of minimal liquid discharge (MLD) and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) desalination systems for seawater brine treatment and valorization

Brine from desalination plants has become an environmental issue as the global desalination capacity is increasing. This study presents a techno-economic & environmental analysis of minimal liquid discharge (MLD) and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems in the Eastern Mediterranean. In particular, two cases are considered: (i) an MLD system incorporating reverse osmosis (RO) and forward osmosis (FO), and (ii) a ZLD system incorporating RO, FO, brine concentrator (BC) and brine crystallizer (BCr). The results indicated that the energy (6.74 kWh/m3) and cost demands (US$0.72/m3) in case 1 are lower than in case 2, with energy consumption of 10.36 kWh/m3 and cost demands of US$0.79/m3 due to two additional thermal-based technologies. MLD and ZLD systems are both comparable in cost to subsurface water sources; thus, they can be a valuable alternative to subsurface water. Furthermore, both cases are lucrative from the selling of fresh water (from US$195.33/day to US$228.4/day), while the ZLD system is even more lucrative when solid salt is also sold, increasing the profit in case 2 from US$228.4/day to US$247.44/day (8% increase). Overall, the proposed desalination brine treatment systems boost the circular economy and could have significant economic potential in the Eastern Mediterranean and elsewhere.

Study on solid-liquid transition behaviors of cohesive powders and predict the critical arch-breaking gas flow rate

Cohesive powders cannot flow freely in the silo and even behave like solid, which brings a great challenge to the powder handling process. Aeration is an effective method used to break the arch structure formed above the silo outlet and to promote the powder flow. However, it is difficult to determine the solid-liquid transition behaviors and to predict the critical arch-breaking gas flow rate in the aerated discharge systems. In this paper, cohesive powders including alumina (Al2O3), pulverized coal (COAL) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) were used as experimental materials. Powder flow properties were characterized by conducting shear test, permeability test, and aerated discharge experiment. Unconfined yield strength of powders under zero pre-consolidated stress was obtained based on using a linear extrapolation procedure of shear parameters. Aerated discharge characteristics of cohesive powders were determined and, the critical condition corresponding to the transition from solid-like to liquid-state and the stable condition distinguishing the funnel flow pattern and mass flow pattern were defined, respectively. The Brown and Richards model, and the flow/no-flow criterion of Jenike were modified to describe the powder flow state and to predict the solid mass flow rate under the action of aeration by introducing the positive gas pressure gradient. A logical algorithm was proposed to predict the critical arch-breaking gas flow rate by assuming the same gas distribution coefficient under different aeration conditions. As a precondition, the critical solid mass flow rate was calculated by an iterative algorithm giving the same order of magnitude of that from the experiment, which was further related to the stable solid mass flow rate and the powder permeability index. This simplification provided us with satisfactory results for all the powders producing errors generally less than 30%, a more easy-to-operate method to determine the critical arch-breaking gas flow rate.

One-Pot synthesis of CuO-Cu2O nanoscrubbers for high-performance pseudo-supercapacitors applications

As a result of the growing demand for environmentally sustainable energy and the rapid depletion of traditional fossil fuels, significant research efforts have been directed toward developing environmentally friendly energy conversion and storage technology. A CuO-Cu2O heterostructure was effectively designed and synthesised using a simple chemical method and characterised by various techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) systems, the supercapacitance behaviour of electrodes coated with CuO-Cu2O was investigated. As a result, at 2 M KOH, the electrochemical supercapacitance of the CuO-Cu2O modified electrode may obtain the highest specific capacitance value of 780 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g. The CuO-Cu2O modified electrode was shown to be highly stable for 2000 cycles at 2 A/g, which is significantly more stable than stability of other prepared electrodes.

Cardiac rehabilitation in rural and remote areas of North Queensland: How well are we doing?

ObjectiveTo address access to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for people in R&R areas, this research aimed to investigate: (1) post discharge systems and support for people returning home from hospital following treatment for heart disease (HD). (2) propose changes to improve access to CR in R&R areas of NQ.SettingFour focus communities in R&R areas of NQ.ParticipantsFocus communities’ health staff (resident/visiting) (57), community leaders (10) and community residents (44), discharged from hospital in past 5 years following treatment for heart disease (purposeful sampling).DesignA qualitative descriptive case study, with data collection via semi‐structured interviews. Inductive/deductive thematic analysis was used to identify primary and secondary themes. Health service audit of selected communities.ResultsHealth services in the focus communities included multipurpose health services, and primary health care centres staffed by resident and visiting staff that included nurses, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, medical officers, and allied health professionals. Post‐discharge health care for people with HD was predominantly clinical. Barriers to CR included low referrals to community‐based health professions by discharging hospitals; poorly defined referral pathways; lack of guidelines; inadequate understanding of holistic, multidisciplinary CR by health staff, community participants and leaders; limited centre‐based CR services; lack of awareness, or acceptance of telephone support services.ConclusionTo address barriers identified for CR in R&R areas, health care systems’ revision, including development of referral pathways to local health professionals, CR guidelines and in‐service education, is required to developing a model of care that focuses on self‐management and education: Heart: Road to Health.

Effects of silica fume on the abrasion resistance of low-heat Portland cement concrete

With the wide application of low-heat Portland (LHP) cement in flood discharge systems, the requirements for the abrasion resistance of LHP cement concrete have gradually increased. In this work, the effects of silica fume type (Si-Ⅰ, Si-Ⅱ) and silica fume content (0%, 3%, and 5%) on the abrasion resistance and other mechanical properties of LHP cement concrete were studied using rotating jet method, and the correlation between the abrasion resistance and other mechanical properties was quantified. The results showed that the silica fume content significantly affected the abrasion resistance of LHP cement concrete. The abrasion resistance of LHP cement concrete increased by 10.0% and 15.8% when the added silica fume content was 3% and 5%, respectively. The type of silica fume also has a certain influence on the abrasion resistance, and the difference in the abrasion resistance of concrete with the same content but different silica fume types was 0.5–7.8%. Further, 5% silica fume addition increased the early-age strength (compressive strength and splitting tensile strength) and elastic modulus by 2.2–16.2% and improved the 90-d axial tensile properties (axial tensile strength and ultimate tensile strain) by 4.3–16.4%. Compared with the compressive strength and the splitting tensile strength, the elastic modulus of LHP cement concrete strongly correlated with its abrasion resistance and thus can be used as a primary parameter to evaluate the abrasion resistance of LHP cement concrete.

Development of an atmospheric plasma jet device for versatile treatment of electron microscope sample grids

Atmospheric-pressure plasmas have been widely applied for surface modification and biomedical treatment because of their ability to generate highly reactive radicals and charged particles. In negative-stain electron microscopy (Neg-EM) and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), plasmas have been used to generate hydrophilic surfaces and eliminate surface contaminants to embed specimens onto grids. In addition, plasma treatment is a prerequisite for negative-stain and Quantifoil grids, whose surfaces are coated with hydrophobic amorphous carbon. Although the conventional glow discharge system has been used successfully in this purpose, there has been no further effort to take an advantage from the recent progress in the plasma field. Here, we developed a nonthermal atmospheric plasma jet system as an alternative tool for treatment of surfaces. The low-temperature plasma is a nonequilibrium system that has been widely used in biomedical area. Unlike conventional glow discharge systems, the plasma jet system successfully cleans and introduces hydrophilicity on the grid surface in the ambient environment without a vacuum. Therefore, we anticipate that the plasma jet system will have numerous benefits, such as convenience and versatility, as well as having potential applications in surface modification for both negative-stain and cryo-EM grid treatment.

Bdot probe and Rogowski coil cross-calibration and sensor fusion in pulsed direct current capacitor discharges.

Bdot probes and Rogowski coils are used in the measurement of transient magnetic fields and currents, respectively. They both share the mechanism of creating an induced electromotive force response via Faraday's law, which scales linearly with the pulsed magnetic field. High power capacitor direct current (DC) discharge systems release a single pulse of current that is both very high and very fast (≲1 ms). To capture these transient data and characterize these systems, high current tolerant and fast response time sensors are required. While these measuring devices have been well studied and utilized for almost 100 years, a comprehensive and detailed description of the custom design, calibration, and sensor fusion application of these tools for use in various pulsed DC capacitor value discharges is largely missing in the literature. Using robust analytical calculations, finite element analyses, and empirical methods, we have developed a sensor fusion protocol for current and magnetic field probes (with relative errors of ±13% and ±15%, respectively) for use in any geometry of high speed pulsed DC current calibrated capacitor discharge systems. This paper comprehensively outlines the design and sensor fusion methodologies that allow for the deployment of in-house built Bdot probes and Rogowski coils to a wide range of pulsed DC systems and demonstrates their use in a characteristic plasma environment.

Laboratory study to quantify lower boundary influences on desalination discharges

Brine discharges from desalination facilities represent an important environmental consideration surrounding the use of desalination technologies. These discharges are typically released through a series of subsurface discharge ports, and the ability to quantify their flow behaviour is critical to mitigating adverse environmental effects. Previous experimental studies on desalination discharges or Inclined Negatively Buoyant Jets have highlighted discrepancies in the dilution measurements reported in the literature. These discrepancies are potentially due to the inconsistent treatment of the lower boundary in the experimental setup, which in practice represents the seabed. This issue is investigated through a series of experiments using the Laser Induced Fluorescence method. Three discharge angles (300, 450 and 600) are tested and the non-dimensional source height above the boundary (H/F0d) is varied between 0.06 and 1.84 (termed the bed proximity parameter). The results illustrate a relationship between dilutions measured at common reference points near the boundary and the bed proximity parameter. Dilutions are also shown to decrease by up to 30% compared to experiments without lower boundary influence. The outcomes from this study provide valuable insight into the previously reported discrepancies and enable the lower boundary to be incorporated into the design of desalination discharge systems.