Engineering Research Laboratory Research Articles

Impact of giving vermicompost and goat manure compost to soil N, P, K nutrients, growth and production of mustard greens (Brassica juncea L.)

The excessive and prolonged use of synthetic fertilizers in mustard greens cultivation can lead to soil and plant degradation. To address this issue, alternative methods to enhance soil nutrients, such as incorporating organic fertilizers like vermicompost and goat manure compost, can be employed. This study aims to investigate the effects of applying vermicompost and goat manure compost on soil nutrients (N, P, K), the growth and yield of mustard greens (Brassica juncea L.). Conducted at the experimental field in Medan Selayang and Sumatera Utara Agricultural Technology Research Laboratory from February to May 2020, the research utilized a non-factorial randomized block design (RBD) with various treatments. These treatments included a control group (no fertilizer), recommended dose (goat manure 10 ton/ha + Urea 130 kg/ha) as comparison, vermicompost at 10, 20, and 30 ton/ha, and goat manure compost at 10, 20, and 30 ton/ha. The result indicated that the application of vermicompost and goat manure compost led to increased levels of C-organic, N-total, P-available, K-exchange, the number of mustard greens leaves, and mustard greens production. Vermicompost outperformed goat manure compost in enhancing K-exchange, the number of mustard greens leaves, and mustard greens production. The best treatment is giving vermicompost 20 ton/ha.

A study of the fixed choke and constant outflow method for riser gas handling

Riser gas events appear during offshore drilling operations when there is a presence of gas in a marine riser above the subsea BOP, which has been recognized as a hazardous situation. The selection of pressure control methods during such events significantly impacts the safety and efficiency of riser gas handling (RGH). This paper performed a numerical simulation study on the fixed choke and constant outflow method as one of the most discussed and positively perceived pressure control methods for RGH currently in the industry. The processes of RGH with the proposed fixed choke and constant outflow method were simulated with a comprehensive riser gas influx simulator. The multiphase flow dynamics in a riser were simulated by a drift-flux model with the inclusion of various sub-models and coupled with a multiphase choke flow model. Measurement data (including distributed fiber optic sensing data) from a set of full-scale experiments conducted at the Petroleum Engineering Research, Training, & Testing (PERTT) Laboratory at Louisiana State University (LSU) was used for the calibration and validation of the developed simulator. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated based on the maximum gas and liquid outflow rates and the peak choke upstream pressure during RGH. A series of sensitivity analyses and a contingency case study was conducted to evaluate the applicability and the extendibility of the fixed choke and constant outflow method. The proposed pressure control method shows great potential in enhancing the safety of RGH for a wide range of riser lengths and gas influx sizes with the available managed pressure drilling (MPD) and riser gas handling equipment. The sensitivity analyses revealed that the selection of the initial circulation rates and choke positions has a significant impact on the safety and time efficiency of the RGH operations and should be carefully determined based on the influx and riser system status. This study deepens the understanding of gas influx movement and pressure behaviors in a marine riser during riser gas events. The numerical simulations in this study help to improve the design of riser gas handling strategies.

Fiber-Optic Sensing System Allows Real-Time Visualization of Gas-Kick Dynamics

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 201539, “Distributed Sensing and Real-Time Visualization of Gas-Kick Dynamics in a Full-Scale Wellbore,” by W.C. Williams, SPE, C.E. Taylor, and M.A. Almeida, SPE, Louisiana State University, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. The project described in the complete paper used a 9⅝-in., 5,200-ft-deep wellbore retrofit with distributed fiber optics [distributed temperature sensing (DTS) and distributed acoustic sensing (DTS)] and four permanent pressure/temperature (P/T) gauges to sense and visualize gas-kick dynamics downhole in real time. Variations in flow rate, kick size, and backpressure were investigated, including gas migration during shut in. Data were consolidated with the rig-recorded surface data to create a complete picture of the experiments. Project Background The current work is a major component of the 3-year US National Academies-funded Gulf Research Project (GRP) at Louisiana State University (LSU). The project was proposed inside the focus area of offshore safety as a part of the multifaceted GRP. The full-scale testing component of LSU’s project is concentrated on the proof-of-concept of distributed sensing for gas-in-riser detection and characterization, especially focused around drilling and completion operations. The project uses the existing facilities at LSU’s Petroleum Engineering Research and Technology Transfer Laboratory (PERTT Laboratory).

Mathematical investigation of syngas fired burner with various configurations in the BERL combustor

This paper discusses the effect of burning syngas in a configuration similar to that of the BERL (Burner Engineering Research Laboratory) 300 KW swirl-stabilized combustor which has previously been used with methane as a fuel. Due to the axisymmetric configuration, only 15° from the burner angle is studied with periodic boundary. The model adopts RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes) technique including a realizable k-ε turbulent scheme. The non-premixed combustion model used is based on applying flamelet concept. The study shows that the structure of the flame is affected with changing the burner quarl angle and the inlet air swirl number. The detailed parametric study of this synthetic fuel in the BERL paradigm relates easily to the accumulated experimental and numerical studies available in this configuration and then acquiring add noval value to the present work. The study also shows the presence of different recirculation zones, one of which is central recirculation zone and an external recirculation zone. When increasing quarl angle, the central recirculation zone is shifted outward and the turbulent interaction between the central fuel jet and the recirculation zone induces small vortices between these two flow patterns. On the other hand, the effect of flue gas recirculation and air staging into the burner on the reduction of NOx formation is discussed. The flue gas data show that FGR reduces NOx emissions significantly while having no influence on flame stability, total combustion efficiency, or CO emissions. Changes in fuel composition are also taken into account. The results reveal that when the hydrogen blending in the fuel increases, the temperature rises.

An ethnographic study of an engineering community: Mentoring as a tacit rule and its implications for how people learn

AbstractBackgroundLaboratory studies explore the norms and characteristics of scientific practice and explain the constructive nature of knowledge production. However, how learning and research are sustained in engineering research laboratories at the graduate level requires further investigation.PurposeWe explored the cultural characteristics of an interdisciplinary engineering research center and documented how its members interacted and sustained both research and learning activities.Design/MethodWe employed ethnographic data collection strategies to document the process of developing expertise (i.e., learning) and meaningfully contributing (i.e., research) at the center. Participant observations, field notes, and interviews were conducted.ResultsThe center did not resemble the research laboratories described in prior ethnographic studies in terms of physical space; however, it is an organizational system that demonstrates various dimensions of human activity. We present our results in four subsections: (1) configurations of the research groups, (2) the roles and responsibilities of the engineering researchers, (3) characterization of the research center as a community of practice, and (4) authentic engineering practices. Mentoring as a tacit rule played a central role in sustaining engineering learning and research activities. It was dependent on the managerial preferences of lead engineering researchers as they developed different identities over time. Meetings, cultural transformation, shared repertoire, and tools characterized the center as a community of practice.ConclusionsOur findings inform how people learn. Educational settings should foster similar characteristics (e.g., mentoring to sustain engineering research, learning, and building a community of practice) to better portray authentic engineering and science practices to students.

Pengaruh Ukuran Partikel dan Rasio Bahan Terhadap Pelarut Air pada Distilasi Minyak Atsiri Temulawak

<p>Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) essential oil is one of the curcuminoids sources that are widely used in the food and health industries. Temulawak oil extraction usually uses ethanol as a solvent which is relatively less safe for health. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of particle size and the ratio of materials to water solvents in the distillation process of Javanese turmeric essential oil. The experiment was conducted at the Chemical Engineering Research Laboratory, Muhammadiyah University, Surakarta. The treatments tested were the powder size (20, 40, 60, dan 140 mesh), the ratio of material to water solvent (w/v) consisted of 100:800, 150:750, 200:700, and a distillation time of 3 hours at a constant temperature of 100oC with an interval of distillation duration of 0.5; 1; 1.5; 2; 2.5; and 3 hours. The parameters observed were the essential oil quality: organoleptic, refractive index, pH, mass or volume of the oil produced, and curcuminoid compounds using the GC-MS method. The maximum yield of Javanese turmeric essential oil (18.01g) was obtained at a particle size of 140 mesh with a distillation duration of 1.5–2 hours, and the ratio of raw material to solvent 100:800 (g.ml-1). Based on the GCMS analysis, the highest components in the Javanese turmeric essential oil were α-curcumin (42.17%) and α-cedrene (11.14%). The results indicated that the distillation process of Javanese turmeric oil using water as a solvent can be used as an alternative to substitute ethanol as a solvent.</p>

İZMİR İLİ KARŞIYAKA BÖLGESİNDE KENTSEL DÖNÜŞÜM ALANLARINDA ASBEST TEHLİKESİNİN ARAŞTIRILMASI

Aim: In this project, in accordance with the protocol signed between Karşıyaka Municipality and Ege University, the extent of Asbestos Exposure in dismantling, demolition, repair and removal works mentioned in the "Regulation on Health and Safety Precautions in Working with Asbestos" published in the Official Gazette dated 25.01.2013 and numbered 28539, it is aimed to investigate the importance of the subject by proving the presence of asbestos in the collected samples. Method: Samples taken from different buildings and their different parts (eternite, marley, wall plaster) were first examined with the Optical Microscope in Ege University Department of Chemical Engineering Research Laboratory 18, then the samples that were estimated to be asbestos were examined with advanced analysis techniques to be supported by numerical results such as physical and chemical analysis and measurement. Results: After examining the microscope images (4x, 10x and 20x magnitude) of some samples taken from the damaged and collapsed buildings in the İzmir-Karşıyaka region at the 30 October 2020 earthquake, asbestos fibers were determined by applying SEM (250x and 5000x), SEM-EDS and FTIR analyses. Two of the samples in which asbestos fiber was detected were eternit roofing material, two were under-marley pitch and one was wall plaster. Conclusion: Different types of asbestos are determined using with different analyses techniques. For example: because of Ca, Si and Mg are found in the composition of one of the sample, it is decided that it can be tremolit type asbestos in amphibol group. These materials, which are found in almost all old buildings today, are re-emerging and spreading with the urban transformation, and this situation poses a danger to the residents of the city and those working in the construction field. In this and similar building demolition works, it will be useful to have an asbestos removal specialist in addition to the authorized person.

Physical and Numerical Simulation of Wave Transmission Over Submerged Breakwater

Nowadays, the submerged breakwaters are becoming attractive to the coastal engineer because they have many advantages including keeping aesthetic value of coastal scenery and reasonable for wave energy reduction. However, on the other hand, their design is very complicated. So, it is very important to understand the characteristics and the impact of wave because of the submerged breakwaters. For this purpose, we developed both numerical and physical model for simulation of wave over submerged breakwaters. The numerical model was developed using CADMAS-SURF, which is widely used in a practice of business in Japan. Physical model studies were performed at the Coastal Engineering Research Laboratory, University of Miyazaki, Japan to assess the performance of submerged breakwaters under a wide range of design conditions. The tests include the use of single and double submerged breakwater, as well as the impact of interval between the breakwaters which will be useful references for submerged breakwater designing in the future. The results show that the transmission coefficients of the numerical simulation have a good agreement with the experiment result with the RMS error 0.14 and 0.19 for the single and double breakwater respectively. This study found that, the application of double breakwaters has no significant impact for reducing wave energy compared to the single breakwater for the wave steepness higher than 0.007 and 0.012 based on laboratory and numerical simulation respectively. The best relative breakwater spacings are 0.75, 0.4, 0.45 and 0.35 for any kind of wave with the period of 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 respectively. In those conditions, the transmission coefficients are on minimum value for each kind of wave, that means the double breakwaters have the good performance on energy reduction.

Use of Fiber-Optic Information To Detect and Investigate the Gas-in-Riser Phenomenon

Summary A potential application of optical fiber technologies in the well control domain is to detect the presence of gas and to unfold the gas dynamics inside marine risers (gas-in-riser). Detecting and monitoring gas-in-riser has become more relevant now when considering the application of managed pressure drilling operations in deep and ultradeep waters that may allow for a controlled amount of gas inside the riser. This application of distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS) is currently being evaluated at Louisiana State University (LSU) as part of a gas-in-riser research project granted by the National Academies of Sciences, the Gulf Research Program (GRP). Thus, the main objective of this paper is to present and discuss the use of DFOS and downhole pressure sensors to detect and track the gas position inside a full-scale test well during experimental runs conducted at LSU. The other objectives of this work are to show experimental findings of gas migration in the closed test well and to present the adequacy of a mathematical model experimentally validated to match the data obtained in the experimental trials. As a part of this research effort, an existing test well at the LSU Petroleum Engineering Research and Technology Transfer Laboratory (PERTT Lab) was recompleted and instrumented with fiber-optic sensors to continuously collect data along the wellbore and with four pressure and temperature downhole gauges to record those parameters at four discrete depths. A 2⅞-in. tubing string, with its lower end at a depth of 5,026 ft, and a chemical line to inject nitrogen at the bottom of the hole were also installed in the well. Seven experimental runs were performed in this full-scale apparatus using fresh water and nitrogen to calibrate the installed pieces of equipment, to train the crew of researchers to run the tests, to check experimental repeatability, and to obtain experimental results under very controlled conditions because water and nitrogen have well-defined and constant properties. In five runs, the injected gas was circulated out of the well, whereas in two others, the gas was left inside the closed test well to migrate without circulation. This paper presents and discusses the results of four selected runs. The experimental runs showed that fiber-optic information can be used to detect and track the gas position and consequently its velocity inside the marine riser. The fiber-optic data presented a very good agreement with those measured by the four downhole pressure gauges, particularly the gas velocity. The gas migration experiments produced very interesting results. With respect to the mathematical model based on the unsteady-state flow of a two-phase mixture, the simulated results produced a remarkable agreement with the fiber-optic, surface acquisition system and the downhole pressure sensors data gathered from the experimental runs.

Comparison of trunk mechanics and spatiotemporal outcomes in caregivers using a robotic assisted transfer device and a mobile floor lift

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare trunk mechanics, distance covered, and average instantaneous velocity and acceleration recorded with caregivers performing transfer tasks using a research mannequin with both a prototype robotic assisted transfer device (RATD) and a mobile floor lift. Design: Cross-Sectional. Setting: Biomechanics Lab and Human Engineering Research Laboratories. Participants: Caregivers (N = 21). Intervention: Robotic Assisted Transfer Device. Outcome Measures: Range of flexion-extension, lateral bend, and axial rotation; distance covered; average instantaneous velocity and acceleration. Results: Caregivers performing transfers using the RATD as compared to when using the moble floor lift reported significantly smaller range of trunk flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, and reported lower pelvic based distance covered and slower average instantaneous velocity and acceleration (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The design and usability of a RATD indicates design driven mobility advantages over clinical standard mobile floor lifts due to its ability to expand the workspace while further reducing risk factors for low back pain. While the concept is promising, further testing is required to address limitations and confirm the concept for clinical applications.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ASSISTANCE PROJECT BRINGS VA HEALTH CARE IDEAS TO LIFE.

Clinicians and staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VA), who provide services to veterans, have invented many devices and methods for improving veterans' lives. However, translating those inventions to the market has been a challenge due to limited collaboration between the clinical inventors and the scientists, researchers, and engineers who can produce the prototypes necessary for licensing the technology. The VA Technology Transfer Program office and the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, a research laboratory with experience with developing prototypes and licensing technology, jointly developed a program called the Technology Transfer Assistance Project (TTAP) to bridge the gap between clinical inventors and prototypes ready for licensing. This paper describes TTAP and provides examples of the first inventions that were developed or enhanced through TTAP.

Issue Information

Cover Photograph: Epoxy‐coated, chopped, basalt fiber tows obtained from Technobasalt‐Invest (Kiyv, Ukraine). (Upper left) As‐received. Heated at 1,000°C (Upper right) and 1200°C (Lower) for 1 hour at ramp rates of 7.5 °C/min. (https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.17648) Courtesy of Patrick F. Keane, US Army Corps of Engineers, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, Champaign, IL and University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign. image

WAVE RUNUP ON AN ARRAY OF STRUCTURES DUE TO A SOLITARY WAVE INTERACTING WITH STEADY CURRENTS

The present study investigates the runup patterns formed during the interactions of a solitary wave with an array of idealized structures in the presence of following and opposing steady current flows. A series of experiments were performed at Coastal and Hydraulic Engineering Research Laboratory (CHERL) of Stony Brook University. A solitary wave of 0.1 m high was considered to interact with an array of idealized buildings on a beach berm. The wave was generated in the flume in the absence and presence of steady currents. Two different steady current velocities, one weaker and the other stronger, were generated using the flume flow recirculation system.

The cooling effect of polycrystalline type PV panels using perforated aluminum plates

A study has been conducted to improve the efficiency of Polycrystalline type PV panels. This research was conducted at the Energy Technology Research Laboratory, Engineering Faculty, Sriwijaya University, South Sumatra, Indonesia. The disadvantage of PV panel, when receiving solar radiation, it will increase the temperature of the PV panel but decrease the efficiency. This study uses a perforated aluminum plate with hole diameter of 2.5 mm. The plate is placed behind the PV panel. The dimensions of the plate are 960 mm x 600 mm x 20 mm and the number of holes of 1457. The specifications of PV panels are 1020 mm x 670 mm x 30 mm, Polycrystalline type PV panels, maximum power of 100 WP. The results showed that the PV panels given a perforated aluminum plate cooling had higher efficiency than those not given perforated plate cooling.

The effects of combining virtual laboratory and advanced technology research laboratory on university students’ conceptual understanding of electron microscopy

ABSTRACT Development and evaluation of a teaching-learning activity in 4th year Forensic Physics course of Degree in Criminology was based on different combinations of a virtual laboratory and a research laboratory as teaching spaces. Students explored in detail the components and functioning of an electron microscope using both an online suite of education tools and an advanced scanning electron microscope (SEM). The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of all combinations of both activities on students’ learning process, and to examine the effect on their interest towards the subject. A blend of research and virtual laboratories have a higher significant impact on students’ achievements rather than each one separately, but the same is not true for student interest in scientific careers. These results confirm that the use of a research laboratory combined with a virtual one can have substantial benefits in improvement students’ knowledge about abstract and complex concepts.

Analysis of UHF-band sea clutter reflectivity at low grazing angles in offshore waters of the Yellow Sea

ABSTRACT Reflectivity is an important characteristic of sea clutter that depends on the parameters of the radar and the environment. This paper presents reflectivity measurements of UHF-band horizontal polarized sea clutter based upon data collected in the offshore waters of the Yellow Sea of China at low grazing angles. During the experiment, the oceanic and meteorological conditions were recorded by the Datawell Waverider 4 and Lufft WS700-UMB on the sea surface. The factors that affect the reflectivity acquisition are analysed and the selective median filtering method in average Doppler power spectrum is presented to remove the effect of ground clutter from the sidelobes of the antenna beam pattern and the normalized reflectivity of the sea surface is computed. The applicability of the four classical reflectivity empirical models to the datasets is analysed. The results show that the Hybrid (HYB) and Technology Service Corporation (TSC) models are suitable while the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT) and Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) models are unsuitable for the UHF-band horizontal polarized sea clutter in the offshore waters of the Yellow Sea of China.

How to Make Science, Technology and Engineering Laboratories Accessible: Human Engineering Research Laboratories Initiatives

How to Make Science, Technology and Engineering Laboratories Accessible: Human Engineering Research Laboratories Initiatives

The Viability and Simplicity of 3D-Printed Construction: A Military Case Study

In November 2019, U.S. Marines, Air Force, and Army Corps of Engineers personnel demonstrated the viability and simplicity of three-dimensionally (3D)-printed construction in a controlled environment at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center—Construction Engineering Research Laboratory in Champaign, Illinois. The tri-service exercise spanned three days and culminated in the construction of three 1 m × 1 m × 1 m (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft) concrete dragon’s teeth (square pyramid military fortifications used to defend against tanks and armored vehicles) and several custom-designed objects. The structural components were printed using a custom-built, gantry-style printer called ACES Lite 2 and a commercially available, proprietary mortar mix. This paper examines the viability of using 3D-printed construction in remote, isolated, and expeditionary environments by considering the benefits and challenges associated with the printing materials, structural design, process efficiency, labor demands, logistical considerations, environmental impact, and project cost. Based on the results of this exercise, 3D-printed construction was found to be faster, safer, less labor-intensive, and more structurally efficient than conventional construction methods: the dragon’s teeth were printed in an average of 57 min each and required only two laborers. However, the use of commercially procured, pre-mixed materials introduced additional cost, logistical burden, and adverse environmental impact as compared to traditional, on-site concrete mixing and production. Finally, this paper suggests future applications and areas of further research for 3D-printed construction.

A randomized trial of a lab-embedded discourse intervention to improve research ethics

We report a randomized trial of a research ethics training intervention designed to enhance ethics communication in university science and engineering laboratories, focusing specifically on authorship and data management. The intervention is a project-based research ethics curriculum that was designed to enhance the ability of science and engineering research laboratory members to engage in reason giving and interpersonal communication necessary for ethical practice. The randomized trial was fielded in active faculty-led laboratories at two US research-intensive institutions. Here, we show that laboratory members perceived improvements in the quality of discourse on research ethics within their laboratories and enhanced awareness of the relevance and reasons for that discourse for their work as measured by a survey administered over 4 mo after the intervention. This training represents a paradigm shift compared with more typical module-based or classroom ethics instruction that is divorced from the everyday workflow and practices within laboratories and is designed to cultivate a campus culture of ethical science and engineering research in the very work settings where laboratory members interact.

Teaching STPA and OPM to Engineering Students – Industry Academia Experiences

AbstractSystem engineers are advocating model based approaches for developing systems. INCOSE is at the forefront of this initiative with many documents released in the public domain. Safety analysis is a major aspect in systems design. This is very fresh in mind today with the crash of the Ethiopian Airlines ET302 on March 10, 2019. Systems Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) is a technique developed by Professor Nancy Leveson at the System Engineering Research Laboratory of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Another technique used to define the system requirements as a text and model is the Object Process Methodology developed by Professor Dov Dori of Information Systems Engineering at Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. OPM today is an ISO/PAS standard 19450. OPCAT tool is available online which can be used to model systems. A workshop on STPA and OPM were taken up as part of the industry academia interaction at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal. Final year B.Tech. and first year M.Tech. students were taught these as hands on tutorials in a two‐day workshop. This paper covers in detail these two methods, the examples taken up at the institute and the response of the students and the lessons learnt. There was no quantitative survey carried out during the workshop but the feedback and the response from the students are very positive.