Types Of Equipment Research Articles

Optimization of an inductor for electromagnetic levitation melting

Purpose The study aims to maximize the efficiency of the process under a given current condition by changing the geometry of the coil. This optimization is economically justified by reducing the cost of the process. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents the author’s optimization process for a case requiring long computational time. The presented optimization is based on a 3D simulation model of an electromagnetic levitation melting (ELM) inductor. Findings The result of the work is to find a suboptimal inductor geometry for ELM. Research limitations/implications To solve the presented problem, a procedure using an evolutionary algorithm was relied on. As for all global search algorithms, it is possible to find a local optimum instead of a global one. Practical implications The new inductor geometry for ELM, thanks to its higher process efficiency for its class of inductors, can lead to the reduction of the costs of the process by using this type of equipment. Originality/value The novelty of the article is a proprietary optimization algorithm and the use of an advanced 3D simulation model which was necessary due to the lack of symmetry of the ELM inductor.

Sound power level and spectrum of port sources for environmental noise mapping

Ports are noisy areas that are often located near populated centers, leading to disturbances for citizens. Neglecting these issues can result in health problems and committees that can impede the natural development of port economic activity, which is growing rapidly. Attention to the sector has increased in recent years, but mainly with studies devoted to the general impact on the population. There is currently insufficient information available regarding the inputs required to conduct noise mapping and assess its effects. This is due to the high quantity and diversity of sources present in the port area. Basing on measurements conducted following established and standardized procedures, the present work reports a database of sound power levels, third-octave band spectra, average duration, and source height for various types of equipment, including reach stackers, dock tractors, front lifts, forklifts, transtainers on wheels, container cranes, mobile cranes, and dry load handling scrapers, during their movements and cargo handling activities. Acousticians are expected to benefit from this detailed input data for noise mapping and environmental acoustic impact assessments.

Multi Electrode Differential Voltage Sensor Based on Electric Field Coupling

With the increasing demand for electricity, voltage measurement has been applied in various fields of the power grid, especially in low-voltage distribution networks and household appliances. However, in low-voltage distribution networks, traditional contact measurement cannot be used due to technical limitations such as the need to damage the insulation layer. Non contact voltage measurement is becoming the main voltage measurement method, A major technical challenge in non-contact measurement is the interference of external electric fields. In order to solve the above problems, this article develops a new type of non-contact low-voltage measurement equipment, which can overcome the interference of external electric fields on measurement and achieve high-precision non-contact voltage measurement. The experimental results indicate that the sensor designed in this paper has high measurement accuracy. The ratio error at power frequency is within ± 0.9%, and the phase error is within 3°. In addition, the sensor also has the advantages of low cost, small size, and convenient manufacturing.

Personal protective equipment for preventing asbestos exposure in workers.

Personal protective equipment for preventing asbestos exposure in workers.

Measuring the impact of ginning stages on cotton fiber quality in the context of west and central Africa

The ginning process has an effect on fiber quality. Avoiding fiber quality deterioration due to mistune or overspeed is crucial, especially in west and central Africa where value chains are highly dependent on prices paid for premium fiber quality. Indeed, fiber classification alone does not permit a reliable measurement of ginning impact, as it depends on many factors such as incoming seed cotton quality, equipment type, number, and settings within each ginning process stage. This study describes a sampling and analysis method precise enough to detect any commercial impact on fiber quality at each main ginning stage. It is based on fiber quality characteristic measurements before and after each main stage: seed cotton cleaning, ginning, and lint cleaning. The sampling and testing protocol was applied in Mali in seven industrial gins during the 2015–2016 ginning season. Seed cotton samples were taken before and after the seed cotton cleaning stage, and fiber samples before and after the lint cleaning stage. Seed cotton samples were ginned with a reference saw micro-gin. The precision of fiber characterization was measured by replicating twice each fiber sample characterization in a laboratory meeting the international standards. Based on the variability measured in Mali, we determined for each fiber characteristic the number of replicates required to detect any commercially harmful impact. Growing and ginning conditions in Mali are representative of those in west and central Africa. Based on this method, one needs to develop an on-line tool to measure fiber quality at every stage of industrial ginning.

Research on long term tracking of centralized power EMU wheel wear and vibration performance

The centralized power EMU is a new type of passenger transportation equipment for ordinary-speed railways in China, which can greatly improve the efficiency of ordinary-speed railway passenger transportation and improve passenger travel conditions. This paper conducts long-term dynamic tracking experiments on this new type of railway passenger car, studying the evolution laws of wheel wear, axle box vibration, bogie frame vibration, and car body vibration during long-term service, and analyzing typical vehicle dynamics phenomena that occur in long-term tracking experiments. Various studies have shown that the vehicle can maintain good lateral stationarity throughout the entire wheel reprofile cycle, and the growth rate of equivalent conicity gradually slows down as the mileage increases; However, when the mileage after wheel reprofiling is large, harmonic vibration may occur in individual sections of the frame, leading to abnormal vibration of the control car body at 10 Hz. The vertical vibration of the axle box will significantly increase at the rail joint, and its 70 Hz vibration is transmitted to the frame through the experiment suspension, stimulating the bending mode of the crossbeam of the frame, resulting in a more obvious 70 Hz vibration in the vertical direction of the frame. The RMS of the axle box, frame, and body sleeper does not show significant changes with the rise in mileage following wheel reprofiling.

Método para inspeção de sistemas de proteção de descargas atmosféricas: Plantas de armazenamento de grãos

ABSTRACT Brazil has the highest incidence of atmospheric discharges, on average of 77.8 million hitting the country yearly. Companies providing post-harvest services have a high monetary value concentrated in their predominantly metallic structures. Atmospheric discharge protection systems (ADPS) are used in this context to protect the facilities and people, composed of several elements that require visual inspection with a certain periodicity, an activity framed as working at height. This research aimed to establish a methodology for employing a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) in the visual analysis of the operational condition of external atmospheric discharge protection systems components located in grain storage structures to collect information during the preliminary risk analysis and planning of activities at height. A survey of the current literature related to the subject was carried out, in addition to the norms, inspection agencies, and operational prerequisites of this type of equipment in the national territory. Finally, a method was created and validated based on the inspection checklist with the main points for checking, which generates a score that represents the urgency level of intervention, applied in a unit located in western Paraná, Brazil, on 11/28/2022. This procedure eliminated the risk of workers falling during the planning and inspection stage of the structures, which helped the qualified professional to issue the technical inspection report more quickly. The disadvantage is related to the dependence on favorable weather conditions.

Numerical modeling of the thermal characteristics of a fan spray cooling tower

The work constructs a mathematical model of the heat and mass transfer process in a spray cooling tower. The mathematical model consists of the equations of motion and heat and mass transfer of water droplets and the equations of thermal and material balance of moist air, considers the polydispersity of the droplet flow and allows to calculate the cooling capacity of the cooling tower depending on the parameters of the droplet flow. The mathematical model is confirmed by the results of industrial tests of irrigation-free cooling towers. The simulation results show that the cooling capacity of a spray fan cooling tower significantly depends on the atomization dispersion and the height of the water cutting nozzles. Reducing the average diameter of the droplet flow to less than 2 mm and increasing the height of the nozzles H > 4…5 m make it possible to achieve the cooling performance of known cooling towers with nozzle. The mathematical model allows to calculate the cooling capacity of the cooling tower and determine the necessary individual parameters of the droplet flow for each type of equipment and consumers for which the specific energy costs for cooling is minimal.

Knowledge, attitude, and wearing of personal protective equipment among dental hygienists in regions during the COVID-19 era

Objectives: This study aimed to understand the knowledge, attitude, and wearing of four types of personal protective equipment among dental hygienists based on to the COVID-19 infection control guidelines and to provide basic data on the need to wear these equipment by dental hygienists in dental medical institutions. Methods: Between March 31 and April 26, 2022, 285 dental hygienists working at dental institutions in Busan and Gyeongsang Provinces participated in the study. Results: The higher the knowledge on personal protective equipment, the higher the glove-wearing rate; and the higher the attitude toward personal protective equipment, the higher the KF94 mask-wearing rate. Furthermore, the higher the rate of wearing face shields, the higher the rate of wearing gloves and full-body protective suits; and the higher the rate of wearing gloves, the higher the rate of wearing a full-body protective suit. Conclusions: To prevent cross-infection by dental hygienists in dental medical institutions, it is necessary to have the four types of personal protective equipment at all times and to strengthen comprehensive education on these equipment.

Decision Process for Identifying Appropriate Devices for Power Transfer between Voltage Levels in Distribution Grids

During the energy transition, new types of electrical equipment, especially power electronic devices, are proposed to increase the flexibility of electricity distribution grids. One type is the solid-state transformer (SST), which offers excellent possibilities to improve the voltage quality in electricity distribution grids and integrate hybrid AC/DC grids. This paper compares SST to conventional copper-based power transformers (CPT) with and without an on-load tap changer (OLTC) and with additional downstream converters. For this purpose, a corresponding electricity distribution grid is set up in the power system analysis tool DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2022. A DC generator like a photovoltaic system, a DC load like an electric vehicle fast charging station, and an AC load are connected. Based on load flow simulations, the four power transformers are compared concerning voltage stability during a generator-based and a load-based scenario. The results of load flow simulations show that SSTs are most valuable when additional generators and loads are to be connected to the infrastructure, which would overload the existing grid equipment. The efficiency of using SSTs also depends on the parameters of the electrical grid, especially the lengths of the low-voltage (LV) lines. In addition, a flowchart-based decision process is proposed to support the decision-making process for the appropriate power transformer from an electrical perspective. Beyond these electrical properties, an evaluation matrix lists other relevant criteria like characteristics of the installation site, noise level, expected lifetime, and economic criteria that must be considered.

The environmental impact of nitrous oxide inhalation sedation appointments and equipment used in dentistry.

This paper reports a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) to calculate the environmental footprint of a dental appointment using N2O, comparing single-use equipment with reusable equipment. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is used successfully in dentistry to provide sedation and pain relief to anxious patients, most commonly in children. However, N2O is a powerful climate pollutant 298 times more damaging than carbon dioxide over a 100-year estimate. The functional unit chosen for this LCIA was 30min delivery of N2O to oxygen in a 50:50 ratio at 6L per minute flow rate as inhalation sedation to one patient. Two types of equipment were compared to deliver the anaesthetic gas: reusable and disposable items. The use of disposable equipment for N2O sedation produces a significantly larger environmental impact across nearly all of the environmental impact scores, but the overall global warming potential is comparable for both types of equipment due to the vast environmental pollution from N2O itself. N2O sedation is a reliable treatment adjunct but contributes to climate change. Single-use equipment has a further deleterious effect on the environment, though this is small compared to the overall impact of N2O. Dental priorities should be to deliver safe and effective care to patients that protects staff, minimises waste and mitigates impact on the environment alongside promoting research into alternatives.

Mechanical Characterization of the Erythrocyte Membrane Using a Capacitor-Based Technique.

Pathological processes often change the mechanical properties of cells. Increased rigidity could be a marker of cellular malfunction. Erythrocytes are a type of cell that deforms to squeeze through tiny capillaries; changes in their rigidity can dramatically affect their functionality. Furthermore, differences in the homeostatic elasticity of the cell can be used as a tool for diagnosis and even for choosing the adequate treatment for some illnesses. More accurate types of equipment needed to study biomechanical phenomena at the single-cell level are very costly and thus out of reach for many laboratories around the world. This study presents a simple and low-cost technique to study the rigidity of red blood cells (RBCs) through the application of electric fields in a hand-made microfluidic chamber that uses a capacitor principle. As RBCs are deformed with the application of voltage, cells are observed under a light microscope. From mechanical force vs. deformation data, the elastic constant of the cells is determined. The results obtained with the capacitor-based method were compared with those obtained using optical tweezers, finding good agreement. In addition, P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes were tested with the electric field applicator. Our technique provides a simple means of testing the mechanical properties of individual cells.

3D Point Cloud Dataset of Heavy Construction Equipment

Object recognition algorithms and datasets based on point cloud data have been mainly designed for autonomous vehicles. When applied to the construction industry, they face challenges due to the origin of point cloud data from large earthwork sites, resulting in high volumes of data and density. This research prioritized the development of 3D point cloud datasets specifically for heavy construction equipment, including dump trucks, rollers, graders, excavators, and dozers; all of which are extensively used in earthwork sites. The aim was to enhance the efficiency and productivity of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) research that relies on 3D point cloud data in the construction industry. Notably, unlike conventional approaches to acquiring point cloud data using UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles), the datasets for the five types of heavy construction equipment established in this research were generated using 3D-scanned diecast models of heavy construction equipment to create point cloud data.

Drone-Assisted Particulate Matter Measurement in Air Monitoring: A Patent Review

Air pollution is caused by the presence of polluting elements. Ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM) are the most controlled gasses because they can be released into the atmosphere naturally or as a result of human activity, which affects air quality and causes disease and premature death in exposed people. Depending on the substance being measured, ambient air monitors have different types of air quality sensors. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in designing drones as mobile sensors for monitoring air pollution. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive patent review to gain insight into the proprietary technologies currently used in drones used to monitor outdoor air pollution. Patent searches were conducted using three different patent search engines: Google Patents, WIPO’s Patentscope, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The analysis of each patent consists of extracting data that supply information regarding the type of drone, sensor, or equipment for measuring PM, the lack or presence of a cyclone separator, and the ability to process the turbulence generated by the drone’s propellers. A total of 1473 patent documents were retrieved using the search engine. However, only 13 met the inclusion criteria, including patent documents reporting drone designs for outdoor air pollution monitoring. Therefore, was found that most patents fall under class G01N (measurement; testing) according to the International Patents Classification, where the most common sensors and devices are infrared or visible light cameras, cleaning devices, and GPS tracking devices. The most common tasks performed by drones are air pollution monitoring, assessment, and control. These categories cover different aspects of the air pollution management cycle and are essential to effectively address this environmental problem.

THE INFLUENCE OF VIBRATIONS ON THE EFFICIENCY OF THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

This article is devoted to the study of the influence of vibrations on the efficiency and reliability of the internal combustion engine (ICE). The authors consider in detail the amount of vibration that occurs as a result of engine operation and its possible consequences for various components. The article examines modern methods of vibration analysis and their impact on various types of technical systems, including electromechanical, hydromechanical, and thermal energy equipment. Vibration reduction technologies and their implementation to increase the efficiency of technical systems are being studied. The study also includes consideration of possible technologies and innovations aimed at reducing the impact of vibration on engine performance, such as the use of shock absorbers, design optimization and the use of new materials. In particular, the article analyzes the use of the latest materials for vibration reduction, the development of control and diagnostic systems, and also studies the impact of vibrations on human health and the environment. The importance of considering vibration aspects in the process of design, operation and maintenance of technical equipment is noted. Possible implications for measurement accuracy, electronic stability, and overall control efficiency are highlighted. The authors offer practical solutions to reduce these negative impacts, including the use of innovative technologies and the development of improved electronics systems. This article is aimed at the engineering and scientific community, as well as at professionals who are interested in improving the efficiency of technical systems and understanding the effect of vibrations on their functioning. The conclusions and recommendations presented in this paper can be used for further research and development in the field of vibration engineering and technology.

CONCEPT OF IMPLEMENTATION OF PRECISION MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL SYSTEM OF COLLECTOR ENGINE OF CNC MACHINE

An emerging trend in recent decades is the increasing role of CNC equipment, which has already become one of the main types of equipment in significant portions of modern technological lines. This is attributed to both the complication of technological processes and the rising demands for product quality, as well as the increased productivity and functionality of modern microprocessor systems. It is worth noting that the DC motor and its electric drive, which can operate on both direct and alternating current, occupy a significant niche in the social production system and deserve special attention. One of the key features of modern scientific and technological progress is the wide use of microelectronics in various branches of the national economy, which is constantly growing. The role of microelectronics in the development of social production is determined by its versatile capabilities in solving various tasks and its deep influence on culture and everyday life of a person. Currently, special attention is focused on the introduction of microprocessors that solve the tasks of automating the control of mechanisms, devices and equipment. Adaptation of microprocessors to specific tasks is usually carried out by developing appropriate software, which is then loaded into the device's memory. Hardware adaptation, in most cases, is carried out by connecting the necessary integrated circuits and organizing input-output corresponding to the problem being solved. These characteristics ensure high flexibility of such systems, which allows you to quickly adapt production equipment to new technological conditions. The article proposes a concept for implementing a precision microprocessor control system for a CNC machine's DC motor, implemented on the basis of single-chip microcomputers, characterized by increased reliability due to the reduction in the number of serial links. A methodology for implementing a precision microprocessor control system for a CNC machine's DC motor has also been developed, the application of which will significantly simplify the design process and reduce the time required to build such a system.

TO THE EXPEDIENCY OF STUDENTS' TRAINING IN ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION PROTECTION

Problem statement. Electromagnetic radiation is a combination of electric and magnetic radiation, the energy of which, when it affects a given material body, does not cause an ionisation process in it. Natural electromagnetic radiation not only guarantees the proper development of every living organism, but also affects the change of seasons and weather. Humans have disturbed the Earth's natural electromagnetic environment by including devices that emit electromagnetic energy in a wide range of frequencies. Artificial electromagnetic fields accompany us everywhere: at home, at work, on the road, and during leisure. The sanitary and hygienic state of the environment, including the electromagnetic situation in populated cities, is of great hygienic importance for ensuring proper living conditions for the population. The electromagnetic situation in cities and other settlements is created by a large number of radio and electrical equipment for economic, defence and other purposes. The purpose of the article. To conduct a systematic analysis of the impact of electromagnetic radiation from various types of electrical equipment on the environment. It is shown that electromagnetic radiation is dangerous both for the population as a whole, especially for children, and for personnel who operate powerful equipment - sources of electromagnetic radiation. Conclusion. Studies of electromagnetic radiation in the environment show that prolonged exposure to powerful electromagnetic fields can cause illness and even death. Therefore, rules for using artificial sources of electromagnetic radiation should be followed to minimise the damage to both human health and the environment. These rules are not so difficult to follow, but they are quite effective. And for labour protection and civil safety specialists, this knowledge will enable them to create safe working conditions in the workplace.

A corrosion failure analysis of a titanium tank used for production and storage of molten sodium sulfide

The corrosion failure of a titanium tank operating under high temperature of 220 °C for the production and storage of molten Na2S was thoroughly analyzed in this study. The various materialcharacterization methods, such as visual inspection, microscopic observation, chemical analysis, and mechanical assessment, demonstrated that hydride-inducedembrittlement plays a considerable role in the failure of the titanium tank. The key finding was that side products of H2, H2S, and Na2SO3 cause the destruction of the passive oxide film and, thus, provide the conditions for the absorption and penetration of atomic hydrogen, resulting in the formation of brittle TiH2 and subsequent flaking on the surface. To failure prevention of the titanium tank in such environments, the selection of tank material from Monel®400, blowing nitrogen gas into the system, and loading Na2CO3 into the reactive media were proposed. By complementary electrochemical investigations, it was clarified that Na2CO3 can stabilize the passive oxide film on the titanium surface and, therefore, enhance the resistance of the titanium tank against corrosion and failure. Notably, the present study can provide helpful references for enhancing the safety maintenance management of similar types of equipment.

Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring Based on Multiscale Attention Mechanisms

With the development of smart grids and new power systems, the combination of non-intrusive load identification technology and smart home technology can provide users with the operating conditions of home appliances and equipment, thus reducing home energy loss and improving users’ ability to demand a response. This paper proposes a non-intrusive load decomposition model with a parallel multiscale attention mechanism (PMAM). The model can extract both local and global feature information and fuse it through a parallel multiscale network. This improves the attention mechanism’s ability to capture feature information over long time periods. To validate the model’s decomposition ability, we combined the PMAM model with four benchmark models: the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network model, the Time Pooling-based Load Disaggregation Model (TPNILM), the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), and the Load Disaggregation Model without Parallel Multi-scalar Attention Mechanisms (UNPMAM). The model was trained on the publicly available UK-DALE dataset and tested. The models’ test results were quantitatively evaluated using a confusion matrix. This involved calculating the F1 score of the load decomposition. A higher F1 score indicates better model decomposition performance. The results indicate that the PMAM model proposed in this paper maintains an F1 score above 0.9 for the decomposition of three types of electrical equipment under the same household user, which is 3% higher than that of the other benchmark models on average. In the cross-household test, the PMAM also demonstrated a better decomposition ability, with the F1 score maintained above 0.85, and the mean absolute error (MAE) decreased by 5.3% on average compared with that of the UNPMAM.

AAPM WGVRTO report 390: A survey of veterinary radiation oncology equipment and infrastructure in 2022.

Since 2010, there has been little published data on the state of equipment and infrastructure in veterinary radiation oncology clinical practice. These data are important not only to identify the status and use of technology within the veterinary radiation oncology community but also to help identify the extent of medical physics support. The purpose of our study is to report findings from a survey of veterinary radiation oncologists in the USA, Canada, and select centers outside of North America in 2022. A 40-question survey covering topics such as type of radiotherapy equipment, techniques offered, treatment planning systems and dose calculation algorithms, special techniques, board-certified radiation oncologists and residents, and extent of medical physics support was distributed through an online survey tool. Results from 40 veterinary radiation oncology institutions, with equipment explicitly used for veterinary care, suggest that the current state of practice is not dissimilar to what currently exists in human radiation oncology facilities; techniques and technologies commonly employed include flattening filter-free mode megavoltage beams, volumetric arc therapy, daily cone-beam computed tomography, image-guided radiation therapy, and sophisticated dose calculation algorithms. These findings suggest the need for modern radiation oncology acceptance testing, commissioning, and quality assurance programs within the veterinary community. The increase in veterinary radiation oncology residency positions and increasing sophistication of equipment suggests that increased levels of standardized medical physics support would benefit the veterinary radiation oncology community.