Equipment Parameters Research Articles

Equipment design and parameters recommendation of rubber modified 3D printed asphalt in pavement maintenance

As an advanced technology for pavement crack maintenance with high automation level, high precision and high efficiency, 3D asphalt printing technology can effectively improve worker safety and ensure the stability of maintenance quality. In order to optimize the printing parameters of rubber modified 3D printed asphalt (R-3DPA), a three-axis asphalt 3D printer was developed in this study through the design and selection of each component, and it was used for the 3D printing of R-3DPA strips, layers, and structures. Based on the comparison of continuity, uniformity, and width of R-3DPA strips, the recommended extrusion nozzle diameter, printing temperature, and printing speed parameter combinations were superiorly selected. According to the analysis of filling degree, width error and thickness of R-3DPA layers, the optimal printing strip width was recommended. Through the evaluation of integrity, surface characteristics and accuracy of R-3DPA structures, the suitable printing layer thickness was determined. The test results showed that the three-axis asphalt 3D printer can be used to measure the parameters of R-3DPA, and the printing accuracy and scale meet the requirements. The recommended parameters for R-3DPA are an extrusion nozzle diameter of 2 mm, a printing temperature of 180 °C, a printing speed of 20 mm/s, a printing strip width of 2.25 mm and a printing layer thickness of 0.4 mm, resulting in structures with good integrity and precision.

The role and application of high-throughput screening in the search for chemical compounds of therapeutic activity

With the development of medicine and the aging population, the demand for more effective therapies is escalating. A tool that facilitates the discovery and introduction of new therapeutic drugs is High-Throughput Screening (HTS). These tests, consisting of a wide set of various assays, allow testing hundreds of thousands of compounds in a short period of time. The aim is to accurately identify active compounds that could become potential therapeutic candidates in the pharmaceutical industry. HTS is the first step in the quest for potential drugs, therefore it is one of the crucial tests that determine whether a particular drug candidate will be discovered. In this review, different stages of high-throughput screening studies will be described, as well as methods utilized in these studies. The necessary steps in the optimization of these tests, selection of equipment, automation and key quality control parameters for reliably performed screening will also be presented.

Mathematical model for assessing the influence of vibrations for multicopter elements

The article discusses the problem of studying the probabilistic characteristics of vibrations of the propellermotor group of an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a multicopter. The results of the research are presented in the form of quantitative values of the vibration parameters of the propeller-motor group of the agrodrone at given values of the input parameters of the electric drive control system, taking into account the influence of external factors. It is shown that the values of the parameters characterizing the vibrations of the propeller-motor group of the agrodrone can be different depending on the operating modes of the engines and changes in external conditions.Based on the experimental studies carried out, sets of measured random vibration parameters were obtained, which made it possible, based on the application of mathematical statistics methods, to calculate the mathematical expectations and dispersions of the amplitudes and velocities of vibration processes. The obtained probabilistic characteristics make it possible to study emissions (crossing a given level) of processes, to evaluate the intensity and probabilistic characteristics of the process going beyond the given boundaries.A mathematical model of the vibration process is substantiated, which allows, on the basis of the obtained experimental data, to assess the influence of vibrations on the elements of equipment installed on a multicopter, to assess its performance and reliability, and to determine tolerances on equipment parameters. The computer modeling of the probabilistic characteristics of vibration processes clearly demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed research methodology.

Dimensional Analysis based Prediction Model for Fuel Consumption in the Deutz Agrotrac Tractor

Background: Fuel consumption is a critical factor in the performance of an agricultural tractor. And it can be affected by numerous parameters. Farming practices is an essential aspect that affects the cost of operation and the overall efficiency of the tractor. Predictions of fuel consumption rates in tractors and the energy consumption parameters of primary tillage equipment under local conditions are therefore essential selection criteria in purchasing decisions. Methods: A prediction model for fuel usage during tillage operations was created using dimensional analysis. The model was established by incorporating experimental findings into an equation. The experiment was conducted in the El Ouracia region of Setif, Algeria in 2022/2023 crop season, with fuel usage per time unit determined through topping-up the tank method. The fuel experiment parameters were measured according to their respective standard procedures. Result: By simulating fuel usage with tillage depth, tillage width, travel speed, soil bulk density and cone index. The constant in the prediction model was obtained. This developed model has the potential to forecast the tractor fuel consumption during tillage operation.

Innovative technology and equipment for stone processing sludge recycling

The aim of the study is to substantiate the parameters of technology and equipment for the manufacture of building products using alumina sludge from stone processing as an alumina aggregate. The standard methods of setting up an experiment for laboratory washing of granular sludge from stone processing and studying its physical and mechanical characteristics, manufacturing laboratory samples of polystyrene concrete blocks with further study of their strength characteristics were used. The physical and mechanical characteristics of granular man-made material - sludge waste from the stone processing industry - were experimentally determined. The possibility of using man-made sludge in the manufacture of polystyrene concrete blocks was substantiated by its particle size distribution and mineralogical composition. Average samples of granular material were deslagged using the TurboWash unit. The particle size distribution of the material after washing was analysed. According to the standard technology, recipe and raw materials for D300 polystyrene concrete, polystyrene concrete blocks of standard sizes of three grades were produced. Primary sludge without preliminary processing, sand and dusty loess obtained from the processing of primary sludge were used as an aggregate. The numerical values of the axial compression resistance for the studied grades of polystyrene concrete blocks were determined.

Interchangeability of various combustible gases and adaptation of gas-using equipment for their efficient combustion

The article presents the results of studies, the purpose of which is to substantiate the possibility of using a wide class of different combustible gases in one gas-using equipment and to develop recommendations for changing the design and operational parameters of such gas-using equipment in the event of a transition from one type of non-interchangeable combustible gases to another. The methodology of the work is based on a critical analysis of the available data on the issue of interchangeability of combustible gases, as well as our own theoretical and experimental studies. Dependencies have been obtained that permit to determine the possibility of switching gas-using equipment from one type of gas to another. Recommendations have been developed on the permissible content of hydrogen in a mixture with natural gas, ensuring the efficient, safe and environmentally friendly use of such fuel in household and industrial heating devices. Scientific and practical results of the work permit to carry out a low-cost reconstruction of gas-using equipment from one gas to another, including the transition to combustible gas containing hydrogen.

Investigation of Flow and Combustion Technology Changes in a Device Nozzle for Natural Gas as a Result of Mixing in Hydrogen

The efforts of the European Union (2021, EU Regulation on Gas and Hydrogen Networks) have been waiting for a solution to the problem of -even if only partial- independence from natural gas. The article shows the effects on the combustion technical parameters and equipment, if the 100% natural gas plant is replaced with a certain proportion of hydrogen. The article examines how it affects the combustion technical parameters of natural gas user equipment if the gas that feeds them is replaced by hydrogen-natural gas mixtures of different proportions. The results show that with the introduction of hydrogen, the Wobbe number decreases, and with this equipment, hydrogen can be added to the natural gas in an amount of 23 V/V% so that it meets the standards. When examining the flame propagation speed, we conclude that it is expected that the flame will not burn back at this ratio. The work promotes the progress of natural gas-hydrogen co-combustion technologies, as it examines a special part of the combustion equipment, the nozzle, and the flow engineering processes taking place in it. With the help of this model, we successfully investigated the excess air resulting from various natural gas-hydrogen mixtures in the case of a given geometry, but the model, with its mathematical additions, also proves that mixing in hydrogen generally reduces the amount of incoming air.

A Calculating Model of the Need Radiotherapy Departments with Equipment and Personnel due to an Increase in the Incidence of Cancer

Currently, all over the world, in Russia and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), there continues to be a significant increase in the number of cancer diseases, the mortality rate from which is in second place. Existing models for determining the number of devices and employees of a medical institution are mainly based indirectly and directly on the total population of administrative units. However, against the backdrop of an increase in the incidence of malignant neoplasms, it is necessary in the field of providing medical care to the adult population for cancer when determining the equipment parameters of radiotherapy departments to take into account the growing importance of morbidity. This paper presents a model for calculating the quantity of a certain high-tech apparatus, taking into account the incidence of malignant neoplasms as a first approximation in conditions of negligible population growth. Using the example of the radiotherapeutic department of the Yakut Republican dispensary, the initial number of the equipment that satisfies the current needs for medical care for cancer patients of the republic are determined. Based on this an example is made of calculating the number of linear electron accelerators and medical physicists that should be in the department in the near future. The results show that models for calculating equipment and staffing needs need to take into account the increase in cancer incidence.

Data-driven real-time predictive control for industrial heating loads

Uncertainties and computational complexity are two growing challenges in scheduling industrial heating loads. In this paper, a data-driven real-time predictive control approach is proposed to deal with these challenges in the industrial scheduling of bitumen tanks. Specifically, predictive control technology is utilized to leverage the updated information to mitigate the negative impact of past uncertainties in equipment parameters and external environmental factors, which may lead to temperature constraint violations in the bitumen tank operation processes. Meanwhile, a data-driven method using artificial neural networks (ANN) is developed to ensure efficient computation for real-time predictive control. Moreover, a two-layer control method is devised to reduce the calculation time for day-ahead optimal scheduling of a large scale of bitumen tanks, aiming to generate sufficient high-quality data for training ANN. In the two-layer control method, the clustered temperature transfer processes of bitumen tanks are analyzed and modeled for the first time. Simulation results indicate that the two-layer control method can significantly reduce the computational time required for the day-ahead optimal scheduling of bitumen tanks, facilitating the generation of a large amount of high-quality data for training ANN. Subsequently, the application of ANN enables real-time predictive control, helping to eliminate the negative impact of uncertainties.

Evaluation of the Limitation of Operational Parameters of the IEEE 802.11 ac Network in the 20MHz Channel

IEEE 802.11 wireless network technologies are widely used to create corporate and personal local networks for data exchange and access to Internet resources. The main principle of operation of IEEE 802.11 networks is the principle of competitive access, according to which all wireless network users have the same access rights to the information transmission environment. This method of access leads to the occurrence of collisions in networks with a large number of users, which complicates the process of network functioning and leads to the degradation of quality indicators. The purpose of the study is to estimate the limit values of the operational characteristics of the IEEE 802.11 ac wireless network in the mode with the highest transmission rate (MCS8) in a frequency channel of 20 MHz with one spatial stream, provided that the network has a significant number of active stations with a saturated load. An alternative model of processes in IEEE 802.11 networks based on the concept of a virtual competitive window is used for research. According to the concept of virtual contention window (VCW), the process of data transmission in a network with competitive access is considered as a quasi-stationary process. Numerical data were obtained and graphs of channel bandwidth, transmission delay, and delay non-uniformity were given in the presence of one to sixteen active stations with a saturated load in the network, in the case of transmission of frames with a data volume of 512 or 1500 bytes. The maximum possible bandwidth of the channel with a frequency band of 20 MHz (68.387 bit/s) was determined, in the case of using frames with the maximum load (11454 bytes) provided by the standard. Estimated data on the number of collisions occurring in a network with a saturated load and the number of frames transmitted at various stages of channel access are also provided. The frame transmission delay increases almost proportionally to the number of active stations and varies from 0.605 ms to 5.293 ms, in the case of loading all data frames of 512 bytes, and from 0.785 to 6.41 ms, in the case of a load of 1500 bytes, for changes in the number of active stations in the network from 2 to 16. The unevenness of the delay exceeds the average delay and grows non-linearly, in the case of an increase in the number of active stations from 1 to 6 (CWmin=15), and linearly — with a further increase in the number of stations (over 6). The obtained results are useful for reasonable planning of wireless networks and configuration of network equipment parameters.

Load Carriage and Changes in Spatiotemporal and Kinetic Biomechanical Foot Parameters during Quiet Stance in a Large Sample of Police Recruits

Background: Little evidence has been provided regarding the effects of carrying standardized load equipment and foot parameters during quiet standing. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to examine whether a load carriage might impact static foot parameters in police recruits. Methods: Eight hundred and forty-five police recruits (27.9% women) were tested in ‘no load’ vs. standardized ‘3.5 kg load’ conditions. Foot characteristics during standing were assessed with the Zebris FDM pedobarographic pressure platform. Results: Carrying a 3.5 kg load significantly increased the 95% confidence ellipse area (∆ = 15.0%, p = 0.009), the center of pressure path length (∆ = 3.3%, p = 0.023) and average velocity (∆ = 11.1%, p = 0.014), the length of the minor axis (∆ = 8.2%, p < 0.009) and the deviation in the X (∆ = 12.4%, p = 0.005) and Y (∆ = 50.0%, p < 0.001) axes. For relative ground reaction forces, a significant increase in the left forefoot (∆ = 2.0%, p = 0.002) and a decrease in the left hindfoot (∆ = −2.0%, p = 0.002) were shown. No significant changes in relative ground reaction forces beneath the forefoot and hindfoot regions for the right foot were observed (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that spatial and temporal foot parameters may be more prone to change while carrying heavy loads, especially the center of pressure characteristics.

Mathematical model for selecting the auxiliary equipment parameters of aerodynamic deorbit systems

The goal of this work is to develop a model for selecting the design parameters of auxiliary equipment for aerodynamic deorbit systems. For normal operation, an aerodynamic deorbit system, according to its class, is equipped with the following support systems: for deployment, inflation, аnd storage onboard the space object to be deorbited. The deployment system consists of two components: a mast deployment system, in which four rolled-up masts are stored and deployed, and an airfoil storage spindle, on which four quadrants of a film material are wound. Aerodynamic systems can be inflated in several ways: using a system of gas storage and supply to the shell, using the residual pressure, or using the sublimation of a powder substance. The characteristics of sublimable substances and inert gases for inflation are given. The paper presents a methodology for determining the inflating gas parameters taking into account the exposure of the aerodynamic system to space debris fragments. The following requirements are imposed on the storage system materials: resistance to space factors, resistance to dynamic loads in orbital injection, and resistance to thermal deformations. A mathematical model for selecting the auxiliary system parameters of aerodynamic deorbit systems is presented. This model includes deployment system mass estimation, relationships for determining the inflation system mass for aerodynamic systems of various configurations, wall thickness estimation for gas cylinders of different configurations, and relationships for determining the storage system mass for aerodynamic deorbit systems of different configurations.

Results of experimental research of the process of forming reinforced concrete products by the centrifugation method

The method of conducting an experimental study of the process of forming reinforced concrete products is disclosed. The key factors influencing the quality indicators of the product being formed are defined and considered. On the basis of the conducted active, factorial experiment, a regression equation was compiled, graphical dependences of the influence of these factors on the process were obtained, rational parameters of the centrifugation process were determined, which are decisive in the manufacture of reinforced concrete products by the centrifugation method. Based on the results of laboratory experiment data processing, recommendations were developed for optimizing the operating parameters of industrial equipment for forming reinforced concrete products by the centrifugation method. Problem. When forming reinforced concrete products by the centrifugation method, some problems may arise, uneven distribution of the mixture in the mold body and of reinforcement, formation of voids or cracks, insufficient compaction of the mixture. If the parameters of the centrifugation process are not properly controlled, the quality of the products may vary, which may lead to deviations from specifications and standards. Problems with the deformation of the molds after forming the product can lead to damage to the product or difficulties in its removal. Goal. Based on the results of the conducted factorial experiment, recommendations are developed regarding the rational parameters of the process of forming columns of reinforced concrete supports for power transmission lines by the centrifugation method in the conditions of an operating technological line. Methodology. The basis of the research is the method of conducting a planned factorial experiment with further statistical processing of the obtained results using a computer program. Results. Based on the processing of the obtained results of the conducted factorial experiment, the following recommendations are suggested regarding the rational parameters of the process of forming reinforced concrete pillars for power lines by the centrifugation method in the conditions of an operating technological line.

Impact of the spindle number on the material transport and mixing during planetary roller melt granulation

In comparison to the established twin-screw machines, the application of a planetary roller granulator for continuous operation of melt granulation is a promising alternative based on the unique process concept. An initial study focused on the material transport during processing as a key driver for the overall performance. Hereby, the impact of direct process parameters on the residence time distribution was the main objective.These investigations are complemented in this study by considering the free processing volume, which is defined by the number of planetary spindles applied within a module. The impact on the processing conditions is evaluated with respect to the process setting in terms of feed rate and rotation speed.The results highlight the potential of altering the underlying transport function in planetary roller melt granulation (PRMG) via the investigated direct process and equipment parameters. The impact of the feed rate is lower in comparison, while a higher rotation speed as well as a higher free processing volume promote material mixing. Moreover, a normalization of the determined residence time distribution (RTD) model data was feasible with respect to the process settings and the number of applied planetary spindles in the processing zone. This demonstrates the key role of the free processing volume in the fundamental mechanisms of material transport and mixing during PRMG.

Design of Integrated System for Sediment Comprehensive Utilization in the Yellow River:Design of Sediment Pumping Device And Conveying System

Based on the goal of comprehensive utilization of sediment in the Yellow River, a complete sediment pumping and conveying system is designed. The main design research content: (1) Analyze the characteristics of the river basin in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, determine the target working conditions according to the types, particle diameters, density and other parameters contained in the Yellow River, and determine the working capacity requirements of the entire sediment pumping and conveying system. (2) Provide the configuration scheme with the overall configuration plan, including the type, model, number of slurry pumps, the length of the slurry pipeline, the caliber of the pipeline and the driving equipment of the mud pump. (3) According to the determined target working conditions and designed working capacity requirements, calculate the flow rate and discharge pressure of the working environment, and then select the mud pump according to the flow rate and discharge pressure, and determine the rated rotational speed, rated power of the drive equipment and other parameters. (4) Complete the matching of the parameters of the mud pump and the slurry pipeline, and the matching of the driving equipment and the mud pump, so as to achieve the highest efficiency of the equipment operation under the conditions of the target working conditions.

An Association Rule Mining-Based Method for Revealing the Impact of Operational Sequence on Nuclear Power Plants Operating

The operations of the operators are important for nuclear safety, but conventional operating experience feedback and common data-driven methods make it difficult to explicitly find valuable information hidden in these operational sequences that can help the operator to provide advice at the operational level. During the nuclear power plant (NPP) operation, a large amount of historical operating data is accumulated, which records the operational sequences of the operators and the state parameters of equipment. Therefore, this paper proposes the use of association rule techniques to mine the NPP operating data to discover the operational characteristics of operators and reveal their possible impact on the NPP operation. This work helps to improve the operational performance of operators and prevent human-factor events. To this end, the concept of state switching values for describing the operating states of NPPs is proposed to enable the proposed method to be adapted to different practical application scenarios. A sequence segmentation method is proposed to be able to transform historical NPP operating data into a sequence data set for association rule mining. Furthermore, an ensemble algorithm based on sequence pattern mining and sequence rule mining and its postprocessing method are designed. The empirical study was carried out using 20 batches of historical operating data of the cold start-up. A total of 164 original association rules are generated using the proposed method and were analyzed by experts. The recommendations were made for 4 different cases that would improve the operational performance of the operators.

Development, Prospect and Challenge for Additive Manufacturing of Polymer Materials

As a manufacturing technology that fabricates three-dimensional objects by stacking materials layer by layer, additive manufacturing can be divided into laser fused deposition, electron beam fused deposition, inkjet printing and so on based on different additive manufacturing processes. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in the additive manufacture of polymer materials. Firstly, the additive manufacturing equipment and process parameters suitable for polymer materials have been successfully developed, which realized the accurate manufacturing of complex structures. Secondly, by optimizing the formula and post-treatment of polymer materials, the performance and durability of additive products are improved. In addition, the researchers also explored the application potential of additive manufacturing of polymer materials in medical, aerospace and other fields. However, the additive manufacturing of polymer materials still faces some challenges. One of them is that the rheological properties of polymer materials have a great impact on the progress of additive manufacturing, which needs further research and improvement. Meanwhile, the heat and stress generated in additive manufacturing may lead to the deformation and degradation of polymer materials, which requires effective thermal management. Finally, compared with the traditional cutting process, the additive manufacturing cost of polymer materials is still high, so it is necessary to reduce the cost and promote production efficiency. In a word, additive manufacturing of polymer materials has broad prospects and application potential, but further research and improvement are still needed to overcome related challenges.

Railway Signaling System Interference by Unbalanced Traction Harmonic Current: Mechanism, Modeling, and Solutions Based on Engineering Practice

The rapid development of railway electrification has led to signaling relay malfunctions and locomotive urgent braking accidents caused by unbalanced traction harmonic current (UTHC), which seriously threaten transit safety. This paper presents a comprehensive study with a mechanism-modeling-solution approach that addresses the practical issue of UTHC interference in signaling systems and provides theoretical support for further research, relying on an actual case. Based on the mechanism analysis of UTHC interfering with the on-board and ground signaling terminals, UTHC and its induced harmonic electromotive force on both terminals are accurately modeled. The proposal and evaluation of solutions are supported by mathematical analysis of the relationship between traction-side current and signaling-side induced electromotive force. A low active loss passive filter with high filtering effect was designed and connected to the traction network for the actual case, effectively addressing the high-frequency harmonic resonance risk in traction power supply systems and the harmonic interference issue in signaling systems. Field tests validate the feasibility and effectiveness of this solution. Accounting for cost constraints, guidelines for reducing current unbalance between two rails or avoiding choke transformer core saturation are developed based on a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of traction current unbalance coefficient and signaling equipment parameters.

Information technologies in the management of technological processes for the production of building products

The object of the study is the production of construction products with fillers from recycled wind turbine blades. The study solves the problem related to the possibility of using fillers from recycled wind turbine blades in the technological process of manufacturing construction products. According to the results of the study, concrete mixtures with the most optimal formulations that meet the requirements of state standards were classified, this was achieved due to effective indicators reflecting the characteristics of concrete mixtures. The developed algorithm of the technological process of production of building products was used in the development of the program code, this became possible due to the consideration of assumptions and limitations of the technological equipment used in production. The program for managing the technological process of manufacturing construction products is developed in C++, which does not require additional resources for auxiliary operations, has the ability to metaprogram and has the necessary performance. The adequacy of the model is ensured by the maximum approximation to real production. The effectiveness of research results in real production is explained by high-quality mixtures, dosage of ingredients, optimal parameters of technological equipment, process control based on data obtained by modeling, which reduces the number of defects and increases equipment productivity. The conditions for using the results of the study are the legislation of the country related to environmental requirements, as well as compliance with the technological process. For the resulting construction products, the bending strength increased by 20 % compared to traditional ones, the number of defects does not exceed 15 %, and equipment productivity increased by 12 %

Chitosan-TPP microcapsules for controlled drug release

Production of chitosan/sodium tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) microcapsules via spray drying involves atomizing an emulsion containing CS, TPP, acetic acid (AcOH), and folic acid (FA) into fine droplets exposed to high-temperature, low-pressure gas flow. Solvent evaporation within the drying chamber leads to solid particle formation. Spray drying is valuable for creating solid CS/TPP microcapsules. Precise equipment parameter adjustments, like inlet temperature and gas flow rate, enable the study of microcapsule morphology, size, and properties. This adaptability allows for customization to specific pH dissolution ranges. The production method's impact on CS/TPP microcapsules was studied by modifying spray drier parameters, including inlet temperature and aspirator pressure, to enhance understanding of their behavior in solution under varied production conditions.
 In chitosan delivery systems, various approaches can encapsulate drug agents like folic acid, an analog to the cancer treatment drug methotrexate. Agents can be added to the chitosan solution pre-crosslinking, incorporated into gelation-inducing agents pre-mixing with chitosan, or included in the crosslinking mixture. Experiments were conducted to assess CS/TPP microcapsules' behavior when encapsulating agents like folic acid. Release profiles were analyzed to understand their drug delivery capabilities and potential as controlled release carriers.