Feed Pump Research Articles

Humidity monitoring of neonatal intensive care unit based on programmable system on chip

A premature baby's treatment takes place in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU is an isolated room and it consists of a number of baby incubators and measuring, monitoring devices such as incubator, overhead heater, monitors, ambient oxygen analyser, intravenous drip, feeding pump and tubes, power supply, ventilator monitor, ventilator, etc. The measuring and controlling parameters are temperature of baby and baby incubator, oxygen level, CO2 level, pulse rates, humidity, light intensity etc. This research paper deals with monitoring the humidity of baby incubators. The increase or decrease of humidity levels causes an effect on the baby's health. High humidity creates problems such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke and an overproduction of mold causes allergies. The monitoring and controlling of humidity are the most important parameters in NICU. The humidity of the baby incubator is monitored using a humidity sensor. The sensing data is given to the Programmable System on Chip (PSoC). The system under investigation is designed successfully and reported in this paper.

Methodology to determine net positive suction head for turbine driven feed pumps of advanced power plant

Methodology to determine net positive suction head for turbine driven feed pumps of advanced power plant

Analysis of biogas production from palm oil mill effluent at different feed flow rates in biogas plant Sei Pagar Riau

Indonesia’s palm oil industry is considered one of the biggest in the world. Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) has the potential for further processing, which can be used as a substitute for boiler fuel (co-firing). Research on converting POME to biogas for boiler fuel (co-firing) in the oil palm plantation Sei Pagar Riau has been carried out. This study aimed to investigate and analyze the biogas production from Palm Oil Mill Effluent at different feed flow rates in Biogas Plant Sei Pagar Riau. Experiments were carried out using the Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor (CSTR). The reactor capacity was 2000 m3. The reactor was equipped with one unit of vertical agitator and three units of horizontal agitators. POME was distributed from the fat pit unit to the pretreatment unit using the fat pit transfer pump. From the pretreatment unit, then POME proceeds to the reactor using the reactor feed pump started from 2.4 m3/h then gradually increase to 6.3 m3/h as the highest feed flow rate. Biogas was produced in the anaerobic reactor at mesophilic temperature. This study showed that an increase in the POME feed flow rate into the reactor also increases the production of biogas generated in the reactor. The biogas production began to increase every day, with the highest average biogas production of 167 m3/h. The methane concentration was also measured and showed that the highest methane concentration was on day 6, with a value of 70%. And then, the methane concentration trend decreased. However, it was relatively stable in the range of 62.1%-66.7% on day 18 to day 53. Based on this research, it was found that the optimal biogas production of the Biogas Plant in Sei Pagar Riau was generated when the POME feed flow rate was gradually increased and reached the maximum capacity according to its design.

A hydrogen peroxide electric pump for throttleable hybrid rocket motor

The prosperity of commercial space drives the development of advanced rocket engines and propellants. Extensive research has shown that the electric pump feed system has good prospects in liquid rocket engine for its simplicity and controllability. However, the combination of electric pump feed system and hybrid motor has not been studied adequately. In this paper, design of a hydrogen peroxide electric pump for throttleable hybrid rocket motor is completed. In the scheme, a centrifugal pump is driven by a permanent magnet synchronous motor rated 75 kW and 36000 rpm with a sensor-less controller. The design of an axial backflow circulation is adopted in consideration of bearing lubrication and heat dissipation. The results of simulation and experiments show that the head and mass flow rate of the electric pump meets the requirement of target hybrid motor and the total efficiency reaches 58.6% under rated condition. The heat protection design is effective for the temperature rise during the operation is safe for hydrogen peroxide. Nonetheless, the acceleration of the motor still needs improvement. The results of this paper provide experimental verification of electric pump feed system for hybrid rocket motor.

Study on an efficiency algorithm for the opening middle tap of steam feed pump

This paper presents a method for calculating the efficiency of steam feed pump, which fills the literature gap in calculating the efficiency of steam feed pump when the middle tap of feed pump is opened. This method has the advantages of convenient measurement and few measurement parameters. Combined with IFCIFC-97 industrial water and steam thermodynamic property model, the efficiency of feed pump can be calculated

Снижение рисков при тушении пожаров в суровых климатических условиях

The sustainability of the development of the northern territories of Russia from the Urals to the Pacific Ocean, where the bulk of the country natural resources is concentrated in the twenty-first century, is determined by the integrated approach to planning and managing the risks of using machines, structures and equipment, critical and hazardous industrial facilities and technological support and support at the stages of their operation. Climatic factors have a noticeable effect on increasing the risks of abnormal situations occurrence in emergency situations, for example, on the efficiency of fire departments activity in the winter period of the year and at extinguishing fires in harsh climatic conditions, when water may freeze inside the hoses and in the working chamber of the feed pump. Due to a malfunction in the fire equipment, the scale of the territory covered by the flames can significantly increase, and the extinguishing process will become more complicated. Operability of the hose lines in low temperature conditions is calculated using Methodological Recommendations for ensuring the operability of pump and hose systems of fire trucks when extinguishing fires in the conditions of extremely low temperatures, determining the maximum length of the hose line before icing begins. It is shown in the paper that the maximum length of the hose line, that is, the distance from the pump to the beginning of icing, should be calculated using the heat balance equation, which is based on two equations of the first law of thermodynamics — for flow and heat transfer. At the same time, it is required to combine thermal and hydraulic calculations. The methods are presented in the article for predicting the operability of pumps and hose lines in the conditions of extremely low ambient temperatures, used in fire truck systems for extinguishing fires, including at the energy facilities. It is shown that there are errors and shortcomings in the Methodological Recommendations for ensuring the operability of pump and hose systems of the fire trucks when extinguishing fires in the conditions of extremely low ambient temperatures, including at the energy facilities. It is also shown that the maximum length of the hole line, that is, the distance from the pump to the beginning of icing, should be calculated using the heat balance equation, which is based on two equations of the first law of thermodynamics — for flow and heat transfer.

Analysis and Treatment of the Failure of Speed Closing Valve of Small Steam Turbine of Boiler Feed Pump of 660MW Supercritical Unit

Analysis and Treatment of the Failure of Speed Closing Valve of Small Steam Turbine of Boiler Feed Pump of 660MW Supercritical Unit

Pilot testing of a novel integrated Multi Effect Distillation - Absorber compressor (MED-AB) technology for high performance seawater desalination

This work presents a novel integration of Multi Effect Distillation with Absorption compressor (MED-AB) to reduce the energy consumption and unit water cost. The MED-AB pilot plant has been installed with a nominal capacity of 25 m3/day to validate the concept under a seawater salinity of 57,500 ppm (West of Qatar). Both pilot testing and the simulation results confirm the features of the novel design of the MED-AB process. Simulation of a commercial evaporator of 15 MIGD capacity showed that the specific energy consumption of the proposed MED-AB is calculated as 4.8 kWh/m3, which is 60% lower than the existing MED-TVC plant (13 kWh/m3). Compared to the traditional MED-TVC, the seawater feed and pumping power of MED-AB process is lower by 70% and 55%, respectively. The results confirm the minimization of the environmental impact of dumping thermal energy back into the sea and reduce the plant's capital investment, covering feed pumps size and the intake/outfall civil work. The levelized unit water cost of the MED-AB is calculated as 0.46 $/m3, which is 22% lower than that of a conventional MED-TVC desalination plant. The novel MED-AB technology would create a potential solution for the industrial applications of high salinity byproduct and solar desalination.

To improve patients’ empowerment by selfconnection in home parenteral nutrition

Abstract One promising approach for patients who need parenteral nutrition to live an almost normal life, is to provide extra-hospital therapy. This therapy is supported by an ambulatory care service whose staff connects and disconnects the nutritional fluid day by day. The nutrition therapy takes a long time every day and studies show that this therapy significantly disturbs patients’ daily life. Although home parenteral nutrition is part of the range of services provided by the statutory health insurance (German GKV), it is also expensive in the long run. Therefore, the cost-effectiveness of this form of therapy is constantly reviewed on an individual basis. Aim of this project is to enable a more autonomous life for patients by self-determined in between disconnection and connection of the therapy independently of the ambulatory care service. It has to be taken into account that any interruption of the nutrition process poses health risks to the patient, e.g. if air bubbles or bio contaminants enter the tube system. Flushing with saline solution before and after connecting is therefore an elementary component of the nutrition process. The redesigning of the connecting/disconnecting system and the subsequent development of an automated port flushing system integrated into a mobile feeding pump to realize a safe interruption of the therapy is the overall goal of the project. This paper deals with redesigning the connecting system. After having analysed group discussions, detected impact factors are used as basis of an experimental setup to get the final requirements for redesigning the connector system. The experimental study is done according to the rules of Design of Experimental (DoE). DoE is a statistical method to determine the optimal number of tests by using a complete factorial design. Two repetitions of the tests were carried out to analyse the significance of the impact factors by ANOVA (Analysis of Variance).

Simulating operation of power units 1 and 2 at Novovoronezh NPP II with two electrical feed pumps disabled and the backup pump not enabled

Introduction. The article analyzes the operation of Unit 1 and 2 of Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant II (equipped with VVER-1200 reactors) with two electrical feed pumps disabled and the backup pump not enabled. These operating conditions are subsequently simulated using the power unit model software-hardware package (PUM SHC) developed by LLC IF SNIIP ATOM. Research objectives. The objective of this work was to check the reliability of the forecasts of changes in the power unit parameters obtained using the PUM SHC, based on operational data. Methods. The simulated power unit parameter changes in transient conditions were in good agreement with the data collected in real tests. During the simulation, the power unit dynamic stability was preserved, i.e., the operational parameters were within the design limits and did not exceed the protection operation set points. Results. The results of the work suggest the possibility of using current NPP power unit simulations: for developing proposals for adjusting the operation control algorithms in case of malfunctions and emergency modes with the main equipment shutdown and power unit protection actuation; and for verifying design solutions for updating the power unit systems, which are associated with the use of new equipment or changes in flow diagrams. Conclusion. Current power unit models can be applied both for existing power units and for new ones that are being commissioned.

Experimental Investigation of unused heat recovery using ORC cycle in a passenger car

The internal combustion engines of automobiles generally operate around 25-40 percent conversion efficiency. The productivity of the engine can be improved by using the dissipated waste heat by the automobile cooling jacket. An ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) unit can be installed to recover the waste heat in engine cooling jacket of a passenger car. The installation of this unit shall reduce part load from the engine by reducing the load acting directly on the alternator. The System shall increase the overall efficiency and also improves the fuel economy by using the waste thermal energy. A Thermodynamic cycle analysis and prototype fabrication of model has been considered for the experimental evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of ORC system. The cycle is considered using an Automotive Air-conditioning Scroll compressor as the turbine expander and also as an feed pump. Low temperature heat source from a heater is considered for the heat source in the boiler setup. The ORC turbine shall be coupled with and Electric Generator and then to the battery for recharging. The whole Setup is considered for mass production of ORC Units for cheaper price and light weight. Owing to the fact that this setup is a prototype the efficiency of the cycle can be improved further in order to careful adjustment of the critical parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow rate of the refrigerant of the thermodynamic cycle and the flow rate of the coolant according to the actual performance of the vehicle.

Analysis of efficiency of feed pump control by changing rotation of rotor for power plants of various types

The type of power plant feed pump drive is selected in the course of a feasibility study. Domestic experience is based on recommendations that have been obtained in the middle of the last century when fuel was relatively cheap. These recommendations are currently being revised. Manufacturers of technological tools of pumps frequency control offer to install fluid couplings, variable frequency electric drives or drive turbines for power plants of various types. At the same time, they declare the high efficiency of such solutions. But the effect is often calculated based on energy savings indicators for the pump drive without considering changes of the operating modes of other equipment of the power plant. An urgent task is a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of the measures under consideration. This assessment should consider the objective parameters and modes of facilities operation, as well as interrelation of power electricity cost for own needs and loads of the basic equipment. To determine the technical effect of application of various methods of frequency control of feed pumps, models are used that are developed on the individual basis for each power plant based on the energy characteristics of the equipment. These models include algorithms for heat and electrical balances. Operational characteristics of the feed pumps and performance assessment are calculated according to the known techniques. Based on a unified methodological approach, the authors have developed mathematical models of condensing power supply units and combined heat and power plants for an initial pressure of 12,8 MPa. These models make it possible to determine the effect of frequency control of feed pumps based on data for real time in operation considering the interrelation of power electricity cost for own needs and loads of the basic equipment. Calculation of index of performance of application of various means of frequency control of feed pump performance have been carried out. It is revealed that to assess the efficiency of application of technological tools of frequency control of feed pumps, it is of decisive importance to consider the experience of equipment load, load schedules, the interrelation of power electricity cost for own needs and loads of the basic equipment. No general recommendations to use certain methods of feed pumps control are applicable, when conducting such an assessment.

Unexpected Poor Growth in Pediatric Patients on Food-based Enteral Therapy: Case Series and Suggested Practice Changes.

Enteral feeding pumps at times may deliver different volumes than are prescribed, which can negatively impact growth, nutrition, and well-being. This study sought to assess whether challenges with pump accuracy for patients on food-based formulas contributed to challenges with weight gain. Chart review identified complex feeding patients receiving food-based enteral nutrition via feeding pump with unexpected weight loss. Relevant data, such as enteral formula type, and anthropometric information were extracted. Five complex pediatric feeding patients were identified and 2 of these cases were summarized as representative examples, showing weight loss in children following the introduction of enteral food-based formulas because of feeding pump inaccuracy. Complex pediatric feeding patients may display unexpected and poor weight gain and growth while receiving food-based enteral feeding interventions because of pump errors. It is vital for providers to be aware of these challenges for timely intervention.

Feed Pump Pressure Control System Against Water Turbidity In Depth Filtration Process

This research discusses the feed pump pressure regulation system on water turbidity in the Depth Filtration process. The water purification system applies the depth filtration method by adjusting the speed of the feed pump based on the value of water turbidity. The sensors used are pressure transmitters which are used to measure the filter inlet and outlet pressures, as well as turbidity and conductivity sensors. To adjust the turbidity value of the water according to the clean water standard, the speed of the feed pump is controlled so that the water coming out of the filter outlet is in accordance with the clean water standard. In this system, PID control is applied using ciancone marlin tuning with PID parameters are Kc = 0.214779698, Ti = 0.39875, Td = 0.0625, with these parameters to reach the set point differential pressure requires an average rise time of 9.5 seconds, steady state 18.6 seconds, Settling time 11.8 seconds and over shoot = 2.55% and the value of water turbidity is 16.36 NTU.

Development of a Pressure Control System According to Paste Rheology for Ultrasound Processing in Industrial Olive Oil Extraction

Recent research has demonstrated how ultrasound can benefit the industrial processing of olive paste before oil extraction. However, the absence of a device for controlling pressure inside the sonication cell is a major hindrance to its application. To address this problem, a pneumatic device with a programmable logic controller was implemented to automatically adjust pressure in the sonication cell according to a preset value: its functionality was tested in industrial oil extraction. An experiment was conducted to compare device performance when applied to olive batches with different solid/liquid ratios and differing rheology. The control system adjusted the flow section of the valve at the outlet of the sonication cell and the mass flow rate of the feed pump in order to maintain the pressure preset by the operator. Results indicate that the pressure was 3.0 ± 0.2 bar, 3.5 ± 0.2 bar, and 4.0 ± 0.2 bar when the set point was 3.0 bar, 3.5 bar, and 4.0 bar, respectively: there was thus no significant difference between controlled and set values. This indicates that the device is able to control pressure inside the sonication cell with a maximum deviation of 0.2 bar. In this case, the sonication intensity was stabilized at 135 W/cm2, 150 W/cm2, and 165 W/cm2 at 3.0 bar, 3.5 bar, and 4.0 bar, respectively. This study presents an advancement in ultrasound applications for industrial olive oil extraction: optimal pressure control in the sonication cell.

Comparison of sequential feeding and continuous feeding on the blood glucose of critically ill patients: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial.

Background:Glucose control is an important aspect in managing critically ill patients. The goal of this study was to compare the effects of sequential feeding (SF) and continuous feeding (CF) on the blood glucose of critically ill patients.Methods:A non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was adopted in this study. A total of 62 patients who were fed enteral nutritional suspension through gastric tubes were enrolled. After achieving 80% of the nutrition target calories (25 kcal·kg−1·day−1) through CF, the patients were then randomly assigned into SF and CF groups. In the SF group, the feeding/fasting time was reasonably determined according to the circadian rhythm of the human body as laid out in traditional Chinese medicine theory. The total daily dosage of the enteral nutritional suspension was equally distributed among three time periods of 7 to 9 o’clock, 11 to 13 o’clock, and 17 to 19 o’clock. The enteral nutritional suspension in each time period was pumped at a uniform rate within 2 h by an enteral feeding pump. In the CF group, patients received CF at a constant velocity by an enteral feeding pump throughout the study. Blood glucose values at five points (6:00/11:00/15:00/21:00/1:00) were monitored and recorded for seven consecutive days after randomization. Enteral feeding intolerance was also recorded. Non-inferiority testing was adopted in this study, the chi-square test or Fisher test was used for qualitative data, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for quantitative data to determine differences between groups. In particular, a repeated measure one-way analysis of variance was used to identify whether changes in glucose value variables across the time points were different between the two groups.Results:There were no significant demographic or physiological differences between the SF and CF groups (P > 0.050). The average glucose level in SF was not higher than that in CF (8.8 [7.3–10.3] vs. 10.7 [9.1–12.1] mmol/L, Z = −2.079, P for non-inferiority = 0.019). Hyperglycemia incidence of each patient was more common in the CF group than that in the SF group (38.4 [19.1–63.7]% vs. 11.8 [3.0–36.7]%, Z = −2.213, P = 0.027). Hypoglycemia was not found in either group. Moreover, there was no significant difference during the 7 days in the incidence of feeding intolerance (P > 0.050).Conclusions:In this non-inferiority study, the average blood glucose in SF was not inferior to that in CF. The feeding intolerance in SF was similar to that in CF. SF may be as safe as CF for critically ill patients.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03439618; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT03439618

Comparison of electrophysiological and motility assays to study anthelmintic effects in Caenorhabditis elegans

Currently, only a few chemical drug classes are available to control the global burden of nematode infections in humans and animals. Most of these drugs exert their anthelmintic activity by interacting with proteins such as ion channels, and the nematode neuromuscular system remains a promising target for novel intervention strategies. Many commonly-used phenotypic readouts such as motility provide only indirect insight into neuromuscular function and the site(s) of action of chemical compounds. Electrophysiological recordings provide more specific information but are typically technically challenging and lack high throughput for drug discovery. Because drug discovery relies strongly on the evaluation and ranking of drug candidates, including closely related chemical derivatives, precise assays and assay combinations are needed for capturing and distinguishing subtle drug effects.Past studies show that nematode motility and pharyngeal pumping (feeding) are inhibited by most anthelmintic drugs. Here we compare two microfluidic devices (“chips”) that record electrophysiological signals from the nematode pharynx (electropharyngeograms; EPGs) ─ the ScreenChip™ and the 8-channel EPG platform ─ to evaluate their respective utility for anthelmintic research. We additionally compared EPG data with whole-worm motility measurements obtained with the wMicroTracker instrument. As references, we used three macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin, moxidectin, and milbemycin oxime), and levamisole, which act on different ion channels. Drug potencies (IC50 and IC95 values) from concentration-response curves, and the time-course of drug effects, were compared across platforms and across drugs. Drug effects on pump timing and EPG waveforms were also investigated. These experiments confirmed drug-class specific effects of the tested anthelmintics and illustrated the relative strengths and limitations of the different assays for anthelmintic research.

Partnering With Families of Medically Complex Children Transitioning From the Hospital to Home.

Partnering With Families of Medically Complex Children Transitioning From the Hospital to Home.

Modular Impulsive Green Monopropellant Propulsion System (MIMPS-G): For CubeSats in LEO and to the Moon

Green propellants are currently considered as enabling technology that is revolutionizing the development of high-performance space propulsion, especially for small-sized spacecraft. Modern space missions, either in LEO or interplanetary, require relatively high-thrust and impulsive capabilities to provide better control on the spacecraft, and to overcome the growing challenges, particularly related to overcrowded LEOs, and to modern space application orbital maneuver requirements. Green monopropellants are gaining momentum in the design and development of small and modular liquid propulsion systems, especially for CubeSats, due to their favorable thermophysical properties and relatively high performance when compared to gaseous propellants, and perhaps simpler management when compared to bipropellants. Accordingly, a novel high-thrust modular impulsive green monopropellant propulsion system with a micro electric pump feed cycle is proposed. MIMPS-G500mN is designed to be capable of delivering 0.5 N thrust and offers theoretical total impulse Itot from 850 to 1350 N s per 1U and >3000 N s per 2U depending on the burnt monopropellant, which makes it a candidate for various LEO satellites as well as future Moon missions. Green monopropellant ASCENT (formerly AF-M315E), as well as HAN and ADN-based alternatives (i.e., HNP225 and LMP-103S) were proposed in the preliminary design and system analysis. The article will present state-of-the-art green monopropellants in the (EIL) Energetic Ionic Liquid class and a trade-off study for proposed propellants. System analysis and design of MIMPS-G500mN will be discussed in detail, and the article will conclude with a market survey on small satellites green monopropellant propulsion systems and commercial off-the-shelf thrusters.

Study on the Steam Source Selection of Feed Pump Turbine Based on Energy Matching

The first phase of a power plant has two subcritical 300 MW units, and each boiler feed water pump is equipped with two with 50% capacity steam driven feed pumps and one 50% capacity electric start-up feed pump. The two steam pumps are put into operation during normal operation. After the heat supply transformation in the unit of the first phase of this power plant and based on the calculation and analysis of the heat balance of the unit, it is found that there will be insufficient output of the feed pump due to the insufficient steam source after the flow-through transformation, which will affect the water supply of the unit and reduce the energy utilization rate. To avoid this, the steam source of feed pump turbine needs to be selected again. Taking the original steam turbine condition of feed pump and the original steam source of feed pump turbine as the research basis, this paper makes analysis on the steam source transformation, and concludes the scheme of steam source selection and reconstruction based on energy matching. The feasibility of the scheme is tested and verified finally.