Intensification Factor Research Articles

STUDY OF THE PROPERTIES OF RAPESEED AS A DRYING OBJECT

The study of the properties of rapeseed as an object of drying involves knowledge of physico-mechanical, hygroscopic, chemical and thermophysical, characteristics. The physico-mechanical properties of seeds include: size and shape, aerodynamic properties, surface condition, specific gravity, porosity and flowability of the grain mass, packing density of the grain mass, bulk and absolute weight, color, hydraulic resistance. The chemical and mineral composition of rapeseed was analyzed, it is rich in oil content (40-45%), proteins (25-26%), and also rich in potassium (979 mg) and phosphorus (840 mg).Hygroscopic characteristics include studies of the equilibrium humidity of rapeseed under the influence of relative humidity and air temperature. The need to dry rape to 8% reduces biochemical processes in the middle of the material, which improves the quality and does not spoil the seeds. Thermophysical characteristics increase with an increase in the temperature of the coolant and the moisture content of rapeseed. Formulas for calculating the specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity coefficient of rapeseed from the humidity of the material and the temperature of the heat carrier are given. To determine the qualitative characteristics of rapeseed, a method of determining biochemical parameters is presented. Determining biochemical indicators such as germination and germination energy of rapeseed before and after drying allows finding rational regimes. Determined factors of intensification during drying of rapeseed are as follows: increase in driving force, increase in kinetic coefficients, increase in the contact surface of the grain with the coolant. An increase in driving force due to an increase in the difference in moisture content and temperature of the coolant and grain. An increase in the kinetic coefficients is achieved due to an increase in the coefficients of heat transfer, thermal conductivity and drying. An increase in the contact surface of the grain with the coolant is possible due to the activation of the surface and the creation of a loose, pseudo-liquefied or suspended grain layer.

Mass transfer intensification of slug flow by interfacial deformation at low flow rate in the microchannels with periodic expansion units

Liquid-liquid slug flow has great application potential in many fields. The effective intensification of mass transfer is an important impetus for its wider application. However, it still lacks a method which can intensify its mass transfer at low flow-rate without slug breakup. Hereon, the periodic expansion microchannel is used to induce the interface deformation of the droplets in slug flow to strengthen mass transfer. Concentration field obtained by experimental analysis, and velocity field obtained through numerical simulation are used to investigate the influence of expansion structure on the mass transfer mechanism of liquid–liquid slug flow. The regulating mechanism of mass transfer is disclosed by investigating the effect of operating conditions on the volumetric mass transfer coefficient kLa and intensification factor E. Optimized E can reach up to 1.5. Introducing expansion structures could intensify the mass transfer of slug flow in a microchannel with low energy consumption.

Interregional interaction in the industrial sector of the economy: assessment methods and intensification factors

This article presents the results of a study of interregional interaction in the industrial sector of the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authors propose a methodical approach to assessing the interaction of regions through the cargo traffics of industrial goods. The most important parameters reflecting the intensity of interregional interaction are determined, and an index is proposed, on the basis of which it is possible to control both the level of interregional interaction in general and each parameter separately. The substantiation of the factors influencing the level and intensity of interregional economic interaction is given. Based on a comparative analysis of the structures of regional economic systems and cargo traffics of industrial goods in Kazakhstan, it was revealed that the highest intensity of interaction is observed between regions with a similar economic structure. At the same time, such indicators as the value of the gross regional product and the level of economic diversification do not significantly affect either the volume of interaction or the number of connections.

Structure of maize yield depending on the fertilizer system in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest Steppe

Aim. the research was to determine the manifestation of the influence of individual components of the corn crop structure on the formation of grain yield under the influence of weather conditions and fertilization systems. Methods. The research was carried out in a long-term stationary experiment of the Department of Agrochemistry and Soil Science of the Uman National University of Horticulture on podzolized heavy loam chernozem. The mass of 1000 grains was determined according to DSTU 4138-2000. Analysis of the structure of the harvest according to the "Methodology of the state variety testing of agricultural crops". Results. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that the yield of corn increased by 25–39 % under the mineral fertilization system, 25–53 % organic, and 28–59 % organic-mineral, depending on the doses of fertilizers. The dependences of the fertilization system on the indicators of the structure of the corn crop are clarified and those that change the most under the influence of the factors of intensification of the cultivation technology are singled out. Under the influence of fertilizer, the biometric parameters of the cob increased by 4–10 %, and the number of grain rows increased by 0,3–1,7 pieces. The variability of these signs was weak (V = 5 %). The number of grains in a cob significantly increased under the influence of fertilizer– by 5–20 % with the average variability of the trait – V=11 %. The mass of grain from the cob varied reliably depending on weather conditions and fertilizer doses in the range from 100,9 to 226,2 g with a very high coefficient of variation – 25,3 %. Conclusions. Correlational dependences were revealed and a strong closeness between structure indicators and corn grain yield was established. It was established that the correlation coefficient between grain yield and cob length was r = 0,94, the number of grain rows – r = 0,84, and the weight of grain from one cob – r = 0,99. The obtained data can be used to optimize the fertilization system and the structure of corn crops in the Right Bank Forest Steppe depending on weather conditions.

Effect of combining multi-jet component with axial swirl blade on evaporation in a spouted bed

To improve the fluidization behavior and the heat and mass transfer process in a spouted bed, a multi-jet–axial-swirl-blade spouted bed (MJ-ASB SB) was developed. The water evaporation process of the MJ-ASB SB was simulated and compared with those of the conventional spouted bed (CSB) and an integral multi-jet spout-fluidized bed (IMJSFB). The simulation results showed that the MJ-ASB SB combined the staged spouting action of multi-jet with the swirling action of the axial swirl blade, which promoted particle turbulence in the annulus region and ensured effective particle mixing. The swirl number of the MJ-ASB SB ranged from 0.0816 to 2.7239 with enhanced vortex intensity, thus promoting momentum and heat transfer of gas and particles in the spouted bed. The MJ-ASB SB had a higher slip velocity than the other two bed types, which indicates that the combined internal structure could improve the fluidization state of the bed and intensify the movement and mixing of phases in the spouted bed. The three-phase temperature, water evaporation rate, and gas humidity of the MJ-ASB SB were higher than those of the CSB and IMJSFB, and water evaporation occurred in an enlarged region in the MJ-ASB SB. The mass transfer intensification factors I of the MJ-ASB SB (2.62) and IMJSFB (1.92) were 91% and 161% higher than that of the CSB (1), respectively, indicating that the combined internal structure of the MJ-ASB SB significantly contributed to the water evaporation process.

Effect of the novel combined internal devices on gas−solid flow behavior in spouted beds

To reduce the flow dead zone in spouted beds (SBs), a novel multi-jet–axial swirl blade spouted bed (MJ-ASB SB) is proposed. Experimental verification and simulation analyses of the MJ-ASB SB, a conventional SB (CSB), and an integral multi-jet spout-fluidized bed (IMJSFB) were carried out. The simulation results showed that the combined structure resulted in more powerful turbulence, better radial mixing of particles in the spouting and annulus regions, and improved the flow−field uniformity. The intensification factor of the MJ-ASB SB was more than 20%, which was better than that of the IMJSFB, and the enhancement factors of the gas and particle velocities were four and five times those of the IMJSFB, respectively. Optimal structural parameters were obtained by analyzing the different structural parameters of the novel internal devices, and it was found that particle fluidization in the MJ-ASB SB was best when the height ratio ξ was 3, the width ratio was 1.3 and the rotation was clockwise.

Analysis of statistical parameters of development and introduction of innovative technologies in branches of the Russian economy

These effects and intensification factors look different in different sectors of the Russian economy. Accordingly, we can distinguish those that have the lowest values of indicators of innovation development. For them, the measures to intensify the innovative activities of its economic agents are most relevant. The article presents the results of statistical analysis of parameters of development and introduction of innovative technologies. The article is based on the analysis of statistical parameters of development and introduction of innovative technologies. Form 1-Technology became the basis for this analysis. It presents data on so-called «advanced production technologies», managed «by computer», based on «microelectronics and /or the use of digital technologies». By a group of selected industries for the period 2020-2021. the authors conducted an analysis of the effects of the introduction of technologies and obstacles to their implementation. Keywords: innovation, innovative technologies, technology transfer.

АКТИВАЦІЯ ПРОЦЕСІВ МАСОПЕРЕНОСУ ПРИ ДИФУЗІЙНОМУ ЗВАРЮВАННІ У ТЛІЮЧОМУ РОЗРЯДІ

The paper examines the effect of ion treatment of contacting surfaces on the activation of mass transfer processes during diffusion welding of metals. Using the example of welding titanium alloys, stainless steel with armco-iron and steel 45, it was determined that the preliminary ion cleaning of the welded surfaces in a glow discharge in an argon environment significantly reduces the time of the incubation period associated with the diffusional absorption of oxygen layers adsorbed on the surface, and provides a reduction in time isothermal aging until the maximum strength of the connection is reached.It is also shown that to ensure the strength of the welded joint at the level of strength of the base metal, it is sufficientto form a transition layer with a thickness of 3...4 microns, which experiences the largest plastic deformations at the first stage of welding. A further increase in the thickness of the transition layer practically does not lead to an increase in strength.Ionic activation of the surfaces to be joined, which is carried out in a vacuum chamber immediately before welding, provides an increase in the diffusion coefficient in the transition zone by approximately three times compared to standard surface preparation by washing them in solvents, and by almost two orders of magnitude compared to the self-diffusion coeffi-cient of the elements. It was established that when welding stainless steel with steel 45, the efficiency of ion activation of surfaces decreases, which is due to the reductive nature of the interaction of carbon contained in the composition of steel 45 in a significant amount, with oxides in the welding zone.It is shown that the most effective application of ionic activation of surfaces during diffusion welding of metals that arehomogeneous or similar in chemical composition, when there is no such important factor of intensification of mass transfer processes as the concentration gradient of elements in the welding zone, as well as metals that contain a small amount of reducing elements, in particular, carbon

Innovative organization and increase of efficiency of agricultural melioration measures of Uzbekistan

Global population growth and the deepening of globalization processes make it necessary to increase the production of food and other material goods for human consumption in proportion and to improve their quality from an environmental point of view. The analysis shows that in world practice, this problem is often solved by extensive factors, mainly by expanding the area under agricultural crops. However, the limited amount of available arable land is estimated at Rs 1,500 mln. hectares. Therefore, it can be said that almost all the reserves of arable land have been used by mankind. Therefore, the development of additional lands and the prevention of the possible ecological crisis, and on this basis the efficient use of arable land, in turn, necessitates the reproduction of natural resources on the basis of innovative solutions and ensuring a balance between human economic activity. The role of land melioration as one of the factors of intensification of agricultural production is high and plays a primary and key role in ensuring the efficiency of the sector.

IMPACT OF PRODUCTION INTENSIFICATION ON BIOLOGICAL YIELD AND STRUCTURE OF THE WINTER WHEAT HARVEST UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE CENTRAL BLACK SOIL REGION

One of the leading factors of intensification of cultivation processes of agricultural products is crop rotation. Mineral fertilizers are also an essential element of farming systems. The aim of the work was to determine the influence of these two factors and their combinations on biological yield and structure of winter wheat harvest. The studies were carried out in 2019-2021 on stationary field experiment of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Agricultural Kursk Research Center in Medvenskiy district of Kursk region. The soil is typical heavy loamy black soil. Winter wheat was cultivated in 3 crop rotations, where the forecrops were black fallow, green manure fallow (peas) and sown fallow (horse beans). The scheme of the experiment included for 4 levels of fertilization: without fertilizers, N60P60K60, N80P80K80, N100P100K100 kg a.i. per 1 ha. Black fallow showed the highest biological yield on high background of fertilization, as for medium and low fertilization, and also without fertilizers - on green manure. Increase of doses of mineral fertilizers provided a yieldincrease. Total and productive bushiness of winter wheat was higher in combination with green manure fallow, and the weight of 1000 grains and the number of grains in the wheat head of the main stem were higher in case of black fallow. The harvest structure parameters were lower in crop rotationthan in the other two rotations. A tendency ofparameter increase of the harvest structure was revealed: total and productive bushiness, weight of 1000 grains, the number of grains in the wheat head of the main stem in case of fertilizationlevelincrease. A close positive relationship was established between the biological yield of the crop and the total (r = 0.958) and productive (r = 0.956) bushiness, as well as the number of grains in the wheat head of the main stem (r = 0.911).

Generation of chemical deposits on fused silica optics and their modulation on the light intensity distribution.

Deposited substances generated from hydrofluoric acid based (HF-based) etching are found to be the precursors that deteriorate the resistance of fused silica optics to laser damage. In this paper, the surface of polished fused silica was treated with a buffer oxide etchant (BOE, 5-10%wt. HF + 10%wt. N H 4 F+80-85% w t.H 2 O). The optic surface area affected by the etching-induced deposits (N H 4)S i F 6 was found to increase significantly with the amount of material removal and sensitivity to the post-cleaning procedure. Three shapes of deposited particles are simultaneously identified on the treated samples. The 3D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) was used to simulate the light field distribution near the deposited particles, which demonstrates that fused silica is subject to more light modulation when a particle is exposed on the front surface laser than on the rear surface laser. In addition, dense particles barely increase the light intensification factor (LIF) while markedly increase the light focused probability inside fused silica. Moreover, a multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis for the LIF builds a fitting plane model of the LIF and the particle height as well as the horizontal size, revealing that the LIF increases with the size of the deposited particle, especially its height. The laser damage testing results indicate that a deposited layer of ∼76n m in height had little influence on the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of the optics and larger deposited particles with up to 9µm thickness may deteriorate the LIDT to 41.62% that of the reference sample. Both the simulation and experimental results demonstrate that deposited particles with a height of more than 0.1µm should be inhibited to achieve fused silica with superior laser damage performance.

Role of microstructure reactivity and surface diffusion in explaining flash (ultra-rapid) sintering kinetics

The competition between sintering and coarsening is cited by numerous authors as one of the potential factors for explaining the ultra-rapid sintering kinetics of flash sintering. In particular, surface diffusion is a mechanism decreasing the driving force of sintering by changing the initial highly reactive microstructures (particle contact) into poorly reactive porous skeleton structures (spherical porosity). We show by finite element simulations that flash SPS experiments high specimen temperatures close to 2000 °C. These high temperatures are not sufficient to explain the ultra-rapid sintering kinetics if typical spherical pore theoretical moduli are employed. On the contrary, reactive experimentally determined moduli succeed in explaining the ultra-rapid sintering kinetics. Mesoscale simulations evidenced that the origin of such reactive experimental moduli is a porous skeleton geometry with a significant delay in surface diffusion and particle rearrangement. This highlights the important role of the surface diffusion negation (favoring higher stress intensification factor) in flash sintering.

A quantitative assessment of the number of disease foci in papillary thyroid cancer

AimMultifocality is a frequent feature of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Its prognostic value is controversial although national guidelines recommend treatment intensification if present. However, multifocality is not a binary but discrete variable. This study aimed to examine the association between increasing number of foci and risk of recurrence following treatment. Methods577 patients with PTC were identified with median follow-up of 61 months. Number of foci were taken from pathology reports. Log-rank test was used to assess significance. Multivariate analysis was performed and Hazard Ratios were calculated. ResultsOf 577 patients, 206(35%) had multifocal disease and 36(6%) recurred. 133(23%), 89(15%) and 61(11%) had 3+, 4+ or 5+ foci respectively. The 5-year RFS stratified by number of foci was 95%v93% for 2+foci (p = 0.616), 95%v96% for 3+foci (p = 0.198) and 89%v96% for 4+foci (p = 0.022). The presence of 4 foci was associated with an over 2-fold risk of recurrence (HR 2.296, 95% CI 1.106–4.765, p = 0.026) although this was not independent of TNM staging. Of the 206 multifocal patients, 31(5%) had 4+foci as their sole risk factor for treatment intensification. ConclusionAlthough multifocality per se does not confer worse outcome in PTC, finding 4+foci is associated with worse outcome and could therefore be appropriate as a cut-off for treatment intensification. In our cohort, 5% of patients had 4+foci as a sole indication for treatment intensification, suggesting that such a cut off could impact clinical management.

INFLUENCE OF FOLIAR MINERAL NUTRITION ON BIOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF HOME PLUM VARIETIES IN HYPERARID CONDITIONS OF THE NORTHERN CASPIAN REGION

An important factor of horticulture intensification in all areas of fruit crops is a balanced mineral nutrition, which includes both introduction of main elements of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and foliar dressing with macro- and microelements. This is especially vital for plums which is characterized by a high removal of nutrients, particularly, potassium and calcium. The article presents results of the influence of foliar mineral nutrition on home plum varieties to justify for usageon light chestnut soils in the Northern Caspian region under arid conditions. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of foliar dressing with macro- and microfertilizers on biometric parameters (increase ofbole circumference, extension shoots, seed-bud preservation) of plum varieties on light chestnut soils of Astrakhan region. The study was carried out at the experimental site of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Caspian Agrarian Federal Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences". The experimental plot was laid in 2014. Records and observations were carried out in 2019-2021. The research material includedBogatyrskaya, Volgogradskaya, Zainap plum varieties and foliar feeding with Master 18:18:18, Aquarin, Ultramag boron and Ultramag calcium. As a result of the research, it was found that intensification of vital processes of plants can be traced by increase of the bole circumference, the length of annual shoots, seed-bud preservation, which ultimately has a positive effect on yieldincrease. As far as foliar dressing in various phases of plumdevelopment is concerned, top dressing with Aquarinin combination with Ultramag boron and Ultramag calcium is the most effective.

Improving the quality of farmland, taking into account land reclamation in the Turkestan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The problem of preserving and increasing soil fertility is becoming increasingly important due to the sharp deterioration of their condition, increasing degradation. The further development of agriculture in the republic is determined by the improvement of its structure, the wider use of innovative resource-saving technologies and integrated reclamation systems. Purpose – the article deals with the use of agricultural land, taking into account irrigation systems in the Turkestan region. Methods – statistical processing to obtain quantitative and effective indicators, as well as comparative analysis and synthesis, a systematic approach. Results – obtaining the main indicators made it possible to carry out calculations to determine technical and economic indicators that identify the strengths and weaknesses of the development of agroindustrial complex, which will make it possible in the future to develop a forecast for creation of investment projects in the sectors of agriculture of Kazakhstan. The distribution of the land fund of the region by land categories is shown, the analysis of composition of agricultural lands by types, their division into reclamation groups is given. The authors note that the potential for intensifying the branches of domestic agro-industrial complex may be the restoration of irrigated areas with reconstruction of reclamation facilities. With the rational use of land and correct implementation of work aimed at improving their quality, taking into account regional characteristics, technical level and efficiency of irrigation devices, productivity of agricultural land will increase. Conclusions – the features of land reclamation and unsettled areas imply a purposeful social production activity, which objective is to provide a variety of natural resources and a favorable environment. Land reclamation is an important factor in intensification of agricultural production, opening up wide reserves for in creasing productivity and creating a solid fodder base for livestock breeding. A digital platform for reclamation water management system should be developed. As a result, there will be a signi ficant increase in the effectiveness of field crop production.

Design and operational considerations of packed-bed membrane reactor for distributed hydrogen production by methane steam reforming

Methane steam reforming will still account for most of hydrogen production in the coming decades. Membrane reactor can play a key role in both energy saving and process/equipment compactness, particularly for its decentralized applications. Here we design a particles-based packed-bed membrane reactor and explore the operational window and design challenges by conducting systematic study experimentally and computationally, particularly emphasizing geometrical scale of membrane reactor and catalyst activity. The results show that membrane reactor presents maximum hydrogen flux by consuming unit methane under the optimized operation conditions of GHSV (i.e., 1134 hr−1) and steam-to-carbon ratio (i.e., 2), and computational study shows that optimal operation window is around 30 atm and 773.15 K. Moreover, the design criteria of “Catalyst activity – Membrane performance – Radial depth” is revealed quantitatively and catalyst activity is identified as the key limiting factor for further process intensification. Briefly, these results shed some lights on operation, optimal design, and further improvement of membrane reactor in methane steam reforming.

Influence of radiation diurnal variation on the rapid intensification process of super Typhoon Rammasun (1409) in the South China Sea

In this study, a sensitivity experiment based on a numerical model is conducted to study the influence of the diurnal variation of radiation on the rapid intensification process of Super Typhoon Rammasun (1409) in the South China Sea. The result shows that changing the radiation process can change the onset time of the rapid intensification process of the typhoon and its maximum intensity. Vertical wind shear is a key factor in the TC rapid intensification influenced by diurnal radiation cycle, and the diurnal variation of radiation process causes obvious diurnal variation in vertical wind shear by changing the thermal difference between sea and land. The oscillation of vertical wind shear promotes the diurnal variation of the typhoon rainband, with an opposite variation trend in the control and sensitivity experiments, affecting the local convective available potential energy and inward transport of entropy and thus influencing the onset time of deep convective in the typhoon inner core region. By changing the establishment of the typhoon warm core (especially the upper-level warm core), deep convections finally affect the rapid intensification of the typhoon.

Variability of Environmental Conditions for Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification in the Western North Pacific

Abstract How environmental conditions vary among rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones (TCs) and which factors can help offset negative factors for intensification were examined using a dataset of geostationary satellites and environmental diagnostics. The dataset contains TCs in the western North Pacific from 1995 to 2020. A cluster analysis was performed to classify different morphologies of TC cloud patterns at the onset of rapid intensification (RI). Six clusters were identified, and each cluster had a distinct set of environmental conditions. Three clusters (clusters 1, 3, and 5) had some conditions unfavorable for RI. Cluster 1 TCs were exposed to moderate vertical (850–200 hPa) shear (∼6 m s−1). Relatively high sea surface temperature, a moist environment, and movement toward environments with weak vertical shear, high equivalent potential temperature, and high ocean heat content are potential factors that resist the effects of vertical shear. Cluster 3 TCs were characterized by a large 30-kt wind radius and moderate vertical shear (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1). Large storm size and a moist environment caused by large-scale, strong, low-level convergence are possible factors for vortex resiliency against shear. Cluster 5 TCs were located in a very dry environment. Weak vertical shear and small storm size are factors that may offset the negative effects of dry air and ocean cooling. The results suggest that in the case of RI with negative conditions for intensification, other factors can offset the negative impacts of those conditions and that suitable combinations of environmental conditions and TC structural features are important for RI.

Mineralogical and processing features of Khibiny apatitenepheline ores

This article discusses various process intensification factors for the processing of Khibiny apatite-nepheline ores . It includes an overview of the available intensification solutions for the stages of crushing, grinding, and flotation. According to the authors, finer crushing is advisable. With the ore strength varying between 22 and 160 MPa, finer crushing would allow the plant feed to be sorted by physical properties and apatite grades. At the grinding stage, apatite liberation should be monitored with due account of its genetic feature: it is present in the ore in two forms, as free coarse-grained particles and as bound fine-crystalline particles in poikiloblasts in rock-forming minerals. The strength values are 32 MPa for the free apatite and 180–190 MPa for the poikiloblasts; therefore, apatite liberation is a two-stage process. Apatite flotation is negatively affected by higher concentrations of Sr and REE, which replace CaO in the apatite structure and contribute to the formation of Na on the surface of the crystal lattice. Changes in the lattice cell structure may inhibit apatite flotation. The total concentration of SrO + REE2O3 varies in the Khibiny Mountains apatite between 1 and 57 wt%. A change in the apatite properties possibly occurs at Σ (5.36SrO + 2.05REЕ2O3) = 7.41 wt% with Na2O at approximately 0.5 wt%.The authors would like to thank S. A. Bogdanov, Chief Mineral Engineer at NWPC JSC, and A. S. Maslyakov, Mineralogist at the Quality Control Department of NWPC JSC, for their most valuable comments.The work has been completed in the framework of Research Topic No. 0226-2019-0053 of the Geological Institute of the Kola Science Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Vacuum-enhanced anaerobic fermentation: Achieving process intensification, thickening and improved hydrolysis and VFA yields in a single treatment step

This study assessed the feasibility of a novel vacuum-enhanced anaerobic digestion technology, referred to as IntensiCarbTM (IC), under mild vacuum pressure (110 mbar), compared to a control (conventional fermenter), and evaluated the impact of the vacuum on the activities of various microbial groups. Both fermenters (test and control) were operated with mixed (50% v/v) municipal sludge at solids concentrations of 2–2.5%, pH of 7.8–8.1, 40–45 °C, a theoretical solids retention time (SRT) of 3 days with different hydraulic retention times (HRT). The intensification factor (IF) of the IC, defined as SRT/HRT, was controlled at 1.3 and 2.0. Simultaneous thickening and fermentation intensification were achieved. Compared with the control, the IC, despite the shorter HRTs, achieved 29.5 to 90.2% increase in the VFA yield (79 to 116 mg ΔVFA/ g VSS vs 61 mg ΔVFA/ g VSS), and 16.2% to 56.4% increase (280 to 377 mg ΔsCOD/ g VSS vs 241 mg ΔsCOD/ g VSS), in the hydrolysis yield. Fermentate from the IC exhibited comparable specific denitrification rates to acetate. Further, the solids-free condensate contained low nutrient concentrations, and thus was far superior to a typical centrates from dewatering as a carbon source. No adverse effects of vacuum on the activity of fermentative bacteria and methanogens were observed. This study demonstrated that the IC can be deployed as an intensification technology for both fermentation and anaerobic digestion of biosolids with the additional significant advantage, i.e. elimination of sidestream ammonia treatment requirements.