Screw Laboratory Research Articles

Method for Obtaining High-Energy Feed Protein and Fat from Insects

Insects are a valuable and renewable source of feed and food protein and fat. They have an amino acid composition similar to that of fishmeal and meat, and can serve as a worthy replacement for them. The aim of this study was to substantiate the technological parameters of the process of obtaining fat from the Hermetia illucens larvae by a mechanical method on a screw press. A laboratory screw press was used for this research. Before squeezing out the fat, the dried larvae were moistened, crushed and heated in a microwave oven to a temperature of 60 °C. The fat from the larvae was squeezed out in a screw press at different larval moisture levels, screw speeds and cake outlets. The results of this study made it possible to obtain optimal technological parameters for obtaining fat on a screw press: a screw rotation speed of no more than 20 ± 5 rpm; a diameter of the hole for the cake outlet of no more than 7–10 mm; a mass fraction of moisture in the pressed material of 8 ± 2%. The obtained fat fraction was tested for one of the main indicators of fat quality—acid number. It was found that the variable factors do not have a significant effect on the acid number of fat, changing it within the normal range of 10 mg KOH per 1 g of fat, which makes it possible to obtain a good quality product.

Simulation of the operation of two-roll screw piercing of steels of the 13Cr type

The development of new offshore oil and gas fields is impossible when using pipes made of carbon and low-alloy steel grades, due to their inability to effectively withstand an aggressive environment. Therefore, the urgent task of pipe manufacturers is to develop and master the technology of mass production of seamless pipes from martensitic steels with a high chromium content. This article discusses the peculiarities of the technology for the production of seamless pipes from steel grades of the 13Cr type when piercing a billet on a two-roll screw rolling mill with a non-driven guide tool - a ruler. The results of physical modeling at the MISIS laboratory screw rolling mill are presented. To identify the features of the piercing during physical modeling, the elongation coefficient was changed (due to the use of piercing mill mandrels of different diameters and due to a change in the thickness of the sleeve wall), the feed angle was varied, and the workpieces were pierced at different temperatures. In addition, for a comparative analysis, steel 45 was pierced. During the research, the machine time of the piercing and the force on the roll of the piercing mill were recorded. Underrolls were obtained, on which the pitch of the sleeve was measured, and the area of the contact surface of the pierced metal with the rolls was also determined. The energypower parameters of the piercing were evaluated at various settings of the piercing semi-industrial mill "MISiS -130D". To compare the obtained force values, the piercing process was simulated in the QForm software package. As the material of the billet workpiece, the material C.20Сr13 was chosen with deformation resistance characteristics obtained from the results of testing samples on the Gleeble System 3800.

Archimedes screw generator powerplant assessment and field measurement campaign

The Archimedes screw generator (ASG) is a cost-effective, eco-friendly micro-hydropower technology that can operate effectively in low head and moderate flow rate environments. The technology is well suited for distributed micro-hydropower and off-grid energy schemes, and its simple, robust design allows for local manufacturing and installation in developing regions. There are many successful ASG powerplants installed on- and off-grid, particularly in Europe. Archimedes screw generators are largely designed by experience. As such, there is a need for an accurate performance model in the literature to optimize plant design. There is a lack of experimental data in the literature, particularly for large-scale, real-world screw plants. This study sought to gather both qualitative and quantitative data and introduce it to the literature. The authors surveyed and measured various Archimedes screw powerplants in the United Kingdom. The measurements were then added to a larger dataset to validate a CFD simulation across a range of screw sizes: from a small 15 cm diameter laboratory screw to a large 3.5 m diameter powerplant. The authors plan to use the CFD simulation's accurate approximations to further the literature's ASG performance data for a wide range of screw sizes, shapes, and operational parameter.

Application of a laboratory screw decanter to evaluate sludge behaviour in mechanical thickening and dewatering: Preliminary results

Screw decanters are widely applied for sludge concentration, usually assisted by chemical conditioning. Performances and optimal operating parameters are difficult to predict because of non-quantified high shear stresses applied to flocs in industrial devices. Existing laboratory indicators are not able to reproduce all those conditions. This paper presents an evaluation of a new mini screw decanter that should reproduce more accurately the shearing action of the screw on the particles during bowl rotation. The effect of acceleration, relative velocity and feeding conditions on separation performances is investigated, demonstrating a good sensitivity of the method and consistent trends. The separation obtained at lab-scale with the optimal operating parameters is compared for five sludge to full-scale performances, highlighting a good correspondence between both scales results. Finally, the five sludge are compared based on their behavior in relation to their physico-chemical characteristics. The results demonstrated the applicability and consistency of the method.

Development and Performance Investigation of a Laboratory Screw Jack

This study is aimed at developing a screw jack that can be used for experimental demonstration to science students for better understanding of efficiency of a lifting device, mechanical advantage and relationship of effort to load during lifting. The design put into consideration of material selection, cost and easy operational use. The screw jack was put to test under various loads of; 50N, 100N, 150N, 200N and 250N and effort to lift each load, distance travelled by load and effort at different interval was recorded. Graphical relationships from the reading were established for effort vs load and efficiency vs load to show that effort increases with increase in load and efficiency of the screw jack was around >50%. The result also show efficiency and velocity ratio are not constant due to presence of friction in the system.

Symulacyjne i eksperymentalne wyznaczanie parametrów eksploatacyjnych przenośnika ślimakowego

The paper discusses the designing process of screw conveyors, with regard to the determination of the exploitation parameters of such devices with the use of the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The influence of the chosen model input parameters on the results of the simulations was examined. The key parameters which determine the exploitation characteristics of a screw conveyor were identified as follows: the size of a DEM particle, coefficients of internal and external friction. Experimental measurements of the laboratory screw conveyor provided the actual exploitation characteristics of a device used for the transportation of a limestone powder. The comparison of the results of the simulations and experiments gave satisfactory results. For this reason, DEM simulations were identified as an effective tool for determining and optimization of the construction and exploitation parameters of the screw conveyors

An Experimental Technology of Drying and Clean Combustion of Biomass Residues

In the present study, the drying and combustion of solid biomass residues are developed. The combustion of the residues inside a boiler and a stove have been done. We used three types of solid biomass residues (i.e., cork, pine pellet and olive pomace). These residues have been dried by using screw dryers. Experimental installation has been used for a series of thermal drying tests of the residues by measuring the temperature inside the dryer and their moisture contents. A laboratory screw dryer was used to dry the olive pomace by using hot gases from a chimney of a biomass stove. Elemental and proximate analyses, as well as the higher heating value (HHV) of the raw materials, have been determined. In the experiments, moisture content variation of the residues and drying temperatures are obtained. These residues are dried several times under the same drying conditions to achieve the final moisture content rate. On the other hand, the temperature of combustion chamber of the boiler has been measured under different conditions. It has been found that by increasing hot gas temperature, the drying rate is increased. Finally, it has been found that the drying of these residues increases their calorific values and reduces the emissions.

Effects of Processing Parameters on the Quality Characteristics of Oil Extracted from Cashew ( Anarcardium Occidentale ) Kernel

Cashew kernel oil (CKO) is one of the most important edible vegetable oils because of its low cholesterol and monosaccharide nature. In this study, the effects of processing parameter affecting quality of cashew kernel oil were investigated. The extraction analysis was carried out using a laboratory screw press in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi and the quality analysis of CKO extracted was carried out in the chemistry laboratory of the University of Ilorin, Ilorin Nigeria. The study investigated the effects of heating temperature, moisture content, and Pressing time on the iodine value, acid value, peroxide value and free fatty acid of the CKO. The study was considered as a 4×3×3×3 factorial experiment with four levels of heating temperature (80, 90,100 and 110°C), three level of moisture content (7,8 and 9% wb) and three level of pressing time (10, 12 and 15minutes) and in three replication using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with moisture content as a blocking factor. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS20.0 software. The study result established that the heating temperature, moisture content and pressing time have significant effects on the iodine value, acid value, peroxide value and free fatty acid of the CKO at 0.05 confidence limit.

Efecto del riego y la poda en el contenido de componentes menores y ácidos grasos del aceite de oliva virgen varietal Farga

The effect of different irrigation and pruning strategies on the amount of substances related to the oxidative stability of virgin olive oils of the variety Farga (polyphenols, chlorophylls, carotenoids and fatty acids), was analyzed. Four treatments were used: T100%SP (irrigation supplying 100% of the plants’ evaporative transpiration demand (Etc) during the entire cycle, without winter pruning); T50%SP (irrigation supplying 50% of the plants’ Etc from pit hardening to harvest, without winter pruning); T100%CP (irrigation supplying 100%, with pruning) and T50%CP (irrigation supplying 50%, with pruning). The plants’ hydric status was monitored through the stem hydric potential (SHP) at noon, and the soil moisture content and the photosynthetically active incident radiation within the tree branches were determined. The olive sampling was taken from pre-ripening to full maturity. The oil was extracted from the olives by grinding them in a laboratory screw type mill with thermo-kneading. The separation of solid and liquid phases was performed using a hand press and decanter to remove the oil. Chlorophylls and carotenoids (absorbance at 670 nm and 472 nm) and total polyphenols (at 725 nm), were determined by spectrophotometry on the mechanically extracted oil. Fatty acids were determined by capillary gas chromatography (CGC). Oil yield data show no statistical differences between deficit irrigation covering 50% of the ETc and the control treatment, both in plants with or without pruning. The contents of polyphenols, chlorophylls and carotenoids in the oils decrease with fruit ripening, regardless of the initial content and treatment. Deficit irrigation treatments (T 50%) have higher contents of polyphenols (except for pre-envero sampling), chlorophylls and carotenoids. There are no statistically significant differences between treatments with and without pruning.

Pyrolysis of aseptic packages (tetrapak) in a laboratory screw type reactor and secondary thermal/catalytic tar decomposition

Pyrolysis of aseptic packages (tetrapak cartons) in a laboratory apparatus using a flow screw type reactor and a secondary catalytic reactor for tar cracking was studied. The pyrolysis experiments were realized at temperatures ranging from 650°C to 850°C aimed at maximizing of the amount of the gas product and reducing its tar content. Distribution of tetrapak into the product yields at different conditions was obtained. The presence of H2, CO, CH4, CO2 and light hydrocarbons, HCx, in the gas product was observed. The Aluminum foil was easily separated from the solid product. The rest part of char was characterized by proximate and elemental analysis and calorimetric measurements. The total organic carbon in the tar product was estimated by elemental analysis of tars. Two types of catalysts (dolomite and red clay marked AFRC) were used for catalytic thermal tar decomposition. Three series of experiments (without catalyst in a secondary cracking reactor, with dolomite and with AFRC) at temperatures of 650, 700, 750, 800 and 850°C were carried out. Both types of catalysts have significantly affected the content of tars and other components in pyrolytic gases. The effect of catalyst on the tetrapack distribution into the product yield on the composition of gas and on the total organic carbon in the tar product is presented in this work.

Kinetics of thermal decomposition of aseptic packages

AbstractKinetics of thermal decomposition of aseptic packages (e.g. Tetrapak cartons) and pyrolysis of this waste in a laboratory flow reactor was studied. Three different models for the calculation of the reaction rate and the determination of apparent kinetic parameters of thermal decomposition were used. The first method assumes a two stage thermal decomposition and the kinetic parameters were determined by fitting a derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) curve to experimentally determined thermogravimetric data of whole aseptic cartons. The second method uses kinetic parameters determined by fitting DTG curves to thermogravimetric data of individual components of aseptic packages. The last method was a multi-curve isoconversion method assuming a change of kinetic parameters with the increasing conversion. All types of the determined kinetic parameters were used in a mathematical model for thermal decomposition of mini briquettes made from aseptic packages at the temperature of 650°C. The model calculated also the heat conduction in the particles and it was verified by an independent set of experiments conducted in a laboratory screw type flow reactor.

Extraction of pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) seed oil by full pressing

Pennycress is currently being developed as an oilseed crop for biofuel production. Pennycress seeds harvested from a field near Peoria, Illinois, provided our first opportunity to conduct an oil extraction study on a pilot scale. The goals of this study were to determine the effects of seed moisture and cooking on the pressing characteristics of pennycress seeds and to evaluate the quality of the oils extracted. Pennycress seeds (60kg) with 9.5 and 16% moisture contents (MC) were cooked and dried (82–104°C) using a steam-heated 3-deck laboratory seed cooker. The residence times were varied to produce cooked seeds with MCs ranging from 1.0 to 13.0%. The cooked seeds were pressed immediately using a heavy duty laboratory screw press. Pressing rate, press load, and residual oil in the press cakes were determined. The oils extracted were analyzed for solids content (foots), free fatty acid (FFA) content, color, and phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) contents. Pressing uncooked pennycress seeds with 9.5% MC produced press cake with 10.7% oil (db), extracting 75.1% of the oil in the seed. Cooking and drying the seeds between 3 and 4% MC provided the highest oil recovery at 86.3 and 88.0% for seeds with 9.5 and 16% starting seed MC, respectively. The pressing rates and press loads at these MCs were similar. Compared to the oil from uncooked seeds, the oils from cooked seeds had higher foots (1.55–1.73% vs. 0.52%), slightly higher FFA contents (0.40–0.46% vs. 0.30%), and slightly higher red values in AOCS RY color scale (4.1R–6.2R vs. 2.4R). Cooking increased the phosphatide content but the amount was still comparable to degummed oils. The sulfur levels in the expelled oil were higher than the amounts found in rapeseed oil and varied considerably depending on the seed moisture and the extent of cooking employed.

Full‐Press Oil Extraction of Cuphea (PSR23) Seeds

AbstractCuphea PSR23, a semi‐domesticated, high‐capric‐acid hybrid from Cuphea viscosissima × Cuphea lanceolata, is being developed as a potential commercial alternative source of medium‐chain fatty acids. The present study evaluated the effects of initial seed moisture and final moisture contents of cooked flaked seed on Cuphea’s pressing characteristics and the quality of the extracted oil. Seeds with 9 and 12% initial moisture contents (MC) were flaked and cooked at different residence times to produce cooked seeds with MC of 3.0–5.5%. Cooked seeds were pressed using a laboratory screw press. Eighty and 84% oil were extracted from cooked seeds with 5.5 and 3.0% MC, respectively. The seeds with 9% initial MC exhibited lower pressing load increase (9.1 per 1% decrease in MC) than the seeds with 12% initial MC (16.4 per 1% decrease in MC). The pressing rate decreased by 3% as the cooked flaked seed MC decreased. The amount of foots in the oil increased from 3 to 6.6% and chlorophyll content increased from 200 to 260 ppm as cooked flaked seed MC decreased from 5.5 to 3.0%. FFA contents were 2.5% for all treatments MC studied. The phosphatide content increased as the cooked flaked seed MC decreased but the amounts were still within the levels of water‐degummed oil.

Soil conditioning of sand for EPB applications: A laboratory research

EPB tunnelling requires the application of soil conditioning to increase its field of applicability particularly for cohesionless soils. Choosing the most suitable conditioning set for the various soils requires the use of a feasible laboratory test which can permit to define the characteristics of the conditioned soils and provide measurable data. A series of tests has been carried out using a laboratory screw conveyor device which was designed for this purpose and which simulates the extraction of the spoil from a pressure chamber in a similar way as in EPB tunnelling. The tested soils were medium-grain sands with varying amounts of silt and the tested conditioned mixtures were obtained with different water contents and amounts of foam. A simple slump test was also used to analyze the global characteristics of the conditioned soils. The test has shown that the proposed laboratory procedure permits a quantitative comparison to be made between different conditioning amounts and agents on the basis of measurable parameters.

00/03536 Pyrolysis of auto shredder residue: experiments with a laboratory screw kiln reactor

00/03536 Pyrolysis of auto shredder residue: experiments with a laboratory screw kiln reactor

Pyrolysis of auto shredder residue: experiments with a laboratory screw kiln reactor

The pyrolysis of automobile shredder residue (ASR) has been studied using a laboratory scale screw kiln reactor with a feed rate of about 100 g h −1. Pyrolysis at temperatures between 500 and 750°C resulted in the production of gas, liquid and solid fractions with hydrocarbon yields of the organic fraction present in the feed increasing from 60–85% with increasing pyrolysis temperature. While the hydrocarbon pyrolysis product yield increased with pyrolysis temperature, the yield of the oil fraction was higher at the lower pyrolysis temperatures. The composition of the pyrolysis oil also changed with pyrolysis temperature, containing larger quantities of aliphatic compounds at the lower temperatures than at higher temperatures where aromatics were the major compounds. Many of the liquid pyrolysis products have been identified including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as well as organo nitrogen, sulphur and chlorine compounds. The data obtained have been compared with that obtained from a process using short pyrolysis residence times.

The effect of rapeseed treatment by microwave and radio-frequency application on oil extraction and oil quality. Part I: Influence on mechanical oil extraction

The effect of a pretreatment of rapeseed with microwaves and radio-frequency energy on the oil yield and on the oil quality was investigated. Rapeseed samples were treated in an experimental microwave applicator and in an experimental radio-frequency applicator at different temperatures. Duration of treatment and the power applied were also varied. Afterwards the samples were pressed in a laboratory screw press and the exploitation rate was calculated. Results showed that pretreatment led to an obvious increase of the exploitation rate. The important parameters for this effect are temperature of pretreatment and power applied. Time of pretreatment is of lower importance. Further investigations also showed an influence of the pretreatment on quality parameters of the oil. These results are presented in the second part of this article The Effect of Rapeseed Pretreatment by Microwave- and RF-application on Oil Extraction and Oil Quality - Part II. Influence on Oil Quality.

Pilot‐plant scale grinding and pressing of jojoba seeds

AbstractJojoba seeds were successfully milled at ambient temperature using a modified 8 in. single disk attri‐tion mill. Rates to 4000 lb/hr at low energy input (1.7 kwh/ton) were achieved. The oil was expressed with a laboratory screw press at yields from 27. to 33.6%. Multiple linear regression analysis showed the oil yield to be a function of the motor amperage and feed moisture content. The press throughput rate was a function of the motor amperage and the amount of fine and coarse particles in the milled feed.

Improved Laboratory Screw Clamp

Improved Laboratory Screw Clamp