Plant Maintenance Research Articles

Rancangan Sistem Pakar Perawatan Strawberi Pada Desa Ronga-Ronga Kabupaten Bener Meriah

One of the strawberry plant species, Fragaria chiloensis L, has spread to various countries in America, Europe and Asia. In the maintenance of strawberry plants, one of the obstacles that are often faced is disease. Disease is a condition where the plant is disturbed or hampered which is caused not from pests, it will cause several shortcomings including our lack of knowledge in plant care, the number of crop failures in plants and the decline in sales prices due to failed harvest quality. Therefore, several solutions are needed, such as: (1) Creating a system to provide information to farmers in caring for strawberry plants. (2) Make it easier for the community and farmers to find web-based information to increase their crop yields, and (3) improve the quality of their crop yields so that the sales value increases.

Vascular plant communities and biocrusts act as controlling factors in mitigating soil erosion on the Great Wall in a semi-humid area of Northwestern China

The Great Wall, a World Heritage Site and a vertical wall habitat, is under threat of soil erosion. The role of vascular plants and biocrust in controlling soil erosion has attracted attention, yet our knowledge of the underlying mechanism is limited, and there is a lack of systematic strategies for erosion prevention and control. In this study, we quantified the vascular plant community functional composition (including species diversity, functional diversity, and community-weighted mean), biocrust coverage, and soil erosion levels associated with seven different zones (lower, middle, and upper zones on East and West faces, plus wall crest) of the Great Wall. We then employed a combination of linear regression analysis, random forest model, and structural equation model to evaluate the individual and combined effects, as well as the direction and relative importance of these factors in reducing soil erosion. The results indicated that the vascular plant species richness, species diversity, functional richness, community-weighted mean, and moss crust coverage decreased significantly from the crest to the lower zone of the Great Wall (P < 0.05), and were negatively correlated with the soil erosion area and depth on both sides of the Great Wall (P < 0.05). This suggests that higher zones on the wall favored the colonization and growth of biocrusts and vascular plants and that biocrusts and vascular plants reduced soil erosion on the wall. Based on these findings, we propose a “restoration framework” for managing soil erosion on walls, based on biocrust and vascular plant communities (namely target species selection, plant community construction, biocrust inoculation, and maintenance of community stability), which aims to address the urgent need for more effective soil erosion prevention and control strategies on the Great Wall and provide practical methods that practitioners can utilize.

Determining The Contract Service Strategy at Coal Terminal Maintenance to Address Contractor’s Inability to Maintain Availability of Fixed Plants in Supporting Shipments Activities at PTKPC a Case Study PTKPC, East Kutai, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

PTKPC, a coal producer, was facing challenges due to a permit transition in December 2021 from Coal Mining Contract of Work (PKP2B) to Special Mining Business License (IUPK). This change increases operational costs with added royalty rates, value-added tax, and profit-sharing obligations. To address this issue, the company decided to streamline contractors in each department in all business units, consolidating various tasks under one umbrella contract. The goal is to provide a big volume of work, potentially lowering rates and reducing PTKPC’s operational costs. However, relying on a single contractor for crucial operations, as seen in the Coal Terminal Maintenance Department (CTMD), introduces risks. The sole contract winner, PTPB, struggles to meet obligations since the contract’s initiation on December 1, 2021. The average contract fulfillment since commencement date is 86% of 100% desired target, disrupting fixed plant Coal Terminal maintenance activities. Physical availability is 93%, below the 94% target, increasing CTMD’s maintenance costs by $0.059 per ton. This research seeks to identify the root causes of PTPB’s inability to fulfill contractual duties and explore alternative solutions. and then from all the existing alternatives, what is the best alternative in responding to this condition. Utilizing primary and secondary data from PTPB’s monthly proforma invoices, contract scope, and CTMD’s monthly reports, the research employs methodologies like problem tree analysis and stakeholder analysis to unravel business complexities and identify root cause of the problems. Qualitative data collection methods, including focused group discussions (FGD) and semi-structured interviews, will be used to determine alternatives. These alternatives will be assessed using the Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) methodology. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology, assisted by the AHP Super Decision application, will determine the best alternative: the “Implementation of Warnings and Penalties to PTPB”. Implementing this alternative demonstrates PTKPC’s commitment to stakeholders, ensuring contractor accountability without disrupting fixed plant maintenance. Penalty funds will support CTMD’s financial viability, funding additional resources for tasks beyond PTPB’s capacity. This strategy may be applied to other contracts within PTKPC.

Possible melatonin-induced salt stress tolerance pathway in Phaseolus vulgaris L. using transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses

Melatonin plays important roles in multiple stress responses; however, the downstream signaling pathway and molecular mechanism remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the transcriptional regulation of melatonin-induced salt stress tolerance in Phaseolus vulgaris L. and identify the key downstream transcription factors of melatonin through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. The melatonin-induced transcriptional network of hormones, transcription factors, and functional genes was established under both control and stress conditions. Among these, eight candidate transcription factors were identified via gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, one gene related to transmembrane transport of salts (Phvul.004G177300). These genes may play a role in maintaining the cell structure and excreting sodium ions outside the cell or transporting them to the vacuoles for storage. Melatonin regulates the Phvul.009G210332 gene and metabolites C05642 (N-acetyl-N-2-formyl-5-methoxycanurine), C05643 (6-hydroxymelatonin), C05660 (5-methoxyindoleacetic acid) involved in tryptophan metabolism. The metabolites C05642 and C05643 were identified as decomposition products of tryptophan, indicating that exogenous melatonin entered the P. vulgaris tissue and was metabolized. Melatonin promotes the synthesis and metabolism of tryptophan, which is crucial to plant metabolism, growth, maintenance, and repair.

Optimal maintenance system for offshore wind turbines

In the last years, the industry of wind power generators has developed in many aspects. The offshore plants have some benefits over the onshore ones but their implementation is really expensive. Based in that cost, this paper describes the importance of applying an optimal maintenance based in priorities and cost. It also studies the maintenance types and proposes a scheme of maintenance for offshore plants.

Operation and Maintenance in Solar Plants: Eight study cases

The use of solar photovoltaic generation is growing up nowadays. New developments have been achieved lowering the prices of the modules and their installation. Nevertheless, the operation and maintenance of these plants still needs improvements in order to enhance their efficiency and economic balance. This paper presents a detailed analysis of eight photovoltaic (PV) plants revealing improvements on the monitoring system and the maintenance procedures. The common failures in PV plants have been established and their losses have been estimated. A correct diagnostic method using good information and monitoring systems could have reduced the losses.

Optimizing Biomass Pre-Treatment Technologies for BBJP Plants in Indonesia: A Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach

The challenges of energy consumption and environmental sustainability are pronounced in the dynamic landscape of contemporary industries driven by Industry 4.0 technologies. Indonesia, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, charts a course toward a clean energy future with a National Energy Transition Roadmap for Net Zero Emission by 2060. This transition involves innovative strategies such as biomass co-firing and waste utilization in Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) plants, known as Bahan Bakar Jumputan Padat (BBJP) plants. To optimize these BBJP plants, this study employs Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodologies, specifically the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), to evaluate and select pre-treatment technologies. Criteria include capacity, conversion process, waste type, electricity consumption, operational ease, land requirement, and investment cost. Comparing bio-drying, thermal drying, and mechanical drying, AHP ensures consistent criterion weights, with TOPSIS ranking bio-drying as the most favorable, followed by thermal and mechanical drying. The study acknowledges global waste management challenges and introduces a mobile-modular containerized BBJP/SRF plant model, addressing installation, maintenance, scalability, and adaptability issues. While recognizing challenges, especially in pre-treatment processes, the research emphasizes the need for efficient and cost-effective solutions. Practical implications include enhanced decision-making in biomass drying, identification of technology advantages and disadvantages, and a commitment to address challenges for sustainable implementation. The study contributes to Indonesia's energy transition discourse, advocating the pivotal role of BBJP plants in balancing Industry 4.0 demands and environmental protection, providing insights for stakeholders and decision-makers in advancing sustainable waste-to-energy initiatives.

Empowering Durian Farmer Groups through the Application of Cultivation Technology

Abstract. Kokap sub-district is the sub-district with the largest area when compared to other sub-districts in Kulon Progo Regency. The administrative area of Kokap District consists of 5 subdistricts, namely Hargomulyo, Hargorejo, Hargowilis, Kalirejo and Hargotirto. The types of plants cultivated in the Kokap area include food crops, crops, plantations and horticulture such as vegetables and fruits. Durian is not included in the list of plants grown in the Kokap District area, because Durian is still cultivated in residents' yards with not as many other plants. Nonetheless, the PCM Kokap durian farmer organization has expressed the difficulties related to durian cultivation, including the problem of fruitless durian trees and the poor taste of the fruit's flesh, even when it succeeds in yielding fruit. The lack of knowledge about proper durian production methods is another issue that the locals must deal with. In addition, they have no idea how to take care of durian plants to ensure that they yield fruit with a sweet flavor. The solution offered to overcome this problem is counseling and cultivation practices and maintenance of durian plants in accordance with Good Agricultural Practices so that it is hoped that durian plants can bear fruit with a sweet taste of fruit flesh. The results of the activity show an increase in knowledge and skills of durian farmers regarding durian cultivation practices that are in accordance with good agricultural practices and efforts to make durian plants bear sweet fruit. Farmers' awareness of applying fertilization or booster/hormonal treatments to plants increased by 17%.

Reducing non-revenue water in Luxor-Egypt using GIS

Unaccounted for Water, referring to all losses from the water system, illegal or otherwise, frequently exceeds 40% of all water produced. This represents a major strain on utility operations and budgets. A large amount of Unaccounted for Water indicates large losses in the revenue of the utilities. Deficiency in financial resources normally leads to a deficiency in the performance of the utility. This deficiency in performance may affect the operation and maintenance of treatment plants and network components. The main objective is to reduce Unaccounted for Water rates. The multi-stage systematic process involves measuring water flow, leak detection, installing and fixing meters, reducing illegal connections, and increasing billing and collections, and developing Geographic Information System layers and databases for all of them. Another objective is to connect Geographic Information System maps with Billing, hydraulic systems, hotline systems, etc. After choosing a pilot area, we review similar activities, conduct field visits, and hold meetings, prepare the timeline schedule, prepare, and implement base maps and the water network, analyze, and compare end-line results, and report the results. A high reduction in the Unaccounted for Water percentage is expected due to fixing the discovered leaks. The issue of Unaccounted for Water, encompassing losses from the system, whether legal or illegal. This places a significant burden on both utility operations and budgets. A substantial volume of Unaccounted for Water signifies considerable revenue losses for the utilities, and the financial constraints often translate into performance deficiencies within the utility. We formulated a methodology aimed at assisting utilities in lowering Unaccounted for Water rates. This structured, multi-stage process includes activities such as measuring water flow, implementing leak detection measures, installing, and repairing meters, minimizing illegal connections, and enhancing billing and collection.

The mitogenomic landscape of Banisteriopsis caapi (Malpighiaceae), the sacred liana used for ayahuasca preparation.

The sacred ayahuasca brew, utilized by indigenous communities in the Amazon and syncretic religious groups in Brazil, primarily consists of a decoction of two plants: (i) the Amazonian liana known as Mariri or Jagube (Banisteriopsis caapi), and (ii) the shrub referred as Chacrona or Rainha (Psychotria viridis). While Chacrona leaves are rich in N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a potent psychedelic, the macerated vine of Mariri provides beta-carboline alkaloids acting as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, preventing DMT's degradation. This study sequenced, assembled, and analyzed the complete genome of B. caapi's mitochondrion, yielding a circular structure spanning 503,502 bp. Although the mtDNA encompasses most plant mitochondrial genes, it lacks some ribosomal genes, presents some atypical genes, and contains plastid pseudogenes, suggesting gene transfer between organelles. The presence of a 7-Kb repetitive segment containing copies of the rrnL and trnfM genes suggests mitogenome isomerization, supporting the hypothesis of dynamic mitogenome maintenance in plants. Phylogenetics and phylogenomics across 24 Malpighiales confirms the sample's placement in the "Tucunacá" ethnovariety, aligning with morphological identification. This study spearheads efforts to decode the genome of this esteemed Malpighiaceae.

Cut stumps vs broken stumps: Does it make any difference in the maintenance of plant and lichen biodiversity in Central European mountain forests?

Excessive forest exploitation significantly contributes to land degradation and the creation of human-made deadwood. Stumps are sometimes ignored in studies on the biodiversity of coarse woody debris. We investigated whether the type of stump, i.e. broken stumps (naturally created) and cut stumps (formed during forestry operations) had an impact on the species composition and species diversity as well as due to this fact they can be characterized by plant indicators. The research covered 728 spruce stumps (287 broken and 441 cut stumps) that were inhabited by lichens, liverworts, mosses and vascular plants in mountain forest belt (Karkonosze Mts., Poland). The following types of microhabitats were included in the research: the upper surface and the lateral surface of a stump with both bark and wood. There are statistically significant compositional differences between the two types of stumps, which was demonstrated by ordination analyses and indicator species analysis. According to the generalized linear models, the probability of occurrence increases in cut stumps in case of liverworts and vascular plants and also along the decomposition stages. The generalized linear mixed-effects model showed that there was a higher species richness of liverworts, mosses and vascular plants on the cut stumps and less drier but the reverse situation was in lichens. The generalized additive models for their cover showed similar trends. Almost all of the taxonomic groups were affected by altitude both in terms of species composition and total cover on the stumps. We concluded that cut stumps are an important type of deadwood for biodiversity and provide a convenient habitat, especially for many lichens and bryophytes.

Preliminary Study on Ecological Restoration Technology of Highway Slopes in High Altitude Mountain Areas—Taking Gansu Zhuohe Expressway Phase I Project as an Example

This study focuses on the technical difficulties of ecological restoration of highway slopes in high-altitude mountainous areas. Based on the theory of ecological restoration, starting from the characteristics of the ecological environment of highway slopes and the current status of ecological restoration technology of highway slopes, combined with the first phase of the Zhuoni Hezuo Expressway project in Gansu Province, we conducted research on ecological restoration technology of highway slopes in high-altitude mountainous areas. Based on the characteristics of the project and the natural environment, On the basis of investigation and evaluation of slope restoration design, it was proposed to add local leguminous plant combinations, including Astragalus adsurgens, yellow clover, and small crown flower. Grass family plants were selected, including smooth bromegrass, drooping elymus, flat ice grass, Chinese fescue, and cold early maturing bluegrass. The plant combination design was carried out; At the same time, according to the characteristics of the slope, ecological protection technologies such as vegetation blanket, spraying thin soil, planting bags+hydraulic spraying+planting shrub seedlings have been proposed for the slope; And proposed requirements for surface soil utilization and plant maintenance. This study aims to explore a technical solution suitable for ecological restoration of highway slopes in the Gannan region, in order to improve the stability and erosion resistance of slopes, improve the ecological environment, and ensure the safe operation of highways. It has guiding significance for ecological restoration of highway slopes in high-altitude mountainous areas and can be used as a reference for research on rock slope restoration in other regions.

Machine Learning tool to prevent and control Bag Filter clogging

Filter clogging represents a crucial issue in industrial filtration systems, and it can lead to various problems, such as reduced filtration efficiency, increased maintenance costs, and potential production disruptions. This paper presents a Machine Learning (ML) integrated solution, developed using Python, within a digital environment system created using LabVIEW to prevent and control filter clogging. The primary objective is to optimize the monitoring, control, and maintenance of a Bag Filter pilot plant. The digital environment incorporates a data comparison tool that trigger a compressor for filter cleaning. A Machine Learning algorithm has been integrated into the digital environment, where a comparison within real data acquired and the predicted one were performed to validate the selected algorithms and evaluate the Data Comparison tool. This initial phase's outcomes were used to develop a control system using LabVIEW software. The software compares estimated pressure drop values, reflecting optimal working conditions, with directly recorded pressure drop values. If the difference exceeds 10% of the optimal pressure drop, the controller activates a compressed air cleaning system, removing excess dust from the filter sleeves using an air jet. Additionally, when the estimated and acquired values diverge consistently over a 60-minute period, a user warning is triggered for filter sleeve replacement. Several tests were conducted at different air inlet velocities to assess the error between acquired and predicted data. The results indicated that the ML algorithm's error distribution remained below 5% for approximately 80% of the cases.

Contactless Diagnosis Method and Unsupervised Learning for Panel-level Photovoltaic Plant Operation and Maintenance

Contactless Diagnosis Method and Unsupervised Learning for Panel-level Photovoltaic Plant Operation and Maintenance

Produção e qualidade física de batata-doce sob adubação fosfatada

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) is a primordial mineral nutrient for plants, as it is directly linked to physiological and biochemical processes essential for plant maintenance, and can influence the production and final quality of the product. Furthermore, P favors good root development, which can benefit sweet potato crop. Thus, the objective of the work is to assess the influence of increasing doses of P on the production and physical quality of sweet potatoes in two growing seasons in a semi-arid environment. The experiments were carried out from April to August 2021 (season 1) and from December 2021 to April 2022 (season 2) at the Rafael Fernandes Experimental Farm - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, BR. The design was randomized blocks, with four replications. The treatments consisted of five doses of P (0; 60; 120; 180 and 240 kg ha-1 of P2O5) via fertigation and tested on the sweet potato cultivar Paraná. After harvesting the roots, the number and yield of roots (commercial, non-commercial and total), the average mass and the percentage of commercial roots were evaluated. Commercial roots were evaluated for firmness, elasticity and cooking time. The P doses influenced the production characteristics, mainly at the dose of 60 kg ha-1 of P2O5, which promoted increases in the yield of commercial roots. The doses of P promoted the reduction of firmness for both growing seasons. A dose of 180 kg ha-1 of P2O5 led to the shortest cooking time for the second growing season.

Research and Analysis on the Optimization of the Preventive Disassembly Inspection Intervals of Important Wedge Gate Valves in the Primary Cooling System of CPR1000 Nuclear Power Plant

At present, the important wedge gate valve of the primary coolant system of the CPR1000 nuclear power plant performs preventive disassembly inspection according to the intervals of 5 years, the average dose of a single disassembly is about 10mSv, the average time of each overhaul occupies the critical path is 1 hour, and the valve has been disassembly inspection in good condition. Based on the historical maintenance data, operating environment, failure mode, failure mechanism, operation and maintenance experience feedback of the same type of valve, and failure risk control of the important wedge gate valve of the primary coolant system, this paper demonstrates and analyzes the feasibility of extending the disassembly inspection intervals of the important wedge gate valve of the primary coolant system from 5 years to 10 years. This work plays an important role in improving the economic efficiency of nuclear power plant maintenance and reducing the radiation dose of maintenance.

Leveraging industry 4.0 techniques for predictive equipment maintenance: From concept to commissioning

In recent decades, lean manufacturing has significantly impacted the manufacturing industry, gaining widespread adoption. Companies have increasingly recognised the competitive advantages of implementing flow-oriented production layouts, demand-flow technologies, and just-in-time production. This shift has also transformed the approach to maintenance, moving away from reactive strategies. With production cells becoming more susceptible to system disturbances, maintenance managers are now focused on strategic maintenance development to ensure reliable production equipment. The emergence of Industry 4.0 technologies has further reshaped plant maintenance, providing companies with accurate and dependable tools for proactive maintenance. This paper proposes a hypothesis of research conducted at the University of Malta, focusing on the potential application of predictive maintenance (PdM) in the upkeep of automation machinery. It suggests the use of a novel data management and acquisition system, grounded in simulation and deep learning modelling, to predict the remaining useful life (RUL) of machinery early during the design machine realisation. This exploration lays the groundwork for potential development of a comprehensive maintenance tool. Such a tool would optimise automation designs, estimate maintenance costs throughout the machine’s lifecycle, and prevent machine breakdown through proactive interventions.

Ensuring reliability: What is the optimal time for power plant maintenance in Texas as the climate changes?

We analyzed data for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to assess shoulder seasons – that is, the 45 days of lowest total energy use and peak demand in the spring and fall typically used for power plant maintenance – and whether their occurrence has changed over time. Over the period 1996–2022, the shoulder seasons never started earlier than late March nor later than mid-October, corresponding well with the minimum of total degree days. In the temperature record 1959–2022, the minimum in degree days in the spring moved earlier, from early March to early February, and in the fall moved later, from early to mid-November. Warming temperatures might cause these minima in degree days to merge into a single annual minimum in December or January by the mid‐2040s, a time when there is a non-trivial risk of 1-day record energy use and peak demand from winter storms.

RELIABILITY AND AVAILABILITY IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR NIGERIA ELECTRIC POWER STATIONS

The maintenance of plant in the electric power stations involves an annual expenditure of millions of dollars and it is therefore essential to establish the cost-effectiveness of the present maintenance policies. The major problems in this evaluation are the lack of information and lack of suitable techniques to analyze the information. Most items of electric power plants are complex mechanical units and as such it is extremely difficult to predict their failure although condition monitoring can sometimes be used. This study explores how to use reliability engineering to identify best practice for maintenance work in electric power stations. It identified how to identify failure before their occurrences and how the maintenance management functions can become more conscious of the sole of maintenance management in enhancing has become the prominent management issues for electric utilities.

Development of Small Hydroelectric Power Plant Maintenance Costs using Chaos Embedded Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization

In this study, a new equation model is proposed to improve the maintenance costs of Small Scale Hydroelectric Power Plants (SHPP). The proposed equation model consists of 4 terms and 7 parameters using the Chaos Embedded Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization (CEAPSO). The MATLAB program was used to calculate the parameters in the proposed equation model. In this study, the main error value for 14 maintenance items required for a SHPP is calculated as 17.4819%. The maintenance cost of a SHPP to be installed in this way can be predicted with high accuracy using the proposed equation model. In the study, the sensitivity analysis of the proposed equation model is also performed, and maintenance cost changes are expressed in different parameter values. In the study, corrected data from 8 SHPP in India are used. These data cover the maintenance costs of all components for the years 2015-2016. In the study, unlike the literature, the flow parameter is added to the power and head parameters. In this way, a more sensitive equation model is developed for SHPP data. In addition, realistic results are obtained by applying constraints to the parameters. Considering the 14 different maintenance cost parameters examined in the study, a correlation model is proposed to give better results than the literature for other maintenance costs except the power channel and penstock cost.