Mechanical Handling Research Articles

Design and Analysis of Flip Type Scrapper for Belt Conveyor System

Conveyors are one of the most commonly used mechanical handling equipments which transports or moves bulk materials from one point to another point. Conveyors are useful in many applications which involve the transportation of bulky materials. Conveyors allow efficient and quick transportation of a several varieties of materials, making conveyors very popular in material handling industries as well as packaging industries. Though these conveyors have above advantages they will require huge amount of power to drive the belts. As a result of increase in fuel prices all over global markets and scarce of fossil fuels the electricity charges are increasing tremendously. By reducing belt drive power consumption huge amounts of money can be saved and we can reduce the emissions of green house gases. Fixed solid scrappers are used to remove coal or powdered raw material which sticks to belt due to surface moisture during rainy season. Though fixed solid scrappers are one of the resistances which contribute to additional power consumption of the belt conveyors, it is essential as If powder deposits are not removed will erode return idlers. As a part of my project dissertation I have opted to study a coal conveyor system design, selection of various components, calculation of tension / loads on conveyor system and reduction of conveyor power consumption by modifying conventional fixed solid scrapper to flip type scrapper. The arrangement will expose the belt to solid scrapper only when belt is wet and remaining time to brush.

A novel thermoeconomic analysis under dynamic operating conditions for space heating and cooling systems

Thermoeconomic analysis allows for a deep understanding of the cost formation process within an energy system, providing insights into the possible routes for improvement. Several thermoeconomic approaches are well-established for application in systems with steady operating conditions, such as power plants, while a limited number of applications to air-conditioning systems in buildings have been proposed, due to the difficulties in dealing with very irregular load profiles and unsteady plant operating conditions. This study investigates the potential of Thermoeconomics as a support for decision making in building energy systems, proving its capability to identify trade-offs between cost fractions related to capital investment and efficiency. The proposed approach to thermoeconomic analysis of dynamic systems introduces some methodological novelties, such as the use of a preliminary dynamic simulation to calculate “averaged energy flows” on an arbitrary time basis and the adoption of a flexible super-structure, capable to reflect the different operating conditions throughout the year. That is then applied to a school dwelling, supplied with space heating and cooling and a mechanical ventilation Air Handling Unit. The sources of irreversibility are evaluated and the main targets for improvement are identified, calculating the trends of exergetic, exergoeconomic and exergoenvironmental costs on a monthly basis.

A System for In-Line 3D Inspection without Hidden Surfaces

This work presents a 3D scanner able to reconstruct a complete object without occlusions, including its surface appearance. The technique presents a number of differences in relation to current scanners: it does not require mechanical handling like robot arms or spinning plates, it is free of occlusions since the scanned part is not resting on any surface and, unlike stereo-based methods, the object does not need to have visual singularities on its surface. This system, among other applications, allows its integration in production lines that require the inspection of a large volume of parts or products, especially if there is an important variability of the objects to be inspected, since there is no mechanical manipulation. The scanner consists of a variable number of industrial quality cameras conveniently distributed so that they can capture all the surfaces of the object without any blind spot. The object is dropped through the common visual field of all the cameras, so no surface or tool occludes the views that are captured simultaneously when the part is in the center of the visible volume. A carving procedure that uses the silhouettes segmented from each image gives rise to a volumetric representation and, by means of isosurface generation techniques, to a 3D model. These techniques have certain limitations on the reconstruction of object regions with particular geometric configurations. Estimating the inherent maximum error in each area is important to bound the precision of the reconstruction. A number of experiments are presented reporting the differences between ideal and reconstructed objects in the system.

Additive-free synthesis of robust monolithic mesoporous silica support used in catalysis

Use of mesoporous silica as functional material or as support in adsorption and catalysis has been very limited in commercial terms due to limitations of powder morphology and accompanied handling and recycling issues. Previous reports on preparations of monolithic mesoporous silica generally indicate complicated procedures and/or deterioration of final structure. In this research, a simple scalable one-pot sol-gel synthesis with subsequent free atmospheric evaporation is applied to prepare monolithic mesoporous silica (of MSU family). Effects of synthesis parameters such as reagent concentrations and additives on both nano-structure and physical stability of the monolith were investigated. No-additive synthesis resulted in the most robust monolith under mechanical handling and hydrodynamic conditions. Material's disintegration rate in agitated water was as low as 0.1 mg/h and its structural stability was approved under hydrothermal conditions. The monolithic mesoporous silica samples functionalized with acid and base surface groups were used independently in catalytic esterification and transesterification reactions. At relatively low temperatures (~ 50 °C), conversion of stearic acid to ethyl stearate was completed in the presence of monolithic acid catalyst. At the same conditions, above 50% and 20% conversions of triacetin to ethyl acetate (as a typical biodiesel production method) were achieved in the presence of monolithic acid and base catalysts respectively.

Ex vivo ovine model for teaching open laryngotracheal surgery.

ObjectiveTo develop an animal model for teaching open laryngotracheal surgical procedures.MethodsThe heads and necks from 5 pre-pubescent sheep were harvested after humane anesthesia. After 2–5 days to allow for rigor mortis to resolve, a specimen was supported with sandbags on an operating table. Operative procedures including tracheotomy, medialization laryngoplasty, anterior cartilage grafting, tracheal resection with primary anastomosis, and laryngectomy with closure of the pharynx were attempted.ResultsThe ovine head and neck provided an accurate model for simulation of all attempted procedures. Ovine tissue resembled that of humans in mechanical properties and handling. Postsurgical endoscopy confirmed graft alignment.ConclusionsThe sheep head and neck provides an inexpensive, realistic, and safe model for surgical training for a variety of open laryngotracheal procedures. This is particularly relevant given the recent emphasis on surgical simulation and the relative rarity of some of these procedures in residency training.

인터페이스 디자인 소프트웨어를 적용한 자율주행 자동차의 운행 책임에 관한 연구

Autonomous Vehicle is a vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and navigating without human input by interface design algorithm as it can drive on its own without driver’s or passenger’s mechanical handling. U.S., England, and Germany, major developed countries in manufacturing automobiles are undergoing final inspection, whereas Korea established The Regulation on Safety Driving Requirement and Test Run for Autonomous Vehicles on Feb. 2016 and in accordance with this regulation, automobile manufacturers and research institutes are testing driving from low level autonomous vehicles to high level ones. So, legally defining the type of software in the Product Liability Act, we can resolve the controversy between positive and negative on Liability for damages.

Production of Thermal-Resistant Cornstarch-Alginate Beads by Dripping Agglomeration

Abstract This work investigated the agglomeration of native cornstarch and production of microcapsules by dripping of sodium alginate suspensions into calcium chloride solution. The crosslinking reaction formed a calcium alginate that worked as an encapsulation matrix and coated the cornstarch granules. The spherical beads produced were rigid and compact, and resistant to mechanical handling. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) computed the thermal resistance of the cornstarch-alginate beads. Particles containing 50 % w/w calcium alginate showed an increased gelatinization peak compared to particles with a higher starch content. The increase in alginate fraction resulted in beads with a higher particle density. Scanning electron micrographs showed the coating of cornstarch by the calcium alginate matrix. The beads were compact and with no superficial pores. DSC thermograms of native cornstarch showed a gelatinization temperature of 70.0 °C, and the gelatinization range was 64.6–80.4 °C, while beads containing 50 % alginate had an increased peak at 79.5 °C and the gelatinization interval was 71.0–90.2 °C. When compared with the native cornstarch, cornstarch-alginate beads had a lower water absorption, and the gelatinization occurred at a higher temperature and over a wider temperature range.

A high throughput spectral image microscopy system.

A high throughput spectral image microscopy system is configured for rapid detection of rare cells in large populations. To overcome flow cytometry rates and use of fluorophore tags, a system architecture integrates sample mechanical handling, signal processors, and optics in a non-confocal version of light absorption and scattering spectroscopic microscopy. Spectral images with native contrast do not require the use of exogeneous stain to render cells with submicron resolution. Structure may be characterized without restriction to cell clusters of differentiation.

Training in Flap Harvesting using Corrosion Casted Pig Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flaps Choosing the Optimal Plastic Compound for Corrosion Casting

Plastic compounds have been used for several decades to generate anatomical constructs for the training of new surgeons and medical students alike. The present study seeks to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of two different plastic compounds (Technovit 7143 and Epoxi BIODURÒE12) used to create corrosion casts of the vascular branching patterns in free muscle flaps. Porcine latissimus dorsi muscle free flaps were used in this study to create corrosion casts of their vascular branching tree by injecting the two different plastic compound into the main arterial supply. The casts generated by Epoxy BIODURÒ E12 have superior qualities compared to the casts injected with Technovit 7143, because the injection process is smoother at all branching levels, without dilation, strictures or intramuscular extravasation of the injectable plastic compound. The corrosion casts resulted from injecting Epoxy BIODURÒ E12 exhibit better elasticity and better resistance to mechanical handling compared to the ones injected with Technovit 7143.

Mechanical Models of Compression and Impact on Fresh Fruits.

Well-designed and well-operated postharvest mechanical handling processes are vital if fresh fruits are to enter markets with minimal damage. The susceptibility of fruit to quality loss during handling is largely determined by mechanical contact and damage. This article reviews current understanding concerning the effect of impact and other mechanical contacts on fruits. It also discusses the major mechanical models that represent the interaction between fruits or a fruit and a surface. In total, 25 mechanical models associated with compression and impact behaviors of fresh fruits, mainly characterizing such behavior between 2 deformable spherical bodies and between a deformable spherical body and a rigid plate are reviewed. Finally, possible future research directions are discussed. The main challenge in fruit handling is to recognize and prevent microscopic damage to fruits, especially internal tissue/cell damage and microcracks resulting from multiple/repetitive impacts and compressions.

Contemporary surgical devices for male stress urinary incontinence: a review of technological advances in current continence surgery

Male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) remains a debilitating condition that adversely impacts all domains of quality of life and is associated with significant social stigma and health economic burden. The incidence of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) depends on the definition of urinary incontinence and the length of patient follow up. In patients with persistent PPI following failure of conservative measures, surgical treatment is recommended although there is no published guideline on when surgery should be performed, and what the best surgical option is. Male slings (MS) can be divided into adjustable or non-adjustable types, and offers an attractive option for patients who wish to avoid mechanical handling during urinary voiding. Published intermediate data supports good safety and efficacy rate in men with mild to moderate degree of SUI. The AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) remains the standard of treatment for complete continence and has the longest efficacy and safety records. Other AUS-like devices are designed to address current AMS 800 limitations but themselves are fraught with their own issues.

Workplace Safety and Health Conditions and Facilities in Small Industries in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

A lot of attention has been paid to improving occupational safety and health (OSH) in small scale industries all over the globe. This study describes the outcomes of a preliminary OSH status assessment in small scale industries of motor vehicle repair workshops (MVRW) in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). An inspection tool composed of 10 OSH elements and 62 items employed walk-through survey, observations and interviews. The mean positive responses for different OSH elements surveyed were as follows; personal protective equipment (PPEs) (43%), emergency preparedness (49%), fire protection (60%), facilities (80%), general workshop safety (43%), housekeeping (17%), chemical exposure (12%), services and maintenance (57%), mechanical handling (81%) and tool safety (63%). However, special concerns were found for OSH elements including; use of PPE’s, emergency preparedness, general workshops safety, housekeeping and exposures to chemicals as having safety score less than 50%. OSH elements with lower positive responses at surveyed workshops would be addressed through further monitoring and training of technical and administrative staff. This preliminary survey will form the basis of a more comprehensive study for evaluation of an accurate representative OSH status in small scale industries in KSA.

Factors Affecting Incidence of Uterine Torsion in Egyptian Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and its Response for Rolling

Objective: The present work was planned to study the incidence of uterine torsion in Egyptian buffaloes as well as its prognosis after mechanical treatment. Methods: A total number of 35 buffaloes of different ages, parities and stage of pregnancy with complain of colic and anorexia were included in the present study. These animals were examined rectally to detect stage of pregnancy, degree, direction, duration, location of uterine torsion. Mechanical handling of torsion cases and prognosis of recovered cases was performed. After birth, sex of new born was also recorded. Results: The torsion of uterus mostly occurred in pleuriparous buffaloes (100%) in right side (85.7%) during second half of pregnancy (100%). Most cases were postcervical (85.7%) during the early stage (7 and 8 months). Torsion also may occur during labour (17.4%) where the cervix was dilated after correction. Most cases of uterine torsion occur in stabled animals for long period (97%). The uterine torsion associated with male calves (65.7%) as well as with large size calves (40-50kg) and majority of the calves were in normal position. The first foetal sac expelled in majority of cases was amniotic sac (97%) with few cases of placental retention. Uterine torsion with short duration (1-6 h) usually needs 1-2 rolls only for correction and usually takes 0-6h (100%) for cervical dilatation. Occurrence of uterine torsion for above three days usually did not respond for rolling. Conclusion: Uterine torsion usually occurs in old stabled animal with good BCS during green season at last month of pregnancy. The right sever and post cervical torsion were the most common type of torsion. Rapid diagnosis of uterine torsion within 6 h usually results in good prognosis even in severe cases.

The morphology and internal composition of dried particles from whole milk—From single droplet to full scale drying

Powder structure and functionality are expected to be closely linked to the composition and drying process. In order to understand the optimization of the quality of a powder, e.g. encapsulation efficiency, or wetting and dispersion properties, monitoring of the particle microstructure is an attractive concept. However, to study the impact of different parameters in formulation and drying process on full scale is complicated and expensive, hence, studies on smaller scale, even single particle drying, is a potentially useful complement, as long as the results are comparable. The aim of this study is to compare morphology and internal composition of whole milk particles produced at different dryer scales to assess the development of internal structure in powder formed by spray drying. Whole milk was spray dried in the single particle dryer, laboratory dryer, pilot plant dryer and full scale dryer. The morphology and composition of the particles obtained were analyzed by low vacuum-SEM, confocal Raman microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Phenomena such as adsorption of surface active compounds at the particle surface and phase segregation are observed to different extent, depending on particle size and drying time. The scale of drying influences the internal microstructure and distribution of components in the particles, and to a small extent also the external morphology. These effects are proposed to be related to the drying times for different droplet sizes, although mechanical handling effects and agglomeration in the full scale dryer may also influence the final morphology of these particles, as well as the surface composition.

Alternate Dough Preparation Protocol for Extensigraph Test of Dough Strength

The extensigraph is an internationally accepted method for measurement of physical properties of dough subjected to mechanical handling and resting. Standard extensigraph methods (AACC International Approved Method 54‐10.01, ISO 5530‐2) use the farinograph for the preparation of dough in the presence of 2% salt at reduced water absorption (farinograph absorption minus 2–3%). However, the dough so prepared is usually underdeveloped and drier than typically seen in common baking processes. In addition, the standard extensigraph test is time consuming and requires a large sample size. In this study, an alternate dough preparation protocol is proposed, consisting of a Swanson‐type pin mixer at reduced salt (1%) and elevated water absorption (farinograph absorption plus 4%). With the alternate method, dough is fully developed and similar to bread dough in physical properties. AACCI Approved Method 54‐10.01 is followed for dough rounding, molding, resting, and stretching by using the Brabender Extensograph‐E instrument. Strong correlations for resistance to extension (r = 0.90) and area (r = 0.92) were found between the modified and standard dough preparation methods. This protocol requires much less flour sample and significantly increases sample throughput.

Use of Calorimetry to Measure Ice-Melting Capacity

The ability to melt snow and ice is an important feature of any deicing chemical or product. This ability is called the “melting capacity” and is defined as the grams of melted ice per gram of deicer. A product’s melting capacity determines its applicability for use in snow and ice control. The standard procedures in the United States for measuring melting capacity are SHRP H-205.1 for solid chemicals and H-205.2 for liquid chemicals. However, these test methods have proved to be inadequately accurate for research purposes. There is a growing need to develop improved procedures as more deicing products are released on the market. This paper describes how calorimetry, which measures the heat changes that occur during a process, may be used to measure melting capacity. A calorimeter was custom made for the research described in this paper. The calorimeter required minimal mechanical handling and had high-precision temperature control that excluded the most extreme causes of measurement errors in previously developed test methods. Liquid sodium chloride was tested and compared with the calculated melting capacity. The calorimeter produced accurate results. Tests were also performed on magnesium chloride; the results demonstrated that magnesium chloride had a higher melting capacity than sodium chloride.

NOVEL PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACH TO VEIN GRAFT FAILURE PREVENTION

During saphenous vein harvesting, major damages on grafts result form mechanical handling, flushing and high pressure arterial flow. These damages initiate vein graft failure, which has important clinical consequence. For that matter, much focus has been placed on technologies to improve vein graft patency but have yet to show significant results for clinical applicability. Celastrol, is a natural plant extract known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as its efficacy in inducing cellular survival. Thus, it is a potential compound that can serve as a protective adjunct treatment for vascular grafts.

MODELING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF MECHANICAL HANDLING MACHINES AND SYSTEMS

<p>The aim of this study is to justify a generalized basis model for investigating, evaluating and comparing the energy efficiency of the individual and the grouped mechanical handling machines and systems. Based on a conducted analysis and developed model technological schemes of the systems for continuous transport, dependencies are drawn for determining the basis power and minimizing the potential energy losses in loads passages, the losses of height and potential energy in the systems’ auxiliary elements as well as the total energy losses. Additional indices for basis evaluation of the energy efficiency of the continuous-transport-systems technological schemes, regardless of the systems’ type and scope, are developed and systematized.</p>

RESULTS FROM THE APPLICATION OF A MODEL FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENCY INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL HANDLING MACHINES AND SYSTEMS (PART 1)

<p>The aim of this research is to ascertain the functionality and practical applicability of a developed generalized model for investigation of the energy efficiency of mechanical handling machines and systems in its specific application for the continuous-transport individual machines and systems. A typical industrial system for transportation and fragmentation of rock materials is chosen as an investigation object. The investigation procedure is entirely based on the model being validated. The obtained results demonstrate the presence of possibilities for practical application of the model and reveal a low energy-efficiency level. If the belt conveyors’ load is optimal, the electric energy consumption of the site can be decreased by 45 % as the potential energy losses can be reduced to 0.66 % in case of reconstruction.</p>

The effect of andiroba oil and chitosan concentration on the physical properties of chitosan emulsion film

Chitosan film is used as a dressing to heal burns. The physical and biological properties of the film can be modified by the addition of phytotherapic compounds. This work used the casting -solvent evaporation technique to prepare chitosan film containing andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis) which has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and healing properties. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the concentrations of chitosan and andiroba oil on the physical properties of chitosan films. The emulsion films were evaluated concerning the mechanical properties and fluid handling capacity. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and thermal analysis were performed. The results showed that the barrier and mechanical properties were affected by the addition of andiroba oil, and these may be modulated as a function of the concentration of oil added to the film. The thermal analysis showed no evidence of chemical interactions between the oil and chitosan.