Metal Filters Research Articles

Errors and recommended practices that should be identified to reduce suspected concentrations of microplastics in soil and groundwater: A review

Over the last decade, many studies on microplastics (MPs) have only focused on the marine environment, and scientist have recently begun to document soil and groundwater MP contamination. However, many of these studies have included errors that should be addressed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify multiple errors in internationally reported soil and groundwater MPs studies and to provide recommendations. Over 185 original research papers on soil and groundwater MPs published between 2017 and 2022 from seven database categories in the Web of Science were sorted. These papers were manually sorted to identify errors in (i) sample quantity, (ii) quality assurance and equipment used, (iii) microplastic identification, and (iv) microplastic classification. The majority of studies were found not to use blank samples, classified MPs incorrectly by mixing MP shapes and forms, used filters with either larger pore sizes, or materials that could be potential sources of MP. In some of these studies, the statistical package or law used for statistical analysis was not specified, with some other studies using problematic MP analysis procedures. As a remediation method to address these errors, MP studies should consider using blank soil samples and metallic filters. Statistical software packages should be used, and the statistical prerequisite laws should be verified prior to analysis. Stereo microscopes should be used simultaneously with Raman or Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to identify MPs in soils and groundwater. • It is essential plastic kits are not used for storing soil and groundwater after sampling. • Accurate microplastic analysis requires at least one trip and a device blank sample each time. • Film and fragment should be classified as the same microplastics shape, not separate shapes. • A glass filter is preferable to a cellulose filter for accurate microplastics analysis. • It is critical to collect soil weight in the range of 200–1000 g for accurate microplastic analysis.

Investigation of the Possibility of Application of Metal Fibrous Media in the Process of Filtration of Liquid Aerosols

This manuscript presents a study of the possibility of applying metallic fibre filter media made of stainless steel for the filtration process of liquid aerosols. To perform the experiment, three types of filters were used: single layer and symmetric or non-symmetric multi-layered filters. Filters have been loaded with DEHS (Di-Ethyl-Hexyl-Sebacate) aerosol while the pressure drop and the collection efficiency were monitored. The impact of the filtration velocity on the saturation pressure drop has been quantified for monolayer filters. The building of a draining film on the free surface of the multi-layered filters has been studied and the impact of this phenomenon on the filtration performances and saturation ratio of the medium are discussed. For multilayer filters, the clogging dynamic, occurring by a successive loading of the draining layers, is highlighted in this work. Finally, propositions are made to evaluate the behaviour of metallic multi-layered filters for liquid aerosol filtration applications.

Sorption and continuous filtration of heavy metals and radionuclides using novel nano-Farringtonite: Mechanisms delineation using EXAFS

Simultaneous removal of a wide range of toxic heavy metal cations and potential radionuclides from water bodies and their continuous filtration with a single low-cost and eco-friendly material represents several scientific merits. Herein, for the first time, we report the simple and straightforward wet-chemical synthesis of novel nano-Farringtonite (FAR) composed of magnesium and phosphate ions. Further, the potential of known alternate nano-hydroxyapatite (HAP) and novel engineered nano-FAR including their non-stoichiometric variations was evaluated for the removal of mimicking radionuclide (Sr2+) and heavy metals (Cd2+, and Zn2+) from water bodies. Non-stoichiometric FAR (ns-FAR) have shown multifold higher contaminant removal capacities than HAP, i.e., Sr2+≈ 85 mg/g vs 49.5 mg/g, Cd2+≈ 560 mg/g vs 98.5 mg/g, and Zn2+ = 489 mg/g vs 62 mg/g in batch mode. NsFAR showed complete removal of Cd2+ and Zn2+ with <20% and 0% recovery, respectively in three consecutive sorption-recovery cycles, probing towards permanent incorporation of these ions. Spectroscopic analysis and extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy fitting confirmed ion exchange and crystal incorporation as probable removal mechanisms. The high ionic potential of Mg2+ allows easy ion exchange with +2 charged metal toxins of varying ionic radius at both Mg1 and Mg2 sites of FAR. nsFAR showed instantaneous separation of these cations in continuous column mode with >2,00,000 L/kg of water filtration capacity (at 1 mg/L), justifying the adsorbent's candidature in water purification applications.

Angle tunable terahertz band notch filter with single-band and dual-band switching characteristics based on metallic strip structures

An angle tunable terahertz band notch filter based on the metamaterial structure of dual metallic strips is designed, fabricated and characterized in this paper. The proposed device consists of a surface metal bar structure with a glass substrate. The structure of the device has been optimized by studying the resonance characteristics of different lengths of metal bars and their combinations. Varying the angle between the metal bars and the terahertz polarization allows for an overall adjustment of the resonant strength at both resonance dips. As the angle increases from 0 to 90 degrees, the transmission at 0.81 THz increases from −8.24 dB to −1.44 dB and that at 1.37 THz increases from −9.61 dB to −2.11 dB. In addition, by varying the rotation angle between the metal bars inside a unit cell, the resonant strength at the corresponding frequency can be adjusted, enabling the filtering mode transition from a single to a dual resonant state. Our proposed dual metallic strips THz filter possesses several desirable merits such as simple structure, ease of fabrication and easy tenability. These characteristics make it a good candidate for a variety of applications in terahertz filters, modulators or switching devices with multiple operating bands.

The Effect of Consuming Coffee from Different Preparation Methods on Body Lipids Profile

Coffee is a popular drink that is considered one of the most consumed beverages around the world. It contains more than 1000 biologically active compounds such as caffeine, diterpene alcohols, and chlorogenic acid. The effect of coffee on health is controversial depending on the type and the amount consumed of coffee. This review was prepared to clarify the effect of different preparation methods on coffee lipids content, as well as to study the effect of consumption of coffee prepared by different methods on body lipids profile. Coffee can be prepared by several methods, but the most two popular methods are brew and espresso. Coffee lipids which are called diterpenoid alcohols (cafestol and kahweol) can influence the body’s cholesterol level. The content of coffee lipids can be altered due to the methods of coffee preparation. Cafestol remains in the beverage of coffee when hot water is directly poured onto powdered coffee, when well-milled coffee is boiled in water a few times or when the metal filter is used instead of a paper filter, like in French Press. However, to good fortune, most of them are retained by the paper filter, which substantially reduces the cholesterol-raising effects potentially associated with coffee through consuming filtered coffee. Diterpenoids in unfiltered coffee cause an elevation of total cholesterol TC and low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol levels, whereas lowering the high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol levels in the body. However, consumption of filtered coffee slightly affects serum cholesterol levels. Also, the results of other studies revealed that the roasting degree of coffee is not related to an increase in the total cholesterol and the LDL cholesterol concentrations, but can be related to an increase in HDL cholesterol level after consumption of medium roasting MR coffee.

The significance of Magnetohydrodynamics sutterby nanofluid flow with concentration depending properties across stretching/ shrinking sheet and porosity

In this study, the impact of activation energy and transiting parameters on the two-dimensional stagnation point flow of magnetized Sutterby nanofluid of nano-biofilm incorporating with microorganisms over the porous surface has been examined. Prior research suggests that both the fluid viscosity and thermal conductance are temperature-dependent. Also, the effects of solutal concentration on fluid viscosity, heat capacity and nanofluid properties have been elaborated. In recent years, numerous technical strategies comprising hydromagnetic fluxes and thermal intensification in porosity media, like molding, condenser heat exchanger, liquefied metal filtration, fusion control and nuclear reactor coolant, have been addressed. According to numerous empirical studies, the viscosity and thermal conductivity of the nanoparticles are largely dependent on the intensity of nanoparticles rather than the temperature. The classical RK-4 method with shooting technique has been used. The significance of involving parameters in the domains of heat, velocity, density and concentration has been illustrated. The effect of nondimensional parameters on the skin friction factor, Nusselt number and Sherwood number has been discussed. The nanoparticle density increases with the activating energy effects and thermophoresis factor and rapidly decreases for Lewis number and Brownian factor. The velocity, temperature and concentration profiles increase as the concentration-dependent properties do, but all physical quantities deteriorate for all concentration-varying factors.

YAP:CE SCINTILLATOR APPLICATION FOR 241AM COUNTING IN WOUND INJURY.

YAP:Ce scintillation probe was tested for use in a spectrometric measurement that is necessary to assess the internal dose in case of wound injuries involving radionuclide contaminant. A technique with metal filters published in the past for the determination of a depth of plutonium-contaminated wound was tested to verify the capability of the scintillator to be used for gamma-ray spectrometry counting of 241Am in a wound injury. Scintillation probe equipped with YAP:Ce scintillator showed properties sufficient for the wound counting technique tested.

A comparative study of 1D metallic (Au, Ag, Cu, Al) thermal tunable photonic crystal filter with exponentially graded thickness

A comparative study of 1D metallic (Au, Ag, Cu, Al) thermal tunable photonic crystal filter with exponentially graded thickness

Polymer-derived ceramic molten metal filters

Polymer-derived ceramic molten metal filters

Surface roughness improvement of Hastelloy X tubular filters for H2 selective supported Pd–Ag alloy membranes preparation

Thin Pd–Ag layers have been successfully deposited on ceramic supports with controlled surface characteristics. The need for less fragile membranes and ease of sealing and connection leads to the study of metallic supports for thin Pd-based membrane development. Metallic supported membranes are prone to intermetallic diffusion issues so an interdiffusion barrier must be introduced. However, metallic supports with sufficient surface quality for direct membrane deposition are expensive and not readily available in the market. It is thus important to study how to improve surface roughness of commercially available rough metallic filters, in order to allow deposition of a smooth, delamination-free Pd–Ag layer.This work reports a first attempt towards a standardized preparation procedure for Pd-based membranes on cheap, rough, and unrefined Hastelloy X tubular filters. The focus is on surface roughness reduction, in order to allow the deposition of a smooth, uniform Pd–Ag selective layer. The surface roughness of the tubes is tuned via 1) polishing and 2) addition of a smoothening interdiffusion barrier layer based on a boehmite dip-coated dispersion. The polishing time was assessed by studying the average support's roughness variation, permeation behavior and ability to retain ceramic coating. It was found that the best trade-off between polishing extent and gas permeance of the support amounts to 6 h. Moreover, it was assessed that increasing the boehmite load in the interdiffusion barrier precursor solution leads to thicker layers and larger surface roughness reduction, but greater solution instability. 1,2%wt of boehmite load proved the best trade-off between layer reproducibility and support coverage. Different dipping-sintering routes were evaluated in order to improve surface's suitability for electroless plating: a single interdiffusion layer deposition route proved the most suitable for Pd–Ag deposition. The electroless plating performed onto the treated supports results in a continuous Pd–Ag layer, proving Pd–Ag deposition possible on the selected filters.

PVA-integrated graphene oxide-attapulgite composite membrane for efficient removal of heavy metal contaminants.

Graphene oxide (GO) is an excellent membrane-forming material with unique two-dimensional transport channels and excellent adsorption properties for heavy metal contaminants. However, swelling under cross-flow conditions and long-term water immersion leads to poor separation performances. To improve the stability of GO membrane materials, we propose a PVA-integrated graphene oxide/attapulgite membrane (GOAP) with a 3D microstructural arrangement of "brick-mortar-brick." The addition of PVA as mortar reinforces the strength of the structures via induced hydrogen bonding within the 3D water transport network. Furthermore, the Al2O3 ceramic substrate pre-treated with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) provided high mechanical stability to the composite membrane, extending the membrane's stability beyond a month of immersion without swelling or shedding. The PVA-integrated GO/ATP composite membrane maintained a rejection rate of 99% for Cu2+ solution (100mg/L) in a 26-h continuous with nearly 100% rejection for various metals ions such as Cu2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+. The membrane exhibited a water flux of 20.7 L·m-2·h-1, which was 15.9-fold high than the pure GO membrane (GOM). The high water flux and heavy metal filtration rate with superior stability proved the practical suitability of the composite film for removing heavy metal ions.

Gasification of Biomass: The Very Sensitive Monitoring of Tar in Syngas by the Determination of the Oxygen Demand—A Proof of Concept

A novel method for quasi-continuous tar monitoring in hot syngas from biomass gasification is reported. A very small syngas stream is extracted from the gasifier output, and the oxygen demand for tar combustion is determined by a well-defined dosage of synthetic air. Assuming the total oxidation of all of the combustible components at the Pt-electrode of a lambda-probe, the difference of the residual oxygen concentrations from successive operations with and without tar condensation represents the oxygen demand. From experiments in the laboratory with H2/N2/naphthalene model syngas, the linear sensitivity and a lower detection limit of about 70 ± 5 mg/m3 was estimated, and a very good long-term stability can be expected. This extremely sensitive and robust monitoring concept was evaluated further by the extraction of a small, constant flow of hot syngas as a sample (9 L/h) using a Laval nozzle combined with a metallic filter (a sintered metal plate (pore diameter 10 µm)) and a gas pump (in the cold zone). The first tests in the laboratory of this setup—which is appropriate for field applications—confirmed the excellent analysis results. However, the field tests concerning the monitoring of the tar in syngas from a woodchip-fueled gasifier demonstrated that the determination of the oxygen demand by the successive estimation of the oxygen concentration with/without tar trapping is not possible with enough accuracy due to continuous variation of the syngas composition. A method is proposed for how this constraint can be overcome.

A Metal Oxide Memristor-Based Oscillators and Filters

A Metal Oxide Memristor-Based Oscillators and Filters

Absolute calibration of Fujifilm BAS-TR image plate response to laser driven protons up to 40 MeV.

Image plates (IPs) are a popular detector in the field of laser driven ion acceleration, owing to their high dynamic range and reusability. An absolute calibration of these detectors to laser-driven protons in the routinely produced tens of MeV energy range is, therefore, essential. In this paper, the response of Fujifilm BAS-TR IPs to 1-40MeV protons is calibrated by employing the detectors in high resolution Thomson parabola spectrometers in conjunction with a CR-39 nuclear track detector to determine absolute proton numbers. While CR-39 was placed in front of the image plate for lower energy protons, it was placed behind the image plate for energies above 10MeV using suitable metal filters sandwiched between the image plate and CR-39 to select specific energies. The measured response agrees well with previously reported calibrations as well as standard models of IP response, providing, for the first time, an absolute calibration over a large range of proton energies of relevance to current experiments.

All-Metal Wideband Frequency-Selective Surface Bandpass Filter for TE and TM Polarizations

A novel technique to design a low-cost frequency-selective surface (FSS) bandpass filter is presented in this article. Wideband polarization-independent FSS bandpass filters are predominantly made of multiple microwave dielectric substrates or noncommercially available composite materials with or without active components, contributing to a very high manufacturing cost. The presented FSS filter has neither microwave substrates, nor any active devices, while it has a large controllable operational frequency band, which can support all polarizations, due to its symmetrical configuration. To the best of our knowledge, such a polarization-independent wideband bandpass response has never been achieved by any low-cost fully metallic FSS filter. The proposed FSS filter is made of three thin metal sheets composed of an engineered metallic substrate (EMS) and a metallic orthogonal dipole resonator (ODR). The EMS is responsible for ensuring the mechanical integrity of the filter without imposing electromagnetic (EM) restrictions throughout the desired frequency band. The integration of EMS and ODRs realizes a fully controllable wideband bandpass verified thorough circuital and modal analyses. According to the predicted and measured results, the FSS filter has a large bandwidth of around 31&#x0025;, extending from 8.76 to 11.96 GHz with sharp roll-offs for the normal incidence. Simulated and measured results show a low sensitivity of the FSS filter response to oblique angles of incidence for both TM and TE polarizations.

Bismuth Nanoparticle and Polyhydroxybutyrate Coatings Enhance the Radiopacity of Absorbable Inferior Vena Cava Filters for Fluoroscopy-Guided Placement and Longitudinal Computed Tomography Monitoring in Pigs.

Inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) constructed with poly-p-dioxanone (PPDO) are promising alternatives to metallic filters and their associated risks and complications. Incorporating high-Z nanoparticles (NPs) improves PPDO IVCFs' radiopacity without adversely affecting their safety or performance. However, increased radiopacity from these studies are insufficient for filter visualization during fluoroscopy-guided PPDO IVCF deployment. This study focuses on the use of bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) as radiopacifiers to render sufficient signal intensity for the fluoroscopy-guided deployment and long-term CT monitoring of PPDO IVCFs. The use of polyhydroxybutyate (PHB) as an additional layer to increase the surface adsorption of NPs resulted in a 2-fold increase in BiNP coating (BiNP-PPDO IVCFs, 3.8%; BiNP-PPDO + PHB IVCFs, 6.2%), enabling complete filter visualization during fluoroscopy-guided IVCF deployment and, 1 week later, clot deployment. The biocompatibility, clot-trapping efficacy, and mechanical strength of the control PPDO (load-at-break, 6.23 ± 0.13 kg), BiNP-PPDO (6.10 ± 0.09 kg), and BiNP-PPDO + PHB (6.15 ± 0.13 kg) IVCFs did not differ significantly over a 12-week monitoring period in pigs. These results indicate that BiNP-PPDO + PHB can increase the radiodensity of a novel absorbable IVCF without compromising device strength. Visualizing the device under conventional radiographic imaging is key to allow safe and effective clinical translation of the device.

CFD modeling and laboratory studies of dust cleaning efficacy of an efficient four stage non-clogging impingement filter for flooded-bed dust scrubbers

Fibrous-type filters are used to capture dust particles in mining and other occupations where personnel are exposed for prolonged periods. Dust cleansing devices including flooded-bed dust scrubbers use these mesh-type multi-layered filters. These filters trap dust particles efficiently on their surface and inside their mesh. However, their continued operation leads to dust build-up and clogging. This results in increased resistance of the filter and lowered airflow rate through the scrubber. This could potentially enhance the exposure of the miners. A non-clogging self-cleaning impingement screen type dust filter was designed by the authors for use in mining and industrial dust cleansing applications. The filter guides dirt-laden air through rapidly turning paths which forces it to shed heavier particles. The particles impact one of the impermeable solid metallic filter surfaces and are removed from the airstream. A full cone water spray installed upstream prevents any surface build-up of dust. This paper summaried the computer models generated to show the filter operations and laboratory experiments including optical particle counting to establish the cleaning efficiency.

Production of aluminum alloy onboard wire with a high content of rare-earth metals produced using electromagnetic crystallization

The Scientific and Production Center for Magnetic Hydrodynamics Ltd has developed an innovative technology for casting long ingots of small diameter (8&ndash;12 mm) into an electromagnetic mold (EMM) and manufacturing thin wire (0.5 mm in diameter) from them for onboard wires from 01417 alloy. Crystallization of liquid metal occurs under the influence of electromagnetic forces in an electromagnetic mold with direct supply of coolant to the ingot, due to which cooling rates are achieved that ensure the dispersion of the eutectic phases of rare earth metal aluminides, similarly to how it takes place during the crystallization of granules (~1.103...1.104 K/s). It has been established that the determining parameters in casting ingots are the power supplied to the inductor and the level of the melt above the crystallization front. For the casting to reach a steady state (the process of stabilizing the diameter of the ingot after the start of casting), it is necessary to regulate the melt level for some time. The surface quality of the ingot depends on ensuring stability of the current in the inductor during casting. Fluctuations in the current in the inductor lead to changes in the ingot`s diameter. Casting speed and metal temperature have a great influence on the structure of ingots. In contrast to the method of producing granulated wire with a thin (less than 1 mm) cross-section, which turned out to be problematic due to numerous breaks during drawing associated with the presence of oxide and foreign inclusions, the casting technology in the electromagnetic mold does not require preliminary metal filtration, since oxide and solid non-metallic inclusions are intensively squeezed out by electromagnetic forces onto the ingot`s surface. It has been established that hot deformation of a billet cast in the EMM at the Conform facility provides higher strength characteristics of the wire from the 01417 alloy after drawing compared to the cast annealed billet. Pressing provided an increase in the yield strength and relative elongation of the 01417 alloy by 2 and 2.5 times, respectively, compared with the cast state. As a result, the billet was obtained with high technological plasticity for further drawing. Electron microscopic studies of the wire have been carried out, which have shown that dispersed REM aluminides are rather uniformly distributed over the cross section of the wire with a diameter of 0.5 mm. Determination of the particle size of aluminides at &times;50000 magnification showed that their size is ~96&ndash;214 nm. Wire from 01417 alloy is used by JSC &ldquo;Special Design Bureau of the Cable Industry&rdquo; (JSC &ldquo;OKB KP&rdquo;) for the manufacture of conductive cores of installation wires, providing a significant reduction in their weight.

Application of Miniaturized Brazilian Disc Tests for the Determination of High-Temperature Strength of Ceramic Filter Materials

Open-cell ceramic foams are used for the filtration of molten metals with the aim of improving the final quality of cast products. Among the various filter materials that have been developed and studied, carbon-bonded alumina (Al2O3-C) have drawn the most attention due to their superior properties. However, to decrease the hazardous effects of coal tar pitch binder Carbores® P, environmentally friendly Al2O3-C based Tannin and Lactose binder systems have recently received much attention. A systematic characterization and assessment of their properties are required to replace the currently used binders. Considering the service temperature of these filter materials, a test method performed at elevated temperatures is needed. Due to the thermal and mechanical loads applied on these filters, the fracture strength of the bulk material is a key indicator of their structural integrity. The Brazilian Disc Test (BDT) is a method of determining fracture mechanical properties of brittle materials with indirect tensile stresses, formed perpendicular to the loading direction. Due to the porous structure of the materials under investigation, the contact points between the specimen and the loading device are susceptible to major deformation and damage. The aim of this study is on the one hand to define the geometry at the contact points in such a way that valid fracture toughness values can be determined even for small specimen dimensions. For this purpose, the deformations on the surface of the specimens are determined at room temperature using digital image correlation during the test. On the other hand, the optimized test geometry is used to perform high-temperature tests to evaluate their strength and fracture toughness. This evaluation is performed with accompanying finite element analyses using cohesive zone models. The required parameters of these models are identified using methods of nonlinear optimization.

Simulating Medical Imaging X-Ray Tubes with Various Parameters Using BEAMnrc Monte Carlo Software

Context: Medical imaging has a wide range of applications in today’s society. Basic projectional radiography, CT scans, mammograms and a range of other advanced technologies all use x-rays to create a large number of examinations every day across the world. The most essential component of such medical equipment is the x-ray tube, which creates and produces x-rays. Objective: We describe and investigate an abstract model-geometry of a simple x-ray tube utilizing the open-source software package of BEAMnrc of the EGSnrcmp family, which is well validated by several studies over the years, for high and low energy photons generation. Methodology: Our research focuses on two different electron beam energies: 120 keV and 30 keV. The 120 keV is the typical energy for simple projectional radiographic exams and CT examinations, whereas the 30 keV is the typical energy of mammography. Results: Two different anode materials are used for each case, Gold (Au) and Tungsten (W) for 120 keV because these are the most common in projectional radiography and CT; Molybdenum (Mo) and Rhodium (Rh) for 30 keV because with these targets most mammography exams are carried out. The aim of this work is to show how the BEAMnrc software package can simulate effectively x-ray generation of low-energy photons which are utilized in modern medical imaging procedures. We describe useful information on anode-target characteristics, such as anode angle, anode material, and metal filter materials, based on previous quality studies even by using software other than BEAMnrc. Conclusion: We demonstrate that BEAMnrc can be efficiently used for Monte Carlo modeling of low-energy photons.