Metal Containers Research Articles

Luminescent Complexes of Platinum, Iridium, and Coinage Metals Containing N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands: Design, Structural Diversity, and Photophysical Properties.

The employment of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) to design luminescent metal compounds has been the focus of recent intense investigations because of the strong σ-donor properties, which bring stability to the whole system and tend to push the d-d dark states so high in energy that they are rendered thermally inaccessible, thereby generating highly emissive complexes for useful applications such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), or featuring chiroptical properties, a field that is still in its infancy. Among the NHC complexes, those containing organic chromophores such as naphthalimide, pyrene, and carbazole exhibit rich emission behavior and thus have attracted extensive interest in the past five years, especially carbene coinage metal complexes with carbazolate ligands. In this review, the design strategies of NHC-based luminescent platinum and iridium complexes with large spin-orbit-coupling (SOC) are described first. Subsequent paragraphs illustrate the recent advances of luminescent coinage metal complexes with nucleophilic- and electrophilic-based carbenes based on silver, gold, and copper metal complexes that have the ability to display rich excited state emissions in particular via thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). The luminescence mechanism and excited state dynamics are also described. We then summarize the advance of NHC-metal complexes in the aforementioned fields in recent years. Finally, we propose the development trend of this fast-growing field of luminescent NHC-metal complexes.

Environmental and chemical risk factors for breast cancer

In Nigeria, breast cancer (BC) is currently the leading cause of cancer mortality, accounting for approximately 23% of all cancer diagnoses and 18% of all cancer deaths. Although the fundamental etiology of BC is still unknown, a number of risk factors, including age, lifestyle, menarche, menopause, and environmental exposures, among others, have been linked to the disease. There is mounting evidence that hazardous compounds that are part of our everyday environment are important risk variables. Exposure to these BC-predisposing chemicals happens through the items we use, the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. Mostly, these are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) capable of mimicking hormones such as estrogen and progesterone with links to BC initiation and progression. EDCs, which include bisphenol A, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and polychlorinated biphenyls, among others, can be found in everyday items including plastic and metal containers, cosmetics, detergents, and insecticides. In addition, exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are formed during the burning of organic materials and fuel, is another significant risk factor for BC. While BC initiation and pathogenesis are multifaceted with links to various contributing risk factors, a deeper understanding of the environmental and chemical conundrum will aid mitigating and prevention initiatives in Nigeria and elsewhere.

The Combined Action of Organic Inhibitors on Copper and Aluminium Metals and Aluminium Alloy Containing Copper

The approach used in the present work involves investigating the corrosion protection properties of mixed inhibitors for copper and aluminium substrates in chloride-containing solutions, which serve as a benchmark for studies of the alloy AA2024, with Cu and Al being the main culprits for localized corrosion. A synergistic mixture of inhibitors could find potential applications in novel blending combinations, such as in cooling water as an inhibitor in closed systems or incorporated in various protective coatings as additives, nano-containers, etc. If possible, the protective inhibitor film should show irreversibility of inhibition which can be defined as the ability to, once formed, retains its protective properties when the concentration of the corrosion inhibitor decreases. This irreversibility of the protective properties is essential for long-term protection.Inhibitory action of organic molecules, 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI) and octylphosphonic acid (OPA) and their binary combinations on aluminium, copper and aluminium alloy 2024-T3 was investigated in chloride environments by conventional electrochemical methods and surface-analytical techniques [1,2]. In addition, the influence of pre-treatment of the metal surface and the choice of solvent for liquid-phase deposition on adsorption of MBI and OPA was studied on individual metals, Al and Cu [3]. Although OPA is not an inhibitor for Cu, it can synergistically boost corrosion inhibition of copper when added to MBI. In contrast, a synergistic effect between MBI and OPA as corrosion inhibitors was not observed for AA2024-T3. The mechanism was proposed where the thickness and structure of the surface layer are dependent on the pH. For the sample exposed to MBI at pH 5.5, where the Cu2O is stable, a thin Cu(I)MBI film is formed.In contrast, when exposed to the mixture of MBI and OPA at a pH of 4, the amount of produced Cu+ ions is boosted, and a much thicker Cu(I)MBI film forms by dissolution-precipitation mechanism. This layer exhibits high inhibitory effectiveness on copper substrate. At even lower pH, the thick compact Cu(I)MBI film does not form due to intensive dissolution of the Cu2O underlayer, resulting in a voluminous product. The postulated mechanism is confirmed by electrochemical data and composition of the layer by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy and focused-ion beam scanning electron microscopy with chemical analysis.Immersion of AA2024 in an OPA-containing solution caused significant localized corrosion, while no local electrochemical activity on AA2024 was detected in an MBI-containing solution, indicating that the MBI inhibitor was very effective against pitting corrosion. Figure shows FIB/SEM (cross-section) analysis of local corrosion induced by Al2CuMg phase after 24 h immersion of AA2024 in 3 wt.% NaCl containing 1 mM MBI. The chemical analysis employed at the cross-section (yellow rectangles) of the Al2CuMg revealed that the MBI layer reduces the dissolution rate of dealloying of this phase and the rate of oxygen reduction on the copper remnant sites.This study shows that the behaviour of each combination of inhibitor and metal substrate is unique and cannot be translated to the more complex system such as alloy. Therefore, a profound understanding of the inhibition mechanism of individual metals is a prerequisite for further investigation of the corrosion inhibition of aluminium alloys. Acknowledgements: The financial support of the project by the Slovenian Research Agency is acknowledged (grants No. P1-0134, P2-0393 and BI-US/22-24-140) is acknowledged. Barbara Kapun, BSc, is acknowledged for FIB-SEM-EDS analysis.

High utilization lithium metal anode constructed by allocatable MXene foam container

Electrode/electrolyte contact failure caused by thick dead Li and SEI layer is principally responsible for the low utilization of lithium metal anode. The key to opening this lock is designing a host with fast mass transfer to promote uniform deposition of lithium to reduce the repeated SEI growth and dead Li production. Herein, an allocatable container constructed with porous MXene (Ti3C2Tx) and carbon nanofibers is proposed for constraining Li deposition behavior. Multiphysics finite elemental analysis and SEM confirm the fast mass transfer ability and good deposition behavior of MXene foam. The benefit of this allocatable container is further confirmed by the symmetric cells, with lifetime of 1400 h at 1 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2 and 200 h at 5 mA cm−2, 5 mAh cm−2. Morphology after cycle displays that the composite anode makes the utmost utilization of lithium metal. Moreover, full-cell armed with this composite Li anode and LiFePO4 cathode exhibits galvanostatic charge/discharge performance with 510 cycles at 2C and 100 cycles at 4C (1C = 170 mA g−1). This work sheds light on reasonable Li metal container design, highlights the importance of high Li utilization and puts the practical usage of Li metal battery one more step forward.

Validation of a polymer odor capture-and-release (POCR) aid for training canines to detect triacetone triperoxide (TATP)

A major issue in canine training for the detection of hazardous materials is the limited availability of materials for handlers and trainers on a routine basis. This is particularly a challenge for homemade explosives such as triacetone triperoxide (TATP), which is friction and impact sensitive, making it hazardous to handle for all canine and bomb technician personnel. The polymer odor capture and release training aid (POCR) was designed as a solution to this challenge. The TATP POCR consists of a layer of absorptive polymer enclosed in a seamless metal container. In this configuration, the POCR provides a non-hazardous training aid that delivers odor at a known, reproducible rate. This study evaluated the TATP POCR both chemically and in canine testing to provide a validated training aid. Chemical analysis determined how much TATP was absorbed by the polymer in the POCR, and subsequently determined that the POCR had an odor concentration comparable to a 1 g laboratory-grade TATP training aid with a 13-hole lid. Finally, the dissipation rate of TATP from the POCR (7.8 m/min) was established up to 0.5 m.The chemical results were compared to the success in canine detection results. Three phases of canine testing were conducted: 1) Initial validation with an internal cohort of canines imprinted on the TATP POCR, 2) Pilot testing with operational explosives detection canines imprinted on the bulk TATP, and 3) External testing with operational explosives detection canines imprinted on either TATP POCR or bulk TATP. Across all phases, alerts to the respective testing odor in both controlled odor discrimination and operational search testing was above 80 %. For the internal cohort of canines that were trained on the TATP POCR, alerts to the TATP training aid were >90 % and false alerts were < 10 %, validating the training method and material. The combined results provide evidence that the TATP POCR may be used efficiently in initial or maintenance training as well as in retaining motivation and performance in operational settings. This is one of the first studies of its kind to thoroughly evaluate a canine training aid by presenting chemical analysis and supporting canine testing across internally-sourced and operational externally-sourced canine groups.

Effect of Packaging Materials and Moisture Level on Pearl Millet Stored Under Ambient Condition

Pearl millet is the most widely grown type of millet. Grains are a valuable source of numerous nutrients and minerals, and because they include phytochemicals, they support optimum health. One of the earliest groups of grains that humans have discovered is the group of small-seeded grasses known as millets, which are widely grown as cereal crops around the world. In the present study, the effects of packaging material and moisture level on pearl millet stored under ambient conditions were determined. Storage containers like polyethylene bags, metal containers, earthen pots, and gunny sacks were used for the comparison. The pearl millet was stored at various initial moisture content levels at 6%, 8%, and 12% using the above-mentioned storage containers. Seed moisture content, germination percentage, and germination index were all increased with an increase in the initial moisture content of pearl millet.

Study on Hydrogen Production by Supercritical Water Gasification of Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine under Multi-Parameters

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) is very toxic and hard to decompose in traditional ways. In this paper, the gasification of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) in supercritical water was studied in a batch reactor under different conditions. The hydrogen production process of supercritical water gasification of UDMH in metal containers is a multiphase reaction process. The effects of reaction temperature, alkaline catalysts, residence time, and oxidation on gasification were systematically studied. COD and ammonia nitrogen of the residual liquid were tested. Results showed that the maximum molar fraction and yield of hydrogen were 87.0% and 97.9 mol/kg, respectively, with KOH at 600 °C, 23 MPa. The COD removal efficiency in relation to alkaline catalysts was in the following order: NaOH &gt; Na2CO3 &gt; KOH &gt; K2CO3. The highest COD removal efficiency (up to 95%) can be obtained at the temperature of 600 °C, 23 MPa with NaOH as the catalyst, and a residence time of 20 min. Ammonia nitrogen can be decreased by adding an oxidant. The COD and ammonia nitrogen of the residual liquid can meet the requirement of the Chinese emission standard of water pollution for space propellants. In addition, the organic compounds formed under different conditions were also identified.

CO₂ Adsorption on Zeolites and Fe-MOF for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

This research focused on the development of suitable materials for capturing and storing CO2 (CCS). Ferum-metal organic framework (Fe-MOF) and zeolite were prepared as adsorbents for the CO2 adsorption process. These adsorbents were characterised by employing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysers. The adsorptive capacity of CO2 was conducted in an assembled facility containing of a metallic tubular container set up with a pure CO2 gas stream from a cylinder-shaped tank. The performance of these two adsorbents was investigated using two different parameters which are operating pressure and dosage of adsorbents. The exit concentration of CO2 was analyzed periodically using gas chromatography. Based on the FTIR and XRD studies, the findings suggest that the zeolite and Fe-MOF were successfully formed. The optimal adsorption conditions obtained for both adsorbents were 0.3 g of adsorbent dose and 1 bar of operating pressure. In conclusion, zeolite exhibits better performance as a CO2 adsorber due to its higher adsorption capacity than Fe-MOF.

Study On the Assessment of Heavy Metals in Gogi Lake, Yadgir District, Karnataka, India

The lakes are the source of people's livelihood for surrounding communities, due to urbanization, and industrialization, these lakes are threatened with emerging environmental pollution as well as heavy metal pollution is a thoughtful major problem for lakes and wetlands. Heavy metal containment was toxic to human health, and the natural environment. Our study , aims to find out the concentration of heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystem. The study was conducted in a one-year period of three seasonal variations of ten different sites during the period of June 2020 to May-2021 of Gogi Lake. The analysis of the concentration of heavy metals is Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Cd, and Pb. The collection of samples, sampling preparation, pre-treatment processing, and analysis by using the instrument atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was done and data was subject to descriptive statistics to arrive at meaningful conclusions. During the study period, Zn concentration was found 0.01564 mg/L to 2.05866 mg/L, The Cu concentration ranged from 0.06794 mg/L to 0.01243 mg/L. Fe was found at 0.285 mg/L to 0.0256 mg/L, Mn concentration between 0.03272 mg/L to 0.00626 mg/L, The Cr was found at high concentration in monsoon season 0.0174 mg/L at site 2 and low concentration was found in post-monsoon 0.0015 mg/L at site 1., the study revealed. Heavy metals have been shown within the permissible limits, except Pb, as per recommendations of WHO and BIS 10500 2012 standard of water criteria. The objective of the present research was to assess the concentration of heavy metals to understand aquatic environment problems. and the study recommended that continuous monitoring and assessment investigation will be beneficial for the management and protection of this Lake.

Investigation of Nickel Removal from Heavy Metal Containing Industrial Wastewater by Electrocoagulation Method

In the study, Ni2+ (nickel) removal from synthetically prepared wastewater by electrocoagulation method, which is one of the electrochemical treatment processes, was investigated and parameters such as current density, pH, mixing speed, initial Ni2+ concentration, supporting electrolyte type and concentration were determined to determine Ni2+ removal efficiencies effects were studied. Experiment conditions during 30 minutes of electrolysis; the current density was determined as 0.95 mA/cm2, the initial pH of the wastewater was 6, the mixing speed was 150 rpm, and the initial nickel concentration was 250 mg/L. The Ni2+ removal efficiency was obtained as 75.99% under the determined experimental conditions, while the energy consumption was calculated as 3.15 kW-h/m3. In the experiments, it was observed that the type and concentration of the supporting electrolyte did not have a significant effect on the Ni2+ removal efficiency. In the trials where the effect of the support electrolyte concentration was examined, the Ni2+ removal efficiency was 75.99% in the wastewater environment without the supporting electrolyte, while the Ni2+ removal efficiency was 81.55% when 7.5 mmol/L NaCl was used after the 30-minute reaction, and the energy consumption was 2.15 kW-h/m3 obtained as. As a result of the studies, it was concluded that the electrocoagulation process can be applied in the treatment of wastewater containing Ni2+.

The Effectiveness of the Device for Vacuum Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Focal Thyroid Pathology

Purpose: Determination of the effectiveness of using vacuum fine-needle aspiration biopsy under ultrasound control in patients with focal thyroid pathology. Material and methods: The modified original experimental sample for vacuum fine-needle aspiration biopsy (patent RU No. 2757525) was developed with the help of which 48 vacuum fine-needle aspiration biopsy were performed under the control of ultrasound navigation in patients with focal thyroid pathology. The device is a full-fledged vacuum compressor that creates a negative pressure in the range from –0.1 to –0.8 bar, which is connected to a syringe using a metal container, foot switches, electromagnetic valves, high-strength hoses and an adapter, where a high discharge power is created and fragmentation and aspiration of cellular material occurs. The degree of discharge depended on the assumed morphological structure of thyroid nodes, which were determined using multiparametric ultrasound. The average vacuum level was selected in the range from –0.3 to –0.5 bar, which is significantly higher than the level of discharge created by a 10 ml syringe (–0.2 bar). Results: During the vacuum fine-needle aspiration biopsy, no complications were detected during and after the manipulation. In the group of patients, 72.1 % (n = 32) women prevailed, the average age was 59.0±5.5 years. The collection of cytological material was carried out much easier, since when using v-TAB, the discharge in the syringe is formed using an apparatus that is kept at a constant level, which eliminated the need for translational movements of the syringe piston and needle in the focus for greater collection of cytological material, this indicates a low level of uninformative cytological conclusion (Bethesda I), n = 5 (11.2 %). Conclusions: 1. The implementation of vacuum fine-needle aspiration biopsy allows to improve the quality of sampling of cellular material, which affects the informativeness of cytological examination of nodular formations of the thyroid gland. 2. The vacuum fine-needle aspiration biopsy allows you to individualize the procedure depending on the ultrasound semiotics of the nodular formation of the thyroid gland. 3. The vacuum fine-needle aspiration biopsy minimizes the number of uncontrolled needle movements during a biopsy, which reduces the risk of complications.

Heavy metals and aluminium intake from stored canned tomato, sardines and tuna in Algeria

This study assessed heavy metals intake and their impacts on healthcare in Algeria. Peculiar attention was given to heavy metals found in largely consumed canned foods in Algeria such as double concentrated tomato, tuna crumbs and sardines. Chemical analyses of the metal and aluminium containers (foil, tray) were performed by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and EDS spectrometry (Energy Dispersive Spectrometry). The determination of the trace metal content in canned food (element metal trace EMT) was achieved by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The approach proposed in this study aimed to highlight the interaction of the product and packaging material, and thus to identify and quantify heavy metals traces that were able to undergo specific or overall migration to food. The morphology of the contact surface food / packaging was observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and showed a slight degradation of the base metal (Black Iron). There was an obvious increase in EMTs during tuna, sardines and tomatoes storage and artificial aging. A special interest was given to cooking modes using aluminium foil and trays. ‎‎The respective dosages of aluminium, in baked food (fresh tuna) were obtained. Specific Aluminium migration was noticed and was strong for the flame cooking mode.

Shock Recovery With Decaying Compressive Pulses: Shock Effects in Calcite (CaCO3) Around the Hugoniot Elastic Limit

AbstractShock metamorphism of minerals in meteorites provides insights into the ancient Solar System. Calcite is an abundant aqueous alteration mineral in carbonaceous chondrites. Return samples from the asteroids Ryugu and Bennu are expected to contain calcite‐group minerals. Although shock metamorphism in silicates has been well studied, such data for aqueous alteration minerals are limited. Here, we investigated the shock effects in calcite with marble using impact experiments at the Planetary Exploration Research Center of Chiba Institute of Technology. We produced decaying compressive pulses with a smaller projectile than the target. A metal container facilitates recovery of a sample that retains its pre‐impact stratigraphy. We estimated the peak pressure distributions in the samples with the iSALE shock physics code. The capability of this method to produce shocked grains that have experienced different degrees of metamorphism from a single experiment is an advantage over conventional uniaxial shock recovery experiments. The shocked samples were investigated by polarizing microscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. We found that more than half of calcite grains exhibit undulatory extinction when peak pressure exceeds 3 GPa. This shock pressure is one order of magnitude higher than the Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) of marble, but it is close to the HEL of a calcite crystal, suggesting that the undulatory extinction records dislocation‐induced plastic deformation in the crystal. Finally, we propose a strategy to re‐construct the maximum depth of calcite grains in a meteorite parent body, if shocked calcite grains are identified in chondrites and/or return samples from Ryugu and Bennu.

Industrial and Technological Waste Mismanagement and Its Implications for the Present and Future Geology of the Earth: A Field Study of the Ekulu River in Enugu Metropolis, Southeastern Nigeria

Aim: Field study of the Ekulu River in the coal mining and industrialized part of the Enugu Metropolis was done in order to evaluate the impacts of industrial and technological waste mismanagement on the present and future geology of the Earth.&#x0D; Methodology: The study includes field observation, sampling and description of nature and composition of the sediments from the ancient/abandoned and present/active river channels.&#x0D; Result: The findings of the study shows incorporation of non- decomposable particles such as nylon, plastics, leather, chicken feather, pieces of broken bottles, electrical wire, coal chips, aluminum foil, cloth materials, metallic containers, coal tar and chippings scraped off from failed road etc as part of the present river channel sediments in an active areas such as Onyeama Mine and surroundings and Abakpa Bridge.&#x0D; Conclusion: Occurrence of these debris referred to as “Technofossils” in the sediments and sedimentary rocks that is or will be preserved in these fluvial settings now and in the near future will serve as one of the evidences of human impacts on the Earth System through the use of technological inventions and industrial revolution. These anthropogenic materials in the present river channel sediments are markers which support the argument on a clear shift in geologic time from Holocene to Anthropocene, a proposed human influenced geologic epoch.

Experimental study on the impact of drinking water in plastic container with exposing to summer heat on animal health

This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the expected negative effects of using plastic containers in depicting hot weather on animal health by using some criteria for liver enzymes represented by Alinine transaminase ALT, gama glutamate tranaminase (GGT), as well as redox enzymes manuldehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) . The animal house in agriculture college university of Karbala was used for the purpose of housing the animals of this experiment and the experiment lasted from 4/6/2020 to 4/8/2020 . Thirty local male rabbits ,average weight 1100-1400gm and age 4 months were divided into three groups equally : First group G1 served as controls negative (10 animals) were received water in metallic container at room temperature.Second group G2: Control positive (10 animals) were received water in plastic container at room temperature. Third group G3: also (10 animals) were received water in plastic container at 45ºC temperature. Feeding and water offered ad-libtum. the result reviled that animals received water in plastic container with exposited to summer heat45ºC, recorded increased significantly after 45 days in ALT,GGT and monoldihyd (MDA) , as well as glutathione peroxidase recoded decreased significantly was observed .

Histological study for detection impact of plastic materials through drinking water on local male rabbits

The aim of this research was conductedto evaluating the effect of plastic containers in depicting hot weather on animal health through the histological techniques for liver and kidney organs. Laboratory animal used for this purpose, in animal house of agriculture college university of karbala and the experiment appear from 4/6/2020to4/8/2020. Thirty local male rabbits, age 4 months and average weight 1100-1400gm were divided into equal three groups ;First group T1 served as controls negative (10 animals) were received water in metallic container at room temperature. Second groupT2: Control positive (10animals) were received water in plastic container at room temperature, while third group T3: also (10 animals) and received water exposed to 45ºC temperature in plastic container. Feeding and water offered ad-libtum.

Fill level measurements using an M-sequence UWB radar

AbstractDue to increasingly complex and automated manufacturing processes, the demands on the control parameters of these processes are also increasing. In many applications, such a parameter is the fill quantity, whose precise determination is of ever growing importance. This paper shows with which accuracy and precision an M-sequence ultra-wideband radar can determine levels in small metallic and non-metallic containers with contact-based and contactless measurements. First, the principle of level measurement using guided wave radar is explained and the measurement setup is described. Afterward, the measurement results are shown and discussed. The measurements show that the level can be measured with an accuracy of better than 0.5 mm. In addition, level fluctuations can be detected with a precision of 3 ${\rm \mu }$m. Based on the results of the guided wave radar, the possibilities of volumetric contactless measurement using an electrically small patch antenna are discussed. A particular challenge in contactless level measurement is the high number of multipath components, which strongly influence the accuracy. In addition, there are near-field effects when measuring close to the antenna. Exploiting these near-field effects, an additional method to accurately determine the full state of the container is investigated.

An internet of radiation sensor system (IoRSS) to detect radioactive sources out of regulatory control

A radioactive source that is not under regulatory control, either because it has never been under regulatory control or because it has been abandoned, lost, misplaced, stolen, or otherwise transferred without proper authorization, is considered an orphan source. Orphan sources are usually gathered as scrap metal because of their heavy metallic containers. Melting an orphan source with scrap metal produces contaminated recycled metal and waste; the consequences will be extremely serious for humans and the environment, affecting the economy and social stability. In this paper, we propose and develop an Internet of Radiation Sensor System (IoRSS) to detect radioactive sources out of regulatory control in scrap metal recycling and production facilities. It is a complete IoT system consisting of a network of wirelessly connected radiometric devices that optimizes the detection, localization, and identification of radioactive sources by integrating data from multiple portable radiation detectors. The proposed IoRSS system creates a robust and flexible network architecture along with advanced data fusion algorithms that combine information from many detectors. The IoRSS system provides advanced search and monitoring capabilities in a large coverage area and in difficult operational environments.

A Multi-Load Capacitive Power Transfer System With Load-Independent Characteristic for Reefer Container Application

In order to supply power wirelessly to reefer containers without constructing an extra power tower, this article proposed a novel multiload capacitive power transfer (CPT) system with an SP-CL isolation compensation topology. Unlike the traditional multiload CPT system, where receivers function solely as power consumers, in the proposed system, each receiver not only supplies power to the connected load but transfers power wirelessly to the next receivers. The coupler model with the cross-coupling of metal containers is established for reefer container application. Then, the SP-CL isolation compensation topology analysis based on the single circuit is carried out to achieve the load-independent characteristics with constant output voltage. The output characteristics and efficiency of the proposed CPT system are analyzed, considering the impact of the parasitic resistance. Besides, the voltage stress of passive components is optimized to design the experiment system. A 1.8-kW prototype with three loads is built to validate the effectiveness of the proposed CPT system. The equal power distribution (600 W and 600 W and 600 W) is achieved, and the system efficiency can reach 83.7%.

Analysis of floating objects based on non-intrusive measuring methods and machine learning

Floating objects in rivers and streams present a growing problem, not only as they may cause clogging of bridges and other hydraulic structures, and consequently floods, but also because they can have a diverse impact on river (and marine) ecosystems, either positive (in case of in-channel wood) or negative (in case of anthropogenic floating objects). To automatically identify different types of floating objects (i.e., wood pieces, EPS and XPS boards, and plastic and metal containers) and their volumes in an open channel, we propose a novel methodology based on non-intrusive measuring methods and machine learning. To this end, we tested the combination of an industrial 2D laser scanner, a high-speed camera, and an ultrasonic sensor. In the laboratory experiment, 36 samples were scanned separately, two to three times in a row, resulting in 77 raw LIDAR clouds and image sequences. Raw data were post-processed with custom-developed algorithms to determine the volumes of samples above the water surface and their intensity histograms. The latter were analyzed with the machine learning algorithm to distinguish between different material types of floating objects. For each of them, the material density was assigned. Based on the identified floating object's material type, pre-assigned density, and measured volume above the water surface, the sample volumes were calculated and compared with the actual ones determined before setting up the experiment. The results show that the proposed approach enables material recognition with accuracy higher than 90%. The average volume calculation error based on detected material type, assigned densities, and measured floating object's volume above the water surface is approx. 2%. The proposed methodology proved promising for automatic differentiation between different types of floating objects and remote measurement of their volume. To use the method in real-world applications (e.g., on bridges) for forecasting downstream quantities of floating objects, and consequently adjusting their management accordingly, additional measurements are needed, focusing on simultaneous scanning of multiple floating objects, under different flow conditions.