Feed Rate Research Articles

PSIX-3 Dental stick extrusion utilizing spray dried plasma

Abstract Dental stick extrusion utilizes various ingredients to form the ideal texture and quality product. Alternative ingredients to enhance or impact texture, palatability and/or plaque removal can be useful to improve dental stick manufacturing. Spray dried plasma (SDP) is a consistent high protein ingredient commonly utilized in pet food for functional texture properties, enhancing palatability, and supporting overall health. Thus, the study objective was to evaluate how SDP inclusion with other ingredients impacts texture of extruded dental formulas. Three formulas were developed utilizing SDP to replace wheat starch (WS) or Arabic gum in the control formula. The formulas were: Control: WS and gum; SDP1: SDP and WS replacing gum; and SDP2: SDP replacing WS and gum. Dental sticks were made at the Extru-Tech technology testing center using a 525 single screw extruder with the product densification unit (PDU) removed and replaced with a mid-barrel valve and 3 cooling heads to cause densification. The sticks were manufactured as solid square sticks. Generally, a single screw with a PDU, or a traditional parallel-shaft twin screw is used to manufacture dental sticks. However, the equipment alterations used worked like a single screw with a PDU; thus, it would be expected that the results would translate to a traditional single screw configuration. Glycerin at 12% (% to dry feed rate) and chicken fat were added to the pre-conditioner at set rates to optimize expansion and product quality. Processing conditions were monitored and adjusted on the various formulations during production to optimize extrusion. Texture was measured on a TA.XT Plus utilizing an adjustable bridge with a rounded-end knife probe for a 3-point bend. Dental sticks of 8 cm in length were placed over the two bridge spans spaced 5 cm apart to measure maximum force (hardness) and work to peak force (work to break) to determine texture parameters. Ten dental sticks per treatment were analyzed. All formulas utilizing SDP were successful in producing dental sticks. No differences (P > 0.05) were noted in force with SDP formulas compared with control. Work to peak was greater (P < 0.05) in SDP formulas compared with control formula. Formulation matrix impacts results. In the current formulas, both Arabic gum and WS were altered in the formulas and depending on amount of SDP used similar texture was noted. In conclusion, SDP can be incorporated into dental stick formulas and utilized as a processing aide. Overall, depending on target hardness and ingredient matrix, SDP can be an alternative to various ingredients to maintain or improve product quality.

Demonstration of a novel jaw crusher design at a lab scale

ABSTRACT A novel jaw crusher was designed, constructed and tested at a lab scale. Differences from a conventional jaw crusher include a swing plate that is supported at the outlet, rather than the inlet, wear plates with a corrugation pattern that are designed to break the ore in bending rather than compression, and a trapezoidal wear plate shape to allow for swelling of broken ore. The crusher was tested using an ore sample that was mainly composed of feldspar. The performance of the crusher was evaluated by measuring changes in the size distribution of the ore and the corresponding electrical energy consumed, as a function of ore feed rate. The results indicated that the crusher product size distribution was narrower than that of the feed and independent of ore feed rate, with relatively little generation of fines, demonstrating that the crusher performed as designed in terms of ore breakage mechanism. Though calculated breakage efficiencies suggest that the crusher may be more energy efficient than a conventional jaw crusher, the use of an undersized crusher motor and possible deficiencies in the design of the transmission mechanism, prevent any concrete conclusions from being drawn.

Machine learning classification applied to the effect of AFSD process parameters on tensile properties

Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD) is a key technology in additive manufacturing, where process parameters greatly impact deposition layer properties. Currently, there is no established method for systematically improving these properties through parameter investigation. This study addresses this by applying six machine learning (ML) classification algorithms to a dataset of 130 samples, classifying the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) based on feed rate, rotational speed, and downforce. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm achieved the highest accuracy at 95.3%. This research provides a precise method for classifying AFSD process parameters and demonstrates the potential of ML techniques for optimizing manufacturing processes, presenting a novel approach to enhancing AFSD deposition layer performance.

Investigating screw-agitator speed ratio impact on feeding performance in pharmaceutical manufacturing using discrete element method

In continuous powder handling processes, precise and consistent feeding is crucial for ensuring the quality of the final product. The intermixing effect caused by agitators, which alters the powder’s bulk density, flow rate, and flow patterns, plays a significant role in this process, yet it is often overlooked. This study combines discrete element method (DEM) modeling and experiments using a commercial-scale feeder to propose a Digital Twin (DT) framework. The DEM model accurately captures key flow features, such as bypass trajectories, stagnant zones, and preferential flow patterns, while providing quantitative predictions for the feed factor and zones prone to material accumulation. Scenario analysis is performed to identify the most favorable operating ranges of the screw-agitator ratio and screw speed, considering the cohesive properties of the powder. The study demonstrates that powders with poor flow characteristics require tighter operational constraints, as the screw-agitator ratio is susceptible to variations in mass feed rate. This contribution highlights the importance of selecting an appropriate screw-agitator ratio instead of maintaining a fixed value. Properly choosing this ratio helps determine an optimal operation window, which aims to achieve a minimum agitation level needed to induce unhindered flow and reduce variability in the mass flow rate.

Optimizing EDM for titanium alloys: an in-depth comparison of five MCDM techniques

This experimental study investigates the effect of the cutting parameters of the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) process of Ti-6Al-4V alloy material on surface roughness (Ra), cutting time (t) and Material Removal Rate (MRR) then solve the Multiple Objective Optimization Problem using separate Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods namely Entropy-Weighted TOPSIS (E-TOPSIS), MOORA, SAW, VIKOR, and WPM. Focusing on nine 3-levels variants including Operating Voltage (OV), Pulse-On Time (Ton), Pulse-Off Time (Toff), Short-Circuit Off Time (AFF), Secondary Voltage (SV), Feed Rate (WF), Tension (WT), Water Pressure (WL) and Material Cutting Speed (F). Due to the large number of variants studied, the Taguchi L27 experimental design was chosen to reduce the number of experiments while still ensuring reliability in assessing the impact of technological parameters on responses in the study. The optimization results from the different methods indicated two distinct optimal outcomes. According to the E-TOPSIS, MOORA, and SAW, the optimal result is a Ra of 3.27 µm, a t of 7.37 min, and an MRR of 7.45 mm3/min. This result suggests a balanced and harmonious optimization among all criteria. On the other hand, the figures VIKOR and WPM methods are 2.87 µm, 9.57 min, and 5.74 mm3/min, respectively. These results indicate a higher priority for certain criteria, reflected in the lower Ra, longer cutting time, and a smaller MRR in comparison to the figures for the remaining MCDM methods. The different optimal results achieved by various methods highlight that each method is suited to and excels with different sets of values. Therefore, in each specific research or production process, comparing and choosing results calculated by different methods provides a comprehensive view, aiding in making appropriate decisions

Deep learning-based temperature prediction during rotary ultrasonic bone drilling

Bone drilling is a common but critical medical procedure in orthopedic surgeries used to treat fractured bones. During this procedure, the temperature of the bone increases due to generation of frictional energy. Temperature control has been a major challenge in bone drilling since its foundation. If this temperature increases over 47°C for 1 min, then it can result in permanent bone damage. To control the temperature elevation this study proposes a deep learning-based robust predictive model which has been trained and tested on data from pig bones. Excessive in-house testing has been done on pig femur bones to gather data and verify the results. Rotary ultrasonic bone drilling was the machining process used for drilling. Four independent variables which were rotational speed, feed rate, abrasive grit size, and vibrational ultrasonic power were varied and the temperature for each set of values was recorded. Multiple deep learning models were made and were compared on different error metrics. It was found that convolutional neural network 1D gave the least error over other models. The error generated by deep learning models was less than mathematical and experimental models.

Volcanic ash in the water column: Cellular, physiological and anatomical implications for the gastropod suspension-feeder Crepipatella peruviana (Lamarck, 1822)

The influx of volcanic ash into seawater alters particle composition with implications for the cellular, physiological and anatomical response of suspension-feeding organisms. Adult females of Crepipatella peruviana were exposed to three diets consisting of a fixed concentration of 50,000 cells ml−1 of the microalga Isochrysis galbana plus different concentrations of ash particles (30, 90 and 150 mg L−1). The objective was to determine the cellular, physiological and anatomical responses. Mortality increased with ash concentrations, while feeding and respiration rates, tissue weight, and condition index decreased. The gills showed severe degradation of cilia and the presence of large mucous aggregates of cilia and ash. An increase in ash resulted in decreased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls, but increased total antioxidant capacity and phenols. Thus, volcanic ash particles may exert a high impact at both cellular and physiological levels for C. peruviana, where inhibition of gill function reduces the ability to acquire food.

Epoxy resin gel particles with adjustable stickiness and deformability for pesticide delivery

It is essential to develop a pesticide delivery system with a simple preparation process and strong leaf retention capability. In this study, epoxy resin (ER) was modified with alcohols with different carbon chain lengths through a one-step reaction to synthesize modified prepolymers (ModER). Among these, the ER modified by dodecanol (ER/Dodecanol) exhibited high flexibility, exceptional stickiness and the highest surface free energy. Subsequently, the organic phase containing emamectin benzoate (EB) and ModER was directly mixed with the aqueous phase containing sodium lignosulfonate (SL) to instantaneously obtain pesticide-loaded epoxy resin gel particles (ModERMP) through self-emulsification and electrostatic interaction. ER/Dodecanol loaded with EB (EB@ER/Dodecanol) had excellent flexibility. The particles underwent significant flattening, transitioning from micron-sized spherical particles to “biscuit-type” particles with nanoscale thickness. EB@ER/Dodecanol exhibited outstanding stickiness, enabling it to adhere to the mouthparts and legs of insects, thereby impacting their feeding behavior. Compared with that of the control, the leaf feeding rate for the experimental group was decreased by 9.36%. EB@ER/Dodecanol also had affinity for foliar micro/nanostructures while displaying excellent washout resistance. Following washing, the residue rate increased by 33.7% compared to that of the emulsifiable concentrate (EC). Furthermore, EB@ER/Dodecanol had excellent insecticidal activity both before and after washout. ModERMP represents a simple preparation process with robust washout resistance, thereby enhancing pesticide utilization rates.

Exploring the cutting edge: Recent trends in cold metal transfer welding

Cold metal transfer welding is known for its automated welding process, which is equipped with shortcircuit-based deposition of filler wire, which allows it to control its heat input parameter properly along with a wire feed rate. Cold metal transfer’s main characteristic, which greatly affected the manufacturing industries, is joining thin, similar, or dissimilar metal sheets as the processing heat input is minimal. This review paper (covering 104 studies) examines how joining different metals with varying welding parameters affects their weld appearance, microstructure, tensile strength, and the formation of joint failure. The main focus was on what additional methods, like hardfacing or post-heat treatment of material, must be adopted to enhance the joint's weld quality and appearance. The paper starts with the investigation of numerous dissimilar weld joints formed by the cold metal transfer technique, along with the effect of varying welding parameters and ultrasonic-assisted cold metal transfer hybrid welding on the weld quality and post–pre-weld heat treatment of materials. A comparison of different cold metal transfer arc modes employed in wire-arc additive manufacturing has also been discussed briefly. At the end of the analysis, it was noted that some metal joints had a positive impact, and some gained a negative effect while increasing the heat input. The research articles studied in this paper indicate that not every material would exhibit the same welding property when subjected to a specific set of varying welding parameters.

Anopheles jamesii Supports Plasmodium vivax Sporogony under Laboratory Conditions.

Anopheles jamesii, considered to be a non-malaria vector, is an abundant mosquito species found in coastal India and several countries in Asia. In Goa, western India, An. jamesii is the dominant anopheline species by numbers, and in recent epidemiological surveys, they have tested positive for Plasmodium carriage. To assess An. jamesii's capacity as a malaria vector, we carried out six controlled membrane feeding assays with the F1 generation of field-caught An. jamesii and Plasmodium vivax-infected patient blood samples. As a control, the established local vector, Anopheles stephensi, was fed in parallel to compare the oocyst and sporozoite loads. The average oocyst load of An. jamesii was 3.29, while for An. stephensi it was 10.23. Furthermore, An. jamesii's blood feeding rate (21.7% versus 85%), oocyst positivity rate (60% versus 90.6%), and sporozoite positivity (45.16% versus 83%) were significantly lower (P <0.05, unpaired t test) than those of An. stephensi, suggesting a recent adaptation to support Plasmodium sporogony.

Fine evaluation of surface integrity of hardened 1.4418 stainless steel after finish dry turning

Abstract1.4418 hardened stainless steel (SS) is widely used in mechanical engineering because of its high functional properties. They can also be enhanced by procuring improvements in the state of the surface layer (SL) and, above all, in the factors of its strengthening, among others the average size of coherent scattering regions (ASCSR), dislocation density (DD), residual stresses (RS) of first and second orders, and relative micro-deformations of the crystal lattice (RMCL). This study investigates the effect of cutting speed (vc) ranging from 100 to 250 m/min and feed rate (f) ranging from 0.005 to 0.25 mm/rev on the indicators of SL condition after finish turning the steel tested. A reduction in ASCSR values below 8 nm was obtained for vc = 100–135 m/min, while an increase of ~ 20% was obtained for 180–250 m/min and with the f ranging from 0.2 to 0.25 mm/rev. An increase in RMCL of ~ 90% was registered for vc = 170–230 m/min and f = 0.2–0.25 mm/rev. A decrease in DD below 109 cm−2 was obtained for vc = 180–250 m/min and its ~ 25% increase for vc = 100–135 m/min. A high correlation between ASCSR and DD was shown. In the deformed material, the dislocation’s resistance to motion increases in proportion to the increase in its density. A high linear correlation coefficient in the range of 0.8–0.9 is found between ASCSR, DD, and first-order RS on the one hand, and Sa and Sz surface texture parameters, which are used in the industry to assess product quality, on the other. Additionally, the effect of plastic side flow (PSF) was observed and described. When machining with vc = 119 m/min and f = 0.22 mm/rev, the intense plastic deformation of the material causes outflow and shearing of the surface micro-hills. Favorable compressive stresses (below − 100 MPa) were registered in the range of vc = 225–250 m/min at f = 0.005–0.05 m/rev and 0.2–0.25 mm/rev, as well as vc = 115–180 m/min and f = 0.05–0.17 mm/rev. The study proved the existence of a relationship between the cutting parameters and indicators of the thin crystalline structure of SL. This means that by proper controlling of these parameters, it is possible to obtain such a state of the SL workpiece, which will ensure its long-term use.

Culture Feasibility, Domestication and Breeding Potentiality of Penaeus indicus in the Southwest Region of Bangladesh

A preliminary observation was conducted on the culture potentiality, domestication at different stocking density and breeding competency of Chaka chingri (Penaeus indicus) in southwest region of Bangladesh from February to May in 2020 on Shrimp Research Station, Bagerhat for 120 days. There were three treatments with three replication of each where stocking density varied. Among the treatments, T3 (200 nos./dec) was found more suitable with higher growth than T2 (300 nos./dec) and T1 (400 nos./dec). In regular samples of wild Chaka taken from the regions of Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Khulna, histological investigation revealed that no oocyte was discovered during the reproductive period. The explanations for why the right big shrimp could not be located. Since P. indicus needs more salinity and profundity for the growth of gonadal tissue, the ecological conditions were similarly unfavorable. In this instance, the areas that have greater salinities and shrimp of a reasonable size ought to be chosen for a breeding program. After analysis, the approximate composition of P. indicus's flesh and shell was discovered to be below average. It's because P. indicus experiences prolonged stress and an adverse body condition due to reduced salinity, which has a significant impact on feeding and growth rates along with the rate at which dietary protein is converted to meat protein. Consequently, the current study suggests carrying out a breeding program and preserving the ideal natural conditions for Chaka chingri adaptation.

Bayesian optimization for quick determination of operating variables of simulated moving bed chromatography

The Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) is a continuous chromatographic separation process that operates on the principle of counter-current movement between the solid and liquid phases. Due to periodic switching of feed and product ports across numerous connected columns, adjusting SMB operating variables such as feed and product flow rates and switching time to achieve desired separations is challenging. While equilibrium theory can help narrow the search space, obtaining essential information such as accurate adsorption isotherms is crucial. This requirement, combined with often highly stringent production specifications, makes it challenging to identify even a feasible operating condition, let alone an optimal one. Trial-and-error-based approaches are often impractical as reaching cyclic steady state can be time-consuming, and any waste produced during this period can lead to significant economic losses. While rigorous dynamic models are available, they are computationally intensive and often do not accurately mirror actual process behavior. To address these challenges, the use of Bayesian Optimization (BO) is proposed to sequentially approach optimal SMB operation. Furthermore, it is suggested to employ the simpler True Moving Bed (TMB) model as a prior for the BO, which significantly accelerates convergence. This approach is demonstrated on an SMB process for cresol separation. Initially, the effectiveness of the BO using the TMB model is examined to gain insights into its behavior. Subsequently, we apply BO to the rigorous SMB model, informed by prior knowledge from the TMB model. Our results show that the developed BO framework rapidly converges to the optimal operating parameters that satisfy the purity constraints. We examine the efficiency improvements over various search algorithms and highlight the advantages of using the TMB model as a prior.

Application Of Microbubble Technology To Increase Oxygen Content In The Aquaculture Of Tambaqui (Colossoma Macropomum)

The oxygen consumed is used to oxidize food substances to produce energy. Therefore, the metabolic rate is usually indicated by the rate of oxygen consumption per time unit. In most intensive aquaculture systems, oxygen content is widely used due to the high stocking density and maximum feeding rates. This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of freshwater pomfret (Colossoma macropomum) treated with increased oxygen in two different systems. The study was conducted in a laboratory scale by applying T-test data analysis. The difference of treatment level applied in the comparison of aeration and microbubble consists of two treatments and three replications. The researcher used commercial floating pellets PF0 with 25% protein content, the feeding rate was 5% of the biomass. The feed was given daily during the culture for two times a day. Data of the study were analyzed using T-test on the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software Version 17.0. Results of the study showed that aeration system using microbubble resulted in dissolved oxygen (DO) of 6.5 ± 0.17, 100% pomfret fish survival rate (SR), Survival Growth Rate (SGR) of 1.83 ± 0.24, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of 1.37 ± 0.17, Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) of 2.79 ± 0.37, Feed Utilization Efficiency (FUE) of 0.67 ± 0.09, Absolute Weight Growth of 52.02 ± 1.60; it was better than using aeration. This study has developed a model of freshwater pomfret fish aquaculture to provide growth value.

Enhanced Growth Potential of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Through Maggot-Based Feeding in Multi-Trophic Systems

Highly nutritious insects, such as black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, also referred toas maggot, have been evaluated as feed in monoculture systems, but their use in multi-trophic systems has not been previously investigated. This study used maggot-based feed in a multi-trophic system on a laboratory scale to evaluate the survival and growth performance of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Tilapia were cocultured with freshwater lobster, freshwater clams, and paddy. Four experimental diets were used including a commercial pellet as a control (CP), live maggots (LM), dried maggots (DM), and supplemented maggots (SM). Tilapia (initial weight, 4.1 ± 0.2 g) and other organisms were reared in plastic tanks (water volume 50 L) and randomly distributed into 12 tanks, each containing 20 individual tilapia. The experimental diets were given four times a day at a feeding rate of 10% tilapia biomass. After 28 days of feeding, the survival and growth of tilapia on the CP diet were 90.0% and 2.8% day-1, LM 93.3% and 2.7% day-1, DM 93.3% and 3.3% day-1, and SM 90.0% and 3.1% day-1, respectively. There was no significant effect (P &gt; 0.05) on the survival performance among the experimental diets. However, the growth confirmed by Specific Growth Rate (SGR) showed a significant effect (P &lt; 0.05). SGR values were found to be significantly higher in the DM and SM diets than in the CP diet. An important finding of this research is the potential of maggot-based feed to increase the growth of tilapia in multi-trophic systems without impairing their survival.

Insights into malaria vectors–plant interaction in a dryland ecosystem

Improved understanding of mosquito–plant feeding interactions can reveal insights into the ecological dynamics of pathogen transmission. In wild malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae s.l. and An. funestus group surveyed in selected dryland ecosystems of Kenya, we found a low level of plant feeding (2.8%) using biochemical cold anthrone test but uncovered 14-fold (41%) higher rate via DNA barcoding targeting the chloroplast rbcL gene. Plasmodium falciparum positivity was associated with either reduced or increased total sugar levels and varied by mosquito species. Gut analysis revealed the mosquitoes to frequently feed on acacia plants (~ 89%) (mainly Vachellia tortilis) in the family Fabaceae. Chemical analysis revealed 1-octen-3-ol (29.9%) as the dominant mosquito attractant, and the sugars glucose, sucrose, fructose, talose and inositol enriched in the vegetative parts, of acacia plants. Nutritional analysis of An. longipalpis C with high plant feeding rates detected fewer sugars (glucose, talose, fructose) compared to acacia plants. These results demonstrate (i) the sensitivity of DNA barcoding to detect plant feeding in malaria vectors, (ii) Plasmodium infection status affects energetic reserves of wild anopheline vectors and (iii) nutrient content and olfactory cues likely represent potent correlates of acacia preferred as a host plant by diverse malaria vectors. The results have relevance in the development of odor-bait control strategies including attractive targeted sugar-baits.

Can TK-TD modelling bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo mammalian toxicity data?

Repeated dietary dose testing is used to assess longer term toxicity of chemicals, such as pesticides, to mammals. However, the internal pesticide concentration varies significantly as feeding rate relative to body size fluctuates over time. Toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TK-TD) models can estimate internal toxicant concentration over time and link this directly to observed effects on endpoints such as the growth rate of laboratory rats. Using TK-TD models it is therefore possible to predict the effects that would result from a constant internal concentration of a pesticide. This presents the possibility of comparison with data from in vitro experiments, potentially facilitating quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE). We used in vivo TK-TD models to identify relevant internal concentrations and then estimated the experimental conditions required to replicate these in cultured cells, using in vitro TK models. Cell population growth was measured, with a view to extrapolating through time and comparing effect sizes with in vivo predictions. However, observed cell proliferation was not significantly affected by the tested concentrations of any of the five pesticides in this study and so extrapolation was not possible. In light of this negative result, we highlight areas for future work towards QIVIVE of graded sublethal effects in mammals. The most pressing objective is improving the accuracy of in vivo TK predictions, which could be achieved with dietary dosing in TK studies.

Experimental study on grinding process of Al-Mg2Si aluminum matrix composites

As an aluminum-based reinforcement, Mg2Si particles have excellent properties such as high hardness, high melting point, and high elastic modulus compared with other reinforcements and are widely used in aerospace and automobile fields. However, there is little research on the cutting mechanism of this material. In order to explore the surface grinding mechanism of Mg2Si/Al composites, Grinding simulation of low-volume fraction Mg2Si/Al composites was carried out by ABAQUS, and the influence of different positions of matrix and particle removal on the surface quality of Mg2Si/Al composites was expounded. The plane reverse grinding test was carried out by using CBN (boron nitride) grinding wheel. The L16(43) orthogonal test and three groups of single factor tests were designed. The orthogonal results show that the linear velocity of the grinding wheel has the greatest influence on the surface roughness, and the feed rate and grinding depth are significantly smaller. The range analysis shows that the optimal grinding parameters are: vs = 35 m/s, vw = 0.75 m/min, ap = 0.015 mm. The regression equation for surface roughness was established by using MATLAB. The single factor results show that the surface quality is obviously improved by increasing the linear velocity of the grinding wheel and reducing the feed rate and grinding depth through the observation of the morphology of the processed specimen. The analysis results show that defects such as pits, protrusions, burrs, and a small amount of fish-scale-like on the machined surface are mainly caused by the linear velocity of the grinding wheel, the pulling force of the grinding wheel, and the adhesion of the debris. The defects such as particle micro-cracks, particle pull-out, and matrix cracking on the subsurface, are mainly caused by the compressive stress of the grinding wheel and the stress concentration of the particles. The research results have guiding significance for future composite material cutting research and actual cutting processing.

Investigating the principle and application of high-frequency and high-voltage pulse AC equipment for oil–water separation of heavy crude oil

To address the challenges of oil–water separation encountered during the processing of heavy crude oil, this study meticulously examines the kinetics of demulsification under an electric field. Consequently, a cutting-edge high-frequency/high-voltage AC pulsed power supply has been innovatively developed. This device boasts a flexible voltage-adjustment mechanism, strategically enhancing the inverter output voltage incrementally throughout the pulse’s duration. This method effectively reduces the negative impact of current surges on the operational stability of crude oil desalination plants, especially during the commutation periods of the switching devices. Furthermore, it resolves the issue of premature power supply shutdowns to the desalination plant, caused by peak currents misinterpreted as critical short-circuit currents leading to pole plate breakdowns. An industrial application study conducted at Shandong Chambroad Petrochemicals Co., Ltd. Under identical operational conditions, the power supply designed in this research outperforms traditional electrical desalting transformers in several key aspects. These include a notably enhanced oil–water separation capability and significantly more stable performance. Remarkably, the desalting efficiency shows substantial improvement even at increased feed rates, under constant other conditions. The experimental findings indicate that the average rates of desalination and dehydration achieved by this power supply exceed 90%. Moreover, even when the feed rate is augmented by approximately 75% under constant operating conditions, the desalination efficiency remains 78.49% higher than that achieved by standard industrial frequency electric desalination transformers. Additionally, the desalting outcomes are predominantly unaffected by fluctuations in the initial salt content of the feedstock, demonstrating the robustness of the developed solution.

Improving the Performance of the Machining Process by Using Ultra‐Advanced Tools in a Clean Turning of Inconel 686 Using the Minimum Quantity Lubrication Method

ABSTRACTThe high tensile strength and high resistance of nickel‐based superalloy 686 against high temperatures and corrosion rates have made it a widely used in important applications such as the aerospace industry, high pollution‐ and corrosion‐resistance equipment manufacturing and petrochemical industry. Therefore, the machining of this advanced alloy with its unique properties is extremely important and can be challenging. Significant increase in input parameters levels, reduction of machining costs, improvement of surface and subsurface properties and clean production are among the issues that should be considered in dealing with Inconel 686 turning operations. Simultaneous application of advanced tools such as polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) and optimised minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) method and evaluating the results obtained with a wide range of output parameters related to machining process performance and tribological properties can be proposed as an innovation and a solution to this problem in this article. This study analyses several output parameters with different speeds and feeds to evaluate the effect of cutting insert type on machining process performance and tribological properties. The output parameters include tool wear, residual stress, cutting zone temperature, surface smoothness, machining forces and workpiece surface defects. The results indicated that using the optimised MQL method reduces the size of lubricant droplets and increases the surface covered by cooling. With these changes, the performance of the machining process and the parameters related to the surface integrity increase significantly. Among the parameters associated with the performance of the machining process, the PCD tool reduces the cutting zone temperature by 23%, the tool wear by 19% and the machining forces by 18% compared to the PCBN tool. In the parameters related to surface integrity, this method reduces the residual stress by 19% and the surface roughness by 9% compared to the PCBN tool. From the production index perspective, the PCD tool can significantly increase the cutting speed and feed rate, reducing production time and costs.