Tapping System Research Articles

Evaluation of novel disinfection methods for the remediation of heavily contaminated thermostatic mixing valves and water systems with Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm: considerations for new and existing healthcare water systems

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of nosocomial Gram-negative bacteraemia. Water systems are a well-documented source of P.aeruginosa and established biofilms are difficult to remove. To evaluate the efficacy of regular flushing, peracetic acid disinfection, in-tap thermal disinfection, and in-line thermal disinfection to eradicate P.aeruginosa biofilm in a colonized tap model. A simulated tap system was constructed and inoculated with a reference and an environmental strain of P.aeruginosa to form biofilm. Water samples were collected from the taps and P.aeruginosa levels enumerated following disinfection methods. To simulate regular flushing, taps were flushed for 5min, five times per day with water tested daily. Peracetic acid (4000ppm) was manually injected into the system and flushed through the system with a pump. Thermal flushing at 60°C was performed in-line and with an in-tap bypass valve. Tests were conducted with cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) piping and repeated with copper piping. Regular flushing and peracetic acid applied with a pump did not reduce P.aeruginosa levels. A limited reduction was observed when manually injecting peracetic acid. In-tap thermal flushing eradicated P.aeruginosa in copper piping but not PEX. In-line thermal flushing was the most effective at reducing P.aeruginosa levels; however, it did not eradicate the biofilm. In-line thermal flushing was the most effective method to remove P.aeruginosa biofilm. Results vary significantly with the strain of bacteria and the composition of the plumbing. Several methods used in combination may be necessary to remove established biofilm.

Performance of demountable solder joints for no-insulation superconducting coils produced by vacuum pressure impregnation

No-insulation high temperature superconductor (HTS) stack coils show both increased thermal and electrical stability, and present a simplified geometry for the integration of demountable joints. Demountability is a desirable feature for many superconducting applications including fusion magnets, which motivate this research. In this work, a novel vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) solder process was developed to couple superconducting paths via a low resistance, mechanically simply, demountable joint for a non-insulated coil design. The three low temperature solders considered were (mp = 118 C), (mp = 156.6 C), and (mp = 29.8 C), all with a lower melting point than the (mp = 183 C) used to solder the HTS tapes into the coil, thus allowing for the advantages of solder in the joint, yet facilitating demountability without disturbing the primary solder in the non-insulated coil stack. A multidisciplinary campaign was undertaken to design, build, test and identify the major challenges with these small-scale demountable solder joints. A multi probe voltage tap system was used to infer the effective resistances to exit a superconducting stack, cross the solder layer, and enter the second superconducting stack, at 77 K. The experimental resistivities show good agreement with a newly developed finite element model that breaks down domains to the level of individual layers of an HTS tape. When taking into account the thermal degradation that can occur to the HTS stacks during the VPI processes, the normalized joint resistances are found to be 528, 668, and 671 for the , and solders, respectively. The benchmarked finite element model is used to predict normalized joint resistivities for fusion-relevant temperatures and magnetic fields using a 100 µm solder layer thickness, finding 38, 125, and 103 for the respective solders; these results are competitive with the lowest resistance cable joints presented in the literature.

EFFECTS OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND TAPPING SYSTEM ON LATEX AND DRY RUBBER YIELDS OF RUBBER TREE CLONE RRIT 251

The cultivation of Hevea brasiliensis, as the main source of natural rubber, is facing the tapping labor shortage and low dry rubber yield problems. Management practices and tapping system could nevertheless remedy these constraints. Accordingly, the study aimed to assess the latex and dry rubber yields of rubber trees clone RRIT 251 under different irrigation with fertilizer management methods and rubber tapping systems. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, 4 replications with 3 rubber trees per replication. Two main plot treatments: 1) application of irrigation combined with chemical and organic fertilizers treatment (IF) and; 2)no-irrigation-fertilizer treatment (NIF). Four subplot treatments: 1) (10 cm)S.d/3+ET – tapping 10 cm long of trunk girth (at 45° angle) above an installed bag of ethylene, for 1 day with 2 days interval; 2) (1/2)S.d/2 – tapping half of trunk girth every other day; 3) (1/2)S.2d/3, tapping half of trunk girth for 2 days with 1 day interval (the practice of most para rubber farmers) and; 4) (1/2)S.3d/4, tapping half of trunk girth for 3 days with 1 day interval. The controlled treatment was a combination treatment of NIFx (1/2)S.2d/3. The results showed that both IFx (10 cm)S.d/3+ET and IFx (10 cm)S.d/3+ET combination treatments had significant effects (P≤0.01) in enhancing latex weight per tree, dry rubber weight per tree, latex yield, and dry rubber yield higher than the controlled treatment. IF treatment had a significant effect (P≤0.01) in enhancing latex weight per tree, dry rubber weight per tree, latex yield, and dry rubber yields higher than NIF treatment. Rubber tapping system under (1/2)S.3d/4 had a significant effect (P≤0.01) in enhancing latex weight per tree, dry rubber weight per tree, latex yield, and dry rubber yield while it was significantly (P≤0.01) low under (1/2)S.d/2 as compared with the practice used of most farmers—(1/2)S.2d/3. It is concluded that the application of ethylene under IFx (10 cm)S.d/3+ET management is a better innovation and technology attributable to having 45% less time and less bark area consumed for tapping but with increased dry rubber yield, while IFx (1/2)S.2d/3 spent more time to increase the dry rubber yield, as compared with the controlled treatment. Keywords: Ethylene, Fertilizer, Irrigation, Latex, Rubber

Combination of exploitation systems to optimize yield of GT1 clone in smallholder rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantation in Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Clone GT1 is one of the low metabolism clones and is recommended for smallholder and large plantations. These clones are responsive to stimulants and reach production peak at the mid-economic cycle period. Its production can reach 2200-3000 kg-1ha-1year-1 and is relatively more resistant to high exploitation pressures if the agroecosystem conditions are suitable. This study aimed to determine the effect of the combined application of liquid stimulant concentration and tapping interval on the physiology and productivity of latex in rubber clone GT1. This research was conducted at Naga Rejo Village, Galang District, Regency of Deli Serdang, Province of Sumatera Utara, located at an altitude of 49 masl with Ultisol soil type. The research design is factorial randomized completed block design (RCBD) consisting of 9 levels, namely S2d4 without a stimulant, S2d4 ET 3.5%, S2d4 ET 4.5%, S2d5 without a stimulant, S2d5 ET 3.5%, S2d5 ET 4.5%, S2d6 without a stimulant, S2d6 ET 3.5%, S2d6 ET 4.5 % with three replicas of each treatment. The results showed that the tapping system on clone GT1 obtained the highest annual production with tapping system S2d4 ET 4.5% (DS3) of 214.51 g/t/y. The lowest production is obtained in January-March when the leaves fall. High sucrose levels in the non-stimulant treatment (8.54 -12.98 mM) indicated that at least sucrose was converted into latex. The pH of latex is directly proportional to the stimulant, so an increase in the concentration of the stimulant raises the pH and metabolism of latex formation.

Effect of resin tapping system and collection period on resin production and growth traits in 12-year-old Pinus elliottii var. elliottii

Resin tapping is an activity designed to extract resin from trees, especially species of the genus Pinus. Current systems of tapping and collecting resin are well known, but further study is needed to make these systems more efficient and profitable for producers. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the effect of five resin tapping systems during five different collection periods on the production and growth of resin trees for a population of Pinus elliottii var. elliottii planted in Itapetininga, SP. Resining affects tree growth, especially in diameter. Results showed that system 4, with eight panels on each plant and four on each side, presented the highest average production of resin per tree, while system 1, with 2 panels on each plant and 1 on each side, presented the lowest average resin production per tree. It was concluded that resin production is dependent on the system employed, time of collection, and their interactions.

Long Term Effect of Low Frequency Tapping Systems Applied to Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis), Clone RRIT 251, on Agronomic Performance in Upper Southern Thailand

Clone RRIT 251, a primary clone, was developed by RAOT (Thailand) with promising high yield potential. Low frequencies of tapping (LFT) was tested using 8-year-old trees to characterize the performance of the clone RRIT 251 under such latex harvesting systems. The aim of the study was to assess the response of the yield to LFT related to some biochemical indicators of the latex cells’ metabolism. The experiment was established at the Sithiporn Kridakorn Research Station of Kasetsart University, Prachuap Khirikhan Province, Thailand. The experimental randomized Fisher block design consisted of the 3 treatments. These were abbreviated to T1: S/2 d2 opening BO-1 at 1.5 m, T2: S/2 d3 ET 2.5 % Pa1 (1) 6/y opening BO-1 at 1.3 m and T3: S/2 d4 ET 2.5 % Pa1 (1) 8/y opening BO-1 at 1.2 m. Three replications were conducted with 55 trees per treatment in each experimental plot. Analysis of variance (ANOVA; F test) has been used to compare treatments using Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) at a significant level of p < 0.05. Results showed that daily yield greatly increased when using lower tapping frequencies. More than 10 years of tapping, panel management and location of the tapping cut on the panel in downward tapping have significantly impacted yield. Tapping on virgin bark at d3 and d4 frequencies gave higher yield than d2 frequency on renewed bark. Good panel management, combined with tailored stimulation and reduced tapping frequency showed greater efficiency. Results were encouraging. It might be considered that these low tapping frequencies systems can be tested by smallholders and then transferred at the farm gate in Thailand. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

A review of low-frequency latex harvesting systems that lessen the tapper shortage problem of the smallholders' natural rubber production

Smallholders' rubber production is encountering problems of skilled tapper shortage and high production costs resulting from increased worker wages and the substantial growth of new mature areas. Low-frequency latex harvesting system (LFLHS) effectively improves tapper productivity with long-term optimum yield by reducing the tapper requirement. LFLHS reduces tapper requirement by 33% to 67% of the conventional harvesting systems. Under the d3 (tapping every three days) frequency harvesting system, a tapper is assigned to cover three tasks, and his productivity is at least 30% higher than that of the d2 (alternative daily) frequency harvesting system. The cumulative yield of LFLHS is comparable to that of d2 frequency. It is economically profitable when the cumulative yield of LFLHS reaches 90% of the d2 frequency tapping as a break-even yield. Its low number of tapper requirement and high productivity saves tapping cost. 20% to 55% of tapping cost can be reduced by shifting the harvesting frequency from d2 to d3. The virgin bark of basal panels could be tapped at least four to ten years more than conventional tapping systems. The low bark consumption allows sufficient time for the regeneration of bark tissues resulting in a potentially higher yield from the renewed bark. Thus, sustainable economic yield is achievable for a productive lifespan of 30 to 35 years from the LFLHS. These advantages of LFLHS contribute to reducing the tapper requirement and cost of production, ensuring increased profits and a longer economic lifespan of rubber production.Keywords: Latex harvesting system, Tapper requirement, Tapper productivity, Tapping cost

Physical and numerical modeling of the mechanisms of bath entrainment from the aluminum tapping tube intake

The present study aims to investigate the entrainment of the electrolytic bath with aluminum tapping flows from the reduction cell. The physical water modeling technique was used together with numerical simulations.The physical model experiments were carried out in a one-tenth-scale model of an aluminum reduction cell and tapping system. The model comprises a transparent acrylic rectangular container, measuring 800 mm wide, 200 mm, long 300 mm deep and a 26 mm-diameter PVC pipe. Water and canola –oil were used at room temperature to simulate molten aluminum and electrolytic bath, respectively. The modified Froude number-based similarity was used to ensure dynamic similarity between the model and the prototype. Numerical simulations were conducted on a three-dimensional model of an aluminum cell using Ansys Fluent Multiphase and the realizable turbulent k−ε models. Reynolds Averaged Navier -Stokes equations and k−ε realizable turbulence equations were solved using Coupled solver for pressure and velocity coupling by Fluent. The withdrawal pipe positions and leaning angles were considered.From experimental and numerical results, it was observed that the entrainment of oil (simulated bath) increased with the pipe diameter and decreased with the pipe leaning angle. Entrainment was associated with a free surface vortex when the flow was dynamic and wavy with significant circulation. Entrainment occurs without a vortex when the interface between the two fluids drops in a quiescent flow regime.

ANALISA WAKTU PELAYANAN GARDU TOL CENGKARENG 2 DENGAN PTV VISSIM

Toll roads are affected by the service time on toll roads which have been stipulated by the Regulation of the Minister of Public Works No. 16 concerning Minimum Service Standards for Toll Roads, which were later implemented by the BUJT (Toll Road Business Entity). At the Cengkareng 2 toll gate, electronic toll collection has been implemented and at one of the gates, a Single Lane Free Flow (SLFF) system has been implemented. SLFF implemented in Indonesia is a payment technology system using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) readings which are expected to speed up service time. With the implementation of SLFF, toll road operators at toll gates can be minimized, on the other hand, will use a fee collection system at the end where the reduction of toll collection and usage accounts will be handled by the toll road operator's office. Modeling the existing road and inputting vehicle data and speed plans is then carried out by a simulation process by entering variations in the volume of vehicles in Vissim to get the maximum capacity from the toll gate. From the results of the analysis carried out, the service time that occurs at the Cengkareng 2 toll gate is 9 seconds/vehicle, this is the maximum service time limit for closed system substations at exit substations based on Minimum Service Standards (SPM) with accessibility, and the maximum capacity of toll gates. Cengkareng with the SLFF system is 316 vehicles/hour with a speed of 17 km/hour and the maximum capacity of the toll booths with a tapping system is substation 5 316 vehicles/hour with a speed of 15 km/hour, substation 6 308 vehicles/hour with a speed of 15 km/hour and substation 7 313 vehicles/hour at a speed of 15 km/hour

Design and implementation of biogas as an efficient renewable energy resource for Pakistan prospects

The generation of combustible gas from anaerobic biomass captivation, is a well-known technology. Using the gas for direct combustion in household stoves is general producing power from biogas is still quite unusual in most emergent countries. The focus of this paper is to implement the importance of biogas as a substitute energy source. Bio-resources are available wide-reaching in the appearance of lasting agricultural biomass and wastes which can be deformed into biogas. Cow manure has been used for production of biogas and generation of electricity. The basic problem faced during the production of electricity is the production of biogas through anaerobic respiration which is the mixture of methane and other undesirable gases. The scrubber employed to remove the undesirable gases is very expensive and needs regular maintenance. A tap system at the top of the digester is used to remove moisture and a bucket filled with iron sponges is used to remove hydrogen sulfide. In the end, we are left with methane and some inert gases which have no adverse effect on combustion. This purified gas is used to produce electricity which is used to run the load. The benefit of this research is that this method is easily and commonly used by villagers without any hurdles.

Peroxide stabilizers remarkably increase the longevity of thermally activated peroxydisulfate for enhanced ISCO remediation

Thermally activated peroxydisulfate In Situ Chemical Oxidation (TAP-ISCO) is often applied for the remediation of soil-sorbed hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) and nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs), which act as long-term sources of groundwater contamination. TAP-ISCO benefits from improved desorption/dissolution of organic contaminants into the aqueous phase and efficient activation of peroxydisulfate at elevated temperatures, but the primary limitation of TAP-ISCO is the short lifetime of peroxydisulfate (therefore the availability of reactive radical species). To resolve this problem, coupling of peroxide stabilizers with TAP were tested. The compatibility of seven representative commercial organic and inorganic peroxide stabilizers, including sodium stannate, trisodium phosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium silicate, sodium citrate, ethylene diamine tetra methylene phosphonic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt, with TAP in aqueous solutions and solutions containing goethite or soil particles were first studied. The effects of stabilizers on the formation, distribution and reactivity of reactive oxygen species were then investigated through electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin-trapping experiments using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide, chemical probe experiments using anisole, nitrobenzene and hexachloroethane, and biphasic trichloroethylene (TCE) dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) TAP-ISCO mimicking experiments. The results indicate that organic stabilizers significantly accelerate peroxydisulfate decomposition at both ambient and elevated temperatures. In contrast, inorganic stabilizers can markedly increase peroxydisulfate longevity by suppressing the acid-catalyzed peroxydisulfate decomposition, quenching radical-chain acceleration, and sequestering transition metal species. In addition, TAP systems containing inorganic stabilizers can effectively generate a variety of reactive radical species, including SO4•−, HO•, and O2•−, and improve the oxidation of anisole and nitrobenzene, though suppressing the reduction of hexachloroethane to some extent. Especially, suitable inorganic stabilizers (e.g., trisodium phosphate) can effectively improve TAP oxidation of TCE DNAPL while suppressing peroxydisulfate decomposition. Overall, this study provides the fundamental basis of coupling TAP-ISCO with peroxide stabilizers.

Agronomic and Financial Assessment of a Tapping System Reducing the Shortage of Tapping Labour in Rubber Tree Cultivation in Southeastern Côte d’Ivoire

Rubber trees are the main source of natural rubber and a source of income for several companies and farmers around the world. However, its latex harvesting is threatened by the lack of tapping labour which can cause a considerable drop in rubber yield or even the collapse of this sector. This work aims to evaluate agronomically and financially a tapping system reducing the shortage of tapping labour. The study was carried out at the Société Africaine de Plantations d'Hévéa (SAPH) of Toupah in southeastern Côte d'Ivoire, during three months (from April to June 2018). Rubber tree clones comprising the three main metabolic activity classes, namely GT 1, RRIC 100, IRCA 230 and PB 217, with different years of latex harvesting were selected and subjected to two treatments (normal tapping and tapping system reducing the shortage of tapping labour) in a completely randomized blocks design with 4 repetitions. This comparative study was carried out on the basis of the agronomical parameters and the profitability of the tapping tested. The results showed that compared to normal tapping, tapping system reducing the shortage of tapping labour is more productive (+17%) and profitable (+18%). This tapping system reduces the operating expenses and social expenses by 3% and the shortage of tapping labour by 25%. It is an alternative to reduce the enormous shortage of tapping labour observed in Côte d'Ivoire and around the world.

ANALISA PRODUKTIVITAS TANAMAN KARET (Havea brasiliensis Muell. Arg) KLON PB 260 DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN BERBAGAI SISTEM SADAP DI AFDELING I KEBUN BANGUN PT. PERKEBUNAN NUSANTARA III

The productivity of rubber plantations is determined by the type of clone, the age of the plant, the level of land suitability, and the exploitation system applied. The exploitation system applied determines the productivity of the rubber plantation because it is related to the use of the skin and the physiological process of latex. Implementing the right exploitation system can ensure high and sustainable productivity. On the other hand, the implementation of the wrong exploitation system can result in low productivity and shorten the economic life of the plant. This study aims to determine the productivity of rubber plants in clone PB 260 with various tapping systems. This research was conducted at Afdeling I Kebun Bangun PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III using a descriptive analysis method by collecting secondary data on the productivity of the PB 260 clone rubber plant from 2016 – 2020. The parameters observed were the production data of the PB 260 clone rubber plant with various tapping systems. The results of this study indicate that the analysis of rubber plant productivity data in 2016 – 2020 had the highest production in 2017 with a planting year of 2009 and the lowest in 2020 with a planting year of 2000. Meanwhile, overall, the highest production was in 2018 and the lowest was in 2016. The factors that influence the high and low productivity are caused by the tapping system that is not permanent or changing, the lack of application of fertilization, the reduction in the number of trees in the field caused by being attacked by JAP (White Root Fungus), KAS (Dry Alur Sadap), Moldy Road, fallen trees due to strong winds, and the age of the plants. The relationship between production and cost of goods/kg is that the greater the production obtained, the lower the cost of goods/kg.

ANALISA PRODUKTIVITAS TANAMAN KARET (Havea brasiliensis Muell. Arg) KLON PB 260 DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN BERBAGAI SISTEM SADAP DI AFDELING I KEBUN BANGUN PT. PERKEBUNAN NUSANTARA III

The productivity of rubber plantations is determined by the type of clone, the age of the plant, the level of land suitability, and the exploitation system applied. The exploitation system applied determines the productivity of the rubber plantation because it is related to the use of the skin and the physiological process of latex. Implementing the right exploitation system can ensure high and sustainable productivity. On the other hand, the implementation of the wrong exploitation system can result in low productivity and shorten the economic life of the plant. This study aims to determine the productivity of rubber plants in clone PB 260 with various tapping systems. This research was conducted at Afdeling I Kebun Bangun PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III using a descriptive analysis method by collecting secondary data on the productivity of the PB 260 clone rubber plant from 2016 – 2020. The parameters observed were the production data of the PB 260 clone rubber plant with various tapping systems. The results of this study indicate that the analysis of rubber plant productivity data in 2016 – 2020 had the highest production in 2017 with a planting year of 2009 and the lowest in 2020 with a planting year of 2000. Meanwhile, overall, the highest production was in 2018 and the lowest was in 2016. The factors that influence the high and low productivity are caused by the tapping system that is not permanent or changing, the lack of application of fertilization, the reduction in the number of trees in the field caused by being attacked by JAP (White Root Fungus), KAS (Dry Alur Sadap), Moldy Road, fallen trees due to strong winds, and the age of the plants. The relationship between production and cost of goods/kg is that the greater the production obtained, the lower the cost of goods/kg.

Multi-Isotope Characterization of Water in the Water Supply System of the City of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Urban water supply systems (WSS) are complex and challenging to manage since the properties of water in the WSS change from source to the end user over time. However, understanding these changes requires a more profound knowledge of the WSS. This study describes the urban water cycle within the WSS of Ljubljana, Slovenia, where different water parameters such as temperature, electrical conductivity, total alkalinity, δ2H, δ18O, and δ13CDIC were monitored from September to November 2018. Altogether 108 samples were collected, including from the source (3) and at different levels of the WSS: wells (41), joint exits from water pumping stations (7), reservoirs (22), water treatment locations (2), drinking fountains (13), taps (19) and wastewater system (1). The data show that although the ranges of δ2H and δ18O values were small, each well is represented by a unique fingerprint when considering additional parameters. A statistically significant difference was observed between sampling months, and temperature and most parameters showed higher variability within the wells than across the WSS, suggesting a more unified WSS. Finally, based on δ13CDIC values, a distinction could be made between river/groundwater interactions within the WSS and between shallower and deeper wells and their distance from the river bank.

Quantification of root water uptake and redistribution using neutron imaging: a review and future directions.

Quantifying root water uptake is essential to understanding plant water use and responses to different environmental conditions. However, non-destructive measurement of water transport and related hydraulics in the soil-root system remains a challenge. Neutron imaging, with its high sensitivity to hydrogen, has become an unparalleled tool to visualize and quantify root water uptake in vivo. In combination with isotopes (e.g., deuterated water) and a diffusion-convection model, root water uptake and hydraulic redistribution in root and soil can be quantified. Here, we review recent advances in utilizing neutron imaging to visualize and quantify root water uptake, hydraulic redistribution in roots and soil, and root hydraulic properties of different plant species. Under uniform soil moisture distributions, neutron radiographic studies have shown that water uptake was not uniform along the root and depended on both root type and age. For both tap (e.g., lupine [Lupinus albus L.]) and fibrous (e.g., maize [Zea mays L.]) root systems, water was mainly taken up through lateral roots. In mature maize, the location of water uptake shifted from seminal roots and their laterals to crown/nodal roots and their laterals. Under non-uniform soil moisture distributions, part of the water taken up during the daytime maintained the growth of crown/nodal roots in the upper, drier soil layers. Ultra-fast neutron tomography provides new insights into 3D water movement in soil and roots. We discuss the limitations of using neutron imaging and propose future directions to utilize neutron imaging to advance our understanding of root water uptake and soil-root interactions.

Multi-method modeling to predict the onset conditions and resonance of the piezo coupled thermoacoustic engine.

This article seeks to perform a combination of methodologies to fully model and evaluate the rudimentary performance of a thermoacoustic engine integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvester (TAP). First, the root locus method was employed to determine the critical design operating values of the thermoacoustic engine. Later, a lumped parameter model was developed as a matlab Simulink program to calculate the transient temperature and pressure responses of the thermoacoustic engine. In addition, a two-element reduced model (executed on matlab) and finite element analysis tools were used to simulate and assess the performance of aluminum-piezo (lead zirconate titanate (PZT-5H) and lead manganese niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT)) disks that are to be integrated with the thermoacoustic engine. Last but most importantly, the piezo-diaphragm and thermoacoustic engine were coupled using the electrical analogy technique through which the onset conditions and resonance frequency of the integrated TAP system were determined. We take a traveling wave thermoacoustic engine and a commercially available piezoelectric disk as a test case for the analysis. It is concluded that the outcomes from the multiple methods are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Supply Chain Risk Management of Pine Resin by using the House of Risk Model

Pine resin is one of the demanded products to have proceeded into gondorukem. Gondorukem from Indonesia has a competitive advantage compared to other countries because it is stickier, heat resistant, and has a distinctive aroma so its exports are attractive to other countries. Ensuring the quality and quantity of gondorukem requires a smooth pine resin supply chain. This study aims to determine risk events and risk agents in the supply chain of pine resin that inhibit production, and design strategies to reduce the chance of emerging risks. House of Risk (HOR) is used to determine and apply the priority of risk agents and preventive actions. The study identified a total of 15 risk events and 30 risk agents that affect the quality and quantity of pine resin. Eighteen risk agents are prioritized, three of which are weather conditions, tapping personnel, and tree conditions for designing preventive actions. There are 3 priority preventive actions to handle the risk agent, namely (i) improving and controlling the quality of pine resin from the beginning process, (ii) giving a performance-based incentive and special tariff for a local tapper, and (iii) applying a resin tapping system with biogemme program.

Supply Chain Risk Management of Pine Resin by using the House of Risk Model

Pine resin is one of the demanded products to have proceeded into gondorukem. Gondorukem from Indonesia has a competitive advantage compared to other countries because it is stickier, heat resistant, and has a distinctive aroma so its exports are attractive to other countries. Ensuring the quality and quantity of gondorukem requires a smooth pine resin supply chain. This study aims to determine risk events and risk agents in the supply chain of pine resin that inhibit production, and design strategies to reduce the chance of emerging risks. House of Risk (HOR) is used to determine and apply the priority of risk agents and preventive actions. The study identified a total of 15 risk events and 30 risk agents that affect the quality and quantity of pine resin. Eighteen risk agents are prioritized, three of which are weather conditions, tapping personnel, and tree conditions for designing preventive actions. There are 3 priority preventive actions to handle the risk agent, namely (i) improving and controlling the quality of pine resin from the beginning process, (ii) giving a performance-based incentive and special tariff for a local tapper, and (iii) applying a resin tapping system with biogemme program.

Optimal planning of uncertain renewable energy sources in unbalanced distribution systems by a multi‐objective hybrid PSO–SCO algorithm

High penetration of Renewable Energy Sources into unbalanced distribution systems faces many challenges due to the uncertainty nature of both Renewable Energy Sources and loads as well as the unbalance degree of the distribution systems. This paper proposes the planning of Renewable Energy Sources in unbalanced distribution systems. Different types of Renewable Energy Sources, photo-voltaic and Wind are considered. A multi-objective optimisation problem is formulated using non-dominated sort and crowing distance for multi objective hybrid algorithm that combines the merits of Particle Swarm Optimisation and Sine Cosine Optimisation algorithms. Three objectives, improving voltage profile, power losses minimisation, and minimisation of voltage unbalance, are considered. The proposed method determines the optimal Renewable Energy Sources' specifications such as site/size/type of distributed generators, number of photo-voltaic modules or wind turbines in each distributed generator and their power factor and connection phases. Also, it determines the optimal setting of substation tap changer and system voltage regulators. Moreover, both Renewable Energy Sources and loads uncertainty are considered and modelled using Monte Carlo simulations. An improved matrix-based backward–forward load flow method is developed by using coefficient matrices. The proposed procedure is conducted on IEEE 13-node, 37-node, and 123-node unbalanced distribution systems. The proposed algorithm results compared with individual optimisers show significant performance improvements. The optimal plans resulted by using the proposed hybrid algorithm achieve a reduction in power losses that reached 89% in some cases. Also, the system unbalance index is reduced with a ratio reached 34%. Large improvement in the system voltages profile all over the year is achieved as the system voltage profile index is reduced by a ratio reached 70%.