Processes

16 pages, 8867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Analysis of Acoustic Spectra for Leading/Trailing-Edge Serrated Blades in Cascade Configuration

by Andrei-George Totu, Marius Deaconu, Laurențiu Cristea, Alina Bogoi, Daniel-Eugeniu Crunțeanu and Grigore Cican

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2613; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112613 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 362

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the noise reduction achieved through the integration of serrated blades on the leading and trailing edges within a small-scale cascade configuration relevant to turbomachinery contexts. Experiments were conducted using a newly developed 3D-printed test bench, enabling both acoustic [...] Read more.

This study aims to highlight the noise reduction achieved through the integration of serrated blades on the leading and trailing edges within a small-scale cascade configuration relevant to turbomachinery contexts. Experiments were conducted using a newly developed 3D-printed test bench, enabling both acoustic and aerodynamic measurements. Turbulence was generated using a rectangular grid positioned at two axial locations. Non-dimensional spectra were computed and compared with experimental data, showing good agreement over a wide frequency range. Significant noise reduction was observed in the 1000–3000 Hz band, despite the lack of optimization of turbulence and serration parameters. Leading-edge serrations were found to be effective at lower frequencies in the axial direction and at higher frequencies laterally. In contrast, trailing-edge serrations had a minimal impact above 3500 Hz, performing worse than the reference condition across a large frequency range. Nevertheless, for this initial iteration at a small scale, overall sound pressure level reductions of up to 1 dB were achieved with trailing-edge serrations and up to 1.5 dB with leading-edge serrations, underscoring their potential for noise mitigation in relevant applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Turbulence Models for Turbomachinery)

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21 pages, 873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Model Fusion Demand Forecasting Framework Based on Attention Mechanism

by Chunrui Lei, Heng Zhang, Zhigang Wang and Qiang Miao

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2612; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112612 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 367

Abstract

The accuracy of demand forecasting is critical for supply chain management and strategic business decisions. However, as data volumes grow and demand patterns become increasingly complex, traditional forecasting methods encounter significant challenges in processing intricate multi-dimensional data and achieving a satisfactory predictive accuracy. [...] Read more.

The accuracy of demand forecasting is critical for supply chain management and strategic business decisions. However, as data volumes grow and demand patterns become increasingly complex, traditional forecasting methods encounter significant challenges in processing intricate multi-dimensional data and achieving a satisfactory predictive accuracy. To address these challenges, this paper proposed an end-to-end multi-model demand forecasting framework based on attention mechanisms. The framework employs a dual attention mechanism to dynamically extract features from both the temporal and product dimensions, while integrating conditional information captured through convolutional neural networks, thereby enhancing its ability to model complex demand patterns. Additionally, a channel attention mechanism is introduced to perform the weighted fusion of outputs from multiple predictive models, thereby overcoming the limitations of single-model approaches and improving adaptability to varying demand patterns across diverse scenarios. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms conventional approaches across several evaluation metrics, achieving a 42% reduction in Mean Squared Error (MSE) compared to the baseline model. This notable improvement enhances both the accuracy and stability of demand forecasting. The framework offers valuable insights for addressing large-scale and complex demand patterns, providing guidance for precise decision-making and resource optimization within supply chain management. Future research will concentrate on further enhancing the model’s generalization capability to manage missing data and demand fluctuations. Additionally, efforts will focus on integrating diverse heterogeneous data sources to assess its performance in various practical scenarios, ultimately improving the model’s accuracy and flexibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Digital and Other Processes)

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33 pages, 8421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Industrial Internet of Things Enabled Kata Methodology of Assembly Line Productivity Improvement: Insights from a Case Study

by Pratap Sriram Sundar, Chandan Chowdhury and Sagar Kamarthi

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2611; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112611 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 363

Abstract

Lean manufacturing focuses on perfection, trying to eliminate all types of Muda (waste), Mura (inconsistency), Muri (overburden), defects, injuries, and accidents through a continuous improvement process. Assembly lines are the final stages of manufacturing before the product is delivered to customers. Kata methodology [...] Read more.

Lean manufacturing focuses on perfection, trying to eliminate all types of Muda (waste), Mura (inconsistency), Muri (overburden), defects, injuries, and accidents through a continuous improvement process. Assembly lines are the final stages of manufacturing before the product is delivered to customers. Kata methodology provides a practical approach to achieving perfection in assembly lines, but its effectiveness is often hindered by delays in data collection, analysis, and diagnostics. In this study, we address these challenges by leveraging industrial internet of things (IIoT) solutions in an industrial setting. The research question of this paper is as follows: “Why was the full potential of traditional Kata to achieve assembly line perfection not realized, and will IIoT-integrated Kata address the limitations of the traditional Kata?” We demonstrate the integration of IIoT and Kata methodology in a factory assembling automobile heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to enhance assembly line productivity. We observe that the integration of IIoT with Kata methodology not only addresses existing limitations but drives substantial gains in assembly line performance. We validate improvements in both productivity and efficiency through quantitative and qualitative outcomes. We underscore the pivotal role of real-time data for Kata’s effectiveness, discuss the process for digital transformation, and explain the need for data monetization. We recommend the development of an IIoT-savvy workforce, traceability of 4M (men, method, materials, and machine), and present the task scorecards and dashboards for real-time monitoring and decision-making. We highlight the positive impact of IIoT-enabled traceability on overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The company reduced its workforce from 15 to 13 operators, increased OEE from 75% to 85%, and improved average throughput from 60 to 90 assemblies per hour. The time for traceability of 4M (men, machines, material, and method) was reduced from hours to minutes. The factory eliminated 350 paper documents to achieve a paperless shop floor. This real-world case study serves as a model for companies looking to transition from traditional continuous improvement processes to IIoT-supported lean manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)

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16 pages, 3929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition, Structural Properties, and Bioactivity of Carrageenan from Field-Cultivated Betaphycus gelatinus

by Tran Van Huynh, Hang Thi Thuy Cao, Vo Mai Nhu Hieu, Vy Ha Nguyen Tran, Tran Thi Thanh Van, Thuan Thi Nguyen, Thanh Thi Thu Thuy, Vo Thanh Trung, Pham Duc Thinh, Phan Thi Hoai Trinh and Tran Mai Duc

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2610; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112610 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 386

Abstract

This study investigates seasonal biomass variations in Betaphycus gelatinus, a red alga cultivated in the field in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam, along with the chemical composition, structural properties, and bioactivity of its carrageenan. Monthly measurements over a one-year period revealed peak growth (2.02% [...] Read more.

This study investigates seasonal biomass variations in Betaphycus gelatinus, a red alga cultivated in the field in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam, along with the chemical composition, structural properties, and bioactivity of its carrageenan. Monthly measurements over a one-year period revealed peak growth (2.02% per day) and carrageenan yield (59.61%) in June, identifying it as the optimal harvest period. FTIR and NMR analyses of carrageenan extracted from field-cultivated B. gelatinus showed hybrid κ- and β-carrageenan forms and a unique pyruvylated β-carrageenan structure not previously reported for this species. Bioactivity assays indicated high antioxidant potential, with a total antioxidant capacity equivalent to 48.30 mg ascorbic acid/g carrageenan and an ABTS radical scavenging IC50 of 3.64 µg/mL. Additionally, antibacterial tests demonstrated strong inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes (12.00 mm inhibition zone). These findings suggest that field cultivation is a sustainable approach for carrageenan production, yielding bioactive compounds with promising applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food preservation as a viable alternative to wild harvesting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials Processes)

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21 pages, 9745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Tribological Performance of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with YSZ Waste Ceramics for Sustainable Green Engineering Applications

by Talal Alsaeed, Ayedh Eid Alajmi, Jasem Ghanem Alotaibi, Voravich Ganthavee and Belal F. Yousif

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2609; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112609 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 530

Abstract

The growing need for sustainable materials in engineering applications has led to increased interest in the use of waste-derived ceramics as reinforcing fillers in polymer composites. This study investigates the mechanical and tribological performance of epoxy composites reinforced with Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) waste [...] Read more.

The growing need for sustainable materials in engineering applications has led to increased interest in the use of waste-derived ceramics as reinforcing fillers in polymer composites. This study investigates the mechanical and tribological performance of epoxy composites reinforced with Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) waste ceramics, focusing on the effects of varying ceramic content (0–40 wt.%). The results demonstrate that while the tensile strength decreases with increasing ceramic content, the wear resistance and surface hardness improve, particularly at 20 wt.% YSZ. These findings are highly relevant for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing, where the demand for eco-friendly, high-performance materials is growing. This work aligns with the journal’s focus on sustainable engineering by offering new insights into the practical application of waste materials in high-performance composite systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Innovation in the Production of Green Materials for Advanced Technologies)

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27 pages, 1840 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutritional Composition and Functional Properties of A. platensis-Derived Peptides: A Green and Sustainable Protein-Rich Supplement

by Nabila Begum, Fei Qi, Fang Yang, Qudrat Ullah Khan, Faizan, Qiang Fu, Jie Li, Xiu Wang, Xiaoxiao Wang, Jun Wang, Riwang Li, Dahai Liu and Wenqing Zhang

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2608; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112608 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 381

Abstract

Among cyanobacterium, Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) is a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds due to its high protein, essential amino acid, vitamin, and mineral content. A. platensis is one of the most abundant sources of protein (50–70%). In the food industry, [...] Read more.

Among cyanobacterium, Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) is a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds due to its high protein, essential amino acid, vitamin, and mineral content. A. platensis is one of the most abundant sources of protein (50–70%). In the food industry, A. platensis is being used as an ingredient for the development of food flavor, taste, and nutritional composition. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed the potential use of A. platensis in the prevention and treatment of various metabolic diseases. Recently, extensive research has focused on the production and bioactivity of the A. platensis-derived bioactive peptides. A series of steps were used for the production of bioactive peptides including hydrolysis, ultrafiltration, and chromatographic techniques, coupled with an advanced detector. A. platensis peptides showed health benefits such as anti-hypertension, anti-diabetes, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer activities. This review aims to present the main nutritional composition of A. platensis, the processes of purification, and the identification of bioactive peptides, and the potential health benefits such as antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, antioxidant, and anti-microbial activities associated with the consumption of A. platensis-derived peptides are discussed. The originality of this review over the old review is that our review comprehensively studies the macro- and micronutrient composition and listed bioactive peptides to date, which can play an important role in the treatment of various diseases. Moreover, this review provides information related the research gaps of the various technologies that should be used for the development of the peptide as a pharmaceutical and functional food. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Process Engineering)

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17 pages, 9468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Pillar Coal Mining by Driving Roadway During Mining Period in High-Gas Top-Coal-Caving Working Face

by Haisheng Shen, Zhongshun Chen, Yong Yuan, Bo Li and Samuel Kofi Anamor

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2607; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112607 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 336

Abstract

To solve the problem of the inability to achieve Y-shaped ventilation in the boundary coal mining of high-gas mines and the problem of gas accumulation in the upper corner of a fully mechanized mining face, non-pillar coal mining technology is proposed by a [...] Read more.

To solve the problem of the inability to achieve Y-shaped ventilation in the boundary coal mining of high-gas mines and the problem of gas accumulation in the upper corner of a fully mechanized mining face, non-pillar coal mining technology is proposed by a driving roadway during the mining period. A high-gas working face requires Y-shaped ventilation to achieve upper corner gas control, but Y-shaped ventilation conditions are not available at the boundary coal body. In order to handle this challenge, studies have suggested non-pillar coal mining technology, which involves excavating roadways while mining in order to achieve non-pillar coal extraction and use recoverable wide coal pillars. During the simultaneous excavation of a working face and roadway, studies analyzed the distribution characteristics of the complicated stress environment. Following an evaluation of the impact of coal pillar width on the quality of an excavation roadway, this study’s development is in terms of an effective technique for retaining coal pillars as established. During the mining period of a working face, in the goaf of the working face, the research analyzed the distribution properties of the gas flow field, and findings from the study indicate that the width of the recovered coal pillar influences the distribution of gas. Finally, the width of the coal pillar was comprehensively determined, forming non-pillar coal mining technology by a driving roadway during the mining period. The on-site practice has shown that using a wide coal pillar with a width of 70 m to protect the roadway significantly reduces the deformation of the surrounding rock in the mining roadway, the gas concentration at the return airway is lower than the safety production standard, and by decreasing the mining succession time by 15 months, studies achieved improving the working face’s coal extraction rate by 12.6%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring, Process Control, Simulation, and Optimization in Coal Mining)

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15 pages, 10215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Repair of Irregular and Deep Cracks Induced by Thermal Shock Using Al-Cu-O Reactions in Al₂O₃ Ceramics

by Fuhai Bao, Seiji Yamashita and Hideki Kita

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2606; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112606 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 317

Abstract

The irregular and deep cracks induced by thermal shock in Al₂O₃ ceramics were repaired by applying Cu powder layer on their surface and heating at 1200 °C under an atmosphere of air. The Al-Cu-O liquid phase formed at 1200 °C [...] Read more.

The irregular and deep cracks induced by thermal shock in Al₂O₃ ceramics were repaired by applying Cu powder layer on their surface and heating at 1200 °C under an atmosphere of air. The Al-Cu-O liquid phase formed at 1200 °C by the reaction of molten Cu, oxygen, and Al₂O₃ phases penetrate deep into the narrow cracks, and the precipitation phases of Cu₂O and CuAlO₂ densely fill the crack interior. Our observation and analysis of the filled cracks and the surrounding areas of the repaired cracks, as well as the microstructural analysis results obtained through SEM-EDS and TEM observation, suggested the aforementioned crack repair mechanism. The bending strength of the coated surface after repairing the cracks is 301.8 MPa (ΔT = 300 °C), which is twice as strong as the specimen after thermal shock and 10% higher than the original strength of the base material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials Processes)

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45 pages, 14895 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances and Challenges in WO₃ Nanostructures’ Synthesis

by Odeilson Morais Pinto, Rosimara Passos Toledo, Herick Ematne da Silva Barros, Rosana Alves Gonçalves, Ronaldo Spezia Nunes, Nirav Joshi and Olivia Maria Berengue

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2605; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112605 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 374

Abstract

In recent decades, nanoscience has experienced rapid global advancements due to its focus on materials and compounds at the nanoscale with high efficiency across diverse applications. WO₃ nanostructures have proven to be a unique material in the development of new technologies due [...] Read more.

In recent decades, nanoscience has experienced rapid global advancements due to its focus on materials and compounds at the nanoscale with high efficiency across diverse applications. WO₃ nanostructures have proven to be a unique material in the development of new technologies due to their electrical, optical, and catalytic properties. They have been used as raw materials for the fabrication of electrochromic devices, optoelectronic devices, hydrogenation catalysts, gas sensors, adsorbents, lithium-ion batteries, solar driven-catalysts, and phototherapy. One of the most striking characteristics of WO₃ is its morphological diversity, spanning from 0D to 2D, encompassing nanoparticles, nanowires, nanofibers, nanorods, nanosheets, and nanoplates. This review discusses common synthesis methods for WO₃ nanostructures, including hydrothermal and solvothermal methods, microwave-assisted synthesis, sol-gel, electrospinning, co-precipitation, and solution combustion, with emphasis on the advantages and challenges of each of them. The processes involved, the obtained morphologies, and the resulting applications are also presented. As evidenced here, the fine control of the synthesis parameters allows the production of nanostructures with controlled phase, morphology, and size, essential aspects for the production of high-performance WO₃-based devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials Processes)

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11 pages, 3140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rational Fabrication of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane-Based Porous Organic Polymers Sustainably Used for Selective CO₂ Adsorption

by Tiantian Li, Guodong Kang, Mengqi Liu, Congcong Sun, Jie Li, Yang Meng and Dingming Xue

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2604; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112604 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 324

Abstract

Different types of porous materials have been developed for the efficient separation of CO₂ from mixtures of gases. Nevertheless, the most porous materials cannot be used for extensive industrial applications due to their non-negligible disadvantages, such as complex synthesis routes, expensive monomers, [...] Read more.

Different types of porous materials have been developed for the efficient separation of CO₂ from mixtures of gases. Nevertheless, the most porous materials cannot be used for extensive industrial applications due to their non-negligible disadvantages, such as complex synthesis routes, expensive monomers, and/or costly catalysts. Therefore, a strategy for fabricating a series of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-based porous organic polymer materials (PBPOPs) was developed through the simple condensation reaction of octaphenylsilsesquioxane and different bromine-containing monomers. It was found that PBPOP-2 exhibits the best CO₂ adsorption amount of 41 cm³·g⁻¹ at 273 K and 760 mmHg based on the accessible specific surface area, large pore volumes, and accessible pore sizes. Furthermore, PBPOP-2 exhibits efficient CO₂/N₂ selectivity and complete regeneration under mild conditions, which demonstrates the potential for the selective separation of CO₂ from gas mixtures. This work provides a new route to developing POSS-based POPs for CO₂-capture applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Technologies)

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14 pages, 2606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Fume Suppression Effect and Performance of SBS-Modified Asphalt with Deodorant

by Yinan Guo, Yu Zhao, Lianghao Sun, Xiuchen Xu and Hongchao Zhang

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2603; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112603 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 349

Abstract

SBS-modified asphalt produces a large number of hazardous fumes in the preparation process, which severely endangers health and causes environmental pollution. This paper details the design of a fume generation and collection device for asphalt and proposed a comprehensive method for analyzing fume [...] Read more.

SBS-modified asphalt produces a large number of hazardous fumes in the preparation process, which severely endangers health and causes environmental pollution. This paper details the design of a fume generation and collection device for asphalt and proposed a comprehensive method for analyzing fume composition. Two deodorants were incorporated into SBS-modified asphalt to mitigate the hazards of the original hazardous emissions. Then, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were combined to analyze the main component differences between asphalt fumes before and after adding deodorant, and to specify the mechanism of action of deodorants on hazardous fumes and SBS-modified asphalt. Finally, the road performance, including the physical and rheological properties of SBS-modified asphalt blended with deodorant, was evaluated. The results indicated that both deodorizers were effective in reducing the emission of hazardous substances in the fumes of SBS-modified asphalt, and no new hazardous substances were generated. Under hot mixing conditions, the addition of 0.3% of deodorant A (high boiling point ester) was effective in reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by up to 41.7%, while the reduction in benzene congeners reached at least 50%. On the other hand, 1% of deodorant B (silica–magnesium compounds) reduced the emissions of VOCs and benzene congeners by 36% and 20–42%, respectively, under the same conditions. Furthermore, the addition of deodorant did not affect the original road performance, and even improved the rheological properties to a certain extent, which was conducive to the application of deodorant in pavement engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)

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23 pages, 12957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermo-Mechanically Coupled Settlement and Temperature Response of a Composite Foundation in Complex Geological Conditions for Molten Salt Tank in Tower Solar Plants

by Shezhou Zhu, Xu Li, Yi Li, Hemei Sun and Xin Kang

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2602; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112602 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 363

Abstract

The degradation of complex geological structures due to thermo-mechanical cycling results in a reduction in bearing capacity, which can readily induce engineering issues such as uneven settlement, cracking, and even the destabilization of the foundations of molten salt storage tanks. This study establishes [...] Read more.

The degradation of complex geological structures due to thermo-mechanical cycling results in a reduction in bearing capacity, which can readily induce engineering issues such as uneven settlement, cracking, and even the destabilization of the foundations of molten salt storage tanks. This study establishes a foundational model for a molten salt storage tank through the use of COMSOL Multiphysics and conducts a numerical simulation analysis to evaluate the settlement deformation and temperature distribution of the foundation under the influence of thermo-mechanical coupling. Concurrently, the research proposes two distinct design approaches for the tank’s foundational structure. A comparative analysis of the results indicates that the use of a pile raft foundation in conjunction with a traditional foundation mode results in a reduction of settlement at the center of the foundation’s top surface by 380.1 mm, while also decreasing the maximum effective stress in the steel ring wall by 240.7 MPa. The thermal effects impact a depth of 10 m in the foundation soil and an influence radius of 20 m. Additionally, the foundation soil exhibits optimal thermal insulation properties, resulting in minimal energy loss. These findings indicate that the pile raft foundation in conjunction with a traditional foundation mode displays remarkable adaptability to complex geological conditions, with both settlement and temperature distribution of the foundation maintained within acceptable limits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)

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30 pages, 14383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Preparation of Nano ZnO by Hydrodynamic Cavitation-Enhanced Carbonization Method and Response Surface Optimization

by Jinyuan Guo, Honglei Yu, Dexi Wang, Gong Chen, Lin Fan and Hanshuo Yang

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2601; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112601 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 402

Abstract

The carbonization method for preparing Nano ZnO is characterized by its simplicity, ease of reaction control, high product purity, environmental friendliness, and potential for CO₂ recycling. However, traditional carbonization processes suffer from poor heat and mass transfer, leading to in situ growth [...] Read more.

The carbonization method for preparing Nano ZnO is characterized by its simplicity, ease of reaction control, high product purity, environmental friendliness, and potential for CO₂ recycling. However, traditional carbonization processes suffer from poor heat and mass transfer, leading to in situ growth and agglomeration, resulting in low carbonization efficiency, small specific surface area, and inferior product performance. To enhance micro-mixing and mass transfer efficiency, ZnO derived from zinc ash calcination was used as the raw material, and hydrodynamic cavitation technology was employed to intensify the carbonization reaction process. The reaction mechanism of hydrodynamic cavitation was analyzed, and a single-factor experimental study investigated the effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, solid–liquid ratio, calcination temperature, incident angle, cavitation number, and position height on the specific surface area and carbonization rate of Nano ZnO. The response surface method was utilized to explore the significance of the three most influential factors—solid–liquid ratio, cavitation number, and position height—on the carbonization rate and specific surface area. The products were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser particle size analysis, and specific surface area analysis. The results showed that the optimal process parameters were a reaction temperature of 80 °C, a reaction time of 120 min, a solid–liquid ratio of 5.011:100, a calcination temperature of 500 °C for 1 h, an incident angle of 60°, a cavitation number of 0.366, and a position height of 301.128 mm. The interaction between solid–liquid ratio and position height significantly influenced the process parameter variations. Under these conditions, the specific surface area and carbonization rate were 63.190 m²/g and 94.623%, respectively. The carbonized product was flaky Nano ZnO with good dispersion and small particle size. Compared to traditional mechanical stirring and bubbling methods, the specific surface area increased by 1.5 times, the carbonization rate improved by 10%, and the particle size decreased by half, significantly enhancing the product performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials Processes)

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18 pages, 6972 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Design and Experimental Research on a High-Frequency Rotary Directional Valve

by Shunming Hua, Siqiang Liu, Zhuo Qiu, Xiaojun Wang, Xuechang Zhang and Huijuan Zhang

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2600; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112600 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 287

Abstract

A directional valve is a core component of the electro-hydraulic shakers in fatigue testing machines, controlling the cylinder or motor that drives the piston for reciprocating linear or rotary motion. In this article, a high-speed rotating directional valve with a symmetrical flow channel [...] Read more.

A directional valve is a core component of the electro-hydraulic shakers in fatigue testing machines, controlling the cylinder or motor that drives the piston for reciprocating linear or rotary motion. In this article, a high-speed rotating directional valve with a symmetrical flow channel layout is designed to optimize the force on the valve core of the directional valve. A comparative analysis is conducted on the flow capacity of valve ports with different shapes. A steady-state hydrodynamic mathematical model is established for the valve core, the theoretical analysis results of which are verified through a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of the fluid domain inside the directional valve. A prototype of the rotatory directional valve is designed and manufactured, and an experimental platform is built to measure the hydraulic force acting on the valve core to verify the performance of the valve. The displacement curves at different commutation frequencies are also obtained. The experimental results show that the symmetrical flow channel layout can significantly optimize the hydraulic force during the movement of the valve core. Under a pressure of 1 MPa, the hydraulic cylinder driven by the prototype can achieve a sinusoidal curve output with a maximum frequency of 60 Hz and an amplitude of 2.5 mm. The innovation of this design lies in the creation of a directional valve with a symmetric flow channel layout. The feasibility of the design is verified through modeling, simulation, and experimentation, and it significantly optimizes the hydraulic forces acting on the spool. It provides us with the possibility to further improve the switching frequency of hydraulic valves and has important value in engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)

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26 pages, 9350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization Research on the Impact of Charging Load and Energy Efficiency of Pure Electric Vehicles

by Huajian Xin, Zhejun Li, Feng Jiang, Qinglie Mo, Jie Hu and Junming Zhou

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2599; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112599 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 439

Abstract

In this paper, the negative impact of the charging load generated by the disorderly charging scheme of large-scale pure electric vehicles on the operation performance of the power grid system and the problem of reducing its charging energy efficiency are studied and analyzed. [...] Read more.

In this paper, the negative impact of the charging load generated by the disorderly charging scheme of large-scale pure electric vehicles on the operation performance of the power grid system and the problem of reducing its charging energy efficiency are studied and analyzed. First, based on Matlab 2022a simulation software and the Monte Carlo random sampling method, the probability density model of the factors affecting the charging load is constructed, and the total charging load of different quantities is simulated. Second, the IEEE33-node distribution network model is introduced to simulate the influence of charging load on the grid under different permeability schemes. Finally, the multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to optimize the charging cost and battery life. Taking the 20% permeability scheme as an example, the research results show that, compared with the disorderly charging scheme, the multi-objective optimization scheme reduces the peaking valley difference rate by 24.34%, the charging load power generation cost by 29.5%, and the charging cost by 23.9%. The power grid profit increased by 45.8%, and the research conclusion has practical significance for the energy efficiency optimization of pure electric vehicles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)

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13 pages, 2525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of L-Aspartic Acid on Cr(VI) Adsorption onto the Lepidocrocite with Different Exposed Facets: Batch Experiments and In Situ ATR-FTIR Analysis

by Xiaofei Li, Tianfu Li, Xiaohu Jin, Yanfu Wei, Yanping Bao, Qian Yao, Fuhua Li, Weicheng Xu and Xiaolian Wu

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2598; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112598 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 306

Abstract

The adsorption of toxic metals onto iron oxides is a prevalent geochemical process in natural environments. Organic acids are known to modify the adsorption features of toxic ions through either competitive or cooperative effects. Nowadays, the toxic metal adsorption influenced by organic acids [...] Read more.

The adsorption of toxic metals onto iron oxides is a prevalent geochemical process in natural environments. Organic acids are known to modify the adsorption features of toxic ions through either competitive or cooperative effects. Nowadays, the toxic metal adsorption influenced by organic acids on iron oxides with varying facet exposures is not fully understood. This study explored how L-Aspartic acid (LA) influences Cr(VI) adsorption on two different exposure facets of lepidocrocite through batch adsorption experiments, in situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and 2D-COS analysis. The results reveal that LA competes for available binding sites on lepidocrocite, consequently inhibiting the adsorption of Cr(VI). Rod-shaped lepidocrocite (R-LEP) owns more (001) facets and shows stronger Cr(VI) adsorption and LA competition than plate-like lepidocrocite (P-LEP), which mainly has (010) facets. The data for Cr(VI) uptake on both P-LEP and R-LEP within the effect of LA are well-fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich isotherm model, suggesting chemical interaction as the dominant process for Cr(VI) coordination on lepidocrocite. Cr(VI) ions favor interaction with R-LEP over P-LEP, forming inner-sphere complexes on (001) facets. Concurrently, LA’s carboxyl groups can compete for the active sites on the lepidocrocite surfaces, engaging in anion exchange with hydroxyl groups, and forming outer-sphere and inner-sphere structures. This competitive effect is particularly pronounced in the R-LEP system. The current findings are expected to broaden insights into how the exposed facets of lepidocrocite influence the fate of Cr(VI) in the organic acid coexistence environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Remediation of Contaminated Sites: Volume II)

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22 pages, 8009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of Spiral Wound Membranes for Gas Separations—Part IV: Real-Time Monitoring Based on Detailed Phenomenological Model

by Marília Caroline C. de Sá, Diego Q. F. de Menezes, Tahyná B. Fontoura, Luiz Felipe de O. Campos, Thiago K. Anzai, Fábio C. Diehl, Pedro H. Thompson and José Carlos Pinto

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2597; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112597 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 526

Abstract

The present study presents, for the first time, the real-time monitoring of an actual spiral-wound membrane unit used for

{CO}_{2}

removal from natural gas in an actual industrial offshore platform, utilizing a detailed phenomenological model. An Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) paradigm was employed [...] Read more.

The present study presents, for the first time, the real-time monitoring of an actual spiral-wound membrane unit used for

{CO}_{2}

removal from natural gas in an actual industrial offshore platform, utilizing a detailed phenomenological model. An Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) paradigm was employed to simulate the offshore membrane separation unit, accounting for the diverse levels of the membrane separation setup. A parameter estimation procedure was implemented to fit the phenomenological model to the real industrial data in real-time, for the first time. In addition, estimated permeance parameters and calculated unmeasured variables (soft sensor) were used for monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), such as membrane selectivity, dew point temperature, and hydrocarbon loss. Finally, a reparametrization of the parameters was implemented to improve the robustness of the optimization procedure. Thus, the model variables presented good adjustments to the data, indicating the satisfactory performance of the estimation. Consequently, the good accuracy of the model provided reliable information to the soft sensors and KPIs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Process Control and Monitoring)

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15 pages, 4684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Convolutional Neural Network-Based Method for Distinguishing the Flow Patterns of Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in the Annulus

by Chen Cheng, Weixia Yang, Xiaoya Feng, Yarui Zhao and Yubin Su

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2596; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112596 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 294

Abstract

In order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of flow pattern recognition and to solve the problem of the real-time monitoring of flow patterns, which is difficult to achieve with traditional visual recognition methods, this study introduced a flow pattern recognition method based [...] Read more.

In order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of flow pattern recognition and to solve the problem of the real-time monitoring of flow patterns, which is difficult to achieve with traditional visual recognition methods, this study introduced a flow pattern recognition method based on a convolutional neural network (CNN), which can recognize the flow pattern under different pressure and flow conditions. Firstly, the complex gas–liquid distribution and its velocity field in the annulus were investigated using a computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) simulation, and the gas–liquid distribution and velocity vectors in the annulus were obtained to clarify the complexity of the flow patterns in the annulus. Subsequently, a sequence model containing three convolutional layers and two fully connected layers was developed, which employed a CNN architecture, and the model was compiled using the Adam optimizer and the sparse classification cross entropy as a loss function. A total of 450 images of different flow patterns were utilized for training, and the trained model recognized slug and annular flows with probabilities of 0.93 and 0.99, respectively, confirming the high accuracy of the model in recognizing annulus flow patterns, and providing an effective method for flow pattern recognition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrocarbon Production Processes from Geoenergy)

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31 pages, 23830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics and Paleoenvironment of the Niutitang Shale Reservoir in the Zhenba Area

by Tao Tian, Wei Chang, Pei Zhang, Jiahui Yang, Li Zhang and Tianzi Wang

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2595; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112595 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 502

Abstract

The lack of in-depth analysis on the reservoir characteristics and the paleoenvironmental conditions of the Niutitang Formation in the study area has led to an unclear understanding of its geological background. In this study, core samples from well SZY1 were selected, and X-ray [...] Read more.

The lack of in-depth analysis on the reservoir characteristics and the paleoenvironmental conditions of the Niutitang Formation in the study area has led to an unclear understanding of its geological background. In this study, core samples from well SZY1 were selected, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and quantitative elemental analysis were employed to systematically investigate the reservoir properties and paleoenvironment of the shales. The results indicate that the Niutitang Formation shales form a low-porosity, low-permeability reservoir. By utilizing indicators such as the chemical index of alteration (CIA) and elemental ratios, the study delves into the paleoclimate and paleoproductivity of the region. The (La/Yb)_n ratio is approximately 1, indicating a rapid deposition rate that is beneficial for the accumulation and preservation of organic matter. The chondrite-normalized and North American Shale Composite (NASC)-normalized rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns of the shales show consistent trends with minimal variation, reflecting the presence of mixed sources for the sediments in the study area. Analysis reveals that the Niutitang Formation shales are enriched in light rare-earth elements (LREEs) with a negative europium anomaly, and the primary source rocks are sedimentary and granitic, located far from areas of seafloor hydrothermal activity. The Ni_EF and Cu_EF values suggest high paleoproductivity, and the shales were deposited in an anoxic-reducing environment. The depositional environments of the Marcellus and Utica shales in the United States, the Wufeng-Longmaxi black shales in the Changning area of the Sichuan Basin, and the shales in the study area are similar, characterized by anoxic reducing conditions and well-developed fractures. The thermal evolution degree of the study area is relatively moderate, currently in the peak gas generation stage, with the reservoir quality rated as medium to high, indicating good potential for hydrocarbon accumulation and promising exploration prospects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shale Gas and Coalbed Methane Exploration and Practice)

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20 pages, 4235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Evaluation of Wound Healing Efficacy of Bombyx mori L. Body Extracts, Gland Extracts, and Cocoon for the Treatment of Second-Degree Burns: A Pilot Study

by Alexandra Kyriaki, Margarita Vidali, Andreas Vitsos, Paschalis Harizanis, Ioannis Sfiniadakis, Christina Barda, Eleftheria Simirioti, Asimina Terezaki and Michail Christou Rallis

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2594; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112594 - 18 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Background: The silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) and its cocoon are rich in bioactive proteins like sericin and fibroin, as well as enzymes such as serrapeptase, which possess anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo effects of various [...] Read more.

Background: The silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) and its cocoon are rich in bioactive proteins like sericin and fibroin, as well as enzymes such as serrapeptase, which possess anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo effects of various silkworm products, including cocoon patches and extracts from the silkworm body and glands, on the healing of second-degree burns. Methods: Hairless, female SKH-2 mice were used to model second-degree burns. The study tested formulations containing 1%, 10%, or 20% silkworm body or gland extracts, as well as cocoon-derived patches. In addition to histopathological and clinical assessments, the study measured parameters including burn size, hydration, transepidermal water loss and thickness. Results: The results of this study demonstrated that, in terms of primary outcomes (complete healing), both the silkworm cocoon and the 20% body extract significantly promoted wound healing, with similar efficacy. All body extracts showed statistical significance in wound area reduction, while the gland extracts had no significant effect. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the superior healing potential of the body extracts increasing by increased concentration and cocoon. This novel insight into the therapeutic properties of silkworm body extracts opens new opportunities for the development of cost-effective, renewable second-degree burn healing treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research of Bioactive Synthetic and Natural Products Chemistry)

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23 pages, 922 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth Optimizer Algorithm for Economic Load Dispatch Problem: Analysis and Evaluation

by Ahmed Ewis Shaban, Alaa A. K. Ismaeel, Ahmed Farhan, Mokhtar Said and Ali M. El-Rifaie

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2593; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112593 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 627

Abstract

The Growth Optimizer algorithm (GO) is a novel metaheuristic that draws inspiration from people’s learning and introspection processes as they progress through society. Economic Load Dispatch (ELD), one of the primary problems in the power system, is resolved by the GO. To assess [...] Read more.

The Growth Optimizer algorithm (GO) is a novel metaheuristic that draws inspiration from people’s learning and introspection processes as they progress through society. Economic Load Dispatch (ELD), one of the primary problems in the power system, is resolved by the GO. To assess GO’s dependability, its performance is contrasted with a number of methods. These techniques include the Rime-ice algorithm (RIME), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Elephant Herding Optimization (EHO), and Tunicate Swarm Algorithm (TSA). Also, the GO algorithm has the competition of other literature techniques such as Monarch butterfly optimization (MBO), the Sine Cosine algorithm (SCA), the chimp optimization algorithm (ChOA), the moth search algorithm (MSA), and the snow ablation algorithm (SAO). Six units for the ELD problem at a 1000 MW load, ten units for the ELD problem at a 2000 MW load, and twenty units for the ELD problem at a 3000 MW load are the cases employed in this work. The standard deviation, minimum fitness function, and maximum mean values are measured for 30 different runs in order to evaluate all methods. Using the GO approach, the ideal power mismatch values of 3.82627263206814 × 10⁻¹², 0.0000622209480241054, and 5.5893360695336 × 10⁻⁷ were found for six, ten, and twenty generator units, respectively. The GO’s dominance over all other algorithms is demonstrated by the results produced for the ELD scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Renewable Energy Systems (2nd Edition))

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15 pages, 4483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Mg, Na, and Li Oxides on the CO₂ Sorption Properties of Natural Zeolite

by Manshuk Mambetova, Kusman Dossumov and Gaukhar Yergaziyeva

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2592; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112592 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 454

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of the CO₂ sorption properties of natural zeolites sourced from the Tayzhuzgen (Tg) and Shankanay (Sh) deposits in Kazakhstan. The Tayzhuzgen zeolite was characterized by a Si/Al ratio of 5.6, suggesting partial dealumination, and demonstrated enhanced [...] Read more.

This study presents a comparative analysis of the CO₂ sorption properties of natural zeolites sourced from the Tayzhuzgen (Tg) and Shankanay (Sh) deposits in Kazakhstan. The Tayzhuzgen zeolite was characterized by a Si/Al ratio of 5.6, suggesting partial dealumination, and demonstrated enhanced specific surface area following mechanical activation. Modification of the Tayzhuzgen zeolite with magnesium oxide significantly improved its CO₂ sorption capacity, reaching 8.46 mmol CO₂/g, attributed to the formation of the CaMg(Si₂O₆) phase and the resulting increase in basic active sites. TPD-CO₂ analysis confirmed that MgO/Tg exhibited the highest basicity of the modified samples, further validating its potential for CO₂ capture applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Separation Processes)

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26 pages, 11849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Identification, Separation, and Clamp Function of an Intelligent Flexible Blueberry Picking Robot

by Xiaohong Liu, Peifu Li, Bo Hu, Hao Yin, Zexian Wang, Wenxin Li, Yanxia Xu and Baogang Li

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2591; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112591 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 445

Abstract

Identifying fruit maturity accurately and achieving damage-free harvesting are challenges in designing blueberry-picking robots. This paper presents an intelligent flexible picking system. First, we trained a deep learning-based YOLOv8n network to locate the position of the fruit and determine fruit ripeness. We used [...] Read more.

Identifying fruit maturity accurately and achieving damage-free harvesting are challenges in designing blueberry-picking robots. This paper presents an intelligent flexible picking system. First, we trained a deep learning-based YOLOv8n network to locate the position of the fruit and determine fruit ripeness. We used a neural network to establish the relationship between fruit hardness and shape parameters, achieving an adaptive gripping force for different fruits. To address the issue of dense clusters in some blueberry varieties, we designed a fruit separation subsystem using a combination of flow field analysis and pressure-sensitive experiments. The results show that the mean average precision can reach 84.62%, the precision is 94.49%, the recall is 83.85%, the F1 score is 88.85%, and the test time is 0.12 s, which can meet the requirements for blueberry fruit recognition accuracy and speed. The spacing between closely packed fruits can increase by 4 mm, and the damage-free picking rate exceeds 92%, achieving stable, damage-free harvesting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transfer Learning Methods in Equipment Reliability Management)

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26 pages, 8062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biosynthesis; Characterization; and Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Docking Potentials of Doped Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Pine Needle Leaf Extract

by Nourhane A. Darwich, Malak Mezher, Alaa M. Abdallah, Ahmed F. El-Sayed, Rana El Hajj, Taymour A. Hamdalla and Mahmoud I. Khalil

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2590; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112590 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 454

Abstract

The current study focused on the synthesis of doped silver nanoparticles (doped AgNPs) with yttrium (Y), gadolinium (Gd), and chromium (Cr) from pine needle leaf extract (PNLE). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to assess the phase formation, detecting 61.83% from Ag and 38.17% [...] Read more.

The current study focused on the synthesis of doped silver nanoparticles (doped AgNPs) with yttrium (Y), gadolinium (Gd), and chromium (Cr) from pine needle leaf extract (PNLE). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to assess the phase formation, detecting 61.83% from Ag and 38.17% for secondary phases of AgCl, AgO, Y, Cr-, and Gd phases. The size and shape of the NPs were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing a spherical shape with an average particle size of 26.43 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) detected the oxidation state of the presented elements. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) determined the morphology and elemental composition of the NPs, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) determined the different functional groups indicating the presence of Ag, Y, Gd, Cr, and other groups. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy showed the optical properties of the NPs. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) revealed the ferromagnetic behavior of the doped AgNPs. The antibacterial activity of the doped AgNPs was tested against six uro-pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) microdilution assays, agar well diffusion assay, time–kill test, and antibiofilm screening assays, revealing significant activity, with MICs ranging between 0.0625 and 0.5 mg/mL and antibiofilm activity between 40 and 85%. The antioxidant activity was determined by the 1,1, diphenyl 1-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay with a potential of 61.3%. The docking studies showed that the doped AgNPs had the potential to predict the inhibition of crucial enzymes such as penicillin-binding proteins, LasR-binding proteins, carbapenemase, DNA gyrase, and dihydropteroate synthase. The results suggest that the doped AgNPs can be applied in different medical domains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochemical Processes for Sustainability, 2nd Edition)

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30 pages, 10377 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Intelligent Kick Detection Model for Large-Hole Ultra-Deep Wells in the Sichuan Basin

by Xudong Wang, Pengcheng Wu, Ye Chen, Ergang Zhang, Xiaoke Ye, Qi Huang, Chi Peng and Jianhong Fu

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112589 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 382

Abstract

The Sichuan Basin has abundant deep and ultra-deep natural gas resources, making it a primary target for exploration and the development of China’s oil and gas industry. However, during the drilling of ultra-deep wells in the Sichuan Basin, complex geological conditions frequently lead [...] Read more.

The Sichuan Basin has abundant deep and ultra-deep natural gas resources, making it a primary target for exploration and the development of China’s oil and gas industry. However, during the drilling of ultra-deep wells in the Sichuan Basin, complex geological conditions frequently lead to gas kicks, posing significant challenges to well control and safety. Compared to traditional kick detection methods, artificial intelligence technology can improve the accuracy and timeliness of kick detection. However, there are limited real-world kick data available from drilling operations, and the datasets are extremely imbalanced, making it difficult to train intelligent models with sufficient accuracy and generalization capabilities. To address this issue, this paper proposes a kick data augmentation method based on a time-series generative adversarial network (TimeGAN). This method generates synthetic kick samples from real datasets and then employs a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network to extract multivariate time-series features of surface drilling parameters. A multilayer perceptron (MLP) network is used for data classification tasks, constructing an intelligent kick detection model. Using real drilling data from ultra-deep wells in the SY block of the Sichuan Basin, the effects of k-fold cross-validation, data dimensionality, various imbalanced data handling techniques, and the sample imbalance ratio on the model’s kick detection performance are analyzed. Ablation experiments are also conducted to assess the contribution of each module in identifying kick. The results show that TimeGAN outperforms other imbalanced data handling techniques. The accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score of the kick identification model are highest when the sample imbalance ratio is at 1 but decrease as the imbalance ratio increases. This indicates that maintaining a balance between positive and negative samples is essential for training a reliable intelligent kick detection model. The trained model is applied during the drilling of seven ultra-deep wells in Sichuan, demonstrating its effectiveness and accuracy in real-world kick detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Control, and Optimization of Drilling Techniques)

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11 pages, 2011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Ascorbic Acid-Modified Fenton System for the Degradation of Bisphenol A: Kinetics, Parameters, and Mechanism

by Yanlin Wu, Jiawei Gu, Zhongyi Fang, Yuang Shan and Jie Guan

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2588; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112588 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 389

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been extensively used in the commercial production, especially the production of plastic products. It has endocrine-disrupting effects and poses potential risks to health, which is also related to the development of various diseases. Nevertheless, using conventional biological treatment techniques [...] Read more.

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been extensively used in the commercial production, especially the production of plastic products. It has endocrine-disrupting effects and poses potential risks to health, which is also related to the development of various diseases. Nevertheless, using conventional biological treatment techniques has proved challenging in fully breaking down this particular hazardous substance. The degradation ability of the target substance was explored by investigating the effect of an ascorbic acid (Vc)-modified Fenton-like system. The results showed that the degradation rate of the modified system reached 74.6% after 20 min, which was much higher than the 9.1% degradation rate without Vc. Under different ratios of Vc and Fe(III), when the ratios were 1:1 and 1/2:1, the reaction efficiency was the best, and the degradation rate exceeded 83%. When pH = 6.5 and the ratio of Vc to Fe(III) was 1:1, the optimal conditions were achieved, and 83.5% of the BPA could be degraded within 60 min. The results of the quenching experiment provided evidence that ^•OH was the main reactive oxidizing species (ROS). Analysis of the BPA degradation pathway and the product toxicity evaluation revealed a reduction in the acute/chronic toxicity of BPA from toxic/very toxic to non-harmful/harmful levels. The presented evidence demonstrates that Vc significantly enhances the performance of the modified Fenton-like system and has definite potential for application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Green Processes)

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31 pages, 18864 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Heteropolyacid-Catalyzed Conversion of Biomass Saccharides into High-Added-Value Products and Biofuels

by Márcio Jose da Silva and Pedro Henrique da Silva Andrade

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2587; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112587 - 18 Nov 2024

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Abstract

The industrial processes used to produce paper and cellulose generate many lignocellulosic residues. These residues are usually burned to produce heat to supply the energy demands of other processes, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and resulting in a high environmental impact. Instead of burning [...] Read more.

The industrial processes used to produce paper and cellulose generate many lignocellulosic residues. These residues are usually burned to produce heat to supply the energy demands of other processes, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and resulting in a high environmental impact. Instead of burning these lignocellulosic residues, they can be converted into saccharides, which are feedstock for high-value products and biofuels. Keggin heteropolyacids are efficient catalysts for obtaining saccharides from cellulose and hemicellulose and converting them into bioproducts or biofuel. Furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, levulinic acid, and alkyl levulinates are important platform molecules obtained from saccharides and raw materials in the biorefinery processes used to produce fine chemicals and biofuels. This review discusses the significant progress achieved in the development of the processes based on heteropolyacid-catalyzed reactions to convert biomass and their residues into furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, levulinic acid, and alkyl levulinates in homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction conditions. The different modifications that can be performed to a Keggin HPA structure, such as the replacement of the central atom (P or Si) with B or Al, the doping of the heteropolyanion with metal cations, and a proton exchange with metal or organic cations, as well as their impact on the catalytic activity of HPAs, are detailed and discussed herein. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green and Sustainable Chemistry of Waste Conversion in Circular Economy: Challenges and Perspectives)

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19 pages, 18656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Modified Control Strategy for Three-Phase Four-Switch Active Power Filters Based on Fundamental Positive Sequence Extraction

by Chun Xiao, Yulu Ren, Qiong Cao, Lei Wang and Jingyu Yin

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2586; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112586 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 392

Abstract

Three-phase four-switch active power filters (APFs) have attracted attention due to their low amount of semiconductors and low cost. The traditional control strategy of three-phase four-switch APFs usually includes phase-locked loops (PLLs) and rotating coordinate transformation for harmonic detection, resulting in complicated calculations [...] Read more.

Three-phase four-switch active power filters (APFs) have attracted attention due to their low amount of semiconductors and low cost. The traditional control strategy of three-phase four-switch APFs usually includes phase-locked loops (PLLs) and rotating coordinate transformation for harmonic detection, resulting in complicated calculations and increased computation. In this paper, a modified control strategy for three-phase four-switch APFs based on fundamental positive sequence extraction is proposed, eliminating PLLs and rotating coordinate transformation with trigonometric calculations. Harmonic extraction is based on the fundamental positive sequence extraction method, while non-locked phase loop coordinate transformation is proposed to eliminate trigonometric calculations. Quasi-PR control is adopted for current tracking, and DC voltage control is designed to suppress voltage imbalance between the two split capacitors on the DC side. The space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) method is modified for a reduced-switch APF topology. The proposed control strategy guarantees excellent harmonic compensation: harmonic currents are significantly suppressed when the APFs are working, the THD of the source current decreases to 3.86%, the bus voltage fluctuation on the DC side is small, the voltage remains stable, and the computational complexity is reduced. Finally, a simulation and an experimental hardware platform are established to validate the feasibility and performance of the proposed control strategy. The experimental results show that it has good performance in suppressing harmonics and improving power quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Operation and Control of New Power System with Large-Scale Renewable Energy Integration)

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10 pages, 23105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ex Ante Construction of Flow Pattern Maps for Pulsating Heat Pipes

by Ali Ahmed Alqahtani and Volfango Bertola

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2585; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112585 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 346

Abstract

A novel methodology is proposed for the development of empirical flow pattern maps for pulsating heat pipes (PHPs), which relies on the concept of virtual superficial velocity of the liquid and vapour phases. The virtual superficial velocity of each phase is defined using [...] Read more.

A novel methodology is proposed for the development of empirical flow pattern maps for pulsating heat pipes (PHPs), which relies on the concept of virtual superficial velocity of the liquid and vapour phases. The virtual superficial velocity of each phase is defined using solely the design and operational parameters of the pulsating heat pipe, allowing the resulting flow pattern map to serve as a predictive instrument. This contrasts with existing flow pattern maps that necessitate direct measurements of temperatures and/or velocities within one or more channels of the pulsating heat pipe. Specifically, the virtual superficial velocities are derived from the relative significance of the driving forces and the resistances encountered by each phase during flow. The proposed methodology is validated using flow visualisation datasets obtained from two separate experimental campaigns conducted on flat-plate polypropylene pulsating heat pipe prototypes featuring transparent walls and meandering channels with three turns, five turns, seven turns, and eleven turns, respectively. The PHP prototypes were tested for gravity levels ranging between 0 g and 1 g and heat inputs ranging from 5 W to 35 W. The proposed approach enables the identification of empirical boundaries for flow pattern transitions as well as the establishment of an empirical criterion for start-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heat and Mass Transfer Phenomena in Energy Systems)

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12 pages, 2098 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Production, Characterization and Application of Biosurfactant for Cleaning Cotton Fabric and Removing Oil from Contaminated Sand

by Renata R. Silva, Maria C. F. Caldas, Carlos V. A. Lima, Hugo M. Meira, Leonie A. Sarubbo and Juliana M. Luna

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2584; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112584 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 374

Abstract

Biosurfactants are a group of environmentally friendly amphiphilic molecules that are applicable in numerous industries as essential biotechnology products, such as food production, cleaning products, pharmacology, cosmetics, pesticides, textiles and oil and gas fields. In this sense, and knowing the potential of these [...] Read more.

Biosurfactants are a group of environmentally friendly amphiphilic molecules that are applicable in numerous industries as essential biotechnology products, such as food production, cleaning products, pharmacology, cosmetics, pesticides, textiles and oil and gas fields. In this sense, and knowing the potential of these biomolecules, the aim of this work was to produce a biosurfactant, characterize it regarding its chemical and surfactant properties and investigate its potential in the removal of contaminants and in the cleaning of cotton fabrics. The biosurfactant was initially obtained from the cultivation of the microorganism Candida glabrata UCP 1002 in medium containing distilled water with 2.5% residual frying oil, 2.5% molasses and 2.5% corn steep liquor agitated at 200 rpm for 144 h. The biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72 to 29 mN/m. The toxicity potential of the biosurfactant was evaluated using Tenebrio molitor larvae and demonstrated non-toxicity. The biosurfactant was applied as a degreaser of engine oil on cotton fabric, and showed 83% (2× CMC), 74% (1× CMC) and 78% (1/2× CMC) oil removal. Therefore, the biosurfactant produced in this work has promising surfactant and emulsifying properties with potential for application in various industrial segments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Biosurfactants: Production, Characterization and Multifaceted Applications)

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