Processes

Livestock manure has a high ammonium content that can limit its direct application on soil as a fertiliser in nitrate-vulnerable zones. Treatment technologies that are able to extract ammonium from livestock manure allow it to be concentrated in small volumes, making it cheaper and easier to transport and use as fertiliser in crop areas where there is a deficit of nitrogen. This study proposed using low-temperature vacuum evaporation to treat pig slurry in order to obtain marketable products that can be used as fertilisers and help close the nitrogen cycle. Two different configurations and scales were used. The first was a seven-litre laboratory-scale evaporator complemented with a condenser, a condensate trapper, an acid trap and a vacuum pump operated at −90 kPa vacuum pressure and at three different temperatures: 50.1 ± 0.2 °C, 46.0 ± 0.1 °C and 45.3 ± 1.3 °C. The second, Ammoneva, is an on-farm pilot-scale evaporator (6.4 m³), capable of working in four-hour batches of 1 t of liquid fraction of pig slurry with an operating temperature of 40–45 °C and −80 kPa vacuum pressure. The laboratory-scale evaporator, which features several novel improvements focused on increasing ammonia recovery, showed a higher nitrogen removal efficiency from the liquid fraction of pig slurry than the on-farm pilot plant, achieving 84% at 50.1 °C operation, and recovering most of it in ammonia solution (up to 77% of the initial nitrogen), with 7% of the ammonia not recovered. The Ammoneva pilot plant achieved a treated liquid fraction with 41% of initial nitrogen on average, recovering 15% in the ammonia solution in the acid trap; so, the NH₃ gas absorption step needs to be further optimised. However, due to the simplicity of the Ammoneva pilot plant, which is easily placed inside a 20-foot container, and the complete automation of the process, it is suitable as an on-farm treatment for decentralised pig slurry management. The implementation of the novel design developed at laboratory-scale could help further increase recovery efficiencies at the pilot-plant scale. Full article

The role of the transparent envelope in energy savings is crucial as it accounts for a significant proportion of the total energy loss (between 30 and 40%). This paper focuses on the identification of reasonable parameters for the transparent envelope in different climatic regions. To achieve this goal, typical urban office buildings from four different climatic regions are used as research objects. A total of 1600 scenarios were simulated to investigate the variation of energy use intensity, including transparent envelope parameters, meteorological parameters and different types of glazing. The results show that for south-facing transparent envelope facades, type D glazing is the most energy efficient in severe cold regions, type C in colder regions and type B in the other two climatic regions. No solar shading is required in the very cold region. Horizontal shading can be an effective method for saving energy in colder climates, while comprehensive shading can be beneficial in other regions. Deep shading is particularly energy efficient if it meets lighting requirements. For example, in Guangzhou, energy savings of 13.46%, 15.47%, 7.01% and 7.02% can be achieved in the east, west, south and north directions, respectively, using B-type glazing and a comprehensive shading depth of 900 mm. Full article

The Mediterranean area is one of the geographic zones most affected by land degradation and desertification and these conditions appear to be even more exacerbated by climate change. Based on this idea, this work aimed to isolate, identify, characterize, and select bacterial strains able to tolerate salinity and drought, which could possibly be used in agriculture as plant biofertilizers. The sampling of rhizosphere soil was performed in two Algerian regions, Ghardaïa and Djelfa (arid and semi-arid zones, respectively) in six provinces, targeting fourteen native plant species, known for their therapeutic use. A total of 288 bacterial strains were isolated, identified, and characterized for their growth at different temperatures and salt tolerance. Based on these capabilities, 95 isolates were selected. These strains underwent further evaluation for their plant-beneficial traits, including siderophore synthesis, auxin production, and phosphate solubilization. Additionally, we assessed their impact on tomato, cucumber, and sorghum seed germination. In a final screening step, nine bacterial strains were tested for their potential plant growth-promoting activity on tomato plants grown in semi-controlled conditions. Our results demonstrated that three strains (Bacillus simplex AH24, Microbacterium arborescens PU10, and Microbacterium paludicola AEA23) showed plant growth promotion activities on tomato. Full article

Oncheong-eum (OCE) is a traditional Korean herbal formula comprising eight medicinal herbs for treating skin disorders, including eczema and skin rashes. Here, we sought to simultaneously analyze 22 analytes of OCE using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). All analytes were separated on a Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C₁₈ column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) maintained at 45 °C by gradient elution with a mobile phase of 0.1% (v/v) aqueous formic acid–acetonitrile. By applying a multiple reaction monitoring method, we rapidly determined the various analytes simultaneously. The coefficient of determination of the regression equation prepared in the tested concentration range of each authentic reference standard was ≥0.9950 and showed good linearity. The accuracy ranged from 84.23% to 115.47%, and the relative standard deviation values for intra- and interday precisions ranged from 0.84% to 9.57%, respectively. Analysis of OCE samples using this method showed that they contained up to 27.10 mg/g of active ingredients. The method can provide data to improve the consistency and, thus, the future quality of OCE preparations and other traditional herbal formulas. Full article

Manufacturing companies face significant challenges due to rapid changes in globalized markets and open economies, which are experiencing mega-trends such as urbanization, globalization, and individualization. For sustainable growth, advanced technology is necessary. However, selecting technology is a difficult task due to the wide variety of options in the market. Technology has become a fundamental strategic factor for the growth and profitability of companies. The main objective of this paper is to propose a model and a methodological proposal for technology selection in the context of Industry 4.0 manufacturing. The proposed methodology is divided into three stages: The first stage is of knowledge and intervention, which allows for the socialization of the model and data collection. The second stage is the operational stage, where a hybrid method of FAHP and FANP is used to determine the weights of the factors considered. Lastly, the third stage is the analysis and evaluation stage, where the analysis, discussion, and evaluation of the results take place. To validate the proposed model, the methodology was applied to two case studies in Chilean industrial companies. The results obtained through the FAHP and FANP algorithms enabled decision makers to manage and select the most suitable technology from the wide variety of options available in today’s markets. Full article

This paper presents the original results of research on an inline jet mixer being an alternative to other, conventional mixing apparatuses used for extraction processes. In particular, researched novel geometry of a jet mixer was subjected to testing of either hydraulic performance or a liquid–liquid extraction process. Inline jet mixers are well suited for mixing gases and liquids and can be used in such processes as extraction, heat exchange, and reaction. In such an apparatus, mixing of liquids takes place by high-velocity injection of one stream into another through a series of small holes placed peripherally to a concentrically mounted inner tube. The literature lacks the data to allow for the design of these types of mixers. Extraction experiments were performed for the ethyl acetate–ethanol–water system. The research results presented in this paper enable the calculation of mixing power and the selection of optimal mixer operating parameters. Equations describing the flow resistance for both streams were developed. The mixing power was calculated and compared with other types of contactors. The data on overall volumetric mass transfer coefficients obtained by this study showed that the considered extractor is competitive with other conventional contactors at almost identical or even lower energy consumption. Full article

The pump turbine is a crucial component of pumped storage hydropower plants. When operated at a constant speed, it does not respond well to variations in the grid frequency. To improve the hydraulic efficiency of pumped storage units, variable-speed units have been introduced. However, the mechanism of variable-speed pump turbines has not been extensively studied numerically. In this study, the flow characteristics of a variable-speed pump turbine were computed under two typical pumping modes, the maximum head and minimum flow rate condition, as well as the minimum head and maximum flow rate condition. The computed results aligned with experimental results, and the changing trends of hydraulic thrust under these two pumping modes were discussed. The error for the Hmax, Qmin condition was 1.3%, and the error for the Hmin, Qmax condition was −1.9%. These error values fell within a reasonable range. The research findings indicate that in the H_max, Q_min condition, the flow within the flow passage exhibited higher velocity, which was 84.87 m/s, increased flow turbulence, larger pressure fluctuations, and poorer unit stability. On the other hand, in the H_min, Q_max condition, both the axial hydraulic thrust and radial forces were greater, and there were sudden changes in the extreme values of pressure fluctuations over a certain period of time. It is recommended to avoid operating the variable-speed pump turbine under these two conditions during pumping operations. Full article

With the increasing stringency of environmental protection regulations, reducing the severe pollution caused by soot particles from diesel vehicle exhaust has become a widespread concern. Catalytic purification technology is currently an efficient method for eliminating soot particles, which needs to develop high-activity catalysts. This work uses a two-step hydrothermal method to synthesize MnO_x/CeO₂ nanosphere catalysts, which have synergistic effects between manganese and cerium, and have high reactive oxygen species. Among them, the MnCe-1:4 catalyst represents the optimal catalytic activity, and the values of T₁₀, T₅₀, and T₉₀ are 289, 340, and 373 °C, respectively. On account of their simple synthetic procedure and low cost, the prepared MnO_x/CeO₂ nanosphere catalysts have good prospects for practical applications. Full article

Due to the variety of benefits over traditional cutting techniques, the usage of laser cutting technology has risen substantially in recent years. The attributes of laser technology for leather cutting include adaptability, mass production, capability of cutting complicated patterns, ease of producing tailored components, and reduction in leather waste. In the present study, vegetable chrome-tanned buffalo leather specimens were cut using a 20 W laser diode with conventional and pulse width control in a photodiode-assisted laser cutting process. Emission rate, kerf width, carbonization, and material removal rate were considered as quality indicators. The higher power density associated with the pulse width approach reduces the interaction with the specimen, which results in a better emission rate and material removal rate, along with a lesser kerf width and carbonization. Using the MOORA approach, the optimal parameters of the present study were found to be a stand-off distance of 22 mm, a feed rate of 200 mm/min, a duty cycle of 75%, and a frequency of 20 kHz. The duty cycle can effectively control the pulse width at which the energy has been dissipated across the cutting zone. Full article

The partial discharge (PD) analysis method has remained one of the key technologies for cable condition assessment to diagnose cable operation state. In this paper, two power cable status evaluation methods are proposed based on electrical tree growth and data association rules, respectively. First, in the field of molecular thermodynamics, based on the law of energy conservation of electrical tree growth, this paper studies the relationship between PD signals in cable insulation and the length of the electrical tree. By using the length of electrical tree growth to calculate the probability of PD failure of cables, a cable state assessment method based on electrical tree growth is proposed. Second, for power cable status evaluation, the strong concealment characteristics of cables result in a long power supply recovery time and a serious threat to power supply reliability. Therefore, a group of comprehensive cable status parameters are set by analyzing the status parameters based on data association rules. The comprehensive state of power cables is divided into four elements, and the weight coefficients of cable states are calculated based on data association rule methods. Finally, the simulation results verify the effectiveness and accuracy for the two different power cable status evaluation methods. Full article

This study was carried out to evaluate semolina flour (SF), wheat flour (WF), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) flour (QF), spirulina algae powder (SAP) and their blends for production of gluten-free pasta and bread suitable for celiac patients. Pasta made of 100% semolina and pan bread made of 100% WF were prepared for comparison with pasta and pan bread from QF and blends with SAP at different levels (5, 10 and 15%). The chemical composition, rheological properties, color attributes, cooking quality, baking quality, sensory properties and texture analysis of the pasta and pan bread were investigated. SAP was added to QF at 5, 10 and 15% levels. The results show that SAP is marked by higher protein (63.65%), fat (6.18%), and ash (12.50%) contents. Thus, raising the mixing level of SAP with QF resulted in an increase in the nutritional value of pasta and pan bread. Moreover, these high-protein products improved basal metabolic rate, preserved body muscle mass, and decreased body fat percentage. Farinograph characteristics demonstrated that water absorption, arrival time, dough development time, and stability grew as the ratio of SAP in QF increased. The addition of SAP to QF in increasing proportions from 5% to 15% decreased the elasticity and proportional number, while the extensibility and energy of the dough increased. Also, addition of SAP to QF at different levels (5 to 15%) decreased all viscoamylograph parameters except for the temperature of transition, which increased. In regard to cooking quality, all the pasta samples prepared by mixing SAP with QF had higher weight, volume, and cooking loss than the control. Additionally, while all samples of pasta and pan bread passed the sensory test, those that contained SAP had greater sensory qualities and nutritional value. These products are suitable for athletes and for patients with celiac disease and obesity. Full article

The popularity of the Python programming language in chemistry is growing every year. Python provides versatility, simplicity, and a rich ecosystem of libraries, making it the preferred choice for solving chemical problems. It is widely used for kinetic and thermodynamic calculations, as well as in quantum chemistry and molecular mechanics. Python is used extensively for laboratory automation and software development. Data analysis and visualization in chemistry have also become easier with the libraries available in Python. The evolution of theoretical and computational chemistry is expected in the future, especially at intersections with other fields such as machine learning. This review presents tools developed for applications in kinetic, thermodynamic, and quantum chemistry, instruments for molecular mechanics, and laboratory equipment. Online courses that help scientists without programming experience adapt Python to their chemical problems are also listed. Full article

In light of the recent announcement of the primary construction objectives of the modern energy system during the “14th Five-Year Plan”, the renewable energy industry has experienced rapid growth. The accurate assessment of the effects of renewable energy accommodation driven by various factors under the synergistic influence of “Source-Grid-Load-Storage” is vital for guiding the scientific planning and rational arrangement of the future energy system. For this purpose, this paper comprehensively considers boundary conditions such as power demand, load characteristics, cross-regional transmission characteristics, renewable energy resources and output characteristics, as well as energy storage characteristics. Based on the principle of simulation of time series production, this paper establishes a model for evaluating renewable energy accommodation and introduces a continuous optimization solution method. Taking the renewable energy accommodation of the power grid in a Chinese region as a case, this paper constructs 16 representative scenes that satisfy the development plans of various factors in the region. In conjunction with the simulation results of these 16 scenes, this paper uses the Shapley value method to determine the increased accommodation capacity of renewable energy promoted by multiple factors under the synergistic effect. The analysis results show that the Shapley value method examines the entire development process from the current situation to the synergistic scenes. By comprehensively weighing all development scenes regarding the increased accommodation capacity of various factors, this paper quantifies the effects of each factor under the synergistic scenes. Full article

NdFeB magnet scraps contain large amounts of iron, which poses challenges in recycling and greatly hinders the recovery of rare earths through direct hydrometallurgical treatment. To address this issue, we conducted tests using a flash furnace to explore the low-temperature reduction behavior of NdFeB magnet scraps under an H₂ atmosphere based on thermodynamic calculations comparing the reduction properties of rare earth oxides (REOs) and iron oxide (FeO_x). The results demonstrated that the reduction rate of FeO_x surpassed 95% under optimal conditions including a reduction temperature of 723 K, a particle size (D₉₀) of 0.45 μm, and an H₂ flow rate of 2 L/min. X-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis of the reduction product revealed that the flash reduction at 723 K facilitated the selective reduction of FeO_x, owing to efficient mass and heat transfer. Consequently, a two-step magnetic separation process was employed to separate metallic Fe and REOs from the reduction product. Fe-rich phase, obtained with a remarkable Fe distribution ratio of 90.2%, can serve as an economical raw material for weathering steel. Additionally, the REOs are enriched in REO-rich phase, achieving a distribution ratio of 93.9% and significantly boosting the REO concentration from 30.2 to 82.8 wt%. Full article

Underground hydrogen storage represents an innovative approach to energy storage. To ensure the secure operation of subterranean hydrogen storage strings, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology was employed to devise an erosion assessment model tailored for high-velocity conditions. The research delved into the erosion and abrasion dynamics of these storage strings when subjected to high-speed gas flows. This study further examined the impacts of gas velocity, particle size, pipe material, and pipe wall corrosion imperfections on flow patterns and erosion wear rates across the column. The outcomes revealed several noteworthy trends. As fluid velocity increased, the flow field’s maximum pressure augmented, while it decreased alongside enlarging pipe diameter and particle size. P110 pipe material exhibited higher maximum pressure in comparison to N80. The effect of centrifugal force induced pressure to surge from the inner to the outer portion of the column. In the curved pipe section’s outer wall, the frequent occurrence of high-angle collisions engendered elevated rates of erosion wear over time. Particularly noteworthy was the observation of the highest erosion rate in curved pipes showcasing three corrosion defects, attributed to the backflow effects of erosion pits. Full article

Exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) and Shewhart control charts are commonly utilized to detect the small to moderate and large shifts in the process mean, respectively. This article introduces a novel Bayesian AEWMA control chart that employs various loss functions (LFs), including square error loss function (SELF) and LINEX loss function (LLF). The control chart incorporates an informative prior for posterior and posterior predictive distributions. Additionally, the control chart utilizes various paired ranked set sampling (PRSS) schemes to improve its accuracy and effectiveness. The average run length (ARL) and standard deviation of run length (SDRL) are used to evaluate the performance of the suggested control chart. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to compare the performance of the proposed approach to other control charts. The results show that the proposed method outperforms in identifying out-of-control signals, particularly under PRSS schemes compared to simple random sampling (SRS). The proposed CCs effectiveness was validated using a real-life semiconductor manufacturing application, utilizing different PRSS schemes. The performance of the Bayesian AEWMA CC was evaluated, demonstrating its superiority in detecting out-of-control signs compared to existing CCs. This study introduces an innovative method incorporating various LFs and PRSS schemes, providing an enhanced and efficient approach for identifying shifts in the process mean. Full article

Additive manufacturing (AM) is gaining popularity as it can produce near-net geometries and work with difficult-to-manufacture materials, such as stainless steel 316L. However, due to the low surface quality of AM parts, machining and other finishing methods are required. Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) components can be difficult to finish as the surface roughness (Sa) can vary greatly depending on the part’s orientation, even when using the same machining parameters. This paper explored the effects of finishing (milling) SS 316L LPBF components in a variety of part orientations. The effect of layer thickness (LT) variation in LPBF-made components was also studied. LPBF parts of 30, 60, 80, and 100 μm layer thicknesses were created to analyze the effect of the LT on the final milling process. Additionally, the effect of cutting speed during the milling process on the surface roughness of the SS 316L LPBF component was investigated, along with the orientations and layer thicknesses of the LPBF components. The results revealed that the machined surface undergoes significant orientation and layer thickness changes. The investigations employed a factorial design, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the results. In addition, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was combined with particle swarm optimization (denoted as ANN-PSO) and the genetic algorithm (denoted as ANN-GA) to determine the optimal process conditions for machining an SS 316L LPBF part. When milled along (Direction B) an orientation with a cutting speed of 80 m/min, the LPBF component produced, with a layer thickness of 60 μm, achieves the lowest surface roughness. For instance, the Sa of a milled LPBF part can be as low as 0.133 μm, compared to 7.54 μm for an as-fabricated LPBF part. The optimal surface roughness was 0.155 μm for ANN-GA and 0.137 μm for ANN-PSO, whereas the minimal surface roughness was experimentally determined to be 0.133 μm. Therefore, the surface quality of both hybrid algorithms has improved, making them more efficient. Full article