Search Results (10)

The waste generated by the brewing industry, particularly brewer’s spent grain (BSG) and wastewater, presents challenges for sustainable management practices. While BSG is traditionally utilized as cattle feed, this option is not universally accessible. This study considered the environmental impact of a novel, laboratory-based process for converting BSG into biochar that also utilizes brewing wastewater, as compared to disposing of BSG and cleaning chemical wastewater. The study employed a carbon footprint assessment approach to quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with each disposal method, using one unprocessed kg of BSG as the functional unit. The results indicated that landfilling BSG generated approximately 3 kg CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) per kg of unprocessed BSG, whereas biochar production reduced emissions to 1.18 kg CO₂e per kg of BSG. The study concluded that diverting BSG from landfills to biochar production presents a viable strategy for minimizing environmental impacts associated with BSG disposal. However, several factors must be considered in the development of a biochar production facility, including biochar transportation. These elements may contribute more GHG emissions than landfilling if not properly designed. Full article

In the past fifteen years, the contamination of the Italian marine coastal environments by asbestos cement materials (ACMs) represents a known crux mostly reported or denounced by mass media and environmental associations. A recent research reporting compositional and textural data related to ACMs found in the beach deposits of a protected natural reserve (Cape Peloro, Messina, Italy) induced the author to perform new petrographic and textural analyses on the Cape Peloro beach sands, pebbles, cobbles (BSPC), and technofossils (bricks, tails, slab, concrete), associated with the previously studied ACMs, in order to compare the data with those of the ACMs previously reported in the literature. The petrographic investigations allowed the author to determine that beach sands and weakly gravelly sands were characterized by a quartzo–lithic signature, being mainly composed of metamorphic grains of quartz (50–60%) and metamorphic lithics (40–50%, mainly composed of polymineral quartz + microcline, quartz + plagioclase, quartz + biotite, quartz + muscovite grains, and monomineral opaque minerals, plagioclase, k-feldspar, and almandine garnet grains), whereas the pebbles and cobbles were made of acid intrusive (granitoids) and metamorphic rocks (gneiss, augen gneiss prevailing). Pebbles and cobbles made up of porphyroids could derive from the cannibalization of the underlying lower to middle Pleistocene siliciclastic deposits of the Messina Formation. Differently, the gneiss, augen gneiss, and granitoids forming the beach pebbles and cobbles, being present both in the crystalline rocks of the Aspromonte Unit and in the clasts of the SGMF, could originate from both of them. Textural investigations allowed the author to characterize grain size, shape parameters, and roundness in the beach deposits. These were mostly composed of sands and weakly gravelly sands with medium grains. Parameters, such as elongation and flatness, showed higher values in the BSPC than in the technofossils. The shapes of the BSPC were mostly from oblate to equant, whereas the shapes of the technofossils were mostly from bladed to oblate. The main differences depended on the original shape of the technofossils, being mostly platy, and their softer composition. The roundness was from angular to sub-rounded. In the Ionian coast of the Cape Peloro peninsula, the source areas for the well-rounded ACM found on the beach and in the beach deposits could have at least four different origins: (i) Possible landfills widespread since the 1970s in the intensively urbanized coastal areas. (ii) Direct abandonment in the coastal area. (iii) Direct abandonment in the streams. (iv) Activities to counteract the erosion/lack of sediment using non-conforming materials. Considering the diffused damage caused by the coastal erosion affecting most of the Italian coast and the obvious increasing dispersion of the asbestos fibers from the ACMs over time, effectual counter actions to prevent further contamination and guidelines for clean-up efforts are necessary. Full article

The cleaning device is an important part of combine harvesters, as its superior or inferior performance directly affects the performance of the combine harvester greatly. With an increasing rice yield, the current single-duct cleaning performance declines greatly, and causes a large grain sieve loss level and a direct grain loss for the farms. To optimize the existing single-duct cleaning device to meet the large feeding rate requirement, firstly, the terminal velocity of rice grain and MOG (material other than grain) for different varieties was experimentally measured by the custom-made device. The effects of the moisture content of rice grains and the length of short straws on terminal velocity were studied in detail. Then, the gas–solid two-phase flow theory was comprehensively applied by utilizing the discrete element method (DEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to study the working mechanism of the existing single-duct cleaning unit, and the cleaning performance was evaluated from the view of the motion law of the threshing output within the cleaning shoe. At last, a multi-duct cleaning device was put forward, and a field experiment was performed to assess the performance of the newly developed cleaning device. The results showed that the grain sieve losses ratio and grain impurity ratio improved dramatically, proving that structure optimization of the cleaning device was feasible. Full article

The present work aimed to characterize the exopolysaccharide obtained from water kefir grains (EPSwk), a symbiotic association of probiotic microorganisms. New findings of the technological, mechanical, and biological properties of the sample were studied. The EPSwk polymer presented an Mw of 6.35 × 10⁵ Da. The biopolymer also showed microcrystalline structure and characteristic thermal stability with maximum thermal degradation at 250 °C. The analysis of the monosaccharides of the EPSwk by gas chromatography demonstrated that the material is composed of glucose units (98 mol%). Additionally, EPSwk exhibited excellent emulsifying properties, film-forming ability, a low photodegradation rate (3.8%), and good mucoadhesive properties (adhesion Fmax of 1.065 N). EPSwk presented cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of this study expand the potential application of the exopolysaccharide from water kefir as a potential clean-label raw material for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and cosmetic applications. Full article

The relevance of the research topic was substantiated, and the purpose and objectives of the study were formulated. It was determined that the energy efficiency of the grain cleaning process can be evaluated only when all the machines operate in a single production line and are coordinated in productivity. Research on energy savings and energy efficiency in the technological process of post-harvest grain treatment using grain cleaning units by implementing the method of mathematical experiment planning (MEP) was conducted. The method is based on transforming the initial mathematical models of various research objects into a model in the form of regression equations convenient for solving the problems of research, analysis and optimization of the object. For the first time, the mathematical description of the target function was performed by conducting a multifactorial experiment based on second-order design. The research produced adequate second-order regression equations, making it possible to determine the minimum specific consumption of electricity for the technological process of post-harvest grain treatment at grain cleaning facilities, while complying with the agrotechnical requirements for the quality of the cleaned grain. The problem of optimization of the research object was solved by mathematical transformations, which enabled obtaining graphical and analytical interpretations of the optimum area. For this purpose, the canonical transformation of the mathematical model and the method of two-dimensional cross-sections of the response surface were used. Research has led to the development of scientifically based standards of specific electricity consumption for grain cleaning processing schemes, which serve as criteria for evaluating energy savings in the technological processes. Full article

The main principles of hydroabrasive wear of parts of the pumping stages of well’s electric submersible pumps are considered in this article. The concentration, grain-size distribution and shape of solid particles have the greatest impact on the abrasion ability of particles of mechanical impurities interacting with the parts of pumping equipment. The implementation of filters is the most effective and affordable way to protect borehole electric submersible pumps from hydroabrasive wear. Filters reduce the concentration and decrease the average grain-size of mechanical impurities going through the pumping stages. The authors propose variants of constructive and schematic solutions of self-cleaning slot filters, providing an increase in the operating time of electric centrifugal pump units during production of well fluid with a high content of mechanical impurities. The operating principle of the proposed filters is described. The results of calculations of deformation of tubing string during the increase in pressure at the oil wellhead are presented, confirming the possibility of restoring the permeability of spring filter elements without lifting the pump unit to the surface. Full article

Hydropower plants affect the distribution and composition of sediments. The main aim of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of sediment pollution in the vicinity of a small hydropower plant. The grain composition of the sediments, the content of heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn, Pb, and Cd) and select physicochemical properties (pH, electrolytic conductivity) were tested at 14 points upstream and downstream of the hydropower plant on the Ślęza River in Poland, as well as at reference point. The interactions between the tested parameters were also verified. The results of the conducted analysis show that hydropower plants significantly affect the composition and properties of sediments. Large amounts of sediment are deposited on damming weirs, accumulating heavy metals and other substances. The differences in the concentrations of elements were significant, and Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn and Pb were 8.74, 9.53, 3.63, 8.26 and 6.33 times higher, respectively, than the median value at points upstream of the hydropower plant than downstream. It was shown that the tested parameters of the sediments interact with each other and are correlated; heavy metals showed a synergistic effect, while other parameters configurations showed an antagonistic effect. The higher content of heavy metals upstream of the hydropower plant resulted from the presence of finer sediment—classified as silt—in this section. Downstream of the hydropower plant, there were mainly sands, which showed a lower ability to absorb substances. This work contributes to improving the rational management of the worldwide issue of sediments within dams located in river valleys. Moreover, it is in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations, particularly in the fields of clean water and sanitation, clean and available energy, and responsible consumption and production. Full article

The article presents some of the research on the wider work related to testing and improving a new rotary cleaning device. The new cereal grain cleaning and separation device can support the development of sustainable agriculture in terms of seed purity and quality. This device is especially useful for small and medium-sized farms. This device has the characteristics of a multi-stage screen aided by an air stream (i.e., by pneumoseparation). The prototype was constructed at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin. The research was conducted at a test stand, which allowed changes in the operating parameters of the cleaner and their measurement. The scope of the tests included determining the influence of the inclination angle of the sieve unit (α) on the effectiveness and efficiency of oat grain cleaning. The experiment was carried out using two rotational spindle speeds: 5 and 75 rpm. The quality of the separation and cleaning of oat grains was evaluated using six cleaning process parameters: plump grain mass separation coefficient (S_pg), fine grain separation coefficient (S_fg), fine impurities separation coefficient (S_fi), chaff separation coefficient (S_ch), total coefficient of cleaning effectiveness (E), plump grain cleaning efficiency (q_pg). Results showed the significant effect of the sieve drum inclination angle on the efficiency and effectiveness of oat grain cleaning. Full article

Farmers in developing nations encounter high postharvest losses mainly attributable to the lack of modern techniques for threshing, cleaning, grading, and grain storage. Mechanized handling of grain in developing countries is rare, although the technology is effective against insects and pest infestations. The objective was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of five grain handling techniques that have the ability to reduce postharvest losses from insect infestation. The five methods were metal silo plus all accessories (m. silo + acc.), metal silo only (m. silo), woven polypropylene plus phosphine (w. PP. + Phos.), woven polypropylene only (w. PP.), and Purdue Improved Crop Storage bags only (PICS). The functional unit used was handling 1 kg of maize grain. The cost analysis of each technique was calculated based on equations using a spreadsheet. The annual capital and operational costs of handling using m. silo + acc. or m. silo were very high, unlike the PICS, w. PP. + Phos., or w. PP. The annual capital and operational costs decreased as production scale increased. Food security (due to reduced insects and pest infestations) and financial prospects of farmers can improve when the grain is mechanically handled with m. silo + acc. or m. silo. Full article

The main working parts of the cleaning device of a rice combine harvester can be controlled by an established control strategy in real time based on the monitored grain sieve loss. This is an efficient way to improve their cleaning adaptability, since as a consequence, the main working parameters of combine harvesters can automatically adapt to crop and environment changes, and the corresponding cleaning performance can be improved. To achieve the target of cleaning control based on the monitored grain sieve loss, a fuzzy control system was developed, which selected S7-1200 PLC as the main control unit to build the lower computer hardware system, utilized ladder language to complete the system compilation, and used LabVIEW 14.0 software to design the host–computer interface. The effects of fan speed, guide plate angle, and sieve opening on the grain sieve loss and grain impurity ratio have been investigated through a large number of bench tests. The relevance level of the operating parameters on the performance parameters has been determined also, and finally, a fuzzy control model was developed for the cleaning system. The experiment results indicated that the designed fuzzy control model can control the cleaning section settings, such as fan speed and guide plate angle automatically, and reduce the grain sieve loss to some extent. Full article