scholarly journals Method to Locate Contaminant Source and Estimate Emission Strength

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Qu Hongquan ◽  
Wang Yongjiao ◽  
Pang Liping ◽  
Chang Haijuan ◽  
Zhang Changnian
Keyword(s):  
Source Strength ◽  
Confined Space ◽  
Source Position ◽  
Remedial Action ◽  
Contaminant Source ◽  
Analysis Algorithm ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
Emission Strength ◽  
Main Factor

People greatly concern the issue of air quality in some confined spaces, such as spacecraft, aircraft, and submarine. With the increase of residence time in such confined space, contaminant pollution has become a main factor which endangers life. It is urgent to identify a contaminant source rapidly so that a prompt remedial action can be taken. A procedure of source identification should be able to locate the position and to estimate the emission strength of the contaminant source. In this paper, an identification method was developed to realize these two aims. This method was developed based on a discrete concentration stochastic model. With this model, a sensitivity analysis algorithm was induced to locate the source position, and a Kalman filter was used to further estimate the contaminant emission strength. This method could track and predict the source strength dynamically. Meanwhile, it can predict the distribution of contaminant concentration. Simulation results have shown the virtues of the method.

ADAPTAÇÃO E APLICAÇÃO DE MÉTODOS DE INTELIGÊNCIA COMPUTACIONAL PARA A ESTIMAÇÃO DE UMA FONTE DE POLUENTES EM ESTUÁRIOS

Engevista ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 152
Author(s):  
Radael De Souza Parolin ◽  
Pedro Paulo Gomes Watts Rodrigues ◽  
Antônio J. Silva Neto
Keyword(s):  
Computational Intelligence ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Source Position ◽  
Iterative Search ◽  
Contaminant Source ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
Search Spaces ◽  
Grid Points ◽  
Computational Intelligence Methods

The quality of a given water body can be assessed through the analysis of a number of indicators. Mathematical and computational models can be built to simulate the behavior of these indicators (observable variables), in such a way that different scenarios can be generated, supporting decisions regarding water resources management. In this study, the transport of a conservative contaminant in an estuarine environment is simulated in order to identify the position and intensity of the contaminant source. For this, it was formulated an inverse problem, which was solved through computational intelligence methods. This approach required adaptations to these methods, which had to be modified to relate the source position to the discrete mesh points of the domain. In this context, two adaptive techniques were developed. In one, the estimated points are projected to the grid points, and in the other, points are randomly selected in the iterative search spaces of the methods. The results showed that the methodology here developed has a strong potential in water bodies’ management and simulation.

scholarly journals Cockroaches traverse crevices, crawl rapidly in confined spaces, and inspire a soft, legged robot

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (8) ◽  
pp. E950-E957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaushik Jayaram ◽  
Robert J. Full
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Body Height ◽  
Legged Robot ◽  
Confined Space ◽  
Performance Limits ◽  
Biological Inspiration ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
Postural Changes

Jointed exoskeletons permit rapid appendage-driven locomotion but retain the soft-bodied, shape-changing ability to explore confined environments. We challenged cockroaches with horizontal crevices smaller than a quarter of their standing body height. Cockroaches rapidly traversed crevices in 300–800 ms by compressing their body 40–60%. High-speed videography revealed crevice negotiation to be a complex, discontinuous maneuver. After traversing horizontal crevices to enter a vertically confined space, cockroaches crawled at velocities approaching 60 cm⋅s−1, despite body compression and postural changes. Running velocity, stride length, and stride period only decreased at the smallest crevice height (4 mm), whereas slipping and the probability of zigzag paths increased. To explain confined-space running performance limits, we altered ceiling and ground friction. Increased ceiling friction decreased velocity by decreasing stride length and increasing slipping. Increased ground friction resulted in velocity and stride length attaining a maximum at intermediate friction levels. These data support a model of an unexplored mode of locomotion—“body-friction legged crawling” with body drag, friction-dominated leg thrust, but no media flow as in air, water, or sand. To define the limits of body compression in confined spaces, we conducted dynamic compressive cycle tests on living animals. Exoskeletal strength allowed cockroaches to withstand forces 300 times body weight when traversing the smallest crevices and up to nearly 900 times body weight without injury. Cockroach exoskeletons provided biological inspiration for the manufacture of an origami-style, soft, legged robot that can locomote rapidly in both open and confined spaces.

scholarly journals Droplet and Aerosol Suspension Times in Ambient Air in Confined Spaces and Transmission of COVID-19: Influence of Environmental Factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 495-506
Author(s):  
M. R. Islam ◽  
S. H. Naqib
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Confined Space ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
Potential Source ◽  
Aerosol Droplet ◽  
Exhaled Air ◽  
Mode Of Transmission

The COVID‑19 pandemic, alternatively known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an unfolding pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) across the entire globe in an unprecedented proportion. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The mode of transmission of COVID-19 is a subject of intense research. The airborne transmission is one prime possibility. Breathing and talking are natural processes which generate exhaled particles. The exhaled air is an aerosol/droplet composed of naturally produced particulates of varying size. The duration over which the aerosols/droplets are suspended in the air is an important factor. Long suspended aerosols/droplets are potential source of transmission, particularly in confined spaces. We have calculated times of suspension by considering various environmental factors, namely, the ambient temperature and relative humidity in a confined space, in this work. Both temperature and relative humidity affect the suspension time of the exhaled aerosols/droplets with varying degree. The effects of environmental factors are significant for aerosols, particularly for those with small radii. We have discussed the possible implications of our findings in this paper.

scholarly journals Path Planning for 3-D In-Hand Manipulation of Micro-Objects Using Rotation Decomposition

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 986
Author(s):  
Pardeep Kumar ◽  
Michaël Gauthier ◽  
Redwan Dahmouche
Keyword(s):  
Main Idea ◽  
Robotic Manipulation ◽  
Moderate Increase ◽  
Adhesion Forces ◽  
Dexterous Manipulation ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
Direct Extension ◽  
Exponential Increase ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
Arbitrary Objects

Robotic manipulation and assembly of micro and nanocomponents in confined spaces is still a challenge. Indeed, the current proposed solutions that are highly inspired by classical industrial robotics are not currently able to combine precision, compactness, dexterity, and high blocking forces. In a previous work, we proposed 2-D in-hand robotic dexterous manipulation methods of arbitrary shaped objects that considered adhesion forces that exist at the micro and nanoscales. Direct extension of the proposed method to 3-D would involve an exponential increase in complexity. In this paper, we propose an approach that allows to plan for 3-D dexterous in-hand manipulation with a moderate increase in complexity. The main idea is to decompose any 3-D motion into a 3-D translation and three rotations about specific axes related to the object. The obtained simulation results show that 3-D in-hand dexterous micro-manipulation of arbitrary objects in presence of adhesion forces can be planned in just few seconds.

Improved Design Parameters for a Liquid Desiccant Dehumidifier in Confined Spaces

Solar Energy ◽  
2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Dong ◽  
M. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Exhaust System ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Confined Space ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
Exhaust Ventilation ◽  
Moisture Condensation ◽  
Improved Design ◽  
Control Application

Investigations of a desiccant dehumidifier system have been performed for humidity control application in confined spaces. A previous study revealed that the base dehumidifier system can reduce moisture condensation by 22% over a conventional exhaust ventilation system. The current study aims to develop improved design requirements for a desiccant dehumidifier. The energy consumption of an exhaust ventilation system and an improved dehumidifier system was compared. To investigate the improved desiccant dehumidification system, numerical simulations were conducted and an objective function was established. This paper presents simulated results for an existing desiccant dehumidification system and an improved system, in which improved parameters are used. Use of the improved design parameters can reduce moisture condensation by 26.6% over a base dehumidifier system and shorten the dehumidifier performance period by 14%. Energy consumption with the sole use of an exhaust system is compared with that of the improved dehumidifier system under the same conditions. The results show that energy consumption can be substantially reduced, by 63%, in the improved dehumidifier system with the same amount of moisture condensation on surfaces of the confined space.

Optimization of the Sound Source Position for Shaping Acoustically-Structurally Coupled Cavities

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arzu Gonenc Sorguc ◽  
Ichiro Hagiwara ◽  
Qinzhong Shi ◽  
Haldun Akagunduz
Keyword(s):  
Sound Source ◽  
Sequential Quadratic Programming ◽  
Normal Modes ◽  
Sound Field ◽  
Source Strength ◽  
Source Position ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Coupled Cavities ◽  
Structural Loading ◽  
Initial Starting

Abstract In this study, sound field inside acoustically-structurally coupled rectangular cavity excited by structural loading and sound sources is shaped by optimizing the position of the sound source. In the optimization, Most Probable Optimal Design (MPOD) based on Holographic Neural Network is employed and the results are compared with Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP). It is shown that source position, rather than source strength, is more effective in acoustically controlled modes. The nodal positions for in-vacuo acoustical normal modes are good candidates for initial starting points.

scholarly journals Characteristic Analysis of Occupational Confined Space Accidents in Taiwan and Its Prevention Strategy

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien-Chen Chiu ◽  
Yi-Ming Chang ◽  
Terng-Jou Wan
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Confined Space ◽  
Characteristic Analysis ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
The Us ◽  
Area Of Concern ◽  
Loss Control ◽  
Bureau Of Labor Statistics

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 882 people were killed or injured due to confined space accidents in 2011–2017. Occupational accident statistics published in 2008–2018 by the Taiwan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, Taiwan) show that 70 people suffered from disasters and 52 were injured in the 64 accident reports involving confined spaces. In the US, on average, 126 people die each year in accidents related to confined spaces, and in Taiwan, an average of 8 people per year are casualties of accidents involving confined spaces, proving that it is an area of concern that cannot be neglected. When misjudgments occur in confined spaces, not only can people be hurt, but they can even lose their lives, and the risks associated with confined spaces can subsequently result in rescue personnel also being killed or injured. This study was conducted via the systematic causal analysis technique (SCAT), which was proposed and developed by the International Loss Control Institute (ILCI), with the intention of identifying the critical basic causes of the confined space accidents that have occurred over the years in the Taiwan area, in order to propose corresponding improvement strategies. After investigating the statistics in Taiwan, it was determined that hydrogen sulfide was involved in 45% of accidental deaths in confined spaces, followed by 11% involving carbon dioxide, 9% involving carbon monoxide, and 7% involving toluene. Additional analysis of non-standard acts identified “failure of operating procedures” as being involved in 27% of accidents, followed by 25% involving “improper personal protective equipment” and 23% involving “incorrect position”. The analysis of non-standard conditions revealed that “dangerous workplace” was involved in 39% of accidents, “improper protective measures” in 30%, and “inadequate ventilation” in 27%. In accordance with our analysis results, it could be suggested that hazard prevention strategies for confined spaces, in addition to encouraging avoidance of non-standard acts by personnel, should also strive to improve these non-standard conditions. Otherwise, if not prevented deliberately and in a fundamental, relevant accidents will remain inevitable.

Study of Distribution and Quantification of Flammable Gas in Confined Space

2014 ◽  
Vol 638-640 ◽  
pp. 2097-2100
Author(s):  
Ales Tulach ◽  
Miroslav Mynarz ◽  
Milada Kozubkova
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Low Pressure ◽  
Confined Space ◽  
Gaseous Fuels ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
Elapsed Time ◽  
Cfd Models ◽  
Flammable Gas ◽  
Broad Overview

The contribution deals with leakage of natural gas from domestic low-pressure piping. Spreading of the leaked natural gas in the confined space is deals with and the areas are defined where local hazardous concentrations are formed. Mathematical CFD models provide broad overview of spreading of natural gas, in dependence on the elapsed time from the start of leakage. The contribution should improve the understanding of spreading and distribution of mixture of gaseous fuels in confined spaces, and thus leads to significant reduction of the risk of occurrence of fire or explosion or to prevention of these hazards.

scholarly journals The Build-Up of Aerosols Carrying the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus, in Poorly Ventilated, Confined Spaces

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bjorn Birnir ◽  
Luiza Angheluta
Keyword(s):  
Decay Time ◽  
Air Flow ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Aerosol Concentration ◽  
Confined Space ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
Turbulent Air Flow ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Respiratory Droplets ◽  
Standard Ventilation

Abstract A model of the distribution of respiratory droplets and aerosols by Lagrangian turbulent air-flow is developed and used to show how the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus can be dispersed by the breathing of an infected person. It is shown that the concentration of viruses in the exhaled cloud can increase to infectious levels with time (grow linearly), in a confined space where the air re-circulates. The model is used to analyze the air-flow and SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus build-up in a restaurant in Guangzhou, China [23, 21]. It is concluded that the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in the restaurant in January 2020, is due to the build-up of the airborne droplets and aerosols carrying the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus and would not have been pre- vented by standard ventilation. A comparison with standard models for aerosol concentration shows that, in the absence of ventilation, the decay of the aerosol concentration is also con- trolled by the decay time of the virions in aerosols. This decay time is very long and a steady state is not achieved in the time-frame of the contagion. Instead the concentration exhibits a polynomial increase and reaches infectious levels in a relatively short time, explaining the outbreak in the restaurant in Guangzhou.

scholarly journals Upper-room ultraviolet air disinfection might help to reduce COVID-19 transmission in buildings

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clive B. Beggs ◽  
Eldad J. Avital
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Confined Space ◽  
Uv Damage ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Confined Spaces ◽  
The World ◽  
Air Disinfection ◽  
Uv C ◽  
Upper Room

AbstractAs the world economies get out of the lockdown imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need to assess the suitability of known technologies to mitigate COVID-19 transmission in confined spaces such as buildings. This feasibility study looks at the method of upper-room ultraviolet (UV) air disinfection that has already proven its efficacy in preventing the transmission of airborne diseases such as measles and tuberculosis.Using published data from various sources it is shown that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, is highly likely to be susceptible to UV damage while suspended in air irradiated by UV-C at levels that are acceptable and safe for upper-room applications. This is while humans are present in the room. Both the expected and worst-case scenarios are investigated to show the efficacy of the upper-room UV-C approach to reduce COVID-19 air transmission in a confined space with moderate but sufficient height. Discussion is given on the methods of analysis and the differences between virus susceptibility to UV-C when aerosolised or in liquid or on a surface.

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