scholarly journals Design and Experimentation of an Aerial Seeding System for Rapeseed Based on an Air-Assisted Centralized Metering Device and a Multi-Rotor Crop Protection UAV

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 8854
Author(s):  
Xiaomao Huang ◽  
Shun Zhang ◽  
Chengming Luo ◽  
Wencheng Li ◽  
Yitao Liao
Keyword(s):  
Orthogonal Experiment ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Variation Coefficient ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Rapeseed Production ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
Aerial Seeding

To improve the overall mechanization level of rapeseed production in China, especially in some hilly regions where ground machinery cannot enter the fields or can only enter with very low economic benefits, a special aerial seeding system for rapeseed based on a miniature air-assisted centralized metering device was designed and tested in this study. Unlike existing commercial aerial seeding systems, the proposed seed meter was a miniaturized version derived from the traditional air-feeding seed meter on ground planters. The new version contained a redesigned seed feeding component to overcome problems of serious air backflow to the seed box and difficult seed feeding after miniaturization. Three groups of experiments were designed and conducted to optimize the parameters of the seed meter and test its performance. Results from the orthogonal experiment showed that the seed feeding component performed best when the seed layer thickness was 45 mm, the rotational speed of the gear disc was 45 r/min, and the airflow pressure was 2450 Pa. Results from the static workbench test showed that the designed seeding system had a maximum average total sowing efficiency of 537.17 g/min, with the maximum values of the stability variation coefficient of total seeding rate (seven ports) and the consistency variation coefficient between each port was 2.37% and 4.89%, respectively. Field tests further proved that the designed aerial seeding system could work stably, uniformly, and efficiently, so that the agronomic requirements of rape crop planting could be well met.

scholarly journals Managing Bees for Delivering Biological Control Agents and Improved Pollination in Berry and Fruit Cultivation

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heikki M. T. Hokkanen ◽  
Ingeborg Menzler-Hokkanen ◽  
Marja-Leena Lahdenpera
Keyword(s):  
Crop Protection ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Dissemination Activity ◽  
Grey Mold ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
Disease Pressure

<p>Targeted precision biocontrol and improved pollination were studied Europe-wide in the EU ERA-NET CORE ORGANIC 2 project BICOPOLL (Biocontrol and Pollination). A case study was conducted on the management of strawberry grey mold <em>Botrytis cinerea</em>, with the biocontrol fungus, <em>Gliocladium catenulatum</em>, vectored by honey bees or bumble bees. A joint field trial carried out in five countries targeted strawberry cultivations in open field, and included four treatments: untreated control, chemical fungicide, entomovectored biocontrol, and chemical and biocontrol combined. In organic fields, no pesticide treatments were included. The proportion of moldy berries, and/or the marketable yield of healthy berries were recorded from each treatment, along with other parameters of local interest. A pilot study was started in Finland in 2006, and, by 2012, large commercial farms were using entomovectoring. In 2012, field trials were started in Estonia and in Italy, and in 2013-14, these experiments were expanded to Slovenia and Turkey. In total, 26 field tests were conducted using entomovectoring and <em>Gliocladium catenulatum</em> (Prestop<sup>®</sup> Mix) on strawberry, with five additional trials on raspberry. Efficacy results have been excellent throughout the field studies. The results show crop protection equalling or exceeding that provided by a full chemical fungicide program, under all weather conditions, and over a wide geographical range (from Finland to Turkey). Under heavy disease pressure, entomovectoring provided on average a 47% disease reduction, which was the same as multiple fungicide sprays. Under light disease pressure, biocontrol decreased grey mold by an average of 66%, which was greater than fungicide sprays. The concept has proven to be effective on strawberries, raspberries, pears, apples, blueberries, cherries, and grapes. A conservative estimate for Finland is that over 500 ha of strawberry cultivation currently use the technique (≈15% of the strawberry growing area). To make full use of the entomovectoring technique, organic berry and fruit growers are encouraged to (i) keep bees, or to hire the service from local beekeepers for entomovectoring; and (ii) manage vegetation within and around the target crop to support the activity of bees and other pollinators, which can help to disseminate the beneficial microbial populations within the crop. Beekeepers are encouraged to (i) market pollination and biocontrol services to fruit and berry growers, and (ii) ensure that all operations are effective in mananging bees and their microbe dissemination activity. Biocontrol product manufacturers are encouraged to further develop products and their formulations specifically for entomovectoring, because current formulations are suboptimal as they are initially optimized for other uses (e.g., mixing into the soil).</p>

scholarly journals Research on Gas-liquid Mixed Transportation Technological Adaptability: A Case Study of the Western Sichuan Gas Field

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-47
Author(s):  
Qingsha Zhou ◽  
Kun Huang ◽  
Yongchun Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Flow Simulation ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Gas Field ◽  
Western Sichuan ◽  
Field Development ◽  
Well Production

Background: The western Sichuan gas field belongs to the low-permeability, tight gas reservoirs, which are characterized by rapid decline in initial production of single-well production, short periods of stable production, and long periods of late-stage, low-pressure, low-yield production. Objective: It is necessary to continue pursuing the optimization of transportation processes. Method: This paper describes research on mixed transportation based on simplified measurements with liquid-based technology and the simulation of multiphase processes using the PIPEPHASE multiphase flow simulation software to determine boundary values for the liquid carrying process. Conclusion: The simulation produced several different recommendations for the production and maximum multiphase distance along with difference in elevation. Field tests were then conducted to determine the suitability of mixed transportation in western Sichuan, so as to ensure smooth progress with fluid metering, optimize the gathering process in order to achieve stable and efficient gas production, and improve the economic benefits of gas field development.

From Science to Practice: Improving ROP by Utilizing a Cloud-Based Machine-Learning Solution in Real-Time Drilling Operations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kriti Singh ◽  
Sai Yalamarty ◽  
Curtis Cheatham ◽  
Khoa Tran ◽  
Greg McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Situational Awareness ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Permian Basin ◽  
Lateral Vibrations ◽  
Drilling Parameters ◽  
Drilling Conditions ◽  
Performance Results

Abstract This paper is a follow up to the URTeC (2019-343) publication where the training of a Machine Learning (ML) model to predict rate of penetration (ROP) is described. The ML model gathers recent drilling parameters and approximates drilling conditions downhole to predict ROP. In real time, the model is run through an optimization sweep by adjusting parameters which can be controlled by the driller. The optimal drilling parameters and modeled ROP are then displayed for the driller to utilize. The ML model was successfully deployed and tested in real time in collaboration with leading shale operators in the Permian Basin. The testing phase was split in two parts, preliminary field tests and trials of the end-product. The key learnings from preliminary field tests were used to develop an integrated driller's dashboard with optimal drilling parameters recommendations and situational awareness tools for high dysfunction and procedural compliance which was used for designed trials. The results of field trials are discussed where subject well ROP was improved between 19-33% when comparing against observation/control footage. The overall ROP on subject wells was also compared against offset wells with similar target formations, BHAs, and wellbore trajectories. In those comparisons against qualified offsets, ROP was improved by as little as 5% and as much as 33%. In addition to comparing ROP performance, results from post-run data analysis are also presented. Detailed drilling data analytics were performed to check if using the recommendations during the trial caused any detrimental effects such as divergence in directional trends or high lateral or axial vibrations. The results from this analysis indicate that the measured downhole axial and lateral vibrations were in the safe zone. Also, no significant deviations in rotary trends were observed.

Optimization of Agar Preparation Based on Transparency

2021 ◽  
Vol 1033 ◽  
pp. 103-108
Author(s):  
Ying Cai ◽  
Zhan Xia Wu ◽  
Zhao Yu Zhang ◽  
Zhang Hu
Keyword(s):  
Activated Carbon ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Orthogonal Experiment ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Process Conditions ◽  
Processing Temperature ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Filtration Method

To meet the requirement for high transparency of agar gel used in tissue culture, bacteriological applications, and high-quality cosmetics and food, this study on improving the transparency of agar products was carried out by using activated carbon for decolorization and perlite for aiding filtration. The results showed that the pre-coating filtration method was better than that of the mixed slurry filtration, so an orthogonal experiment optimization was conducted using the pre-coating filtration method based on the single factor experimental results. The experimental results showed that the optimal process conditions based on the transparency index were: concentration of agar of 1.30%, activated carbon dosage of 0.80%, processing temperature of 95 °C, and treatment time of 20 min. Agar products with gel transparency of 58.93% and blue-ray whiteness value of 93.82 could be obtained under these experimental conditions. The order of the factors influencing the decolorization ratio of agar was as follows: activated carbon dosage > concentration of agar > processing temperature > treatment time. The experimental results provided effective procession methods for the production enterprises based on transparency and increased economic benefits, and it was of practical significance.

scholarly journals The Autonomous Pinger Unit of the Acoustic Navigation Network in EnEx-RANGE: an autonomous in-ice melting probe with acoustic instrumentation

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Lars Steffen Weinstock ◽  
Simon Zierke ◽  
Dmitry Eliseev ◽  
Peter Linder ◽  
Cornelius Vollbrecht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal State ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Space Mission ◽  
Position Estimation ◽  
Guidance System ◽  
Point Of Interest ◽  
Spatially Distributed ◽  
Acoustic Navigation ◽  
On Chip ◽  
Performance Results

Abstract The Autonomous Pinger Unit (APU) is an electro-thermal drill with acoustic instrumentation developed for the project EnEx-RANGE in view of a future space mission for the sub-surface exploration of Saturn's moon Enceladus. A main goal is the development of navigation technology for an acoustic guidance system allowing maneuvering a probe through glacial ice. In total 13 APUs were built and tested in terrestrial analog scenarios on alpine glaciers. The APUs form a spatially distributed network that defines a system of reference for the navigation of the maneuverable probe to a point of interest. The APUs have a novel melting head, slow control systems, and a modern system-on-chip (SoC) module that controls the probe and processes the recorded data. The APUs use acoustic emitters and receivers to measure the transit time of acoustic signals between them, allowing for the position reconstruction of all APUs by trilateration. Several auxiliary sensors monitor the internal state of the probe and assist the position estimation. With this instrumentation, the APUs have the ability of dynamically optimizing themselves within the network by changing their position. This paper gives an overview of the developed APU hardware and presents performance results from the field tests.

scholarly journals The Economic Benefits of Improvements in Online Licensing of The Chemical Use in Queensland Crop Industries

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Alisher Ergashev
Keyword(s):  
Extreme Values ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Agricultural Chemicals ◽  
Agricultural Produce ◽  
Individual Risk Factors ◽  
User Friendly

The selective use of chemical products plays an important role in increasing production, improving the quality of Queensland’s agricultural produce and enabling producers to earn reasonable returns on their investments. Effective pest management, therefore, helps deliver high quality, healthy and affordable food for all consumers. The efficiency of policy tools such as chemical use licensing hinges critically on supply-side knowledge levels. Although licence applications are available online, information can be difficult to find and often businesses need to contact the state authority to seek further assistance in completing their licence applications. The aim of this study is therefore to identify the benefits for the users of agricultural chemicals from improvements in licensing application process. Based on a rigorous literature review and statistical analysis of available data, this study modelled the per day/per application value of the use of crop protection products in Queensland. Results indicate a potential saving by farmers due to a faster process for chemical licence applications. Extreme values of these savings range from $87 thousand to $52 million per annum, with actual ones falling in between depending on the coincidence and level of individual risk factors. Since the chemicals subject to licensing are used beyond agriculture and are utilised not only for crop protection, the results of this analysis are thus underestimated, which implies even greater benefits for the economy. It therefore seems important to update the current licence application platform so that applicants can lodge their application in a more user-friendly and synchronised manner.

Experimental Investigation of Freight Car Lateral Dynamics

1981 ◽  
Vol 103 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. H. Fries ◽  
N. K. Cooperrider ◽  
E. H. Law
Keyword(s):  
Vibration Mode ◽  
Damping Ratio ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Hunting Behavior ◽  
Lateral Dynamics ◽  
Stability Measure ◽  
Freight Car ◽  
Vehicle Test ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Nonlinear Nature

Field tests and accompanying data analysis to characterize the stable and hunting behavior of freight cars are discussed. These tests confirmed the fundamentally nonlinear nature of the conventional freight car. The hunting performance of an open hopper car is described by speed ranges in which intermittent hunting occurs. At speeds above the intermittent hunting speed ranges, hunting always occurs, and at speeds below these ranges, hunting does not occur. Results of evaluating the stability of the freight car in terms of the natural frequency and damping ratio of the least-damped vibration mode are presented. Anomalies in these results indicate that the damping ratio may not be an adequate stability measure for this nonlinear system. Root-mean-square values of significant vehicle motions are presented for the entire range of vehicle test speeds.

scholarly journals Sample Entropy-Based Approach to Evaluate the Stability of Double-Wire Pulsed MIG Welding

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Yao ◽  
JiaXiang Xue ◽  
Kang Zhou ◽  
XiaoJun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Pulse Width ◽  
Quantitative Method ◽  
Orthogonal Experiment ◽  
Welding Current ◽  
Sample Entropy ◽  
Mig Welding ◽  
Base Current ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Three Factor

According to the sample entropy, this paper deals with a quantitative method to evaluate the current stability in double-wire pulsed MIG welding. Firstly, the sample entropy of current signals with different stability but the same parameters is calculated. The results show that the more stable the current, the smaller the value and the standard deviation of sample entropy. Secondly, four parameters, which are pulse width, peak current, base current, and frequency, are selected for four-level three-factor orthogonal experiment. The calculation and analysis of desired signals indicate that sample entropy values are affected by welding current parameters. Then, a quantitative method based on sample entropy is proposed. The experiment results show that the method can preferably quantify the welding current stability.

scholarly journals Continuous low-maintenance CO<sub>2</sub>/CH<sub>4</sub>/H<sub>2</sub>O measurements at the Zotino Tall Tower Observatory (ZOTTO) in Central Siberia

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1113-1128 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Winderlich ◽  
H. Chen ◽  
C. Gerbig ◽  
T. Seifert ◽  
O. Kolle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapor ◽  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Central Siberia ◽  
Mixing Ratios ◽  
Air Sample ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2 ◽  
Tall Tower

Abstract. To monitor the continental carbon cycle, a fully automated low maintenance measurement system is installed at the Zotino Tall Tower Observatory in Central Siberia (ZOTTO, 60°48' N, 89°21' E) since April 2009. A cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) analyzer continuously measures carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) from six heights up to 301 m a.g.l. Buffer volumes in each air line remove short term CO2 and CH4 mixing ratio fluctuations associated with turbulence, and allow continuous, near-concurrent measurements from all tower levels. Instead of drying the air sample, the simultaneously measured water vapor is used to correct the dilution and pressure-broadening effects for the accurate determination of dry air CO2 and CH4 mixing ratios. The stability of the water vapor correction was demonstrated by repeated laboratory and field tests. The effect of molecular adsorption in the wet air lines was shown to be negligible. The low consumption of four calibration tanks that need recalibration only on decadal timescale further reduces maintenance. The measurement precision (accuracy) of 0.04 ppm (0.09 ppm) for CO2 and 0.3 ppb (1.5 ppb) for CH4 is compliant with the WMO recommendations. The data collected so far (until April 2010) reveals a seasonal cycle amplitude for CO2 of 30.4 ppm at the 301 m level.

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