ANALYSIS OF THE QUALITY OF MOISTENING OF THE SINTER MIX IN THE DRUM PELLETIZER

The analysis of changes in moisture, equivalent diameter of the granules, layer porosity and size variation under the abrupt perturbing effect on the input humidity of the charge was made. The change in other parameters from the charge moisture lags about 30 seconds. This is due to different mass transfer rates for moisture and fine fractions. PI-controller settings for control of all measured parameters were calculated. The best indicators of the transition process comply with the control of moisture content of the charge. However, the most representative is the simultaneous control of these parameters. A new indicator of the effectiveness of the shower unit of the pelletizer drum is developed, based on the difference in the rates of mass transfer of moisture and solid particles. The value of this indicator should be kept to a minimum.

The Effect of Environmental Moisture Conditions on the Calculated Incident Radiant Heat Flux by Plate Thermometers

This study investigates the effect of environmental moisture conditions on the calculated incident radiant heat flux (irradiance) by plate thermometers (PT). Alterations were made to the moisture content of the PT insulation layers to achieve these conditions. Irradiance was calculated using a pre-determined equation based on fully insulated conditions and validated using a Schmidt-Boelter radiometer. The study consisted of two phases; (i) investigating the effect of preheating PT to the accurate irradiance, (ii) investigating the effect of moisture in the PT on the measurement of irradiance. Calculated irradiance agreed with measured for preheated PT, but not with unheated PT. Four representative moisture conditions were identified for phase two, whereby samples were equilibrated at 0, 45, 65, and 98 wood moisture equivalent (%WME). No noticeable difference identified between measured and calculated irradiance was detected within 0–65%WME. PT with 98%WME showed a difference between the irradiance as the moisture inside the PT insulation absorbed energy from the PT to vaporize. Therefore, using preheated PT with any %WME under 65 is recommended to obtain accurate enough irradiance measurements. The result can use to improve determining the fire spread mechanisms and accurate measurements of irradiance in outdoor fires such as informal settlements fires.

ANALYSIS OF THE QUALITY OF MOISTENING OF THE SINTER MIX IN THE DRUM PELLETIZER

<p>The analysis of changes in moisture, equivalent diameter of the granules, layer porosity and size variation under the abrupt perturbing effect on the input humidity of the charge was made. The change in other parameters from the charge moisture lags about 30 seconds. This is due to different mass transfer rates for moisture and fine fractions. PI-controller settings for control of all measured parameters were calculated. The best indicators of the transition process comply with the control of moisture content of the charge. However, the most representative is the simultaneous control of these parameters. A new indicator of the effectiveness of the shower unit of the pelletizer drum is developed, based on the difference in the rates of mass transfer of moisture and solid particles. The value of this indicator should be kept to a minimum.</p>

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT IRRIGATION DEPTH ADJUSTMENT METHODS ON MAIZE YIELD COMPONENTS, GRAIN YIELD AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY

As the water stress is one of the main causes for the low maize yield in Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate the yield components, grain yield and the water use efficiency of maize crop submitted to different methods of irrigation depth adjustment and validate the “Lâmina” spreadsheet to recommend irrigation depth in this crop. The treatments applied were: non-use of irrigation (control); irrigation depth adjustment provided by” Lâmina” spreadsheet (Lâmina); soil moisture equivalent to actual capacity of water in the soil at 55% of the total soil water capacity (55% RWC); and soil moisture equivalent to 100% of the field capacity (100% FC). The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications, each experimental unit consists of a plot 3 meters wide and 3 meters long. The variables analyzed were total water applied, dry matter, ears per plant, kernel rows per ear, kernels per row, kernels per ear, one thousand kernels weight, grain yield and water use efficiency. Grain yields were similar between irrigated treatments, showing significant differences compared to the control. The Lâmina and 55% RWC showed the best results for water use efficiency and yield components. The Lâmina treatment used the least amount of water, with high yields, contributing to the rational water use in irrigated agricultural systems.

A modified evaluation of spacer fabric and airflow technologies for controlling the microclimate at the loaded support interface

The microclimate between an individual and their support surface can have a significant effect on skin health. Companies have developed mattress systems designed to regulate the temperature and humidity at the individual-support surface interface, utilizing spacer fabric materials and active airflow systems. However, there has been little formal evaluation of their performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate mattress systems using a lab-based approach. A physical model tank was applied to each support surface, filled with 20 L of water maintained at 37℃. A continuous network of perforated plastic tubing deposited moisture equivalent to a rate of 1.5 mL/min for 25 minutes. Humidity and temperature sensors, stitched onto the thin cotton sheet, monitored the interface conditions for a total of 24 h. Tests were conducted using a range of support surfaces incorporating spacer fabrics, with and without active airflow. The results from this study revealed that spacer fabric appears to dissipate heat more effectively than viscoelastic foam (Heat flux 33.6 W/m2 vs. 10.4 W/m2). With no active airflow, the viscoelastic foam and spacer fabric exhibited a limited reduction in relative humidity (RH) at the interface. However, with active airflow, the spacer fabric had the ability to reduce RH over time to basal levels through moisture vapor transfer. This represented a change from saturation (99% RH) to ambient humidity (40%) over a 24-h period (water vapor transfer rate = 0.9 g/m2; h). Further parametric testing is required to evaluate the optimal combinations of spacer fabric material and airflow systems.

Influence of Fungi on the State of Preservation and on the Usage Prospects of Antique Wooden Floor from Manor Houses in South-Eastern Poland

Floor structures are an integral part and a valuable element of antique buildings, and the only limitation of their preservation consists in their usage properties. A thorough study of their state of preservation is the starting point for choosing the correct conservation programmes. Currently, fungi are the main reason that leads to the replacement of antique wooden parquets in Poland. Simple visual inspections in many cases do not ensure a precise evaluation of the level of fungal infestation and the depth of penetration of the myceliums hyphae in the wood. Tests of ergosterol, which is a component of most fungis cell membrane, allow us to monitor the level of fungi infestation of diverse materials. This makes it possible to determine the depth of mycelium penetration within the wood quite precisely. Unfortunately, in case of basidiomycota it is not possible to correlate ergosterol with the myceliums biomass nor with the grade of wood degradation. Moreover, tests of ergosterol are not able to answer the question whether the fungi infestation is active, because this substance is also present in dead fungi hyphae. The presence of ergosterol in the wood can only give us a hint of presence of a substrate mycelium, which is responsible for the secretion of exoenzymes that degrade structural substances. Therefore, only the test results of ergosterol content and of the woods chemical composition, wettability curve and moisture equivalent, as well as computer simulations of its capacity to transfer own and usage loads (on the basis of the elasticity modulus, bending strength and wood density) together with the hardness, resistance to abrasion and resistance to scratches of wooden parquets permit us to take a correct decision as to the possibility of their further usage. The research carried out shows that, in many cases, parquets infested with fungi can be used safely. The article presents the proprieties that are important in the correct assessment of antique wooden parquets state of preservation and usage prospects. It specifies the factors that permit to eliminate the problem of fungi infestation and describes the proper usage conditions, proposing efficient methods of conservation.