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Volume 11
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Processes, Volume 11, Issue 5 (May 2023) – 286 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): This study compared the activity of cobalt and iron catalysts supported on SBA-15 with and without carbide phases and hydrogen reduction treatment in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The presence of carbide phases and hydrogen reduction affected the catalysts' behavior and product selectivity, resulting in an increased selectivity to liquid-phase products and production of longer-chain hydrocarbons. The study highlights the significance of carbide and metallic cobalt and iron formation in catalyst performance and product selectivity. The findings provide new insights into the role of carbide in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. View this paper
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16 pages, 3423 KiB  
Article
Research on the Control Strategy of Urban Integrated Energy Systems Containing the Fuel Cell
by Yuelong Wang and Weiqing Wang
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1584; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051584 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1374
Abstract
As a new type of energy with the advantages of high efficiency, clean and pollution-free, fuel cells have attracted the attention of many experts and scholars. The efficient utilization of fuel cells will certainly become the mainstay of energy transformation and environmental protection. [...] Read more.
As a new type of energy with the advantages of high efficiency, clean and pollution-free, fuel cells have attracted the attention of many experts and scholars. The efficient utilization of fuel cells will certainly become the mainstay of energy transformation and environmental protection. However, fuel cells have low power density, soft electrical output characteristics, and significantly delayed response to sudden load changes. When fuel cells are used as power supply energy alone, the output voltage fluctuates greatly, and the power supply reliability could be higher. To increase the fuel cell’s service life in real world applications, a DC converter and an appropriate auxiliary energy storage power supply are combined to form a fuel cell hybrid power supply system that makes efficient use of the auxiliary energy storage system’s availability, enhances the power supply system’s adaptability through dynamic reconfiguration, and provides better flexibility overall. This work proposes a method for managing the energy produced by an urban integrated power supply system that includes fuel cells, supercapacitors, and solar cells. Applying the IF-THEN rule of load power and the state of charge of the supercapacitors, the power balance is adjusted between the su-percapacitors, photovoltaic cells, and fuel cells according to the defined fuzzy logic control. The intermittent nature of solar power production and the erratic nature of fuel cell output may both be mitigated using this technique, allowing the load power to operate more reliably. The simulation results show that the control strategy adopted in this paper is able to not only meet the load requirements but also reasonably allocate the functional requirements and improve the working efficiency of the system, resulting in a clear optimization effect on the system’s control. In this paper, we focus on the fuel cell hybrid power supply system design, and then we use the idea of fuzzy logic control energy management to build the structure of the fuzzy logic control system, design the fuzzy controller, determine the functions, and verify the solutions through simulation and experimentation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation and Optimization of Fuel Cell Performance)
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18 pages, 3075 KiB  
Article
A Hybrid Model to Assess the Remaining Useful Life of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
by Qing Du, Zhigang Zhan, Xiaofei Wen, Heng Zhang, Yaowen Tan, Shang Li and Mu Pan
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1583; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051583 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1488
Abstract
Durability and remaining useful life (RUL) prediction techniques are ones of the key issues for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (FC) commercialization. Herein, the performance degradation of an FC is analyzed based on the whole lifetime experimental data (up to 6500 h). The [...] Read more.
Durability and remaining useful life (RUL) prediction techniques are ones of the key issues for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (FC) commercialization. Herein, the performance degradation of an FC is analyzed based on the whole lifetime experimental data (up to 6500 h). The voltage model with different patterns is developed based on the voltage data, which can be easily measured. The mechanism model is developed based on the evolution of degradation indices reflecting the degradation state. However, the former is sensitive to the local and periodic changes in the voltage curve, leading to a large prediction error, and the latter requires aging data from complex and high-cost characterization, limiting the practical applications. Therefore, a hybrid prediction model combining the voltage and mechanism model is proposed where the respective weight of each model is dynamically determined based on their local prediction errors. The results reveal that the maximum errors in RUL prediction are 9.72%, 3.90% and 2.01% for the voltage, mechanism and hybrid model, respectively, and the RUL prediction results of the hybrid model are close to actual RUL when those of the voltage model are far from the accuracy zone, indicating that the hybrid model provides credible RUL predictions with the highest accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
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15 pages, 4730 KiB  
Article
An Ultra Compact Microstrip Branch Line Coupler with Wide Stopband Using LCL Filter and Meandered Stubs for Microwave Applications
by Muhammad Akmal Chaudhary, Saeed Roshani and Sobhan Roshani
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1582; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051582 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1767
Abstract
A branch line coupler (BLC) with ultra-compact size and harmonic suppression ability using an LCL filter and meandered stubs is proposed in this paper. There are some important factors in microstrip coupler design, including size reduction, harmonic suppression, and low insertion loss. Thus, [...] Read more.
A branch line coupler (BLC) with ultra-compact size and harmonic suppression ability using an LCL filter and meandered stubs is proposed in this paper. There are some important factors in microstrip coupler design, including size reduction, harmonic suppression, and low insertion loss. Thus, improving each of these factors will contribute to a more efficient design. In the proposed circuit, for the first time, LCL filters, including four T-shaped circuits and four meandered line open-ended stubs, were used together to reduce the circuit size and suppress unwanted harmonics. The proposed LCL filters, incorporated in the BLC branches, resulted in superior size reduction and harmonic suppression for the presented BLC. The proposed BLC correctly worked at 900 MHz with 300 MHz operating bandwidth, which showed 33% fractional bandwidth (FBW). Additionally, a wide suppression band from 1.4 GHz to 8.8 GHz, with more than 20 dB attenuation level was obtained, which suppressed the second to ninth unwanted harmonics. The overall size of the proposed 900 MHz coupler was only 11 mm × 10.4 mm (0.044 λ × 0.042 λ) while the size of the conventional 900 MHz coupler was 61.5 mm × 62.5 mm (0.25 λ × 25 λ). The proposed BLC had a very small size and only occupied 3% of the size of the conventional coupler, which corresponded to a 97% size reduction. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, to date, the best size reduction has been obtained among the published couplers. Furthermore, the experimental results verified the simulated and analyzed results of the proposed technique and demonstrate its potential for improving the performance and miniaturizing the size of other similar BLCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
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15 pages, 44526 KiB  
Article
Making a Soft Elastic Pulsation Pump (SEPP)
by Hao Gu, Yun Xia, Yu Zhang and Xiao Dong Chen
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1581; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051581 - 22 May 2023
Viewed by 1464
Abstract
In this work, a soft-elastic pulsation pump (SEPP) has been made and investigated. Here, 3D printing was used to make casting molds and a melt-removal method using wax was employed. The SEPP was made of silicone rubber and driven by an external squeezing [...] Read more.
In this work, a soft-elastic pulsation pump (SEPP) has been made and investigated. Here, 3D printing was used to make casting molds and a melt-removal method using wax was employed. The SEPP was made of silicone rubber and driven by an external squeezing mechanism. A silicone one-way valve was also made which prevented backflow after the fluid was squeezed out of the pump chamber. The material characteristics of the SEPP including durability were examined. The pump operating parameters were confirmed to differential pressure of 100 mm Hg in a close flow loop. The average flow rate was 2 L/min, while yielding a peak flow of 8 L/min, and a stroke volume of 70 mL. A preliminary trial using fresh animal blood had shown that the SEPP has good protection on the blood. Therefore, within the resources available, an interesting idea for an effective SEPP has been proposed and realized in the laboratory. The technical details of the SEPP described, and the experimental results reported here form a good basis for making higher capacity SEPPs. This effort may help make its way to an effective ventricular assist device. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Optimization Method of Pumps)
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21 pages, 4448 KiB  
Review
Dietary Fiber from Plant-Based Food Wastes: A Comprehensive Approach to Cereal, Fruit, and Vegetable Waste Valorization
by Sofia Plakantonaki, Ioannis Roussis, Dimitrios Bilalis and Georgios Priniotakis
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1580; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051580 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5658
Abstract
The agri-food industry generates significant quantities of plant-based food waste from processing, which offers a valuable research opportunity aimed at minimizing and managing these wastes efficiently in support of zero waste and/or circular economies. In order to achieve food security, all of these [...] Read more.
The agri-food industry generates significant quantities of plant-based food waste from processing, which offers a valuable research opportunity aimed at minimizing and managing these wastes efficiently in support of zero waste and/or circular economies. In order to achieve food security, all of these wastes can be valorized using downstream processes in an integrated manner, which results in the conversion of waste into secondary raw materials. Specifically, plant-based food wastes and/or byproducts are recognized sources of bioactive chemicals, including dietary fibers that are beneficial as food additives or functional food ingredients that can meet the technological and functional requirements of health-promoting value-added products. Additionally, cellulosic ingredients can be utilized directly within nonfood industries, such as textiles, resulting in a reduction in the environmental impact of secondary raw materials, as well as an increase in market acceptance compared to those currently on the market. On this basis, the present review was designed to provide an overview of introducing novel concepts for effective reuse, recyclability, and maximal utilization of plant-based food wastes and/or byproducts from food-processing industries, which creates a potential opportunity for the extraction of value-added dietary fiber with potential applications in food and nonfood industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges, Opportunities, Valorization and Green Advancements for Food and Agricultural Waste)
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18 pages, 5460 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of the Hydrodynamic Performance of Arc and Linear Flapping Hydrofoils
by Ertian Hua, Wenchao Zhu, Rongsheng Xie, Zhongxin Su, Haitao Luo and Linfeng Qiu
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1579; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051579 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1414
Abstract
In order to improve the hydrodynamic performance of flapping hydrofoils and solve the problem of insufficient hydrodynamic force in plain river network areas, in this study, we consider the more realistic swing of fish tails and propose an arc flapping method, the coupled [...] Read more.
In order to improve the hydrodynamic performance of flapping hydrofoils and solve the problem of insufficient hydrodynamic force in plain river network areas, in this study, we consider the more realistic swing of fish tails and propose an arc flapping method, the coupled motion of which has three degrees of freedom: heave, pitch, and lateral displacement. Two flapping methods, positive arcs and negative arcs, were derived on the basis of the lateral displacement direction. By using the finite volume method (FVM) and overlapping grid technology, a numerical simulation was conducted to compare and analyze the pumping performance of three types of flapping hydrofoil, namely, linear, positive arcs, and negative arcs, in order to further provide guidance for the structural optimization of bionic pumping devices. The results showed that the wake vortex structures of the three flapping modes all had anti-Kármán vortex streets, but the wake vortex of linear flapping deflected upward, and the wake vortex of positive arc flapping tended to be further away in the flow field. In one cycle, thrust was always generated by the positive arc flapping hydrofoil and the linear flapping hydrofoil, but the thrust coefficient curve of the positive arc flapping hydrofoil was more stable than that of the linear flapping hydrofoil, and the peak value was reduced by 46.5%. In addition, under the conditions of a flow rate of 750 L·s−1 and an average head of 0.006 m, the pumping efficiency of the positive arc flapping hydrofoil reached 35%, thus showing better pumping performance than the traditional linear flapping hydrofoil under conditions with ultra-low head. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Simulation and Experiment Methods of Flow Instability in Hydraulic Machinery)
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21 pages, 6560 KiB  
Article
Development and Numerical Optimization of a System of Integrated Agents for Serial Production Lines
by Hisham Alkhalefah, Usama Umer, Mustufa Haider Abidi and Ahmed Elkaseer
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1578; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051578 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1354
Abstract
In modern high-volume industries, the serial production line (SPL) is of growing importance due to the inexorable increase in the complexity of manufacturing systems and the associated production costs. Optimal decisions regarding buffer size and the selection of components when designing and implementing [...] Read more.
In modern high-volume industries, the serial production line (SPL) is of growing importance due to the inexorable increase in the complexity of manufacturing systems and the associated production costs. Optimal decisions regarding buffer size and the selection of components when designing and implementing an SPL can be difficult, often requiring complex analytical models, which can be difficult to conceive and construct. Here, we propose a model to evaluate and optimize the design of an SPL, integrating numerical simulation with artificial intelligence (AI). Numerous studies relating to the design of SPL systems have been published, but few have considered the simultaneous consideration of a number of decision variables. Indeed, the authors have been unable to locate in the published literature even one work that integrated the selection of components with the optimization of buffer sizes into a single framework. In this research, a System of Integrated Agents Numerical Optimization (SIGN) is developed by which the SPL design can be optimized. A SIGN consists of a components selection system and a decision support system. A SIGN aids the selection of machine tools, buffer sizes, and robots via the integration of AI and simulations. Using a purpose-developed interface, a user inputs the appropriate SPL parameters and settings, selects the decision-making and optimization techniques to use, and then displays output results. It will be implemented in open-source software to broaden the impact of the SIGN and extend its influence in industry and academia. It is expected that the results of this research project will significantly influence open-source manufacturing system design and, consequently, industrial and economic development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Control Theory and Applications in Process Optimization and Smart Manufacturing)
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19 pages, 7065 KiB  
Article
Composite Fault Diagnosis of Aviation Generator Based on EnFWA-DBN
by Zhangang Yang, Xingwang Bao, Qingyu Zhou and Juan Yang
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051577 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1378
Abstract
Because of the existence of composite faults, which consist of both short-out and eccentricity faults, the characteristics of the output voltage and internal magnetic field of aviation generators are less different than those of single short-out faults; this causes the eccentricity fault to [...] Read more.
Because of the existence of composite faults, which consist of both short-out and eccentricity faults, the characteristics of the output voltage and internal magnetic field of aviation generators are less different than those of single short-out faults; this causes the eccentricity fault to be difficult to identify. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a fault diagnosis method using an enhanced fireworks algorithm (EnFWA) to optimize a deep belief network (DBN). The aviation generator model is built according to the finite element method (FEM), whereas the output of different combinations of composite faults are obtained using simulations. The EnFWA algorithm is used to train and optimize the DBN network to obtain the best structure. Meanwhile, an extreme learning machine (ELM) classifier performs fault diagnosis and classification on the test data. The diagnosis results show that a pinpoint accuracy can be achieved using the proposed method in the diagnosis of composite faults in aviation generators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Modeling, Optimization and Control in Manufacturing Industries and Energy System)
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19 pages, 4700 KiB  
Article
Modification of Meso-Micromixing Interaction Reaction Model in Continuous Reactors
by Junan Jiang, Ning Yang, Hanyang Liu, Jianxin Tang, Chenfeng Wang, Rijie Wang and Xiaoxia Yang
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051576 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1499
Abstract
The yields of chemical reactions are highly dependent on the mixing pattern between reactants. Herein, we report the modification of a meso-micromixing interaction reaction model which is applied in batch reactors by leveraging the flow characteristics in the continuous reactors. Both experimental and [...] Read more.
The yields of chemical reactions are highly dependent on the mixing pattern between reactants. Herein, we report the modification of a meso-micromixing interaction reaction model which is applied in batch reactors by leveraging the flow characteristics in the continuous reactors. Both experimental and model-predicted yields were compared using the classical Villermaux–Dushman method in a self-designed split and recombination reactor. This modified model significantly reduced the error in predicted product yields from approximately 15% to within 3%, compared to a model containing the micromixing term only. The effects of flow rates and reactor structure parameters on mixing performance were analyzed. We found that increasing flow rates and the degree of twist in the mixing element’s grooves, as well as decreasing the cross-sectional area of grooves, improved mixing performance. The optimization of reactor flow rates and structural parameters was achieved by combining Gaussian process regression and Bayesian optimization with the modified model. This approach provided higher target product yields for consecutive reactions, while simultaneously achieving a lower pressure drop in the reactor. Corresponding combinations of reactor parameters were also identified during this process. Our modified model-based optimization methodology can be applied to a diversity of reactors, serving as a reference for the selection of their structure and operational parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Applications in Energy Engineering Research and Simulation)
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12 pages, 2531 KiB  
Article
Prediction and Application of Surface Settlement of Shallow Buried Tunnels Taking into Account Strata Slip Cracks
by Zhonggang Ma, Xiaofei Xie, He Jia, Junwei Zhao, Sunwen He and Xiaohua Wang
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1575; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051575 - 22 May 2023
Viewed by 1386
Abstract
The empirical formula is one of the traditional methods used for predicting ground deformation settlement caused by tunnel excavation. Due to its rationality and simplicity, the Peck formula is widely used for predicting surface subsidence. However, due to its limitations, it is necessary [...] Read more.
The empirical formula is one of the traditional methods used for predicting ground deformation settlement caused by tunnel excavation. Due to its rationality and simplicity, the Peck formula is widely used for predicting surface subsidence. However, due to its limitations, it is necessary to modify it when predicting surface settlement caused by tunnel excavation in different strata. In this paper, a correction formula for the width coefficient of a tunnel surface settlement slot is derived from the Peck formula by taking into account the theory of strata slip cracks. Values are calculated using the correction formula and compared with measured data to verify the effectiveness of the correction formula. The main conclusions are: (1) The position corresponding to the width of the settlement in the Peck curve is the point where the formation is most prone to slip cracking. (2) In the general shallow buried case, the settlement groove width coefficient K and the internal friction angle φ of the ground satisfy the formula K = 1/tan(45° + φ/2 + a) + b, and the values of parameters a and b reflect the average values of the geometric properties of the tunnel based on the measured data. (3) The prediction of the correction formula is consistent with the measured data, and thus the correction formula can be applied to problems related to the stability of shallow buried tunnels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Process Control and Monitoring)
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14 pages, 9267 KiB  
Article
An Experimental Study on the Elbow Pressure Drop and Conveying Stability of Pneumatic Conveying for Stiff Shotcrete Based on Response Surface Methodology
by Zhenjiao Sun, Lianjun Chen, Guanguo Ma, Hui Ma and Kang Gao
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1574; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051574 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1348
Abstract
The pressure drop and conveying stability caused by the bend significantly affect the pneumatic conveying process of stiff shotcrete, which is the key to solving the problem of long-distance transportation. In this paper, the effects of different air velocities (32 m/s, 36 m/s, [...] Read more.
The pressure drop and conveying stability caused by the bend significantly affect the pneumatic conveying process of stiff shotcrete, which is the key to solving the problem of long-distance transportation. In this paper, the effects of different air velocities (32 m/s, 36 m/s, 40 m/s), water-cement ratios (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3), and bending-diameter ratios (4, 12, and 20) on the pressure drop of the elbow R1 and conveying stability R2 are studied using the response surface method. The conveying stability is characterized by the pressure variation coefficient (C.V). The response surface graph aids in the intuitive analysis of the effects of these variables. The results show that the impact of air velocity on R1 and R2 is exceptionally significant, and the interaction of each factor on the response value is analyzed. The response value and the quadratic polynomial regression equation between the various factors are obtained in addition to the flow characteristics of stiff shotcrete under different working conditions. The relationship established by the statistical processing of the experimental results can provide some reference for specifying the pressure loss model of stiff shotcrete. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Particle Processes)
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3 pages, 194 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue on “Composting in the Framework of a Circular Economy”
by Antoni Sánchez
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1573; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051573 - 21 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1479
Abstract
Composting has been recognized as a sustainable technology to treat and manage organic waste [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composting in the Framework of Circular Economy)
14 pages, 4515 KiB  
Article
Generalized Distribution Feeder Switching with Fuzzy Indexing for Energy Saving
by Whei-Min Lin and Wen-Chang Tsai
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051572 - 21 May 2023
Viewed by 1164
Abstract
The objective of this study is to analyze feeder loss minimization and load balance under given constrains. Effective methods are required for feeder switching/reconfiguration. Feeder switching is a mixed-integer large-scale combinatorial problem for optimization, not easily solvable with classical optimization techniques, especially involving [...] Read more.
The objective of this study is to analyze feeder loss minimization and load balance under given constrains. Effective methods are required for feeder switching/reconfiguration. Feeder switching is a mixed-integer large-scale combinatorial problem for optimization, not easily solvable with classical optimization techniques, especially involving a great number of switches. This paper proposes a fuzzy indexing algorithm for feeder switching, with membership functions defined for switches such as thermometers or indices. The optimal switches can be determined through fuzzy index operations. With membership functions defined, the developed method used numerical operations for indices instead of the “set” operation or the min-max operations of traditional fuzzy algorithms. The optimization problem becomes a simple numeric calculation instead of a large-scale sorting problem and is much faster than most algorithms. It greatly reduces the computation time and enhances efficiency, which is suitable for either planning or operation purposes. Many algorithms were tested with three typical examples chosen for illustration, including the “optimal” results with an exhausted search. It shows that the proposed algorithm is very effective and can balance the load to reduce the loss and costs in obtaining the solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
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14 pages, 3307 KiB  
Article
Combining Reinforcement Learning Algorithms with Graph Neural Networks to Solve Dynamic Job Shop Scheduling Problems
by Zhong Yang, Li Bi and Xiaogang Jiao
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1571; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051571 - 21 May 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4722
Abstract
Smart factories have attracted a lot of attention from scholars for intelligent scheduling problems due to the complexity and dynamics of their production processes. The dynamic job shop scheduling problem (DJSP), as one of the intelligent scheduling problems, aims to make an optimized [...] Read more.
Smart factories have attracted a lot of attention from scholars for intelligent scheduling problems due to the complexity and dynamics of their production processes. The dynamic job shop scheduling problem (DJSP), as one of the intelligent scheduling problems, aims to make an optimized scheduling decision sequence based on the real-time dynamic job shop environment. The traditional reinforcement learning (RL) method converts the scheduling problem with a Markov process and combines its own reward method to obtain scheduling sequences in different real-time shop states. However, the definition of shop states often relies on the scheduling experience of the model constructor, which undoubtedly affects the optimization capability of the reinforcement learning model. In this paper, we combine graph neural network (GNN) and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm to solve DJSP. An agent model from job shop state analysis graph to scheduling rules is constructed, thus avoiding the problem that traditional reinforcement learning methods rely on scheduling experience to artificially set the state feature vectors. In addition, a new reward function is defined, and the experimental results prove that our proposed reward method is more effective. The effectiveness and feasibility of our model is demonstrated by comparing with general deep reinforcement learning algorithms on minimizing the earlier and later completion time, which also lays the foundation for solving the DJSP later. Full article
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17 pages, 12429 KiB  
Article
Study on Internal Flow Characteristics and Abrasive Wear of Pelton Turbine in Sand Laden Water
by Yu Huang, Fangxiong Deng, Huiming Deng, Qiwei Qing, Mengjun Qin, Jitao Liu, Zhishun Yu, Jiayang Pang and Xiaobing Liu
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051570 - 21 May 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1655
Abstract
When a Pelton turbine operates in sand laden water, the abrasive wear of its overflow components by high-speed jets is serious. Based on the VOF (volume of fluid) multiphase flow model, the SST (shear stress transfer) k-ω turbulence model, the particle [...] Read more.
When a Pelton turbine operates in sand laden water, the abrasive wear of its overflow components by high-speed jets is serious. Based on the VOF (volume of fluid) multiphase flow model, the SST (shear stress transfer) k-ω turbulence model, the particle motion Lagrangian model, the generic wear model, and the SIMPLEC (Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure Linked Equations Consistent) algorithm, the liquid–air–solid three-phase flow in the key overflow components of a Pelton turbine were simulated, the abrasive wear was predicted, and the internal sand-water flow characteristics and the abrasive wear of the overflow components were analyzed. The results show that the trailing edge at the root of the runner bucket, the leading face of the bucket near the root, the notch, and the splitter are severely worn. The abrasive wear of the splitter and the notch is more severe than that of the leading face of the bucket. The wear rate from the splitter to the trailing edge increases first and then decreases. The wear pattern of the needle tip is mainly “dotted”, while that of the nozzle opening is “flaky”, and the abrasive wear of the nozzle opening is more severe than that of the needle. The predicted results are consistent with the actual conditions at the site of the power station. This study provides a technical method for the prediction of abrasive wear of the Pelton turbine and a technical basis for the operation and maintenance of the power station. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)
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24 pages, 16856 KiB  
Article
Sedimentary Evolution and Geological Characteristics of the Jurassic in the South Qiangtang Basin, China
by Zhanhu Cai, Hong You and Qilin Wu
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051569 - 21 May 2023
Viewed by 1420
Abstract
Based on the analysis of lithology, lithofacies combinations, sedimentary structures, and fossil types in five geological sections measured through fieldwork, this paper comprehensively elucidates the sedimentary evolution characteristics of the Jurassic period in the South Qiangtang area. The South Qiangtang Basin is renowned [...] Read more.
Based on the analysis of lithology, lithofacies combinations, sedimentary structures, and fossil types in five geological sections measured through fieldwork, this paper comprehensively elucidates the sedimentary evolution characteristics of the Jurassic period in the South Qiangtang area. The South Qiangtang Basin is renowned for preserving the most complete Jurassic marine sedimentary strata in China, and it primarily consists of a mixed platform environment of carbonate and clastic rocks. The Jurassic strata in the South Qiangtang Basin range from the Quse Formation at the base to the Suowa Formation at the summit, with sedimentary facies evolving from the outer shelf to the subtidal zone, and seawater depth gradually becoming shallower. This trend may be associated with the division and expansion of the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone during the Late Triassic, subduction in the Middle Jurassic, and the suture and splicing of the Qiangtang–Lhasa plate during the Late Jurassic tectonic movements. In conclusion, this research presents a comprehensive analysis of the sedimentary evolution of the Jurassic period in the South Qiangtang Basin for the first time. The findings offer significant contributions to the understanding of the region’s geological history and serve as a valuable foundation for future investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Petroleum Exploration and Development)
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13 pages, 6608 KiB  
Article
Interfacial Adsorption Mechanism of Diethyldithiocarbamate in High-Sulfur Residue Flotation
by Hong Liu, Jing He, Tao Luo, Jie Dai, Shuqiong Cao, Shenghai Yang, Chaobo Tang, Changhong Wang and Yongming Chen
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1568; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051568 - 21 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1638
Abstract
Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) is employed in the sulfide ore flotation process due to its excellent collection performance. Herein, we investigated the interfacial adsorption behavior of DDTC on the four main mineral phases of high-sulfur residue: sulfur, pyrite, sphalerite, and lead sulfate. The adsorption behavior [...] Read more.
Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) is employed in the sulfide ore flotation process due to its excellent collection performance. Herein, we investigated the interfacial adsorption behavior of DDTC on the four main mineral phases of high-sulfur residue: sulfur, pyrite, sphalerite, and lead sulfate. The adsorption behavior of DDTC and H2O, namely, the adsorption structure and the energy and electron localization function cross section, were explored using density function theory calculation. The results were helpful in constructing a coadsorption model of DDTC and H2O, which was validated by pure mineral flotation and characterization of Fourier transform infrared spectra. The coadsorption model indicated that the adsorption of DDTC on sulfur, sphalerite, and lead sulfate was weak with physical bonding, while its adsorption on pyrite was strong with chemical bonding. Practical bench-scale high-sulfur residue flotation was performed, and the result was different from that obtained from pure mineral flotation. Our developed model predictions and mineral fugacity pattern analysis were synergistically used to explain this difference. Overall, this work proposes for the first time a coadsorption model of DDTC and H2O and provides important insights into interfacial adsorption in high-sulfur residue flotation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Recovery of Valuable Metals from Secondary Resources and Their Comprehensive Utilization)
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13 pages, 8850 KiB  
Article
Failure Analysis of the Crack and Leakage of a Crude Oil Pipeline under CO2-Steam Flooding
by Chengli Song, Yuanpeng Li, Fan Wu, Jinheng Luo, Lifeng Li and Guangshan Li
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051567 - 21 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2106
Abstract
This paper presents the failure analysis of the crack and leakage accident of a crude oil pipeline under CO2-steam flooding in the western oilfield of China. To analyze the failure behavior and cause, different testing, including nondestructive testing, chemical composition analysis, [...] Read more.
This paper presents the failure analysis of the crack and leakage accident of a crude oil pipeline under CO2-steam flooding in the western oilfield of China. To analyze the failure behavior and cause, different testing, including nondestructive testing, chemical composition analysis, tensile property testing, metallographic analysis, and microanalysis of fracture and chloride stress corrosion cracking (SCC) testing, are applied in the present study. The obtained results showed that the pipeline under the insulation layer of high humidity, high oxygen content, and high Cl− environment occurred pit corrosion, and the stress concentration area at the bottom of the corrosion pit sprouted cracks. Besides, it is demonstrated that the cracks were much branched, mostly through the crystal, and the fracture showed brittle, which is consistent with the typical characteristics of chloride SCC. Meanwhile, the insufficient Ni content of the pipeline material promoted the process of chloride SCC, and the high-temperature working conditions also aggravated the rate of chloride SCC. In addition, efficient precautions were provided to avoid fracture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment and Reliability Engineering of Process Operations)
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14 pages, 3316 KiB  
Article
Estimation of Fracture Height in Tight Reserviors via a Finite Element Approach
by Jiujie Cai and Fengxia Li
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1566; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051566 - 21 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1653
Abstract
In tight reservoirs, the rock formations are typically less porous and permeable, which makes it more difficult for hydrocarbons to flow through them. In addition to length and conductivity, the height of a fracture is another critical parameter of the hydraulic fracturing treatments [...] Read more.
In tight reservoirs, the rock formations are typically less porous and permeable, which makes it more difficult for hydrocarbons to flow through them. In addition to length and conductivity, the height of a fracture is another critical parameter of the hydraulic fracturing treatments in unconventional tight/shale formations, which determines the stimulated reservoir volume. If the fracture height is too shallow, the volume of rock exposed to the fluid and proppant may not be sufficient to improve the reservoir’s production significantly. Conversely, if the fracture height is too deep, the injected fluid may not be able to propagate high enough to reach the desired formation. However, after years of research, fracture height has often been simplified in traditional or recent studies of fracture simulation and estimation. The objective of this work is to propose an innovative way to simulate the hydraulic fracturing process in both horizontal and vertical directions in tight formations with a well-built finite element numerical model. Fracture toughness KIC is calculated based on the Brazilian test. Vertical fracturing fluid was also considered, and the model was validated by fracture height monitoring data from a stimulated well in the Montney formation. The influence of rock and fluid properties on the fracture height propagation was studied thoroughly with sensitivity analysis. The results indicated the fracture height prediction model was in good accordance with the monitoring data collected from the field, with an error margin of 7.2%. Sensitivity analysis results showed that a high Young’s modulus led to a larger stress intensity factor at the fracture tip, thus further advancing the fracture. Minimum horizontal stress also tends to facilitate the fracture to propagate. The influence of Poisson’s ratio and fluid viscosity on fracture height propagation was also investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Reservoir Stimulation and EOR Technology in Unconventional Reservoirs)
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22 pages, 2940 KiB  
Article
Multi-Dimensional Value Evaluation of Energy Storage Systems in New Power System Based on Multi-Criteria Decision-Making
by Chong Shao, Bo Wei, Wenfei Liu, Yong Yang, Yihang Zhao and Zhaoyuan Wu
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1565; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051565 - 20 May 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1603
Abstract
The power sector may reduce carbon emissions and reach carbon neutrality by accelerating the energy transition and lowering its reliance on fossil fuels. However, there are limitations on the new power system’s ability to operate safely and steadily due to the randomness, volatility, [...] Read more.
The power sector may reduce carbon emissions and reach carbon neutrality by accelerating the energy transition and lowering its reliance on fossil fuels. However, there are limitations on the new power system’s ability to operate safely and steadily due to the randomness, volatility, and intermittent nature of renewable energy supply. The key to solving this issue is to harness the flexible resources that energy storage systems (ESSs) represent; however, ESSs have more than a value for providing system flexibility. Thus, this study suggested a flexible, technical, economic, and environmental value index system based on multi-criteria decision-making models for evaluating the multi-dimensional value of ESSs. First, the objective and subjective weights are obtained using the CRITIC model and best–worst method; then, the weights are combined using the minimum relative entropy model. The complete values of five typical ESSs are then evaluated using the TOPSIS model. Three scenarios that reflect the traits of the new power system are then created and analyzed. The outcome demonstrates the following: (1) as the new power system continues to grow, the value of ESSs’ flexibility has become ever more crucial; (2) as the need for system flexibility increases, the value of electrochemical ESSs gradually manifests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Energy Storage Systems in Smart Grids)
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22 pages, 5400 KiB  
Article
A Projection-Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Multi-Objective and Many-Objective Optimization
by Funan Peng, Li Lv, Weiru Chen and Jun Wang
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051564 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1557
Abstract
Many-objective optimization problems (MaOPs) are challenging optimization problems in scientific research. Research has tended to focus on algorithms rather than algorithm frameworks. In this paper, we introduce a projection-based evolutionary algorithm, MOEA/PII. Applying the idea of dimension reduction and decomposition, it divides the [...] Read more.
Many-objective optimization problems (MaOPs) are challenging optimization problems in scientific research. Research has tended to focus on algorithms rather than algorithm frameworks. In this paper, we introduce a projection-based evolutionary algorithm, MOEA/PII. Applying the idea of dimension reduction and decomposition, it divides the objective space into projection plane and free dimension(s). The balance between convergence and diversity is maintained using a Bi-Elite queue. The MOEA/PII is not only an algorithm, but also an algorithm framework. We can choose a decomposition-based or dominance-based algorithm to be the free dimension algorithm. When it is an algorithm framework, it exhibits a better performance. We compare the performance of the algorithm and the algorithm with the MOEA/PII framework. The performance is evaluated by benchmark test instances DTLZ1-7 and WFG1-9 on 3, 5, 8, 10, and 15 objectives using IGD-metric and HV-metric. In addition, we investigated its superior performance on the wireless sensor networks deployment problem using C-metric. Moreover, determining objective domain for the objects of the wireless sensor networks deployment problem reduces the time and makes the solution set more responsive to user needs. Full article
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16 pages, 1427 KiB  
Article
Construction of a Green-Comprehensive Evaluation System for Flotation Collectors
by Hongxiang Xu, Jiahua Cui, Yijun Cao, Lin Ma, Guixia Fan, Gen Huang, Kejia Ning, Jingzheng Wang, Yuntao Kang, Xin Sun, Jiushuai Deng and Shan Li
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1563; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051563 - 19 May 2023
Viewed by 1351
Abstract
The evaluation of flotation reagents performs an important role in the selection and green application of reagents. The green indexes and effect indexes of flotation collectors were selected by data literature method, system analysis method, mathematical model method, and qualitative and quantitative analysis [...] Read more.
The evaluation of flotation reagents performs an important role in the selection and green application of reagents. The green indexes and effect indexes of flotation collectors were selected by data literature method, system analysis method, mathematical model method, and qualitative and quantitative analysis method, and the green evaluation system of flotation collectors, flotation effect evaluation system, and comprehensive evaluation system of flotation collectors were established. The normalization method and expert evaluation methods were adopted to obtain the grade classification of quantitative and qualitative indicators, respectively. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to determine the weight of secondary indicators and tertiary indicators of the evaluation system and the weight of indicators at a lower level. Applying the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), the trapezoidal function is selected to determine the index affiliation, the index system score is calculated according to the weighted average principle, and finally, the established evaluation system is applied in an example. The example application shows that the comprehensive evaluation system of flotation collectors can make a comprehensive evaluation of collectors from the aspects of the greenness of reagent, flotation effect, and cost, and it has a strong target and practicality for collectors evaluation. The establishment of the system has a guiding significance for the selection and use of flotation collectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Analysis and Carbon Emission of Mineral Separation Processes)
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16 pages, 3671 KiB  
Article
Effects of Lead Pollution on Photosynthetic Characteristics and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters of Different Populations of Miscanthus floridulus
by Jianqiao Qin, Xueding Jiang, Jianhua Qin, Huarong Zhao, Min Dai, Hao Liu and Xi Chen
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1562; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051562 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1892
Abstract
This study was conducted in order to study the effect of different concentrations of lead pollution on the photosynthetic characteristics and growth of Miscanthus floridulus, and to reveal its photosynthetic adaptability to lead stress. The differences of gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence [...] Read more.
This study was conducted in order to study the effect of different concentrations of lead pollution on the photosynthetic characteristics and growth of Miscanthus floridulus, and to reveal its photosynthetic adaptability to lead stress. The differences of gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics and photosynthetic pigment of two Miscanthus floridulus populations, one population from Boluo an uncontaminated site, and another population from Dabaoshan, a mine site, were compared and studied through nutrient solution culture experiments treated with heavy metal lead (Pb) in green house. The results showed that (1) under Pb stress, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci), and chlorophyll content (Chl) of the leaves of the two populations decreased in different amplitude. Under moderate and severe Pb stress (80 mg·L−1, 120 mg·L−1, 240 mg·L−1), the plant biomass of non-mining population and mining population plants were 54.5%, 39.7%, 29.4% and 70.4%, 54.7%, 50.9% of the control, respectively. (2) Stomatal restriction was the main factor for the Pn’s decrease in the leaves of the non-mine population under light Pb stress, while the non-stomatal restriction was the main factor for Pn’s decrease in the leaves of the non-mine population under middle and high Pb stresses. (3) Under Pb stress, the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and potential activity (Fv/Fo) of PS II reaction centers in the two populations of M. floridulus decreased. However, Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo showed a smaller decrease, but the capability to utilize light and the potential to activate PSII of the mine population remained higher than that of the non-mine population. The changes of photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) and non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) of PSⅡ showed that qP value decreased and NPQ value increased in the two populations under Pb stress. On the whole, the resistance mining area population had a low qP reduction and a large increase in NPQ. Electronic transfer rate (ETR) and PSII actual fluorescence efficiency (ΦPSII) of the mine population changed slightly under Pb stress. These results indicated that when under Pb stress, the electron transport activity and photosynthetic apparatus were damaged less in the mine population with high resistance than in the non-mine population with low resistance. Conclusion: the mining population of M. floridulus has strong tolerance to Pb, which is suitable for the pioneer species of gramineae in vegetation restoration construction in metal mining area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Remediation of Contaminated Sites: Volume II)
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15 pages, 1802 KiB  
Article
Energy Storage Charging Pile Management Based on Internet of Things Technology for Electric Vehicles
by Zhaiyan Li, Xuliang Wu, Shen Zhang, Long Min, Yan Feng, Zhouming Hang and Liqiu Shi
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051561 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2934
Abstract
The traditional charging pile management system usually only focuses on the basic charging function, which has problems such as single system function, poor user experience, and inconvenient management. In this paper, the battery energy storage technology is applied to the traditional EV (electric [...] Read more.
The traditional charging pile management system usually only focuses on the basic charging function, which has problems such as single system function, poor user experience, and inconvenient management. In this paper, the battery energy storage technology is applied to the traditional EV (electric vehicle) charging piles to build a new EV charging pile with integrated charging, discharging, and storage; Multisim software is used to build an EV charging model in order to simulate the charge control guidance module. On this basis, combined with the research of new technologies such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, embedded systems, mobile Internet, and big data, new design and construction methods of the energy storage charging pile management system for EV are explored. Moreover, K-Means clustering analysis method is used to analyze the charging habit. The functions such as energy storage, user management, equipment management, transaction management, and big data analysis can be implemented in this system. The simulation results of this paper show that: (1) Enough output power can be provided to meet the design and use requirements of the energy-storage charging pile; (2) the control guidance circuit can meet the requirements of the charging pile; (3) during the switching process of charging pile connection state, the voltage state changes smoothly. It can provide a new method and technical path for the design of electric vehicle charging pile management system, which can effectively reduce the system’s operation and maintenance costs and provide more friendly and convenient charging services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Technologies and Processes for Advanced Nuclear Power and Energy Engineering)
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19 pages, 1126 KiB  
Article
Task Containerization and Container Placement Optimization for MEC: A Joint Communication and Computing Perspective
by Ao Liu, Shaoshi Yang, Jingsheng Tan, Zongze Liang, Jiasen Sun, Tao Wen and Hongyan Yan
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1560; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051560 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1855
Abstract
Containers are used by an increasing number of Internet service providers to deploy their applications in multi-access edge computing (MEC) systems. Although container-based virtualization technologies significantly increase application availability, they may suffer expensive communication overhead and resource use imbalances. However, so far there [...] Read more.
Containers are used by an increasing number of Internet service providers to deploy their applications in multi-access edge computing (MEC) systems. Although container-based virtualization technologies significantly increase application availability, they may suffer expensive communication overhead and resource use imbalances. However, so far there has been a scarcity of studies to conquer these difficulties. In this paper, we design a workflow-based mathematical model for applications built upon interdependent multitasking composition, formulate a multi-objective combinatorial optimization problem composed of two subproblems—graph partitioning and multi-choice vector bin packing, and propose several joint task-containerization-and -container-placement methods to reduce communication overhead and balance multi-type computing resource utilization. The performance superiority of the proposed algorithms is demonstrated by comparison with the state-of-the-art task and container scheduling schemes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Machine Learning and Hybrid Optimization Algorithms in IoT Engineering)
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15 pages, 2695 KiB  
Article
Research on Landslide Displacement Prediction Based on DES-CGSSA-BP Model
by Lu Fang, Jianping Yue and Yin Xing
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1559; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051559 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1160
Abstract
A landslide is a type of natural disaster that has the highest frequency, the widest distribution and the heaviest losses worldwide; landslides seriously threaten human life and property and major engineering facilities. Therefore, it is important to improve landslide displacement prediction technology to [...] Read more.
A landslide is a type of natural disaster that has the highest frequency, the widest distribution and the heaviest losses worldwide; landslides seriously threaten human life and property and major engineering facilities. Therefore, it is important to improve landslide displacement prediction technology to avoid and mitigate landslide disasters. A landslide displacement prediction method based on a chaotic Gaussian mutation sparrow search algorithm-optimised BP neural network (CG-SSA-BP) is proposed to address the problems of the traditional sparrow search algorithm (SSA)-optimised BP (SSA-BP) neural network; it tends to fall into local optima, and it has slow convergence and a low prediction accuracy for landslide displacement prediction. This paper takes the Baishui River landslide in the Three Gorges reservoir area as the research object, and the double exponential smoothing (DES) method is used to decompose the landslide displacement into a trend term and a periodic term to solve the nonlinear landslide system problem. The results show that the prediction model based on CG-SSA-BP has a better prediction accuracy and better stability compared with the model based on SSA-BP. Full article
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19 pages, 4294 KiB  
Article
An Authenticated Group Shared Key Mechanism Based on a Combiner for Hash Functions over the Industrial Internet of Things
by Waleed Ali and Adel Ali Ahmed
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1558; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051558 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1597
Abstract
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) provides internet connectivity for instruments, digital machines, and any other manufactured object to enable intelligent industrial operations to achieve high productivity. Securing communications between IIoT devices remains a critical and challenging issue due to the resource-constrained and [...] Read more.
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) provides internet connectivity for instruments, digital machines, and any other manufactured object to enable intelligent industrial operations to achieve high productivity. Securing communications between IIoT devices remains a critical and challenging issue due to the resource-constrained and processing capabilities of sensing devices. Moreover, the traditional group shared key might implement complex mathematical operations that are not suitable for the limited recourse capability of the IIoT device. Furthermore, the standard Diffie–Hellman (DH) and elliptic curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH), which are the most suited for tiny devices, only work between a pair of IIoT devices, while they are not designed to work among a group of IIoT devices. This paper proposes an authenticated group shared key (AGSK) mechanism that allows a set of industrial objects to establish a common session key over the IIoT. The proposed AGSK utilizes the combiner for the hash function and digital signature, which is implemented in IIoT devices. Additionally, the random oracle model has been used to prove the security of AGSK, while the IIoT adversary model has been used to analyze the AGSK countermeasures against cyberattacks. The results of the performance evaluation showed that the efficiency of the AGSK was reduced by 41.3% for CPU computation time, 45.7% for storage cost, and 40% less power consumption compared to the baseline group key management algorithms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Process Control and Monitoring)
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11 pages, 634 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Effect of Molasses Concentration, pH, and Time on Chromium Removal by Trichoderma spp. from the Effluents of a Peruvian Tannery
by Fabricio A. Tello-Galarreta, Juan H. Durand-Paz, Walter Rojas-Villacorta, Luis Cabanillas-Chirinos, Magaly De La Cruz-Noriega, Renny Nazario-Naveda, Santiago M. Benites and Segundo Rojas-Flores
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1557; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051557 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1555
Abstract
The effluents generated by the tannery industry have a high content of chromium and other toxic elements, representing a potential threat to ecosystems. An eco-friendly alternative to treat these effluents is the use of microorganisms, such as fungi, with the capacity to biosorb [...] Read more.
The effluents generated by the tannery industry have a high content of chromium and other toxic elements, representing a potential threat to ecosystems. An eco-friendly alternative to treat these effluents is the use of microorganisms, such as fungi, with the capacity to biosorb heavy metals. The present work aims to determine the effect of the molasses concentration, pH variation, and time on the removal of total chromium using the filamentous fungus Trichoderma spp. An experimental design was adopted using pH (4 and 6), concentrations of molasses (0.5 and 1%), and time (8 and 12 days) as independent variables. The Trichoderma inoculum was constant in all the treatments. The different treatments were evaluated after 0, 8, and 12 days by taking 50 mL of sample from each bioreactor. The chromium concentration was subsequently determined in each sample. The results show that treatment 3 (1% molasses and pH 4) showed higher chromium removal after both 8 and 12 days. The concentrations of total chromium decreased from 665 mg/mL to values of 568 mg/mL by day 8 and 486 mg/mL by day 12. These values are, however, still above the maximum threshold imposed by Peruvian law regarding the discharge of non-domestic effluents into the sewage system. The results show that Trichoderma spp. can increasingly remove chromium from the effluent with longer incubation periods. However, future studies are necessary to determine the mechanisms of chromium biosorption by the fungus and the influence of other physicochemical parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control, Removal and Optimization of Environmental Contaminants)
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12 pages, 1602 KiB  
Article
Rapeseed Meal Waste Biomass as a Single-Cell Protein Substrate for Nutritionally-Enhanced Feed Components
by Dawid Dygas, Wiktoria Liszkowska, Aleksandra Steglińska, Michael Sulyok, Dorota Kręgiel and Joanna Berłowska
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051556 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2470
Abstract
Rapeseed meal (RM) is produced in large quantities as a byproduct of oil extraction from rapeseeds. However, the efficient utilization of RM as animal feed is limited by its low metabolizable energy, poor palatability, and high levels of fiber and anti-nutritional components. Here, [...] Read more.
Rapeseed meal (RM) is produced in large quantities as a byproduct of oil extraction from rapeseeds. However, the efficient utilization of RM as animal feed is limited by its low metabolizable energy, poor palatability, and high levels of fiber and anti-nutritional components. Here, we investigate the potential of enriching RM with single-cell protein through fermentation with conventional and unconventional yeasts. The process of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation improved the parameters of the waste biomass, especially the protein content, while reducing the amount of crude fiber and enhancing the biotransformation of isoflavone compounds present in the waste. Fermentation yielded the highest protein gain for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ethanol Red strain (ΔN = 2.38%) at a biomass load of 12.5 g and for Scheffersomyces stipitis (ΔN = 2.34%) at an enzyme dose of 0.125 mL/10 g DM. The crude fiber content (CF) was reduced by 2.55–7.18%. The simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process resulted in the conversion of isoflavones to forms with fewer adverse effects and a lower estrogenic activity. The results show the potential of using RM as a substrate for making a nutritionally improved feed components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Materials: Conversion Routes and Modern Applications)
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17 pages, 1547 KiB  
Article
Exploring Relationships among Crude Oil, Bitcoin, and Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Quantile Mediation Analysis
by Tzu-Kuang Hsu, Wan-Chu Lien and Yao-Hsien Lee
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051555 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2589
Abstract
Crude oil, Bitcoin, and carbon dioxide emissions are major issues that are significantly impacting the global economy and environment. These three issues are complexly interlinked, with profound economic and environmental implications. In this study, we explore the correlation among these three issues and [...] Read more.
Crude oil, Bitcoin, and carbon dioxide emissions are major issues that are significantly impacting the global economy and environment. These three issues are complexly interlinked, with profound economic and environmental implications. In this study, we explore the correlation among these three issues and attempt to understand the influence of crude oil and Bitcoin on carbon dioxide emissions. We created a novel approach, named quantile mediation analysis, which blends mediation regression with quantile regression, enabling us to explore the influence of Brent crude oil on carbon dioxide emissions by considering the mediating impact of Bitcoin. According to the findings from using our new approach, the impact of Brent crude oil on carbon dioxide emissions is partly mediated by Bitcoin, and the association between Brent crude oil and carbon dioxide emissions involves both direct and indirect effects. Since the carbon dioxide generated by the extraction of crude oil and Bitcoin has a great impact on the environment, accelerating the use of clean energy technologies to reduce our reliance on crude oil should be the direction that the cryptocurrency industry ought to pursue in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
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