New materials for aerospace industry

Abstract

Two responses to the challenge of developing superior structural materials for the aerospace industry, Weldalite Al–Li alloys and XD technology, are briefly described.

MST/1319     

The dynamic characteristics of taper seals

Abstract

The dynamic characteristics of taper seal has been investigated. The approach is similar to Black's analysis; the stiffness and damping coefficients are derived. The results showed that the taper seals presented more stable characteristics comparing with plain seals. The practical application of this theory is increasingly used in industry.     

Preformulation of five Commercial Celluloses in drug Development: Rheological and Mechanical Behaviour

Abstract

The physical quality of pharmaceutical powders is one of the main element in quality assurance.

A particular attention must be paid to physical and physico-mechanical properties of materials in order to avoid difficulties due to the variability of physical properties, batch to batch, in industry.

Physical characterization, packing characteristics and tableting behaviour applied to five celluloses are studied.

The Authors insist on the importance of packing properties and on his influence on compacting behaviour.     

Theoretical and empirical approaches to quantitatively valuing research

Abstract

This article provides historical narratives describing approaches to studying, managing, and quantitatively valuing research; methods used by industry, particularly the pharmaceutical industry and approaches taken by economists, including government economists using the Leontief Input–Output framework. The article documents the persistent belief that research expenditures generate future economic value along with the equally persistent frustrations of attempting to measure such value, particularly for basic research. The article then discusses the results of applying the Leontief method to Association of University Technology Manager (AUTM) data. Strengths and weaknesses of these approaches are noted. Additional studies and calls for data capture are suggested and the potential benefits of such efforts are described.     

Technology Strategy in a Changing Aerospace/Defense Environment

ABSTRACT

This article addresses the changing nature of the business conducted in the aerospace/defense industry. The challenges of efficiently using technology and balancing technological advances with cost-competitiveness are discussed in relation to recent global political and cultural events. The need for a workable technology planning approach is discussed along with specific activities that aerospace defense firms can take in developing their new approach to conducting business.     

A Roadmap for Quality and Productivity Management and Improvement

ABSTRACT

Individuals in industry, government, and academia participated in a six-year, five-phase study to research best practices in the area of quality and productivity management. This article documents the research team's major findings and conclusions. The target industry studied was Aerospace & Defense (A&D), but along the way the research team discovered that excellent A&D organizations are excellent organizations in general. Competitive and performance challenges, a vision of the future, improvement planning and the resulting improvements, measurements, and excellence were found to define the process of continuous organizational performance improvement.     

Composites in automotive applications–state of the art and prospects

Abstract

Increasing awareness of the potential of advanced composites for primary load bearing components and chassis parts in vehicle construction has led engineers worldwide to various projects, such as the Ford carbon car, the Auto 2000 programmes (Volkswagen), the Polimotor composite engine, etc., some of which are highlighted in this overview, including design and prototype manufacturing methods and test results. The obstacles to more widespread use of advanced composites in the automotive industry are discussed and the potential for exploiting their unique properties and possible directions for future research are indicated.

MST/784     

Solubility advantage of sulfanilamide and sulfacetamide in natural deep eutectic systems: experimental and theoretical investigations

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as solvation media for enhancement of solubility of sulfonamides, as well as gaining some thermodynamic characteristics of the analyzed systems.

Significance: Low solubility of many active pharmaceutical ingredients is a well-recognized difficulty in pharmaceutical industry, hence the need for different strategies addressing this problem. Among such strategies, those that are environmentally and economically beneficial are of particular interest.

Methods: The solubility of sulfanilamide and sulfacetamide in 21 different NADES compositions comprising choline chloride with sugars or sugar alcohols was measured spectrophotometrically. Thermodynamic parameters describing the studied systems were determined using the COSMO-RS computational protocol.

Results: All of the considered NADES compositions gave an increase in solubility of the studied sulfonamides, with the highest solubilities obtained for the system comprising choline chloride and glycerol in unimolar proportions, which gave a solubility advantage of 83.7 and 73.8 for sulfanilamide and sulfacetamide, respectively. Theoretical studies indicated that the dissolution of both considered sulfonamides has a low endothermic character, with the lowest enthalpy values obtained for the most optimal, i.e. unimolar, proportions. The non-monotonous trend of enthalpy of dissolution was also discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions.

Conclusions: The obtained results show the feasibility of using NADES as solubility enhancers for sulfonamides and encourage for further exploration in this field.     

Comminution Technology Challenges - One View From Industry

ABSTRACT

The technology needs in some industries for improved comminution processes far exceed the capability of the process equipment industry to provide solutions. Such desires as nano-size particle production, narrow particle size control with high yield, environmentally contained and economical processes, and comminution of tough polymers at the micrometer size scale are among these challenges. These needs appear to be developing at a time when there is a deficit in a new generation of supporting comminulion-direcled research at the world's academic institutions. This paper presents one individual view from the chemical industry that relates to technology and process needs and the fundamental technology support required to address those needs.     

Recent Advances in Granulation Technology and Equipment

Abstract

“Granulation” is a very common but unspecific term as used in the pharmaceutical industry. It is used to describe methods of producing granules. A more adequate term for these unit operations is “size enlargement”.     

Raw Materials

Abstract

The goal of materials science in the pharmaceutical industry is to develop specifications which enable product to be manufactured so that lot failure would never take place. At the present time, all raw materials (either active drugs, excipients, or formulated products) are fully characterized as to their chemical characteristics, but insufficient attention has been paid to physical characterization. A wide range of methods are available for physical testing (primarily bulk and particulate properties), and these will be discussed and illustrated     

Introduction to the thematic issue on valuing research: theory,research, policy and practice of return on investment

Abstract

Increasingly, research enterprises in government, academia and industry are tasked with demonstrating the value of their undertakings. From the perspective of finite resources, like time, money and people, this is a reasonable request. Government researchers are duty-bound to demonstrate value to their nations’ citizens, academic researchers are obliged to demonstrate value to their departments, and industry researchers are compelled to demonstrate value to shareholders and stakeholders. Yet, quantifying the “value” of research is a complex undertaking, with subjective advocacy often standing in place of objective analysis. Recent efforts demonstrate that it is possible to develop and apply methods for valuing research. This thematic issue provides a sampling of recent developments in the underlying theory and application of Return on Investment measurement and assessment.     

Contemporary Techniques for Toe Production of Ultra-Pure Water in the Pharmflceutical Industry

Abstract

The paper reviews the latest manufacturing techniques for producing ultra-pure water to meet the standards specified for the pharmaceutical industry.

The various water treatment techniques are considered in terms of their effectiveness in removing the multiplicity of contaminants found in raw water supplies. The concept of a water purification system is developed, and particular stress is placed on synergistic combinations of ion-exchange and membrane processes that produce high-purity water cost-effectively. Also highlighted is the importance of good system design and validation procedures.

Water treatment principles are illustrated by reference to case histories of pharmaceutical installations, including a low-cost, membrane-based system for providing apyrogenic water.     

Prescription for Transitioning Engineers into Managers

ABSTRACT

Technology's increasing importance and complexity have increased the need for managers with a scientific or engineering background. Furthermore, as the number of college-trained entrants into industry has grown, the perceived need for in-company training programs has decreased. Apparently, many feel that these programs are redundant or that the old-time “apprenticeship” approach to management is no longer relevant.

This article describes the resources and time required to transition highly skilled engineers into equally competent managers. Included is a discussion of the roles of education, in-company training, and apprenticeship programs.     

Preparation of polymer-blended quinine nanocomposite particles by spray drying and assessment of their instrumental bitterness-masking effect using a taste sensor

Abstract

Context: The development of taste-masking technologies for foods and drugs is essential because it would enable people to consume and receive healthy and therapeutic effect without distress.

Objective: In the current study, in order to develop a novel method to prepare nanocomposite particles (microparticles containing bitter nanoparticles) in only one step, by using spray drying, a two-solution mixing nozzle-equipped spray dryer that we previously reported was used. The nanocomposite particles with or without poorly water-soluble polymers prepared using our spray-drying technique were characterized.

Methods: (1) The organic solution containing quinine, a model of bitter compound and poorly water-soluble polymers and (2) sugar alcohol (mannitol) aqueous solution were separately flown in tubes and two solutions were spray dried through two-solution type spray nozzle to prepare polymer-blended quinine nanocomposite particles. Mean diameters of nanoparticles, taste-masking effect and dissolution rate of quinine were evaluated.

Results: The results of taste masking by taste sensor suggested that the polymer (Eudragit EPO, Eudragit S100 or Ethyl cellulose)-blended quinine nanocomposite particles exhibited marked masking of instrumental quinine bitterness compared with the quinine nanocomposite particles alone. Quinine nanocomposite formulations altered the quinine dissolution rate, indicating that they can control intestinal absorption of quinine.

Conclusion: These results suggest that polymer-blended quinine composite particles prepared using our spray-drying technique are useful for masking bitter tastes in the field of food and pharmaceutical industry.     

Through thickness residual stresses in large rolls and sleeves for metal working industry

Abstract

There is little experimental knowledge about the initial state of through thickness residual stresses in rolls and sleeves for the steel rolling industry. This is surprising bearing in mind the impact that residual stress has on the performance of the roll and sleeve materials in the highly aggressive loading environments of the metal working industry. Previous work has been confined to measurement of very near surface residual stresses and numerical predictions of residual stress distributions. In the present paper through thickness residual stress measurements were carried out using a deep hole drilling technique on a series of rolls and sleeves representative of those used in the rolling industry. Different features of the manufacturing processes used in their production are shown to influence the magnitude and distribution of the residual stresses. It is also shown that the measurements can be used, together with a finite element analysis, to determine the volumetric distribution of the residual stresses.     

Equipment Selection for the Pharmaceutical Industry

Abstract

The selection process involving equipment for use in the pharmaceutical industry is discussed. A protocol is outlined to assist the evaluator in making the optimum choice for the application. A model is presented which helps the user combine dissimilar evaluation factors in a single framework.     

Overcoming Particle Segregation in the Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Industries

Abstract

Segregation (separation) of particles in mixtures is a common problem in many industries. In the pharmaceutical industry such segregation is often of major concern when handling direct compression formulations prior to pressing tablets or capsules. The result can be unacceptable variations in tablet or capsule weights and/or assays. Similarly in the cosmetics industry, particle segregation can cause severe quality control problems.

Particle segregation can occur by one of five primary mechanisms, three of which are common in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Which mechanism is predominant in a given application depends on the physical properties of the material being handled as well as the type of equipment being used.

Each of the three common mechanisms will be described in detail. Then typical solutions will be presented for both retrofitting existing facilities as well as designing new plants. While it is not always possible to eliminate segregation, it can usually be minimized to the point that significant gains in product quality can be realized.     

Vision-based edge detection between plant column and soil of ningxia lycium barbarum garden

ABSTRACT

The cultivation of Lycium barbarum (L.barbarum) is a highly traditional and advantageous industry in Ningxia, China, and has strong development prospects. At present, the protection, fertilization, picking, and other production aspects of L.barbarum are generally inefficient and labor intensive, presenting a bottleneck that restricts the development of the industry. Developing intelligent production equipment in the form of a ‘general self-moving host platform + operation module’ is an urgent task for the healthy development of the L.barbarum industry. A self-planning, self-organizing, host platform must be able to perform adaptive navigation in complex unstructured environments. For this purpose, a method of edge detection that can distinguish between the plant column and soil is required. Using a color difference model with Otsu’s method for image segmentation, a corrected gradient image based on the marking method is employed to remove small noise regions and then perform edge detection. Experiments demonstrate that one particular color model offers strong adaptability for light and shadow, which is good for distinguishing between the plant column and soil. The proposed method can effectively detect the edges between the plant column and soil, laying the foundation for detecting a suitable path for a self-moving platform and visual navigation.     

Effect of consolidation route on structure and property control in rapidly solidified Al–Cr–Zr–Mn povvder alloy for high temperature service

Abstract

In this paper the authors describe a new rapidly solidified alloy which is capable of meeting the projected requirements of the aerospace industry. Initial studies using splat quenched particulates were carried out on the Al–Cr–Zr system. Microhardness tests indicated that these alloys age–hardened between 350 and 400°C and showed excellent thermal stability. Further alloy development and studies of fabrication behaviour were carried out using air atomized powder. Powders were consolidated by either conventional or hydrostatic extrusion. Microstructural changes during fabrication were identified and correlated with mechanical property data. The alloy can achieve the requirements of the aerospace industry provided microstructural development is controlled during fabrication.

MST/233