Production of hydrogen by thermal methane splitting in a nozzle-type laboratory-scale solar reactor

A high-temperature solar reactor has been developed for co-producing hydrogen-rich gas and high-grade carbon black (CB) from concentrated solar energy and methane. The approach is based on a single-step thermal decomposition (pyrolysis) of methane without catalysts and without emitting carbon dioxide since solid carbon is sequestered.In the tested reactor, a graphite nozzle absorbs concentrated solar radiation provided by a solar furnace. The heat is then transferred to the reactive flow. The experimental setup, first test results, and effect of operating conditions are described in this paper.The conversion of methane was strongly dependant on the solar furnace power input, on the geometry of the graphite nozzle, on gas flow rates, and on the ratio of inert gas-to-reactive gas. CB was recovered in the carbon trap, and maximum chemical conversion of methane-to-hydrogen and CB was 95%, but typical conversion was in the range 30–90%.     

Effect of Magnetic Interaction on Thermally Activated Reversal in a Magnet With a Distribution of Energy Barriers

The time dependence of magnetization is usually expressed as M(t)=M₀-SInt [see Proc. Phys. Soc. 62, 562 (1949)] for magnetic viscosity experiments. Considering magnetic interaction during the thermal activation process, a form as M(t)=M₀-SIn(t+t₀) is deduced. The dipolar interaction and exchange coupling in a magnet can lead to positive and nonpositive t₀, respectively. In the experiments of the magnetic viscosity for nanocrystalline Pr₂Fe₁₄B ribbons, the existence of positive t₀ is confirmed.     

Optimization of annealing cycle parameters of dual phase and interstitial free steels by multiobjective genetic algorithms

Data-driven models have been constructed for Dual Phase (DP) and Interstitials Free (IF) steels using an evolutionary approach. DP steel data are utilized from an existing database, while for the IF steels, data generated at an integrated steel plant have been used. The objective function for Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and % elongation, created as data-driven models, is simultaneously optimized for an optimum strength-ductility balance and the results indicate the possibilities of developing steels with better mechanical properties than what are known to have been existing so far.     

Effect of CeO2 on the microstructure and wear behavior of thermal spray welded NiCrWRE coatings

NiCrWRE alloy coatings with the addition of CeO₂ were produced on a medium-carbon steel substrate by thermal spray welding. The bonding strength of the coatings was measured by tensile testing and reached 300–350 MPa. The wear behavior of the coatings was investigated under dry sliding wear conditions, and was compared with that of NiCrW coatings produced without the addition of CeO₂. The results show that the hardness and wear resistance of the thermal spray welded coatings are significantly increased with the addition of CeO₂. Analysis of the worn surfaces revealed that the coatings with CeO₂ addition show improved abrasive wear resistance over the coatings without CeO₂.     

Effect of Temperature and Strain Rate on Dynamic Properties of Low Silicon TRIP Steel

The dynamic tensile test of 0.11C-0.62Si-1.65Mn TRIP steel was carried out at different strain rates and test temperatures. The results show that both temperature and strain rate affect the retained austenite transformation. At high strain rates, the uniform elongation decreases, whereas the total elongation and energy absorption increase. The tensile strength is less strain rate sensitive. With raising test temperature, the tensile strength is reduced and the mechanical properties generally deteriorate, especially at 110℃,However, excellent mechanical properties were obtained at 50℃ and 75℃.     

Processing of chromite ultra-fines in a water only cyclone

In the present investigation, an attempt is made to examine the interdependencies among the operating parameters and their interactional effect on the separation performance of a water-only cyclone for treating ferruginous chromite fines. Statistically designed experiments are carried out, and empirical models are developed for the critical response parameters, i,e., yield(%) to underflow, grade(%Cr_2O_3 and%SiO_2)and Cr:Fe ratio of the underflow stream. Further, using these empirical models, operating regime of the process parameters is optimized to obtain the peak performance of water-only cyclone. Also, efforts are made to validate the prediction models with the experimental results.     

Novel organic–inorganic hybrid coatings prepared by the sol–gel process: corrosion and mechanical properties

(Hyperbranched polyurethane‐urea)/[(3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane]‐ZnO (HBPUU‐APTES‐ZnO) hybrid coatings were synthesized using an inexpensive mixing technique by varying the APTES‐modified ZnO concentration. The mechanical and surface properties of the hybrid coating films were studied and compared with unmodified and modified ZnO. The corrosion, solvent and abrasion resistance show significant enhancement in HBPUU‐APTES‐ZnO hybrids and their properties are increased with increasing APTES‐ZnO concentration. This hybrid coating has opened up an opportunity for automotive topcoat application. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Quantifying particle pick up at a pendant bubble: A study of non-hydrophobic particle–bubble interaction

To study bubble interaction with non-hydrophobic particles an imaging technique has been developed to quantify particle pick up at a pendant bubble by measuring the bubble–particle attachment angle (BPA) made by the particle bed on the bubble. The technique was verified by correlating pick up mass against BPA. Pick up of alumina was shown to correlate with difference in alumina and bubble zeta potential supporting an electrostatic model of interaction with non-hydrophobic particles. Pick up also correlated with contact angle (Washburn method) indicating the electrostatic force is sufficient to establish a solid–air interface.