DRYING OF GRANULAR PARTICLES IN A MULTISTAGE INCLINED FLUIDIZED BED WITH MECHANICAL VIBRATION

A mathematical model for the drying rate of granular particles in a multistage inclined fluidized bed(IFB) is presented from the standpoint of simultaneous heat and mass transfer, with taking the effect of mechanical vibration added vertically into consideration.

Steady-state distributions for the temperatures and concentrations of the particles and the heating gas, and for the moisture content of the particles are numerically calculated based on the present model. The calculated results show fairly good agreement with the experimental data, which were obtained from the drying experiments of brick particles in a three-stage IFB using comparatively low temperature air(40-60°C) as the heating gas.

It has been found within the range of the experimental conditions employed that, the mechanical vibration added vertically enhances the over-all drying rate of the particles and its effect can be considered equivalent to an increase in the air velocity.     

Effect of nitrogen ion implantation on impact wear

The effect of nitrogen ion implantation on the impact wear of several metals and alloys with different hardnesses was studied. An impact testing machine was built for this study. In this machine, bullet-shaped projectiles are bounced against a metal surface which is either stationary or rotating. Wear was determined by weight loss measurements. Scanning electron microscopy pictures were taken to study the surface damage. It was found that nitrogen ion implantation improved the impact wear of most of the materials studied. With sliding motion added during the impact, nitrogen ion implantation has little effect.     

Frequency response algorithms for H∞optimization with time domain constraints

A very broad framework for control system design is considered that encompasses frequency-response methodologies for H_∞ optimization that solve various aspects of the control design problem and that are less well known that state-space methods. The focus is on linear programming, Lawson's algorithm, and Trefethen's algorithm. A modified Lawson's algorithm is proposed and related to Trefethan's method. The modified algorithm is shown to be significantly faster than linear programming and Lawson's algorithm. It is also shown how to extend the modified Lawson's algorithm so as to handle time-domain constraints in addition to frequency-domain specifications, which distinguishes it from other H_∞ optimization methods. Some steps are taken toward dealing with time domain constraints within an H_∞ optimization framework     

On liquid motion in a circular cylinder with horizontal axis

Summary The flow pattern of the slosh motion of a homogeneous, nonviscous (inviscid) and incompressible fluid with a free surface, contained in a rigid circular canal, has been dealt with analytically and experimentally. The axis of the canal is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Considered are transverse (lateral to axis) oscillations of the liquid. The shape of the free liquid surface is determined numerically by means of a simple procedure. Theoretically calculated streamlines (path lines) are found to be in good qualitative agreement with experimentally observed trajectories of small spheres, made of plastic material and immersed in the liquid. The plastic particles and the liquid (water with a solution of salt added) have the same density.     

Kinetics of intermetallic compound growth between nickel,electroless, Ni-P,electroless Ni-B and tin at 453 to 493 K

The growth kinetics, crystal structure, and morphology of the intermetallic compounds formed between nickel, electroless Ni-P and electroless Ni-B coatings with tin at 453 to 493 K for times up to 506 h have been determined by microscopical and X-ray diffraction techniques. The compound Ni₃Sn₄ was formed. All kinetics followed as parabolic law with activation energies of 128.0, 130.4, and 122.3 kJ mol^–1 for the Ni/Sn, Ni-P/Sn and Ni-B/Sn systems, respectively. The rate of growth of Ni₃Sn₄ in the Ni/Sn and Ni-P/Sn systems were similar but the rate of growth in the Ni-B/Sn system was five times faster. Pores occurred in the intermetallic compound formed in the Ni-P/Sn system and these are discussed in relation to the density of the phases.     

Fuzzy financial decision-making: load management programs case study

This paper derives two fuzzy financial profitability models, namely, a least cost solution model and a cost-benefit analysis model, to evaluate the fuzzy financial profitability of load management alternatives. A straightforward vertex parameters' fuzzy mathematics operation using the function principle is derived as an alternative to the traditional extension principle and is applied to evaluate a number of different financial decision indexes. Compared to the extension principle, the function principle is simple to implement and is conceptually straightforward. The geometric moments of the fuzzy financial indexes are established in order to determine their relative ranking as part of a decision-making process. The performances of the proposed fuzzy financial models are verified by considering their application to two practical load management programs in Taiwan, namely, a cooling energy storage air conditioner and a cogeneration project. These investigations not only confirm that the results of the fuzzy financial models are consistent with those of the conventional crisp models but also demonstrate that the proposed models are more flexible, intelligent, and computationally efficient compared to the extension principle fuzzy mathematics approach. The developed models represent readily implemented possibility analysis tools for use in the arena of uncertain financial decision-making.     

Response to Zenz and Altiner

Ordered mixes were produced using a fructose-based excipient as a coarse carrier component and fine-particle pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B₆) as the adherent component. Prior to mixing, the fructose agglomerates were conditioned for 48 h at either 0% RH or 55% RH at 20 °C. Under these conditions, one lot of fructose had a moisture content of 0.24 wt.% and the other lot had a moisture content of 0.74 wt.%. Following mixing, the powders were subjected to vibration at various frequencies in the range 25 to 200 Hz and accelerations in the range 9.81 to 39.24 m/s². It was found that whilst ordered mixes produced using fructose at 0.24 wt.% moisture content were unstable, those produced using 0.74 wt.% moisture content fructose were extremely stable and segregation resistant.The formation of ordered units with increased adhesion in carriers with higher moisture content suggested that these ordered mixes could be considered as spontaneous granulations.