EFFECT OF LOADING WITH AIM OIL AEROSOL ON THE COLLECTION EFFICIENCY OF AN ELECTRET FILTER

ABSTRACT

Loading of an electret filter changes the distribution of electrical field in the filter from its preloading condition, and, therefore, affects the filtration efficiency of the filter. Liquid droplets collected on electret filters cause degradation of the electrostatic enhancement of filtration efficiency because of charge neutralization and the formation of a dielectric coating over die charged fibers. In this study, calculations were made for the penetration of aerosol particles through a spun-type electret filter as a function of the particulate loading. An assumption was made that each charge collected neutralized one charge of opposite polarity on the fibers of the filter. It was also assumed that the electrostatic charges present on the particles followed the Boltzmann equilibrium charge distribution. The decrease in fiber charge and resulting increase in penetration were calculated as a function of time and of total particulate loading on the filter. The calculated penetrations were compared with experimental measurements of loading on a spun fiber electret filter challenged with monodisperse liquid droplets of bis-Ethylhexyl Sebacate with equilibrium charge distribution and with zero charge. The rate at which the penetration increased was found to be the same for particles with zero charge as for particles with equilibrium charge distribution. For 1 um diameter droplets with equilibrium charge the theory predicted complete discharge of the filter at a loading of around 200 g/m². Experimentally, only about 0.3 g/m² was required. This difference indicates the presence of additional mechanisms for the discharge of the fibers.     

Resource settings have a major influence on the outcome of maintenance hemodialysis patients in South India

Chronic kidney disease is reaching epidemic proportions and the number of patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) is increasing worldwide and also in developing countries. To meet the challenge of providing RRT, a few charity organizations provide hemodialysis units for underprivileged patients, as the private hospitals are unaffordable for the majority. There is a paucity of information on the outcome of dialysis in these patients. Here, we describe the outcome of hemodialysis patients comparing the middle‐ and upper‐class income group with the lower class income group. A retrospective analysis was carried out in 558 CKD patients initiated on maintenance hemodialysis in two different dialysis facilities. Group A (n=247) included those who belonged to the lowermost socioeconomic status and were undergoing dialysis in two nonprofit, charity (TANKER)‐run dialysis units, and Group B (n=311) was undergoing dialysis in a nonprofit hospital setting where no subsidy was given. Those patients of a low socioeconomic status, especially those who are diabetics, have a higher death rate (Group A‐38.1%, Group B‐4.2%) and loss to follow‐up (Group A‐25.9%, Group B‐0.3%) compared with those who are in the middle‐ and high‐income group. Higher EPO use and hence higher hemoglobin levels (Group A‐6.4±1.2, Group B‐8.9±1.5 P<0.001) were observed in those who were in the middle and the higher income group. Lower serum phosphorus level was observed in the low‐socioeconomic group (Group A‐4.7±1.5, Group B‐5.5±1.9, P<0.001). Patients belonging to the middle and higher socioeconomic group undergo more transplantations compared with the lower socioeconomic group (Group A‐2.4%, Group B‐65.6%).     

Use of Landsat imagery for mapping soil and land resources for development planning in parts of Northern Karnataka,India†

Abstract

A soil and land resources map of an area in Northern Karnataka, India, has been prepared using false colour composite of Landsat imagery, supplemented by field investigations on 1:250000 scale. The soil and land resources map thus prepared formed the basis for preparing thematic maps such as land capability, land irrigability and suggested land use. Areas suitable for agriculture, horticulture, forestry, pasture and other uses are highlighted in the suggested land use map. This information could well be used by planners and administrators for effecting developmental plans connected with agriculture on scientific lines at regional or state level.     

Application of thematic mapper short wavelength infrared data for the detection and monitoring of high temperature related geoenvironmental features

Abstract

The short wavelength infrared region (0·7-3·0μm) has manifold applications in the detection and monitoring of geoenvironmental features, such as coal mine fire, oil well fire, active volcanoes, industrial hot spots, etc. These features are essentially characterized by high temperatures and often release aerosols and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In the present article, an attempt has been made to study the applications of Thematic Mapper (TM) Short Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) bands (4, 5 and 7) data for the detection and monitoring of these high temperature related geoenvironmental features. The rationale of using the SWIR data for temperature related studies is also discussed in brief. The pixel-integrated and sub-pixel temperatures have been calculated using the TM SWIR bands data for an active volcano (Barren Island volcano), coal mine fire (Jharia Coal Field) and industrial hot spots (Bokaro Steel Plant).     

VARIABLE KINEMATIC MODELLING OF LAMINATED COMPOSITE PLATES

A displacement-based variable kinematic global–local finite element model is developed using hierarchical, multiple assumed displacement fields at two different levels: (1) at the element level, and (2) at the mesh level. The displacement field hierarchy contains both a conventional plate expansion (2-D) and a full layerwise (3-D) expansion. Depending on the accuracy desired, the variable kinematic element can use various terms from the composite displacement field, thus creating a hierarchy of different elements having a wide range of kinematic complexity and representing a number of different mathematical models. The VKFE is then combined with the mesh superposition technique to further increase the computational efficiency and robustness of the computational algorithm. These models are used to analyse a number of laminated composite plate problems that contain localized subregions where significant 3-D stress fields exist (e.g. free-edge effects).     

Dilatometric Sintering of Ti-2Al and Ti-5Al Elemental Powders

The effect of Al addition （2 and 5 at. pct） on sintering kinetics of Ti power were investigated. Al reduces the sintering rates, sinter density, increases activation energy of sintering and accelerates the grain growth. Sintering was controlled by mixed mode, i.e. transient liquid phase sintering, formation of intermetallics, and Ti grain boundary diffusion in TiAl2 and other intermetallics.     

INFLUENCE OF ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOUND(S) EXTRACTED FROM MILK FERMENTED BY STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILUS ON KEEPING QUALITY OF MEAT AND MILK

The potential of a methanol-acetone (M-A) extract prepared from milk fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus in extending the shelf-life of meat and milk was investigated. In experiment I, increasing amounts (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 ml) of M-A extract with or without ascorbic acid were added to 20 g aliquots of ground beef subsequently stored at 5–7° C for 0, 3 and 6 days. Total and gramnegative bacterial counts and pH in ground beef treated with M-A extract were significantly (P<0.01) less than the corresponding values in control beef on days 3 and 6 for all dose levels tested with significant (P<0.01). In experiment II, rib-eye steaks were sprayed with H₂O or 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 ml of M-A extract and stored at 5–7° C for 0, 3 and 6 days. The total and gram-negative bacterial counts on the surface of steaks sprayed with M-A extract were significantly (P<0.01) lower than the counts in control steaks. Also, in experiment III, inhibition of bacterial growth by M-A extract was significant (P<0.01 or 0.05) both in milk stored at either room temperature or 5–7° C. M-A extract inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens inoculated into milk.