Effect of nano-fluid on reducing the smoke emissions from diesel engine

Abstract

This study examines the effect of concentration and flow-rate of CeO₂ nano-fluid to reduce smoke emissions from a diesel engine. Taguchi-Grey relational-based multi-response optimization method was employed for test-plan. Results revealed that nano-fluid flow-rate and its concentration have a positive impact on smoke emissions reduction in a diesel engine. It is confirmed that the results obtained in the experimentations are in line with the calculated values obtained Taguchi technique. The usage of nano-fluid in the tailpipe is an effective way of reducing Smoke emissions from a diesel engine.     

Fractionation of anhydrous milk fat by short-path distillation

Anhydrous milk fat was fractionated by short-path distillation into four fractions at temperatures of 245 and 265 C and pressures of 220 and 100 μm Hg. Two fractions (LF1 and LF2) were liquid, one fraction (IF) was semi-solid and one fraction (SF) was solid at room temperature. The fractions were characterized by melting temperature profile, solid fat index and triglyceride and fatty acid compositions. The peak melting temperature progressively increased (8.8 to 38.7 C) from liquid to solid fractions. The solid fat content ranged from 0 to 27.5% at 20 C, while native milk fat was 15.4%. The short chain (C24–C34) triglycerides were enriched in the LF1 fraction, long chain (C42–C54) triglycerides were concentrated in the SF fraction, and medium chain (C36–C40) triglycerides in the IF fraction; in the LF2 fraction, though, both short and medium chain triglycerides were enriched. Short chain (C4–C8) fatty acids gradually decreased from liquid to solid fractions and the trend was reverse for long chain (C14–C18) fatty acids, both saturated and unsaturated. The weight average molecular weights and geometric mean-carbon number of milk fat fractions were in the range of 590.7–782.8 and 31.9–46.3, respectively, compared to 729.3 and 41.0, respectively, for native milk fat, suggesting short-path distillation effects a very high degree of molecular weight separation.     

Investigating the Effect of WC on the Hardness and Wear Behaviour of Surface Modified AA 6063

The objective of this work is to reinforce Tungsten Carbide (WC) onto the surface of AA 6063 aluminium alloy using Gas Tungsten Arc (GTA) as heat source and investigate the hardness and wear properties. Based on number of trials, optimum GTA heat source parameters are finalized with reference to the proper fusion of base metal. It is found that the hardness is reduced after the application of heat. After the reinforcement of WC, the hardness returns back to the base metal value. In order to further to improve the properties, the reinforced alloy is heat Treated. The Microhardness of the reinforced and aged AA 6063 is increased by 50% with respect to base metal. The wear resistance of the reinforced surface is improved by 52% with respect to base metal. Characterization techniques like SEM, EDX and XRD are done and the presence of WC is confirmed.     

Nephroprotective role of nanoencapsulated Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) using polylactic acid nanoparticles in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic nephropathy rats

Currently, the field of nanomedicine, which uses active compounds from medicinal plants, has emerged as a therapy for diabetic nephropathy. From this study, the renoprotective effect of TC‐loaded PLA Nanoparticles (TC‐PLA NPs) on streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic nephropathy rats was investigated. The results showed that the nephroprotective effect of TC‐PLA NPs reduces the blood glucose level, regulates the renal parameters, decreases the cytokine levels and reduces the mRNA expressions level of different genes related to diabetic nephropathy.     

Investigation of the quasi-ternary system LaMnO3–LaCoO3–“LaCuO3”. II: The series LaMn0.25?xCo0.75?xCu2xO3?δ and LaMn0.75?xCo0.25?xCu2xO3?δ

This paper investigates the crystal structure, thermal expansion, and electrical conductivity of two series of perovskites (LaMn_0.25−x Co_0.75−x Cu_2x O_3−δ and LaMn_0.75−x Co_0.25−x Cu_2x O_3−δ with x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, and 0.25) in the quasi-ternary system LaMnO₃–LaCoO₃–“LaCuO₃”. The Mn/Co ratio was found to have a stronger influence on these properties than the Cu content. In comparison to the Co-rich series (LaMn_0.25−x Co_0.75−x Cu_2x O_3−δ), the Mn-rich series (LaMn_0.75−x Co_0.25−x Cu_2x O_3−δ) showed a much higher Cu solubility. All compositions in this series were single-phase materials after calcination at 1100 °C. The Co-rich series showed higher thermal expansion coefficients (α_max = 19.6 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹) and electrical conductivity (σ_max = 730 S/cm at 800 °C) than the Mn-rich series (α_max = 10.6 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹, σ_max = 94 S/cm at 800 °C). Irregularities in the thermal expansion curves indicated phase transitions at 150–350 °C for the Mn-rich series, while partial melting occurred at 980–1000 °C for the Co-rich series with x > 0.15. I. Arul Raj—on leave from Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, 630006 India.     

Kernel fatty acid and triacylglycerol composition for three almond cultivars during maturation

The kernel oil content, kernel FA and TAG composition, kernel moisture content, and kernel weight as well as fruit weight of three almond cultivars (Achaak, Mazetto, and Perlees) were monitored during the maturation of kernels. Lipid fractions of all almond samples were extracted using a mixture of chloroform and methanol. FAMF and TAG contained in these fractions were analyzed by GC and HPLC, respectively. The ratio of kernel to fruit weight appears to be a good indicator of almond kernel development. The total lipid content of developing almond kernels exhibited a sigmoidal pattern with time, similar to seeds and kernels of other higher plants; the cultivar Achaak showed a higher rate of lipid accumulation. The proportion of eleic acid (0) dominated at the later stage of maturation for all three almond cultivars. Although there was no significant difference in the FA composition for the three cultivars studied, marked differences were observed in their TAG profiles. Ten TAG species identified were LLL, LLO, LnOO, LOO, LOP, PLP, OOO, POO, POP, and SOO, where L represents linoleic acid; Ln, linolenic acid; P, palmitic acid; and S, stearic acid. The difference in the TAG profile can be useful for distinguishing various cultivars. The oil of Mazetto cultivar kernes exhibited a TAG composition comparable to that of olive oil.     

Hydrogenation of Vegetable Oils with Minimum trans and Saturated Fatty Acid Formation Over a New Generation of Pd-catalyst

Hydrogenation of sunflower and canola oils over a novel Pd-supported catalyst (pore size of 6.8 nm and BET specific surface area of 837 m²/g) was investigated and compared to commercial nickel catalyst. The formulated catalyst with Pd-loading of 1 wt%, supported on structured silica material was active and selective for the hydrogenation of sunflower and canola oils under mild process conditions. For both oils, the novel Pd supported catalyst exhibited a better selectivity than commercial Ni catalyst at a similar activity with a lower metal loading. For the same iodine value (IV) reduction, the Pd-catalyst produced less saturated fatty acids (SFA) and about the same level of trans fatty acids (TFA), but was more selective towards cis monoenes formation than Ni-catalyst. More importantly, this catalyst produced a reduced level of stearic acid, which at increased levels causes waxy mouth feel of the hydrogenated fat.     

Composite controller for a hybrid power plant based on PV array fed wind-driven induction generator with battery storage

Hybrid autonomous power plants based on wind-driven induction generators excited by a photovoltaic (PV) array has been recently found to be a reliable power source for remote locations. In such schemes, a composite controller for both maximum power point tracking and voltage control has not been attempted so far. Hence a dc–dc converter with a dual control strategy of peak power tracking when the battery is connected and in voltage control mode in the absence of the battery is proposed in this paper. The development of such a controller is also presented. A d–q axes model of the proposed scheme is given and the results of the simulation of the entire scheme are also presented. The battery charging and discharging regimes have been distinctly identified for variations in irradiations and shaft-torque conditions. Close proximity between the calculated peak power for different irradiations and the peak power observed from the simulated results brings out the significance of the proposed controller. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Flexible electrospun PVDF/WO3 nanocomposite fibers for piezoelectric energy harvesting applications

The emerging field of energy harvesting depends on the electrically conductive materials that are highly flexible and deformable. The morphological, structural, thermal, mechanical, and piezoelectric output studies of electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and PVDF/WO₃ nanorods composite nanofibers were investigated for the piezoelectric energy harvesting applications. There is a significant enhancement in the piezoelectric β phase after the addition of the WO₃ nanorods into the PVDF. The elemental composition of the PVDF/WO₃ nanorods composite nanofibers is confirmed by the W, O, F, and C elements. The thermal stability of the WO₃ nanorods added composite nanofibers was increased up to 30°C in reference to TGA responses. Based on the mechanical test, the maximum tensile strength and modulus of elasticity were enhanced around by 220 and 246% for the WO₃-integrated PVDF nanofibers. Furthermore, the piezoelectric coefficient of 18.98 pC/N is achieved for the composite PVDF nanofibers which are mainly due to the improvement of the electroactive β phase. The piezoelectric energy harvesting responses were found an output voltage of 2.1 V based on the microstrain set-up. Thus, these WO₃ nanorods incorporated PVDF nanofibers keep the great potential for the piezoelectric energy harvesting, wearable electronics and biomedical applications.