Dimensional analysis of performance of a solar-cum-wind aspirator developed at ciae

Air flow through a solar-cum-wind aspirator is induced by both thermal buoyancy and wind effects. A similitude study has been conducted to characterize air flow rates through solar-cum-wind aspirators. A relationship between the air flow rate and height and diameter of the aspirator, wind speed, temperature rise inside the stack, and relevant air properties has been developed on the basis of the experimental data collected under field conditions.     

An interactive simulator for statistical process control

An interactive program has been developed which simulates several representative industrial processes. Specifically, the program generates product quality characteristic values which are concurrently monitored by standard control charting methods. The program requires the user to specify initial process parameter values and subsequent process adjustments; the latter is necessary in the event the process is deemed to be “out-of-control”. The effectiveness of these decisions are measured by economic criteria. The use of the software promotes a “hands-on” approach, which will better prepare the students to achieve quality improvements in an industrial environment through systematic and scientific evaluation.     

Ion track-based electronic elements

In the past years, fundaments were set for a new type of electronics which is based on tracks in insulators formed by individual or multiple swift heavy ions. Due to the possibility of inserting any (semi)conducting material into these tracks, various active and passive electronic devices can be created. Among them are also transistor-like and Esaki diode-like elements. As many of these structures have sensing properties and the capability to undergo logic decisions, autonomous intelligent sensors appear to be a favourite field for future application. The use of liquid conductors may even expand the range of applicability towards medical implants.     

Electrical Conductivity Studies of AgCl:KCl (RbCl, CsCl) Composites and a Novel Method of Obtaining Highly Porous Materials

Two phase systems consisting of AgCl and KCl (or RbCl, CsCl) have been studied with respect to morphology and electrical properties. As expected from the contact of such Frenkel and Schottky disordered ionic conductors, substantial enhancement effects were not observed. In the case of AgCl:KCl, eutectic lamellar structures have been obtained and their conductivities measured using both macroscopic electrodes as well as microelectrodes. Leaching the alkali chloride out of the lamellar composite leads to a porous solid network. Potential applications of such microporous ionic silver halides as a gas sensor as well as a solid envelope for liquid electrolytes are considered.     

Preparation of a Porous Cermet SOFC Anode Substrate by Gelcasting of NiO–YSZ Powders

A porous NiO–YSZ substrate for anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells has been prepared by gelcasting of NiO–YSZ powders using urea–formaldehyde monomers, followed by humidity-controlled drying, binder removal, and sintering of the gelled bodies. The gelled bodies had sufficient strength to remove even 2-mm-thick samples from the mold immediately after gelation. A gelcast NiO–YSZ sample sintered at 1450°C for 2 h showed an open porosity of ∼53 vol%, and the porosity increased to ∼58% upon reduction with hydrogen. Pore sizes measured on the scanning electron microscopy photomicrograph of NiO–YSZ and Ni–YSZ cermet substrates are in the range of 2–5 μm. Urea–formaldehyde polymer, present in a high amount (∼13 wt%) in the gelcast body, acts as a template for pores.     

Pressure drop prediction in hydraulic transport of bi-dispersed particles of coal and copper ore in pipeline

Hydraulic transport studies with coal and copper ore have been carried out in a 0.0254 m and a 0.019 m diameter pipeline to observe the effect of solids concentration, surface characteristics and particle size distribution on pressure drop. The coarse coal showed a lower pressure drop than the fines at any velocity of suspension, whereas copper ore, exhibited the opposite trend. It has been observed, that the pressure drop for hydraulic transportation of bi-dispersed particles is a minimum at certain weight proportions of coarse to fines, as compared to that for the transportation of either of the single size. Based on the experimental results, an empirical expression was developed for the prediction of pressure gradient.     

Analysis of supercritical carbon dioxide extracts from cones and leaves of a Humulus lupulus L cultivar

Extracts obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of cones and leaves of hop (Humulus lupulus L) at different combinations of temperature and pressure were analysed for their α- and β-acids and volatiles, using HPLC and GC respectively. The yield and composition of the mixtures of bitter compounds from the cones were largely influenced by the temperature and pressure applied during the extraction. Bitter compounds could not be detected in the extracts from the leaves. The most important volatile components identified were β-myrcene, β-caryophyllene and α-humulene. The extraction parameters also influenced the composition of the mixture of volatiles from the cones and leaves, 40°C and 20.0 MPa being optimum for the extraction of both bitter compounds and volatiles, which are thought to be important for the aroma of beer.     

Fig tree sap: antithrombogenicity on nylon surfaces

An effort is made to study the anti-thrombogenic property of the latex of fig tree by immobilizing its components on nylon surface. It is also evaluated, how such surfaces may effect the blood compatibility by investigating variations in surface energy parameters, plasma recalcification time and platelet adhesion using calf’s blood.     

Proton transport mechanism in ammonium dihydrogen phosphate

Coulometric, transient ionic current, electrical conductivity and IR investigations on polycrystalline and single crystal of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) have been carried out. During coulometry, gases evolved both at the cathode (mostly H₂) and at anode (O₂) indicating the electrolysis of the H-O-H bridge. Transient ionic current study suggests the likely presence of two types of mobile ionic charge carriers (H⁺ and O^2–) with mobilities of 1.3×10^–4 and 3.3×10^–5 cm² V^–1 sec^–1. A comparative study of the IR spectra of the original and the electrolysed samples also supports the idea of possible electrolysis. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity have also been studied and interpreted in terms of possible deammoniation reaction and phase transformation. Finally, a mechanism for ionic transport in ADP is suggested.