Surface Activation of Diamond Particles in the Process of Chemical Coppering

The effect of the composition of sensitizing–activating solutions on the activation efficiency and the chemical coppering of diamond powders is studied. The results demonstrate that stabilizing additives improve the stability of the solutions, influence the average coppering rate, and play a key role in determining the morphology and quality of the resultant coatings. The most effective stabilizing additive is synthamid-10, which ensures the deposition of high-quality copper coatings.     

A compliant-hull concept for planning craft wave-impact shock reduction

The subject of this paper is analysis of high-speed planing-craft wave impact, with the inclusion of hull-surface compliance. The analysis methods were extended in an effort to develop compliant-surface technology for wave-impact shock reduction. The practical outcome of this work, along with experimental cylinder drop-test evaluations, have been reported previously. The overall technology developed is composed of compliant plates over a sub-length of the boat hull. The plates are hinged at the boat keel and supported by vented air bags at the chines. Thus, the required analysis has coupled hydrodynamic, gas-dynamic, and structural-dynamic parts. Only the hydrodynamic part of the complete model is covered here. On the basis of the cylindrical geometry of the drop-test cylinder, two-dimensional theory has been used exclusively. The time history of the distribution of plating deflection predicted from the full analysis is imposed in the free-falling cylinder analysis to demonstrate execution of the hydrodynamic part of the complete coupled theory. The reductions in impact acceleration reported here are therefore the same as determined from the complete analysis.     

A personal computer based system used in electromyography for interpretation and reporting

Programs for rule based electromyography (EMG) interpretation and reporting are described. A number of parameters are obtained during an EMG investigation. The combination of these data leads to a neurophysiological conclusion. Knowledge from the literature, research and experience is the basis for rule development. Rules have been developed for 14 of the most commonly used classifications of an EMG. The syntax is relatively easy and the user may change the rules, add rules or apply the system for other types of data. The results are displayed in a new graphical way. The system presented here is part of an integrated EMG laboratory with administrative routines, distributed databases for storage of results and routines for automatic report generation.     

Multi-dimensional analysis of soil moisture dynamics in trickle irrigated fields. II: Model testing

The mathematical model which was developed in part I of this work for multi-dimensional analysis of soil moisture in irrigated fields is converted into computer algorithms. The algorithms are capable of emulating many field conditions of practical applications during both design and operation phases. The model is subjected to various tests, the results of which are reported here. The tests in various modes of simulations verified the numerical performance of the model and the accuracy of its predictions. The model provides a powerful tool for detailed studies of soil moisture dynamics in one or multi-dimensional problems irrigated fields     

Effects of flux enhancing polymer on the characteristics of sludge in membrane bioreactor process.

A newly developed membrane performance enhancer (MPE) was used to prevent membrane fouling in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) process. It transpired that 1,000 mg/l of MPE reduced polysaccharide levels from 41 mg/I to 21 mg/I on average under the experimental condition. Repeated experiments also confirmed that 50-1,000 mg/l of MPE could reduce membrane fouling significantly and increase the intervals between membrane cleanings. Depending on MPE dosages and experimental conditions, trans-membrane pressure (TMP) increase was suppressed for 20-30 days, while baseline TMP surged within a few days. In addition, MPE allowed MBR operation even at 50,000 mg/l of total solid and reduced permeate COD. However, no evidence of toxicity for sludge was found from respiratory works.     

High performance biofilm process for treating wastewater discharged from coal refining plants containing nitrogen, cyanide and thiocyanate.

Wastewater discharge from coal refining plants contains a number of biologically toxic compounds; 2000-2500 mg/l of COD of which 40% is composed of phenol, 100-400 mg/l of thiocyanate, 10-40 mg/l of cyanide, 100-250 mg/l of NH4+-N and 150-300 mg/l of total nitrogen. In order to treat this kind of high strength wastewater, we have developed a high performance biofilm process using fluidizing bio-carriers of the tube chip type. The fluidizing biofilm carriers are made of a composite of polyethylene and several inorganic materials, whose density is controlled at 0.97-0.98 g/ml. The fluidizing biofilm carriers show sound fluidization characteristics inside bioreactors. The wastewater is treated using three consecutive series reactors in oxic-anoxic-oxic arrangement. Each reactor is charged with the fluidizing biofilm carriers of 50 vol%. Furthermore, newly cultured active microorganisms for the thiocyanate biodegradation are added in the biofilm process. At total hydraulic retention time of 2.2 days, this process can achieve steady state removal efficiencies: COD, 99%; thiocyanate, 99%; NH4+-N, 99% and total nitrogen, 90%.     

An integrated system to remote monitor and control anaerobic wastewater treatment plants through the internet.

The TELEMAC project brings new methodologies from the Information and Science Technologies field to the world of water treatment. TELEMAC offers an advanced remote management system which adapts to most of the anaerobic wastewater treatment plants that do not benefit from a local expert in wastewater treatment. The TELEMAC system takes advantage of new sensors to better monitor the process dynamics and to run automatic controllers that stabilise the treatment plant, meet the depollution requirements and provide a biogas quality suitable for cogeneration. If the automatic system detects a failure which cannot be solved automatically or locally by a technician, then an expert from the TELEMAC Control Centre is contacted via the internet and manages the problem.     

The state of stress and strain of an elastic cylindrical shell under acoustic action

The article investigates the state of stress and strain of the surface of an elastic cylindrical shell whose outer part is subjected to the effect of an incident acoustic wave. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the state of strain of the surface is carried out and recommendations are given for optimizing the functional purpose of the shell and minimizing the arising stresses.Translated from Problemy Prochnosti, No. 4, pp. 43–47, April, 1991.     

Construction and performance of a multiparameter focal plane detector for use on a QMG/2 magnetic spectrometer

The design, construction and performance of a modular, two pressure focal plane detector, 550 mm long, 1000 mm deep and with an active height of 60 mm are described. The detector has been operated with ions ranging from 50 MeV ¹H to 200 MeV ³⁶S. Typical results achieved are 0.5 mm and 0.3° for the spatial and angular resolutions, and 0.7% and 3% for the total energy and energy loss measurements. A height signal is also provided.