Combined impact of varying biogas mass flow rate and rice bran methyl esters blended with diesel on a dual-fuel engine

ABSTRACT

For fetching day-to-day energy needs, current energy requirement majorly depends on fossil fuels. But ambiguous matter like abating petroleum products and expanding air pollution has enforced the experts to strive for another fuel which can be used as an alternative or reduce the applications of fossil fuels. Considering the issues, the main objective of the present study is to find the feasibility by using blends of rice bran oil biodiesel and diesel which are used as pilot fuels by blending 10% and 20% biodiesel in fossil diesel and biogas, introduced as gaseous fuel by varying its mass flow rate in a dual-fuel engine mode. An experimentation study was carried out to find the performance and emission parameters of the engine relative to pure diesel. The results were very much similar to the majority of researchers who used biodiesel and gaseous fuels in a dual-fuel engine. Brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of the engine was noticed to have increased, while brake thermal efficiency was on the lower side in dual fuel mode in comparison with regular diesel. In relation with conventional diesel, it was noticed that combined effect of rice bran methyl esters and varying mass flow rate of biogas showed a decrement in NO _x and smoke emissions, whereas HC and CO exhalations were on higher side when biogas and biodiesel were utilized collectively in dual-fuel engine. Hence, it was concluded that combination of blends of biodiesel and diesel and introduction of biogas in the engine can be a promising combination which can be used as a substitute fuel for addressing future energy needs.     

The principle of Colson's flap applied to facial reconstruction

Reconstruction of facial skin defects after cancer surgery or trauma with conventional flaps can give a poor cosmetic result when a thick flap is used to replace thin skin. The thickness of the flap can be a disadvantage to replacing a thin skin. Defatting the flap can resolve these situations, using the principle of Colson's flap. This operative procedure is safe, and improves the cosmetic results. The authors report a series of 21 full-thickness skin defects located at the junction of two or three regional units. The defects were repaired with total or partial undermining flap (frontal, nasoiabial, cheek flaps). The viability of these reconstructions was perfect and the cosmetic results fairly esthetic in comparison with conventional flaps.     

Magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect in La1.4?xCexCa1.6Mn2O7 perovskites synthesized by sol–gel method

The magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect near the critical phase transition temperatures of La_1.4−x Ce _x Ca_1.6Mn₂O₇ (x = 0, 0.2) double layered manganites are analyzed. Polycrystalline nanopowders of La_1.4Ca_1.6Mn₂O₇ and La_1.2Ce_0.2Ca_1.6Mn2O₇ were successfully synthesized by a sol–gel method. The magnetic measurements suggest an antiferromagnetic alignment of the Ce and Mn moments in La_1.2Ce_0.2Ca_1.6Mn₂O₇. Both Ce³⁺ and Ce⁴⁺ ions are present in the doped sample, as indicated by the XPS spectra. A moderate magnetocaloric effect was found for both samples, with the maximum entropy change located at temperatures near the magnetic transition ones. The high RCP(S) values together with the broadened magnetic entropy curves suggest the possibility to use these materials for magnetic refrigeration devices.