Optimizing Bucket Elevator Performance through a Blend of Discrete Element Method, Response Surface Methodology, and Firefly Algorithm Approaches

This research introduces a novel approach to enhancing bucket elevator design and operation through the integration of discrete element method(DEM)simulation,design of experiments(DOE),and metaheuristic optimization algorithms.Specifically,the study employs the firefly algorithm(FA),a metaheuristic optimization technique,to optimize bucket elevator parameters for maximizing transport mass and mass flow rate discharge of granular materials under specified working conditions.The experimental methodology involves several key steps:screening experiments to identify significant factors affecting bucket elevator operation,central composite design(CCD)experiments to further explore these factors,and response surface methodology(RSM)to create predictive models for transport mass and mass flow rate discharge.The FA algorithm is then applied to optimize these models,and the results are validated through simulation and empirical experiments.The study validates the optimized parameters through simulation and empirical experiments,comparing results with DEM simulation.The outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the FA algorithm in identifying optimal bucket parameters,showcasing less than 10%and 15%deviation for transport mass and mass flow rate discharge,respectively,between predicted and actual values.Overall,this research provides insights into the critical factors influencing bucket elevator operation and offers a systematic methodology for optimizing bucket parameters,contributing to more efficient material handling in various industrial applications.

Optimization and Characterization of Cellulose Extraction from Grevillea robusta (Silky Oak) Leaves by Soda-Anthraquinone Pulping Using Response Surface Methodology

Response surface methodology (RSM) using the central composite design (CCD) was applied to examine the impact of soda-anthraquinone pulping conditions on Grevillea robusta fall leaves. The pulping factors studied were: NaOH charge 5% to 20% w/v, pulping time 30 to 180 minutes, and the anthraquinone charge 0.1 to 0.5% w/w based on the oven-dried leaves. The responses evaluated were the pulp yield, cellulose content, and the degree of delignification. Various regression models were used to evaluate the effects of varying the pulping conditions. The optimum conditions attained were;NaOH charge of 14.63%, 0.1% anthraquinone, and a pulping period of 154 minutes, corresponding to 20.68% pulp yield, 80.56% cellulose content, and 70.34% lignin removal. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), was used to determine the most important variables that improve the extraction process of cellulose. The experiment outcomes matched those predicted by the model (Predicted R2 = 0.9980, Adjusted R2 = 0.9994), demonstrating the adequacy of the model used. FTIR analysis confirmed the elimination of the non-cellulosic fiber constituents. The lignin and hemicellulose-related bands (around 1514 cm−1, 1604 cm−1, 1239 cm−1, and 1734 cm−1) decreased with chemical treatment, indicating effective cellulose extraction by the soda-anthraquinone method. Similar results were obtained by XRD, SEM and thermogravimetric analysis of the extracted cellulose. Therefore, Grevillea robusta fall leaves are suitable renewable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly non-wood biomass for cellulose extraction.

Optimization for Microbial Degumming of Ramie with Bacillus subtilis DZ_(5) in Submerged Fermentation by Orthogonal Array Design and Response Surface Methodology

As a kind of natural fiber,ramie fiber has distinctive advantages in textile application,but the application is limited due to the traditional degumming mode.Compared with the traditional degumming process,the microbial degumming process has many advantages.To obtain the optimal conditions for degumming ramie with Bacillus subtilis DZ_(5)(BS DZ_(5)),a combined statistical approach of orthogonal array design(OAD)and response surface methodology(RSM)was used.The influences of initial pH of the bacteria medium,culture temperature,shaking speed,degumming time and inoculum size on submerged fermentation degumming were evaluated by using fractional factorial design.The main factors in the analysis were culture temperature,shaking speed and initial pH.The residual gum mass fraction was used as the optimization index,and the optimal conditions for degumming were determined by central composite design and RSM.Thus with only a limited number of experiments,an optimal ramie microbial degumming condition was found as the culture temperature of 40℃,the initial pH in the culture medium of 8.5,the shaking speed of 205 r/min,the degumming time of 96 h and the inoculum size of 5%.After microbial degumming of ramie under the optimal conditions,there was only 10.6%residual gum by mass in the fiber.In addition,the effective degumming of BS DZ_(5)was also confirmed by a scanning electron microscope(SEM).

Response Surface Methodology-Based SERS for Determination of Gymnodimine

Gymnodimine (GYM), a fast-acting marine toxin, is destructive to aquaculture and human health through contaminated shellfish. The current detection methods in GYM have definite drawbacks in operation, such as the demand for delicate instruments and the consumption of time. Therefore, silver colloid was utilized as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) desirable substrate for sensitive and rapid detection of GYM in lake and shellfish samples. The theoretical spectrum of GYM is calculated by density functional theory (DFT), and the substrate performance is evaluated by a rhodamine 6 G probe. Under the optimal SERS experimental condition calculated by the response surface methodology, the low limit of detection of 0.105 μM with R2 of 0.9873 and a broad linearity range of 0.1 - 10 μM was achieved for GYM detection. In addition, the substrate was satisfyingly applied to detect gymnodimine in the lake and shellfish matrix samples with LOD as low as 0.148 μM and 0.170 μM, respectively. These results demonstrated a promising SERS platform for detecting marine toxins in seafood for food safety and pharmaceutical research.

Response Surface Methodology as an Approach for Optimization of Vinegar Fermentation Conditions Using Three Different Thermotolerant Acetic Acid Bacteria

This study aimed to investigate optimal fermentation conditions of biological acetic acid fermentation for vinegar production. Optimization was performed on 3 acetic acid bacteria strains namely VMA1, VMA7 and VMAO using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A Box-Behnken-Design (BBD) was achieved with three different independent process parameters involving: fermentation temperature, original alcohol concentration and original acetic acid concentration and one dependent variable (acetic acid yield). The results showed that the mathematical models describe correctly the relationship between responses and factors (F values of the models (p R2 (coefficient of correlation) respectively 0.96, 0.94, 0.98, and adjusted R2 0.95, 0.92, 0.98). The maximum acidity was obtained respectively at fermentation temperatures, original alcohol concentrations and original acetic acid concentrations ranging from [37.5°C - 45°C], [16% - 20% (v/v)], [1.5% - 2% (w/v)] for VMA1, [40°C - 45°C], [14.5% - 20% (v/v)], [1.7% - 2% (w/v)] for VMA7 and [42°C - 45°C], [17% - 20% (v/v)], [1.5% - 2% (w/v)] for VMAO. The use of these acetic strains in the production of vinegar may seriously lead to a decrease or even an ablation of the costs related to the cooling of bioreactors especially in warm and hot countries, in the context of global warming.

Catalytic Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Water Hyacinth Using Fe3O4/NiO Nanocomposite: Optimization of Reaction Conditions by Response Surface Methodology

This research aimed at optimizing the reaction conditions for the catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of water hyacinth using iron oxide/nickel oxide nanocomposite as catalysts. The iron oxide/nickel oxide nanocomposite was synthesized by the co-precipitation method and used in the hydrothermal liquefaction of water hyacinth. The composition and structural morphology of the synthesized catalysts were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The particle size distribution of the catalyst nanoparticles was determined by the Image J software. Three reaction parameters were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). These were: temperature, residence time, and catalyst dosage. A maximum bio-oil yield of 59.4 wt% was obtained using iron oxide/nickel oxide nanocomposite compared to 50.7 wt% obtained in absence of the catalyst. The maximum bio-oil yield was obtained at a temperature of 320°C, 1.5 g of catalyst dosage, and 60 min of residence time. The composition of bio-oil was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and elemental analysis. The GC-MS results showed an increase of hydrocarbons from 58.3% for uncatalyzed hydrothermal liquefaction to 88.66% using iron oxide/nickel oxide nanocomposite. Elemental analysis results revealed an increase in the hydrogen and carbon content and a reduction in the Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Sulphur content of the bio-oil during catalytic HTL compared to HTL in absence of catalyst nanoparticles. The high heating value increased from 33.5 MJ/Kg for uncatalyzed hydrothermal liquefaction to 38.6 MJ/Kg during the catalytic HTL. The catalyst nanoparticles were recovered from the solid residue by sonication and magnetic separation and recycled. The recycled catalyst nanoparticles were still efficient as hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) catalysts and were recycled four times. The application of iron oxide/ nickel oxide nanocomposites in the HTL of water hyacinth increases the yield of bio-oil and improves its quality by reducing hetero atoms thus increasing its energy performance as fuel. Iron oxide/nickel oxide nanocomposites used in this study are widely available and can be easily recovered magnetically and recycled. This will potentially lead to an economical, environmentally friendly, and sustainable way of converting biomass into biofuel.

Device Robust-Design by Using Response Surface Methodology

Device robust-design is inherently a multiple-objective optimization problem.Using design of experiments (DoE) combined with response surface methodology (RSM) can satisfy the great incentive to reduce the number of technology CAD(TCAD) simulations that need to be performed.However,the errors of RSM models might be large enough to diminish the validity of the results for some nonlinear problems.To find the feasible design space,a new method with objectives-oriented design in generations that takes the errors of RSM model into account is presented.After the augment design of experiments in promising space according to the results of RSM model in current generation,the feasible space will be emerging as the model errors deceasing.The results on FIBMOS examples show that the methodology is efficient.

Optimal design of butterfly-shaped linear ultrasonic motor using finite element method and response surface methodology

A new method for optimizing a butterfly-shaped linear ultrasonic motor was proposed to maximize its mechanical output. The finite element analysis technology and response surface methodology were combined together to realize the optimal design of the butterfly-shaped linear ultrasonic motor. First, the operation principle of the motor was introduced. Second, the finite element parameterized model of the stator of the motor was built using ANSYS parametric design language and some structure parameters of the stator were selected as design variables. Third, the sample points were selected in design variable space using latin hypercube Design. Through modal analysis and harmonic response analysis of the stator based on these sample points, the target responses were obtained. These sample points and response values were combined together to build a response surface model. Finally, the simplex method was used to find the optimal solution. The experimental results showed that many aspects of the design requirements of the butterfly-shaped linear ultrasonic motor have been fulfilled. The prototype motor fabricated based on the optimal design result exhibited considerably high dynamic performance, such as no-load speed of 873 ram/s, maximal thrust of 27.5 N, maximal efficiency of 43%, and thrust-weight ratio of 45.8.

Formulation optimization of scutellarin-loaded HP-β-CD/chitosan nanoparticles using response surface methodology with Box–Behnken design

The aim of this paper is to investigate and optimize the preparation of scutellarin(SCU)-loaded HP-β-CD/chitosan(CS) nanoparticles(CD/CS-SCU-NPs). CD/CS-SCU-NPs were prepared by ionic cross-linking method and the process and formulation variables were optimized using response surface methodology(RSM) with a three-level, three factor Box–Behnken design(BBD).The independent variables were the added amounts of CS, sodium tripolyphosphate(TPP)and Pluronic F-68 during the preparation. Dependent variables(responses) were particle size and entrapment efficiency. Mathematical equations and respond surface plots were used to correlate independent and dependent variables.The preparation process and formulation variables were optimized to achieve minimum particle size and maximum entrapment efficiency by calculating the overall desirability value(OD). The optimized NP formulation was characterized for particle size, PDI, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release.According to the results, an optimized CD/CS-SCU-NP formulation was prepared. Results for particle size, PDI, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency were found to be around 200 nm,0.5, 25 mV, and 70% respectively. For in vitro study, the release of SCU from the NPs exhibited a biphasic release and was in accordance with Higuchi equation. The optimized preparation was simple with the probability for industrialization. The combination use of RSM, BBD and overall desirability values could provide a promising application for incorporating CD into CS nanoparticles as drug delivery carrier and help develop lab-scale procedures.

Application of response surface methodology and central composite rotatable design for modeling the influence of some operating variables of the lab scale thickener performance

This study discussed the application of response surface methodology(RSM)and central composite rotatable design(CCRD)for modeling and optimization of the influence of some operating variables on the performance of a lab scale thickener for dewatering of tailing in the flotation circuit.Four thickener operating variables,namely feed flowrate,solid percent,flocculant dosage and feedwell height were changed during the tests based on CCRD.The ranges of values of the thickener variables used in the design were a feed flowrate of 9–21 L/min,solid percent of 8%–20%,flocculant dosage of 1.25–4.25 g/t and feedwell height of 16–26 cm.A total of 30 thickening tests were conducted using lab scale thickener on flotation tailing obtained from the Sarcheshmeh copper mine,Iran.The underflow solid percent and bed height were expressed as functions of four operating parameters of thickener.Predicted values were found to be in good agreement with experimental values(R2values of 0.992 and 0.997 for underflow solid percent and bed height,respectively).This study has shown that the RSM and CCRD could effciently be applied for the modeling of thickener for dewatering of flotation tailing.

Response surface methodology-based hybrid robust design optimization for complex product under mixed uncertainties

Minimizing the impact of the mixed uncertainties(i.e.,the aleatory uncertainty and the epistemic uncertainty) for a complex product of compliant mechanism(CPCM) quality improvement signifies a fascinating research topic to enhance the robustness.However, most of the existing works in the CPCM robust design optimization neglect the mixed uncertainties, which might result in an unstable design or even an infeasible design. To solve this issue, a response surface methodology-based hybrid robust design optimization(RSM-based HRDO) approach is proposed to improve the robustness of the quality characteristic for the CPCM via considering the mixed uncertainties in the robust design optimization. A bridge-type amplification mechanism is used to manifest the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The comparison results prove that the proposed approach can not only keep its superiority in the robustness, but also provide a robust scheme for optimizing the design parameters.

Engineering Design Optimization Based on Intelligent Response Surface Methodology

An intelligent response surface methodology (IRSM) was proposed to achieve the most competitive metal forming products, in which artificial intelligence technologies are introduced into the optimization process. It is used as simple and inexpensive replacement for computationally expensive simulation model. In IRSM, the optimal design space can be reduced greatly without any prior information about function distribution. Also, by identifying the approximation error region, new design points can be supplemented correspondingly to improve the response surface model effectively. The procedure is iterated until the accuracy reaches the desired threshold value. Thus, the global optimization can be performed based on this substitute model. Finally, we present an optimization design example about roll forming of a "U" channel product.

Optimization of Extraction Process of Clerodendrum philippinum Schauer var. simplex Mlodenke Total Flavonoids(CPTF) by Central Composite Design-Response Surface Methodology

[Objectives] The research aimed to optimize extraction process of Clerodendrum philippinum Schauer var. simplex Mlodenke total flavonoids( CPTF),and provide reference for its development and utilization. [Methods] Based on single-factor test,ethanol concentration,extraction temperature and extraction time were taken as independent variables,and total flavonoids yield was taken as dependent variable. The test was conducted according to central composite design principle. Multivariate linear regression and binomial equation fitting of the result were conducted,and extraction process of CPTF was optimized by using response surface methodology. [Results]The optimal extraction process of CPTF was as below: ethanol concentration 54. 76%,extraction temperature 83. 92℃,extraction time 102. 64 min,solid-liquid ratio 1:20,extraction for twice. [Conclusions] The extraction process of CPTF by central composite design-response surface methodology was simple and feasible,with reliable prediction result,which was suitable for industrial production.

Development of six sigma concurrent parameter and tolerance design method based on response surface methodology

Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), an optimizing model of concurrent parameter and tolerance design is proposed where response mean equals its target in the target being best. The optimizing function of the model is the sum of quality loss and tolerance cost subjecting to the variance confidence region of which six sigma capability can be assured. An example is illustrated in order to compare the differences between the developed model and the parameter design with minimum variance. The results show that the proposed method not only achieves robustness, but also greatly reduces cost. The objectives of high quality and low cost of product and process can be achieved simultaneously by the application of six sigma concurrent parameter and tolerance design.

Optimization of Extraction Process of Total Flavonoids from Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz. by Central Composite Design-Response Surface Methodology

[Objectives]To optimize extraction process of total flavonoids from Akebia trifoliata( Thunb.) Koidz.,so as to provide references for development and use of Akebia trifoliata( Thunb.) Koidz. [Methods]The extraction rate of total flavonoids of Akebia trifoliata( Thunb.)Koidz. was taken as observation indicator. On the basis of single factor experiment,central composite design( CCD) was used to evaluate the effects of the extraction temperature,extraction time,and ethanol concentration on the extraction process. Multiple linear regression and binomial fitting were used,and response surface methodology( RSM) was used to select the optimum extraction process. [Results] The optimum extraction process conditions for total flavonoids of Akebia trifoliata( Thunb.) Koidz. was extraction temperature: 83. 92 ℃; extraction time:96. 47 min; ethanol concentration: 63. 92%; extraction times: two times; solid to liquid ratio: 1 ∶ 20; extraction rate of total flavonoids:4. 55%. [Conclusions] The central composite design-response surface methodology( CCD-RSM) is simple,convenient,and feasible for extraction of total flavonoids from Akebia trifoliata( Thunb.) Koidz.,and the prediction results are reliable.

Optimizing electrocoagulation process for the treatment of biodiesel wastewater using response surface methodology

The production of biodiesel through a transesterification method produces a large amount of wastewater that contains high levels of chemical oxygen demand （COD） and oil and grease （O＆G）. Currently, flotation is the conventional primary treatment for O＆G removal prior to biological treatments. In this study, electrocoagulation （EC） was adopted to treat the biodiesel wastewater. The effects of initial pH, applied voltage, and reaction time on the EC process for the removal of COD, O＆G, and suspended solids （SS） were investigated using one factor at a time experiment. Furthermore, the Box-Behnken design, an experimental design for response surface methodology （RSM）, was used to create a set of 15 experimental runs needed for optimizing of the operating conditions. Quadratic regression models with estimated coefficients were developed to describe the pollutant removals. The experimental results show that EC could effectively reduce COD, O＆G, and SS by 55.43%, 98.42%, and 96.59%, respectively, at the optimum conditions of pH 6.06, applied voltage 18.2 V, and reaction time 23.5 min. The experimental observations were in reasonable agreement with the modeled values.

Deformation prediction and analysis of underground mining during stacking of dry gangue in open-pit based on response surface methodology

Deformation prediction and the analysis of underground goaf are important to the safe and efficient recovery of residual ore when shifting from open-pit mining to underground mining.To address the comprehensive problem of stability in the double mined-out area of the Tong-Lv-Shan(TLS)mine,which employed the dry stacked gangue technology,this paper applies the function fitting theory and a regression analysis method to screen the sensitive interval of four influencing factors based on single-factor experiments and the numerical simulation software FLAC3D.The influencing factors of the TLS mine consist of the column thickness(d),gob area span(D),boundary pillar thickness(h)and height of tailing gangue(H).The fitting degree between the four factors and the displacement of the gob roof(W)is reasonable because the correlation coefficient(R2)is greater than0.9701.After establishing29groups that satisfy the principles of Box-Behnken design(BBD),the dry gangue tailings process was re-simulated for the selected sensitive interval.Using a combination of an analysis of variance(ANOVA),regression equations and a significance analysis,the prediction results of the response surface methodology(RSM)show that the significant degree for the stability of the mined-out area for the factors satisfies the relationship of h>D>d>H.The importance of the four factors cannot be disregarded in a comparison of the prediction results of the engineering test stope in the TLS mine.By comparing the data of monitoring points and function prediction,the proposed method has shown promising results,and the prediction accuracy of RSM model is acceptable.The relative errors of the two test stopes are1.67%and3.85%,respectively,which yield satisfactory reliability and reference values for the mines.

Optimization for Microbial Degradation of Dibenzothiophene by Pseudomonas sp. LKY-5 Using Response Surface Methodology

In this research, the degradation of dibenzothiophene(DBT) was investigated by using Pseudomonas sp. LKY-5 isolated from oil contaminated soil. The response surface methodology(RSM) based on the Box-Behnken design(BBD) was applied for evaluating the interactive effects of four independent variables including substrate concentration, temperature, pH and agitation rate on the DBT removal response. A total of 29 experiments for four factors at three levels were conducted in present study. A second-order regression model was then developed, and the analysis of variance(ANOVA) illustrated that the proposed quadratic model could be utilized to navigate the design space. The value of determination coefficient(R2=0.953 4) indicated a satisfactory agreement between the quadratic model and the experimental data. It was found that DBT removal was more significantly affected(P<0.000 1) by substrate concentration compared with other three parameters. An 100% degradation of DBT could be obtained by Pseudomonas sp. LKY-5 at a substrate concentration of 100 mg/L.

Optimization of ionic liquid-based microwave-assisted extraction of polyphenolic content from Peperomia pellucida (L) kunth using response surface methodology

Objective: To optimize the ionic liquid based microwave-assisted extraction (IL-MAE) of polyphenolic content from Peperomia pellucida (L) Kunth. Methods: The IL-MAE factors as experimental design parameters, including microwave power, extraction time, ionic liquid concentration, and liquid–solid ratio had been involved. Response surface methodology and Box–Behnken design were used to obtain predictive model (multivariate quadratic regression equation) and optimization of the extraction process. The response surface was analyzed by using the yields of total polyphenolic content as response value. Results: Based on the obtained results the optimum extraction condition, including microwave power of 30% Watts, extraction time of 18.5 min, the ionic liquid concen-tration of 0.79 mol/L, and the liquid–solid ratio of 10.72 mL/g 1-Buthyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim]BF4) as a solvent was selected. The regression model was obtained to predicts the yields from Peperomia pellucida:Y = 30.250 – 1.356X1 + 2.655X2 + 2.252X3 – 0.565X4 + 0.990 X1X3 – 8.172 X1X4 – 3.439 X3X4 – 4.178 X12 – 3.210 X32 – 6.786 X42 – 7.290 X12X3 + 5.575 X1X32 – 4.843 X32X4 with R2 = 0.82519. Scale-up confirmation test was obtained the maximum yields of total polyphenolics content with the amount of 31.1725μg GAE/g. Conclusions: The IL-MAE method produced a higher extraction polyphenolic and performed rapidly, easily and efficiently.

Multiple-response optimization for melting process of aluminum melting furnace based on response surface methodology with desirability function

To reduce the fuel consumption and emissions and also enhance the molten aluminum quality, a mathematical model with user-developed melting model and burning capacity model, were established according to the features of melting process of regenerative aluminum melting furnaces. Based on validating results by heat balance test for an aluminum melting furnace, CFD （computational fluid dynamics） technique, in association with statistical experimental design were used to optimize the melting process of the aluminum melting furnace. Four important factors influencing the melting time, such as horizontal angle between burners, height-to-radius ratio, natural gas mass flow and air preheated temperature, were identified by PLACKETT-BURMAN design. A steepest descent method was undertaken to determine the optimal regions of these factors. Response surface methodology with BOX-BEHNKEN design was adopted to further investigate the mutual interactions between these variables on RSD （relative standard deviation） of aluminum temperature, RSD of furnace temperature and melting time. Multiple-response optimization by desirability function approach was used to determine the optimum melting process parameters. The results indicate that the interaction between the height-to-radius ratio and horizontal angle between burners affects the response variables significantly. The predicted results show that the minimum RSD of aluminum temperature （12.13%）, RSD of furnace temperature （18.50%） and melting time （3.9 h） could be obtained under the optimum conditions of horizontal angle between burners as 64°, height-to-radius ratio as 0.3, natural gas mass flow as 599 m3/h, and air preheated temperature as 639 ℃. These predicted values were further verified by validation experiments. The excellent correlation between the predicted and experimental values confirms the validity and practicability of this statistical optimum strategy.