Analysis of Heat Transfer Performance of Oscillating Heat Pipes Based on a Central Composite Design

Oscillating heat pipes (OHPs) are very promising cooling devices. Their heat transfer performance is af- fected by many factors, and the form of the relationship between the performance and the factors is complex and non-linear. In this paper, the effects of charging ratio, inclination angle, and heat input and their interaction effects on heat transfer performance of a looped copper-water OHP are analyzed. First, suppose that the relationship between the response and the variables approximates a second-order model. And use the central composite design to arrange the ex- periment. Then, the method of least squares is used to estimate the parameters in the second-order model. Finally, multi- variate variance analysis is used to analyze the model. The results show that the assumption is right, that is to say, the re- lationship is well modeled by a second-order function. Among the three main effect variables, the effect of inclination angle is the most significant, but their interaction effects are not significant. In the range of the considered factors, both the optimum charging ratio and the optimum inclination angle increase as the heating water flow rate increases.

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.

Modeling and Optimization of Catalytic Dehydration of Ethanol to Ethylene Using Central Composite Design

The central composite design in the modeling and optimization of catalytic dehydration of ethanol to ethylene was performed to improve the ethylene yield.A total of 20 experiments at random were conducted to investigate the effect of reaction temperature,Si/Al ratios of H-ZSM-5 catalyst and liquid hourly space velocity(LHSV) on the ethylene yield.The results show that the relationship between ethylene yield and the three significant independent variables can be approximated by a nonlinear polynomial model,with R-squared of 99.9%and adjusted R-squared of 99.8%.The maximal response for ethylene yield is 93.4%under the optimal condition of 328 ℃,Si/Al ratio 85,and LHSV 3.8 h-1.

Calibration of Discrete Element Heat Transfer Parameters by Central Composite Design

The efficiency and precision of parameter calibration in discrete element method （DEM） are not satisfactory, and parameter calibration for granular heat transfer is rarely involved. Accordingly, parameter calibration for granular heat transfer with the DEM is studied. The heat transfer in granular assemblies is simulated with DEM, and the effective thermal conductivity （ETC） of these granular assemblies is measured with the transient method in simulations. The measurement testbed is designed to test the ETC of the granular assemblies under normal pressure and a vacuum based on the steady method. Central composite design （CCD） is used to simulate the impact of the DEM parameters on the ETC of granular assemblies, and the heat transfer parameters are calibrated and compared with experimental data. The results show that, within the scope of the considered parameters, the ETC of the granular assemblies increases with an increasing particle thermal conductivity and decreases with an increasing particle shear modulus and particle diameter. The particle thermal conductivity has the greatest impact on the ETC of granular assemblies followed by the particle shear modulus and then the particle diameter. The calibration results show good agreement with the experimental results. The error is less than 4%, which is within a reasonable range for the scope of the CCD parameters. The proposed research provides high efficiency and high accuracy parameter calibration for granular heat transfer in DEM.

Modeling of biodiesel production: Performance comparison of Box–Behnken, face central composite and full factorial design

The performances of the response surface methodology(RSM)in connection with the Box–Behnken,face central composite or full factorial design(BBD,FCCD or FFD,respectively)were compared for the use in modeling of the NaOH-catalyzed sunflower oil ethanolysis.The influence of temperature,catalyst loading,and ethanol-to-oil molar ratio(EOMR)on fatty acid ethyl esters(FAEE)content was evaluated.All three multivariate strategies were efficient in the statistical modeling and optimization of the influential process variables but BBD and FCCD realization involved less number of experiments,generating smaller costs,requiring less work and consuming shorter time than the corresponding FFD.All three designs resulted in the same optimal catalyst loading(1.25%of oil)and EOMR(12:1).The reduced two-factorinteraction(2 FI)models based on the BBD and FCCD defined a range of optimal reaction temperature(25℃–75℃)and 25℃,respectively while the same model based on the 33 FFD appointed 75℃.The predicted FAEE content of about 97%–98.0%was close to the experimentally obtained FAEE content of about 97.0%–97.6%under the optimal reaction conditions.Therefore,the simpler BBD or FCCD might successfully be applied for statistical modeling of biodiesel production processes instead of the more extensive,more laborious and more expensive FFD.

Optimization of extraction technology of safflower polysaccharide based on central composite design-response surface methodology

Objective:To explore the best extraction technology of safflower polysaccharide by central composite design response surface methodology and evaluate its quality.Methods:Taking the extraction rate of Carthamus tinctorius polysaccharide as the index,taking the ratio of solid to liquid,extraction time,extraction temperature and extraction times as the investigation factors,based on the single factor experiment,the central composite design-response surface methodology was used to optimize the optimum extraction process of Carthamus tinctorius polysaccharide and verify it.Results:The response surface model was established with the extraction rate of Carthamus tinctorius polysaccharide as dependent variable Y,the ratio of solid to liquid,extraction time and extraction temperature as independent variables X,P<0.0001.The optimum extraction process was as follows:the ratio of solid to liquid was 1:16.69,the extraction temperature was 91.39℃,and the extraction working time was 89.78min.Under these conditions,the extraction rate of safflower polysaccharide can reach 7.45%,The experimental results show that RSD is 1.05%,and the model can well predict the experimental results.Conclusion:Central Composite Design-Response Surface Methodology has the advantages of high extraction rate,simple,effective and reasonable process operation,high stability and high precision,which can be fully applied to the resource management and utilization of safflower polysaccharide.

Optimization of Process Parameters for in High-Energy Ball Milling of CNTs/Al2024 Composites Through Response Surface Methodology

The mathematical models are developed to evaluate the ultimate tensile strength( UTS) and hardness of CNTs / Al2024 composites fabricated by high-energy ball milling. The effects of the preparation variables which are milling time,rotational speed,mass fraction of CNTs and ball to powder ratio on UST and hardness of CNTs / Al2024 composites are investigated. Based on the central composite design( CCD),a quadratic model is developed to correlate the fabrication variables to the UST and hardness. From the analysis of variance( ANOVA),the most influential factor on each experimental design response is identified. The optimum conditions for preparing CNTs / Al2024 composites are found as follows: 1. 53 h milling time,900 r / min rotational speed,mass fraction of CNTs 2. 87% and Ball to powder ratio 25 ∶ 1. The predicted maximum UST and hardness are 273.30 MPa and 261.36 HV,respectively. And the experimental values are 283.25 MPa and256.8 HV,respectively. It is indicated that the predicted UST and hardness after process optimization are found to agree satisfactory with the experimental values.

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.

Multi-objective optimization of stamping forming process of head using Pareto-based genetic algorithm

To obtain the optimal process parameters of stamping forming, finite element analysis and optimization technique were integrated via transforming multi-objective issue into a single-objective issue. A Pareto-based genetic algorithm was applied to optimizing the head stamping forming process. In the proposed optimal model, fracture, wrinkle and thickness varying are a function of several factors, such as fillet radius, draw-bead position, blank size and blank-holding force. Hence, it is necessary to investigate the relationship between the objective functions and the variables in order to make objective functions varying minimized simultaneously. Firstly, the central composite experimental(CCD) with four factors and five levels was applied, and the experimental data based on the central composite experimental were acquired. Then, the response surface model(RSM) was set up and the results of the analysis of variance(ANOVA) show that it is reliable to predict the fracture, wrinkle and thickness varying functions by the response surface model. Finally, a Pareto-based genetic algorithm was used to find out a set of Pareto front, which makes fracture, wrinkle and thickness varying minimized integrally. A head stamping case indicates that the present method has higher precision and practicability compared with the "trial and error" procedure.

Improvement of xylanase production by Aspergillus niger XY-1 using response surface methodology for optimizing the medium composition

Objective: To study the optimal medium composition for xylanase production by Aspergillus niger XY-1 in solid-state fermentation (SSF). Methods: Statistical methodology including the Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and the central composite design (CCD) was employed to investigate the individual crucial component of the medium that significantly affected the enzyme yield. Results: Firstly, NaNO3, yeast extract, urea, Na2CO3, MgSO4, peptone and (NH4)2SO4 were screened as the significant factors positively affecting the xylanase production by PBD. Secondly, by valuating the nitrogen sources effect, urea was proved to be the most effective and economic nitrogen source for xylanase production and used for further optimization. Finally, the CCD and response surface methodology (RSM) were applied to determine the optimal concentration of each sig-nificant variable, which included urea, Na2CO3 and MgSO4. Subsequently a second-order polynomial was determined by multiple regression analysis. The optimum values of the critical components for maximum xylanase production were obtained as follows: x1 (urea)=0.163 (41.63 g/L), x2 (Na2CO3)=?1.68 (2.64 g/L), x3 (MgSO4)=1.338 (10.68 g/L) and the predicted xylanase value was 14374.6 U/g dry substrate. Using the optimized condition, xylanase production by Aspergillus niger XY-1 after 48 h fermentation reached 14637 U/g dry substrate with wheat bran in the shake flask. Conclusion: By using PBD and CCD, we obtained the optimal composition for xylanase production by Aspergillus niger XY-1 in SSF, and the results of no additional expensive medium and shortened fermentation time for higher xylanase production show the potential for industrial utilization.

Effect of Variable Selection on Multidisciplinary Design Optimization:a Flight Vehicle Example

Different multidisciplinary design optimization （MDO） problems are formulated and compared. Two MDO formulations are applied to a sounding rocket in order to optimize the performance of the rocket. In the MDO of the referred vehicle, three disciplines have been considered, which are trajectory, propulsion and aerodynamics. A special design structure matrix is developed to assist data exchange between disciplines. This design process uses response surface method （RSM） for multidisciplinary optimization of the rocket. The RSM is applied to the design in two categories： the propulsion model and the system level. In the propulsion model, RSM determines an approximate mathematical model of the engine output parameters as a function of design variables. In the system level, RSM fits a surface of objective function versus design variables. In the first MDO problem formulation, two design variables are selected to form propulsion discipline. In the second one, three new design variables from geometry are added and finally, an optimization method is applied to the response surface in the system level in order to find the best result. Application of the first developed multidisciplinary design optimization procedure increased accessible altitude （performance index） of the referred sounding rocket by twenty five percents and the second one twenty nine.

Optimization of low-temperature alkaline smelting process of crushed metal enrichment originated from waste printed circuit boards

A novel low-temperature alkaline smelting process is proposed to convert and separate amphoteric metals in crushed metal enrichment originated from waste printed circuit boards. The central composite design was used to optimize the operating parameters,in which mass ratio of Na OH-to-CME, smelting temperature and smelting time were chosen as the variables, and the conversions of amphoteric metals tin, lead, aluminum and zinc were response parameters. Second-order polynomial models of high significance and3 D response surface plots were constructed to show the relationship between the responses and the variables. Optimum area of80%-85% Pb conversion and over 95% Sn conversion was obtained by the overlaid contours at mass ratio of Na OH-to-CME of4.5-5.0, smelting temperature of 653-723 K, smelting time of 90-120 min. The models were validated experimentally in the optimum area, and the results demonstrate that these models are reliable and accurate in predicting the smelting process.

Production of biodiesel from waste vegetable oil using impregnated diatomite as heterogenous catalyst

In this study, biodiesel was produced from waste vegetable oil using a heterogeneous base catalyst synthesized by impregnating potassium hydroxide(KOH) onto diatomite. Response surface methodology based on a central composite design was used to optimize four transesterification variables: temperature(30–120 °C), reaction time(2–6 h), methanol to oil mass ratio(10%–50%) and catalyst to oil mass ratio(2.1%–7.9%). A quadratic polynomial equation was obtained to correlate biodiesel yield to the transesterification variables. The diatomite–KOH catalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction(XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy(FTIR) and a scanning electron microscope(SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray detector(EDS). A maximum biodiesel yield of 90%(by mass) was obtained. The reaction conditions were as follows: methanol to oil mass ratio 30%, catalyst to oil mass ratio 5%, reaction time 4 h, and reaction temperature 75 °C. The XRD, FTIR and SEM(EDS) results confirm that the addition of KOH modifies the structure of diatomite. During impregnation and calcination of the diatomite catalyst the K2 O phase forms in the diatomite structural matrix and the active basicity of this compound facilitates the transesterification process. It is possible to recycle the diatomite–KOH catalyst up to three times. The crucial biodiesel properties from waste vegetable oil are within the American Standard Test Method specifications.

Effect of Planting Density and Fertilizer Application on Fiber Yield of Ramie (Boehmeria nivea)

As the most important cultural practices for ramie （Boehmeria nivea） production, the single effects of plant density and nitrogen （N）, phosphorus （P）, potassium （K） fertilization on yield are well documented. To achieve the high yield and quality of ramie fiber, it is principal to quantify the fertilizer dosage for ramie sustainable production. A central composite design （CCD） was adopted with three replications, for a two-year field experiment （2008-2009） in the Yangtze River Valley of China. The aim was to evaluate both the individual and combined effects of plant density and N, P, and K fertilization on yield and fiber quality. The effects of the four factors on yield and quality of ramie cultivar Huazhu 4 were tested. Then mathematical models of the relationship among the four factors affecting ramie production and quality were established and analyzed to optimize the four factors, and used to establish optimum cultivation methods for the elite cultivar suitable to this area of the Yangtze River Valley. Supplements of N （X2）, P 0（3） and K 0（4）, and the density （X0 with N （X2） interaction significantly influenced strength in tests of mature ramie. The influence on fiber yield in the two year tests by the four factors ranked as follows： X3〉X4〉X~〉X2. We established the optimization technique attaining yield of 2 600 kg ha-~ in the tests as following： density of 28 350-31 650 plants ha-1, and supplements of N, P and K of 363-387, 98.58-105.48 and 280.20- 319.8 kg ha-1, respectively. It was concluded that nitrogen mostly improved plant growth and fiber yield while potassium had discernible effects on fiber quality.

Improved elastase production by Bacillus sp. EL31410—further optimization and kinetics studies of culture medium for batch fermentation

An efficient culture medium producing a bacterial elastase with high yields was developed further following preliminary studies by means of response surface method. Central composite design (CCD) and response surface method-ology were applied to optimize the medium constituents. A central composite design was used to explain the combined effect of three medium constituents, viz, glucose, K2HPO4, MgSO47H2O. The strain produced more elastase in the completely optimized medium, as compared with the partially optimized medium. The fitted model of the second model, as per RSM, showed that glucose was 7.4 g/100 ml, casein 1.13 g/100 ml, corn steep flour 0.616 g/100 ml, K2HPO4 0.206 g/100 ml and MgSO47H2O 0.034 g/100 ml. The fermentation kinetics of these two culture media in the flask experiments were analyzed. It was found that the highest elastase productivity occurred at 54 hours. Higher glucose concentration had inhibitory effect on elastase production. At the same time, we observed that the glucose consumption rate was slow in the completely optimized medium, which can explain the lag period of the highest elastase production. Some metal ions and surfactant additives also affected elastase production and cell growth.

Degradation of refractory organics in concentrated leachate by the Fenton process: Central composite design for process optimization

The primary aim of this study is inert COD removal from leachate nanofiltration concentrate because of its high concentration of resistant organic pollutants.Within this framework,this study focuses on the treatability of leachate nanofiltration concentrate through Fenton oxidation and optimization of process parameters to reach the maximum pollutant removal by using response surface methodology(RSM).Initial pH,Fe2+concentration,H_(2)O_(2)/Fe^(2+)molar ratio and oxidation time are selected as the independent variables,whereas total COD,color,inert COD and UV254 removal are selected as the responses.According to the ANOVA results,the R^(2) values of all responses are found to be over 95%.Under the optimum conditions determined by the model(pH:3.99,Fe^(2+):150 mmol/L,H_(2)O_(2)/Fe^(2+):3.27 and oxidation time:84.8 min),the maximum COD removal efficiency is determined as 91.4%by the model.The color,inert COD and UV254 removal efficiencies are determined to be 99.9%,97.2%and 99.5%,respectively,by the model,whereas the total COD,color,inert COD and UV254 removal efficiencies are found respectively to be 90%,96.5%,95.3%and 97.2%,experimentally under the optimum operating conditions.The Fenton process improves the biodegradability of the leachate NF concentrate,increasing the BOD5/COD ratio from the value of 0.04 to the value of 0.4.The operational cost of the process is calculated to be 0.238€/g COD_(removed).The results indicate that the Fenton oxidation process is an efficient and economical technology in improvement of the biological degradability of leachate nanofiltration concentrate and in removal of resistant organic pollutants.

A time-released osmotic pump fabricated by compression-coated method: Formulation screen, mechanism research and pharmacokinetic study

In this investigation,time-released monolithic osmotic pump(TMOP)tablets containing diltiazem hydrochloride(DIL)were prepared on the basis of osmotic pumping mechanism.The developed dosage forms were coated by Kollidon®SR-Polyethylene Glycol(PEG)mixtures via compression-coated technology instead of spray-coating method to form the outer membrane.For more efficient formulation screening,a three-factor five-level central composite design(CCD)was introduced to explore the optimal TMOP formulation during the experiments.The in vitro tests showed that the optimized formulation of DIL-loaded TMOP had a lag time of 4 h and a following 20-h drug release at an approximate zero-order rate.Moreover,the releasemechanismwas proven based on osmotic pressure and its profile could be well simulated by a dynamic equation.After oral administration by beagle dogs,the comparison of parameters with the TMOP tablets and reference preparations show no significant differences for C_(max)(111.56±20.42,128.38±29.46 ng/ml)and AUC_(0-48 h)(1654.97±283.77,1625.10±313.58 ng h/ml)but show significant differences for T_(max)(13.00±1.16,4.00±0.82 h).These pharmacokinetic parameters were consistent with the dissolution tests that the TMOP tablets had turned out to prolong the lag time of DIL release.

Isolation of Cordyceps ophioglossoides L2 from Fruit Body and Optimization of Fermentation Conditions for Its Mycelial Growth

A strain isolated from the fruiting body of a fungus parasitized on Elaphomyces was identified as Cordyceps ophioglossoides based on the morphological characteristics and the analysis of ITS-5.8s rDNA sequence. The optimal medium, composition （g·L^-1）, containing sucrose 66.0, yeast powder 10.0, silkworm chrysalises digest 30.0, MgSO4· 7H2O 0.4, and KH2PO4 0.4, Was found using fractional factorial design ancl a central composite design, and the optimization of cultural conditions obtained a result of seed age 6 days, inoculum size 6% （by volume）, initial pH 5.6, temperature 24℃, shaking speed 160 ·＇min^-1 by one-factor-at-a-time method. The maximum biomass reached about 20.2 g·L^-1 after 90 hours culture under the optimal conditions. Elementary nharmaeclogical actlwtties showed that mycelia of C. ophioglossoides L2 from submerged culture promoted Uterus growth in estrogen- depleted mice. In the 15-litre scale-up fermentation, the mycelial biomass was around 19.1 g·L^-1, indicating a promising prospect for this biotechnoloagy and the potency to develoo its medical value.

Optimization of compression formulation and load of food-grade tracers for grain traceability using central composite design

Food-grade tracers have been developed as an identification technology for grain traceability from original harvest to final destination for transportation.The characteristics of food-grade tracers must be able to satisfy the environmental demands for grain traceability.To optimize the food-grade tracer production process,the effects of direct compression formulation and load on the mechanical characteristics were studied using response surface methodology(RSM)with central composite design(CCD).Among the four tested formulations,Formulations#2(consisting of 35.00%lactose 100 mesh,64.50%microcrystalline cellulose 102 and 0.50%magnesium stearate)and#4(consisting of 38.00%lactose 100 mesh,50.00%microcrystalline cellulose 102,11.00%pregelatinized starch and 1.00%magnesium stearate)were selected for tracer production based on their physical properties as powders.The value of Carr’s flowability index was 68 for both Formulations#2 and#4,which was the highest among all the formulations.Therefore,Formulations#2 and#4 also had the best powder flowability.The magnesium stearate ratio(1.00%-3.00%)and pressure(6.00-16.00 kgf)were used as independent variables to detect changes in the breaking rate,peak shear force and friction coefficient of tracers compressed by the selected formulations.The optimal production parameters could be achieved at a magnesium stearate ratio of 2.25%and pressure of 16.00 kgf for Formulation#2 and at a magnesium stearate ratio of 1.02%and pressure of 16.00 kgf for Formulation#4.Under these optimal conditions,the tracers had good impact characteristics(breaking rate),compression characteristics(peak shear force)and frictional characteristics(friction coefficient).Moreover,Formulation#2 was more suitable for production because compared to Formulation#4,its breaking rate and friction coefficient values were lower,and its peak shear force value was higher.

Influence of medium components on elastase production using crude sources by Bacillus sp.EL31410

A newly isolated strain EL31410, producing elastase (E.C3.4.4.7) with h igh elastolytic activity was identified as Bacillus sp. In the medium opt imizat ion, it was found that wheat bran and soybean flour hydrosate were the best crud e carbon and nitrogen source for enzyme production, respectively. Addition of co rn steep flour can affect the bacterium growth and elastase production. A fracti onal factorial design was applied to study the main factors that affect the enzy me production, and central composite experimental design and response surface me thodology were adopted to derive a statistical model for the effect of wheat bra n and soybean flour hydrosate on elastase production. The experimental results s howed that wheat bran had positive effect but soybean flour hydrosate had neg ative effect, on enzyme production. An initial concentration of 3.4%(w/v) wh eat b ran and 9.4%(v/v) soybean flour hydrosate were found to be optimal for enzyme pr oduction in batch culture. The time course of elastase production in the optimiz ed medium composition was also described.