Coating powder beds with liquids and foams based on viscous formulations using a twin screw mixer:A continuous process study

Coating with viscous formulations has been essential in numerous industries as it can be a means for providing functionalization, additional properties, as well as other benefits. However, there have been scarce studies that have investigated and proposed methodologies in literature. Continuous coating of powders with viscous liquids poses as a promising technology, which has been mentioned in some studies, but has not yet been thoroughly investigated. This paper employs the use of image processing and analysis, in combination with statistical analysis of particles to evaluate the effectiveness of foams and liquids as a means of coating powder beds. Two different sizes of twin screw mixers that are working in continuous operation are employed, and a new continuous foaming device is fabricated and used for the experiments of coating. The effect of materials and process parameters (as for example rotational speed, and flowrate) on the quality of coating are investigated. Image analysis is used to assess the coating quality. The results clearly showcase the potential of using twin screw mixers for coating purposes and not only for mixing. The hypothesis that using large bubble foams to improve the coating of viscous liquids on particles is proven correct, as they provide higher quality coatings compared to their equivalent liquids, when used in the twin screw mixer. Surprisingly, using a larger scale twin screw mixer, does not show a substantial effect on the mixing, regarding quality, however there is still a requirement for mix optimization for achieving scale-up of this process. These results provide a new pathway for coating powders with viscous formulations in industrial applications, requiring less energy and effort in this process, and can pave the way towards introducing more sustainable industrial methodologies for coating.

NADARAYA-WATSON ESTIMATORS FOR REFLECTED STOCHASTIC PROCESSES

We study the Nadaraya-Watson estimators for the drift function of two-sided reflected stochastic differential equations.The estimates,based on either the continuously observed process or the discretely observed process,are considered.Under certain conditions,we prove the strong consistency and the asymptotic normality of the two estimators.Our method is also suitable for one-sided reflected stochastic differential equations.Simulation results demonstrate that the performance of our estimator is superior to that of the estimator proposed by Cholaquidis et al.(Stat Sin,2021,31:29-51).Several real data sets of the currency exchange rate are used to illustrate our proposed methodology.

PERFORMANCE OF THE CONTINUOUS AFFINITY-RECYCLE EXTRACTION PROCESS

The continuous affinity- recycle extraction (CARE) process is extended ic a system with ultrafiltration membranes. The mathematical model of the process is established by taking into account membrane rejections to the components in a crude mixture. The process performance, defined as concentration factor (CF ), purification factor (PF ) and recovery yield (REC), is analyzed by computer simulations. The results show that CF and REC increase, but PF decreases with the membrane rejection. It is likely that optimum operating conditions exist to give the best process performance because the increases in eluant and affinity-recycle flow rate improve REC but decrease PF.

Dynamical Solidification Behaviors and Metal Flow during Continuous Semisolid Extrusion Process of AZ31 Alloy

In this paper, a novel near-net-shape forming process, continuous semisolid extrusion process （CSEP） of AZ31 alloy was proposed, and the dynamical solidification behaviors and metal flow during the process were firstly investigated. During casting AZ31 alloy by this process, non-uniform microstructure distributions and non- equilibrium solidification region near the roll surface were found in the roll-shoe gap. Microstructural evolution from dendrite to rosette and spherical grains was observed during the casting by CSEP. Casting temperature, roll-shoe gap width and cooling ability have great effect on casting process and metal flow, so these factors should be carefully controlled, a proper casting temperature of 710-750℃ is suggested. The white α phases were strongly stretched during the processing, and the remnant liquids are correspondingly distributes along the solid phase boundaries and also show stripped lines.

Iterative Learning Model Predictive Control for a Class of Continuous/Batch Processes

An iterative learning model predictive control （ILMPC） technique is applied to a class of continuous/batch processes. Such processes are characterized by the operations of batch processes generating periodic strong disturbances to the continuous processes and traditional regulatory controllers are unable to eliminate these periodic disturbances. ILMPC integrates the feature of iterative learning control （ILC） handling repetitive signal and the flexibility of model predictive control （MPC）. By on-line monitoring the operation status of batch processes, an event-driven iterative learning algorithm for batch repetitive disturbances is initiated and the soft constraints are adjusted timely as the feasible region is away from the desired operating zone. The results of an industrial application show that the proposed ILMPC method is effective for a class of continuous/batch processes.

EVOLUTION OF MICROSTRUCTURES AND HARDNESS DURING CONTINUOUS THERMO-MECHANICAL PROCESSING OF 6201 ALUMINUM ALLOY

Continuous thermo-mechanical processing (CTMP) of 6201 aluminum alloy was simulated on Gleeble-1500. The deformed specimens were analyzed by the observation of TEM and the measurement of hardness. It was shown that rapid solid solution and aging treatment can be effectively combined in one procedure by the strain induced during CTMP. The deformation temperature is ranging from 540* C to 300* C, the hardness increases directly before the 6th pass followed by a slight drop, the amount of precipitates increases with the holding time after deformation. Uniformly distributed and stabilized Mg2Si precipitates, as well as dislocation substructure can be observed on deformed specimens which have been subsequently held at 300℃ for 60 seconds.

STUDY OF DYNAMIC RECRYSTALLIZATION OF LOW CARBON STEEL IN THIN SLAB CONTINUOUS ROLLING PROCESS

Combined with the technological characteristics of thin slab continuous rolling process （TSCR）, dynamic recrystallization of an extremely coarse austenite of low carbon steel is studied by Thermecmaster-Z hot simulator. By the analysis of true stress-strain curves and the observation of microstructures at different deformation stages, the critical stress and critical strain are determined under different deformation conditions. The effect of Z parameter on dynamic recrystallization of coarse austenite is studied. The microstructure evolution in real production is also discussed.

A Compensation Controller Based on a Nonlinear Wavelet Neural Network for Continuous Material Processing Operations

Continuous material processing operations like printing and textiles manufacturing are conducted under highly variable conditions due to changes in the environment and/or in the materials being processed.As such,the processing parameters require robust real-time adjustment appropriate to the conditions of a nonlinear system.This paper addresses this issue by presenting a hybrid feedforward-feedback nonlinear model predictive controller for continuous material processing operations.The adaptive feedback control strategy of the controller augments the standard feedforward control to ensure improved robustness and compensation for environmental disturbances and/or parameter uncertainties.Thus,the controller can reduce the need for manual adjustments.The controller applies nonlinear generalized predictive control to generate an adaptive control signal for attaining robust performance.A wavelet-based neural network model is adopted as the prediction model with high prediction precision and time-frequency localization characteristics.Online training is utilized to predict uncertain system dynamics by tuning the wavelet neural network parameters and the controller parameters adaptively.The performance of the controller algorithm is verified by both simulation,and in a real-time practical application involving a single-input single-output double-zone sliver drafting system used in textiles manufacturing.Both the simulation and practical results demonstrate an excellent control performance in terms of the mean thickness and coefficient of variation of output slivers,which verifies the effectiveness of this approach in improving the long-term uniformity of slivers.

The effect of the continuous casting process on ultrasonically-tested defects in heavy plates

A plate＇s internal quality is very critical, especially for boilers and high-pressure vessels. The ultrasonic test （UT） is the main type of non-destructive flaw detection for heavy plates, which is important because one of the main reasons for plate defects is ultrasonic flaws. This study, based on Baosteel＇ s practical experience in the manufacture of heavy plates, elucidates the cause of defect formation by analyzing ultrasonic flaw testing maps and using special equipment, such as the scanning electron microscope, electron probe and the optical microscope. The author puts forward the following improvement measures： ① Ultrasonic flaws are caused by central porosity and segregation,[H] bubbles and inclusion in slabs.②Ultrasonic flaws are more likely to occur in the bottom and top of slabs rather than the other positions in the casting sequence. It is clear that one-quarter of the inner camber＇ s thickness is accumulated inclusion.③It is clear that overheating in the tundish and the flow of the casting mould have an effect on ultrasonic flaws caused by inclusions.④Soft reduction improves central porosity and segregation,which decreases the number of ultrasonic flaws in the plate.

Applications of Dynamic-Equilibrium Continuous Markov Stochastic Processes to Elements of Survival Analysis

In this article, we summarize some results on invariant non-homogeneous and dynamic-equilibrium (DE) continuous Markov stochastic processes. Moreover, we discuss a few examples and consider a new application of DE processes to elements of survival analysis. These elements concern the stochastic quadratic-hazard-rate model, for which our work 1) generalizes the reading of its It? stochastic ordinary differential equation (ISODE) for the hazard-rate-driving independent (HRDI) variables, 2) specifies key properties of the hazard-rate function, and in particular, reveals that the baseline value of the HRDI variables is the expectation of the DE solution of the ISODE, 3) suggests practical settings for obtaining multi-dimensional probability densities necessary for consistent and systematic reconstruction of missing data by Gibbs sampling and 4) further develops the corresponding line of modeling. The resulting advantages are emphasized in connection with the framework of clinical trials of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) where we propose the use of an endpoint reflecting the narrowing of airways. This endpoint is based on a fairly compact geometric model that quantifies the course of the obstruction, shows how it is associated with the hazard rate, and clarifies why it is life-threatening. The work also suggests a few directions for future research.

Decomposition of Cellulose by Continuous Near-Critical Water Reactions

A pilot-scale apparatus for continuous supercritical and near-critical water reaction was set up. A high-pressure slurry supplying system was developed to feed the solid material-water slurries. The apparatus features temperature up to 600℃, pressure up to 40MPa, residence time from 24s to 15min, maximum amount of slurry supply of 2.4 L·h-1, maximum solid content of slurry up to 10%(by mass) for cellulose from Merck, and resistance to corrosion. Long-time runs of decomposition of cellulose were carried out and steady runs were confirmed. Kinetics of cellulose decomposition was studied. The apparent activation energy evaluated was 147kJ·mol-1. In addition, a new three-step pathway for cellulose hydrolysis was proposed. The derived kinetic equation is in good agreement with the experimental data.

Continuous Production of Butanol by Bacteria of Genus Clostridium

Performance of continuous 1-butanol production process by Clostridium bacteria is complicated by alternation of acidogenic and solventogenic phases during fermentation what correlates with culture growth and sporulation, respectively. However, the strain Clostridium pasteurianum NRRL B598 showed diverse pattern of solvents production when butanol production started during exponential growth phase in batch cultivation. If cultivated under glucose limited conditions with dilution rate 0.03 hl, constant product concentration was almost achieved. By contrast, glucose non-limited continuous experiment operated with dilution rate 0.07 h-1 lead to mutually adverse oscillations of product and glucose concentrations. Regarding the process economy, glucose limited continuous cultivation seems to be superior due to utilization of total supplied glucose amount, advantageous butanol/acetone ratio and higher butanol yield.

Pyrene Nanocrystals Crystallized by a Continuous Flow Microreactor

Pyrene solution and distilled water were flowed through a microreactor at a predetermined flow rate to generate pyrene crystals. Pyrene nanocrystals were crystallized by a Continuous Flow Microreactor. The particle size and luminescence properties of pyrene nanocrystals produced were evaluated. The crystal mean size between 60 nm and 400 nm could be controlled by the operating conditions. The crystal mean size decreased with increasing flow rate and solution concentration. In addition, the crystal morphology also changed. In the case of slow flow conditions, a needle-like crystal morphology was obtained. The crystal morphology became spherical on increasing the flow rate. Pyrene crystals with size about 400 nm exhibited luminescence at about 470 nm. As the crystal size decreased, the intensity of the luminescence also declined. The luminescence wavelength was in the range of about 370 to 400 nm.

Phase Characteristic Analysis of Continuous Depth Air-Gun Source Wavelet

Air guns are important sources for marine seismic exploration. Far-field wavelet of air gun arrays, as a necessary parameter for pre-stack processing and source models, plays an important role during marine seismic data processing and interpretation. When an air gun fires, it generates a series of air bubbles. Similar to onshore seismic exploration, the water forms a plastic fluid near the bubble; the farther the air gun is located from the measurement, the more steady and more accurately represented the wavelet will be. In practice, hydrophones should be placed more than 100 m from the air gun; however, traditional seismic cables cannot meet this requirement. On the other hand, vertical cables provide a viable solution to this problem. This study uses a vertical cable to receive wavelets from 38 air guns and data are collected offshore Southeast Qiong, where the water depth is over 1000 m. In this study, the wavelets measured using this technique coincide very well with the simulated wavelets and can therefore represent the real shape of the wavelets. This experiment fills a technology gap in China.

Balanced multiple weighted linear discriminant analysis and its application to visual process monitoring

Visual process monitoring is important in complex chemical processes.To address the high state separation of industrial data,we propose a new criterion for feature extraction called balanced multiple weighted linear discriminant analysis(BMWLDA).Then,we combine BMWLDA with self-organizing map(SOM)for visual monitoring of industrial operation processes.BMWLDA can extract the discriminative feature vectors from the original industrial data and maximally separate industrial operation states in the space spanned by these discriminative feature vectors.When the discriminative feature vectors are used as the input to SOM,the training result of SOM can differentiate industrial operation states clearly.This function improves the performance of visual monitoring.Continuous stirred tank reactor is used to verify that the class separation performance of BMWLDA is more effective than that of traditional linear discriminant analysis,approximate pairwise accuracy criterion,max–min distance analysis,maximum margin criterion,and local Fisher discriminant analysis.In addition,the method that combines BMWLDA with SOM can effectively perform visual process monitoring in real time.

Managing Complexity and Speed of Processes in the Organizations—A Philosophical and Practical Approach

The business challenges of today are managing complexity and the speed of changes with processes and systems since there are continuously new requirements from market, consumers, suppliers, employees, government etc. For example, when product and service innovations are launched on the market, the relevant processes, policies, people, systems, and technologies should have been prepared and set up in advance. Depending on the business sector, the implementation of new processes and systems as well as their continuous improvement can be easy to very complex and of course very costly. Responding to those challenges, there are several methodologies and approaches like Continuous Improvement Process, Lean Management and Kaizen etc. On the other hand, the application of these methodologies to other industries like service and technology companies is not always successful since their conditions and requirements are different than those of manufacturing organizations. Because of these reasons, the management needs to find out （new） ways of working and to implement new solutions in order to master those challenges and problems. This is not always easy and successful. There are different types of solution options that can be applied situational in every organization. Philosophy can help essentially by asking and answering critical questions in order to provide with solution options to reduce the complexity and to increase the speed of processes. There are several proven and new governance concepts, frameworks, and tools which follow their philosophies. This paper demonstrates how those challenges can be responded and managed as well as how a philosophical approach can help primarily to provide with appropriate solutions.

The Negative Growth of Processing Trade Continued

China’s foreign trade from January to August According to Customs figures,China’s total import and export in August reached 2.04 trillion yuan,down 9.7%year on year(the same below).Export was 1.2 trillion yuan,down 6.1%,and import 0.84 trillion yuan,down 14.3%.Trade surplus was 368 billion yuan,an increase of 20.1%.In terms of the U.S.dollar,the total import and export in August reached US$333.5 billion,

A NOTE ON SAMPLE PATH PROPERTIES OF l^p-VALUED GAUSSIAN PROCESSES

The a.s. sample path properties for l p valued Gaussian processes with stationary increments under some more general conditions are established.

THE LOCAL CONTINUITY MODULI FOR TWO CLASSES OF GAUSSIAN PROCESSES

In this article,local continuity moduli for the fractional Wiener process and l ∞\|valued Gaussian processes is discussed.

Operations Improvement Function and Organisational Adaptability of Petroleum Tank Farms in South-South, Nigeria

The study examined the nexus between operations improvement function (dimensioned by contingency planning, benchmarking and continuous improvement processes) and organisational adaptability of Petroleum tank farms in South-South, Nigeria. The contingency theory and the theory of routine dynamics underpinned the study, and positivism was the underlying philosophy. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey through the use of questionnaire. 820 middle and top-level managers constituted the elements of the population, and the Krejcie & Morgan’s formula was used to determine the sample size of 262 respondents. Structural Equation Modeling was deployed to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. The results showed that contingency planning;benchmarking and continuous improvement processes all have a significant positive relationship with organisational adaptability of Petroleum tank farms in South-South, Nigeria. The study concludes that Petroleum tank farms’ operations should focus on the adoption of contingency planning, benchmarking and continuous improvement processes to enhance organisational adaptability. Therefore, it is recommended that the management of Petroleum tank farms should put in place mechanisms to advance continuous improvement processes by allocating the necessary amount of resources, such as energy, time and money, in order to promote the continuous development of the continuous improvement systems. Furthermore, managers of Petroleum tank farms should make better the adoption of contingency planning, ensuring that there is as much necessary training and information for employees on how to act during a crises situation, in order to evaluate safety and prepare in advance for recovery from disasters.