Effect of low-speed waterjet pressure on the rock-breaking performance of unsubmerged cavitating abrasive waterjet

Unsubmerged cavitating abrasive waterjet(UCAWJ)has been shown to artificially create a submerged environment that produces shear cavitation,which effectively enhances rock-breaking performance.The shear cavitation generation and collapse intensity depend on the pressure difference between the intermediate high-speed abrasive waterjet and the coaxial low-speed waterjet.However,the effect of the pressure of the coaxial low-speed waterjet is pending.For this purpose,the effect of low-speed waterjet pressure on rock-breaking performance at different standoff distances was experimentally investigated,and the effects of erosion time and ruby nozzle diameter on erosion performance were discussed.Finally,the micromorphology of the sandstone was observed at different locations.The results show that increased erosion time and ruby nozzle diameter can significantly improve the rock-breaking performance.At different standoff distances,the mass loss increases first and then decreases with the increase of low-speed waterjet pressure,the maximum mass loss is 10.4 g at a low-speed waterjet pressure of0.09 MPa.The surface morphology of cavitation erosion was measured using a 3D profiler,the increase in both erosion depth and surface roughness indicated a significant increase in the intensity of the shear cavitation collapse.At a low-speed waterjet pressure of 0.18 MPa,the cavitation erosion surface depth can reach 600μm with a roughness of 127μm.

Evaluating the impact of delayed centrifugation on protein profiles analyzed by LC/MS in serum and plasma samples

The pre-analytical steps in blood-based liquid biopsy,involving sample collection techniques and storage conditions,play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and reliability of collected samples.These steps have a directly impact on the accuracy and reliability of test results and are therefore of utmost importance.Mass spectrometry(MS)-based proteomics is an exceptionally powerful tool in the field of liquid biopsy.It enables the comprehensive analysis of the protein content within biological specimens,providing valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and pathogenesis of diseases.In this study,we aim to explore the variations in the protein landscape between serum and plasma specimens and evaluate the impact of delayed centrifugation on LC/MS-analyzed protein profiles.We seek to provide recommendations on optimal pre-analytical protocols for MS-based proteomics studies.This will enhance the accuracy and reliability of liquid biopsy for precision medicine,ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF ROTATING STALL FOR A LOW-SPEED CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR

Unsteady flows and rotating stall of a low-speed centrifugal compressor are investigated by measuring vaneless diffuser wall static pressure fluctuation and internal flow fields at different small flow fluxes. During the experiment, firstly the real time static pressure fluctuations on the vaneless diffuser shroud at different circumferential and radial position were acquired by high-frequency dynamic pressure transducers. Discrete Fourier transformation analysis and cross-correlation analysis were applied to the experimental results to ascertain the rotating stall beginning operation conditions and stall cells numbers and rotating speed. Secondly, the vaneless diffuser inlet flow angle distribution along diffuser width direction was acquired by single hotwire, which was compared with SENOO＇s analysis results. At last, the internal flow fields of the centrifugal compressor were investigated with a particle image velocimetry （PIV） system at different small flow fluxes. The flow field development of vaneless diffuser and blade flow passage are given at rotating stall conditions. The experiments enrich the understanding of rotating stall flow phenomenon of the low-speed centrifugal compressor and provide full experiment data for designing high performance centrifugal compressor.

Optimization on the Impeller of a Low-specific-speed Centrifugal Pump for Hydraulic Performance Improvement

In order to widen the high-efficiency operating range of a low-specific-speed centrifugal pump, an optimization process for considering efficiencies under 1.0Qd and 1.4Qd is proposed. Three parameters, namely, the blade outlet width b2, blade outlet angle β2, and blade wrap angle φ, are selected as design variables. Impellers are generated using the optimal Latin hypercube sampling method. The pump efficiencies are calculated using the software CFX 14.5 at two operating points selected as objectives. Surrogate models are also constructed to analyze the relationship between the objectives and the design variables. Finally, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is applied to calculate the surrogate model to determine the best combination of the impeller parameters. The results show that the performance curve predicted by numerical simulation has a good agreement with the experimental results. Compared with the efficiencies of the original impeller, the hydraulic efficiencies of the optimized impeller are increased by 4.18% and 0.62% under 1.0Qd and 1.4Qd, respectively. The comparison of inner flow between the original pump and optimized one illustrates the improvement of performance. The optimization process can provide a useful reference on performance improvement of other pumps, even on reduction of pressure fluctuations.

The Flow Simulation and Experimental Study of Low-Specific-Speed High-Speed Complex Centrifugal Impellers＊

Based on the Navier-Stokes equations and the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model, three-dimensional turbulent flow in four low-specific-speed centrifugal impellers are simulated numerically and analyzed. The relative velocity distribution, pressure distribution and static pressure rise at the design point are obtained for the regular impeller with only long blades and three complex impellers with long, mid or short blades. It is found that the back flow region between long-blade pressure side and mid-blade suction side is diminished and is pushed to pressure side of short blades near the outlet of impeller at suction side by the introduction of mid, short blades, and the size of back flow becomes smaller in a multi-blade complex impeller. And the pressure rises uniformly from inlet to outlet in all the impellers. The simulated results show that the complex impeller with long, mid and short blades can improve the velocity distribution and reduce the back flow in the impeller channel. The experimental results show that the back flow in the impeller has an important influence on the performance of pump and a more-blade complex impeller with long, mid and short blades can effectively solve low flow rate instability of the low-specific-speed centrifugal pump.

Multiresidue Method for Determination of 67 Pesticides in Water Samples Using Solid-Phase Extraction with Centrifugation and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

A new multi-residue method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) with centrifugation was developed for determination and quantitation of 67 pesticides in water samples. Two SPE cartridges were tested: Chromabond C18 and Oasis HLB. Parameters that influence the extraction efficiency such as the eluent volume, the sample loading volume, the addition of organic solvent to water sample, sorbent drying and elute concentration were optimized. The innovation of this work was the examination of the use of a centrifugation technique in both the drying and elution steps. When combined with centrifugation, the volume of the elution solvent was reduced to 2 mL and the time for sorbent drying decreased also to 10 min under vacuum. Under the optimized conditions, this method showed good recoveries higher than 65% - 68% for the 67 analyzed pesticides using the C18 and HLB cartridges with relative standard deviations lower than 9.7% - 12.3%. Limits of quantification were between 2 and 20 ng.L–1. The simplicity of the described method, use of less of organic solvent, short procedure time, and good recoveries demonstrate the advantages of this environmentally friendly approach for routine analysis of numerous samples.

SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF LOW-SPEED STREAKS UNDER SHEARED AIR-WATER INTERFACES

The characteristics of low-speed fluid streaks occurring under sheared air-water interfaces were examined by means of hydrogen bubble visualization technique. A critical shear condition under which the streaky structure first appears was determined to be u(tau) approximate to 0.19 cm/s. The mean spanwise streak spacing increases with distance from the water surface owing to merging and bursting processes, and a linear relationship describing variation of non-dimensional spacing <(<lambda>+)over bar> versus y(+) was found essentially independent of shear stress on the interface. Values of <(<lambda>+)over bar>, however, are remarkably smaller than their counterparts in the near-wall region of turbulent boundary layers. Though low-speed streaks occur randomly in time and space, the streak spacing exhibits a lognormal probability distribution behavior. A tentative explanation concerning the formation of streaky structure is suggested, and the fact that <(<lambda>+)over bar> takes rather smaller values than that in wall turbulence is briefly discussed.

POD analysis of the instability mode of a low-speed streak in a laminar boundary layer

The instability of one single low-speed streak in a zero-pressure-gradient laminar boundary layer is investigated experimentally via both hydrogen bubble visualization and planar particle image velocimetry(PIV) measurement. A single low-speed streak is generated and destabilized by the wake of an interference wire positioned normal to the wall and in the upstream. The downstream development of the streak includes secondary instability and self-reproduction process, which leads to the generation of two additional streaks appearing on either side of the primary one. A proper orthogonal decomposition(POD) analysis of PIV measured velocity field is used to identify the components of the streak instability in the POD mode space: for a sinuous/varicose type of POD mode, its basis functions present anti-symmetric/symmetric distributions about the streak centerline in the streamwise component, and the symmetry condition reverses in the spanwise component. It is further shown that sinuous mode dominates the turbulent kinematic energy(TKE) through the whole streak evolution process, the TKE content first increases along the streamwise direction to a saturation value and then decays slowly. In contrast, varicose mode exhibits a sustained growth of the TKE content,suggesting an increasing competition of varicose instability against sinuous instability.

Statistical analysis of pressure fluctuations during unsteady flow for low-specific-speed centrifugal pumps

A three-dimensional transient numerical simulation was conducted to study the pressure fluctuations in low-specific-speed centrifugal pumps. The characteristics of the inner flow were investigated using the SST k-ω turbulence model. The distributions of pressure fluctuations in the impeller and the volute were recorded, and the pressure fluctuation intensity was analyzed comprehensively, at the design condition, using statistical methods. The results show that the pressure fluctuation intensity increases along the impeller streamline from the leading edge to the trailing edge. In the impeller passage, the intensity near the shroud is much higher than that near the hub at thc inlet. However, the intensity at the middle passage is almost equal to the intensity at the outlet. The pressure fluctuation intensity is the highest at the trailing edge on the pressure side and near the tongue because of the rotor-stator interaction. The distribution of pressure fluctuation intensity is symmetrical in the axial cross sections of the volute channel. However, this intensity decreases with increasing radial distance. Hence, the pressure fluctuation intensity can be reduced by modifying the geometry of the leading edge in the impeller and the tongue in the volute.

Experimental investigation on vibration characteristics of the medium-low-speed maglev vehicle-turnout coupled system

The steel turnout is one of the key components in the medium–low-speed maglev line system.However,the vehicle under active control is prone to vehicle–turnout coupled vibration,and thus,it is necessary to identify the vibration characteristics of this coupled system through field tests.To this end,dynamic performance tests were conducted on a vehicle–turnout coupled system in a medium–low-speed maglev test line.Firstly,the dynamic response data of the coupled system under various operating conditions were obtained.Then,the natural vibration characteristics of the turnout were analysed using the free attenuation method and the finite element method,indicating a good agreement between the simulation results and the measured results;the acceleration response characteristics of the coupled system were analysed in detail,and the ride quality of the vehicle was assessed by Sperling index.Finally,the frequency distribution characteristics of the coupled system were discussed.All these test results could provide references for model validation and optimized design of medium–low-speed maglev transport systems.

Numerical study on evolution of subharmonic varicose low-speed streaks in turbulent channel flow

The evolution of two spanwise-aligned low-speed streaks in a wall turbulent flow, triggered by the instability of the subharmonic varicose （SV） mode, is studied by a direct numerical simulation （DNS） method in a small spatial-periodic channel. The results show that the SV low-speed streaks are self-sustained at the early stage, and then transform into subharmonic sinuous （SS） low-speed streaks. Initially, the streamwise vortex sheets are formed by shearing, and then evolve into zigzag vortex sheets due to the mutual induction. As the intensification of the SV low-speed streaks becomes prominent, the tilted streamwise vortex tubes and the V-like streamwise vortex tubes can be formed simultaneously by increasing ＋~. When the SV low-speed streaks break down, new zigzag streamwise vortices will be generated, thus giving birth to the next sustaining cycle of the SV low-speed streaks. When the second breakdown happens, new secondary V-like streamwise vortices instead of zigzag streamwise vortices will be generated. Because of the sweep motion of the fluid induced by the secondary V-like streamwise vortices, each decayed low-speed streak can be divided into two parts, and each part combines with the part of another streak, finally leading to the formation of SS low-speed streaks.

High-frequency characterization of high-speed modulators and photodetectors in a link with low-speed photonic sampling

We propose a low-speed photonic sampling for independent high-frequency characterization of a Mach–Zehnder modulator(MZM)and a photodetector(PD)in an optical link.A low-speed mode-locked laser diode(MLLD)provides an ultrawideband optical stimulus with scalable frequency range,working as the photonic sampling source of the link.The uneven spectrum lines of the MLLD are firstly characterized with symmetric modulation within the interesting frequency range.Then,the electro-optic modulated signals are down-converted to the first Nyquist frequency range,yielding the self-referenced extraction of modulation depth and half-wave voltage of the MZM without correcting the responsivity fluctuation of the PD in the link.Finally,the frequency responsivity of the PD is self-referenced measured under null modulation of the MZM.As frequency responses of the MZM and the PD can be independently obtained,our method allows self-referenced high-frequency measurement for a high-speed optical link.In the proof-of-concept experiment,a 96.9 MS/s MLLD is used for measuring a MZM and a PD within the frequency range up to 50 GHz.The consistency between our method and the conventional method verifies that the ultra-wideband and self-referenced high-frequency characterization of high-speed MZMs and PDs.

Numerical simulation on evolution of subharmonic low-speed streaks in minimal channel turbulent flow

The evolution of low-speed streaks in the turbulent boundary layer of the minimum channel flow unit at a low Reynolds number is simulated by the direct numer- ical simulation （DNS） based on the standard Fourier-Chebyshev spectral method. The subharmonic sinuous （SS） mode for two spanwise-aligned low-speed streaks is excited by imposing the initial perturbations. The possibilities and the physical realities of the turbulent sustaining in the minimal channel unit are examined. Based on such a flow field environment, the evolution of the low-speed streaks during a cycle of turbulent sus- taining, including lift-up, oscillation, and breakdown, is investigated. The development of streamwise vortices and the dynamics of vortex structures are examined. The results show that the vortices generated from the same streak are staggered along the streamwise direction, while the vortices induced by different streaks tilt toward the normal direction due to the mutual induction effect. It is the spatial variations of the streamwise vortices that cause the lift-up of the streaks. By resolving the transport dynamics of enstrophy, the strength of the vortices is found to continuously grow in the logarithmic layer through the vortex stretching mechanism during the evolution of streaks. The enhancement of the vortices contributes to the spanwise oscillation and the following breakdown of the low-speed streaks.

Optimizing the Exhaust System of Marine Diesel Engines to Improve Low-speed Performances and Cylinder Working Conditions

Proper design of exhaust systems in marine high-power turbocharged diesel engines can contribute to improve the low-speed performance of these engines and make the working conditions of the cylinders more uniform.Here a high-power marine 16-cylinder V-type turbocharged diesel engine is simulated using the GT-Power software.The results reveal the differences induced by different exhaust system structures,such as an 8-cylinder-inpipe exhaust system with single/double superchargers and a 4-cylinder-in-pipe exhaust system with a single supercharger.After a comparative analysis,the 8-cylinder type with double superchargers is determined to be the optimal solution,and the structure of the exhaust system is further optimized.The simulations show that the optimized maximum exhaust temperature difference among cylinders is reduced by 66%.Finally,the simulation results and the optimized performance of the designed exhaust system are verified through experiments.

Centrifugation: an important pre-analytic procedure that influences plasma microRNA quantification during blood processing

Circulating microRNAs are robustly present in plasma or serum and have become a research focus as biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and prognosis.Centrifugation is a necessary procedure for obtaining highquality blood supernatant.Herein,we investigated one-step and two-step centrifugations,two centrifugal methods routinely used in microRNA study,to explore their effects on plasma microRNA quantification.The microRNAs obtained from one-step and two-step centrifugations were quantified by microarray and TaqMan-based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Q-PCR).Dynamic light scattering was performed to explore the difference underlying the two centrifugal methods.The results from the microarray containing 1,347 microRNAs showed that the signal detection rate was greatly decreased in the plasma sample prepared by two-step centrifugation.More importantly,the microRNAs missing in this plasma sample could be recovered and detected in the precipitate generated from the second centrifugation.Consistent with the results from microarray,a marked decrease of three representative microRNAs in twostep centrifugal plasma was validated by Q-PCR.According to the size distribution of all nanoparticles in plasma,there were fewer nanoparticles with size>1,000 nm in two-step centrifugal plasma.Our experiments directly demonstrated that different centrifugation methods produced distinct quantities of plasma microRNAs.Thus,exosomes or protein complexes containing microRNAs may be involved in large nanoparticle formation and may be precipitated after two-step centrifugation.Our results remind us that sample processing methods should be first considered in conducting research.

Purification of specularite by centrifugation instead of flotation to produce iron oxide red pigment

This study used specularite, a high-gradient magnetic separation concentrate, as a raw material in reverse flotation.An iron concentrate with a grade of 65.1 wt% and a recovery rate of 75.31% were obtained.A centrifugal concentrator served as the deep purification equipment for the preparation of iron oxide red pigments, and its optimal rotating drum speed, feed concentration, and other conditions were determined.Under optimal conditions, a high-purity iron oxide concentrate with a grade of 69.38 wt% and a recovery rate of 80.89% were obtained and used as a raw material for preparing iron oxide red pigment.Calcining with sulfuric acid produced iron red pigments with different hues.Simultaneously, middlings with a grade of 60.20 wt% and a recovery rate of 17.51% were obtained and could be used in blast furnace ironmaking.High-value utilization of specularite beneficiation products was thus achieved.

Motility of Stallion Spermatozoa after Centrifugation and Cooling in INRA96 or Walworth Extender

A total of 18 ejaculates were collected, once per week, from six fertile stallions for three consecutive weeks in October and November, to compare motility over time between extenders using four semen processing treatments. Four total aliquots of semen were used. Two aliquots of each semen collection were extended in either INRA96 or an experimental proprietary milk-based extender Walworth （WW） extender, and each was designed for multi-day storage of fresh chilled semen. Each aliquot was divided again, and either centrifuged at 600 μg for 10 min without cushion, or not centrifuged and extended to a final concentration of 25 × 10^6 spermatozoa/mL. The treatments evaluated were INRA96 without centrifugation （INRA-NC） or with centrifugation （INRA-C）, and Walworth extender without centrifugation （WW-NC） or with centrifugation （WW-C）. Total and progressive motility were measured using Sperm Vision~ CASA at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h post-collection. Samples were stored at 4 ℃. No differences were found between extenders in progressive （P = 0.13） or total motility （P = 0.14） over the four different time points without centrifugation. However, ejaculates processed in INRA-C group had the greater total and progressive motility （P 〈 0.05） over the four time points than ejaculates in the WW-C group. It was found that centrifugation and re-suspension of stallion semen in INRA96 improved the longevity of fresh chilled semen. However, when not using centrifugation, the Walworth extender proved to be as effective for maintaining spermatozoa motility across all time points as 1NRA96 , and may be an alternative for use in the equine breeding industry.

Dynamics of low-speed streak evolution and interaction in laminar boundary layer

The present paper presents an experimental effort on the regeneration process of two low-speed laminar streaks in a zero-pressure-gradient laminar boundary layer. Two vertical thin wires separated by a spanwise distance of 30 mm are used to introduce disturbances of two rolls of transitional Karmain vortex street to the downstream boundary layer. Both hydrogen bubble visualization and particle image velocimetry （PIV） measurement show that two lowspeed streaks are induced through leading-edge receptivity process. As these streaks develop in the downstream, two additional low-speed streaks begin to appear outboard of the flank of the original two, together with complex dynamics of streak splitting and merging. A flow pattern of four streaks aligned along the spanwise direction occurs finally in the far downstream. It is found that besides the mechanisms of streak breakdown, the streak interaction is also an important factor characterizing the instability of low speed streaks and their regeneration process.

Different Re-centrifugation Conditions for Infectious Disease Screening Using the Abbott 12000

We investigated whether an ordinary centrifuge can achieve the standard centrifugal effect required according to specifications for infectious disease screening using the Abbott i2000.Samples were collected and centrifuged following a standard operating procedure(SOP).They were then divided into three groups according to the results of the initial screening tests:a negative group,weak-positive group,and positive group.Twenty negative samples and all weak-positive and positive samples were re-analyzed.Two tubes for each re-analyzed sample were centrifuged simultaneously,one for 10 min at 10000x g,per recommendations,and one for 10 min at 2750^g.No significant difference was found between the groups using different centrifugal forces.There was a strong correlation in the quantitative values between the two conditions of centrifugation.Consistency analysis showed a Cronbach's alpha>0.8 for detection of Treponema pallidum,human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),hepatitis C virus(HCV),and hepatitis B surface antigen in the three groups(negative group,weak-positive group,and positive group)under different centrifugation conditions.Strong consistency was found under different centrifugal conditions,regardless of the initial testing results.In conclusion,we conducted centrifugation steps in duplicate,according to infectious disease screening protocols.Our study showed that all samples should be centrifuged using a recommended relative centrifugal force after a proper clotting time,as in the standard operating procedure of our laboratory.In this way,we were able to obtain the same results using an ordinary centrifuge as those obtained using a high-speed centrifuge,such as the Abbott i2000.