Machine learning-driven optimization of plasma-catalytic dry reforming of methane

This study investigates the dry reformation of methane(DRM)over Ni/Al_(2)O_(3)catalysts in a dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)non-thermal plasma reactor.A novel hybrid machine learning(ML)model is developed to optimize the plasma-catalytic DRM reaction with limited experimental data.To address the non-linear and complex nature of the plasma-catalytic DRM process,the hybrid ML model integrates three well-established algorithms:regression trees,support vector regression,and artificial neural networks.A genetic algorithm(GA)is then used to optimize the hyperparameters of each algorithm within the hybrid ML model.The ML model achieved excellent agreement with the experimental data,demonstrating its efficacy in accurately predicting and optimizing the DRM process.The model was subsequently used to investigate the impact of various operating parameters on the plasma-catalytic DRM performance.We found that the optimal discharge power(20 W),CO_(2)/CH_(4)molar ratio(1.5),and Ni loading(7.8 wt%)resulted in the maximum energy yield at a total flow rate of∼51 mL/min.Furthermore,we investigated the relative significance of each operating parameter on the performance of the plasma-catalytic DRM process.The results show that the total flow rate had the greatest influence on the conversion,with a significance exceeding 35%for each output,while the Ni loading had the least impact on the overall reaction performance.This hybrid model demonstrates a remarkable ability to extract valuable insights from limited datasets,enabling the development and optimization of more efficient and selective plasma-catalytic chemical processes.

Development of volatiles and odor-active compounds in Chinese dry sausage at different stages of process and storage

The effect of process and storage on the volatiles and odorant profi le of Chinese dry sausage was evaluated,as well as its physicochemical parameters.Microbial esterification and wine(27.54%–43.35%),and lipid oxidation(11.30%–34.92%)played a key role in flavor profile during process and storage.A significant increase of each volatile was detected during process except gradual decrease of volatiles from spices,while a gradual decrease of each volatile was detected during storage except signifi cant increase of volatiles from lipid oxidation and esterifi cation.15 and 6 odor-active compounds were respectively correlated(P<0.05)with the process and storage time.Level of heptanal,1-octen-3-ol,the ethyl of 2-methylbutanoic,3-methylbutanoic,butanoic,benzoic,hexanoic,heptanoic,octanoic and decanoic acid were best discriminators of process stage,while(E)-2-nonenal,ethyl hexanoate,ethyl heptanoate,and methyl decanoate,were marker compounds of storage time.An objective method was established to evaluate the stages of process and storage for samples.

Simulation of Wetting and Drying Processes in A Depth Integrated Shallow Water Flow Model by Slot Method

A particular porosity method named ＂slot method＂ is implemented in a depth-integrated shallow water flow model （DIVAST） to simulate wetting and drying processes. Discussed is the relationship between the shape factors of the ＂slot＂ and the preset depth used in ＂wetting-drying＂ algorithm. Two typical tests are conducted to examine the performance of the method with the effect of the shape factors of the ＂slot＂ being checked in detail in the first test. Numerical results demonstrate that： 1 ） no additional effort to improve the finite difference scheme is needed to implement ＂slot method＂ in DIVAST, and 2） ＂slot method＂ will simulate wetting and diying processes correctly if the shape factors of the ＂slot＂ being selected properly.

Investigation and analysis of a fluidized bed dryer by process tomography sensor

In the pharmaceutical industry,fluidized beds are typically used for pellets drying,coating and granulation.The gas-solids flow characteristic in the process plays an important role to control the heat and mass transfer as well as the end-point product quality.Therefore,it is necessary to investigate the flow characteristics based on advanced measurement technologies.In this research,electrical capacitance tomography(ECT)sensor with eight electrodes was used to investigate the pharmaceutical fluidized bed drying process with different operation conditions.Key process parameters including solids concentration,particle moisture and capacitance signals in the process are given and analysed based on the ECT sensor.In addition,the fluidized bed process with Wurster tube is also investigated based on this ECT sensor.The effect of Wurster tube on the hydrodynamic behaviour and the dominant frequency spectrum distribution in the chamber were analysed based on fast Fourier transform.Test results reveal that process moisture change can be addressed from the raw capacitance of adjacent electrode pair combined with calibration model.Experimental result also indicates that ECT technology can provide useful information for process monitor in a fluidized bed dryer.

Bacterial Cellulose-Silver Antibacterial Composites：Effects of Drying Processes of Bacterial Cellulose

A type of antibacterial bacterial cellulose(BC) film was prepared for potential uses as wound dressing.In order to obtain a high antibacterial effect,some forms of BC films,including the wet and dried ones were utilized as the template to in situ synthesize silver nanoparticles(AgNPs).The effects of drying methods including freeze-drying,heat drying and air drying,on the microstructures and physical properties of BC,as well as the silver contents and the antibacterial performances of the BC/AgNPs composites were investigated.It was found that the AgNPs impregnated on the dried BC films were inclined to achieve a faster silver releasing rate than the wet one,which was suitable for acute traumas treatment.

Green and Effective Ammonium Carbonate-assisted Process for Drying Hemicellulose Obtained through Alkali Extraction of Bleached Bamboo Kraft Pulp

Hemicellulose has a wide range of applications,including that as an emulsifier for the food industry and raw material for the synthesis of bioethanol/biochemicals and biodegradable films.Hemicellulose is usually present as a spent liquor,such as the prehydrolysis liquor of the prehydrolysis kraft dissolving pulp production process and the alkali extraction liquor of the cold caustic extraction of pulp fibers.Due to its dilute nature,hemicellulose needs to be dried for practical utilization,and this is challenging.In this study,cellulose and hemicellulose in a bleached bamboo kraft pulp were separated using an alkali extraction process.Hemicellulose obtained from the extraction liquor was dried by an ammonium carbonate-assisted drying process.The effects of drying time and drying temperature were determined.Structure of the hemicellulose obtained by the ammonium carbonate-assisted drying process was similar to that of original hemicellulose,as revealed by detailed Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction analyses.The novel drying method was more energy efficient and required a shorter drying time than the conventional freeze drying method,and the excellent solubility in alkaline solutions favored the chemical modification of hemicellulose.The dried hemicellulose can be used as a renewable raw material for the preparation of hydrogels and other substances such as bioethanol/biochemicals and biodegradable films.

Preparation of Cationic Starch by Electromagnetic Dry Process (EMDP)

Introduction Cationic starches are a series of products of which various sorts with different properties and usages can all be produced via cationic reactions by using different types of etherification agents under different conditions. As an additive and strengthening agent,

Energy and Cost Analysis of Cement Production Using the Wet and Dry Processes in Nigeria

The study evaluates the energy consumption of both wet and dry processes cement manufacturing plant in Nigeria. Enrgy consumption data collected for the period 2003 to 2011 were used to estimate the energy consumption of the crushing, milling, agitation, burning, grinding and bagging operations. The total energy evaluation was based on the three primary energy sources which include electrical, combustion and human. The total estimated energy intensities were 6545 MJ/ton and 4197 MJ/ton for wet and dry processes respectively. The percentage consumption of energy in each operation is 93.68 and 90.34% (burning), 2.11 and 4.33% (milling), 0.43 and 0.67% (crushing), 1.39 and 0% (agitation), 2.12 and 3.90% (grinding), and 0.27 and 0.75% (bagging) of the total energy inputs for the wet and dry processes respectively. Furthermore, the average total energy cost of production showed that wet process is approximately 40% more cost intensive in cement production than the dry process while at the same time it is cost effective to run production on energy through gas powered plant than the national grid.

Effect of Different Drying Processes on Active Ingredients of Rheum officinale Baill.

[Objectives]To determine the drying process of different functional rhubarbs.[Methods]The contents of tannins,bianthrone,free anthraquinones and combined anthraquinones in medicinal rhubarb were determined by HPLC.The results were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance.[Results]Under different drying conditions,the contents of tannins,bianthrone,free anthraquinones and combined anthraquinones in medicinal rhubarb were significantly different.Taking the tannins content as the index,the optimum drying condition of the rhizome is 1 cm thick,dried at 60℃,the root is cut 1 cm thick,and dried at 30℃;the bianthrone content is used as an indicator,the rhizome is optimally dried.The condition is to cut 1 cm thick,dry at 60℃,the root is cut to 5 cm thick,and dried at 40℃;the free anthraquinones content is used as an index,and the optimum drying condition of the rhizome is 3 cm thick and dried at 50℃.The root is cut to a thickness of 3 cm and dried at 30℃.The combine anthraquinones content is used as an indicator.The optimum drying conditions for the rhizome are 5 cm thick,dried at 40℃,and the root is cut to 5 cm thick and dried at 70℃.[Conclusions]Different functional components of rhubarb have different directional processing methods.The drying process can reduce the drying temperature or increase the thickness of the slice,and the directional processing of the diarrhea-type rhubarb can be processed.The drying process can be carried out by increasing the drying temperature or reducing the thickness of the slice directed processing of heat-clearing and purging-fire rhubarb.

Energy Audit Methodology of Sponge Iron Manufacturing Units Using DRI Process

Conducting complete energy audit (both process and utility) of a sponge iron unit is challenging as there is no laid down procedure to audit the process side. Further, the average heat to power ratio (kWth/kWe) of sponge iron plants ranges from (25:1) to (31:1). This shows that the manufacturing process mostly uses thermal energy and application of electrical energy is insignificant. The main & only source of thermal energy is coal and the entire coal is fed to the rotary kiln. Therefore we find that “Kiln” is the “Black-Box” of this industry and the success of energy efficiency is hidden in the kiln process chemistry. This article tries to establish detailed energy audit methodology of sponge iron manufacturing process or kiln operation with a view to finding out major energy saving potential of the unit. In the research work we find that it is the incomplete reaction of coal that causes the major energy inefficiency in the process. Substantial amount of un-reacted carbon comes out with the char (by-product) which has virtually zero commercial value. The article also puts a question mark on the justification of using high-grade imported coal in such energy inefficient industries.

The Selection of Dry Port Location by Analytic Network Process Model: A Case Study of Dosso-Niger

The aim of this paper is to select the best location for the construction of a dry port in Niger which is a land locked country (LLC). Niger is located in the Sahel and has a land area of 1,267,000 square kilometers [1], with the closest port being port of Cotonou in Benin. The transport corridor from Niamey to Cotonou is approximately 1036 km long [2]. It is estimated that this corridor carries about 40 percent of Niger’s overseas trade traffic [3]. In this work, the Analytic Network Process (ANP) model is used to determine the optimal location of the dry port, among three major cities: Niamey (capital city), Dosso and Gaya. From the application of this selection model, Dosso was selected as the best location for the location of the dry port, while Gaya and Niamey were placed second and third respectively. The results obtained in this work strongly confirm the decision of the government of Niger to construct a dry port in Dosso, a project that commenced in 2010 and is still in progress.

Morphology and Structure of SiO_2 Film Using Thermal Oxidation Process on(111)Silicon Crystals in Dry Oxygen Atmosphere

By means of scanning electron microscope(SEM)and high voltage electron microscope(HVEM)we have observed and analysed morphology and micro-structure of silicon oxide film with different thickness formed on(111)silicon monocrystal under dry oxygen atmosphere at 1100℃.Compared with their oxidation kinetic curves consisted of three stages,we suggested a mechanism on forming silicon oxide film.According to electron and X-ray diffraction analyses the silicon oxide films consisted of silica with different crystal structure.We also have discussed a stacking fault and a dislocation formed in the Si-Sio_2 interface region simulaneously forming silicon oxide film.

Optimized Synthesis of Carbon Aerogels via Ambient Pressure Drying Process as Electrode for Supercapacitors

Carbon aerogels were synthesized via ambient pressure drying process using resorcinolformaldehyde as precursor and P123 to strengthen their skeletons. CO2 activation technology was implemented to improve surface areas and adjust pore size distribution. The synthesis process was optimized, and the morphology, structure, adsorption properties and electrochemical behavior of different samples were characterized. The CO2-activated samples achieved a high specific capacitance of 129.2 F/g in 6 M KOH electrolytes at the current density of 1 m A/cm^2 within the voltage range of 0-0.8 V. The optimized activation temperature and duration were determined to be 950 ℃ and 4 h, respectively.

Numerical Study on Dry Deposition Processes in Canopy Layer

A coupling model between the canopy layer(CL) and atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) for the study of dry deposition velocity is developed. The model consists of six parts: chemical species conservation equation including absorptive factor; the species uptake action including detailed vertical variation of absorptive element in CL; momentum exchange in CL which is represented by a first-order closure momentum equation with an additional larger-scale diffusive term; momentum exchange in ABL which is described by a complete set of the ABL turbulent statistic parameters; absorptivity (or solubility or reflection) at the surface including effects of the physical and chemical characters of the species, land type, seasonal and diurnal variations of the meteorological variables; and deposition velocity derived by distributions of the species with height in CL. Variational rules of the concentration and deposition velocity with both height and time are simulated with the model for both corn and forest canopies. Results predicted with the bulk deposition velocity derived in the paper consist well with experimental data.

Experimental Study of Drying Process of COLZA Seeds in Fluidized Bed Dryer by Statistical Methods

In this study the effect of initial parameters such as inlet gas temperature, initial particles temperature and gas velocity on temperature changes of solid particles and outlet gas temperature in a fluidized bed dryer was studied. For testing, an experimental setup was established. With combination of air and Colza seeds belonging to D groups of the Geldart classification (Geldart, 1986) fluidization regime was carried out. With five test series with maintaining the inlet gas temperature, solid particle temperature and outlet gas temperature during time were carefully measured. To analyze these data by using regression analysis to predict solid particle and outlet gas temperature, 2 correlations on initial pa-rameters were presented. The result has shown that temperature gradients in the beginning of fluidization, is very high and therefore the exponential functions in the regression model is used to predict the temperature changes.

Intensification of the Banana Drying Processes by Using EFL Electromagnetic Waves

Drying of the banana in the hot water has a negative impact on the quality of the product and drying effect. The purposes of this study are increasing the drying rate, using the relatively low temperature to improve the quality (40℃, 50℃ and 60℃) and investigate the use of electromagnetic waves to increase the drying speed. Therefore, experiments are performed using 5 kHz,10 kHz and 15 kHz low frequency electromagnetic waves in the air velocity values of 0.5 m/s, 1 m/s, 1.5 m/s and 2 m/s and 40℃, 50℃, 60℃ centigrade degrees of air blast in a special compartment. Mathematical model of the drying process has been created as using the electrical circuits methods and experimental results. As a result, a simple equation describing the drying process has been obtained. Nonlinear expression of the diffusion coefficient for a different situation in this equation has been identified for the first time. The obtained theoretical results and experimental results have been provided a good agreement. This study is considered to be useful for all studies in the drying area.

Complex Processing of Pulverized Fly Ash by Dry Separation Methods

Pulverized fly ash (PFA) is produced about 500 billions tons every year in the world in a result of coals combustion. Most of the fly ash collected in power plants is disposed by deposition in landfills, situated as a rule near big cities with well developed infrastructure and high cost of land. Moreover, the pollution of environmental by fine solid wastes is inevitable and takes place in area of residing of a basic part of the population. The only solution is a complex processing of fine wastes with a production of value added materials. New conception of complex processing of PFA is proposed on the base of facilities of Electro-mass-classifier (EMC) and other techniques. The characterization of separated fractions was carried out by SEM and optic microscopy, XRD, laser diffraction, M?ssbauer spectroscopy and other methods. A fine fraction of glass microspheres presents the main interest as filler in various materials.

Application of Analytic Hierarchy Process in Selection of an Appropriate Drying Platform for Maize Drying in a Solar Bubble Dryer

The solar bubble dryer (SBD) is a convenient and better option to traditional open sun drying commonly practiced by smallholder farmers in Ghana and other developing countries. However, to operate the SBD, one is faced with the challenge of frequent mixing of grains using a rake to enhance uniform drying and prevent over-heating of the top-layer exposed to the sun. Additionally, condensation in the SBD can compromise the quality of grains during drying under humid conditions. In the present study, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to select an appropriate drying platform, tarpaulin, or elevated drying rack for maize drying in the SBD. Using the AHP, the elevated drying rack was chosen as a suitable platform for drying maize in the SBD. The SBD with the elevated drying racks was used to dry 270 kg of maize from a moisture content of 18.2% to 12.6% (w.w.b) within 6 hours compared to 11 hours for the same quantity of grains dried on the tarpaulin of the SBD to reach an MC of 12.5% (w.w.b). An average drying rate and moisture extraction rate of 0.93%/h and 2.88 kg/h were achieved with the elevated drying rack system compared to 0.52%/h and 1.60 kg/h when drying on the tarpaulin of the SBD. An average temperature of 44.6°C recorded in the SBD was 9°C more compared to the ambient temperature. The thermal efficiency of the SBD collector was determined as 36.2%. Drying grains with the elevated racks showed advantages of reduced drying time, improved airflow through the drying bed, and prevention of condensation, which occurs when drying on the tarpaulin of the SBD.

Nitrogen application levels based on critical nitrogen absorption regulate processing tomatoes productivity, nitrogen uptake, nitrate distributions, and root growth in Xinjiang, China

The unreasonable nitrogen(N)supply and low productivity are the main factors restricting the sustainable development of processing tomatoes.In addition,the mechanism by which the N application strategy affects root growth and nitrate distributions in processing tomatoes remains unclear.In this study,we applied four N application levels to a field(including 0(N0),200(N200),300(N300),and 400(N400)kg/hm^(2))based on the critical N absorption ratio at each growth stage(planting stage to flowering stage:22%;fruit setting stage:24%;red ripening stage:45%;and maturity stage:9%).The results indicated that N300 treatment significantly improved the aboveground dry matter(DM),yield,N uptake,and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE),while N400 treatment increased nitrate nitrogen(NO_(3)^(-)-N)residue in the 20–60 cm soil layer.Temporal variations of total root dry weight(TRDW)and total root length(TRL)showed a single-peak curve.Overall,N300 treatment improved the secondary root parameter of TRDW,while N400 treatment improved the secondary root parameter of TRL.The grey correlation coefficients indicated that root dry weight density(RDWD)in the surface soil(0–20 cm)had the strongest relationship with yield,whereas root length density(RLD)in the middle soil(20–40 cm)had a strong relationship with yield.The path model indicated that N uptake is a crucial factor affecting aboveground DM,TRDW,and yield.The above results indicate that N application levels based on critical N absorption improve the production of processing tomatoes by regulating N uptake and root distribution.Furthermore,the results of this study provide a theoretical basis for precise N management.

基于改进YOLOv7-ByteTrack的干制哈密大枣缺陷检测与计数系统

针对目前无法同时对随机多列排布干制哈密大枣进行快速缺陷检测和统计计数问题,该研究设计了一款干制哈密大枣在线检测与计数系统。以干制哈密大枣为研究对象,利用工业相机拍摄传送带上随机排列的多类别缺陷干制哈密大枣视频为数据源,采用改进的YOLOv7模型进行干制哈密大枣多类别缺陷检测并将检测结果作为后续多目标跟踪算法的输入;考虑到传送带上干制哈密大枣的外观相似性高以及排列密集等特点,该研究结合ByteTrack多目标跟踪算法的思想,设计了一种多类别干制哈密大枣的画线计数方法,实现了随机排布多类别干制哈密大枣的缺陷检测、准确定位及计数。试验结果表明:1)改进的YOLOv7模型浮点计算量为64.6 G,在干制哈密大枣目标检测数据的测试集上的平均检测精度、召回率、F_(1)平衡分数分别达到了98.03%、93.43%和95.00%,相比YOLOv7模型分别提高了4.40、6.88和7.00个百分点,浮点计算量下降了38.6%;2)基于改进YOLOv7为目标检测器开发的ByteTrack算法计数模型对干制哈密大枣计数的准确率为90.12%。该研究可为干制哈密大枣检测计数和分选分级提供技术支持。