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

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

Optimization of Preparation of Oregano Oil Microspheres by Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology

[Objectives]To optimize the formulation and preparation of oregano oil microspheres by Box-Behnken response surface methodology.[Methods]Chitosan was used as the carrier material to prepare oregano oil microspheres by emulsion crosslinking method.The encapsulation efficiency,drug loading and ID 50 were used as the evaluation indicators,and the comprehensive score(OD)obtained by"coefficient of variation-AHP comprehensive weighting method"was used as the final evaluation indicator.The formulation design and preparation process were optimized by single factor experiment and Box-Behnken response surface methodology,and the optimal process parameters were determined.[Results]The optimal formulation and preparation process parameters of oregano oil microspheres were as follows:the ratio of oregano oil to chitosan was 2∶1,the emulsifying speed of double emulsion was 200 r/min,the amount of emulsifier in the colostrum was 4%,and the volume of curing agent was 1.0 mL.The average encapsulation efficiency was 45.33%±1.32%,the average drug loading was 30.59%±2.45%,and the median diameter(ID 50)was 52.596μm±0.023%.[Conclusions]The encapsulation efficiency,drug loading and ID 50 of oregano oil chitosan microspheres prepared by emulsion crosslinking method met the requirements.The drug-loaded microsphere not only can be used as a preparation finished product for direct application,but also be used as a product intermediate to lay a foundation for the research and development of subsequent dosage forms.

Optimisation of beef tenderisation treated with bromelain using response surface methodology (RSM)

The purpose of this study is to determine the optimum condition for the tenderization of beef by bromelain using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Initially, bromelain powder was produced from pineapple crown of variety N36. Production of the bromelain powder involves several process steps such as extraction, purification, desalting and freeze drying. The cube size beef of round part was treated with bromelain at different pHs of beef, immersion temperatures, bromelain solution concentrations, and immersion times according to the experimental design which was recommended by RSM of MINITAB software version 15. Beef tenderness was then measured by Texture Analyser. The MINITAB software Version 15 was used to optimise the tenderisation of beef by bromelain. The determination coefficient R2 was 99.97% meaning that the experimental data were acceptable. It was found that beef could be optimize tenderised 89.907% at the optimum condition at pH of beef of 5.4, immersion temperature of60℃, bromelain solution concentration of 0.1682% and immersion time of 10 minutes. The verification value of beef ten-derisation at the feasible optimum condition which was determined by experiment was 89.571%. Since the difference between the veri- fication and predicted values was less than 5%, therefore, the optimum condition for the tenderisation of beef predicted by MINITAB software Version 15 could be accepted.

Optimization of medium components using response surface methodology (RSM) for mycelium biomass and exopolysaccharide production by <i>Lentinus squarrosulus</i>

The interaction between sucrose, yeast extract and initial pH was investigated to optimize critical medium components for mycelium biomass and production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) of Lentinus squarrosulus using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A central composite design (CCD) was applied and a polynomial regression model with quadratic term was used to analyse the experimental data using analysis of variance (ANOVA). ANOVA analysis showed that the model was very significant (p Lentinus squarrosulus are as follows: sucrose concentration 114.61 g/L, yeast extract 1.62 g/L and initial pH of 5.81;sucrose concentration 115.8 g/L, yeast extract of 3.39 g/L and initial pH of 6.44 respectively.

Optimization of a continuous ultrasound assisted oxidative desulfurization(UAOD) process of diesel using response surface methodology(RSM) considering operating cost

A continuous-flow ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization(UAOD)of partially hydro-treated diesel has been investigated using hydrogen peroxide-formic acid as simple and easy to apply oxidation system.The effects of different operating parameters of oxidation stage including residence time(2–24 min),formic acid to sulfur molar ratio(10–150),and oxidant to sulfur molar ratio(5–35)on the sulfur removal have been studied using response surface methodology(RSM)based on Box–Behnken design.Considering the operating costs of the continuous-flow oxidation stage including chemical and electrical energy consumption,the appropriate values of operating parameters were selected as follows:residence time of 16 min,the formic acid to sulfur molar ratio of 54.47,and the oxidant to sulfur molar ratio of 8.24.In these conditions,the sulfur removal and the volume ratio of the hydrocarbon phase to the aqueous phase were 86.90%and 4.34,respectively.By drastic reduction in the chemical consumption in the oxidation stage,the volume ratio of the hydrocarbon phase to the aqueous phase was increased up to 10.Therefore,the formic acid to sulfur molar ratio and the oxidant to sulfur molar ratio were obtained 23.64 and 3.58,respectively,which lead to sulfur removal of 84.38%with considerable improvements on the operating cost of oxidation stage in comparison with the previous works.

Cr(Ⅲ) removal from simulated solution using hydrous magnesium oxide coated fly ash： Optimization by response surface methodology (RSM)

Hydrous magnesium oxide coated fly ash （MFA） has environmental remediation potential by providing a sub- strate for the adsorption of aqueous Cr（Ⅲ）. Aqueous Cr（Ⅲ） adsorption onto MFA was examined as a function of MFA dosage, pH and initial Cr（Ⅲ） concentration with the Box-Behnken approach used for experimental design and optimization using response surface methodology （RSM）. pH and dosage （dosage and concentration） have significant interactive effects on Cr（Ⅲ） adsorption efficiency. Analysis of variance shows that the response surface quadratic model is highly significant and can effectively predict the experimental outcomes. Cr（Ⅲ） removal effi- ciency of 98% was obtained using optimized conditions of MFA dosage, pH and initial Cr（Ⅲ） concentration of 1,5 7 g. L- 1, 4.11 and 126 mg. L- 1, respectively. Cr（Ⅲ） adsorption onto MFA is mainly attributed to the interaction between Or（Ⅲ） and the functional group --OH of the hydrous magnesium oxide, in all probability caused by chemisorptions. The results of this study can conduce to reveal the interactions between Cr（Ⅲ） pollutant and MFA characteristics, posing important implications for the cost-effective alternative adsorption technology in the treatment of heavy metal containing wastewater.

One-step process for production of biodiesel from Jatropha curcas L. seeds： Optimization using Response Surface Methodology （RSM）

Jatropha curcas L. （JCL） seeds were extracted and transesterified in-situ using supercritical methanol extraction in the absence of catalyst at different temperatures （200-280℃） and pressures （8-12 MPa）, and at a fixed reaction time of 30 min with seeds-to-methanol ratio of 1：40 w/v. Design of experiment approach using five-level-two-factors design of Response Surface Methodology （RSM） was used to observe the effect of two independent variables i.e. temperature and pressure and the percent of biodiesel yield which required 13 runs. For optimization of the variables, Central Composite Rotatable Design （CCRD） was used for regression analysis and analysis of variance （ANOVA）. The optimize conditions suggested by RSM were at T = 280℃ and P = 12.04 MPa. The predicted and experimental biodicsel yields were found to be 56.8% and 59.9%, respectively, with relatively small deviation errors of 1.59%.

INTEGRATION SHAPE AND SIZING OPTIMIZATION OF COMPOSITE WING STRUCTURE BASED ON RESPONSE SURFACE METHOD

An effective optimization method for the shape/sizing design of composite wing structures is presented with satisfying weight-cutting results. After decoupling, a kind of two-layer cycled optimization strategy suitable for these integrated shape/sizing optimization is obtained. The uniform design method is used to provide sample points, and approximation models for shape design variables. And the results of sizing optimization are construct- ed with the quadratic response surface method （QRSM）. The complex method based on QRSM is used to opti- mize the shape design variables and the criteria method is adopted to optimize the sizing design variables. Compared with the conventional method, the proposed algorithm is more effective and feasible for solving complex composite optimization problems and has good efficiency in weight cutting.

Removal of Fluoride from Water Using Mesoporous MCM-41: An Optimization Approach Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Fluoride above 1.5 mg·L-1 is injurious to health. Removal of fluoride from water using mesoporous MCM-41 as a strong adsorbent material has been attempted. Characterization using transmission electron microscopic study of calcined MCM-41 showed the regular hexagonal array of mesoporous channels with an average size of 20 nm and the surface area (BET study) of 1306.96 m2·g-1. The average pore size of the particles was found to be 14.21 nm. A study on the effect of contact time on the removal of fluoride revealed that more than 85% uptake of fluoride onto MCM-41 was achieved at a contact time of 120 min. From the Langmuir adsorption study, the maximum sorption capacity of fluoride was found to be 63.05 mg/g at 301 K. From the thermodynamic study, the +ΔHo value of 2.29 kJ·mol-1 indicated the endothermic nature of the removal process. Application of Response Surface Model suggested that 77.88% of fluoride removal can be achieved at fluoride concentration of 10 mg·L-1, pH (6.3), and contact time of 120 min.

Response surface method using grey relational analysis for decision making in weapon system selection

A proper weapon system is very important for a na- tional defense system. Generally, it means selecting the optimal weapon system among many alternatives, which is a multiple- attribute decision making （MADM） problem. This paper proposes a new mathematical model based on the response surface method （RSM） and the grey relational analysis （GRA）. RSM is used to obtain the experimental points and analyze the factors that have a significant impact on the selection results. GRA is used to an- alyze the trend relationship between alternatives and reference series. And then an RSM model is obtained, which can be used to calculate all alternatives and obtain ranking results. A real world application is introduced to illustrate the utilization of the model for the weapon selection problem. The results show that this model can be used to help decision-makers to make a quick comparison of alternatives and select a proper weapon system from multiple alternatives, which is an effective and adaptable method for solving the weapon system selection problem.

Optimization of Multigrain Premix for High Protein and Dietary Fibre Biscuits Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

In order to improve the nutritional quality of biscuits, a multigrain premix (MGP) was developed by using whole barley, sorghum, chickpea, pea and defatted soya flour, each at 20% level. The developed MGP had 26.28% protein, 10.13% insoluble dietary fiber and 7.38% soluble dietary fiber. The experiment was designed to optimise the MGP and wheat flour concentration for the development of multigrain biscuits with high protein, dietary fibre and to maximize the acceptability by the application of central composite rotatable design (CCRD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The levels of incorporation of MGP and wheat flour were taken as variables whereas protein, soluble, insoluble fibers, biscuit dough hardness, breaking strength and overall acceptability (OAA) as responses. The optimum level of MGP and wheat flour obtained using numerical optimization was found to be 40 g and 60 g respectively. The biscuits prepared using these had 16.61% protein, 2.57% soluble fibre, and 6.67% insoluble fibre which is significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than control biscuit.

Optimization Scale Pasteurization of Baobab Juice Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

The Adansonia digitate L. known as Baobab is the only species present in West Africa and grows wild. All parts of the plant are used by humans. In Senegal, baobab pulp is widely consumed;it is used as raw material in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for making juices, concentrates, jams, powder. Drinks or juices from baobab are highly appreciated by consumers;however rapid fermentation can happen even after pasteurization that can shorten their shelf-life. A Doehlert experimental design was used to find a good scale of heat treatment ensuring a proper conservation of baobab juice. Results of the experimental design showed that a heat treatment of 80&deg;C for 10 min gives a baobab juice with good sanitary quality that meets the international standards.

Synthesis of Poly(AAm-<i>co</i>-AA) and Investigation of its Swelling Behavior: Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Unwanted water production together with oil and gas production is a striking problem in oil and gas industries, and many approaches have been examined to overcome this major problem. Preformed particle gels (PPGs) showed dramatically good properties for this purpose in mature oil and gas reservoirs. In this study, we carefully synthesized an efficient series of PPGs with using a design of experiments (DOE) software. Acrylamide (AAm)/Acrylic acid (AA) mole ratio, N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) mole percentage and swelling time were considered as key parameters to examine PPG swelling behavior. Our results presented a detailed empirical correlation, which could significantly predict the swelling capacity of PPGs in CaCl2 salt solution (200,000 ppm).

Optimization of Preparation Conditions of Modified Oyster Shell Powder/Ce-N-TiO2 by Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

A new composite photocatalyst of modified oyster shell powder/Ce-N-TiO2 was prepared by sol-gel method. Based on single factor experiment, Ce doping rate, N doping rate and calcination temperature were taken as input variables. Based on the central composite design (BBD) response surface model, two functional relationship models between three independent variables and glyphosate removal rate were established to evaluate the influence degree of independent variables and interaction on catalyst. The significance of the model and regression coefficient was tested by variance analysis. The analysis of the obtained data showed that the degradation performance of the composite photocatalyst was significantly affected by the calcination temperature and the rate of N doping, while the rate of Ce doping had little effect;at the calcination temperature of 505.440°C, the degradation rate of glyphosate reached the maximum of 82.15% under the preparation conditions of 17.057 mol% N doping and 0.165 mol% Ce doping, respectively.

Overview on Application of Response Surface Methodology （RSM） in Treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent （POME）

There are many factors affecting the performance of a treatment system especially in the treatment of palm oil mill effluent （POME） as its contains high amounts of suspended solid, low pH, high salt content and high chemical oxygen demand （COD）. However, one factor at a time approach is complicated method in establishing relationship between multiple parameters. Response surface methodology （RSM） is a recommended approach as it is widely used to analyze and study the interactions between multiple parameters and provides optimum output as well as minimizing the defects which result in good treatment system. This paper overviews the recent and current research in the application of RSM in optimizing the treatment development of POME.

Optimization of Lipase Catalyzed Synthesis of Ethyl Valerate, a Green Apple Flavor Using Response Surface Methodology （RSM）

Ethyl valerate, a green apple flavor is short-chain ester with fruity notes is widely used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Traditionally, flavor esters are produced by chemical method or extracted by natural sources. However, with the steadily growing demand for natural flavor compounds, the biosynthesis of such esters by lipase under mild conditions has been receiving much attention for producing these valuable products. In this study, enzymatic synthesis of ethyl valerate in solvent free system, was successfully optimized via response surface method （RSM） based on 5-level, 4-variable of central composite rotatable design （CCRD）. The parameters were reaction time （30-60 min）, reaction temperature （30-60 ℃）, amount of enzyme （10-25%, w/w） and shaking speed （50-150 rpm）. The optimum condition derived via RSM for the reaction was reaction time of 48 min, reaction temperature of 30 ℃, enzyme amount of 25%, （w/w） and shaking speed of 51 rpm. The actual experimental yield was 84.28 % under the optimum condition, which compared well with the maximum predicted value of 84.61%. Comparison of predicted and experimental values reveals good correspondence between them, implying that empirical models derived from RSM can be used to adequately describe the relationship between the factors and response in the synthesis of ethyl valerate.

Application of response surface method for optimal transfer conditions of multi-layer ceramic capacitor alignment system

The multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) alignment system aims at the inter-process automation between the first and the second plastic processes.As a result of testing performance verification of MLCC alignment system,the average alignment rates are 95% for 3216 chip,88.5% for 2012 chip and 90.8% for 3818 chip.The MLCC alignment system can be accepted for practical use because the average manual alignment is just 80%.In other words,the developed MLCC alignment system has been upgraded to a great extent,compared with manual alignment.Based on the successfully developed MLCC alignment system,the optimal transfer conditions have been explored by using RSM.The simulations using ADAMS has been performed according to the cube model of CCD.By using MiniTAB,the model of response surface has been established based on the simulation results.The optimal conditions resulted from the response optimization tool of MiniTAB has been verified by being assigned to the prototype of MLCC alignment system.

Sound Radiation Analysis of Damping Structure Based on Response Surface Method

The methods of modifying dimension and shape of structure, or covering damping material are effective to reduce structure-borne noise, while these methods are based on the knowledge of qualitative and quantitative relationship between sound radiation and design parameters. In order to decrease the complexity of the problem, response surface method(RSM) was utilized to analyze and optimize the vibro-acoustic properties of the damping structure. A simple case was illustrated to demonstrate the capabilities of the developed procedure. A structure-born noise problem was approximated by a series of polynomials using RSM. Three main performances were considered, i.e. sound radiation power, first order modal frequency and total mass. Consequently, the response surface model not only gives the direction of design modification, it also leads to an optimal design of complex systems.

Optimization of Microwave Extraction of Flavonoids from Water Chestnut Skin Dregs with Response Surface Method

[Objective] In order to take full advantage of processing by-product of water chestnut, the microwave extraction method of flavonoids from water chestnut skin dregs was optimized. The extracted flavonoids had a relatively high yield. [Method] The Box-Behnken design-based response surface method was adopted to optimize the microwave extraction of flavonoids from water chestnut skin dregs, a by-product of water chestnut starch. The mathematical relationships between various influencing factors and flavonoids yield were established. [Result] The optimum extraction conditions of flavonoids from water chestnut skin dregs were as follows： ethanol concentration of 55.4%, solid/liquid ratio of 1：30 g/ml, microwave power of 320 W, microwave time of 3 min and microwave time of 2 times. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the theoretical flavonoids yield was 2.376%. However, the actual flavonoids yield under the optimum extraction conditions was 2.365%. The relative error between actual values and theoretically predicted values was 0.461%. [Conclusion] The results showed the optimized extraction method is reliable, and it can provide a reference for the comprehensive and highly efficient utilization of water chestnut processing wastes.

Long-term deformation analysis of Shuibuya concrete face rockfill dam based on response surface method and improved genetic algorithm

Due to the size effects of rockfill materials, the settlement difference between numerical simulation and in situ monitoring of rockfill dams is a topic of general concern.The constitutive model parameters obtained from laboratory triaxial tests often underestimate the deformation of high rockfill dams.Therefore, constitutive model parameters obtained by back analysis were used to calculate and predict the long-term deformation of rockfill dams.Instead of using artificial neural networks (ANNs), the response surface method (RSM) was employed to replace the finite element simulation used in the optimization iteration.Only 27 training samples were required for RSM, improving computational efficiency compared with ANN, which required 300 training samples.RSM can be used to describe the relationship between the constitutive model parameters and dam settlements.The inversion results of the Shuibuya concrete face rockfill dam (CFRD) show that the calculated settlements agree with the measured data, indicating the accuracy and efficiency of RSM.