Experimental modeling of polymer latex spray coating for producing controlled-release urea

Spray coating of polymer latex onto fertilizer particles in a fiuidized bed for producing controlled-release urea is an environment friendly technology as it does not need any toxic organic solvent. Since the spray coating process in a fluidized bed occurs in the presence of particle collisions, the coating of the particles is random, intermittent and multiple, thus making it difficult to investigate the film formation process. In this paper, an experimental model apparatus was designed and used to investigate the effects of the key factors in the spray coating process. This apparatus reasonably simplified the complex process to avoid particle collisions and randomness in the coating. The intermittent coating in the fluidized bed was modeled by periodic coating and dewatering in the experimental apparatus. A large area film was obtained, and the film permeability was measured. The effects of atomizing gas flow rate, spray rate of latex, solid content of latex and gas temperature on film structure and film permeability were investigated. It was found that water transfer played a dominant role in the spray coating process.

COATS:Comprehensive observation on the atmospheric boundary layer three-dimensional structure during haze pollution in the North China Plain

The North China Plain(NCP)is troubled by severe haze pollution and the evolution of haze pollution is closely related to the atmospheric boundary layer(ABL).However,experimental and theoretical studies on the physical-chemical processes of the ABL in the NCP are lacking,with many scientific problems to be addressed.To solve these problems,the Comprehensive Observation on the Atmospheric boundary layer Three-dimensional Structure(COATS)during haze pollution was carried out in the NCP from 2016 to 2020.The COATS experiment adopted a"point-line-surface"spatial layout,obtaining both spatial-temporal profiles of the meteorological and environmental elements in the ABL and the turbulent transport data of fine particulate matter(PM_(2.5))in winter and summer.The research achievements are as follows.The spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of the ABL structure and PM_(2.5)concentrations in NCP were determined.The typical thermal structure of persistent heavy haze events and the pollutant removal mechanism by low-level jets were revealed.It was determined that the spatial structure of the ABL adjusted by the Taihang Mountains is responsible for the heterogeneous distribution of haze pollution in the NCP,and that mountain-induced vertical circulations can promote the formation of elevated pollution layers.The restraints of the atmospheric internal boundaries on horizontal diffusion of pollutants were emphasized.The contribution of the ABL to haze pollution in winter and summer was qualitatively compared and quantitatively estimated.The turbulent transport nature behind the relationship between the atmospheric boundary layer height(ABLH)and surface PM_(2.5)concentrations was analyzed.The concept of"aerosol accumulation layer"was defined,and the applicability of the material method in determining ABLH was clarified.A measurement system for obtaining the turbulent flux of PM_(2.5)concentrations was developed,and the turbulence characteristics of PM_(2.5)concentrations were demonstrated.The COATS experiment is of great theoretical significance for thoroughly understanding the physical mechanisms of the ABL during haze pollution and filling the knowledge gap on the impacts of the ABL three-dimensional structure on haze pollution.The results of this study are conducive to the improvement and development of ABL parameterization schemes and serve as a scientific basis for formulating regional pollution prevention and control measures.