Papers by Keyword: Moisture Content

Abstract: The article investigates energy consumption during the drying stage of iron ore pellets, a critical process in ensuring energy efficiency in mining and metallurgical production. Particular attention is given to the influence of charge material moisture content and the application of SAS (SAS) on the specific consumption of energy resources, namely electricity and natural gas. Industrial trials were conducted at one of the leading mining and processing enterprises in the Kryvyi Rih region, focusing on the transition from the baseline (in-house) concentrate to raw material from another regional enterprise, pre-treated with non-ionic SAS. It was established that the increased dispersity and hydrophilicity of the new raw material concentrate necessitate additional moistening of the charge, significantly affecting thermal regimes and energy expenditures during drying. Based on collected experimental data, regression models were developed to quantitatively predict the specific consumption of electricity and gas as a function of technological parameters. The primary factors influencing energy consumption were identified as the moisture content of the charge and the daily throughput of the drying unit. An increase in specific electricity consumption by 17.73% and natural gas consumption by 33.25% was recorded, accompanied by a simultaneous reduction in productivity by 9.55%. The findings are relevant for specialists in energy management, electrical engineering, and thermal analysis in metallurgy, particularly in the development of strategies for optimizing energy consumption under industrial conditions.

Abstract: This study presents a comparative analysis of coal quality obtained from two different coal deposits in Nigeria: Ankpa, Mamu formation, Anambra Basin in Kogi State, and Chikila, Guyuk Local Government, Adamawa State. The primary goal was to evaluate the fuel quality and elemental composition of coal from these regions to determine their suitability for various industrial applications. Samples from both locations underwent X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for chemical composition analysis and proximate analysis to assess moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon levels. The findings revealed significant differences in the chemical and physical properties of the coal from the two locations. Ankpa coal exhibited higher fixed carbon (49.5%) and calorific value (5600 kcal/kg), making it more suitable for industrial applications such as power generation and metallurgical processes. In contrast, Chikila coal had lower fixed carbon (37%) and calorific value (5400 kcal/kg), indicating a lower energy potential. The study concludes that Ankpa coal is more appropriate for energy generation, while Chikila coal may have specialized uses due to its mineral composition. The results contribute to better decision-making regarding coal utilization in Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.

Abstract: This study evaluates the effect of varying roasting times and storage durations on the moisture content and hardness of Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora beans. Heat treatment was applied at a temperature of 250°C for 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes, followed by moisture testing using a Moisture Analyzer and hardness testing with a Shore A durometer. The results showed a significant decrease in moisture content as roasting time increased, with the largest reduction observed after 20 minutes of roasting. After one week of storage in airtight containers, all samples exhibited an increase in moisture content, although beans with longer roasting times maintained lower moisture levels compared to unroasted beans. Hardness measurements did not reveal a consistent pattern related to roasting time, but all samples registered values above 80 Shore A. This study provides insights into the impact of heat treatment and storage on the physical characteristics of coffee beans, which is relevant for optimizing the quality of the final product.

Abstract: The insulation materials are widely used in petrochemical, power engineering and other industries. The thermal insulation materials play an important role in the energy saving of district heating systems and in the building sector. In this work, the thermal conductivity of rock wool with different levels of moisture content and density of the insulation material was investigated by an experimental method. Experimental studies were carried out on rock wool from three different manufacturers. The effect of the wetting and drying cycle on thermal conductivity and density of the insulating material is analyzed. The thermal conductivity of the insulating material was measured using the guarded hot plate method. It was found that the thermal conductivity of insulating materials significantly affected the moisture content. The increase in thermal conductivity was from 1.33 to 4.42 times, depending on the density and the manufacturer of the rock wool. The wetting and drying cycles increase the thermal conductivity and density of the insulating material up to 2 and 2.5 times, respectively.

Abstract: In the recent development of modern manufacturing industries, the metallic components have been replaced by natural polymer composite materials due to increasing the strength to weight ratio, developing eco-friendly components, and reducing the overall cost of the product. In this review article, the various research activities on the effects of various single-layer and multi-layer fibers, moisture contents, surface treatments methods, filler materials, and drilling processes on the Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite (NFRPC) characteristics have been illustrated. The research opportunities for future developments in NFRPC materials have been extracted from the literature.

Abstract: The main aim of this paper is to present experimental results concerning the effects of the temperature and velocity of drying air on the flavonoids extraction rate of houttuynia cordata thunb by heat pump dryer under real weather conditions at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Drying experiments were carried out at the drying air temperature of 35, 40, 45 and 50 °C, and drying air velocity of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 m/s, respectively. The experimental results showed that the highest amount of flavonoid extraction rate of the houttuynia cordata thunb was 87.525 mg/g corresponding to the drying air temperature of 45 °C and drying air velocity of 2.0 m/s. The aim also involves analyzing the effects of the drying temperature and drying velocity on the drying time, moisture content, and the specific moisture extraction rate (SMER).

Abstract: The physical (density and moisture content) and chemical properties of the oil palm trunk (OPT) were examined. The effect of different densities (500, 600, and 700 kgm^-3) and different percentages of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin content (8, 10, and 12%) on the single layer at the different portions of OPT particleboard were evaluated for mechanical and dimensional stability. The results showed that the bottom portion and near bark had a positive result on density and moisture content. Lignin, holocellulose, and alpha-cellulose of the OPT showed the highest content at the bottom portion. The density was found to effect all the board properties significantly at p < 0.05 on the modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond (IB), thickness swelling (TS), and water absorption (WA) of the particleboards. For the resin content, all the board properties were effected except for the water absorption. The particleboards produced, from 700 kgm^-3 densities and 10% resin content, met the minimum requirement for the particleboard (Type 18) stipulated in the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS A 5908). The particleboard manufacturing from OPT particles as the replacement for wood is very promising.

Abstract: Bamboo building envelope (BBE) is a kind of hygroscopic construction, making it necessary to describe the coupled heat and moisture (H&M) process accurately. In order to clarify the impact of material parameters on the H&M process of BBE, the study sets up BBE comparison model groups in WUFI Plus for annual coupled H&M process simulation, with exterior walls of 3 typical bamboos as boundary conditions and climate data of 24 Chinese representative cities as external conditions. Results quantitatively show the factor impact of hygrothermal properties parameters on the annual moisture content, heat and moisture exchange of the bamboo exterior walls, as well as the HVAC demand and indoor hygrothermal environment of the bamboo enclosed space. The simulation without liquid water-related parameters results in significant underestimation of moisture content and moisture exchange, and causes evident deviation to the heat exchange and HVAC demand. The constant valuation of thermal parameters and hygric parameters lead to deviation in heat process and moisture process of the BBE, respectively. The study highlights the moisture content-dependent bamboo hygrothermal parameters for the application of BBE.

Abstract: As a country of rich bamboo forest and large-scale bamboo processing industry, China is promoting the development of modified bamboo building materials and the bamboo construction systems. In the study on bamboo building envelope (BBE), as a hygroscopic construction, particular attention should be paid to the coupled heat and moisture (H&M) process. However, the parameters basis and the thermal design code in China could not yet support such calculation on coupled H&M process of BBE. In order to clarify the impact of meteorological parameters on the H&M process of BBE, the study prepares 24 representative cities in China with climate data exported from the Meteonorm platform and 3 typical bamboos with complete material properties data tested through experiments, and then sets up comparison BBE model groups in the software WUFI Plus for annual H&M process simulation. Statistical analysis clarifies the correlation law between the H&M process of BBE and the meteorological parameters. The study highlights the importance of hygric meteorological data for the application of BBE.

Abstract: A rammed-earth technique has been echoed worldwide due to being conceived not only as an environment-friendly method of construction but also standing as an alternative method to arguably replacing cement. The technique however shows several pitfalls. One concerns the lengthy process of curing upon erecting the rammed-earth walls due to the low process of a chemical reaction occurred throughout the curing stage. A second bias followed from the slow curing and concerns the degradation accentuated at the outer wall’s texture, particularly at the edges, due to effects of the weather cycle. These drawbacks have been observed while accomplishing a funded research project. This article has at its stake remedying the above pitfalls. A natural sandy limestone shows a low percentage of calcium carbonate needed for a cohesive mixture. The method suggested here is based on an experiment that uses minerals of the fruits’ and vegetables’ waste as a binding substance. Curing time in this method has been reduced to the half. It is also suggested here that each stage has its importance, including mixing the soil particles dry and wet, compacting the moistened soil mixture, a well-made formwork and curing, towards remedying the above pitfalls.