scholarly journals Microwave disinfection as a treatment for blackwater from dewatered sludge

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Katelyn L Sellgren ◽  
Christopher W Gregory ◽  
Ethan J.D. Klem ◽  
Jeffrey R. Piascik ◽  
Brian R. Stoner
Keyword(s):  
Cost Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Microwave Energy ◽  
Disposal Site ◽  
Thermal Heating ◽  
Compact Size ◽  
Fecal Sludge ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Potential Use

Background: Fast and efficient on-site treatment of blackwater, rejected from the dewatering process, can decrease the costs associated with disposal of fecal sludge removed from pit latrines by reducing the volume of sludge transported to the disposal site.Methods: In this study, we examine the potential use of low cost consumer microwave units for disinfecting pathogen-rich blackwater. Domestic bench top microwave units were modified to allow flow through and re-circulation of blackwater. Energy, throughput, and disinfection characteristics related to microwaves are studied and compared to conventional thermal heating. A custom flow through stack of 5 microwaves was designed and used to examine the feasibility of single pass, high throughput application.Results and Conclusions: The results show microwave energy does not play a role in the disinfection of blackwater. The benefits of a microwave disinfection system are shown to be high energy efficiency, compact size, and cost efficiency.

Thermal Conduction Measurements of Materials using Microwave Energy

1990 ◽  
Vol 189 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Giedd ◽  
G. R. Giedd
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pulse Length ◽  
Laser Flash ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Microwave Energy ◽  
Voltage Source ◽  
Microwave System ◽  
High Voltage Source ◽  
A New Technique

ABSTRACTWe have developed a new technique to measure the thermal conductivity of materials using microwave energy. A thermal wave is induced in a material of unknown thermal conductivity using a pulse of microwave energy. This energy is incident on one side of the material. The corresponding temperature rise of the opposite side of the material is measured. The thermal diffusivity of the material can then be determined in the same way as ‘laser flash’[1]. Some of the advantages of the microwave system are the relatively low cost of the magnetron compared to the high energy laser, easily variable pulse length, and accurate measurement of the reflected energy.The microwave system consists of a 2.45 GHz magnetron that is pulse modulated to energies as high as 10 J. A typical pulse lasts for 1 ms with rise and fall times of 10µs. This is achieved by a high voltage source (5 – 8 kV at 1 – 2 A), switched by a high power, rf transmitting tube connected in the filament circuit of the magnetron.

Micro-Macro Algal Mixture as a Promising Agent for Treating POME Discharge and its Potential Use as Animal Feed Stock Enhancer

2014 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesam Kamyab ◽  
Mohd Fadhil Md Din ◽  
Chew Lee Tin ◽  
Mohanadoss Ponraj ◽  
Mohammad Soltani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Feed ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Water Discharge ◽  
Reduction Rate ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Feed Stock ◽  
Cost Treatment ◽  
Potential Use

Algae are well known photosynthetic organisms that are able to grow at various environmental conditions. Microalgae and macrophytes are two categories of algae generally having similar biological activities with several industrial advantages. In recent years, micro and macro algae have been increasingly used as animal fodder supplements for farm animals. The main aim of this study is to propose the micro and macroalgae obtained from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) waste water discharge as a promising low-cost-treatment and high-energy method for harvesting the nutritional supplements in order to enhance the animal feedstock production. The mixed micro and macro algal sample was collected from POME and Desa Bakti river. Then it was characterized for nutritional content as appropriate animal feed stock by diluting POME to various concentrations (0, 250, 500, 100 mg/L) in order to enhance their growth and to increase its nutritional value. It was found that a maximum of 23% COD reduction rate was obtained, while the COD concentration above 500 mg/L affected the growth of biomass. The potential use of algae as cheapest aquaculture diets can be considered to be as appropriate source for overcoming the problem of food scarcity and thereby minimizing the negative environmental impacts.

scholarly journals Biopolymers and its application as electroactive polymers

2021 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 270-277
Author(s):  
Rigel Antonio Olvera Bernal ◽  
M. V. Uspenskaya ◽  
R. O. Olekhnovich
Keyword(s):  
Smart Materials ◽  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Electroactive Polymers ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
High Energy ◽  
High Energy Density ◽  
Compact Size ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Electrical Stimuli

Smart materials are a group of materials that exhibit the ability to change their composition or structure, their electrical and/or mechanical properties, or even their functions in response to an external stimulus such as heat, light, electricity, pressure, etc. Some of the advantages of these materials are: lightweight, flexibility, low cost of production, high energy density, fast response and compact size. One of the promises in the area of smart materials can be found in “smart polymer”. Polymers have many attractive characteristics, such as: lightweight, inexpensiveness, fractures tolerant, and pliable. Furthermore, they can be configured into almost any conceivable shape and their properties can be tailored according to the required needs. The capability of electroactive polymers (EAPs) to respond to electrical stimuli with a mechanical response, is attracting the attention of the scientific community from a wide range of disciplines. Biopolymers in recent decades have been studied as potential electroactive materials. These groups of polymers are extracted from a natural source; thus, they are eco-friendly, additionally they stand as a cheaper solution for the development of smart materials.The present manuscript will explore some of its applications as EAPs.

Janus – A New Approach to Air Combat Pilot Training

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (4) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Georges Bridel ◽  
Zdobyslaw Goraj ◽  
Lukasz Kiszkowiak ◽  
Jean-Georges Brévot ◽  
Jean-Pierre Devaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Training System ◽  
Embedded Sensors ◽  
Pilot Training ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Combat Aircraft ◽  
Air Combat ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Advanced jet training still relies on old concepts and solutions that are no longer efficient when considering the current and forthcoming changes in air combat. The cost of those old solutions to develop and maintain combat pilot skills are important, adding even more constraints to the training limitations. The requirement of having a trainer aircraft able to perform also light combat aircraft operational mission is adding unnecessary complexity and cost without any real operational advantages to air combat mission training. Thanks to emerging technologies, the JANUS project will study the feasibility of a brand-new concept of agile manoeuvrable training aircraft and an integrated training system, able to provide a live, virtual and constructive environment. The JANUS concept is based on a lightweight, low-cost, high energy aircraft associated to a ground based Integrated Training System providing simulated and emulated signals, simulated and real opponents, combined with real-time feedback on pilot’s physiological characteristics: traditionally embedded sensors are replaced with emulated signals, simulated opponents are proposed to the pilot, enabling out of sight engagement. JANUS is also providing new cost effective and more realistic solutions for “Red air aircraft” missions, organised in so-called “Aggressor Squadrons”.

scholarly journals Na0.76V6O15/Activated Carbon Hybrid Cathode for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Capacitors

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 122
Author(s):  
Renwei Lu ◽  
Xiaolong Ren ◽  
Chong Wang ◽  
Changzhen Zhan ◽  
Ding Nan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Activated Carbon ◽  
Energy Density ◽  
Power Density ◽  
Cathode Materials ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Cycling Stability ◽  
High Energy Density ◽  
Artificial Graphite

Lithium-ion hybrid capacitors (LICs) are regarded as one of the most promising next generation energy storage devices. Commercial activated carbon materials with low cost and excellent cycling stability are widely used as cathode materials for LICs, however, their low energy density remains a significant challenge for the practical applications of LICs. Herein, Na0.76V6O15 nanobelts (NaVO) were prepared and combined with commercial activated carbon YP50D to form hybrid cathode materials. Credit to the synergism of its capacitive effect and diffusion-controlled faradaic effect, NaVO/C hybrid cathode displays both superior cyclability and enhanced capacity. LICs were assembled with the as-prepared NaVO/C hybrid cathode and artificial graphite anode which was pre-lithiated. Furthermore, 10-NaVO/C//AG LIC delivers a high energy density of 118.9 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 220.6 W kg−1 and retains 43.7 Wh kg−1 even at a high power density of 21,793.0 W kg−1. The LIC can also maintain long-term cycling stability with capacitance retention of approximately 70% after 5000 cycles at 1 A g−1. Accordingly, hybrid cathodes composed of commercial activated carbon and a small amount of high energy battery-type materials are expected to be a candidate for low-cost advanced LICs with both high energy density and power density.

scholarly journals Optically transparent and very thin structure against electromagnetic pulse (EMP) using metal mesh and saltwater for shielding windows

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Duy Tung Phan ◽  
Chang Won Jung
Keyword(s):  
Electromagnetic Pulse ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Metal Plate ◽  
Optical Transparency ◽  
Shielding Effectiveness ◽  
Concrete Wall ◽  
Metal Mesh ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Optically Transparent

AbstractAn electromagnetic pulse (EMP) with high energy can damage electronic equipment instantly within a wide range of thousands of kilometers. Generally, a metal plate placed inside a thick concrete wall is used against an EMP, but it is not suitable for an EMP shielding window, which requires not only strong shielding effectiveness (SE) but also optical transparency (OT). In this paper, we propose a very thin and optically transparent structure with excellent SE for EMP shielding window application. The proposed structure consists of a saltwater layer held between two glass substrates and two metal mesh layers on the outside of the glass, with a total thickness of less than 1.5 cm. The SE and OT of the structure are above 80 dB and 45%, respectively, which not only meet the requirement of EMP shielding for military purposes but also retain the procedure of good observation. Moreover, the OT of the structure can be significantly improved using only one metal mesh film (MMF) layer, while the SE is still maintained high to satisfy the required SE for home applicants. With the major advantages of low cost, optical transparency, strong SE, and flexible performance, the proposed structure can be considered a good solution for transparent EMP shielding windows.

scholarly journals IoT Platform for Energy Sustainability in University Campuses

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 357
Author(s):  
Pedro Moura ◽  
José Ignacio Moreno ◽  
Gregorio López López ◽  
Manuel Alvarez-Campana
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Appropriate Technology ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Energy Sustainability ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Iot Platform

University campuses are normally constituted of large buildings responsible for high energy demand, and are also important as demonstration sites for new technologies and systems. This paper presents the results of achieving energy sustainability in a testbed composed of a set of four buildings that constitute the Telecommunications Engineering School of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. In the paper, after characterizing the consumption of university buildings for a complete year, different options to achieve more sustainable use of energy are presented, considering the integration of renewable generation sources, namely photovoltaic generation, and monitoring and controlling electricity demand. To ensure the implementation of the desired monitoring and control, an internet of things (IoT) platform based on wireless sensor network (WSN) infrastructure was designed and installed. Such a platform supports a smart system to control the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems in buildings. Furthermore, the paper presents the developed IoT-based platform, as well as the implemented services. As a result, the paper illustrates how providing old existing buildings with the appropriate technology can contribute to the objective of transforming such buildings into nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB) at a low cost.

scholarly journals Experimental Setting for Applying Mechanical Stimuli to Study the Endothelial Response of Ex Vivo Vessels under Realistic Pathophysiological Environments

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 671
Author(s):  
Ana Osuna ◽  
Anna Ulldemolins ◽  
Hector Sanz-Fraile ◽  
Jorge Otero ◽  
Núria Farré ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Rabbit Aorta ◽  
Pressure Waveform ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
Experimental Setting ◽  
Endothelial Response ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
Open Source Hardware

This paper describes the design, construction and testing of an experimental setting, making it possible to study the endothelium under different pathophysiological conditions. This novel experimental approach allows the application of the following stimuli to an ex vivo vessel in a physiological bath: (a) a realistic intravascular pressure waveform defined by the user; (b) shear stress in the endothelial layer since, in addition to the pressure waveform, the flow through the vessel can be independently controlled by the user; (c) conditions of hypo/hyperoxia and hypo/hypercapnia in an intravascular circulating medium. These stimuli can be applied alone or in different combinations to study possible synergistic or antagonistic effects. The setting performance is illustrated by a proof of concept in an ex vivo rabbit aorta. The experimental setting is easy to build by using very low-cost materials widely available. Online Supplement files provide all the technical information (e.g., circuits, codes, 3D printer drivers) following an open-source hardware approach for free replication.

scholarly journals Applicability of Cork as Novel Modifiers to Develop Electrochemical Sensor for Caffeine Determination

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Mayra K. S. Monteiro ◽  
Djalma R. Da Silva ◽  
Marco A. Quiroz ◽  
Vítor J. P. Vilar ◽  
Carlos A. Martínez-Huitle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrochemical Sensor ◽  
Linear Response ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pharmaceutical Formulations ◽  
Caffeine Concentration ◽  
Real Samples ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Potential Use

This study aims to investigate the applicability of a hybrid electrochemical sensor composed of cork and graphite (Gr) for detecting caffeine in aqueous solutions. Raw cork (RAC) and regranulated cork (RGC, obtained by thermal treatment of RAC with steam at 380 °C) were tested as modifiers. The results clearly showed that the cork-graphite sensors, GrRAC and GrRGC, exhibited a linear response over a wide range of caffeine concentration (5–1000 µM), with R2 of 0.99 and 0.98, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD), estimated at 2.9 and 6.1 µM for GrRAC and GrRGC, suggest greater sensitivity and reproducibility than the unmodified conventional graphite sensor. The low-cost cork-graphite sensors were successfully applied in the determination of caffeine in soft drinks and pharmaceutical formulations, presenting well-defined current signals when analyzing real samples. When comparing electrochemical determinations and high performance liquid chromatography measurements, no significant differences were observed (mean accuracy 3.0%), highlighting the potential use of these sensors to determine caffeine in different samples.

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