Estimating Energy Costs of Nonbeneficial Dryer Operation by Using a Peanut Drying Monitoring System

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 491-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micah A. Lewis ◽  
Samir Trabelsi ◽  
Stuart O. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Electric Energy ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Moisture Sensor ◽  
M 10 ◽  
Average Size ◽  
Moisture Content Determination

Abstract. Knowledge of kernel moisture content during peanut drying is important to ensure that the bed of peanuts is dried appropriately. However, the lack of a commercially available, industry-accepted solution for real-time kernel moisture content determination during peanut drying makes its detection cumbersome and laborious. Samples of unshelled peanuts are extracted from the semitrailer by an operator periodically, and the samples have to be cleaned and shelled to determine kernel moisture content with the official meter. A peanut drying monitoring system that includes a microwave kernel moisture sensor, developed within the USDA ARS, provides a means for monitoring in-shell kernel moisture content in real-time. The system determines kernel moisture content with a standard error of prediction (SEP) of 0.55% moisture content when compared to the reference oven-drying method. During recent peanut harvest seasons, peanut drying monitoring systems were placed in 13.7-m (45-ft) drying semitrailers, one 3 m (10 ft) from the front of the trailer and the other 3 m (10 ft) from the back of the trailer. As the peanuts dried, pod and kernel moisture content, temperature of the drying peanuts, temperature and relative humidity of the air exhausted from the peanuts, and temperature and relative humidity of the air being blown into the peanuts were measured every 12 seconds. The continuous data, provided by the monitoring systems, were useful in observing the loss of moisture by the peanuts throughout drying. The data also revealed periods of at least 3 hours during which dryer operation did not result in loss of moisture from the peanuts; thus, identifying nonbeneficial dryer operation. Such periods cause a peanut buying point to accumulate unnecessary expenses for propane and/or electric energy which can total up to $3,250 annually for an average-size buying point. Keywords: Dielectric properties, Energy cost, In-shell kernel moisture content, Microwave sensing, Peanut drying, Real-time monitoring, Sensors.

Using Microwave Sensing to Investigate Kernel Moisture Content at the Front and Back of Semitrailers during Peanut Drying

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 611-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micah A. Lewis ◽  
Samir Trabelsi ◽  
Stuart O. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Real Time ◽  
The Other ◽  
Moisture Loss ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Moisture Profile ◽  
Drying Time ◽  
Moisture Sensor ◽  
M 10 ◽  
Drying Efficiency

Abstract. Several factors influence the effectiveness of peanut drying. Such factors include temperature and relative humidity of the air used for aeration, air velocity through the peanuts, and the presence of foreign material that could obstruct air flow. All of these factors can vary at any location in a semitrailer holding 20 to 25 tons of peanuts being dried. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that a volume of peanuts >71 m3 (2500 ft3) will dry uniformly. During the drying process, an operator removes samples of peanuts for kernel moisture content testing every 3 to 4 h to validate the estimated drying time determined by peanut-drying models used in the peanut industry. However, if samples are only taken from one location, it is likely that other locations differ in kernel moisture content. To investigate kernel moisture content near the front and back of the semitrailer, two peanut drying monitoring systems, each equipped with a microwave moisture sensor, were deployed at a peanut buying point in central Georgia during the 2014 and 2015 peanut harvest seasons. Each system monitored in-shell kernel moisture content and drying parameters in real-time, every 12 s. In-shell kernel moisture content was determined with a standard error of prediction of 0.55% moisture when compared to the reference oven-drying moisture tests. The two monitoring systems were placed in 13.7-m (45-ft) drying semitrailers, one 3 m (10 ft) from the front and the other 3 m (10 ft) from the back. Data from the measurements were time-stamped and reconciled accordingly, and they were analyzed to compare the moisture loss in real-time at both locations in the trailer. The 12-s resolution provided a continuous moisture profile to analyze rather than the discrete profile currently provided by sampling every few hours. Results show that moisture loss, and therefore resulting kernel moisture content, can vary from one end of the trailer to the other during peanut drying. Therefore, systems that monitor peanut drying at various locations throughout the semitrailer would improve peanut drying efficiency. Keywords: Dielectric properties, In-shell kernel moisture content, Microwave sensing, Peanut drying, Real-time monitoring, Sensors.

Performance Comparison of Three Density-Independent Calibration Functions for Microwave Moisture Sensing in Unshelled Peanuts during Drying

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 667-672
Author(s):  
Micah A. Lewis ◽  
Samir Trabelsi
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Complex Permittivity ◽  
Free Space ◽  
Calibration Function ◽  
Moisture Sensor ◽  
Content Determination ◽  
Transmission Measurements ◽  
Independent Calibration ◽  
Moisture Content Determination

HighlightsReal-time, free-space transmission measurements of relative complex permittivity in unshelled peanuts during dryingDynamic application: temperature, density and moisture content changing during dryingThree density-independent calibration functions evaluated for accuracy in real-time moisture content determinationReal-time moisture content determination with standard error of performance (SEP) = 0.55% moisture content for all calibration functionsCalibration function most commonly used with microwave moisture sensor was determined to be most accurate; SEP = 0.448% moisture contentAbstract. A microwave moisture sensor, developed within USDA ARS, has been used to determine moisture content in unshelled peanuts during drying. Relative complex permittivities of the peanuts obtained from free-space transmission measurements at 5.8 GHz are used for the moisture determination. Due to variations in density caused by drying, it is advantageous to estimate moisture content independent of bulk density. Therefore, moisture content was estimated with three density-independent calibration functions to assess which one provided optimal accuracy. One of the functions is based on the measured attenuation and phase shift, and the other two are permittivity based (one of which is commonly used with the microwave moisture sensor). The sensor was calibrated for peanut pod moisture content determination over a temperature range of 10°C to 40°C and a moisture content range of 6.5% to 19% wet basis (w.b.). Statistical analysis showed high coefficients of determination (r2), = 0.97 for the calibration with each function. Peanut pod moisture content was determined with the sensor in real-time as peanuts dried, and estimated moisture content was compared to the reference oven drying method. While the standard error of performance (SEP) for the three functions was = 0.55% moisture content, the calibration function most commonly used with the microwave sensor was observed to be the most accurate (SEP = 0.448% moisture content). Microwave sensing is a viable solution for nondestructive, real-time determination of moisture content in peanuts in dynamic situations such as drying. Keywords: Complex permittivity, Dielectric properties, Free-space measurements, Microwave sensing, Moisture content, Peanut drying.

Development of an Eighth-scale Grain Drying System with Real-time Microwave Monitoring of Moisture Content

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 767-774
Author(s):  
Micah A. Lewis ◽  
Samir Trabelsi ◽  
Stuart O. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Monitoring ◽  
Seed Moisture Content ◽  
Moisture Sensor ◽  
Grain Moisture ◽  
Cereal Grain ◽  
Grain Drying ◽  
Drying System

Abstract. After being harvested, cereal grain and oilseed are stored and dried in large cylindrical storage bins. Drying is necessary to prevent spoilage and degradation; however, because of the significant depth of material in the drying bin, a common problem in grain and oilseed drying is overdrying the bottom layer while trying to dry the top layer. This is due to insufficient knowledge of moisture throughout the bin. In some cases, an operator is limited to probing reachable locations to determine moisture content. However, this does not lend to observing the dynamics of moisture content within the bin continuously, and the lower layers of grain or seed within the bin are susceptible to being overdried. Temperature and/or moisture cables to monitor conditions throughout the bin are more widely used. These sensors use a correlation between grain moisture content and temperature and relative humidity. However, error in moisture content determination increases greatly at high relative humidity and/or temperature. By using a microwave moisture sensor operating at 5.8 GHz, developed within USDA ARS, the moisture content of the cereal grain or oilseed can be measured continuously, providing real-time moisture content with 12-s resolution. An automated, eighth-scale grain drying system was developed utilizing temperature and relative humidity sensors at different heights within the grain bin and the microwave moisture sensor to observe drying parameters and moisture migration as the grain or seed dried. Grain and seed moisture content was determined in real-time with a standard error of calibration of = 0.54% moisture content when compared to the reference oven-drying method. Overall evaluation showed that the automated grain drying system is an effective solution for real-time monitoring of moisture content and other parameters during drying. Keywords: Dielectric properties, Grain drying bin, Moisture content, Microwave sensing, Real-time monitoring, Sensors.

Determination of readiness for laying based on material moisture, corresponding relative humidity, and water release

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (10) ◽  
pp. 1033-1040
Author(s):  
Christoph Strangfeld ◽  
Sabine Kruschwitz
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Embedded Sensors ◽  
Residual Water ◽  
Floor Covering ◽  
Water Release ◽  
Content Determination ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Moisture Content Determination

Abstract The moisture content of the subfloor has to be determined before installation to avoid damage to the floor covering. Only if readiness for layering is reached, can an installation without damage be expected in all cases. In general, three approaches exist to measure residual water content: determination of moisture content, determination of water release, or determination of the corresponding relative humidity. All three approaches are tested under laboratory conditions at eight screed types including two samples thicknesses in each case. Moisture content and water release are measured by sample weighing, the corresponding relative humidity is measured by embedded sensors. All three approaches are compared and correlated. The evaluations show only a weak correlation and, in several cases, contradicting results. Samples are considered ready for layering and not ready for layering at the same time, depending on the chosen approach. Due to these contradicting results, a general threshold for a risk of damage cannot be derived based on these measurements. Furthermore, the experiment demonstrates that the measurement of corresponding relative humidity is independent of the screed type or screed composition considered. This makes humidity measurement a potentially very promising approach for the installation of material moisture monitoring systems.

Compressor Computerized Performance Monitoring System CPMS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vadim Goryachikh ◽  
Fahad Alghamdi ◽  
Abdulrahman Takrouni
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Compressibility Factor ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Turbo Expander ◽  
Time Calculation ◽  
Performance Deterioration

Abstract Background information Natural gas liquid (NGL) production facilities, typically, utilize turbo-expander-brake compressor (TE) to generate cold for C2+ separation from the natural gas by isentropic expansion of feed stream and use energy absorbed by expansion to compress residue gas. Experience shows that during operational phase TE can exposed to operation outside of design window that may lead to machine integrity loss and consequent impact on production. At the same time, there is a lack of performance indicators that help operator to monitor operating window of the machine and proactively identify performance deterioration. For instance, TE brake compressor side is always equipped with anti-surge protection system, including surge deviation alarms and trip. However, there is often gap in monitoring deviation from stonewall region. At the same time, in some of the designs (2×50% machines) likelihood of running brake compressor in stonewall is high during one machine trip or train start-up, turndown operating modes. Also, typical compressor performance monitoring systems does not have enough dynamic parameters that may indicate machine process process performance deterioration proactively (real-time calculation of actual polytrophic efficiency, absorbed power etc.) and help operator to take action before catastrophic failure occurs. In addition, typical compressor monitoring systems are based on assumed composition and fixed compressibility factor and do not reflect actual compositions variations that may affect machine performance monitoring. To overcome issues highlighted above, Hawiyah NGL (HNGL) team has developed computerized monitoring and advisory system to monitor the performance of turbo-expander-brake compressor, proactively, identify potentially unsafe conditions or performance deterioration and advice operators on taking necessary actions to avoid unscheduled deferment of production. Computerized performance monitoring system has been implemented in HNGL DCS (Yokogawa) and utilized by control room operators on day-to-day basis. Real-time calculation, analysis and outputs produced by performance monitoring system allow operator to understand how current operating condition are far from danger zone. Proactive deviation alarms and guide messages produce by the system in case of deviation help operators to control machine from entering unsafe region. Actual polytrophic efficiency, adsorbed power calculations provide machine condition status and allow identifying long-term performance deterioration trends.

A Method for Determining Quasi-Static and Dynamic Riser Inclination Using Collocated Accelerometers and Angular Rate Sensors

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scot McNeill ◽  
Paul Angehr ◽  
Dan Kluk ◽  
Tomokazu Saruhashi ◽  
Ikuo Sawada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Body Force ◽  
Angular Rate ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Rate Data ◽  
Fatigue Monitoring ◽  
Inclination Angles ◽  
Force Components

A method is described for determining quasi-static and dynamic riser angles using measured data typically found in a riser fatigue monitoring system, specifically acceleration and angular rate data. Quasi-static riser inclination and orientation of the inclination plane are determined from the low frequency triaxial accelerations, containing measurement of the gravitational body force. Components of the gravitational body force along the accelerometer axes vary slowly with the riser quasi-static response. The slowly varying Euler angles are determined from the components of gravity along the three axes. Dynamic riser inclination along and transverse to the quasi-static inclination plane are determined by integration of the angular rates, followed by transformation into a coordinate system aligned with the quasi-static inclination plane. The quasi-static and dynamic inclination angles are combined to arrive at the time trace of riser inclination angles. Following implementation of the method in Matlab®, the procedure was validated and the program verified using laboratory test data. A double-gimbaled platform was constructed, on which were mounted a triaxial accelerometer, biaxial angular rate and biaxial inclinometer (reference sensor). A battery of static and dynamic tests was carried out on the platform. Machinists’ levels and angle gauges were used to set the inclination in the various tests. The angles derived from the acceleration and angular rate data were compared to those of the reference inclinometer. Angle estimates were shown to match the reference angles with negligible error. The method was then implemented into the real-time Riser Fatigue Monitoring System (RFMS) aboard the Chikyu drillship. The algorithm was run using data from an emergency disconnect event that occurred in November, 2012. Quasi-static riser inclination angles were quite large due to high currents near the sea surface. Dynamic riser inclination angles proved to be significant due to Vortex Induced Vibration of the lower portion of the riser that immediately followed the disconnect event. It is important to note that the method uses data that is typically already included in real-time riser monitoring systems. Therefore only a software update is required to provide real-time riser angle information. If the method is built into data processing routines for real-time riser monitoring systems, the need for additional instrumentation, such as inclinometers near flex joints, may be circumvented. On the other hand, if inclinometers already exist, the method serves as an independent source of riser angle information at several locations on the riser. The method can also be used to calculate riser and Blow out Preventer (BOP) stack angles from data recorded using stand-alone, battery-powered loggers.

A SMS-Based Real-Time Device Monitoring and Abnormality Recovery System for Computer Rooms

2011 ◽  
Vol 121-126 ◽  
pp. 3750-3754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chung Chiang Hu ◽  
Shing Han Li ◽  
Tien Wei Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Short Message Service ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Short Message ◽  
The Real ◽  
Recovery System ◽  
Message Service ◽  
Reasonable Price

The equipments in computer rooms are complicated in nature. Many factors may influence their normal operations, for example: voltage, temperature, humidity, and the normalcy of systems. It would be prudent to have a monitoring system to prevent from unpredictable problems. Most monitoring systems in the market can only issue alarms in abnormal situations and then analyze the aftermath. They are also expansive and lack the ability for distant instant control. To tackle this problem, after our successful and practical experiments, we utilize GSM text messaging ability (i.e. SMS, short message service) and make distant monitoring possible. The monitoring system is established with a reasonable price that is well below current market. With this system, the manager/administrator can monitor the real-time status of equipments in computer rooms, send control commands through SMS and then get them executed to solve the problems instantly and effectively.

scholarly journals Investigation and design of monitoring systems in real time landslides at Xekaman 3 hydropower plant

2020 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-20
Author(s):  
Pham Cong Khai ◽  
Nguyen Van Hai ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Data Processing ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Data Transmission ◽  
Simulation Experiment ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Data Processing Center ◽  
Monitoring Stations

This paper presents results of investigating, designing, and building a monitoring system in real-time based on GNSS CORS technology in order to monitor landslides at Xekaman 3 hydropower plant in the Lao people’s Democratic Republic. A system with 18 monitoring stations and a CORS station has been designed to ensure the operation of system 24/7. The connection diagram for data transmission from the monitoring stations to the data processing center, as well as the connection diagram of the devices at a monitoring station has been designed. A simulation experiment has shown that the designed system can be applied for real-time monitoring of landslide.

Design of a New Flexometer for the Safety Monitoring System of Bridge

2014 ◽  
Vol 624 ◽  
pp. 647-650
Author(s):  
Hong Mei Cao
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Safety Monitoring ◽  
Shanxi Province ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Large Span ◽  
State Economy ◽  
Safety Monitoring System ◽  
The World

Large span bridges are very important infrastructure of the nations. The enormous investment and significance in state economy make them get more and more recognition. At present, the technology of the safety monitoring of bridges is becoming a hotspot in both academic and engineering field. Now, safety monitoring systems of the structures have been applied to many large bridges in the world. Among all these parameters which can indicate the safety status of bridges, the deflection is indispensable. Although there are lots of sensors now used to measure the degrees of the deflection, it is still very scarce that the sensors can be made for long-distance, real-time and automatic online completely. The photo-electricity and liquid level deflection sensors (PLLD) introduced here are cheaper and of better-automaticity and higher precision and can work online continuously without contact. This paper will show the structure, performance and theory of our new sensor based on ARM7 in detail. In the end, a concrete application instance in XiaoGou bridge of ShanXi province will be given.

Real-time monitoring of the longitudinal strain of Continuous Welded Rail for safety improvement

2019 ◽  
Vol 234 (10) ◽  
pp. 1238-1252 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Consilvio ◽  
M Iorani ◽  
V Iovane ◽  
M Sciutto ◽  
G Sciutto
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Human Error ◽  
Calibration Procedure ◽  
Monitoring Systems ◽  
Strain Monitoring ◽  
Safety Improvement ◽  
Continuous Welded Rail ◽  
Rail Inspection ◽  
Human Error Probability

Continuous welded rail maintenance plays a significant role in ensuring high levels of rail traffic and safety. Temperature variations, excessive alignment defects, decreased fastening system resistance and train braking (always in the same stretches and in the same direction) may result in rail buckling or rail breaks. The current traditional monitoring systems and procedures for continuous welded rail consist of programmed discontinuous diagnostic surveys that require personnel intervention on site. Moreover, these traditional systems often imply destructive and invasive operations on the track that may lead to interruption of railway operations. This paper proposes a Rail Strain Monitoring System (RSMS) that performs a real-time rail strain monitoring and allows rail inspection without personnel on site. Using strain gauges and temperature sensors, placed on the rail in specific measurement points, the proposed Rail Strain Monitoring System performs a multi-parameter check by measuring, at the same time, the temperature, the rail strain and the neutral temperature of the rail. The paper describes the mode of operation of the Rail Strain Monitoring System, the calibration procedure and the results from the field, and highlights the advantages of this system in comparison to other traditional monitoring systems. The safety improvement that can be achieved with the application of the Rail Strain Monitoring System is analysed. In particular, the reliability of the system is evaluated and compared to the human error probability in the traditional manual inspections. Finally, the reduction of derailment risk and related economic damages is estimated.

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