scholarly journals Possibilities of Decreasing Hygroscopicity of Resonance Wood Used in Piano Soundboards Using Thermal Treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 475
Author(s):  
Petr Zatloukal ◽  
Pavlína Suchomelová ◽  
Jakub Dömény ◽  
Tadeáš Doskočil ◽  
Ginevra Manzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Dynamic Modulus ◽  
Moisture Sorption ◽  
Acoustical Properties ◽  
Longitudinal Dynamic ◽  
Moisture Content Level ◽  
Longitudinal Sound Velocity ◽  
Tan Δ ◽  
Resonance Wood

This article presents the possibilities of decreasing moisture sorption properties via thermal modification of Norway spruce wood in musical instruments. The 202 resonance wood specimens that were used to produce piano soundboards have been conditioned and divided into three density groups. The first specimen group had natural untreated properties, the second was thermally treated at 180 °C, and the third group was treated at 200 °C. All specimens were isothermally conditioned at 20 °C with relative humidity values of 40, 60, and 80%. The equilibrium moisture content (EMC), swelling, and acoustical properties, such as the longitudinal dynamic modulus (E’L), bending dynamic modulus (Eb), damping coefficient (tan δ), acoustic conversion efficiency (ACEL), and relative acoustic conversion efficiency (RACEL) were evaluated on every moisture content level. Treatment at 180 °C caused the EMC to decrease by 36% and the volume swelling to decrease by 9.9%. Treatment at 200 °C decreased the EMC by 42% and the swelling by 39.6%. The 180 °C treatment decreased the value of the longitudinal sound velocity by 1.6%, whereas the treatment at 200 °C increased the velocity by 2.1%. The acoustical properties EL′, Eb, ACEL, and RACEL were lower due to the higher moisture content of the samples, and only the tanδ increased. Although both treatments significantly affected the swelling and EMC, the treatment at 180 °C did not significantly affect the acoustical properties.

ANALYSIS OF SOUND SPEED IN LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION AT REFERENCE MOISTURE CONTENT (w = 12 %) IN SAWMILL ASSORTMENTS (FAGUS SYLVATICA, L.)

Akustika ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 45-50
Author(s):  
Alena Rohanová
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Modulus Of Elasticity ◽  
Dynamic Modulus ◽  
Sound Speed ◽  
Longitudinal Direction ◽  
Structural Timber ◽  
Sound Speeds ◽  
Dynamic Modulus Of Elasticity ◽  
Round Timber

This paper explores the analysis of sound speeds in the longitudinal direction and their reduction to the reference moisture content w = 12 %. The sound speed cw was determined with Sylvatest Duo device. Moisture content of beech sawmill assortments (round timber: N = 16, logs: N = 2 × 16, structural boards: N = 54) in the range of 12 – 72 % was measured. For the analysis purposes, the sound speed was converted to reference conditions (c12, uref = 12%). A second-degree polynomial (parabola) with a regression equation of the form: c// = 5649 - 27,371 × w + 0.0735 × w2 was used to convert cw to c12, and correction of measured and calculated values was used as well. The sound speeds c12 in sawmill assortments (c12,round, c12,log, c12,board) were evaluated by linear dependences. Dependence was not confirmed for c12,round and c12,board1 (r = 0.168), in contrast for c12,round and c12,log2 the dependence is statistically very significant (r = 0.634). The results of testing showed that the most suitable procedure for predicting quality of structural timber is the first step round timber – log2, the second step: log2 - board2. More exact results of the construction boards were obtained from log2 than from log1. The sound speed is used in the calculation of dynamic modulus of elasticity (Edyn). EN 408 mentions the possibility of using dynamic modulus of elasticity as an alternative method in predicting the quality of structural timber.

scholarly journals Shelf life estimation of preconditioned brown or unpolished rice (Oryza sativa) and its effect in microwave puffing

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Kumar Swarnakar
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Shelf Life ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Brown Rice ◽  
Moisture Sorption ◽  
Quality Characteristic ◽  
Life Estimation ◽  
Puffed Rice ◽  
Optimized Conditions ◽  
Sorption Characteristics

Microwave puffing of prepacked preconditioned brown rice can provides a hygienic, fresh and nutritious puffed rice as compared to conventional puffed rice. Pre-puffing conditioning (salt infusion) makes brown rice more hygroscopic therefore long storage of preconditioned brown rice reduces the puffing quality. This study was conducted to estimate the shelf life of prepacked conditioned brown rice in wrapped paper envelope with low density polythene for its microwave puffing. Preconditioning of brown rice was carried out at optimized conditions i.e., parboiling pressure (303 kPa) and time (14 min), preconditioning temperature (76.7 °C), salt content (3.5% (w/w), and pre-puffing moisture content (11.6 % (wb)). These packets were stored at 38±2 °C temperature and 90% relative humidity. Moisture sorption characteristics can be well described by Henderson model. Shelf life of preconditioned brown rice was estimated 36 days by its puffing quality characteristic and found that moisture content of preconditioned brown rice reaches 15.27% (wb).

Pre-grading of spruce logs containing frozen and unfrozen water by means of frequency-based nondestructive testing (NDT)

Holzforschung ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia K. Denzler ◽  
Andreas Weidenhiller
Keyword(s):  
Nondestructive Testing ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Industrial Application ◽  
Modulus Of Elasticity ◽  
Dynamic Modulus ◽  
The State ◽  
Temperature Measurements ◽  
Unfrozen Water ◽  
State Of Matter

AbstractThe possibility for pre-grading of logs throughout the year has been evaluated based on dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEdynor simplifiedEdyn) by means of frequency-based nondestructive testing (NDTfreq). The challenge is thatEdynis variable in the frozen, partly frozen, and unfrozen states of logs (state of matter). In the unfrozen state, NDTfreqis reliable if the moisture content does not fall below fiber saturation. The state of the matter was tested via temperature measurements of air and log by means of an infrared technique and sensors, and information was evaluated from NDTfreq. The temperature measurements proved to be inefficient for industrial application because of unreliable data and long measurement times, whereas the NDTfreqmeasurements allowed the determination of meaningful damping factors. A sufficient level of predictability for more than 60% of the measurements was found. The log measurements in the partly frozen state are inconclusive becauseEdyndata fluctuate in the presence of both liquid and frozen water. For the completely frozen logs, a correction is introduced as a precaution that avoids an overestimation ofEdynin the unfrozen state.

Moisture adsorption thermodynamics of wood from fractal-geometry approach

Holzforschung ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Cao ◽  
D.P. Kamdem
Keyword(s):  
Thermodynamic Properties ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Adsorption Isotherms ◽  
Fractal Geometry ◽  
Moisture Sorption ◽  
Fractal Dimensions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Differential Heat ◽  
Internal Surfaces ◽  
Differential Heat Of Adsorption

Abstract The fractal-geometry approach was used to calculate the thermodynamic properties of moisture sorption by wood from the adsorption isotherms in this study. The results were compared with those from an isosteric approach and a calorimetric approach. The adsorption isotherms of Southern yellow pine (Pinus spp.) were measured at 4, 15, 30, and 40°C to provide source data for the calculation of both fractal-geometry and isosteric approaches. The results show that the fractal dimensions of the internal surfaces of wood vary between 2.4 and 2.5. The curves of the differential heat of adsorption −∆H against moisture content from the fractal-geometry approach are similar to those from calorimetric measurements in previous research. The −∆H values from the isosteric approach increased with moisture content within a moisture content range up to 3%. And, at moisture contents higher than 3%, the −∆H values from this method are much higher than those from the fractal-geometry approach and calorimetric approach. As a result, the fractal-geometry approach is applicable to calculate the differential thermodynamic properties of moisture sorption by wood in future research.

A Wireless Hay Bale Status Sensor Suite Using PCB Sensor Technology

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (DPC) ◽  
pp. 1-31
Author(s):  
Jeff D. Craven ◽  
Andrew W. Muscha ◽  
R. Chase Harrison ◽  
Markus A. R. Kreitzer ◽  
Robert N. Dean ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Spontaneous Combustion ◽  
Thermophilic Bacteria ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
The United States ◽  
Circuit Board ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Moisture Content Level ◽  
Suitable Environment ◽  
Sensor Suite

The spontaneous combustion of curing hay bales poses serious safety and financial issues to farmers and ranchers across the United States and abroad. The primary cause of this spontaneous combustion is the baling of hay before it has adequately dried and reached a sufficiently low moisture content level. This inadequate drying is primarily due to the farmer allowing the hay to dry in the field after cutting for a given period of time. But unfortunately, this does not always ensure that the hay has sufficiently dried before baling. Spontaneous combustion of hay bales is due to a proliferation of thermophilic bacteria that thrive in a moist and hot environment. If the moisture content of hay is greater than 20%, it provides a suitable environment for mesophilic bacteria, which can heat the hay to as a high as 140°F. Although this is not problematic in and of itself, a 140°F hay bale is a suitable environment for the proliferation of thermophilic bacteria, which can further heat the hay to 170oF. At this temperature, the hay can spontaneous combust, destroying the hay and risking the loss of buildings, equipment, livestock and agricultural workers. To combat this problem, a low-cost, low-power, wireless hay bale status sensor suite has been developed so that the farmer can easily and safely monitor the conditions inside a curing hay bale, to give the farmer time to take action before the bale spontaneously combusts. The battery operated sensor suite has two sensors in contact with the hay inside the bale, a printed circuit board (PCB) moisture content sensor and a discrete temperature sensor. The extremely low-cost of the PCB moisture content sensor is what enables the practicality of the sensor suite. WiFi is used to transmit moisture content and temperature data to the farmer's smartphone when it comes within range. The sensor suite is placed inside the bale at the time of baling. After the bale has fully cured, in four to six weeks, the reusable sensor suite can be removed and used in a new bale.

Automatic Karl Fischer Titration of Moisture in Grain

1981 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1277-1283
Author(s):  
Frank E Jones ◽  
Carroll S Brickenkamp
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Systematic Uncertainty ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Titration Method ◽  
Karl Fischer Titration ◽  
Karl Fischer ◽  
Moisture Content Level ◽  
Primary Reference

Abstract Automatic Karl Fischer titrators of the motor-driven buret type and the coulometric generation type were applied to the determination of moisture in grain. Techniques were developed to optimize the performance of the Karl Fischer titration method and to overcome disadvantages attributed to it. The imprecision (1 standard deviation) of a determination is typically 0.06% moisture content at a moisture content of 15%; the systematic uncertainty from known sources is estimated to be ±0.05% moisture content at a moisture content level of 15%. It is suggested that the method be designated as the primary reference method for grain in general and for corn and soybeans in particular.

Assessing Freeze-Thaw Damage in Segmental Retaining Walls Units by Mass Loss, Moisture Gain, and Relative Dynamic Modulus

2019 ◽  
Vol 2673 (11) ◽  
pp. 309-318
Author(s):  
Cesar T. Chan ◽  
Kenneth C. Hover
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Mass Loss ◽  
Dynamic Modulus ◽  
Moisture Absorption ◽  
Surface Damage ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
Retaining Walls ◽  
Freeze Thaw ◽  
Cast Concrete ◽  
The Relationship

Segmental retaining walls (SRWs) constructed of dry-cast concrete masonry units are used in transportation-related applications for which freeze-thaw (FT) durability is evaluated on the basis of percent mass-loss accumulated after multiple FT cycles as per ASTM C1262. This study compared mass loss, mass gain owing to absorption during (FT) exposure, and relative dynamic modulus (RDM) as per ASTM C215. Application of RDM required accounting for the influence of the shape and moisture content of SRW coupons on resonant frequency, with corrections that are likewise applicable to ASTM C666 for ordinary concrete. It was demonstrated that mass loss does not exclusively indicate surface damage, and the relationship between mass loss and RDM is unique to each specimen. Mass gain (as moisture absorption) during testing emerged as a key index of damage, with rapid escalation of mass loss and reduction in RDM at the number of FT cycles required to increase the moisture content of the residual coupon by about 1%.

scholarly journals Moisture sorption isotherms of castor beans. Part 1: Mathematical modeling and hysteresis

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 751-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
André L. D. Goneli ◽  
Paulo C. Corrêa ◽  
Gabriel H. H. de Oliveira ◽  
Osvaldo Resende ◽  
Munir Mauad
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Sorption Isotherms ◽  
Moisture Sorption ◽  
Environmental Condition ◽  
Adsorption And Desorption ◽  
Moisture Sorption Isotherms ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Stability ◽  
And Storage

ABSTRACT Sorption isotherms are of great importance in post-harvest procedures, especially for predicting drying and storage, which help to establish the final moisture content of the product under certain environmental condition. Hysteresis is a phenomenon that occurs due to the difference between adsorption and desorption curves, which aids the evaluation of chemical and microbiological deteriorations, indicating the stability of stored products. Moisture sorption isotherms of castor beans were determined and hysteresis was analyzed. Static gravimetric technique at different temperatures (25, 35, 45 and 55 ± 1 °C) was used. Saturated salt solutions in the range of 37-87% ± 2% were utilized to create the required controlled relative humidity environment. Equilibrium moisture content data were correlated by different mathematical models and the Modified Halsey model presented good adjustment for the data, according to statistical procedures. Hysteresis between adsorption and desorption isotherms is present over the range of 0.2-0.9 of water activity, regardless of the temperature. This phenomenon decreases with temperature increase.

scholarly journals Modeling Indoor Relative Humidity and Wood Moisture Content as a Proxy for Wooden Home Fire Risk

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (22) ◽  
pp. 5050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torgrim Log
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Moisture Sorption ◽  
Fire Risk ◽  
Cold Weather ◽  
Indoor Climate ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Wood Panel ◽  
Fire Disaster ◽  
Strong Winds

Severe wooden home conflagrations have previously been linked to the combination of very dry indoor climate in inhabited buildings during winter time, resulting in rapid fire development and strong winds spreading the fire to neighboring structures. Knowledge about how ambient conditions increase the fire risk associated with dry indoor conditions is, however, lacking. In the present work, the moisture content of indoor wooden home wall panels was modeled based on ambient temperature and relative humidity recorded at meteorological stations as the climatic boundary conditions. The model comprises an air change rate based on ambient and indoor (22 °C) temperatures, indoor moisture sources and wood panel moisture sorption processes; it was tested on four selected homes in Norway during the winter of 2015/2016. The results were compared to values recorded by indoor relative humidity sensors in the homes, which ranged from naturally ventilated early 1900s homes to a modern home with balanced ventilation. The modeled indoor relative humidity levels during cold weather agreed well with recorded values to within 3% relative humidity (RH) root mean square deviation, and thus provided reliable information about expected wood panel moisture content. This information was used to assess historic single home fire risk represented by an estimated time to flashover during the studied period. Based on the modelling, it can be concluded that three days in Haugesund, Norway, in January 2016 were associated with very high conflagration risk due to dry indoor wooden materials and strong winds. In the future, the presented methodology may possibly be based on weather forecasts to predict increased conflagration risk a few days ahead. This could then enable proactive emergency responses for improved fire disaster risk management.

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