Spatial variability of enthalpy and illuminance in free-range broiler sheds

ABSTRACT Free-range broiler producers are concerned with the thermal environment and lighting of their facilities and seek to improve these factors for the increased welfare of their broilers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the spatialization of illuminance and enthalpy in two free-range broiler sheds, one of masonry with a clay tile roof and the other built of wood with a straw roof. The data on air temperature, relative air humidity, and illuminance were recorded between September and October 2018 for five non-consecutive weeks in two periods during the day: morning (9 hours) and afternoon (15 hours). The data were collected at 42 points per shed, spaced 0.40 × 0.75 m. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, considering two periods and two sheds. Spatial dependence was evaluated using geostatistics and interpolation maps by kriging. The facilities presented strong or moderate spatial dependence for all observed variables and periods. The small edges and lack of management of curtains resulted in the masonry shed having higher illuminance values during both periods. Although it did not present ideal values for a comfortable environment, the wood shed was more thermally efficient.

Clay Tiles Production Using Palm Ash, Spent Bleaching Earth, and Palm Fiber as Substitute Materials

The objective of this research was to study the clay tile (CT) production using palm ash (PA), spent bleaching earth (SBE) and palm fiber (PF) as substitute materials. The effect of ingredients and PF length on CT qualities were investigated. The ingredient of clay : PA : SBE : PF used three proportions as following 58 : 20 : 20 : 2, 56 : 20 : 20 : 4, and 54 : 20 : 20 : 6 (% by weight, wt). Each ingredient used the fiber length of 15 mm and 25 mm. The crystalline phase of raw materials was inspected. The CT after production were examined qualities as accorded with Thai industrial standard (TIS) in terms of water absorption, bulk density, acid corrosion and transverse breaking strength (TBS). Results showed that the clay tile qualities in terms of bulk density and acid corrosion were in the acceptable level as 1.45-1.65 g/cm3 and less than 0.03%, respectively. The water absorption quality was more than 6.5% meanwhile the TBS was below 600 N. Both later criteria were not pass the TIS standard, but it should be improved for further study. Hence, this research also revealed that the all wastes (PA, SBE, PF) from palm oil industry can be used to produce the clay tile.

CLAY ROOFING TILE: A COOL ROOF?

The aim of this study is to determine if the clay roofing tile in its natural albedo can be considered “cool” in the thermal performance through a comparison of its surface temperature to a cool coated clay tile using the exposure rack method. It begins with highlighting the expectation (from review) of the thermal performance of a cool colored tile and comparing the surface temperature (maximum, mean and minimum) of the tiles. Day and night time temperature behaviors were also compared using graphs on excel software. A python t- test of means was also carried out to determine if there was any significant difference in the performance of the materials. It was found that the performance of the clay tile in its natural albedo is a cool tile in its thermal performance. The implication of this is a cost saving strategy. However, further research is needed as a form of coating may be needed in order to enhance its life span. A non- color coat whose only function is to protect the surface of the tile. This does not in any way disregard the use of coated tiles as user preference may still tend towards non- natural clay colored tiles, its purpose is to encourage informed cheaper methods of achieving cool roof strategies