Biofuels Drying Process Efficiency Research

The possibility to perform an early and repeatable assessment of imaging performance is fundamental in the design and development process of new ultrasound (US) probes. Particularly, a more realistic analysis with application-specific imaging targets can be extremely valuable to assess the expected performance of US probes in their potential clinical field of application. The experimental protocol presented in this work was purposely designed to provide an application-specific assessment procedure for newly-developed US probe prototypes based on Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (CMUT) technology in relation to brain imaging. The protocol combines the use of a bovine brain fixed in formalin as the imaging target, which ensures both realism and repeatability of the described procedures, and of neuronavigation techniques borrowed from neurosurgery. The US probe is in fact connected to a motion tracking system which acquires position data and enables the superposition of US images to reference Magnetic Resonance (MR) images of the brain. This provides a means for human experts to perform a visual qualitative assessment of the US probe imaging performance and to compare acquisitions made with different probes. Moreover, the protocol relies on the use of a complete and open research and development system for US image acquisition, i.e. the Ultrasound Advanced Open Platform (ULA-OP) scanner. The manuscript describes in detail the instruments and procedures involved in the protocol, in particular forthe calibration, image acquisition and registration of US and MR images. The obtained results prove the effectiveness of the overall protocol presented, which is entirely open (within the limits of the instrumentation involved), repeatable, and covers the entire set of acquisition and processing activities for US images.

Single-plane ultrasound (US) probes are commonly used to initiate ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous (USGPIV) access for patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) in the emergency department (ED), although their use is not yet standardized across all EDs. This pilot project introduced the use of a biplane US probe for USGPIV access at a Level 1 Trauma Center ED. Following the training of 10 registered nurses (RNs) in the application of biplane US probes, the project aimed to decrease reliance on ED providers (e.g., NPs, PAs, and physicians) for USGPIV insertions in DIVA patients, allowing providers to focus on other critical tasks and improving patient care efficiency. Primary outcomes measured included the average number of attempts required, progression to critical care access devices, ED patient flow times, and RN utilization rates of the biplane US probe post-training. Results showed that the biplane method improved outcomes compared to the single-plane method, with a 23.8% decrease in the average number of attempts required to obtain access, an 80% decrease in subsequent critical care vascular access placement, and an increase in the rate of both single-plane and biplane US probe use after training compared to baseline. While ED flow rate did not improve, this pilot project demonstrated that biplane US probes for USGPIV access in the ED setting improve patient outcomes.

Ultrasonic vibration cutting can be widely used in lathe, planer, milling machine, grinding machine, thread processing and gear processing, etc. Ultrasonic vibration cutting system is composed mainly of ultrasonic generator, ultrasonic transducer, luffing rod, cutting tool, etc. Here, ultrasonic generator is the most important. The stand or fall of signal, which is produced by ultrasonic generator, has direct influence on anticipated effect and ability of ultrasonic machining. In order to generate a signal, which can be suitable for ultrasonic machining, ultrasonic vibration cutting system is studied, and ultrasonic signal generator based on direct digital frequency synthesis (DDS) is designed and conducted a cutting test with this ultrasonic machining system. The results show that the signal generator, which is made up by DDS technology, can generate the signal with stability, reliability and greater flexibility, and can be fully applicable to the ultrasonic machining.

Remote sensing devices have been implemented on the I-64 Bridges over US60 in Franklin County, KY. One of the girders in the westbound bridge has been previously repaired due to unexpected fatigue cracking. The exterior girder in the eastbound bridge has shown signs of impacts due to the traversing trucks on US60. Sensing and recording devices such as strain and temperature gauges, infrared sensors, ultrasonic height detectors, and an accelerometer have been installed. Specifically, eleven strain gauges are used on the repaired girder, impacted girders, and girders adjacent to them. Two sets of infrared sensors, ultrasonic detectors, and video cameras are placed to capture the impacting truck(s). Overall structural responses will be studied through data collected from the strain and temperature gauges, and accelerometer. Data are stored on-site, but the investigator has the flexibility of transmitting or viewing the data, live or stored, via an internet connection.

In the bioelectronic medicine field, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a promising technique that is expected to treat numerous inflammatory conditions, in addition to the currently FDA approved treatment for epilepsy, depression and obesity [1]. However, current VNS techniques are still limited in the spatial resolution that they can achieve, which limits its therapeutic effect and induces side effects such as coughing, headache and throat pain. In our prior work, we presented a curved ultrasound (US) transducer array with a diameter of 2 mm and with 112 miniature US transducer elements, small enough to be wrapped around the vagus nerve for precise ultrasound nerve stimulation [2]. Due to the curved alignment of the US transducers with 48 of the elements simultaneously excited, the emitted US was naturally focused at the center of the curvature. Building on this work, we employ a beam steering technique to move the focal spot to arbitrary locations within the focal plane of the transducer array. The beam steering was controlled through an in-house built US driver system and was visualized using a pulsed laser schlieren system. The propagation of the US pulse in water was imaged and recorded. This method was found to be a rapid and effective means of visualizing the US propagation.

Eco-friendly renewable energy such as wood pellet is necessary to replace fossil fuels. Hence, the wood pellet industry has been rapidly developed, particularly, in European and America countries. To capitalize a high demand of wood pellet in those countries, Indonesia’s wood pellet companies need analysis tools to make decision on management and operation of their wood pellet production such as productivity, efficiency, production cost and and profitability assessments. The objectives of this study were to analyze cost, break-event point and profitability of wood pellet production. This study was conducted at a large integrated wood based panel and wood working products company, which produces wood pellet from its forest products residues. The results showed that the production cost was about IDR 1.41 millions per ton or US$ 114 per ton. The break-even point was about 1400 tons per year or about 84.7% of actual production. The return on investment (ROI) was about 14.15 %, which was slightly higer than a lending rate of 10.25%. Key words: energy, production cost, profitability, wood pellet, wood residues

Ultrasonic vibration transmission is a very critical and complex problem in bonding equipment. In this paper, the transmitting model of ultrasonic vibration in ultrasonic transducer and capillary have been given out by utilizing the propagating mechanism of ultrasonic wave in elastic body. The ultrasonic vibration displacement and velocity of high frequency were measured by using the laser doppler vibrometer PSV-400-M2(1.5MHz), then the conclusion in theory have been proven. Ultrasonic vibration displacement (or velocity) and energy density increase with decreasing section in the transmitting process. The coupling characteristics of ultrasonic longitudinal-complex transverse vibration system are simulated by Matlab software. Vibration locus shapes driven simultaneously by the same frequency and different frequencies are elliptical (or circular) loci and rectangular (or square) loci respectively. Microstructure characteristics at bonding interface were observed by using scanning electron microscope (KYKY2800), and would be improved by coupling loci, thus bond strength and quality would be enhanced. An advanced bond pattern would be indicated. And we draw some conclusions that have important theoretical and practical significance for further research about thermosonic bond technology.

Ultrasound is widely used in various applications, such as monitoring the state of structures, biomed-ical ultrasound imaging, and information (data) transmission. Ultrasonic transceivers are one of the modern communication systems, both for short-range and remote access. Indeed, the technology of the process of transmitting information using communication channels based on ultrasonic (US) vi-brations and the physical implementation of transmission using optical fiber are widely used in con-ditions of confidentiality of data processing. At the same time, the needs of wireless and wired communication demanded the development of more advanced applications (software, hardware solutions). In particular, new challenges have arisen requiring transceivers to have high frequency, wide bandwidth and compact size. Aim. Consider the “technology – opto-ultrasonic” approach used in data transmission and reception channels. This technology involves the generation of ultrasound by a pulse using the optical-acoustic effect, followed by the reception and processing of ultrasonic vibrations. Optical ultrasonic transceivers based on the photo-acoustic (US) principle of operation have great potential, in particular, to obtain the necessary: (super high) frequency of the transmitted signal; wide bandwidth (speed); ease of use as transceivers; low manufacturing cost. Materials and methods. Various methods of spectral analysis (Fourier and Wavelet) have been in-vestigated to ensure the achievement of the above goal. Results. Compared to traditional technolo-gies of information reception and transmission, optical ultrasonic transceivers provide high-frequency communication, wide bandwidth and compact size. Conclusion. The paper investigates the methods of spectral analysis (Fourier and Wavelet) and proposes, based on these studies, possi-ble options for the implementation of optical ultrasonic transceivers that can generate ultrasonic pulses with a duration on a nanosecond scale using an ultrafast laser and receive confidential data with a high degree of security. At the same time, by combining the principle of generating photo-acoustic ultrasound with the use of optical fiber, it is possible to obtain compact and inexpensive ul-trasonic transceivers.

Monitoring corrosion is a vital step to prevent catastrophic structural failure. With accurate corrosion rate data, the risk of failure can be mitigated by performing routine maintenance on components that have become compromised. When corrosion occurs in an inaccessible area such as the inside of a pipe or back side of an underground storage tank, however, conventional monitoring techniques such as visual inspection are inadequate or impossible. Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques must be used to determine the condition of the structure to maintain its integrity. Ultrasonic (UT) Thickness Sensors were investigated for corrosion monitoring use. The chosen sensors had a resolution of a limit of 25.4μm. A system was designed to utilize Electrochemical Machining (ECM) to simulate a corrosion at various rates in a localized region (approximately 1 cm in diameter) while its thickness was monitored by a permanently attached UT sensor. Multiple techniques such as a 3D profilometer, and depth-gauge were used to validate the measurement of the permanently attached UT sensor. Multiple ECM experiments were conducted using NaCl electrolyte solution at 1, 10, and 100 g/L concentrations. Occasionally, variations in pit formation were observed and likely caused by the orientation of the counter electrode to the steel surface. The smallest and most consistent surface roughness was obtained using the 10 g/L concentration. Larger variations in surface roughness were observed at 1 and 100 g/L NaCl concentrations leading to the selection of 10 g/L solution for experiments. The ECM system rendered reproducible machining rates showing that the UT sensors were capable of monitoring very low corrosion rates averaged to 3μm per day. Discrepancies up to a few mm were sometimes measured between the UT sensor, 3D profilometer and depth-gage values. The discrepancies were attributed to non-uniform corrosion in the vicinity of the permanently attached UT sensor. The sensor therefore provided readings of a specific localized spot of the corroded region, or the profile of the corroded region interfered with the UT signals. The accuracy of UT sensor readings was also studied for various geometrical pit profiles. Certain defect geometries made it impossible for the UT sensor to record accurate measurements. This was also observed on naturally corroded steel plates. Therefore, UT sensors may sometimes provide inaccurate or no reading over certain corrosion profiles and should therefore be used with prudence.

The effects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible ultrasound (US) probes on MRI monitoring were evaluated. It was found that MRI-compatible US probes with backing material containing 100 ppm ferrite, did not disturb MR monitoring except within a few mm radius from the US probe's position. MRI temperature monitoring of an excised swine liver irradiated with a high-intensity focused US beam from an MRI-compatible therapeutic transducer with US image guidance was then performed, and the potential usefulness of such a therapeutic system in minimally invasive therapy was demonstrated.

El incremento de tiempo en el proceso de secado de cacao y la problemática temporada invernal motivaron el desarrollo de una máquina secadora automática para cacao que cumpla con las características de secado, reduciendo la humedad del producto a un porcentaje adecuado en la Comunidad Mirador Lojano ubicada en la provincia de Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. El desarrollo del proyecto tiene como alcance diseñar y construir una secadora automática para cacao a base de aire caliente tipo rotatorio para una capacidad de 500 kg; esto implicó la recopilación de información necesaria para realizar la metodología de diseño, el estudio de alternativas tecnológicas existentes en el mercado y seleccionar la más adecuada que cumpla con los requerimientos del usuario, parámetros de calidad y producción. Posteriormente se realizó el diseño mecánico y energético de los elementos que conforman la máquina. En conclusión, la máquina secadora automática para cacao logra un secado adecuado del 9 % de humedad en un período de 4 a 5 horas durante el proceso, mejorando así la eficiencia y producción.

Robotic ultrasonography potentially acts as an essential aid to medical diagnosis. To overcome the limitations in robotic ultrasonography, in this paper, we proposed a novel self-adaptive parallel manipulator (SAPM) that can automatically adjust the ultrasound (US) probe pose to adapt to various contours of scanned areas, provide approximate constant operating forces/torques, achieve mechanical measurement, and cushion undesired produced forces. A novel parallel adjustment mechanism is proposed to attain automatic pose adjustment with 3 degrees of freedom (DOFs). This mechanism enables the US probe to adapt to different scanned areas and to perform the scanning with approximate constant forces and torques. Besides, we present a mechanical measurement and safety protection method that can be integrated into the SAPM and used as operation status monitoring and early warning during scanning procedures by capturing operating forces and torques. Experiments were carried out to calibrate the measurement and buffer units and evaluate the performance of the SAPM. Experimental results show the ability of the SAPM to provide 3-DoFs motion and operating force/torque measurement and automatically adjust the US probe pose to capture US images of equally good quality compared to a manual sonographer scan. Moreover, it has characteristics similar to soft robots that could significantly improve operation safety, and could be extended to some other engineering or medical applications.

This thesis set out to understand the water dynamics in softwood using a lattice Boltzmann model description of sorption, with microstructural information derived from X-ray Computed Tomography experiments and experimental validation of water dynamics using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. This is the first substantive use of a new lattice Boltzmann model that includes multiphase liquid/vapour fluid dynamics in lumen with sub-resolution effective media to model cell wall sorption. This is also the first time these three technologies have been combined to study the sorption behaviour of softwood. A software package—ProTG—-was written to generate tesselating arrays of realistic two-dimensional tracheids, including pits, suitable for use as a bounceback mask in the lattice Boltzmann model. ProTG tracheids are created based on a statistical distribution of values for each of a number of anatomical parameters. To ensure these are realistic, Norway spruce (Picea abies) juvenile wood was imaged using X-ray micro computed tomography at a voxel size of 2.5 µm and seven anatomical parameters were measured for 1511 complete tracheids. Statistical distributions were fitted to measurements of: tracheid length; radial and tangential lumen diameter and cell wall thickness; cell overlap; and linear intra-tracheid pit density. The latter two distributions are novel, as they required a number of CT volumes to be acquired and stitched together. Lattice Boltzmann sorption simulations were carried out on an array of tracheids where both relative humidity and pit state (open, closed and dynamic) were varied. Significant differences were seen between drying behaviour with pits open and closed, while dynamic pits behaved similarly to closed pits. Cell wall desorption took place at 35% RH but not 65% RH: in the latter case the wet cell walls prevented tracheids with closed pits from drying. Finally, NMR drying and rewetting experiments were performed on dried cubes and green discs to provide qualitative validation of the lattice Boltzmann simulations. The initial drying of green discs was found to proceed significantly differently to subsequent drying cycles, and initial rewetting also differed from subsequent rewetting.

Ultrasound (US) represents mechanical, longitudinal, acoustic waves with frequencies above 20 000 Hz. Ultrasound waves of frequency from 2 to 20 MHz are used in diagnostics. US waves have the following characteristics: propagation velocity, frequency, wavelength and amplitude. By passing through human bodies, in interaction with different tissues, US loses energy-attenuation. This is due to: absorption, reflection, refraction, dispersion and diffraction of ultrasonic waves. Reflection is responsible for the occurrence of an ultrasound image. In the ultrasonic transducer there are piezoelectric crystals that have the ability to convert electrical impulses into mechanical (ultrasonic) waves and vice versa. By connecting an US with a circuit, piezoelectric crystals convert electrical impulses into US waves. In the interaction with matter, some of them are reflected/rejected. These echoes are again detected by piezoelectric crystals in US transducer and converted into electrical impulses which are displayed on the screen in the form of points. The US transducer is both a generator and a US wave receiver. On the basis of reflected echoes in the form of points, a picture on the screen is formed. The intensity of reflected echoes represents echogenicity, i.e. the ability of a structure to create US waves. Thus, we distinguish anechoic, hypoechoic, hyperechoic and isoechoic structure. Based on the frequency, resolution and penetration of ultrasonic waves, the probe is divided into: convex, linear and sector. The basic rule is that the higher the frequency of the US transducer the better the image resolution, but the smaller the penetration of the US wave. Forms that do not represent anatomical structures appear as a result of US examinations but are the result of specific inspection techniques and are called artefacts. These include: acoustic enhancement, acoustic shadow, reverberation and the phenomenon of 'mirrors'.

Research on the machining mechanism of AISI 304 ultrasonic vibration assisted grinding