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This paper reports the generalized results of computer simulation of physical processes at a rotor-disk film evaporating plant. Optimization of the operation mode cannot be achieved without establishing patterns in the course of physical processes. We have proposed a computer model of hydrodynamics that accounts for all the features, initial and boundary conditions. The results of computer simulations make it possible to adequately assess the effectiveness of using a rotor-disk film evaporating plant (RDFVP) for the concentration of heat-labile materials. We have established patterns in the course of physical processes within a structure of RDFVP by using computer simulation of hydrodynamics in the programming environment ANSYS and applying a k-e turbulence model. The result of simulation is the derived velocity fields of the concentrated fluid (w max =0.413 m/s) and the gas phase (w max =8.176 m/s), as well as the magnitude of values for shear stress τ=0.94·10 -6 Pa. It was established that the gas heat-carrier is characterized by the highly-turbulent flows with maximum values for kinetic energy TKE max =8.985·10 -1 m 2 /s 2 . The reliability of results is ensured by the correctness, completeness, and adequacy of physical assumptions when stating the problem and while solving it using the computer aided design system ANSYS. It has been established that the proposed structure is an effective alternative to equipment for the concentration of solutions. The data obtained could be used when designing heat-and-mass-exchange equipment for the highly efficient dehydration of thermolabile materials

The problems of environmental pollution in the conditions of high dust content in the air during the development of coal mines in the territory of the Czech Republic are considered. A mechanism for making managerial decisions was developed using an integrated approach using the new technological process Nastup Tušimice (DNT) aimed at eliminating pollutant emissions and managing workers in dusty conditions in mining operations. The recommendations of active and passive measures aimed at reducing dustiness in the process of coal mining have also been developed.

Abstract Global hydropower growth continues to accelerate with 25% of total capacity installed in just the last 10 years. This accelerating expansion and the important storage facility hydropower means it is increasingly important to understand the reasons for operational failures. This is a challenge because the major reason for failures involves the complex interaction of hydraulic, mechanical and electric subsystems. Historically, reliability modelling has been split in two directions, focusing on different sub-systems, and has not yet been unified. Here these approaches are unified with a novel expression of unbalanced forces. This model with operational data are validated and the important modes of oscillation in the shaft are identified. Finally, the mechanism of the first-order oscillation mode exciting a second-order mode is presented. This integrated and accurate mathematical model is a major advance in the diagnosis and prediction of failures in hydropower operation.

Recent changes to the electric power industry through deregulation and restructuring have had a considerable effect on power engineering education internationally. A number of Australian universities have also noticed a decline in the number of students interested in power engineering subjects, leading to the fewer graduates with power engineering knowledge. With a reduction in graduates and a perception of an ageing workforce a shortage of suitably qualified power engineers for industry may be imminent. This paper provides discussion on the current status of university power engineering education within Australia and includes results from a recent Australia-wide survey of the university and industry sectors of electric power engineering.

The many advantages of slug flow pneumatic conveying are outweighed by the lack of understanding of the flow mechanisms. For horizontal slug flow, the unique feature is the stationary layer of material found between the travelling slugs, which was recently shown to be characterised by two constants. This paper looks to utilise the vast data available in the literature, which is representative of the entire mode of flow, and relates the stationary layer and slug velocity to predict the two constants from only these inputs. It was found that, even for the vast range of materials and systems considered, slug flow encompasses a narrow bound of the two constants. Furthermore, an empirical approach that was developed to relate the layer fraction and particle velocity was found to provide good agreement to measurements and may be of use in other investigations that require an additional equation for modelling.

Sustainability has emerged, arguably, as the premiere mission of contemporary architecture. Green assessment tools abound, consultancy services flourish, buildings are marketed on the basis of sustainability performance, and government, media, and corporations seem preoccupied with assessing the quality of the built environment through a green lens. Yet for all the effort, and indeed for all the progress made, fundamental issues resistant to the structural change that is essential for genuine sustainability remain. This paper reviews the state of play of sustainability across the urban landscape. It considers the road travelled so far, and points out some of the major challenges that lie ahead.

Nail polish, in particular gel nail polish, is the most used cosmetic product. The components of the gel polish, which determine both toxicity and consumer color properties, are pigments. Zn-Al layered double hydroxides intercalated with anionic food dyes are promising pigments for use in gel polish. The parameters of the samples of Orange Yellow S-intercalated Zn-Al (Zn:Al=4:1 and Zn:Al=2:1) hydroxides synthesized at pH=8 and pH=11 were studied. The crystal structure of the samples was studied by X-ray phase analysis and thermogravimetry, and the pigment properties – by the method of measuring and calculating color characteristics in the CIELab and XYZ systems. The color characteristics of gel nail polish samples prepared using synthesized pigments were studied in a similar way. X-ray phase analysis and thermogravimetry showed that Zn-Al-Orange Yellow S pigments synthesized at both Zn:Al ratios and pH were layered double hydroxides with the α-Zn(OH) 2 structure. The phenomenon of the decomposition of Zn-Al LDH to ZnO during the synthesis was revealed. As a result, all Zn-Al-Orange Yellow S pigment samples contained both layered double hydroxide and zinc oxide. It was shown that all samples of the Zn-Al-Orange Yellow S pigment obtained at pH 8 and 11 and the ratios Zn:Al=4:1 and Zn:Al=2:1 had high pigment characteristics and are promising for use in gel polish. The samples of gel nail polish with synthesized pigments have a red-orange color (сolor tone 595–604 nm) with high monochromaticity (color purity 63–75 %) and color saturation (48.7–58.3)

Abstract In an effort to minimise electricity consumption and greenhouse gases emissions, the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning sector has focused its attention on developing alternative solutions to electrically-driven vapour-compression cooling. Liquid desiccant air-conditioning systems represent an energy-efficient and more environmentally friendly alternative technology for dehumidification and cooling, particularly in those cases with high latent loads to maintain indoor air quality and comfort conditions. This technology is considered particularly efficient in hot and humid climates. As a matter of fact, the choice of the desiccant solution influences the overall performance of the system. The current paper reviews the working principle of liquid desiccant systems, focusing on the thermodynamic properties of the desiccant solutions and describes an evaluation of the reference thermodynamic properties of different desiccant solutions to identify which thermodynamic, physical, transport property influences the liquid desiccant process and to what extent. The comparison of these thermodynamic properties for the commonly used desiccants is conducted to estimate which fluid could perform most favourably in the system. The economic factors and the effect of different applications and climatic conditions on the system performance are also described. The paper is intended to be the first step in the evaluation of alternative desiccant fluids able to overcome the problems related to the use of the common desiccant solutions, such as crystallization and corrosion to metals. Ionic liquids seem a promising alternative working fluid in liquid desiccant air-conditioning systems and their characteristics and cost are discussed.