Advances in Fluid, Heat and Materials Engineering

Effects of Different Biomass Feedstock on Gasification Syngas Production Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

2024-09-03T14:17:23+07:00

The primary objective of this paper was to assess whether biomass, which is Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB), Rice Husk (RH), and Rice Straw (RS), can be effectively used for gasification. The study aimed to conduct a CFD simulation using ANSYS FLUENT and compare its results with published experimental data. First, TG-DTA were performed to verify the usability of the feedstocks in gasification. The results show that EFB has a higher Carbon content and Higher Heating Value (HHV) than RH and RS, indicating a higher gasification potential. CFD simulations supported these findings, showing that EFB outperforms RH and RS in gasification potential by approximately 40% and 35%, respectively. The results demonstrated that EFB, with its higher efficiency, could offer significant environmental benefits compared to RH and RS.

Development of an Automatic Ventilation System Using Internet of Things for Smart Kitchen Applications

2024-08-30T15:09:26+07:00

The advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to significant improvements in the safety and convenience of managing electrical appliances, with remote monitoring and control now accessible to most households. This connectivity allows for a seamless integration of technology into daily life, particularly in environments where safety is a critical concern. This study focuses on the development of an Automated Ventilation System aimed at reducing the risk of kitchen fires and gas leaks. The system uses the MQ-2 gas sensor module, which has been tested with four types of gases: lighter gas, burning paper smoke, steam from boiling water, and Buddha incense smoke, to ensure accurate detection. When smoke levels exceed predefined thresholds, a relay activates the exhaust fan. The system is managed by a NodeMCU equipped with an ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, which enables connection to the Blynk platform. This setup allows users to monitor the system and receive alert notifications on their smartphones, ensuring prompt response when connected to the internet. The implementation of this IoT-based system significantly enhances kitchen safety by providing automated and real-time responses to hazardous smoke levels.

Analysis of the Performance of a Pressure Vessel Structure: A Numerical Method Approach

2024-08-28T13:54:36+07:00

A pressure vessel is a closed container that stores a gas or liquid at a pressure that significantly differs from the ambient pressure. Biodiesel plants are most common applications of pressure vessels. Because of the pressure vessel’s varying operating conditions, it is potentially dangerous and could result in fatal accidents. This knowledge can help not only determine longevity but also determine how to care for and maintain them properly. Therefore, this study involved the investigation of the distribution of deformation and stress in the pressure vessel structure located at the UTHM biodiesel pilot plant using four different initial temperatures which are 35℃, 83℃, 120℃, and 350℃. The dimensions of the pressure vessel were obtained from the actual geometry of the pressure vessel VE203 in the UTHM biodiesel pilot plant. There were four variables for the different materials used in this simulation: stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium alloy, and super duplex 2507. The analysis results were used to establish a risk assessment to predict the performance of the pressure vessel structure. Analysis was performed using the Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) method. The constructed risk indicators aid in predicting risks for pressure vessels during the operating process, and for the safety of workers in the plant. The results indicated that carbon steel can withstand high deformation of the structure when the inlet temperature exceeds the allowable operating temperature, 350℃which is 0.03816 m. Meanwhile, stainless steel can withstand high-stress distribution because the lowest value recorded at an inlet temperature of 350°C is 3687 MPa.

Analysis of Wear Behaviour of Blended Gear Oil Using Pin on Disc Experiment

2024-08-25T17:13:47+07:00

This research analysed blended palm oil and blended virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a new formulated bio lubricant utilizing pin on disc experiment. The primary objective of this project is to investigate the tribological characteristics of wear rate and coefficient of friction, as well as to examine the disc's surface morphology, following the ASTM G99 standard. The study was conducted using parameter speeds ranging from 600 rpm to 900 rpm and loads from 30 N to 60 N. Surface roughness of the disc samples was measured using a Surftest machine. The findings revealed that the lubricant with 15% Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) content had the lowest coefficient of friction, specifically at 750 rpm and a 45 N load. The base lubricant used in this study is 85W140 GL5 gear oil, which was enhanced with blends containing 15% and 30% of Palm Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil. Additionally, the oil blend with 30% Palm Oil content exhibited the lowest wear rate, observed at 600 rpm with a 45 N load. The results, which highlight the high viscosity index, unsaturated/saturated ratio, and the low wear rate and coefficient of friction of Palm Oil and VCO, suggest that these oils are promising candidates as base fluids for lubricants in future applications. This makes them viable alternatives for various industrial uses, providing stable and favorable performance characteristics.

Comparative Study of Airflow Efficiency in Rectangular and Cylindrical Small-Scale Incinerator Designs

2024-09-18T16:09:16+07:00

This study investigates the design, simulation, and analysis of compact incinerators with the goal of enhancing the efficiency of household waste management. Two unique incinerator designs—one rectangular and one cylindrical—were developed using SolidWorks software using input from the community obtained through a survey. The designs were evaluated based on the airflow and combustion efficiency, resulting in the development of four design variations for further investigation. These variations included two cylindrical and two rectangular models, each employing distinct airflow techniques (top and bottom). Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed using SolidWorks flow simulations to evaluate heat transfer rates, temperature distributions, and airflow patterns. The simulations demonstrated that the cylinder configuration with bottom airflow had greater heat retention and combustion efficiency than the other designs, owing to its symmetrical shape which minimised stagnant areas and enhanced air circulation. However, the rectangular design has deficiencies in achieving consistent airflow distribution, especially when using the top airflow setup, resulting in partial combustion in certain regions. This study focuses on the efficacy of airflow designs positioned below, especially in cylindrical shapes, in achieving enhanced combustion efficiency and minimising emissions in home incineration scenarios. It is advisable to conduct additional experiments to confirm and enhance the design of incinerators for practical applications and to supplement the results obtained from simulations.