Investigation of La0.6Sr0.4Co1-xNixO3-δ (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) catalysts on solid oxide fuel cells anode for biogas dry reforming

The introduction of catalyst on anode of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has been an effective way to alleviate the carbon deposition when utilizing biogas as the fuel. A series of La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_1-xNi_xO_3-δ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) oxides are synthesized by sol-gel method and used as catalysts precursors for biogas dry reforming. The phase structure of La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_1-xNi_xO_3-δ oxides before and after reduction are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The texture properties, carbon deposition, CH₄ and CO₂ conversion rate of La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_1-xNi_xO_3-δ catalysts are evaluated and compared. The peak power density of 739 mW cm^?2 is obtained by a commercial SOFC with La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.4Ni_0.6O_3-δ catalyst at 850 °C when using a mixture of CH₄: CO₂ = 2:1 as fuel. This shows a great improvement from the cell without catalyst for internal dry reforming, which is attributed to the formation of NiCo alloy active species after reduction in H₂ atmosphere. The results indicate the benefits of inhibiting the carbon deposition on Ni-based anode through introducing the La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.4Ni_0.6O_3-δ catalyst precursor. Additionally, the dry reforming technology will also help to convert part of the exhaust heat into chemical energy and improve the efficiency of SOFC system with biogas fuel.     

Recent advances during CH4 dry reforming for syngas production: A mini review

Given the continuing issues of environment and energy, methane dry reforming for syngas production have sparked interest among researchers, but struggled with the process immaturity owing to catalyst deactivation. This review summarizes the recent advances in the development of efficient and stable catalysts with strong resistance to coking and metal sintering, including the application of novel materials, the assessment of advanced characterizations and the compatibility to improved reaction system. One feasible option is the crystalline oxide catalysts (perovskite, pyrochlore, spinel and LDHs), which feature a fine metal dispersion and surface confinement effect via a metal exsolution strategy and exhibit superior reactivity and stability. Some new materials (h-BN, clays and MOFs) also extend the option because of their unique morphology and microstructure. It also is elaborated that progresses were achieved in advanced characterizations application, leading to success in the establishment of reaction mechanisms and attributions to the formed robust catalysts. In addition, the perspective described the upgrade of reaction system to a higher reaction efficiency and milder reaction conditions. The combination of efficient reaction systems and robust catalysts paves a way for a scaling-up application of the process.     

Experimental investigation of different morphology textured ceramic tools by in-situ formed for the dry cutting

Surface texture is considered an important measure to improve the cutting performance of a tool. In this study, we have prepared three types of textured and conventional tools on the rake face by an in-situ formed method. During the experiment, the best parameters of three types of textured tools were selected for dry cutting AISI 1045 steel at different cutting speeds. Cutting forces, cutting temperatures, workpiece surface roughness, and tool wear were measured during the cutting process. The results showed that textured tools have significantly reduced cutting force, cutting temperature, and tool wear, and the roughness of the workpiece was improved compared with the conventional tool. The micro-pit texture tool has less stress contact region than the micro-groove width texture tool, but the micro-groove width texture tool exhibiting the best cutting performance. This investigation clearly showed that the textured tool prepared by the in-situ formed method has improved cutting performance.     

干熄焦锅炉炉管失效机理分析

通过对干熄焦锅炉炉管及腐蚀产物开展系统研究，提出炉管失效原因为氧化/硫腐蚀＋高温粉尘冲刷。长寿命炉管仅耐磨层发生了较为严重的氧化及硫腐蚀，而近基体层发生了轻微氧化及硫腐蚀，基体只发生了轻微氧化；短寿命炉管耐磨层、近基体层以及基体裂纹内均发生了较为严重的氧化及硫腐蚀，且存在珠光体球化、内表面产生全脱碳层等缺陷。推测短寿命炉管存在超温现象，而超温可加剧氧化及硫腐蚀反应。此外，短寿命炉管遭受了较为严重的高温粉尘冲刷，不仅可造成炉管减薄，还会导致炉管表面温度升高。因此，减少循环气体中粉尘量尤其是大颗粒，可有效减弱冲刷以及控制炉管表面温度，是提高炉管使用寿命的关键。     

Defining Dry Eye from a Clinical Perspective

Over the past decades, the number of patients with dry eye disease (DED) has increased dramatically. The incidence of DED is higher in Asia than in Europe and North America, suggesting the involvement of cultural or racial factors in DED etiology. Although many definitions of DED have been used, discrepancies exist between the various definitions of dry eye disease (DED) used across the globe. This article presents a clinical consensus on the definition of DED, as formulated in four meetings with global DED experts. The proposed new definition is as follows: “Dry eye is a multifactorial disease characterized by a persistently unstable and/or deficient tear film (TF) causing discomfort and/or visual impairment, accompanied by variable degrees of ocular surface epitheliopathy, inflammation and neurosensory abnormalities.” The key criteria for the diagnosis of DED are unstable TF, inflammation, ocular discomfort and visual impairment. This definition also recommends the assessment of ocular surface epitheliopathy and neurosensory abnormalities in each patient with suspected DED. It is easily applicable in clinical practice and should help practitioners diagnose DED consistently. This consensus definition of DED should also help to guide research and clinical trials that, to date, have been hampered by the lack of an established surrogate endpoint.     

旋流分离-颗粒床耦合气固分离装备旋流场静压分布

针对一种集旋风分离器和内置颗粒床优势于一体的新型耦合气固分离装备在无灰负荷及固定床操作条件入口环形空间、分离空间和灰斗内静压场进行研究。结果表明，静压沿周向为非对称分布，轴向为非均匀分布，径向则呈中心低两侧高分布；且存在着静压分布的降压区(0?~180?，以入口处为0?)和增压区(180?~360?)；装备中心的负压及旋流作用在轴向高度H=6.41D(D为旋风壳体内径)以下对静压的影响不再显著；内置颗粒床外壁附近存在“滞留层”，有利于提高装备的分离性能。根据实验数据给出了静压周向分布和静压轴向分布的经验公式。     

Torsional statics of two-dimensionally functionally graded microtubes

A size-dependent governing equation is derived to investigate the torsional static behaviors of two-dimensionally functionally graded microtubes based on the modified couple stress theory. The shear modulus is assumed to vary along the tube’s length direction according to an exponential distribute function, and varies along the tube’s radius direction according to a power-law function. A generalized differential quadrature method is developed to determine the rotational angle and shear stresses. Some illustrative examples are given to investigate the effects of applied torques, the length scale parameter and various material compositions on the torsional angle and shear stresses.     

Effects of breed and age at slaughter on degradation of muscle lipids during processing of dry‐cured hams

Hams from Landrace, Duroc and Hampshire pigs slaughtered at ages 6, 7.5 and 9 months were processed to generate Norwegian Parma‐style hams. Lipid contents and the compositions of fatty acid classes (ΣSFA, ΣMUFA, ΣPUFA) within neutral lipids, phospholipids and free fatty acids were determined. Small differences in lipid degradation and composition of the classes were revealed. However, significant sensory differences related to lipids were observed. Breed was more important than age. Dry‐cured Hampshire hams gave a more intense mature odour that may be associated with higher overall lipid degradation. Unexpectedly, these hams also demonstrated high juiciness and tenderness, which could be related to the melting characteristics of the fat. Dry‐cured Duroc hams showed a higher susceptibility towards rancidity, presumably associated with preferential oxidation of n‐6 fatty acids relative to C18:1 n‐9. Dry‐cured Landrace hams showed the lowest juiciness and tenderness, likely due to their lower fat content (marbling).     

Binary Ti–Fe system. Part I: Experimental investigation at high pressure

The present work illustrates the effect of quasi-hydrostatic pressure on the positions and widths of the homogeneity ranges of the intermetallic phases TiFe and TiFe₂ at high temperatures. The experiments were performed with Ti–Fe diffusion couples that were heat treated in a multi-anvil press at 2.5 GPa. The solubility limits of the phases were derived from the concentration profiles that were measured using electron probe microanalysis. It was found that the homogeneity ranges of TiFe and TiFe₂ extend to higher titanium concentrations, if the pressure is applied. The positions of the phase boundaries of the intermetallics on the iron-rich side are not affected by the pressure. The accuracy of the experimental data including the homogeneity ranges and temperatures was verified by comparing the homogeneity ranges of β-Ti(Fe), α/δ-Fe(Ti) and γ-Fe measured in this study with the homogeneity ranges taken from literature. The pressure was calibrated using the pressure-induced phase transitions of bismuth.