Application of artificial neural network method to predict the breakage properties of PGE bearing chromite ore

In the present investigation, systematic grinding experiments were conducted in a laboratory ball mill to determine the breakage properties of low-grade PGE bearing chromite ore. The population balance modeling technique was used to study the breakage parameters such as primary breakage distribution (B_{i, j}) and the specific rates of breakage (S_i). The breakage and selection function values were determined for six feed sizes. The results stated that the breakage follows the first-order grinding kinetics for all the feed sizes. It was observed that the coarser feed sizes exhibit higher selection function values than the finer feed size. Further, an artificial neural network was used to predict breakage characteristics of low-grade PGE bearing chromite ore. The predicted results obtained from the neural network modeling were close to the experimental results with a correlation of determination R² = 0.99 for both product size and selection function.     

An infinite chain, {[Ni(tn)2]3[Fe(CN)4(μ-CN)2]2}n,a new catalyst for electrochemical-driven water splitting and photochemical-driven hydrogen evolution from water under blue light

A new catalyst for both water reduction and oxidation, based on an infinite chain, {[Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₄ (μ-CN)₂]₂}_n, is formed by the reaction of NiCl₂, 1,3-propanediamine (tn) and K₃ [Fe(CN)₆]. {[Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₄ (μ-CN)₂]₂}_n can electro-catalyze hydrogen evolution from a neutral aqueous buffer (pH 7.0) with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 1561 mol of hydrogen per mole of catalyst per hour (H₂/mol catalyst/h) at an overpotential (OP) of 837 mV {[Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₄ (μ-CN)₂]₂}_n also can electro-catalyze O₂ production from water with a TOF of ～45 mol O₂ (mol cat)^?1s^?1 at an OP of 591 mV. Under blue light (λ = 469 nm), together with CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) as a photosensitizer, and ascorbic acid (H₂A) as a sacrificial electron donor, {[Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₄ (μ-CN)₂]₂}_n can photo-catalyze hydrogen generation from an aqueous buffer (pH 4.0) with a turnover number (TON) of 11,450 mol H₂ per mole of catalyst (mol of H₂ (mol of cat)^?1) during 10 h irradiation. The average of apparent quantum yield (AQY) is as high as 40.96% during 10 h irradiation. Studies indicate that {[Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₄ (μ-CN)₂]₂}_n exists in two forms: a cyano-bridged chain ({[Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₄ (μ-CN)₂]₂}_n) in solid, and a salt ([Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₆]₂) in aqueous media; Catalytic reaction occurs on the nickel center of [Ni(tn)₂]²⁺, and the introduction of [Fe(CN)₆]^3- can improve the catalytic efficiency of [Ni(tn)₂]²⁺ for H₂ or O₂ generation. We hope these findings can afford a new method for the design of catalysts for both water reduction and oxidation.     

Analysis and proposition of limiting current density measurement protocol

Limiting current density at different temperatures, backpressures, and balance gases can be used to separate molecular diffusion resistance, Knudsen diffusion resistance and local transport resistance of membrane electrode assembly (MEA). However, the measurement of limiting current density has no unified protocol. The diverse choices in the literature, either in the control of current or voltage or in the atmosphere like relative humidity and O₂ concentrations, make it difficult to compare the results and identify the true bottleneck hindering the mass transport. In this work, the current-voltage curves obtained by current scanning/stepping and voltage scanning/stepping methods under dilute O₂ of different concentrations and a wide range of relative humidity were measured and analyzed systematically. It is found that the voltage stepping method is superior to the other three ways of control for the reliable determination of the limiting current density. Aided with simultaneous electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement, the limiting current density can be determined with pinpoint accuracy. When the limiting current density is just used to qualitatively evaluate different MEA, the voltage scanning method can be used instead for its high time efficiency. The selection of the atmosphere also plays an important role in suppressing the distortion from excessive water and reducing the spurious contribution from proton conduction resistance. It is found that O₂ concentrations at 0.5 vol% and relative humidity at 90% can give the best estimation of O₂ transport resistance in membrane electrode assembly.     

Modeling unaccounted-for gas among residential natural gas consumers using a comprehensive fuzzy cognitive map

Residential natural gas consumption depends on several factors. Available tools and methods to identify, categorize, and validate effective factors have some limitations, making consumption modeling more complex. Once a comprehensive model of effective consumption factors is developed for residential gas consumers, it can predict consumption. In addition, such a model could be used to verify the accuracy of measuring devices in order to reduce unaccounted for gas (UFG). The key factors affecting residential gas consumption were identified based on previous studies and their mutual effects were analyzed using a fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) method. The most significant factors and their effects on natural gas consumption in the residential sector were determined. In this study, for the first time, the expected consumption for each consumer was estimated using a consumption index. Generally, if the estimated consumption is significantly different from the amount recorded by the meter, it could suggest a potential source of UFG. The proposed method was applied to the data collected from the residential gas consumers of a small region in Iran (Dasht-e Arjan region, Fars province), and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Reusable and durable electrostatic air filter based on hybrid metallized microfibers decorated with metal-organic-framework nanocrystals

As global air pollution becomes increasingly severe,various types of fibrous filters have been devel-oped to improve air filter performance.However,fibrous filters have limitations such as high packing density that generally causes high-pressure drop and ultimately deterioration in the filtration effi-ciency.High-pressure particulate matter precipitators are limited in terms of scope for commercialization because they require high voltage supplies and ozone generators.In this study,we develop fibrous fil-ters with enhanced durability and improved performance using metallized microfibers decorated with metal-organic-framework(MOF)nanocrystals.Not only does the efficiency of the developed filters remain at or above 97％for 0.50-1.5 μm PMs but the durability also significantly increases.In addi-tion,using the water purification ability of the MOF,we explore the dye degradation effect of the hybrid microfibers by immersing them into Rhodamine B aqueous solution.In such an experiment the Rho-damine B aqueous solution is completely purified by the presence of the hybrid microfibers under the UV irradiation.     

Effect of preparation method on physicochemical properties and catalytic performances of LaCoO_3 perovskite for CO oxidation

Perovskite oxides LaCoO_3 prepared by templating, co-precipitation and sol-gel method with different complexants were systematically characterized and its catalytic performances for CO oxidation were investigated. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, N_2 physisorption, transmission electron microscopy, temperature program reduction of hydrogen, temperature program desorption of oxygen and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement, results of which show that the properties of LaCoO_3, such as surface morphology, surface area, surface compositions, redox capability, oxygen vacancy, as well as the calcination temperature and formation mechanism, depend intimately on the preparation method. Catalytic tests indicate that the sample prepared by carbon templating method shows the best activity for CO oxidation, with full CO conversion obtained at 135 ℃. In particular, the catalyst can be activated and significant increase of activity can be obtained with the increase of reaction time. The cyclic and longterm stability of catalysts were discussed and compared.     

前和煤业东胶带运输大巷钻孔卸压围岩控制技术

为有效解决前和煤业3#煤层东胶带大巷在原有锚网索支护下围岩变形量大的问题,结合巷道变形特征,确定采用钻孔卸压技术,采用理论分析和数值模拟的方式确定卸压钻孔在修巷作业前,垂直于巷帮打设,钻孔深度为8 m,结合巷道的具体条件确定巷道采用卸压钻孔+让压支护的围岩控制方案,并采用矿压监测验证支护效果。结果表明:支护方案实施后,顶底板和两帮的最大移近量分别为141 mm和132 mm,有效解决了巷道两帮及底板鼓起量大的问题,保证了巷道围岩的稳定性。     

矿山工程建设项目造价管理信息系统设计

为提高矿山工程建设项目造价管理水平,设计了矿山工程建设项目造价管理系统。通过分析矿山工程项目的造价组成,并采用三层B/S架构设计系统硬件框架,运用Web服务器传输矿山工程项目各项数据,划分系统功能子系统,并对矿山工程建设项目造价额与价差预备费进行计算,完成系统软件设计。结果表明,该系统能够有效管理矿山工程建设项目造价,并对外部的恶意攻击进行及时报警,系统具有有效性与安全性。     

Microscopic investigation of the formation of a thermoset wheat gluten network in a model system relevant for bread making

Although the impact of heat on molecular properties of wheat gluten is well understood, changes in its microstructure have rarely been studied. Here, formation of the thermoset gluten network in a model system relevant for bread baking was studied with confocal laser scanning microscopy and protein network analysis. From 65 °C onwards, gluten converts from thick aligned protein strands in a highly branched and homogeneous network of small thin protein threads. Neither gliadin incorporation in the network nor application of aqualysin 1, the thermo-active serine peptidase from Thermus aquaticus which recently has been reported to hydrolyse gluten proteins in dough only at temperatures exceeding 80 °C, impacts on the gluten microstructure. As starch causes structure setting itself and thereby decreases protein mobility, molecular scale changes in the gluten network at temperatures exceeding 80 °C brought about by aqualysin 1 do not impact its microstructure.