Automatic control of the physical and mechanical properties of the raw sand‑clay molding mixture in the process of mixture preparation in the new developments of OJSC “BELNIILIT”

OJSC “BELNIILIT” specialists have developed a method and an automatic device for monitoring and managing the quality of raw sand‑clay molding blend, which is based on the integrated control – compaction of the molding blend principles, measurement of humidity and strength in the raw state, measurement of temperature directly in the process of mixture preparation. The equipment is integrated into existing automated mixture preparation complexes manufactured by OJSC “BELNIILIT”, it is possible to install on old design mixers.

Feasibility of Using H3PO4/H2O2 in the Synthesis of Antimicrobial TiO2 Nanoporous Surfaces

Ti6Al4V alloys are the primary materials used for clinical bone regeneration and restoration; however, they are substantially susceptible to biomaterial-related infections. Therefore, in the present work, we applied a controllable and stable oxidative nanopatterning strategy by applying H3PO4, a weaker dissociating acid, as a substitute for H2SO4 in the classical piranha reaction. The results suggest that our method acted as a concomitant platform to develop reproducible diameter-controlled TiO2 nanopores (NPs). Interestingly, our procedure illustrated stable temperature reactions without exothermic responses since the addition of mixture preparation to the nanopatterning reactions. The reactions were carried out for 30 min (NP14), 1 h (NP7), and 2 h (NP36), suggesting the formation of a thin nanopore layer as observed by Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity revealed that NP7 could disrupt active microbial colonization for 2 h and 6 h. The phenotype configuration strikingly showed that NP7 does not alter the cell morphology, thus proposing a disruptive adhesion pathway instead of cellular lysis. Furthermore, preliminary assays suggested an early promoted osteoblasts viability in comparison to the control material. Our work opens a new path for the rationale design of nanobiomaterials with “intelligent surfaces” capable of decreasing microbial adhesion, increasing osteoblast viability, and being scalable for industrial transfer.

Reverse Engineering of Research Engine Cylinder-Head

The pursuit of increasing the efficiency of internal combustion engines is an ongoing engineering task that requires numerous research efforts. New concepts of injection or combustion systems require preliminary investigation work using research engines. These engines, usually single-cylinder, make it possible to isolate a single variable in a complex combustion mixture preparation process, thus enabling analysis of the changes being made. However, these engines are relatively expensive and their designs are offered by a limited number of manufacturers. The authors of this paper have successfully undertaken the engineering task of modifying an existing research engine cylinder head in such a way as to implement an electronically controlled variable valve timing system of the intake system. The process of reverse engineering, together with design assumptions that finally contributed to the construction of the assumed solution has been described in this paper.

Herbal fume inhalation similarities between Dhoopan and Hawan

Herbal fume inhalation for health benefit or disease treatment is an Ayurvedic and Vedic approach. In Ayurvedic texts it is mentioned as Dhoopan and in Vedic texts it is referred as hawan (Yagya). There are similarities in methods and procedures of both the methods. The present study identifies five areas where there are similarities i.e. herbal mixture preparation, offerings to fire, use of smokeless fire, use of chanting, dose repetition. This perspective showed similarity present between these two ancient herbal inhalation methods potentiating a great scope of further research in this direction.

Utilization of Porcelain Tile Polishing Residue

The research focuses on the properties of by-products formed in the production of porcelain stoneware: polishing residue and residue of the mixture-preparation shop. The polishing residue consists of glassy phase (80%), quartz (14%), mullite (5%). Residue of the mixture-preparation shop consists of quartz (~ 18%), muscovite (~ 6.9%), kaolinite (~ 20.5%), calcium-sodium feldspar (~ 51.4%), diopside (~ 2.98%). Polishing residue occurs when polishing porcelain stoneware to create a glossy surface and when polishing the side faces of porcelain stoneware to obtain accurate tile geometry. The particle size of the polishing residue is less than 0.2 mm, and the residue of the mixture-preparation shop is less than 40 microns. Residue of the mixture-preparation shop is formed when cleaning equipment: mills, mixers, slipways, etc. The ways of utilization of by-product are follows: as a filler for the silicate production; for polymer-cement, water-dispersion and oil paints; as a filler for the production of roofing materials, bituminous roofing mastics based on organic binders; raw materials for the production of foam glass materials and products.

Experimental research of liquid-fueled continuously rotating detonation chamber

Research on the application of liquid fuels to continuously rotating detonation was conducted. A new method of mixture preparation was proposed. A special system of liquid fuel injection was designed and tested which is based on injecting into the detonation chamber a preheated liquid fuel partially mixed with hot air at conditions higher than the rich flammability limit. The specially selected conditions allow all liquid fuel to evaporate in the supply system but prevent it from ignition before entering the detonation chamber. Experiments were conducted for two different liquid fuels, extraction gasoline and Jet-A fuel. Research was carried out for different equivalence ratios, and in all tested conditions detonation was achieved. The new tested method of liquid fuel preparation and injection into a cylindrical detonation chamber opens a way of application of liquid fuels to engines which utilize continuously rotating detonation and thus prepares the way for practical application of detonative combustion to turbine engines and jet propulsion systems.