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Search results for: environmental contamination
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INFLUENCE OF SOLID PARTICLE CONTAMINATION ON THE WEAR PROCESS IN WATER LUBRICATED MARINE STRUT BEARINGS WITH NBR AND PTFE BUSHES
PublicationThis paper reports on a study of the influence of solid particle contamination on the wear process in water-lubricated slide bearings (steel-acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) and steel- polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)). To compare the wear of the shaft journal and bushes (NBR and PTFE) when lubricated with fresh water and contaminated water, an experiment was carried out to identify key factors that influence the state of wear...
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Stardust - Investigation of Microbes in the Stratosphere
PublicationThe stratospheric microbiome has been investigated several times using the methods of classical microbiology. In this experiment, we have combined them with some novel approaches including whole- metagenome amplification, Maldi TOF mass spectrometry and Sanger DNA sequencing. The results of the experiment may provide the scientists with knowledge about the mechanisms of survivability of microorganisms in stratospheric conditions...
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Forecasting of railway track tamping based on settlement of sleepers using fuzzy logic
PublicationThe sleepers in a railway track transfer vertical, transverse and longitudinal loads to the track ballast and subgrade. The sleepers allow for keeping the distance between the rails constant. The thickness of ballast should be between 16 and 35 cm depending on the design standard of the track, and it should be densified where the ballast supports the sleeper. The exploitation causes contamination of the ballast, crushing the material...
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Chemiresistive gas sensors based on carbon nanotubes - fabrication and application
PublicationMany types of sensors have been invented to identify and quantify chemical contamination in the gas phase. Sensors based on carbon nanotubes are particularly attractive because of their wide range of applicaions and potential use in electronic nose that can be controlled using algorithms of Artificial Intelligence. Sensor functions, fabrication and selected applications are reviewed and discussed with focus on chemiresistors. Drawbacks...
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Application of a catalytic combustion sensor (Pellistor) for the monitoring of the explosiveness of a hydrogen-air mixture in the upper explosive limit range
PublicationA new technique is presented for continuous measurements of hydrogen contamination by air in the upper explosive limit range. It is based on the application of a catalytic combustion sensor placed in a cell through which the tested sample passes. The air content is the function of the quantity of formed heat during catalytic combustion of hydrogen inside the sensor. There is the possibility of using the method in industrial installations...
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Low cost electrochemical sensor module for measurement of gas concentration
PublicationThis paper describes a low cost electrochemical sensor module for gas concentration measurement. A module is universal and can be used for many types of electrochemical gas sensors. Device is based on AVR ATmega8 microcontroller. As signal processing circuit a specialized integrated circuit LMP9l000 is used. The proposed equipment will be used as a component of electronic nose system employed for classifying and distinguishing...
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Homocitrate synthase gene as a new molecular target in diagnostics of Candida spp. infections
PublicationNew potential molecular target which will be investigated during this research (homocitrate synthase gen) is the innovative target other than ribosomal DNA. This gene encodes enzyme present only in fungi and some Archaea what significantly increases specificity. It also reduces risk of contamination or influence of other factors (reaction with other DNA present in sample derived from bacteria or host cells) what excludes false...
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Nitrogen pathways during sewage treatment in constructed wetlands in temporary climate
PublicationThe objectives of this paper is to estimate the role and quantity of the unit process responsible for removal or/and retention of nitrogen in different types of constructed wetlands in vegetation season and outside vegetation season. To estimate the role of the plant two objects inhabited one with willow and the other with reed were selected to assessment. Among anthers it was indicated that the concentrations of contamination...
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Effect of shielded electrode wet welding conditions on diffusible hydrogen content in deposited metal
PublicationWet welding is the most popular method of joining in water enviroment. During underwater welding, the weldability of steel is limited by the higher cooling rates and hydrogen content in weld metal. Article presents results of preliminary tests on the effects of wet welding conditions on diffusible hydrogen amount. Seven parameters were optimized using a Plackett-Burman plan to get the most relevant variables. These parameters were:...
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Soil contamination with geohelminths in children’s play areas in Szczecin, Poland
PublicationThe presence of invasive forms of parasites in the soil represents a potential threat to public health, especially for children. The aim of the study was to determine the degree of contamination with geohelminth eggs of soil samples collected from sandpits and playgrounds in the Szczecin area. The findings showed overall prevalence of soil samples contaminated with geohelminth eggs in the soil and sand...
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A Review on Deactivation and Regeneration of Catalysts for Dimethyl Ether Synthesis
Publicationhe deactivation of catalysts and their regeneration are two very important challenges that need to be addressed for many industrial processes. The most quoted reasons for the deterioration of dimethyl ether synthesis (DME) concern the sintering and the hydrothermal leaching of copper particles, their migration to acid sites, the partial formation of copper and zinc hydroxycarbonates, the formation of carbon deposits, and surface...
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Występowanie bakterii siarkowych a jakość wód podziemnych ujęcia Osowa
PublicationAbstrakt. Microorganisms that live in groundwater should be considered not only from the sanitary-hygienic point of view but also in terms of adverse changes in groundwater chemistry in the aquifer layer and its negative influence on the installed devices. For these reasons, it is important to correct approach to the problem of bacterial contamination of groundwater. The paper presents selected results of physicochemical and bacteriological...
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Urban dew formation efficiency and chemistry in Poland
PublicationThe measurements of dew formation efficiency and chemistry were performed in Poland in September 2009, as a part of a longer, two-year sampling campaign. Pairs of sites, representing centers of major Polish cities and rural conditions in three different regions, were compared. With the aim to get more detailed landuse-oriented characteristics of dew, two additional sites were set close to Wroclaw. Collection of dew at each site...
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LOW COST MEASUREMENT MODULE FOR MATRIX OF AMPEROMETRIC GAS SENSOR
PublicationThis paper describes an amperometric sensor module for gas concentration measurement. A module can be used for many types of electrochemical gas sensors without major hardware changes. Device is based on AVR ATmega8 microcontroller. As signal processing circuit a specialized integrated circuit LMP9l000 configurable via I2C interface is used. The concept of a measuring system composed of several modules dedicated for a gas sensors...
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Extremophile Deinococcus geothermalis as potential source of proteolytic enzymes
PublicationAmong many extremozymes, thermophilic enzymes have attracted most attention during the past four decades. Such enzymes are of considerable industrial and biotechnological interest due to the fact that the enzymes are better suited for harsh industrial processes. There are many advantages of conducting industrial processes at high temperature, such as the increased solubility of many polymeric substrates, resulting in decreased...
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Gas sampling system for matrix of semiconductor gas sensors
PublicationSemiconductor gas sensors are popular commercial sensors applied in numerous gas detection systems. They are reliable, small, rugged and inexpensive. However, there are a few problem limiting the wider use of such sensors. Semiconductor gas sensor usually exhibits a low selectivity, low repeatability, drift of response, strong temperature and moisture influence on sensor properties. Sample flow rate is one of the parameters that...
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Heavy Metals in Sediments of Urban Streams: Contamination and Health Risk Assessment of Influencing Factors
PublicationSediments of two urban streams in northern Poland outflowing to the Baltic Sea were assessed to explain the spatial variation in relation to urbanization level of the catchment, the role of retention tanks (RTs) and identification of pollution level. During the 3 month period of investigation sediment samples were collected from the inflow (IN) and outflow (OUT) of six RTs located on streams for flood protection. Six heavy metals...
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The Use of Vegetables in the Biomonitoring of Cadmium and Lead Pollution in the Environment
PublicationLead and cadmium emitted from various anthropogenic sources have the ability to accumulate in tissues of living organisms. The phenomenon of accumulation of metals in the body is harmful and undesirable. On the other hand, the ability of plants to accumulate heavy metals from the individual elements of the environment has been used in biomonitoring of pollution. Leaf and root of vegetables have particular predisposition for accumulating...
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Main complications connected with detection, identification and determination of trace organic constituents in complex matrix samples
PublicationIt is well known that some problems with the determination of organic analytes at trace level can occur. This issue is connected with contamination during each stage of the analytical procedure from sampling to sample preparation up to chromatographic analysis, which often leads to false-positive or overestimated results. Another problem associated with determination of analytes occurs at trace- and ultra-trace level is a background...
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Activated Carbon Produced by Pyrolysis of Waste Wood and Straw for PotentialWastewater Adsorption
PublicationPyrolysis of straw pellets and wood strips was performed in a fixed bed reactor. The chars, solid products of thermal degradation, were used as potential materials for activated carbon production. Chemical and physical activation processes were used to compare properties of the products. The chemical activation agent KOH was chosen and the physical activation was conducted with steam and carbon dioxide as oxidising gases. The eect...
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Preliminary estimation of groundwater recharge on Brda river outwash plain
PublicationEstimation of groundwater recharge is one of the most challenging subjects in hydrogeology. It is a critical factor influencing the pollution migration, assessment of aquifer vulnerability to contamination, small-scale groundwater budget calculation, modeling of nutrient cycling and detailed flow path calculations. In Poland an infiltration rate method is widely used, which depends on a system of rate coefficients referring to...
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Low frequency of itraconazole resistance found among avian Aspergillus fumigatus isolates
PublicationAspergillus fumigatus is the most frequent etiological factor of invasive aspergillosis in human as well as animals, including birds. Aspergillosis caused by drug-resistant strains poses a significant therapeutic issue, especially if resistance pattern includes insensitivity to triazoles, i.e. drugs recommended for the primary therapy purposes. Majority of resistant isolates hold the TR34/L98H...
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Unlocking the Secrets of River Pollution: Analyzing Organic Pollutants in Sediments—Experimental Study
PublicationUntreated wastewater released into rivers can result in water pollution, the spread of waterborne diseases, harm to ecosystems, contamination of soil and groundwater, as well as air pollution and respiratory problems for nearby humans and animals due to the release of greenhouse gases. The current study aims to investigate the recent input of anthropogenic loads into the rivers using linear alkylbenzene (LAB), which is one of the...
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Nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in coastal aquifers in Puck municipality area (northern Poland)
Publication1. Groundwater study shows local variations in chemical composition of selected aquifers caused by human impact The diversity is mainly manifested in • time variation of groundwater chemical composition of all analyzed parameters especially in shallow aquifers (Q1) • relationship between t he ground water chemical composition and depth of the aquifer where an inverse concentration distribution occurs higher concentrations are observed...
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Quality of bottled waters
PublicationBottled water is a product that is purchased by annually increasing numbers of people of all age groups. The quality control of mineral waters tends to concentrate on the determination of anion and cation levels, since it is these that govern the taste, smell and possible medicinal properties of the water. The constantly rising sales of mineral waters bring with them the ever increasing exploitation of their sources. The consequences...
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Centrifugal magnetic fluid seals
PublicationSeals perform an important and at times overlooked function in a lubricant system. They prevent or minimize the movement of the lubricant between two surfaces and also minimize the level of contamination in the system. Seals are divided into static and dynamic types. Static seals operate in systems where the mating surfaces do not move relative to each other. In contrast, dynamic seals operate under conditions where the mating surfaces...
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A COMPARISON OF WEAR PROPERTIES OF WATER LUBRICATED NBR AND PTFE SLIDING BEARINGS
PublicationThe excessive wear of a journal shaft can be caused by many factors, for example, working conditions (e.g., temperaturę, slip speed, the type of lubricant), pressure, the type of material used on the bearings and shafts and their roughness, as well as contamination remaining in the system. This paper presents the roughness profiles co-operating with a rubber (NBR) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bushes. The conditions of cooperation...
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Pervaporation of volatile organohalogen compounds throughpolydimethylsiloxane membrane
PublicationThe objective of this work was to apply dense polymeric membranes for pervaporation of tetrachloroethene from aqueous solution. Three membranes were evaluated: polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-PV1 and PDMSPV2) membranes, and a PDMS with ZSM-5 zeolite filled (PERVAP-1070) membrane. The effect of feed composition on flux and selectivity was also investigated. Tested membranes showed good properties in the separation of tetrachloroethylene,...
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Exposure of a small Arctic seabird, the little auk (Alle alle) breeding in Svalbard, to selected elements throughout the course of a year
PublicationThe Arctic marine ecosystem can be altered by processes of natural and anthropogenic origin. Spatio-temporal variation in species exposure to contamination is still poorly understood. Here, we studied elemental concentrations in the non-lethally collected samples from the most numerous seabird in European Arctic, the little auk (Alle alle) nesting in one breeding colony in Svalbard. This seabird spent the breeding season in the...
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The influence of polymer bearing material and lubricating grooves layout on wear of journal bearings lubricated with contaminated water
PublicationThe goal of the present paper is to investigate wear properties of journal sliding bearing operating in the conditions of contaminated water lubrication. Several bearing materials and bearing sleeve designs (differing in the axial grooves position and their shape) were tested experimentally under typical operating conditions in a dedicated test rig, which was equipped with a lubricating system, enabling lubrication with contaminated...
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Temperature Sensors Based on Polymer Fiber Optic Interferometer
PublicationTemperature measurements are of great importance in many fields of human activities, including industry, technology, and science. For example, obtaining a certain temperature value or a sudden change in it can be the primary control marker of a chemical process. Fiber optic sensors have remarkable properties giving a broad range of applications. They enable continuous real-time temperature control in difficult-to-reach areas, in...
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Manganese–Cobalt Based Spinel Coatings Processed by Electrophoretic Deposition Method: The Influence of Sintering on Degradation Issues of Solid Oxide Cell Oxygen Electrodes at 750 °C
PublicationThis paper seeks to examine how the Mn–Co spinel interconnect coating microstructure can influence Cr contamination in an oxygen electrode of intermediate temperature solid oxide cells, at an operating temperature of 750 °C. A Mn–Co spinel coating is processed on Crofer 22 APU substrates by electrophoretic deposition, and subsequently sintered, following both the one-step and two-step sintering, in order to obtain significantly...
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Analytical aspects of model compounds toxicity assessment using MTT and Microtox bioanalytica assays
PublicationMore and more increased intensity of anthropopressure processes can be observed, among other things, in the release of great quantities of synthetic substances into the environment, including the Endocrine Disrupting Compounds. The effects of the above-mentioned human impact on the environment not only can be noticed in the homeostasis disturbance in ecosystems, but they are also visible with respect to human. The high incidence...
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Novel Cold Crucible Ultrasonic Atomization Powder Production Method for 3D Printing
Publication: A new powder production method has been developed to speed up the search for novel alloys for additive manufacturing. The technique involves an ultrasonically agitated cold crucible installed at the top of a 20 kHz ultrasonic sonotrode. The material is melted with an electric arc and undergoes pulverization with standing wave vibrations. Several different alloys in various forms, including noble and metallic glass alloys, were...
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Modeling the global atmospheric transport and deposition of mercury to the Great Lakes
PublicationMercury contamination in the Great Lakes continues to have important public health and wildlife ecotoxicology impacts, and atmospheric deposition is a significant ongoing loading pathway. The objective of this study was to estimate the amount and source-attribution for atmospheric mercury deposition to each lake, information needed to prioritize amelioration efforts. A new global, Eulerian version of the HYSPLIT-Hg model was used...
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An integral-differential method for impedance determination of the hydrogen oxidation process in the presence of carbon monoxide in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell
PublicationThe impedance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell powered by hydrogen contaminated with carbon monoxide, ranging from 150 to 300 ppb, is measured and discussed. The tested range of CO concentration complied with the fuel standard specified in the ISO standards. Studies of influence of CO contamination on operation of PEMFC are crucial for further development and commercialization of fuel cells for automotive applications. Based...
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Effectiveness of a dual surface modification of metallic interconnects for application in energy conversion devices
PublicationA dual surface modification of an SOFC metallic interconnect with a Gd2O3 layer and an MnCo2O4 coating was evaluated. The tested samples were oxidized for 7000 h in air at 1073 K. Oxidation products were characterized using XRD, SEM-EDS, and confocal Raman imaging, and ASR was measured. The effect of gadolinium segregation at grain boundaries in Cr2O3 was evaluated using S/TEM-EDS. Area specific-resistance was measured and fuel...
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Optimized 5-hour multiplex PCR test for the detection of tinea unguium: performance in a routine PCR laboratory
PublicationWe recently reported the development of a 5-hour multiplex PCR test for the detection of tinea unguium and the optimization of this test by the inclusion of an inhibition control. Here we report the performance of this procedure as used in a routine clinical laboratory as compared to conventional microscopy and culture-based techniques performed in a mycology reference laboratory. We found in processing 109 samples that 22 (20.2%)...
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Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Coupled With Mass Spectrometry in Food Analysis
PublicationThe development of instrumental analytical techniques provided the opportunity for in-depth characterization of many food matrices. In particular, the use of gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry gives impressive results in terms of quality and authenticity testing, conducting food freshness evaluations and contamination assessments. A new variant of gas chromatography, namely two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC...
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DIGITAL HYDRAULICS CIRCUIT BASED ON PWM FUNCTION FOR CONTROLLING HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR POSITION
PublicationHydraulic systems are used in many different industries, such as multi-source hydrostatic drive systems. In traditional hydraulic systems, a proportional servo valve is used to control the position of hydraulic actuators. The low energy efficiency and high cost of these control valves are two major problems with these systems. Digital hydraulics is one of the most unique ideas on how to solve these problems. Researchers like digital...
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Comprehensive Review of Fluorescence Applications in Gynecology
PublicationSince the introduction of indocyanine green (ICG) as a fluorophore in near-infrared imaging, fluorescence visualization has become an essential tool in many fields of surgery. In the field of gynecology, recent new applications have been proposed and found their place in clinical practice. Different applications in gynecology were investigated, subcategorized, and overviewed concerning surgical applications and available dyes....
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Water-Lubricated Journal Bearings Marine Applications, Design, and Operational Problems and Solutions
PublicationWater-Lubricated Journal Bearings: Marine Applications, Design, and Operational Problems and Solutions provides cutting-edge design solutions, common problems and methods for avoiding them, and material selection considerations for the use of water-lubricated journal bearings in marine environments. These bearings have many advantages, including the absence of the potential for oil contamination. They are also sensitive, and their...
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The Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Chitosan-Based Materials Modified with Phenolic Acids Irradiated by UVC Light
PublicationThis paper concerns the physicochemical properties of chitosan/phenolic acid thin films irradiated by ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths between 200 and 290 nm (UVC) light. We investigated the preparation and characterization of thin films based on chitosan (CTS) with tannic (TA), caffeic (CA) and ferulic acid (FA) addition as potential food‐packaging materials. Such materials were then exposed to the UVC light (254 nm) for...
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The influence of moderate pressure and subzero temperature on the shelf life of minced cod, salmon, pork and beef meat
PublicationThe effect of moderate pressure at subzero temperature on natural microflora of minced cod, salmony, pork and beef meat was studied. Pressure of 193 MPa at –20 °C caused reduction of total bacterial count in pork and beef meat by 1.1 and 0.6 log cycles, respectively, and by about 1.5 log cycles in fish meat. Under these conditions the psychrophilic and psychrotophic bacteria were below the detection limit (<10CFU/g of sample) in...
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Degradation of xylose using a microbial fuel cell
PublicationIt is generally known, that many kind of microorganisms are capable of using carbohydrates as a source of carbon and energy in an environment. The biodegradation process of monosaccharides from pentoses (in this case- racemic mixture of D - and L – xylose) is an immense opportunity for an entire reduction of biological contamination to neutral compounds through MFC. The process is occurred in a single-chamber MFC, which is contained...
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Groundwater Quality in the Gdansk Aquifer System
PublicationThe Gdańsk hydrogeological system consists of three main aquifers: Cretaceous, Paleogene-Neogene and Pleistocene. Chemical composition of groundwater varies between water-bearing beds, although water from Pleistocene and Paleogene-Neogene aquifers shows much similarities. The dominant hydrochemical groundwater types is HCO3-Ca. This type is characteristic for Pleistocene deposits in the Kashubian Lake District where natural chemical...
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Investigation and operation problems of metal tanks in Poland
PublicationThe paper consists of three parts concerned with steel cylindrical, vertical tank for liquid fuel. In the first part the present trends in tank design and building in Poland are described. The main are: · reduction of environment contamination danger caused by tank leakage and hydrocarbons evaporation, · increasing capacity of new tanks (100000 m3 and more) due to economic factor - reduction of steel amount per m3 of storage capacity....
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Thermal utilization of meat-and-bone meal using the rotary kiln pyrolyzer and the fluidized bed boiler – The performance of pilot-scale installation
PublicationThermal utilization of meat-and-bone meal (MBM) is subject to stringent regulations that are meant to provide elimination of any potential pathogens. Incineration as well as other possible routes for thermal conversion of MBM are still at the research state. The universal technology was developed that allows to combust various types of waste organic materials, including animal waste, municipal solid waste and sludge, mixed at any...
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Machine learning approach to packaging compatibility testing in the new product development process
PublicationThe paper compares the effectiveness of selected machine learning methods as modelling tools supporting the selection of a packaging type in new product development process. The main goal of the developed model is to reduce the risk of failure in compatibility tests which are preformed to ensure safety, durability, and efficacy of the finished product for the entire period of its shelf life and consumer use. This kind of testing...
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Operation of multistage constructed wetlands systems in temporary climate
PublicationThe investigation were carried out at two different hybrid constructed wetlands, which treated municipal sewage after mechanical treatment from small villages in Pomeranian Region. In all facilities first step of biological treatment were horizontal flow beds. The main difference concern configuration of the facilities and sewage distributions systems into vertical flow beds. The measurement period was divided into vegetation...