Journal of Engineering and Digital Technology (JEDT)

Assessing the Feasibility of Using EPS Mortar as a Construction Material for Mitigating Foam Waste

2024-10-01T09:07:45+07:00

Foam is a versatile material due to its advantageous properties, such as being lightweight, impact-resistant, and providing thermal insulation. However, improper disposal or management of foam waste can lead to environmental issues. This research thus explores the possibility of disposing of foam waste by dissolving it in organic solvents, transforming it into a binder. The binder is then mixed with sand at foam-to-sand ratios of 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 percent foam by weight to create EPS mortar. Two types of organic solvents, acetone and dichloromethane, were used in the study. The test results show that the EPS mortar had density values ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 kilograms per cubic meter, compressive strength ranging from 40 to 120 kilograms per square centimeter, and flexural strength ranging from 10 to 65 kilograms per square centimeter. The mortar made with acetone as the organic solvent, at a 13 percent foam ratio by weight, demonstrated the optimal balance of properties and production cost. Therefore, the EPS mortar developed in this research has potential for use in various construction applications.

Bogie Frame Assessment: A Multibody Dynamic Approach

2024-12-20T15:39:17+07:00

Developing a new bogie frame design requires a complete design process to ensure the safe operation of the running vehicles. EN 13749 specifies the procedure from the initial design phase to the final verified on-track test. Due to the current power of computational hardware and software, the process can be performed and crossed over among phases seamlessly by integrating finite element analysis capability within multibody dynamic software. If design engineers perform the analysis entirely on computers before manufacturing the prototype, they can reduce product development time, which is the crucial benefit of optimizing their design. This paper presents the discrepancy of resulting stress from the calculation by the code with those from simulated test rigs within ADAMS. Furthermore, fatigue analysis software has demonstrated its effectiveness in evaluating fatigue life, particularly when considering the mean stress effect. The results can assist test engineers in locating hot spot positions for strain monitoring and further adjusting design procedures, especially for specific components such as side frames or cross beams.

Determination of Robust Parameters for Deodorant Spray Gas Filling Process Using the Taguchi Technique

2024-10-27T13:44:42+07:00

The cosmetics industry, including deodorant sprays, is experiencing rapid growth, with increasing competition driving manufacturers to adapt and enhance the efficiency of their production processes. The gas filling process is particularly crucial, as it impacts both product quality and production costs. This research aims to determine parameters that are robust against temperature variations, ensuring that the gas filling mass stays within the target range, even in the presence of external disturbances. The experimental process employs the Taguchi technique, with the following parameters controlled: 1) gas filling pressure, 2) gas filling speed, and 3) cylinder volume, each as control variables with three levels. Additionally, 4) environmental temperature is considered a noise factor with three levels. The experiment utilized an orthogonal array to design the layout, with internal arrays for controlled factors and external arrays for noise factors, combined in a cross arrangement. After designing the crossed array, the gas filling experiment was conducted, and Minitab software was used to analyze the results. The signal-to-noise ratio was selected for a "target is best" response type to maintain the gas mass within the target range of 72 grams per can. The optimal parameters identified were 1) gas filling pressure of 2.0 MPa, 2) gas filling speed of 65 cans per minute, and 3) cylinder volume of 128 mL. After adjustments, the results achieved a target mass range of 70.97–72.54 grams per can, with a 30.22% reduction in standard deviation, leading to a 52.20% reduction in waste and costs.

Effect of Cutout Eccentricity on the Elastic Stability of Square Perforated Plates

2025-04-17T08:00:35+07:00

This research investigates an elastic stability, in a form of buckling load, of a square plate with an eccentric square cutout by considering the effects of eccentricity and size of a cutout and loadings. Three size of square cutouts, three eccentric positions along x- and y-axes, and three type of loadings are considered. For boundary conditions, a simple support on all edges of the plates is prescribed. The problems are modeled and simulated by finite element program, Ansys. In most cases, the results show that larger holes decrease the stability of the plates, while loading the plate in compression along both axes causes the plate to be the most vulnerable. However, loading the plate in one axis and pulling it in the other results in the best stability or buckling capacity. It also shows that the eccentricity of the cutout in relation to the load affects the stability of the plate. In the case of uniaxial and biaxial compressive loads, the eccentric hole along the main compressive load increases plate stability. In contrast, the stability of the plates are decreased in the case of biaxial tension-compression load no matter direction of eccentricity along the loads. For the buckling mode, as expected, a higher mode, a higher buckling capacity can be achieved.

Heavy Rainfall-induced Slope Erosion Prevention by Recycled Rubber Textile

2024-10-02T09:44:41+07:00

Soil erosion is a significant problem for ecosystems and management costs. The main factor affecting the amount of soil eroded is rainfall intensity. This study investigated waste materials from the mining industry as alternatives to geosynthetic materials in soil applications. The rubber that had been used, which is otherwise valueless and costly to handle for disposal, was selected as a geosynthetic material for erosion prevention under very heavy rainfall conditions, with a rainfall intensity of 120 mm/hr. The study conducted a tilted bed slope experiment to compare eight different conditions, including slope angle, soil density, and the use of rubber. The results showed that the use of rubber can effectively protect soil erosion, by up to 60%, compared to conditions without rubber under very heavy rainfall. It was found that the slope angle influences the amount of soil eroded; as the slope angle increases, the soil erosion also increases. Notably, at a slope of 45°, the effectiveness of rubber exhibited a similar result in preventing erosion as without rubber. It is worth noting that increasing soil density leads to a decrease in soil erosion. This is more clearly demonstrated in terms of combined rubber, resulting in up to a 35% reduction in soil erosion. Future studies on recycling rubber could focus on waste dumping areas, earthworks and mine pit walls.

Increasing Dissolved Oxygen in Water Using an Orifice Cavitation-induced Hydrodynamics Cavitation Reactor

2024-10-29T10:21:30+07:00

This study examines dissolved oxygen enhancement in water using a hydrodynamic cavitation reactor equipped with an orifice plate. The orifice plate is used as a device to induce cavitation. The study uses surface water with an initial dissolved oxygen level of 1.5 ppm, which is insufficient to support aquatic life. The study compares six different types of orifice plates with varying designs to induce cavitation. The variables considered include the diameter of the holes on the orifice plates 2 millimeters and 4 millimeters, the number of holes 3, 4, and 5 holes, and the treatment duration ranging from 5 to 90 minutes; samples were taken every 5 minutes. The experimental results showed that the hydrodynamic cavitation phenomenon induced by all studied orifice plates could increase the dissolved oxygen level to more than 5 ppm, which is sufficient for aquatic life, within a treatment duration of 10 minutes. It was found that the orifice plate with a 4-millimeter hole diameter and 4 holes increased the dissolved oxygen level the fastest and to the highest level, raising it from 1.5 ppm to 9.5 ppm in 5 minutes and reaching a maximum of 11.5 ppm in 25 minutes. The dissolved oxygen level increased during the first 30 minutes of the experiment, then tended to decrease due to the rising water temperature. In conclusion, controlling water temperature and residence time is crucial for effective DO enhancement using an orifice plate hydrodynamic cavitation reactor. Temperature influences the solubility of oxygen in water, and prolonged residence times beyond an optimal point may lead to decreased DO due to temperature rise.

Optimization Plastic Mold Injection Parameters for Sprinkler Valve Production Process Using Problem Solving and Experimental Design

2024-10-02T09:45:04+07:00

The goal of this research was to optimize the injection molding process using problem-solving technique and experimental design to determine appropriate parameters for sprinkler valve production. The analysis identified that the main cause of defects was due to inappropriate parameter settings in the injection molding process. To address this, a method was developed that began with screening factors influencing incomplete injection and burn marks on the surface of the workpiece by expert teams. Four key factors were identified: injection pressure, injection speed, end-of-fill temperature, and start-of-fill temperature. Experiment design involved a factorial 2⁴ experimental design with each factor divided into 2 levels, repeating experiments 3 times, for a total of 48 experiments. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the optimal levels for all four factors, resulting in the following optimal factor levels: injection pressure of 65 MPa, injection speed of 10 mm/s, end-of-fill temperature of 175 °C, and start-of-fill temperature of 180 °C. Additionally, the defect rate was reduced from the original 11.6% decreased to 8.7%.

Value Stream Mapping and Simulation Techniques for Considering Bottleneck Reduction Alternatives: A Case Study in A Sterile Pharmaceutical Factory

2024-11-21T08:21:04+07:00

In today’s competitive market, pharmaceutical companies strive to meet international standards for their production methods while keeping an eye on production costs. Therefore, it is important to eliminate non–value–added activities. This research proposes a method to improve the process of sterile pharmaceutical factory of generic drugs through simulation techniques. Data needs to be collected on production volume, production cost, and cost of defect. In this study, a Pareto chart was used to identify a high–priority product that needed to be improved. A value stream map of the current process was created, providing a comprehensive overview, including bottlenecks. Plant simulation software (Tecnomatix®) was used to test by developing three different scenarios. The efficiency of production line balancing was increased by reducing the bottleneck in the filling process. The study analyzed the current process, which takes 2 days 5 hours 47 minutes 57 seconds. Three scenarios were then tested using plant simulation software. Scenario 1 involved adding additional labor, reducing the processing time to 2 days 1 hour 48 minutes 27 seconds (a decrease of 7.42%). Scenario 2 focused on labor rotation, achieving a time reduction to 2 days 4 hours 7 minutes 16 seconds (a decrease of 3.12%). Finally, scenario 3 explored changing machinery, resulting in the most significant improvement, with a processing time of 1 day 20 hours 27 minutes 12 seconds (a decrease of 17.37%). In scenario 3 reducing employee expenses by 6.00%, there is a cost for new machinery with a long–term return on investment, which is beneficial in cases where future production demand increases. Because the machinery can sufficiently contribute to enhancing efficiency in both quantity and quality aspects.

Vehicle Routing for Garbage Collection and Transportation Using Saving Algorithm and Modified Saving Algorithm

2024-07-24T00:09:03+07:00

This research aims to optimize the waste collection and transportation routes for a case study, a subdistrict administrative organization. The research employs two heuristic algorithms: the Clark-Wright Savings Algorithm (CW) and the Modified Clark-Wright Savings Algorithm (Modified CW). The goal is to determine efficient routes according to conditions of vehicle capacity and employee work hours constraints, while ensuring that all waste from every village within the organization's responsibility is collected for disposal each week. The results showed that the Modified CW with lambda of 0.1 to 0.9 provided the routes with the lowest total distance and transportation cost compared to the CW and the case study organization's current methods. These results show that it will also reduce the operating time to only four working days a week. Additionally, the total distance was reduced by 1% and the total cost was reduced by 18.83%. As a result, the case study saves costs up to 1,805.99 baht per week.