The Journal of Industrial Technology

Effect of Increasing Arc Welding Current with E3-UM-600 on Abrasive Wear Behavior of Agricultural Soil Preparation Equipment

Nirun Promkesa — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research studies the effect of increase welding current in hard-faced welding process arc type with flux-covered welding wire E3-UM-600 that affect the metallurgical and mechanical properties welding hardfacing surface for agricultural soil preparation equipment to find appropriate welding current conditions. The AISI1050 medium carbon steel was welded simulating a 3 layer overlapping weld with a welding current of 90-130 A. The results of the study found that the weld line was complete with no defects in base metal area heat-affected zone and the hardened weld Welding with low welding current resulted in high values of the weld line convexity. When the welding current was increased, the width and penetration depth of the weld line increased. The welding current of 90A gives an average maximum weld convexity of 4.3 millimeters. Microstructure of the weld metal consists of martensite and austenite. Welding with high welding current causes high heat to enter the workpiece high dilution causing low hardness. Analysis of the chemical composition of the weld metal found the elements chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and silicon (Si). The increase in the amount of trace elements this results in an increase in the weld hardness value decreased wear rate. The best condition in this research is welding current of 90A has the highest average weld hardness of 634 HV and the lowest average wear percentage is 0.268 %.

Study of Air Conditions and Energy Impact in Air Conditioning Systems from Ventilation in COVID-19 Patient Wards

Suksuntornsiri Suksuntornsiri, Teerapat Teadrit, Wasan Theansuwan — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Enhanced ventilation from modified spaces in hospitals, including both positive and negative pressure rooms, leads to an increased thermal load due to the introduction of outside air with higher enthalpy into the building's interior, affecting the energy consumption of air conditioning systems. Additionally, the introduced outside air impacts the adjustment of indoor air conditions. This study investigates the indoor air conditions of COVID-19 patient wards that have been designed and modified to prevent the spread of infection within the treatment area. Continuous measurements of energy consumption in the air conditioning system, dry bulb temperature, and relative humidity of various rooms in the patient wards were conducted under real outdoor air conditions, introducing clean air at 6 air changes per hour (ACH) into positive pressure rooms and extracting air from negative pressure rooms at 12 ACH. Comparisons were made between scenarios of disease outbreaks necessitating 100% ventilation to prevent infection spread and scenarios where the ventilation system is turned off in patient wards for treatment in non-outbreak conditions. The study found that turning on the ventilation system to prevent infection transmission significantly increases the energy consumption of the air conditioning system. This is due to the increased thermal load from using outside air to pressurize positive pressure rooms, the infiltration of outside air into negative pressure patient rooms, and the impact of necessary patient care activities that add moisture to patient rooms. The air conditions in the positive pressure rooms were comfortable. However, the air conditions in the patient rooms were outside the standard range because the ward was not equipped with an air humidity control system.

Heat Transfer and Flow Characteristics of Refrigerant R134a during Boiling Inside a Plate Heat Exchanger with a Copper Foam Insert

Tanachon Chomamuan, Phanurut Roek-orot , Kitti Nilpueng — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This article studies the effects of mass flux, vapor quality of the refrigerant, and the insertion of copper foam inside the flow channel on the heat transfer and pressure drop of refrigerant R134a during boiling in a plate heat exchanger with a copper foam insert. The tests were conducted under conditions of a saturation temperature of 15 °C, a heat flux of 20 kW/m², an average vapor quality between 0.25 and 0.87, and a mass flux between 10.8 and 32.5 kg/m²s. Copper foam with a pore density of 40 PPI and a porosity of 0.932 was used. The experimental results revealed that an increase in average vapor quality and mass flux led to an increase in the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop. The insertion of copper foam had a significant effect on the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop, with average increases of 21.7% and 22.0%, respectively. The thermal performance evaluation indicated that the insertion of copper foam (at mass flux = 16.2 kg/m² s) resulted in a 13.7 % increase in the thermal performance of the plate heat exchanger compared to the plate heat exchanger without the copper foam insert. This research provides a better understanding of improving the performance of the plate heat exchangers using copper foam, which can be applied to the design of high-efficiency compact plate heat exchangers in the future.

Design and Development of Cotton Seed Sorting Machine

Kwanchai Saeweenan — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research was conducted with the objective of designing and developing a cotton seed sorting machine and assess its efficiency for a weaving group in Ban Rai District, Uthai Thani Province. The aim was to solve the problem of separating cotton seeds from cotton fibers more quickly while meeting the required quantity. The designed cotton seed sorting machine has overall dimensions of approximately 500 x 280 x 410 millimeters, and the tools used in its development include the machine frame set, seed filter set, saw blade set, cotton brush set, cotton rotation aid set, cotton holder set, power transmission set, power source set, and control system set. The test results on the performance and efficiency of the cotton seed sorting showed that the machine was able to separate 25 grams of cotton seeds from cotton fibers of two different varieties within 1 minute, with no broken seeds mixed in with the cotton fibers. In comparison with other commercially available cotton seed sorting machines, as well as traditional methods like hiring cotton ginning or manual separation, this machine proved to be the most cost-effective. The payback period is approximately 5 months and 1 day, and the breakeven point is 1,816 kilograms per year, with an operating cost of 33.4 baht per kilogram.

Development of Absorbing Brick using Macadamia Shell Charcoal Powder

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this research is to create bricks that are composed of a blend of macadamia shell charcoal powder. The focus of the investigation is the ratio of fine rice husk, macadamia shell charcoal powder, and clay at 95-0-5, 90-5-5, 80-15-5, 70-25-5, 60-35-5, and 50-45-5, respectively. The research results suggest that the absorption of odors increases as the ratio of macadamia shell charcoal powder increases, with a range of 28.5 to 44.3 Milliliters per cubic meter. Variables 2–4 water absorption falls within the standard range of 11.0–16.1%, while variables 5 and 6 surpass the standard with values of 22.3 and 27.7%, respectively. The moisture absorption increases as the macadamia shell charcoal powder ratio increases, with a range of 0.42% to 1.53%. The standard is met by the compressive strength test results in variables 3 and 4, which are 30.6 and 33.1 kilograms/square centimeter, respectively. When analyzing the worthiness, it will be possible to increase the profit from the original approximately 12,700-37,700 baht/time. The satisfaction with knowledge transmission was assessed in nine different areas, resulting in an average satisfaction level of 4.45, a standard deviation of 0.39, and a high level of satisfaction.

Designing a Signal Conversion Circuit Board between CAN bus and Modbus for Automated People Mover

Kokiat Aodsup, Surachai Wongfookeat — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The Automated People Mover (APM) is a fully automated mass transit system commonly used for transporting passengers between terminal buildings and boarding gates. This system can be controlled both from within the vehicle and from a control station, with the station being required to continuously monitor the vehicle’s operational status. Research on the design and development of automated people movers in Thailand, including the development of training kits to simulate the operation of APMs, often utilizes infrastructure based on electric buses, which use the CAN bus communication protocol. Meanwhile, station communications typically use the Modbus protocol, a standard in industrial automation. To link the operations between these two protocols, an intermediary connector is necessary. This research focuses on the development of a board for converting communication signals between Modbus RTU and CAN bus using the SAE J1939 protocol. This board, called CAN2RS485, allows users to set the CAN ID as desired, and to configure data from a selected CAN ID to be sent to the Modbus registers for displaying the APM’s operational status at the station. Additionally, it can receive data from Modbus registers and send it to CAN bus to control the operation of the APM. In the Modbus section, the board can also be configured to operate in either master or slave mode as needed.

Techno-Economic Assessment between Traditional and Fused Deposition Modeling- based Additive Manufacturing Technology

Chanipa Nivasanon, Pornthep Anussornnitisarn, Kasin Ransikarbum — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing (3DP) is widely used in production processes and product design nowadays as 3DP can not only reduce waste generated by traditional manufacturing methods but also allow for more efficient use of materials. Accordingly, analyzing the cost-effectiveness and techno-economic assessment of 3DP in various contexts is crucial for enhancing competitiveness. In this research, we aim to study and compare the technology and production costs of medical products, specifically finger splints, produced by traditional methods and 3DP technology by assessing the machine cost, material cost, and labor cost, respectively. The traditional manufacturing based on the injection method is found to have high manufacturing costs due mainly to the mold design and fabrication, in which economies of scale are needed with the increase in manufacturing quantity. In addition, production using AM technology is analyzed following the designed experiment and the aid of the Cura platform to assess the technical and manufacturing cost for the FDM method with one and five healthcare workpieces each time. Finally, the cost analysis and breakeven point are investigated, where manufacturing one and five workpieces using FDM-based AM technology is found to be comparable to producing 2,264 and 17,123 pieces using traditional, injection manufacturing, respectively. The results from the analysis in this study are expected to be practically used as a guideline for selecting diverse production technologies and production scheduling involving traditional and AM technologies.

Development and Performance Study of Electric Wheelchair for the Elderly

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this research is to develop and study the performance of an electric wheelchair for the elderly, or for use in transporting patients or individuals with disabilities. The dimensions of the electric wheelchair for the elderly are as follows: a width of 690 millimeters, a length of 1,250 millimeters, and a height of 1,050 millimeters. In terms of power transmission, it uses a 250-watt, 24-volt DC motor with a maximum rotational speed of 120 rpm, driving the main caster wheels with a diameter of 18 inches. It is equipped with steering wheels with a diameter of 7 inches. For control, the wheelchair can be operated via an application or by joystick control, with 5 adjustable speed levels. The tests include determining the maximum speed relative to the test weight, the braking distance of the electric wheelchair for the elderly, and the performance of the electric wheelchair on inclined surfaces. The tests were conducted at 5 speed levels and 3 weight levels. The results showed that an increase in test weight and speed levels resulted in reduced battery life, and that the combined increase in speed and weight resulted in a longer braking distance. Furthermore, the average satisfaction score from the user evaluation of the electric wheelchair for the elderly was 4.36, indicating a high level of satisfaction.

Airflow and Wood stack Configuration in Rubber Wood Kiln Drying A Case Study of Processed Rubber Wood for Furniture

Girachat Chaijareon, Kamonchanok Kongroiyu , Wongsatorn Srisamrit — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Controlling wind speed is crucial in the process of kiln-drying rubberwood, as excessive wind speed can lead to rapid moisture loss in the wood, resulting in surface cracks. Additionally, the arrangement of wood stacks also affects air distribution within the kiln. Proper stacking can ensure uniform airflow throughout the kiln, facilitating consistent drying. This research aims to study and simulate airflow patterns within rubberwood kilns and investigate the relationship between wind flow and stacking patterns. A simulation was conducted using Autodesk Simulation CFD software in a kiln measuring 6 x 7 x 6 cubic meters, a commonly used size in the rubberwood industry. The wood stacks, each measuring 1.3 x 1.3 x 1.2 cubic meters, were arranged in a configuration of 36 stacks. The simulation revealed that in the original stacking configuration, wind speeds were low within the wood stacks and higher near the walls where the air entered. When altering the stacking pattern to two new configurations, increasing the spacing between stacks and between the stacks and the walls resulted in more uniform airflow within the wood stacks and reduced rotational air movement. This study provides initial simulation-based insights into optimizing wood stacking within rubberwood kilns and underscores the necessity of validating these findings in real-world kiln operations.

Effects of Filtration for Lead Solutions and Effluent Organic Matter (EfOM) from Wastewater Treatment Systems for Affecting Rejection and Fouling with Nanofiltration (NF) Membrane

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research investigates the rejections of lead solution and effluent organic matter (EfOM) from wastewater, including flux decline behavior and fouling model using the Hermia model. The nanofiltration (NF) membrane obtained from GE Water & Process Technologies (model HL4040 FM) was operated under a dead-end stirred cell. Factors used in this study were the types of lead solutions (i.e., lead nitrate (Pb(NO₃)₂), lead chloride (PbCl₂) and combined solutions between lead solution and EfOM. The prepared solutions contained an ionic strength of 0.01 M and EfOM concentration of 10 mg/L with pH 7, while the membrane operating pressure was operated at 60 psig. Experimental results found that the lead rejections of Pb(NO₃)₂ and PbCl₂ solutions were 84.47-88.14% and 78.88-83.95%, respectively. In the case of a combined solution between lead solution and EfOM, the lead rejections increased to 90.08-92.49% and 86.8-89.16 % for Pb(NO₃)₂+EfOM and PbCl₂+EfOM, respectively. In addition, the nanofiltration membrane could remove EfOM of more than 95%. For the flux value in terms of J/J₀, it was found that the Pb(NO₃)₂ and Pb(NO₃)₂+EfOM solutions have the highest flux decline values. The mathematical fouling model was followed with the cake filtration model (CFM) due to lead-NOM accumulated on the NF membrane surface.

Study on Influences of Curved Ratio and Reverse Drawing Technique on Thinning of Curved Bottom Cup

Varunee Premanond, Pongnatee Thanomkulbud, Jiraporn Sripraserd — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This work studied the influences of the punch head curve ratio on thickness changing of cup by deep drawing process using one step or conventional drawing and reverse drawing (2-step) from 1 mm thick Aluminum 5052 H32. For conventional drawing, it was found that the curve bottom part of cup was thinner than other area when deep drawing with lower curve ratio punch. The maximum thinning area was found on curve bottom part of cup. While deep drawing with high curve ratio punch, the thinnest area had shift to straight wall close to bottom of cup. Deep drawing of 2 steps using reverse drawing could reduce thinning with low curve ratio punch and short straight wall cup. The mechanism for deep drawing of curve bottom cup could be divided into two parts; the curve bottom with main stretching was formed initially and followed by forming the straight wall with main radial tensile stress. Thus, reverse drawing could help reduce thinning only on the first part of curved bottom cup forming. Therefore, using reverse drawing had less effect on thinning for cup with high curve bottom ratio with large straight wall due to second part of forming straight wall area was dominated.

Comparison Between Impacts of Color and Gray Images by Deep Learning: A Case Study of Defective Water Tap Detection in Production Line

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Currently, entrepreneurs across various industrial sectors have begun studying the feasibility of implementing artificial intelligence, a modern technology, to help improve and develop their production processes. For this reason, this study was conducted with the objective of comparing the efficiency of transfer learning models in classifying and detecting defective water taps in the production line and to develop an automated system for sorting defective pieces from the production line. The research methodology begins with image collection, image labeling, preliminary image processing, data splitting, model training, validation, and model evaluation as the final step. Six transfer learning models were used. The research results show that for color image processing, the EfficientNetB0 model provides the highest accuracy (100%), while for grayscale images, DenseNet121, InceptionV3, MobileNet, and Xception all achieve 100% accuracy. However, MobileNet is the smallest at 38.70 MB, with an efficiency of 0.824% when considering model size. Therefore, it is concluded that the MobileNet model should be chosen for grayscale image processing to develop further an automated workstation for sorting defective parts from the water tap production line.

Two-Phase Heuristic Approach for Solving Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem

Kanokporn Boonjubut, Jirawat Lopandung , Prat Boonsam — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The transportation of goods is essential to the operation of a business. The problem of planning transportation routes that accomplish the shortest distance is receiving attention, and the vehicle routing problem (VRP) is one of these subjects. This research presents a heuristic approach to using routing techniques to solve the capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP). Through applying routing techniques, two phases are involved in solving the instance, namely the cluster-first route-second (CFRS). The initial phase involves clustering n sub-groups according to the number of transport vehicles required. There are three methods for conducting this: 1) clustering based on the distance farthest from the depot to the center (seed point) of each sub-group, 2) seed point from the point of distribution nearest to the depot, and 3) seed point from the maximum demand. The second phase involves applying the travelling salesman problem (TSP) approach to find the route sequence. The results of the CVRP using the CFRS with the three different methods for the initial phase and the second phase, the routing for all goods using the TSP, are presented. Clustering using the seed point with the highest demand for each sub-group yielded better results than the other clustering methods, accounting for 60% of all benchmark instances.