Search

This paper presents research done at the University of Žilina, in cooperation with CEIT (Central European Institute of Technology). The topic of focus in this article is the Smart Connected Logistic System, which utilizes all the most advanced principles such as Mobile Robotic Systems (MRS), Mobile Automated Platforms, Multi-Agent Cloud based control and various IoT concepts. The paper clarifies the term of Smart Connected Product, exhibited in the context of Smart Logistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The 3D distribution of pores and EPR zones was visualized by microCT. [•] AFM phase imaging shows fine EPR network spread over entire hiPP particles. [•] Simultaneous AFM phase and height imaging determines EPR covering particle surface. [•] EPR does not cover whole particle surface at medium-degree of coverage. [•] The EPR squeezed out of the microtomed surface causes artifacts on AFM images. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bread is the most consumed food and one of the most wasted foods in the world. Every year, millions of tonnes of bread are wasted worldwide. The reason for this is the rapid spoilage of bakery products. This results in a large amount of unused bread in supermarkets and households. However, waste bread could be used as a renewable raw material. The most discussed strategy for recycling bakery waste is fermentation. But there are other methods to utilise bread waste, which will be discussed in the present review. In this review, we examine the latest trends in bread waste recycling; explore the possibilities for producing new chemicals, foods and other products and materials; and determine the efficiency of using bread waste to produce sugar used to make a new product through fermentation and other technologies. Bread waste is a good feedstock for microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and yeasts. These microorganisms produce glucose from bread waste. After glucose extraction, the hydrolysate can be further fermented by microorganisms to produce lactic acid, hydrogen, ethanol, 2,3-butanediol, paramylon and syngas. Bread waste is also used to produce textiles and graphene. Already now, the processing of stale bread by extrusion to make a new product is used in manufacturing. In the last decade, craft breweries have learnt to use leftover bread to brew beer, saving millions of slices of bread each year. • Creation of new products from waste bread. • Possibilities of glucose obtaining from waste bread. • Bread waste is a potential feedstock for bacteria, fungi and yeasts. • Bread waste is a promising raw material for chemicals production. • Bread waste fermentation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The system of dodecyl-benzenesulfonic acid as a binder and sodium carbonate powder as primary particles is considered in this work, motivated by the so-called dry neutralization process used in the manufacture of powder detergents. The measurement of dry neutralization kinetics in a laboratory-scale mechanically agitated reaction vessel is described. The volume of evolved carbon dioxide, which is a by-product of the neutralization reaction, has been used for following the reaction kinetics, and the effect of selected key parameters on the progress of the reaction has been investigated. These include process temperature, size distribution (thus specific surface area) of the primary particles, agitation rate and the binder/solids ratio. The overall conversion of the reaction and the properties of the formed granules (size distribution, internal structure and porosity) have been evaluated in each case. Hypotheses about the rate-limiting steps in each stage of the process – which can be the rate of binder spreading, the availability of fresh solid surfaces, the diffusion rate of reaction components near the interface, or the intrinsic reaction kinetics – have been proposed based on kinetic parameters evaluated using a mathematical model. Knowledge of the rate-limiting step is a pre-requisite for making rational process control decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Transient behaviour of catalytic monolith converter with NO x storage is studied under conditions typical for automobiles with lean-burn engines (i.e., diesel and advanced gasoline ones). Periodical alternation of inlet concentrations is applied—NO x are adsorbed on the catalyst surface during a long reductant-lean phase (2–3min) and then reduced to N2 within a short reductant-rich phase (2–6s). Samples of industrial NO x storage and reduction catalyst of NM/Ba/CeO2/γ-Al2O3 type (NM=noble metal), washcoated on 400cpsi cordierite substrate, are used in the study. Effects of the rich-phase length and composition on the overall NO x conversions are examined experimentally. Reduction of NO x by CO, H2 and unburned hydrocarbons (represented by C3H6) in the presence of CO2 and H2O is considered. Effective, spatially 1D, heterogeneous mathematical model of catalytic monolith with NO x and oxygen storage capacity is described. The minimum set of experiments needed for the evaluation of relevant reaction kinetic parameters is discussed: (i) CO, H2 and HC oxidation light-off under both lean and rich conditions, including inhibition effects, (ii) NO/NO2 transformation, (iii) NO x storage, including temperature dependence of effective NO x storage capacity, (iv) water gas shift and steam reforming under rich conditions, i.e., in situ production of hydrogen, (v) oxygen storage and reduction, including temperature dependence of effective oxygen storage capacity, and (vi) NO x desorption and reduction under rich conditions. The experimental data are compared with the simulation results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]