International Journal of Innovation in Mechanical Engineering and Advanced Materials (IJIMEAM)
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Sustainable Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil and Crude Palm Oil Using a Custom Mini Pilot Plant
Get PDFThe widespread practice of reusing Waste Cooking Oil (WCO) in hawker food stalls, often for multiple frying cycles, presents a significant public health concern due to the degradation of the oil, which can lead to the formation of toxic compounds. These practices not only pose health risks, such as increasing the potential for cardiovascular diseases and cancer, but also contribute to environmental pollution when the oil is improperly disposed of. This study seeks to address these issues by converting WCO, along with crude palm oil (CPO), into biodiesel using a custom-designed mini pilot plant. The biodiesel production process involved a two-step reaction. The first step, esterification, was conducted using a 55:100 alcohol-to-oil volume ratio with 1% by volume sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) as the acid catalyst, at 60°C, with a reaction time of 30 minutes and a stirring speed of 800 rpm. The second step, transesterification, utilized a 6:1 alcohol-to-oil molar ratio, with 1 wt.% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the alkaline catalyst, carried out at 70°C over the course of one hour. These conditions were carefully selected to optimize the conversion efficiency and to minimize the free fatty acid content, which is crucial for achieving a high yield of biodiesel. The results demonstrated that the mini pilot plant is highly effective in producing biodiesel from both WCO and CPO. The study also led to the development of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the biodiesel production process, ensuring reproducibility and efficiency
GREEN TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: BIO-FERTILIZER PRODUCTION FROM MUNICIPAL WASTE TO PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT
Get PDFThis study addresses the pressing issue of municipal waste (MW) management by proposing an innovative approach to transform residential solid waste into a valuable resource using green technology. MW, sourced from diverse sectors, undergoes various disposal methods, including incineration, recycling, and landfilling. In Malaysia, the composition of MW aligns with global trends, with food waste and plastic being the predominant categories. This research focuses on producing fertilizer from residential solid waste through a green technology process, utilizing a sequential procedure involving high pressure, high temperature, and energized water to de-polymerize hemicellulose and lignin, followed by microbial enzymatic fermentation. The developed green technology introduces a novel apparatus designed for treating MW in a high-temperature, low-pressure rotating vessel using indirect heating with thermal fluid. The experimental protocol involves four batches of MW samples, evaluating the mass differential before and after the treatment process. Furthermore, a 7-week observation period assesses chili plant growth as an indicator of fertilizer effectiveness. Results indicate a significant 71% mass reduction of MW, amounting to 201.26 kg, emphasizing the efficacy of the developed process. The investigation extends to plant height, comparing MW-derived fertilizer with commercial fertilizer over a 5-week period. Remarkably, chili plants fertilized with MW-derived fertilizer exhibit a greater height of 8.6 cm, surpassing the 7.3 cm observed with commercial fertilizer. This study concludes that MW-derived fertilizer is highly recommended for enhancing plant growth and health in Malaysia, suggesting a sustainable production system. The research not only contributes to waste management but also aligns with broader goals of promoting environmentally conscious and sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the potential of green technology in addressing the challenges of municipal waste
Enhancing Conveyor Belt Performance: Evaluating the Impact of In-creased Capacity Using Belt Analyst Software
Get PDFThis study investigates the effects of increasing conveyor belt capacity from 148.5 tons per hour (t/h) to 180 t/h on the overall system performance, employing both manual measurements and simulations using Belt Analyst software. The research aims to evaluate critical parameters such as effective pulling force, motor power requirements, structural load, and belt deflection, which are essential for determining the feasibility and impact of such an upgrade. The analysis reveals that with the capacity increase, the effective pulling force required rises to 14,072 N, while the motor power usage escalates to 15 kW. Concurrently, the structural load experiences a significant increase from 46.144 kg/m to 56.238 kg/m, and belt deflection intensifies from 22 mm to 27 mm. These findings suggest that increasing the conveyor belt capacity to 180 t/h, may lead to increased stress on the structure and belt, which could potentially affect the lifespan and performance of the conveyor system. Furthermore, while the conveyor system's performance enhances at the higher capacity, it also places additional stress on the system's components. The study further examines the implications of these changes, emphasizing the potential risks to the conveyor belt’s structural integrity and the possible reduction in its lifespan due to the increased mechanical stress. It is highlighted that careful consideration and precise engineering adjustments are necessary when planning capacity enhancements to avoid adverse effects on the system's longevity and reliability
ENHANCING HIGH-SPEED PERFORMANCE: MODIFICATION OF BOOM BARRIER GATE WITH PUSH BRAKING SYSTEM FOR ETC APPLICATION
Get PDFCongestion at toll roads has become a pervasive issue in contemporary times, predominantly manifesting at toll booths during the payment process. A noteworthy contributor to this congestion has been identified as the sluggish operational speed of boom gates. In response to this challenge, a modification strategy was implemented to enhance the operational efficiency of existing boom gates. The primary modification involved substituting the conventional electric motor with a more advanced Brushless DC (BLDC) motor boasting a power rating of 660 watts. Additionally, an innovative augmentation integrated a motorcycle disk brake system into the boom gate mechanism. Replacing the original electric motor's internal brake system with the disk brake system aimed to optimize the overall performance of the boom gate. The integration of the motorcycle disk brake system was further complemented by incorporating the push braking system (knoken braking system), serving as the actuator instead of the traditional motorcycle lever handle. This strategic substitution was instrumental in activating the disk brake function at the boom gate. During peak rush hours, the modified boom gate underwent rigorous testing at both the Ciawi and Kelapa Gading toll gates. Results from the trial activities unveiled a remarkable improvement in the boom gate's operational speed. Specifically, the opening speed demonstrated an impressive surge of 51 percent, catapulting from 548 ms to 265 ms. Similarly, the closing speed exhibited a commendable enhancement of 44 percent, elevating from 602 ms to 332 ms. Furthermore, the boom gate cycle per hour experienced a notable escalation, increasing by 25 percent from 356 to 449 cars per hour. These findings underscore the efficacy of the implemented modifications in ameliorating congestion issues at toll booths
Condensate Water Processing of Split-Unit Air Conditioning System on Commercial Building
Get PDFThis research investigates the feasibility and potential for water recovery from condensate produced by a split-unit air conditioning (AC) system in a commercial building, focusing on Scholar’s Inn UTM (SIUTM) in Johor, Malaysia. The study involves the collection and measurement of condensate water from 243 AC units under various operational conditions. The results indicate that the building can produce up to 4,781 liters of condensate per day, amounting to an annual total of approximately 1,721,160 liters. This significant volume highlights the potential for utilizing condensate as an alternative water source, especially in regions with similar hot and humid climates. Water quality analysis was conducted to evaluate the suitability of the condensate for various applications. The condensate water exhibited a pH of 7.17, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of 1.0 mg/L, and a copper (Cu) concentration of 1.1 mg/L. While these parameters indicate that the water is within acceptable ranges for non-potable uses, such as irrigation or cooling tower makeup water, the copper concentration slightly exceeds the standard for potable water, necessitating treatment such as reverse osmosis before consumption. The study’s findings underscore the environmental and economic benefits of condensate recovery, offering a sustainable solution to water scarcity issues in commercial buildings. By integrating condensate recovery systems, facilities can reduce their reliance on traditional water sources, contributing to broader water conservation efforts. Future research should explore the long-term viability and scalability of such systems in various building types and climates
Optimized Frame Design for Head Loss Testing Equipment Through Material Strength Analysis
Get PDFThis article presents the design and analysis of a frame for head loss testing equipment, crucial for evaluating flow losses in pipe installations. The objective was to develop a robust yet lightweight frame that could withstand the operational loads imposed by the testing equipment. The frame, which supports essential components such as pipes, venturi meters, elbows, and reducers, was constructed using ASTM A500 hollow sections with dimensions of 20 x 20 x 1.6 mm and 35 x 35 x 1.6 mm. These dimensions were selected for their balance between strength and weight, validated through strength analysis and SolidWorks simulations. Conducted at Universitas Mercu Buana, the project involved the design, manufacturing, and testing of the frame to determine its load-bearing capacity. The results from the SolidWorks simulations confirmed the frame's structural integrity, which was further validated by its successful application in a practical setup. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a systematic design approach, integrating material selection, load analysis, and simulation to achieve an optimal solution. The findings contribute valuable insights into the use of ASTM A500 hollow sections in structural applications, particularly where both strength and weight are critical. This work sets a precedent for future designs in mechanical engineering, offering a reliable framework for developing durable and efficient testing equipment
Heat Distribution Simulation in a Square Aluminum 7075 Plate Using Laplace Equation and MATLAB
Get PDFThe efficient management of heat transfer from aircraft engines to the wings is vital for maintaining thermal efficiency and structural integrity in modern aircraft design. Excessive heating of the wings, caused by engine-generated heat, can negatively impact aerodynamic performance and safety. This study focuses on analyzing heat distribution in a square aluminum 7075 plate to better understand heat transfer mechanisms. Using the Laplace equation, implemented through MATLAB (2023 Online Version), we aim to simulate and analyze heat distribution on the plate. The numerical method employed in this research involves solving the Laplace equation with Neumann boundary conditions, which represent insulated edges. The Liebmann method is used to iteratively reduce error to less than 1%. Simulations are conducted on an aluminum 7075 plate of dimensions 4x10⁻² m x 4x10⁻² m under various temperature conditions at the edges. Numerical results show that at the 9th iteration, the error reaches 0.71%, while MATLAB simulations yield an error of 0.4681% at the same iteration. The heat distribution across the plate is clearly visualized, and the analysis indicates that increasing the number of grids improves both the clarity and accuracy of the simulation results. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that applying the Laplace equation via MATLAB is an effective approach for analyzing heat distribution in aluminum 7075 plates. The results show that a finer grid resolution enhances accuracy, with a 101-grid system providing particularly clear and precise heat distribution patterns. These findings contribute to the optimization of thermal system designs, especially in aviation-related applications
Effect of Pouring Temperature Variation on Cooling Rate, Hardness and Microstructure of Al-Zn in Aircraft Structures
Get PDFAl-Zn alloys are widely utilized in industries such as automotive, aircraft manufacturing, and advanced military equipment due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Among various fabrication methods, metal casting is a commonly used technique for producing structural components from these alloys. However, a significant challenge with metal casting is the reduction in mechanical properties compared to the base material before melting. This reduction highlights the need for research to identify the optimal casting conditions, particularly the casting temperature, which plays a crucial role in maintaining and potentially enhancing the material's mechanical properties. Aluminum alloy 7075, known for its high strength, was selected for investigation. According to the Al-Zn phase diagram, the melting point of aluminum alloy 7075, based on the weight percentage specified by the Standard Aluminum Association, is approximately 660°C. Experiments were conducted by varying the pouring temperature during casting in 30°C increments above this melting point. Specifically, the alloy was melted and cast at three different temperatures: 690°C, 720°C, and 750°C. The mold temperature was consistently maintained at 220°C to isolate the effects of the pouring temperature. Results indicate that increasing the casting temperature significantly affects the alloy's microstructure and mechanical properties. As the casting temperature increases, the cooling rate decreases, leading to a finer grain structure. This finer grain size directly contributes to an increase in hardness, suggesting that higher casting temperatures can enhance the mechanical properties of Al-Zn alloys. These findings emphasize the importance of precise control over casting temperatures to optimize the performance characteristics of aluminum alloy 7075 in high-strength applications
Optimization of Titanium Recovery from Tin Tailings Using Flotation Route
Get PDFTitanium has found widespread application across various industries due to its high corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in dental equipment, surgical instruments, bone implants, and marine components, and serves as an engine material in high-temperature environments. Because of its lighter weight compared to steel, titanium has also replaced stainless steel in many construction materials. In Bangka Island, Indonesia, tin tailings have been identified as a potential source of titanium, making the analysis of titanium in these tailings highly significant. This study employed the froth flotation method, known for its simplicity, speed, and cost-effectiveness, to analyze titanium content from tin tailings. Sodium oleate was used as the frother and collector, while sodium chlorate acted as the depressant. The mass ratios of depressant to collector were varied at fixed collector amounts (1:10, 5:10, 10:10, and 15:10) and fixed depressant amounts (10:3, 10:6, 10:9, and 10:12). The highest titanium concentration (2.03%) was achieved with a mass ratio of 10:12, while the optimal titanium recovery (45.51%) in the concentrate occurred with equal amounts (3.75 g) of depressant and collector, or at a mass ratio of 10:10, at 15 minutes of flotation time and neutral pH. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses indicated that the tin tailings primarily contained silicate and zircon minerals, with traces of titanium in the form of rutile, ilmenite, and titanate. These findings contribute valuable insights for future titanium extraction and processing industries
Ride Test on Vehicles Travelling Over Speed Bumps: Simulation with CarSim Software
Get PDFThis study explores the effects of different speed bump geometries—flat-topped, sinusoidal, and parabolic—on vehicle dynamics and ride comfort using CarSim simulations. The analysis focuses on key parameters such as vertical forces on the suspension, vertical acceleration, and the wheel surface adhesion index. The results show that flat-topped bumps generate the highest vertical forces, reaching peaks of up to 6,000 N on the front suspension, leading to increased discomfort. Sinusoidal bumps, in contrast, generate smoother transitions, with vertical forces peaking at approximately 3,500 N, improving ride comfort. At vehicle speeds of 30 km/h, the vertical forces on the suspension increase significantly, with flat-topped bumps reducing the wheel surface adhesion index to as low as 0.6, indicating a higher risk of wheel slip and compromised vehicle stability. In contrast, sinusoidal bumps maintain a more favorable adhesion index of 0.85 at similar speeds. These reductions in adhesion elevate the risk of loss of control, especially at higher speeds. The findings suggest that adaptive suspension systems, capable of adjusting damping and stiffness based on the bump geometry and vehicle speed, would enhance ride quality and stability. Additionally, smoother bump designs, such as sinusoidal profiles, are recommended to reduce the impact on vehicle dynamics, particularly in urban environments. These insights contribute to improving both vehicle design and road safety, ensuring safer and more comfortable driving experiences
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