9 research outputs found
Dry Separation of Palm Kernel and Palm Shell Using a Novel Five-Stage Winnowing Column System
No full textThe conventional separation system for the recovery of palm kernel from its palm shell–kernel mixture using water as process media generates a considerable amount of waste effluent that harms the environment. The aim of this study is to develop a dry separation process for the recovery of palm kernel by using winnowing columns. A commercial system consisting of a series of five winnowing columns was developed and installed at a local palm oil mill. The system parameters, including column height, blower capacity, airflow rate and mesh screen size for shell removal, were studied and optimized to ensure good separation of kernel and shell in the column to enable collection of different sizes of kernel and shell at each column outlet. The performance of the separation process was evaluated in terms of its kernel losses, dirt content and kernel recovery rate. The average kernel losses based on oil palm fresh fruit bunches processed were found to vary from 0.11 to 0.30 wt %, with most of the values obtained being below the targeted limit of 0.30 wt %. The dirt content was in the range 4.56–6.03 wt %, which was mostly below the targeted limit of 5.5 wt %. The kernel recovery rate was in the range 5.69–6.89 wt %, with most of the values achieving the minimum targeted limit of 6.00 wt %. The system operates under completely dry conditions and, therefore, produces zero waste effluent
Biphasic crude palm oil dechlorination: Effect of volume ratio and concentration of sodium silicate to hydroxide ion distribution
No full textDechlorination of crude palm oil (CPO) to prevent toxic contaminant formation inspired studies of applying alkaline in its treatments. This paper reports distribution of hydroxide ion (OH-) from sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (SS) between aqueous solution and CPO under equilibrium systems to moderate its presence in CPO and minimize saponification. In this study, OH- was determined through pH measurements, which also indicated sodium hydroxide (NaOH) presence. Filtered CPO was mixed with SS solution at room temperature in various volume ratios and SS concentrations under 800-rpm agitation before being settling down to form layers of liquids. The One-Factor-in-A-Time approach was used to optimize the ratio. Acid value test and GCMS analyses were used to determine free fatty acids. Calibration curve construction revealed 0.0818 of OH- dissociation constant. SS solution could turn to acidic at 6.344 × 10-5 g/ml of concentration probably due to hydrated silica. Using 0.01 g/ml SS solution, volume ratios between CPO and SS solution spanning from 0.33 to 3 were all under alkaline conditions but decreasing OH- concentration, where 2 liquid phases only appeared in the ratio of 2.33 and 3. Concentration of SS was then varied for the 2.33 volume ratio and a sigmoid trend of OH- increase was evident. The McCabe-Thiele plot revealed hydroxide ion equilibrium below operating line suggesting its extraction impossibility to CPO
BIPHASIC CRUDE PALM OIL DECHLORINATION: EFFECT OF VOLUME RATIO AND CONCENTRATION OF SODIUM SILICATE TO HYDROXIDE ION DISTRIBUTION
No full textDechlorination of crude palm oil (CPO) to prevent toxic contaminant formation inspired studies of applying alkaline in its treatments. This paper reports distribution of hydroxide ion (OH-) from sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (SS) between aqueous solution and CPO under equilibrium systems to moderate its presence in CPO and minimize saponification. In this study, OH- was determined through pH measurements, which also indicated sodium hydroxide (NaOH) presence. Filtered CPO was mixed with SS solution at room temperature in various volume ratios and SS concentrations under 800-rpm agitation before being settling down to form layers of liquids. The One-Factor-in-A-Time approach was used to optimize the ratio. Acid value test and GCMS analyses were used to determine free fatty acids. Calibration curve construction revealed 0.0818 of OH- dissociation constant. SS solution could turn to acidic at 6.344 × 10-5 g/ml of concentration probably due to hydrated silica. Using 0.01 g/ml SS solution, volume ratios between CPO and SS solution spanning from 0.33 to 3 were all under alkaline conditions but decreasing OH- concentration, where 2 liquid phases only appeared in the ratio of 2.33 and 3. Concentration of SS was then varied for the 2.33 volume ratio and a sigmoid trend of OH- increase was evident. The McCabe-Thiele plot revealed hydroxide ion equilibrium below operating line suggesting its extraction impossibility to CPO.
ABSTRAK: Penyahklorinan minyak sawit mentah (MSM) bertujuan mencegah pembentukan bahan cemar toksik telah mendorong penggunaan alkali dalam rawatan minyak itu. Manuskrip ini melaporkan taburan ion hidroksida (OH-) daripada sodium hidroksida dan sodium silikat (SS) antara larutan akueus dan MSM di bawah keadaan penampan untuk mengurangkan kehadirannya dalam MSM bagi mengelakkan pembentukan sabun. Dalam kajian ini, kepekatan OH- ditentukan melalui pengukuran pH, yang juga merupakan petunjuk kepada kewujudan NaOH. MSM yang ditapis dicampur dengan larutan SS pada suhu bilik dalam pelbagai nisbah isipadu dan kepekatan di bawah pengadukan 800 rpm sebelum diendapkan untuk membentuk lapisan cecair. Pendekatan Satu-Faktor-Sekali telah digunakan untuk mengoptimakan nisbah tersebut. Ujian nilai asid dan analisis GCMS digunakan untuk menentukan kandungan asid lemak bebas. Penjanaan lengkung penentu-ukuran membolehkan pemalar pelepasan OH- diperoleh iaitu 0.0818. Larutan SS boleh bertukar asid pada kepekatan 6.344 × 10-5 g/ml mungkin disebabkan silika yang terhidrasi. Dengan menggunakan larutan SS 0.01 g/ml, nisbah isipadu antara MSM dan larutan SS dari 0.33 ke 3 berkeadaan alkali dan menurun kepekatan hidroksida. 2 fasa cecair hanya wujud pada nisbah 2.33 dan 3. Kemudian kepekatan SS diubah-ubah untuk nisbah isipadi 2.33 itu dan corak sigmoid hidroksida diperoleh. Plot McCabe-Thiele mendapati keseimbangan kepekatan hidroksida berada di bawah garisan operasi menunjukkan pengekstrakan adalah mustahil berlaku terhadap OH- ke dalam MSM
Effect of multi-variant biofuel on engine performance and exhaust emission of ddf engine system
No full textThis paper presents an investigation on the effect of multi-variant biofuel towards engine performance parameter and emission characteristic, using mix of diesel dual fuel (DDF) engine of different blend biodiesel (B5-DDF and B10-DDF) of palm oil and coconut oil in comparison to pure diesel, diesel-biodiesel (B5 and B10). This experiment was conducted with variable speed between 1400-2700 rpm at an interval of 400rpm. The collected data for engine performance showed that B5- DDF coconut oil produced the highest torque, but the brake specific fuel consumption was reduced as compared to diesel with 36% and 28.02%, respectively. In case of engine emission, lower emission of CO2 was recorded by B5-DDF coconut oil. B10 palm oil emitted low emission of CO compared to other fuels. Significant reduction of NOx concentration was recorded for B5-DDF palm oil compared to other fuel. It can be concluded that, diesel engine with some modifications can be used as engine DDF, which has beneficial effects both in terms of emission reduction and performance as alternative fuel
Effects of radio frequency exposure on hatching rate and development period of Ae. albopictus (skuse) (diptera: culicidae)
No full textTelecommunication technologies such as radio, cell phones, and television were developed to meet people's needs and have been widely used for decades. However, the invention relies on the transmission and reception of signals via radio (RF), which has increased concerns about the effects of RF fields on human health, including mosquito-borne diseases caused by exposure to these fields. To address these concerns, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of exposure from RF on mosquitoes. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of exposure RF on hatching rate, development time, and egg morphology of the Aedes population. Under laboratory conditions, 50 Ae. albopictus eggs were exposed to three different exposures (control, low dose: 900 MHz and high dose: 18 GHz). The effects of exposure on hatching rate, development time and egg morphology were observed. This study revealed that higher doses of RF can shorten the hatching days of Aedes mosquitoes, but also slow down their development rate. In summary, this study provides important insights into the potential effects of exposure to RF on Aedes mosquito populations. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of exposure RF on mosquito populations in natural environments and the potential public health implications
EFFECTS OF PREFERENCE AND NUTRITIONAL VALUES OF LOCAL BAMBOO TOWARDS GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF CAPTIVE GIANT PANDAS (AILUROPODA MELANOLEUCA) IN ZOO NEGARA, MALAYSIA
No full textTwo captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) were observed for nutritional preferences over a period of seven months from 21st May until 31st December 2014 at the Zoo Negara Malaysia. Nutritional analyses were conducted on six local bamboo species which were fed to both pandas. It is evident in the present study that they prefer the culms of Dendrocalamus asper followed by culms of Bambusa vulgaris and bamboo leaves from Dendrocalamus asper, Bambusa vulgaris f. waminii and Thyrsostachys seamensis. Their preferences towards these local bamboo species correspond to the different nutrient values which contained high fibre in the culms and high protein and fat in the leaves. The overall feeding behaviour were well established and the growth performances were satisfactory suggesting that they have successfully adapted to the feeding regime. The pandas were observed to be in good health, active and alert with these bamboo diets throughout the study period
Mycological isolation from animal enclosures and environments in National Wildlife Rescue Centre and National Zoo, Malaysia
No full textIt is important to provide a baseline of fungal composition in the captive wildlife environment to better understand their role in overall wildlife health. The objectives were to identify species of fungi existing within wildlife animal enclosures and their environment at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) and the National Zoo, Malaysia and to describe their medical and veterinary importance. Samples of air, wall or floor swab, enrichment swab and soil were taken from the animal enclosures, exercise yard and enrichments at NWRC and National Zoo respectively. All samples including those pre-treated samples were plated onto Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA). Numerous fungi were grown on all sampling SDA plates regardless by either single or multiple growth. Samples of air in both NWRC and National Zoo had the highest growth of Penicillium spp. with a prevalence of 31.2% and 83.7% respectively. Samples of swab from the wall, floor and enrichments were predominantly by Candida spp. (42.6%) in NWRC and Penicillium spp. (41.6%) in the National Zoo. Prevalence of multiple fungi isolated from the soil samples in NWRC were 57.9% and yeast species was the most common in National Zoo with a prevalence of 88.9%. Overall, 29 and 8 isolates were found in both samples from the NWRC and National Zoo with a predominant species of potential zoonotic fungi have been identified in both premises. The expected fungus Aspergillus spp. was not isolated in all samples in NWRC. Prevalent fungal species found in this study are known to cause disease in animals and humans as primary pathogen and also as opportunistic pathogens that may also cause infection. Thus, health safety precautions should be considered particularly in dealing with conservation of endangered wildlife species, along with personnel and public involvements
Targeted outdoor residual spraying, autodissemination devices and their combination against Aedes mosquitoes: field implementation in a Malaysian urban setting
No full textInternational audienceAbstract Currently, dengue control relies largely on reactive vector control programmes. Proactive vector-control using a rational, well-balanced integrated vector management approach may prove more successful for dengue control. As part of the development of a cluster randomized controlled epidemiological trial, a study was conducted in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The study included one control site (three buildings) and three intervention sites which were treated as follows: targeted outdoor residual spraying only (TORS site, two buildings); deployment of autodissemination devices only (ADD site, four buildings); and the previous two treatments combined (TORS + ADD site, three buildings). The primary entomological measurement was per cent of positive ovitraps—ovitrap index (OI). The effect of each intervention on OI was analyzed by a modified ordinary least squares regression model. Relative to the control site, the TORS and ADD sites showed a reduction in the Aedes OI (−6.5%, P = 0.04 and −8.3%, P = 0.10, respectively). Analysis by species showed that, relative to control, the Ae. aegypti OI was lower in ADD (−8.9%, P = 0.03) and in TORS (−10.4%, P = 0.02). No such effect was evident in the TORS + ADD site. The present study provides insights into the methods to be used for the main trial. The combination of multiple insecticides with different modes of action in one package is innovative, although we could not demonstrate the additive effect of TORS + ADD. Further work is required to strengthen our understanding of how these interventions impact dengue vector populations and dengue transmission
Fretting-corrosion behavior of electroless Ni-P/Ni-P-TiO2 coatings obtained on AZ91D magnesium alloy by a chromium-free process
No full textNi-P electroless coatings are widely applied for protection of magnesium alloys and other materials due to the
low energy consumption of the process and high resistance to corrosion and wear, properties that can be improved with the incorporation of particulate materials. Despite the attractive combination of properties of
electroless coatings, studies in the tribocorrosion field, such as fretting-corrosion behavior of Ni-P electroless
coatings, are very scarce. In this work, Ni–P-TiO2 composite electroless coatings with several variations on
particles size and content applied on AZ91D magnesium alloys were analyzed under fretting-corrosion conditions in 3.5 wt.% NaCl. Coatings were obtained by direct electroless technique in multiple steps. Procedures were
chromium-free and no activation pretreatment was needed. The tests were carried out using a fretting-corrosion
tribometer from where open circuit potential and coefficient of friction were analyzed, as well as wear tracks on
coatings surfaces were observed by SEM. The results obtained indicate that an improvement in the tribochemical
behavior of Ni-P coatings can be achieved with the TiO2 codeposit, which modify the contact between body and
counter body, the elastic accommodation and the dissipation of energy in the contact areaLos recubrimientos químico Ni-P se aplican ampliamente para la protección de aleaciones de magnesio y otros materiales debido a la
bajo consumo energético del proceso y alta resistencia a la corrosión y al desgaste, propiedades que pueden mejorarse con la incorporación de materiales particulados. A pesar de la atractiva combinación de propiedades de
Recubrimientos no electrolíticos, estudios en el campo de la tribocorrosión, como el comportamiento de corrosión por contacto de Ni-P no electrolítico.
revestimientos, son muy escasos. En este trabajo, se utilizaron recubrimientos electrolíticos compuestos de Ni-P-TiO2 con varias variaciones en
El tamaño y el contenido de las partículas aplicadas en aleaciones de magnesio AZ91D se analizaron en condiciones de corrosión por contacto en NaCl al 3,5% en peso. Los recubrimientos se obtuvieron mediante técnica directa no electrolítica en múltiples pasos. Los procedimientos fueron
libre de cromo y no fue necesario ningún tratamiento previo de activación. Las pruebas se llevaron a cabo utilizando un método de corrosión por contacto.
tribómetro desde donde se analizó el potencial de circuito abierto y el coeficiente de fricción, así como el desgaste de las pistas en
Las superficies de los recubrimientos se observaron mediante SEM. Los resultados obtenidos indican que una mejora en la función triboquímica
El comportamiento de los recubrimientos de Ni-P se puede lograr con el codeposito de TiO2, que modifica el contacto entre el cuerpo y
contracuerpo, la acomodación elástica y la disipación de energía en el área de contact
