Experimental analytical design of CNC machine tool SCFC based on electro-pneumatic system simulation

AbstractA Smart Clamping Force Control (SCFC) is adapted to hold sensitive workpiece using magnetic proximity switch during a machining operation on the CNC machine tool. It has been ascertained that work-holding of different workpiece materials and shapes during machining operation is one of the problems encountered during CNC milling machining operations. This work proposes a novel clamping strategy for workpieces with the aid of SCFC. The purpose of the study is to adjust the forward movement of the clamp and reduce the damage caused by the clamp on the workpiece, this depends on the material of the work-piece. The speed of the clamp is reduced using the inlet flow control throttle valve and a magnetic proximity switch (MPS). It provides careful handling of workpiece and prevent it from damage and as well optimizes the forward movement of the cylinder. The proposed strategy is based on dynamic machine loading in which the impact of applied forces were monitored to optimize the clamping control system of the machine tool. The mode of operation and performance of the SCFC were simulated in the FluidSIM® software, and the validated results was presented on Festo workstation. This work therefore further elucidate the fundamental design criterion for machine tool clamping forces and the sustainable manufacture of its components

Development and performance evaluation of organic fertilizer machinery

Organic fertilizer forms the lifeblood & basic necessity of every poor farmer as a result of high cost of buying the chemical (Inorganic) fertilizer. The organic machinery plant consists of the shredder, the mixer, the pelletizer and a conveyor system that will link the shredder to the mixer, in such a way that, the shredding and mixing operation can be done simultaneously. The shredder consists of components such as a 3 kW electric motor, rotating shaft, 2 mm thick mild steel, a rotating blade which will act as the stirrer and a sieve. The mixer consists essentially of a 3 kW electric motor and a rotating shaft of 90 mm. Main features of the pelletizer are electric motor (single phase, 3 kW), 50 mm axial shaft, screw auger, extrusion barrel, bearing case, pulley, chain and sprockets. The dimension of the machine frame is (800 × 500 × 600 mm). The performance of the machine was based on pelleting efficiency, percentage recovery and throughput capacity of the machine, which were determined at three different mesh sizes of 2, 4 and 6 mm. Results obtained showed that the 6 mm mesh size has the highest pelletizing efficiency (76%). Characterization of the organic manure was carried out indicated a carbon to nitrogen ratio of approximately 30 and a pH value of 7. This is an indication that the organic manure is rich in nutrient composition and healthy for soil rejuvenation

Anti-protozoan activities of Harungana madagascariensis stem bark extract on trichomonas and malaria

AIM OF THE STUDY: The ethanolic stem bark extract of Harungana madagascariensis (Hypericaceae), (Choisy) Poir were evaluated for their activities on Trichomonas gallinae (Rivolta) Stabler isolated from the pigeon (Columba livia). It was also tested for their anti-malarial activity on N67 Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis (in vivo) in mice and on Plasmodium falciparum isolates in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-trichomonal screening was performed in vitro using Trichomonas gallinae culture. The minimum lethal concentration (MLC) is the lowest concentration of the test extract in which no motile organisms were observed. The anti-malarial effects were determined in-vivo for suppressive, curative and prophylactic activities in mice receiving a standard inoculum size of 1 × 107 (0.2 ml) infected erythrocytes of Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis intraperitoneally, and the in vitro was performed against 3 isolates of Plasmodium falciparum in a candle jar procedures. RESULTS: The IC50 of the extract and metronidazole (MDZ) (Flagyl) on Trichomonas gallinae at 48 h are 187 and 1.56 μg/ml. The IC50 of the extract, chloroquine (CQ) and artemether (ART) on Plasmodium falciparum are between 0.052 and 0.517 μg/ml for the extract and 0.021 and 0.0412 μg/ml for ART and CQ, respectively. The actions of the extract in in vivo study on Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis showed that in both suppressive and prophylactic tests the percentages chemo-suppressive were between 28.6–44.8% and 30.2–78.2% respectively, while only 80 mg/kg of the extract reduced the parasitaemia level when compared to the control and the standard drugs in curative test. CONCLUSIONS: Harungana madagascariensis stem bark extract therefore exhibited significant anti-protozoan effects against Trichomonas and Plasmodium both in vivo and in vitro