Characteristics and heating values of pellets made from raw and charred rice residues-rubber tree twigs mixture

In this study, the characteristics and heating values of raw pellet (RP) and charred pellet (CP) made from rice residues-rubber tree twigs mixture were compared. The carbonization process to produce the charred plant residues was conducted in a locally fabricated stainless steel kiln. Both the RP and CP were evaluated for their heating values, pellet durability, carbon and inorganic ash content. The CP had higher heating value and carbon content than the RP. However, the ash content of CP was higher. The results indicate that the pellet made from the charred rice residues-rubber tree twigs mixture could be a suitable source of renewable fuel

An auto lifting device to lift manhole cover with ergonomics consideration

The sewerage and maintenance process of manhole is important to ensure that the underground pipelines and other systems are in good condition. The manhole is covered with manhole cover to prevent people, animals or any objects fall into it. The manhole cover has one pocket which is to lock it and ensure that nobody open it. A questionnaire survey is distributed to the workers at Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur and interviews are conducted with Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) and Jabatan Perkhidmatan Pembentungan (JPP), Selangor to access the user requirements and needs for an effective manhole cover lifter. Currently, the workers used a T-hook to unlock the heavy manhole cover and lift it. However, this method affected some of the workers because they experienced back, legs, shoulders and arm injuries. The T-hook is also quite heavy and it is difficult to bring anywhere. Based on the result of questionnaire survey, four concepts are designed to create new manhole cover lifter with automated operation. The best concept is finalized by using concept screening and scoring method. The chosen concept is applied pulley chain mechanism and it is selected as the best concept because it is easy and safe to use, low cost maintenance, low time consuming and affordable price. The design of the device is suitable for Malaysian male and secured them from musculoskeletal disorder. The worker's posture is analyzed by using Rapid Upper Limb Analysis (RULA) ergonomics analysis. The stability and strength of the device is analyzed by calculation and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used to analyze the screw cylinder

Chemical Characterization of Pineapple Leaf Residue Chars generated by Controlled Combustion and by open burning

This study was undertaken to compare the chemical characteristics of pineapple leave residues (PLRs) char generated by controlled combustion and by open burning. The properties of char generated by control combustion (CC) and open burning (OB) varied, due to differences in the production process. The total N, K and surface area of the char generated by CC were significantly higher than the OB. The results indicate that the CC process was better to be applied as a soil amendment than was the OB process

Chemical Characterization of Pineapple Leaf Residue Chars generated by Controlled Combustion and by open burning

This study was undertaken to compare the chemical characteristics of pineapple leave residues (PLRs) char generated by controlled combustion and by open burning. The properties of char generated by control combustion (CC) and open burning (OB) varied, due to differences in the production process. The total N, K and surface area of the char generated by CC were significantly higher than the OB. The results indicate that the CC process was better to be applied as a soil amendment than was the OB process

Chemical characterization of pineapple leaf residue chars generated by controlled combustion and by open burning

This study was undertaken to compare the chemical characteristics of pineapple leave residues (PLRs) char generated by controlled combustion and by open burning. The properties of char generated by control combustion (CC) and open burning (OB) varied, due to differences in the production process. The total N, K and surface area of the char generated by CC were significantly higher than the OB. The results indicate that the CC process was better to be applied as a soil amendment than was the OB process

Effect of Different Ratios of Biomaterials to Banana Peels on the Weight Loss of Biodegradable Pots

The present study was undertaken to determine the weight loss of pots made of different ratios of biomaterials and banana peels. Two types of biodegradable pots were produced using different ratios of biomaterials (B) and banana peels (BP). The ratios of B to BP tested in this study were B50% : BP50% and B30% : BP 70%. The weight loss of biodegradable pot with ratio B30% : BP70% was significantly higher than biodegradable pot with ratio B50% : BP50% after the empty biodegradable pots were left to decompose on the ground for 60 days. This result suggests that higher content of banana peels increase the microbial decomposition of the biodegradable pot. On the contrary, the weight loss of biodegradable pot with ratio B50%:BP50% was higher when they were filled with soil and left to decompose on the ground for 60 days. This is probably due to the lower content of banana peels, what decreased the tensile strength of biodegradable pot filled with soil, making it highly decomposable in such manner. In terms of degradability, biodegradable pot with ratio B30% : BP70% is more appropriate than pot with ratio B50% : BP50%

Analytical Hierarchy Process for Natural Fiber Composites Automotive Armrest Thermoset Matrix Selection

The automotive industry is currently shifting to a ‘green’ outlook since that the popularity of natural fibers in composites plastics is accelerating in many areas and particularly the automotive industry. Nowadays, consumers are looking for vehicles more environmentally friendly and lighter in weight. For this reason, the engineers are now focusing to substitute the metal parts on utilizing the natural fiber composites. Selecting the right material in product development is a crucial decision. Imprecise decision can cause the product to be remanufactured and not in optimized condition. One of the methods that can be employed is Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). This paper illustrates the implementation of AHP method in order to select the most appropriate thermoset matrix for natural fiber composites automotive armrest. The selection is based on the weight reduction as the major aim of the study

Analytical Hierarchy Process for Natural Fiber Composites Automotive Armrest Thermoset Matrix Selection

The automotive industry is currently shifting to a ‘green’ outlook since that the popularity of natural fibers in composites plastics is accelerating in many areas and particularly the automotive industry. Nowadays, consumers are looking for vehicles more environmentally friendly and lighter in weight. For this reason, the engineers are now focusing to substitute the metal parts on utilizing the natural fiber composites. Selecting the right material in product development is a crucial decision. Imprecise decision can cause the product to be remanufactured and not in optimized condition. One of the methods that can be employed is Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). This paper illustrates the implementation of AHP method in order to select the most appropriate thermoset matrix for natural fiber composites automotive armrest. The selection is based on the weight reduction as the major aim of the study