Structural integrity assessment of the welded joints of the constitution of 1812 bridge (Cádiz, Spain)

As required by the current Spanish regulations, an inspection and maintenance plan has been completed for the Constitution of 1812 Bridge over the Bay of Cádiz (Spain), which defines the work to be performed on the different elements of the bridge during its service life. The part of the plan related to the inspection of the steel structure has a section dedicated to the inspection of the defects that may be present in the welded joints of the steel deck, providing critical defect sizes above which the safety of the structure would be compromised. With this purpose, in the most stressed points of the deck, the structural details that are most susceptible to fatigue and fracture phenomena have been identified. Moreover, fatigue tests of these details have been performed to complete a structural integrity assessment that also comprises the determination of the material fracture toughness and the definition of the corresponding critical crack sizes. The tests were carried out on specimens obtained with the same steel grades as those used in the bridge and with the same welding procedures as those practiced in the structure. The results show that the fatigue test results are above the SN curves provided by the Eurocode 3, and also that numerous critical crack sizes would not be detected by the usual inspection techniques used in bridges (visual inspection), so that further research into how to manage this issue is recommended.The authors of this work would like to express their gratitude to the University of Cantabria for the financial support of the project “Aplicación de Técnicas de Integridad Estructural y Fiabilidad de Materiales en la Determinacion del Ciclo de Vida de Puentes Metalicos y Mixtos- Application of Structural Integrity and Materials Reliability Techniques to the Life-Cycle Assessment of Metallic and Steel-Concrete Composite Bridges” (03.DI09.649), programme of industrial doctorates, on the results of which this paper is based

Application of several pretreatment technologies to a wastewater effluent of a petrochemical industry finally treated with reverse osmosis

[EN] This work studies the adequacy of different reverse osmosis (RO) pretreatments applied to different petrochemical wastewater effluents. Three effluents from a caprolactam factory were analysed: ion-exchange resin washing effluent (RWE), batch reactor washing effluent and factory outlet effluent. Coagulation–flocculation, microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) were tested as RO pretreatments. Various inorganic coagulants (Aluminium Chloride, Iron (III) Chloride, Aluminium Sulphate and polyaluminium chloride), commercial coagulants (Nophos and ACO) and commercial flocculants (polyacrylamide, CH-30 and active polyfloc) were tested at different dosages and stirring speeds. The highest removal of suspended solids (SS) and the lowest turbidity were obtained for the ion-exchange RWE. Two combinations of coagulants and flocculants were chosen as the most suitable conditions for the coagulation–flocculation process. The ion-exchange RWE was further treated with a combination of MF followed by UF. SS were completely removed and turbidity decreased to 0.136 NTU. The silt density index at 15 min was reduced to 6.41.The authors of this work wish to gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the Generalitat Valenciana through the programme “Ayudas para la realizacio´n de proyectos I+D para grupos de investigacio´n emergentes GV/2013”.Vincent Vela, MC.; Alvarez Blanco, S.; Lora García, J.; Carbonell Alcaina, C.; Sáez Muñoz, M. (2014). Application of several pretreatment technologies to a wastewater effluent of a petrochemical industry finally treated with reverse osmosis. Desalination and Water Treatment. 1-9. doi:10.1080/19443994.2014.939866S19Benito-Alcázar, C., Vincent-Vela, M. C., Gozálvez-Zafrilla, J. M., & Lora-García, J. (2010). Study of different pretreatments for reverse osmosis reclamation of a petrochemical secondary effluent. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 178(1-3), 883-889. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.02.020Madaeni, S. S., & Eslamifard, M. R. (2010). Recycle unit wastewater treatment in petrochemical complex using reverse osmosis process. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 174(1-3), 404-409. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.09.067Kim, H.-C., & Dempsey, B. A. (2008). Effects of wastewater effluent organic materials on fouling in ultrafiltration. Water Research, 42(13), 3379-3384. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2008.04.021Karabacakoğlu, B., Tezakıl, F., & Güvenç, A. (2014). Removal of hardness by electrodialysis using homogeneous and heterogeneous ion exchange membranes. Desalination and Water Treatment, 54(1), 8-14. doi:10.1080/19443994.2014.880159Gare, S. (2002). RO systems: the importance of pre-treatment. Filtration & Separation, 39(1), 22-27. doi:10.1016/s0015-1882(02)80047-7Garg, A., Mishra, I. M., & Chand, S. (2010). Effectiveness of coagulation and acid precipitation processes for the pre-treatment of diluted black liquor. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 180(1-3), 158-164. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.04.008Verma, S., Prasad, B., & Mishra, I. M. (2010). Pretreatment of petrochemical wastewater by coagulation and flocculation and the sludge characteristics. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 178(1-3), 1055-1064. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.02.047Garrote, J. (1995). Treatment of tannery effluents by a two step coagulation/flocculation process. Water Research, 29(11), 2605-2608. doi:10.1016/0043-1354(94)00312-uSanto, C. E., Vilar, V. J. P., Botelho, C. M. S., Bhatnagar, A., Kumar, E., & Boaventura, R. A. R. (2012). Optimization of coagulation–flocculation and flotation parameters for the treatment of a petroleum refinery effluent from a Portuguese plant. Chemical Engineering Journal, 183, 117-123. doi:10.1016/j.cej.2011.12.041Wang, J.-P., Chen, Y.-Z., Wang, Y., Yuan, S.-J., & Yu, H.-Q. (2011). Optimization of the coagulation-flocculation process for pulp mill wastewater treatment using a combination of uniform design and response surface methodology. Water Research, 45(17), 5633-5640. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2011.08.023Rossini, M., Garrido, J. G., & Galluzzo, M. (1999). Optimization of the coagulation–flocculation treatment: influence of rapid mix parameters. Water Research, 33(8), 1817-1826. doi:10.1016/s0043-1354(98)00367-4Guida, M., Mattei, M., Della Rocca, C., Melluso, G., & Meriç, S. (2007). Optimization of alum-coagulation/flocculation for COD and TSS removal from five municipal wastewater. Desalination, 211(1-3), 113-127. doi:10.1016/j.desal.2006.02.086HABERKAMP, J., RUHL, A., ERNST, M., & JEKEL, M. (2007). Impact of coagulation and adsorption on DOC fractions of secondary effluent and resulting fouling behaviour in ultrafiltration. Water Research, 41(17), 3794-3802. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2007.05.029Petrov, S., & Stoichev, P. (2002). Reagent ultrafiltration purification of water contaminated with reactive dyes. Filtration & Separation, 39(8), 35-34. doi:10.1016/s0015-1882(02)80229-4Shon, H. K., Vigneswaran, S., Ngo, H. H., & Ben Aim, R. (2005). Is semi-flocculation effective as pretreatment to ultrafiltration in wastewater treatment? Water Research, 39(1), 147-153. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2004.09.003Hatt, J. W., Germain, E., & Judd, S. J. (2011). Precoagulation-microfiltration for wastewater reuse. Water Research, 45(19), 6471-6478. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2011.09.039Dryden Aqua Ltd, Edinburgh, 2013. Available from: www.DrydenAqua.com (April 6, 2013).Sincero, A. P., & Sincero, G. A. (2002). Physical-Chemical Treatment of Water and Wastewater. doi:10.1201/978142003190

Development of a novel smoke-flavoured salmon product by sodium replacement using water vapour permeable bags

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Rizo Parraga, Arancha Maria, Fuentes López, Ana, Barat Baviera, José Manuel, Fernández Segovia, Isabel. (2018). Development of a novel smoke-flavoured salmon product by sodium replacement using water vapour permeable bags.Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 98, 7, 2721-2728. DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8767, which has been published in final form at http://doi.org/ 10.1002/jsfa.8767. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.[EN] BACKGROUND: Food manufacturers need to reduce sodium contents to meet consumer and public health demands. In this study the use of sodium-free (SF) salt and KCl to develop a novel smoke-flavoured salmon product with reduced sodium content was evaluated. Fifty percent of NaCl was replaced with 50% of SF salt or 50% KCl in the salmon smoke-flavouring process carried out using water vapour permeable bags. RESULTS: Triangle tests showed that samples with either SF salt or KCl were statistically similar to the control samples (100% NaCl). Since no sensorial advantage in using SF salt was found compared with KCl and given the lower price of KCl, the KCl-NaCl samples were selected for the next phase. The changes of physicochemical and microbial parameters in smoke-flavoured salmon during 42 days showed that partial replacement of NaCl with KCl did not significantly affect the quality and shelf-life of smoke-flavoured salmon, which was over 42 days. CONCLUSION: Smoke-flavoured salmon with 37% sodium reduction was developed without affecting sensory features and shelf-life. This is an interesting option for reducing sodium content in such products to help meet the needs set by both health authorities and consumers.We gratefully acknowledge the support of Tub-Ex Aps (Taars, Denmark) for suppling the water vapour permeable bags and for providing all of the necessary technical information. Arantxa Rizo thanks the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia for the FPI grant.Rizo Parraga, AM.; Fuentes López, A.; Barat Baviera, JM.; Fernández Segovia, I. (2018). Development of a novel smoke-flavoured salmon product by sodium replacement using water vapour permeable bags. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 98(7):2721-2728. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.8767S2721272898

Characterization of PLA-limonene blends for food packaging applications

Polymers derived from renewable resources are now considered as promising alternatives to traditional petro-polymers as they mitigate current environmental concerns (raw renewable materials/biodegradability). D-limonene can be found in a variety of citrus, indeed is the main component of citrus oils and one of most important contributors to citrus flavor. The incorporation of limonene in PLA matrix was evaluated and quantified by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Transparent films were obtained after the addition of the natural compound. Mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile tests. The effect of limonene on mechanical properties of PLA films was characterized by an increase in the elongation at break and a decrease in the elastic modulus. The fracture surface structure of films was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and homogeneous surfaces were observed in all cases. Barrier properties were reduced due to the increase of the chain mobility produced by the D-limonene. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain (MAT2011-28468-C02-02). Marina P. Arrieta thanks Generalitat Valenciana (Spain) for a Santiago Grisolia Fellowship. Authors thank Professor Alfonso Jimenez from the University of Alicante, for his useful discussions.Arrieta, MP.; López Martínez, J.; Ferrándiz Bou, S.; Peltzer, MA. (2013). Characterization of PLA-limonene blends for food packaging applications. Polymer Testing. 32(4):760-768. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2013.03.016S76076832

Thermally-activated shape memory effect on biodegradable nanocomposites based on PLA/PCL blend reinforced with hydroxyapatite

[EN] In this work, the effect of the addition of different amount of nanosized hydroxyapatite (nHA) on the shape memory behavior of blends based on poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) has been studied. In particular PLA/PCL blend with 70 wt % PLA has been reinforced with 0.5, 1 and 3 wt % nHA. Moreover, the relationship between the morphology and the final properties of the nanocomposites has been investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, confocal Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. In particular, PeakForce has been used to study quantitative nanomechanical properties of the multifunctional materials leading to conclusion that nHA increase the phase separation between PLA and PCL as well as act as reinforcements for the PCL-rich phase of the nanocomposites. Furthermore, excellent thermally-activated shape memory response has been obtained for all the nanocomposites at 55 degrees C. Finally, the disintegration under composting conditions at laboratory scale level was studied in order to confirm the biodegradable character of these nanocomposites. Indeed, these materials are able to be used for biomedical issues as well as for packaging applications where both thermally-activated shape memory effect and biodegradability are requested.Authors thank the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, MINEICO, (MAT2017-88123-P) and the Regional Government of Madrid (S2013/MIT-2862) for the economic support. M.P.A. and L.P. acknowledge the Juan de la Cierva (FJCI-2014-20630) and Ramon y Cajal (RYC-2014-15595) contracts from the MINEICO, respectively. The authors also thanks CSIC for the I-Link project (I-Link1149).Peponi, L.; Sessini, V.; Arrieta, MP.; Navarro-Baena, I.; Sonseca Olalla, Á.; Dominici, F.; Giménez Torres, E.... (2018). Thermally-activated shape memory effect on biodegradable nanocomposites based on PLA/PCL blend reinforced with hydroxyapatite. Polymer Degradation and Stability. 151:36-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2018.02.019S365115

Nondestructive assessment of freshness in packaged sliced chicken breasts using SW-NIR spectroscopy

A technique was developed to predict the freshness of packaged sliced chicken breast employing a nondestructive visible and short-wavelength near-infrared (SW-NIR) spectroscopy method. Spectra were recorded at 0, 7 and 14days using a camera, spectral filter (400-1000nm) and a halogen flood lighting system which were developed and calibrated for the purpose. Physicochemical, biochemical and microbiological properties such as moisture (x w), water activity (a w), pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), ATP breakdown compounds (K 1 values) and mesophilic bacteria (cfu g -1) were determined to predict freshness degradation. The spectra obtained were related to the storage time of the samples. The best wavelengths for modeling freshness were 413, 426, 449, 460, 473, 480, 499, 638, 942, 946, 967, 970 and 982nm. A linear correlation was found between the visible and SW-NIR spectroscopy and parameters such as microbiological counts, K 1 and T-VBN indexes. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.We wish to thank the Polytechnic University of Valencia and Generalitat Valenciana for the financial support they provided through the PAID-06-08-3251 and GVPRE/2008/170 Projects, respectively.Grau Meló, R.; Sánchez Salmerón, AJ.; Girón Hernández, LJ.; Ivorra Martínez, E.; Fuentes López, A.; Barat Baviera, JM. (2011). Nondestructive assessment of freshness in packaged sliced chicken breasts using SW-NIR spectroscopy. Food Research International. 44:331-337. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2010.10.011S3313374

Biocomposites of different lignocellulosic wastes for sustainable food packaging applications

The suitability of three local lignocellulosic wastes i.e. almond shell (AS), rice husk (RH) and seagrass (SG) as fillers in PHB/Fiber composites applications has been studied. PHB/Fiber composites with 10 phr and 20 phr fiber content were prepared by melt blending. The influence of the fiber type (size, morphology and origin) and content on the morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of the as obtained composites has been assessed. To evaluate the potential use in food packaging applications, the barrier performance to water, thermoforming ability and disintegration in controlled composting conditions of the composites were also studied. All the fibers have demonstrated to be apt for their use as fillers in PHB/Fiber composites, showing a reinforcing effect without affecting the crystallinity and the disintegration rate of PHB. The thermal stability and the water barrier performance of the composites were reduced by the presence of the fibers. Nevertheless, the addition of AS resulted in the best balance of properties, in terms of permeability and mechanical properties, finding an enhancement of the thermoforming ability of PHB when 10 phr of AS was added