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In the engine of heavy trucks, the built-in fuel filter assumes the role of "lungs". The core of the filter, namely the fuel filter paper, acts as a filter for small impurities and separates oil and water. In order to be able to separate minute impurities from the fuel, in this study, we prepared a novel fuel oil filter paper with high efficiency and high dust holding capacity based on wet-laid forming by laminating PBT/PP two-component melt-blown nonwoven material and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)-doped cellulose wood fiber pulp with the fiber mesh combination forming technology. The effects of the CNC mixing ratio, surface density of melt-blown nonwoven material layer, surface density of cellulose wood pulp paper layer and calendaring pressure on the pore size and filtration performance of the composite samples were investigated, and the filtration efficiency of the composite samples on the tiny impurities in the fuel were also studied. The results showed that the novel composite fuel filter paper material prepared by the combined forming technology of fibrous web had high filtration efficiency and dust holding capacity, and the filtration efficiency of the composite samples could respectively reach 99.90% and 99.52% for particles larger than 14 μm and 4 μm in diameter in the fuel. At the same time, the dust holding capacity of the composite sample can reach up to 27.63 mgcm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing solid waste recycling, this study aims to develop biodegradable kraft paper from buffing dust (BD) and post‐consumed jute fiber (JF). Employing a simple solution casting method with a polyurethane binder, the kraft paper was fabricated and characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, OTR, biodegradability, and tensile tests. The findings revealed covalent and hydrogen bonding between BD and JF, forming a uniform surface. Notably, the composite exhibited improved thermal stability, enhanced gas barrier properties, and biodegradability compared to individual components. Furthermore, the composite also showed 57% higher tensile strength, 38% greater elongation, 20% increased hardness, and 9% higher density compared to buffing dust. Compared to jute fiber, the increases were 125%, 91%, 30%, and 19% respectively. Moreover, the composite excelled in gas barrier performance, surpassing BD and JF by a remarkable 61% and 73% increase respectively. These significant findings underscore the vast potential of the composite kraft paper as a versatile material suitable for various applications, including packaging, interior furnishing industries, and reinforcing elements in the footwear industry. By addressing waste management and promoting sustainability, this research contributes to the development of eco‐friendly materials that align with contemporary environmental concerns. Highlights: Covalent and hydrogen bonding enhance uniformity.Biodegradable kraft paper with improved properties.Impressive tensile strength, elongation, and hardness.Versatile material for eco‐friendly applications.Promotes sustainability and waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To elucidate whether occupational noise exposure increases the mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke, and if exposure to paper dust modified the risks. Methods: We studied 6686 workers from soft paper mills, with occupational noise exposure, < 85 dBA, 85–90 dBA and > 90 dBA, and high (> 5 mg/m3) exposure to paper dust. Person-years 1960–2019 were stratified according to gender, age, and calendar-year. Expected numbers of deaths were calculated using the Swedish population as the reference and standardized mortality ratios (SMR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were assessed. Results: SMR for IHD was 1.12 (95% CI 0.88–1.41) for noise < 85 dBA, 1.18 (95% CI 0.90–1.55) for 85–90 dBA, and 1.27 (95% CI 1.10–1.47) among workers exposed > 90 dBA. Joint exposure to high noise exposure and high exposure to paper dust resulted in slightly higher IHD mortality (SMR 1.39, 95% CI 1.15–1.67). SMR for ischemic stroke was 0.90 (95% CI 0.37–2.15) for noise < 85 dBA, 1.08 (95% CI 0.45–2.59) for 85–90 dBA, and 1.48 (95% CI 0.99–2.00) among workers exposed > 90 dBA. High noise exposure and high exposure to paper dust resulted in higher ischemic stroke mortality (SMR 1.83, 95% CI 1.12–2.98). Conclusion: Noise levels > 90 dBA was associated with increased IHD mortality. Combined exposures of noise and paper dust may further increase the risks. Our results do not provide support for a causal relationship for ischemic stroke. Residual confounding from smoking has to be considered. Workers need to be protected from occupational noise levels exceeding 90 dBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air filters are placed upstream of internal combustion engines to remove dust particles in the suction air. In this article, we examine the acoustic characterization of an air-filtering unit in the absence of mean flow. For this purpose, a circular air-filtering unit with an axial inlet and side outlet widely used in the automobile industry is considered. The air-filter element is modeled as an equivalent acoustic fluid with finite flow resistivity. The flow resistivity of the region is estimated from the permeability of the filter paper and the geometrical arrangement of the paper folds (pleats) inside the air-filter element using an electrical analogy. A numerical model based on the finite element method (FEM) and an analytical model using classical one-dimensional plane wave analysis (1-D PWA) was developed. Experiments were carried out using an impedance tube to estimate transmission loss. A good correlation is observed between the FEM model and the experiments. The results obtained from the 1-D PWA are in reasonable agreement with those obtained from the other two methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorides are emitted in both gaseous and particle forms in the industrial sector. However, studies usually only report total fluoride content. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the particulate, gaseous fluoride and correlate it with the respirable dust particles in Single Super Phosphate (SSP), Granular Single Super Phosphate (GSSP), and administration divisions of the industry. Respirable dust particles, particulate fluoride, and hydrogen fluoride in the work environment were collected on a filter cassette containing an MCE filter paper (0.8 micron 37-mm) and Na2CO3 impregnated backup pad, respectively, using a personal sampler. The fluoride samples were analyzed using Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) and expressed as milligrams per meter cube (mg.m-3). The respirable dust, particulate, and gaseous fluoride content were found to have statistically significant differences (p<0.001) between the divisions (SSP, GSSP, and administration) in the static monitoring, whereas, in the case of personal monitoring, no significant differences were observed. Average airborne respirable, particulate, and gaseous fluoride levels in static monitoring were 1.37, 1.03, 0.20 mg.m-3, 0.018, 0.008, 0.001 mg.m-3, and 0.808, 0.403, 0.026 ppm in SSP, GSSP and administration respectively, whereas in personal monitoring the average respirable, particulate and gaseous fluoride concentrations were 1.18, 0.85, 0.30 mg.m-3, 0.0013, 0.007, 0.002 mg.m-3 and 0.356, 0.258, 0.011 ppm in SSP, GSSP and administration respectively. The present study observed that the levels of fluoride decreased with an increase in distance from SSP, followed by GSSP and administration. It indicates that the fluoride exposure was inversely proportional to the distance of the source. This study outcome will help to design a policy and intervention to mitigate fluoride exposure among workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leather sector is currently under heavy threat to reduce environmental pollution problems associated with the generation of leather waste, especially in terms of public acceptance issues related to environmental welfare requirements. Leather waste must be disposed of in landfills, which has a significant environmental impact. The development of natural polymer/paper mill sludge-based leather replacements for the production of leather goods and footwear products is an alternative solution supported by the recycled leather industry. In this work, a study is carried out to prepare natural polymer leather sheet (NPLS) from leather waste (chrome shavings and buffing dust), paper mill sludge, and natural polymer [natural rubber latex (NRL)] by vacuum-pressure method, for their potential application in leather products industries. The NPLS was characterized by its physicochemical and mechanical properties. Various types of NPLS were produced by comprising different ratios of the NRL. Results portrayed that 300 mL w/v NRL significantly improved the physicochemical and mechanical properties of NPLS. Hence, the research has revealed a revolutionary idea of NPLS developed which is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and energy efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental study of the effect of the mass of dust retained on a fibrous filter bed operating singly and in a "cyclone-filter-bed" system on changes in filtration efficiency and accuracy, as well as the increase in flow resistance. The research was carried out using a novel and unprecedented method, determining the dust absorption coefficient km of the filter baffle under laboratory conditions. A filtration system built of a single cyclone and a cylindrical filter cartridge with an appropriately sized surface set behind it was studied. Conditions corresponding to the actual operating conditions of the air filter were maintained: dust concentration, filtration speed and dust extraction from the cyclone settling tank. The purpose of the research was to evaluate filter materials with different structures in terms of filtration efficiency and accuracy, as well as flow resistance. The study showed that the parameters of the structure of filter materials—permeability, grammage and thickness—affect the process of retaining dust particles. It was shown that the increase in the flow resistance of the filter bed has a higher intensity when dust grains of small sizes are directed at it, which is the case when the bed is operated behind a cyclone, which separates larger dust grains from the air. There is a reduction in the operating time of the filtration system due to the limitation of the permissible resistance ∆pfdop, and the corresponding dust absorption km has a lower value. For a fixed value of the flow resistance, the dust absorption coefficient km2 of three different filtration baffles AC, B2, and B, working with a cyclone, take values 50–100% smaller than when working in a single-stage system. It has been shown that the "cyclone-filter baffle" unit, due to its greater dust separation capability, allows the filter cartridge to operate for a longer time until a certain flow resistance is reached. This allows the unit to operate longer at lower flow resistance without changing the filter cartridge, thus saving energy. The km values obtained during the tests, using the proposed original method, allow the selection of the filter bed for specific vehicle operating conditions by modelling its course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Workers in pulp and paper factories are continuously exposed to paper dust. Excessive exposure to paper dust can cause respiratory disease. Information about the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and dust exposure levels among workers in pulp and paper factories is not available in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess personal total dust exposure levels, the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and their associated risk factors among workers in Ethiopian pulp and paper factories. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 40 dust measurements were carried out on 20 randomly selected workers. To assess chronic respiratory symptoms and associated factors, 434 workers from two paper factories and controls were interviewed using a standard questionnaire adapted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Gravimetric analyses of the filters were undertaken using a standard microbalance. Poisson regression was performed for comparing the prevalence of symptoms and risk factors for the two groups. Multivariable analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with chronic respiratory symptoms. Result: The arithmetic mean (AM) and geometric mean (GM) of dust exposure levels among the paper factories workers were 11.3 (± 7.7) and 10.2 (± 1.4) mg/m3 respectively. This exposure level exceeded the threshold limit value recommended for total dust (10 mg/m3). The prevalence of having at least one chronic respiratory symptom was about 51% among the workers in paper factories. The prevalence ratio of having chronic respiratory symptoms among paper factory workers was 5.6 times higher (PR = 6, 95% CI 3.5–10.3) than in the controls. Chronic respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with factors such as an educational status of less than grade 9, being employed in the work sections of the factories, having work experience of 5 years and above, working more than 8 h per day and having a past history of occupation and respiratory illnesses. Conclusion: The dust concentration in the paper factories exceeded the acceptable recommended limit value of 10 mg/m3. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among paper factory workers was higher than among controls. The main determining factors for chronic respiratory symptoms among the workers were the specific work section such as production section, low income, having past history of respiratory illnesses, the number of years of working and low educational status. This finding indicated the need for improving the working conditions in paper factories in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Especially in the field of paper and print post-processing on an industrial scale, continuous cutting operations generate paper dust. Despite preventive measures like dedusting units, a high paper web velocity induces the release of particulate dust. As a result, the particles settle and accumulate on machine components and in the surrounding area. Resuspended particles around a potential ignition source represent a fire hazard. The prevention of such fire incidents requires frequent servicing and maintenance. However, the shutdown time on industrial scale applications remains cost-intensive. In this research, a cutting plotter executes reproducible knife edge cutting sequences to identify significant parameters affecting the paper dust formation on a macro and micro scale. For this purpose, an extraction system collects the exposed particles along the cutting line. The applied methods include gravimetric determination of the dust mass and dynamic image analysis to characterise particle size and shape. Final results indicate a significant influence of the blade wear condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper dusting, which occurs when a tissue web releases unbound and loosely bound fibers or filler particles during tissue-making or product manufacturing, has an overall negative impact, causing safety hazards, machine runnability difficulties, and product quality issues. To date, there are no well-established industry standards to quantify dusting/linting propensities in finished tissue products, thus evaluating the effectiveness of dust/lint control programs is challenging yet intriguing. This research aims to fill this gap by developing a methodology to characterize dusting in tissue papers. We have developed a device prototype (named the Tissue Dust Collector) and a methodology that together have been named the Tissue Dust Analysis System (TDAS), which aims at quantifying the propensity for tissue-grade paper products to generate dust/lint in a controlled and reproducible manner. Two samples, corresponding to commercial products with a low and high linting propensity, were tested using the proposed device and methodology, and the released particles were quantified and characterized. The device and methodology provided reproducible results for simulated consumer handling and product manufacturing scenarios. By changing the instrument's motor frequency, the force of agitation changes, mimicking/simulating consumer (60 strokes per min, spm) and producer/manufacturing (180 spm) handling scenarios (though manufacturing processes are much faster in practice). Particle counts at each level for each product showed reproducible values differentiable at different agitation levels. Adopting the proposed Tissue Dust Analysis System may help to characterize and understand the mechanisms behind dusting to create dust-control strategies that can alleviate this issue at its various sources or simply allow tissue paper manufacturers to compare and advertise their products based on dusting propensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial contamination poses a threat to both the preservation of library and archival collections and the health of staff and users. This study investigated the microbial communities and potential health risks associated with the UNESCO-classified Norwegian Sea Trade Archive (NST Archive) collection exhibiting visible microbial colonization and staff health concerns. Dust samples from book surfaces and the storage environment were analysed using culturing methods, qPCR, Next Generation Sequencing, and mycotoxin, cytotoxicity, and azole resistance assays. Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., and Cladosporium sp. were the most common fungi identified, with some potentially toxic species like Stachybotrys sp., Toxicladosporium sp., and Aspergillus section Fumigati. Fungal resistance to azoles was not detected. Only one mycotoxin, sterigmatocystin, was found in a heavily contaminated book. Dust extracts from books exhibited moderate to high cytotoxicity on human lung cells, suggesting a potential respiratory risk. The collection had higher contamination levels compared to the storage environment, likely due to improved storage conditions. Even though overall low contamination levels were obtained, these might be underestimated due to the presence of salt (from cod preservation) that could have interfered with the analyses. This study underlines the importance of monitoring microbial communities and implementing proper storage measures to safeguard cultural heritage and staff well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper dusting has recently been recognized as a significant issue in the hygiene tissue industry. This review considers the factors that may contribute to dusting and linting, as well as the challenges of evaluating dusting propensity. Examining both the paper and textile industries, several methods of dusting and linting assessment exist. This review describes the equipment, methodologies, targeted paper grades or materials, advantages, and disadvantages. Standards (if applicable) are also covered for each of the major methods. These existing methods were found to have various drawbacks, suggesting a need for an improved, standardized method and device. In conclusion, and to motivate future research, mechanisms of dust release are reviewed along with existing and possible solutions to combat the tissue-dusting problem. This paper outlines the importance of creating a repeatable, standard, and accurate testing procedure and methodology for dust particle characterization in the hygiene tissue industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to empirically evaluate the performance of fibrous materials that meet the criteria for inlet air filtration in internal combustion engines. The characteristics of filtration efficiency and accuracy, as well as the characteristics of flow resistance, were determined based on the mass of dust accumulated in the filter bed during the filtration process. Single-layer filter materials tested included cellulose, polyester, and glass microfiber. Multilayer filter media such as cellulose–polyester–nanofibers and cellulose–polyester were also examined. A new composite filter bed—consisting of polyester, glass microfiber, and cellulose—and its filtration characteristics were evaluated. Utilizing specific air filtration quality factors, it was demonstrated that the composite is characterized by high pre-filtration efficiency (99.98%), a short pre-filtration period (qs = 4.21%), high accuracy (dpmax = 1.5–3 µm) for the entire lifespan of the filter, and a 60–250% higher dust absorption coefficient compared to the other tested materials. A filtration composite bed constructed from a group of materials with different filtration parameters can be, due to its high filtration efficiency, accuracy, and dust absorption, an excellent filter material for engine intake air. The composite's filtration parameters will depend on the type of filter layers and their order relative to the aerosol flow. This paper presents a methodology for the selection and testing of various filter materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Studies have recently shown a correlation between the elemental components of coal dusts, including potassium aluminosilicates, and the lung response as a potential driver for lung diseases associated with inhalation of coal dust. Here we aimed to systematically review the evidence for the association between exposure to potassium bearing dusts and lung outcomes in human studies as well as adverse cellular response in animal/cell culture studies. Methods: A systematic search of the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Embase and Web of Science was conducted in May 2024. Studies regarding exposure to potassium bearing dusts and aluminosilicates and respiratory consequence were included in the search. Articles were screened, with a secondary assessment for relevance and extraction of key information using a systematic review process. Results: We identified 64 studies, of which 35 were human studies, 22 involved animal experiments and 12 were in vitro studies with 5 papers having both in vivo and in vitro studies. Our review found some evidence that a range of potassium rich dusts increased incidence of respiratory symptoms and lung diseases, although the effect on radiological changes in the lung and pulmonary function loss was not consistent. The in vivo animal and in vitro studies consistently demonstrated an inflammatory response and cytotoxic effect after exposure to these dusts. Conclusion: Given complexity in the dust compositions and lack of direct evidence attributing these specific responses to potassium, we are not able to conclude the effect of potassium minerals in coal on development of respiratory diseases, warranting further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust is one of the environmental problems that directly affects the performance of solar energy systems. The goal of the present paper was to study and model the performance loss of a photovoltaic panel under the effect of dust deposition. The experiments were performed using two similar panels with and without dust deposition during 8 days in spring 2020, Ilam Township, Ilam, Iran. The voltage, current, and power loss were calculated under the effects of different dust deposition values. Different regression models were developed to predict performance loss of the panel with dust deposition. The results indicated that voltage, current, and power values decreased by 2.35–3.33%, 24.81–78.46%, and 26.57–79.18%, respectively, with increase of the deposited dust from 42.86 to 236.94 g.m−2. Based on the results, there was found that the quadratic models were better to predict the performance loss of the photovoltaic panel with accuracy of 64.16, 95.89, and 91.55% for voltage, current, and power loss, respectively. The developed models in the presented research can be used to predict the starting time of the cleaning process or fault diagnoses of photovoltaic panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers extreme dusty conditions at workplaces in underground coal mine. These extreme conditions stem from various physical factors that affect employees' performance. The extreme effect of the dust can significantly contribute to permanent health damage or even the death of employees. In this study, we present and discuss the results of measurements of airborne dust and respiratory dust taken during wall cutting in a coal mine and propose effective measures to reduce the burden on the life and health of employees and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the dust acoustic wave is studied in conditions where the dust temperature is not constant. This model includes negatively charged dust particles and thermal ions. The reductive perturbation technique is used and the new point in this study is the nonuniformity of the plasma temperature. The nonconstancy of the temperature is entered as a first-order perturbation in the calculations, and finally the modified Korteweg–de Vries (mKdV) equation is derived. The solution of the modified KdV equation clarifies the change in soliton shape of the wave when it moves in the perturbation plasma. We show how the soliton wave undergoes deformation and amplitude reduction during propagation when it encounters a region with a different temperature. The output of this research can be effective to better understand the wave behavior in a real plasma with nonuniform temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Mining Magazine is the property of China Mining Magazine Co., Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Bisphenol S (BPS), an environmental endocrine disruptor, has been identified in global environmental matrices. Nevertheless, limited studies have investigated the presence of chlorinated analogues of BPS (Clx-BPSs) with potential estrogenic activities in environmental matrices. In this study, the occurrence of BPS and five types of Clx-BPSs was characterized in indoor dust (n = 178) from Hangzhou City. BPS was measurable in 94% of indoor dust samples, with an average level of 0.63 μg/g (1-BPS (2-chloro-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonylphenol; detection frequency 70%), Cl2-BPS-2 (2-chloro-4-(3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonylphenol; 65%), and Cl2-BPS-1 (2,6-dichloro-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonylphenol; 61%) were among the frequently detected Clx-BPSs. Cl1-BPS was the most abundant analyte, with an average of 0.048 μg/g (2-BPS-1 (0.035 μg/g, 2-BPS-2 (0.031 μg/g, 1-BPS (p < 0.01), as well as between BPS and Cl2-BPS-1 (p < 0.01). Moreover, an estimation was made for the total daily intake of Clx-BPSs via the ingestion of indoor dust by infants, children, and adults. This study presents the first evidence of the existence of Clx-BPSs in indoor dust, concurrently highlighting the necessity to address their potential human exposure risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposed a fine dust detection system using time-interleaved counters in which surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors changed the resonance point characteristic. When fine dust was applied to the SAW sensor, the resonance point decreased. The SAW oscillator made of the SAW sensor and radio frequency (RF) amplifier generated an oscillation frequency that was the same as the resonance frequency. The oscillation frequency was transferred to digital data by a 20-bit asynchronous counter. This system has two channels: a sensing channel and a reference channel. Each channel has a SAW oscillator and a 20-bit asynchronous counter. The difference of the two channel counter results is the frequency difference. Through this, it is possible to know whether fine dust adheres to the SAW sensor. The proposed circuit achieved 0.95 ppm frequency resolution when it was operated at a frequency of 460 MHz. This circuit was implemented in a TSMC 130 nm CMOS process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An edge-cloud computing collaborative dust concentration detection architecture is proposed for real-time operation of intelligent algorithms to reduce the warning delay. And, an end-to-end three-channel convolutional neural network (E2E-SCNN) method is proposed in the paper to facilitate intelligent monitoring and management of dust concentration in tobacco production workshops. This model, which includes three sub-networks-a local feature branch, a global feature branch, and a spatial feature branch, learns the detail texture, overall layout, and spatial distribution information of the input image respectively. A fusion of the three complementary features is performed at the end of the network for the final dust concentration regression prediction. The design, when compared with the single network structure that directly regresses the entire image, is shown to more fully represent the overall information of the image and enhance monitoring performance. A richly annotated image dataset of tobacco production workshops is constructed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The prediction error of E2E-SCNN is compared with existing image estimation algorithms, dual-channel networks, and other methods on this dataset using indicators such as Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and R 2 . It is shown by the results that excellent performance is achieved by the E2E-SCNN algorithm, significantly surpassing other comparison methods. The paper demonstrates that the accuracy and robustness of dust concentration prediction can be greatly improved by using a three-channel convolutional neural network spatial information monitoring framework. This achievement provides an effective means for dust supervision and governance during the tobacco production process and offers a technical route that can be referred to for image analysis tasks in other similar fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The material most commonly used to filter and clean the intake air of vehicle internal combustion engines is pleated filter paper, which in most cases is shaped in the form of a cylinder or panel. The production technology has a low cost and is not complicated. In addition to high separation efficiency and filtration performance, pleated filter media are required to have low initial pressure drop, which depends on the geometry of the bed. Much research has been conducted in this area. Dust accumulated in the filter bed causes an increase in pressure drop, which is the cause of deformation and sticking of pleats. The lack of stability of the pleats, the need to strengthen them, and the need to obtain small sizes while achieving high efficiency and accuracy of filtration of engine intake air was the reason for the development of a different design and a new technology for making filter cartridges called PowerCore. The distinctive feature of these filters is axial flow in one direction of the air stream, which avoids turbulence and thus minimizes pressure drop. This paper presents a comparative analysis of a standard PowerCore and PowerCore G2 filter bed and two cylindrical filters with a pleated filter bed made of cellulose and polyester. The conditions and methodology of experimental testing of filters with test dust are presented. During the tests, the characteristics of separation efficiency and filtration performance, as well as pressure drop as a function of the mass of dust retained on the filter of two PowerCore filters and two cylindrical filters were performed. Three specimens of test filters with the same filtration area were made from each sample of filter bed. The results showed that in each test of the filter bed, there is an initial filtration period characterized by low (96–98%) initial separation efficiency and the presence of large (dpmax) dust grains. As the dust loading of the bed increases, the separation efficiency and filtration performance obtain higher and higher values. The initial period of filtration ends when the conventional value (99.9%) of separation efficiency is reached. The duration of this period depends on the type of filter bed and for the PowerCore G2 filter ends for a dust loading of km = 33.1 g/m2, and for the cellulose filter for km = 117.3 g/m2. During the initial period, the air behind the PowerCore G2 filter contains grains with sizes in the range of dpmax = 9–16 µm. Behind the cellulose filter, dust grains are much larger, dpmax = 17–35 µm. The total operating time of the PowerCore G2 filter, limited by the achievement of the permittivity resistance Δpwdop = 3 kPa, is twice that of the other filter compositions tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is of great concern in the modern-day atmosphere owing to its association with a variety of health impacts, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Of the various size fractions of PM, it is the finer fractions that are most harmful to health, in particular ultrafine particles (PM0.1; UFPs), with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 100 nm. The smaller size fractions, of ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5; fine particles) and ≤0.1 µm (PM0.1; ultrafine particles), have been shown to have numerous linkages to negative health effects; however, their collection/sampling remains challenging. This review paper employed a comprehensive literature review methodology; 200 studies were evaluated based on the rigor of their methodologies, including the validity of experimental designs, data collection methods, and statistical analyses. Studies with robust methodologies were prioritised for inclusion. This review paper critically assesses the health risks associated with fine and ultrafine particles, highlighting vehicular emissions as the most significant source of particulate-related health effects. While coal combustion, diesel exhaust, household wood combustors' emissions, and Earth's crust dust also pose health risks, evidence suggests that exposure to particulates from vehicular emissions has the greatest impact on human health due to their widespread distribution and contribution to air pollution-related diseases. This article comprehensively examines current sampling technologies, specifically focusing on the collection and sampling of ultrafine particles (UFP) from ambient air to facilitate toxicological and physiochemical characterisation efforts. This article discusses diverse approaches to collect fine and ultrafine particulates, along with experimental endeavours to assess ultrafine particle concentrations across various microenvironments. Following meticulous evaluation of sampling techniques, high-volume air samplers such as the Chem Vol Model 2400 High Volume Cascade Impactor and low-volume samplers like the Personal Cascade Impactor Sampler (PCIS) emerge as effective methods. These techniques offer advantages in particle size fractionation, collection efficiency, and adaptability to different sampling environments, positioning them as valuable tools for precise characterisation of particulate matter in air quality research and environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-source ferrous metallurgical dust and sludge are significant components of iron-containing solid waste in the iron and steel industry. It is crucial for the sustainable operation of steel enterprises to recycle iron from ferrous metallurgical dust and sludge (FMDS) for use in steel smelting. However, besides Fe, FMDS also contains valuable elements such as Zn, Pb, K, and Na, among others. While these valuable elements hold high recovery value, they impede the direct reuse of FMDS by iron and steel enterprises. This paper introduces the compositional characteristics of multi-source ferrous metallurgical dust and sludge, analyzes the main recycling technologies associated with FMDS at the present stage of development, and discusses the characteristics of different technologies. In view of this, a new idea of the "cooperative treatment of multi-source ferrous metallurgical dust and sludge—full quantitative recovery of valuable elements" is put forward. This new idea integrates a variety of treatment processes to directly recycle FMDS within the steel plant, enhancing the adequacy of dust and sludge recovery and reducing the risk of environmental pollution. This paper provides a reference for achieving the full quantification and utilization of high-value-added FMDS in steel plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuel cell air filter can absorb harmful impurities and gases to fuel cell and is an important component to ensure the service life of fuel cell. The previous researches mainly focus on the activated carbon and filter paper materials in the laboratory. The object of this paper is the fuel cell air filter product assembly being used by the main engine plant. According to the tests of air filters with different carbon contents, it was found that the adsorption efficiency of current products for NO2 was better than that of C7H8, SO2 and C4H10. Based on the adsorption mechanism of activated carbon for different gases, the adsorption difference was explained. The testes also found that there was no direct relationship between the change of carbon content of products containing activated carbon and the fractional filtration efficiency. The main reason is that the gap between the activated carbon particles is large, which cannot effectively intercept dust particles. The filtering of small size particles still depends on the melt-blown layer material in the air filter element and its electrostatic electret process. It was also found that there was a positive correlation between inlet air resistance and carbon content, and a negative correlation between dust holding capacity and carbon content. This test results can help the main engine factory understand the performance and improvement direction of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recognition technology of coal and gangue is one of the key technologies of intelligent mine construction. Aiming at the problems of the low accuracy of coal and gangue recognition models and the difficult recognition of small-target coal and gangue caused by low-illumination and high-dust environments in the coal mine working face, a coal and gangue recognition model based on the improved YOLOv7-tiny target detection algorithm is proposed. This paper proposes three model improvement methods. The coordinate attention mechanism is introduced to improve the feature expression ability of the model. The contextual transformer module is added after the spatial pyramid pooling structure to improve the feature extraction ability of the model. Based on the idea of the weighted bidirectional feature pyramid, the four branch modules in the high-efficiency layer aggregation network are weighted and cascaded to improve the recognition ability of the model for useful features. The experimental results show that the average precision mean of the improved YOLOv7-tiny model is 97.54%, and the FPS is 24.73 f·s−1. Compared with the Faster-RCNN, YOLOv3, YOLOv4, YOLOv4-VGG, YOLOv5s, YOLOv7, and YOLOv7-tiny models, the improved YOLOv7-tiny model has the highest recognition rate and the fastest recognition speed. Finally, the improved YOLOv7-tiny model is verified by field tests in coal mines, which provides an effective technical means for the accurate identification of coal and gangue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Paper dust has previously been linked to adverse health effects. However, a comprehensive dataset of paper dust exposures does not appear to have been published previously. Our study was intended to address this need by describing a large dataset of measurements made in Swedish soft tissue paper mills. Methods We compiled personal and area total dust exposure measurements collected from a range of operations by our research staff at four soft tissue paper mills in Sweden. We also compiled measurements made by the occupational health staff at each mill and the Swedish Work Environment Authority. We analyzed these measurements to describe patterns and trends in exposures and used mixed-effects regression models to identify measurement characteristics that predicted exposure levels. Results We compiled 1578 measurements from 1971 to 2009, of which 1026 (65%) were personal samples. Statistically significant differences were found between measurements made by research, mill, and Swedish Work Environment Authority staff, as well as between personal and area measurements. The measurement data suggest that, beginning in the 1980s, exposures declined at three of the four mills, but that overexposures were still common at the end of the period. Papermaking and converting operations had the highest observed dust exposures. One mill had significantly lower exposures than the others. Type of measurement (personal versus area) and source of measurement (research staff, company, or regulatory agency) were not significant predictors of measured total dust exposure after controlling for mill, operation, and time. Conclusions Our analysis of measured paper dust exposures may be useful for historical and contemporary exposure assessment in our own and other epidemiological studies. We have identified specific characteristics (i.e. papermaking operations and mill) and time trends that are important data features to consider, and documented continuing overexposure situations. Our results highlight the ongoing need for application of exposure controls to reduce paper dust exposures in the soft tissue paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Total paper dust exposure has been associated with respiratory problems among workers in the soft tissue paper industry. However, a comprehensive job exposure matrix (JEM) has not been developed for application to this industry. Our study was intended to address this need and to support further studies of mortality and morbidity in a cohort of Swedish workers from this industry. Methods: We evaluated four participating soft tissue paper mills in Sweden. We combined information on process and equipment status from the mills with knowledge of the mills obtained through research efforts and paper dust measurements made at all four mills to develop a semi‐quantitative JEM with seven dust exposure levels. The JEM was targeted at workers enrolled into a soft tissue paper mill cohort and working any time between 1960 and 2009. Results: The JEM includes a total of 14 421 cells, with each cell corresponding to the exposure for a job title, department, or work location for a one‐year period. Exposure levels in the JEM were estimated to decline at three of the four mills from 1971 to 2009, but overexposures (ie, exceedances of the relevant occupational exposure limits) remained common at the end of the period. Conclusions: The JEM results highlight the need for ongoing exposure control efforts in the soft tissue paper industry, and will inform ongoing epidemiological studies of the health effects of exposure to paper dust in Sweden. It is freely available for use by other researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We report a simple paper filter-based cross flow filtration method for air purification. We have examined a monolith filter array with a cross flow ratio of 1.0 and parallel and staggered filter arrays with a cross flow ratio of about 0.7 in terms of pressure drop and collection efficiency. The monolith filter array shows a monotonic increase in pressure drop from approximately 0.9 to 2.1 kPa. The parallel and staggered filter arrays reduce the increase in pressure drop, which can be maintained as low as 0.8 kPa over the entire range of dust loadings examined. The monolith filter array shows the highest collection efficiency, which is more than 95% over the entire range of dust loadings examined. The collection efficiency of the parallel and staggered filter arrays is initially as high as 70% and decreases to 30% when the dust loading increases to 40 and 100 g m−2, respectively. In particular, collected particles are more uniformly distributed on the staggered filter array than on the parallel filter array, resulting in the initial collection efficiency of 70% being sustained for a longer time. This uniform distribution in the staggered filter array may prevent a rapid increase in local pressure drop. This study provides insight into the development of filtration systems using simple paper filters without increasing the pressure drop and decreasing the collection efficiency. Copyright © 2022 American Association for Aerosol Research [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study respiratory effects of exposure to soft paper dust exposure, a relationship that is rarely studied. Methods: Soft tissue paper mill workers at a Swedish paper mill were investigated using a questionnaire and lung function and atopy screening. Spirometry without bronchodilation was performed with a dry wedge spirometer, and forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were obtained and expressed as percent predicted. Exposure to soft paper dust was assessed from historical stationary and personal measurements of total dust, in addition to historical information about the work, department, and production. The impact of high exposure to soft paper dust (> 5 mg/m3) vs. lower exposure ≤ 5 mg/m3, as well as cumulative exposure, was analyzed using multiple linear regression models. Multivariate models were adjusted for smoking, atopy, gender, and body mass index. Results: One hundred ninety-eight current workers (124 male and 74 female) were included. There were significant associations between both cumulative exposure and years of high exposure to soft paper dust and impaired lung function. Each year of high exposure to soft paper dust was associated with a 0.87% decrease in FEV1 [95% confidence interval (CI) − 1.39 to − 0.35] and decreased FVC (− 0.54%, 95% CI − 1.00 to − 0.08) compared to the lower exposed workers. Conclusions: The present study shows that occupational exposure to soft paper dust (years exceeding 5 mg/m3 total dust) is associated with lung function impairment and increased prevalence of obstructive lung function impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on the combined use of two by-products, namely quarry dust (QD) and ferronickel slag (FNS), as a full substitute for natural sand to improve the greenness of concrete production. Quarry dust was used in increments of 25% to a maximum of 75% substitution, where nickel slag was used as the remaining proportion of fine aggregate. All the combinations of quarry dust and nickel slag were found to be compliant with AS 2758.1 and they showed notably better grading than 100% sand. In this research, standard concrete tests, such as the slump test for fresh concrete, and compression, tensile and shrinkage tests for hardened concrete, were conducted. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were also conducted for microstructural investigation. The results concluded that the combinations of quarry dust and nickel slag in concrete as a whole substitution of sand provide similar results for these properties. Specifically, 25% quarry dust with 75% nickel slag proved to be the most promising alternative to sand, with compressive and splitting tensile strengths of 62 and 4.29 MPa, respectively, which were 16% and 20% higher than those of the control mix. Also, lower drying shrinkage was observed for this combination compared to the control mix. The higher strength is attributed to the rough texture and angular shape of both quarry dust and nickel slag providing a better mechanical interlocking. The validity of this result has also been confirmed through image analysis of micrographs from various specimens. In microstructural investigations, specimens with QD and FNS exhibited fewer voids and a more compact surface compared to the control specimen. This shows the potential for further research into the use of quarry dust and nickel slag in the production of green concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of South American biomass burning (BB) aerosols transported over northern and central Argentina were investigated from July to December 2019. This period was chosen due to the high aerosol optical depth values found in the region and because simultaneously intensive biomass burning took place over the Amazon. More specifically, a combination of remote sensing observations with simulated air parcel back trajectories was used to link the optical and physical properties of three BB aerosol events that affected Pilar Observatory (PO, Argentina, 31°41′S, 63°53′W, 338 m above sea level), with low-level atmospheric circulation patterns and with types of vegetation burned in specific fire regions. The lidar observations at the PO site were used for the first time to characterize the vertical extent and structure of BB aerosol plumes as well as their connection with the planetary boundary layer, and dust particles. Based mainly on the air-parcel trajectories, a local transport regime and a long transport regime were identified. We found that in all the BB aerosol event cases studied in this paper, light-absorbing fine-mode aerosols were detected, resulting mainly from a mixture of aging smoke and dust particles. In the remote transport regime, the main sources of the BB aerosols reaching PO were associated with Amazonian rainforest wildfires. These aerosols were transported into northern and central Argentina within a strong low-level jet circulation. During the local transport regime, the BB aerosols were linked with closer fires related to tropical forests, cropland, grassland, and scrub/shrubland vegetation types in southeastern South America. Moreover, aerosols carried by the remote transport regime were associated with a high aerosol loading and enhanced aging and relatively smaller particle sizes, while aerosols associated with the local transport pattern were consistently less affected by the aging effect and showed larger sizes and low aerosol loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As urbanization continues, construction-related dust has emerged as a significant contributor to urban air pollution. A comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impact of construction dust necessitates an understanding of the pollution discharge from an urban perspective. Consequently, this paper proposes a construction dust emission inventory construction method from the urban perspective, which combines remote sensing image interpretation and the emission factor method. On this basis, a particulate matter emission inventory of construction dust sources in Guangzhou in 2020 is established, and the emission characteristics of the study area are analyzed using a 2kmx2km grid distribution. The findings of this research provide a crucial data foundation for high-resolution pollutant diffusion simulations and environmental impact assessments. They also offer a macro perspective for observing construction pollution, which can be utilized by the government to monitor and control pollution from an urban perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, we have demonstrated a method to record the longitudinal phase-space distribution of a pulsed cryogenic buffer gas cooled beam of barium fluoride molecules with high resolution. In this paper, we use this method to determine the influence of various source parameters. Besides the expected dependence on temperature and pressure, the forward velocity of the molecules is strongly correlated with the time they exit the cell, revealing the dynamics of the gas inside the cell. Three observations are particularly noteworthy: (1) The velocity of the barium fluoride molecules increases rapidly as a function of time, reaches a maximum 50–200 µ s after the ablation pulse and then decreases exponentially. We attribute this to the buffer gas being heated up by the plume of hot atoms released from the target by the ablation pulse and subsequently being cooled down via conduction to the cell walls. (2) The time constant associated with the exponentially decreasing temperature increases when the source is used for a longer period of time, which we attribute to the formation of a layer of isolating dust on the walls of the cell. By thoroughly cleaning the cell, the time constant is reset to its initial value. (3) The velocity of the molecules at the trailing end of the molecular pulse depends on the length of the cell. For short cells, the velocity is significantly higher than expected from the sudden freeze model. We attribute this to the target remaining warm over the duration of the molecular pulse giving rise to a temperature gradient within the cell. Our observations will help to optimize the source parameters for producing the most intense molecular beam at the target velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the first to examine the operation of the HawkEye satellite in the presence of dust aerosol. The study region is the Black Sea. Dust transport dates were identified using visual inspection of satellite imagery, back-kinematic HYSPLIT trajectory analysis, CALIPSO aerosol stratification and typing maps, and the global forecasting model SILAM. In a comparative analysis of in-situ and satellite measurements of the remote sensing reflectance, an error in the atmospheric correction of HawkEye measurements was found both for a clean atmosphere and in the presence of an absorbing aerosol. It is shown that, on average, the dependence of the atmospheric correction error on wavelength has the form of a power function of the form from λ−3 to λ−9. The largest errors are in the short-wavelength region of the spectrum (412–443 nm) for the dust and dusty marine aerosol domination dates. A comparative analysis of satellite and in situ measurements of the optical characteristics of the atmosphere, namely the AOD and the Ångström parameter, was carried out. It is shown that the aerosol model used by HawkEye underestimates the Angström parameter and, most likely, large errors and outliers in satellite measurements are associated with this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring safe and comfortable working conditions for miners in potash mines is an urgent and unresolved problem, primarily due to the high intensity of dust emissions. This is especially true for poorly studied situations when the main dust source is the area of ore transfer from the borer miner to the shuttle car. In this paper, we explore the possibilities of reducing dustiness in the atmosphere of a blind heading with an operating borer miner through the implementation of a combined ventilation system. This system integrates both exhaust and forcing ventilation ducts extending to the mouth of the blind heading. A significant innovation of this system is the prioritization of the exhaust fan over the blower fan. The efficacy of the proposed system has been evaluated both theoretically and experimentally. The theoretical analysis involved conducting 3D numerical simulations of dust-air distribution in a blind heading. The stationary turbulent flow of the air-dust mixture in the mine was calculated, taking into account the operating borer miner. The model's validity was confirmed against data from a full-scale experiment. A noticeable reduction in dust concentration was observed in the work areas of the borer miner and shuttle car when using the combined ventilation system compared to forcing ventilation. Based on these model findings, pilot tests of the effectiveness of the combined ventilation system were carried out in a real heading of a potash mine. They showed a reduction in dust concentration by 40-52% compared to the original version of the forcing ventilation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy conversion performance of commercial photovoltaic (PV) systems is only 15–20 percent; moreover, a rise in working temperature mitigates this low efficiency. To enhance their performance and prevent damage, researchers test new technologies and integrate heat recovery devices with PV systems. Concentrated photovoltaic systems (CPVs) are especially vulnerable to high radiation levels. This paper explores novel cooling techniques for PV systems, an area that has not been extensively investigated before. The cooling methods are categorized into front-surface and back-surface cooling methods, offering a unique perspective on how to keep PV systems cool. Moreover, the paper delves into the advancements made in PV cooling systems and CPVs, shedding light on the cutting-edge developments in this field. The results demonstrate the profound impact of various operational factors, such as radiation and wind speed, on the selection of suitable cooling systems or heat recovery methods. These findings unveil the crucial importance of considering these factors when choosing cooling techniques, adding a compelling dimension to the research. For example, it was depicted that optical cooling techniques can enhance the performance of PV systems by up to 4.2% and the solar-to-heat conversion efficiency by up to 47%. Furthermore, this research ventures into uncharted territory by subjecting both the front and back sides of the PV module to active and passive cooling techniques under differing work conditions. The comprehensive list provided here exhaustively describes the advantages, disadvantages, and developments of each technique, revealing the novelty of the approaches explored in this paper. It was reported that back cooling techniques can decline the cell temperature of PV systems by up to 57.8% and grow the electrical and thermal efficiencies by up to 82.6% and 97.75%, respectively. The groundbreaking nature of this research lies in its ability to empower decision-makers to select the optimal cooling system based on specific requirements and environmental factors, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practical application. The paper also introduces a new concept of cooling using hydrogel, a 3D porous network structure that can enhance photovoltaic energy conversion and storage, and reviews two recent studies that demonstrated the effectiveness of hydrogel cooling methods for PV panels. Moreover, the paper discusses the issue of dust deposition and mitigation, which affects the performance and lifetime of PV modules, and evaluates various methods for cleaning or reducing dust on PV panels, such as manual, passive, self-cleaning, and mechanical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of sand and dust pollution on the sensitive structures of flow sensors in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is a hot issue in current MEMS reliability research. However, previous studies on sand and dust contamination have only searched for sensor accuracy degradation due to heat conduction in sand and dust cover and have yet to search for other failure-inducing factors. This paper aims to discover the other inducing factors for the accuracy failure of MEMS flow sensors under sand and dust pollution by using a combined model simulation and sample test method. The accuracy of a flow sensor is mainly reflected by the size of its thermistor, so in this study, the output value of the thermistor value was chosen as an electrical characterization parameter to verify the change in the sensor's accuracy side by side. The results show that after excluding the influence of heat conduction, when sand particles fall on the device, the mutual friction between the sand particles will produce an electrostatic current; through the principle of electrostatic dissipation into the thermistor, the principle of measurement leads to the resistance value becoming smaller, and when the sand dust is stationary for some time, the resistance value returns to the expected level. This finding provides theoretical guidance for finding failure-inducing factors in MEMS failure modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spray dust reduction is one of the most economical and effective technologies for controlling coal dust in coal mining faces. We aimed to reproduce a spray dust reduction process in a simulation and investigate the mechanism by which the spray angle and airflow speed influence the dust reduction effect. Based on the DPM (discrete phase model) and the mixture model, we constructed a spray dust reduction evaluation model by considering two-way momentum coupling between the discrete phase and the continuous phase. The results showed that installing nozzles near the dust source (coal mining drum) significantly reduced the dust concentration at the coal mining face from 0.0005 kg/m3 to 0.0001 kg/m3. The increase in airflow speed and spray angle enhanced the horizontal transportation of droplets and dust, providing opportunities for the droplets to condense the dust; however, if the droplets have too large an angle, this will result in an insufficient concentration of droplets in the vicinity of the dust source. When the spray angle is 45°, increasing the airflow speed provides a better dust reduction effect. The nozzle position should also be set scientifically according to the airflow speed. Based on simulation results, a mathematical calculation model of spray dust reduction efficiency was constructed. These results can guide the key parameters of spray dust reduction systems, such as the installation position of the nozzle, the spray angle, and the airflow speed. This paper provides ideas for simulating spray dust reduction for other dust types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfide ore dust is at risk of explosion. To analyze the concentration distribution of sulfide ore dust in the ore loading, transporting, and unloading operations, the migration and dispersion processes of sulfide ore dust were simulated by using FLUENT software and taking the dust generation rate, roadway air velocity, and dust source position as variables. The concentration of sulfide ore dust was analyzed from the four-dimensional perspective of time and space. The results show that the maximum concentration of sulfide ore dust is determined by the dust generation rate. The roadway air velocity exhibits dual effects on the migration and deposition of sulfide ore dust. The ore loading position significantly impacts the distribution of sulfide ore dust, manifesting in varying degrees of superposition effects. Based on the results, this paper proposes a comprehensive dust reduction measure in the form of water curtain and dynamic ventilation, effectively minimizing the concentration of sulfide mine dust within the roadway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric aerosols affect human health and influence atmospheric and biological processes. Dust can be transported long distances in the atmosphere, and the mechanisms that influence dust transport are not fully understood. To improve the database for numerical models that simulate dust transport, measurements are needed that cover both the vertical distribution of the dust and its size distribution. In addition to measurements with crewed aircraft, uncrewed aircraft systems (UASs) provide a particularly suitable platform for this purpose. In this paper, we present a payload for the small fixed-wing UAS of the type Multiple-Purpose Airborne Sensor Carrier 3 (MASC-3) for aerosol particle measurements that is based on the optical particle counter (OPC) OPC-N3 (Alphasense, United Kingdom), modified by the addition of a dryer and a passive aspiration system (OPC-Pod). Based on field tests with a reference instrument in Mannheim, Germany, wind tunnel tests, and a comparison measurement with the UAS-mounted aerosol particle measurement Universal Cloud and Aerosol Sounding System (UCASS) during a dust event over Cyprus, we show that the OPC-Pod can measure particle number concentrations in the range of 0.66–31 μm as well as particle size distributions. The agreement of the OPC-Pod with UCASS is good. Both instruments resolve a vertical profile of the Saharan dust event, with a prominent dust layer between 1500 and 2800 m MSL, with particle number concentrations up to 35 cm−3 for particles between 0.66 and 31 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To develop an environmentally friendly technology for drilling and blasting operations in quarries that will ensure effective degassing and dust suppression during mass explosions by using a natural humate reagent in internal and external hydro-filling. Methodology. The study used a set of research methods: analytical – to establish the main technical and economic indicators that affect the cost of drilling and blasting operations; technical and economic analysis – to establish the relationship between the cost of operations, air pollution after massive explosions and types of hydro-fillings and concentrations of humate reagent. Findings. The paper presents the results of pilot tests of the effectiveness of applying the humate reagent in the preliminary humidification of blocks and its use in internal and external hydro-filling, which leads to a significant reduction in dust formation and degassing of mass explosions. During the period of production research from 2017 to 2021, the environmental efficiency of the use of internal and external hydro-filling with the use of humate reagent TU U 20.5-43384697-001:2020 was confirmed at the enterprises of the Metinvest Holding: PJSC Inhulets Mining and Processing Plant, Pivnichnyi Mining and Processing Plant, Tsentralnyi Mining and Processing Plant, as well as ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, JSC Pivdennyi Mining and Processing Plant and Rudomain LLC. When using an aqueous solution of humate reagent with a concentration of 3 % in internal and external hydrofilling, the environmental effect involves on average: dust suppression – 54 %; neutralization of carbon monoxide – 62 %; neutralization of nitrogen oxides – 55 %. The results of industrial tests have confirmed scientific hypotheses regarding the processes of binding dust particles in the dust and gas cloud, as well as the effect of neutralizing explosive gases. Originality. Dependences of the concentration of humate reagent in internal and external hydro-filling and binding of dust particles during mass explosions with environmental efficiency in terms of dust and gas suppression were established. Industrial research will allow confirming the scientific hypothesis about the neutralization of CO by a humate reagent in mass explosions, which is based on the Langmuir theory. Practical value. An eco-oriented technology of drilling and blasting operations in quarries has been developed which is based on using humate reagents in internal and external hydro-filling and allows industrial enterprises using massive explosions to reduce dust, carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the influence of various parts of the structure of a wet dust removal fan for mining (including the number of driving impeller blades, the airfoil of the driving impeller blades, the number of driven impeller blades, the rear guide vane, the swirl guide vane, and the length of the outlet section) on dust removal performance, a wet dust removal fan for mining was modeled according to different structural parameters. The internal flow field and dust removal of the fan were then numerically simulated using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method. The results show that after the airflow passes through the swirl guide vane of the dust removal fan, there is an obvious swirl flow in the exit section of the dust removal fan. Under the action of centrifugal force, a large amount of dust is collected on the side wall of the exit section. With the increase in the number of driving impeller blades, the total pressure efficiency, static pressure efficiency, and dust removal efficiency of the dust removal fan decrease. When the driving impeller blade adopts the C-4 airfoil, the total pressure efficiency and static pressure efficiency of the dust removal fan are higher but the dust removal efficiency is lower than that of the same thickness circular plate airfoil. With the increase in the number of driven impeller blades, the power of the driving impeller shaft of the dust removal fan gradually increases; the total pressure and static pressure values first increase and then decrease; and the driven impeller speed, total pressure efficiency, static pressure efficiency, and dust removal efficiency gradually decrease. Adding the rear guide vane structure can improve the total pressure efficiency and static pressure efficiency of the dust removal fan but will reduce the dust removal efficiency of the dust removal fan. The increase in the swirl guide vane structure will reduce the total pressure efficiency and static pressure efficiency of the dust removal fan but the dust removal efficiency will be significantly improved. The extension of the outlet section of the dust removal fan will reduce the total pressure efficiency and static pressure efficiency of the dust removal fan, but the dust removal efficiency will increase. In this paper, by changing the structural parameters of the dust removal fan and establishing different models for numerical simulation and analysis, the influence law of the structural parameters of the dust removal fan on the dust removal performance is obtained, providing a way to improve the performance of the dust removal fan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In engineering pulse-jet dust collector applications, the filtration area and injection pressure are chosen mostly based on experience. The peak pressure is tested under different injection pressures and filtration areas controlled by an electromagnetic valve, and then comprehensively analyzes the effects of dust intensity, uniformity, and air consumption on dust cleaning to obtain a better filtration area controlled by an electromagnetic valve and injection pressure. The results show that considering the uniformity and intensity of dust cleaning, the filtration area of 33 m2 under the injection pressure of 0.4 MPa should be preferentially selected, with a standard deviation of 0.246 and a variance of 0.061. The filtration area of 27 m2 under the injection pressure of 0.3 MPa should be preferentially selected considering the unit air consumption, uniformity, and intensity of dust cleaning, the standard deviation of 0.252, and the variance of 0.064. The paper presents a theoretical foundation for selecting the optimal injection pressure and filter area regulated by an electromagnetic valve in pulse-jet dust collector systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental investigations of the effectiveness of the pretreatment of the acid leaching process of a representative sample of electric arc furnace dust (EAF dust) and characterization of a representative sample were performed. As EAF dust is globally defined as hazardous solid industrial waste, and it contains a high percentage of zinc and other useful components, in this paper, the application of pretreatment will be carried out in order to increase the efficiency of the further process of acid leaching, all with the aim of using EAF dust as a secondary raw material for metal valorization. The pretreatment involved the application of a simple process of leaching the EAF dust sample with distilled water. Under the following defined optimal leaching conditions: time—30 min, ratio of solid to liquid phase—1:10, temperature—ambient, and stirring speed—500 rpm, a reduction in the content of water-soluble components was achieved, namely, 83% Cl, 92% K, 74% Na, 14% Cd, 15% Ca, and 19% F. The application of the pretreatment enables significantly better filtration of the suspension and increases the leaching efficiency of zinc and other useful components in the further process of leaching EAF dust with a sulfuric acid solution, compared with the process of direct acid leaching of EAF dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores linear waves' instability in nonuniform complex plasmas with dust size distribution and non-adiabatic dust charge fluctuation. For this purpose, the dispersion relation is obtained with the aid of linearizing the hydrodynamic equations governing the properties of linear waves. The contribution of physical parameters such as inhomogeneity, nonadiabatic dust charge fluctuation, and dust size distribution to the features of dust acoustic waves is examined at great length. The numerical results show that the present research results are very important in the phenomenon of space astrophysical and experimental plasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adhesion of Martian surface dust to solar panels has been a longstanding challenge for Mars mission researchers. Anti-dust coatings have been developed to deter the adsorption of dust particles onto these solar panels. However, current ground testing methods struggle to accurately verify and assess the coating's ability to inhibit dust particle adsorption. Consequently, this paper introduces a computational model capable of calculating the contact force between fine particles and the coated surface. This model, grounded in the classical adhesive elastic interactions paradigm, establishes a normal force solution by approximating the pressure distribution on the contact area between the sphere and the coating, subsequently computing the composite force acting on the particle. Utilizing the API module of the EDEM simulation platform, we conducted simulations of the motion of fine particles on both smooth and coated plates. The results reveal that van der Waals forces are more prominent for light-mass particles, and the application of the coating can diminish the pull of these forces, facilitating easier detachment of dust particles from the plate surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video surveillance is widely used in monitoring environmental pollution, particularly harmful dust. Currently, manual video monitoring remains the predominant method for analyzing potential pollution, which is inefficient and prone to errors. In this paper, we introduce a new unsupervised method based on latent diffusion models. Specifically, we propose a spatio-temporal network structure, which better integrates the spatial and temporal features of videos. Our conditional guidance mechanism samples frames of input videos to guide high-quality generation and obtains frame-level anomaly scores, comparing generated videos with original ones. We also propose an efficient compression strategy to reduce computational costs, allowing the model to perform in a latent space. The superiority of our method was demonstrated by numerical experiments in three public benchmarks and practical application analysis in coal mining over previous SOTA methods with better AUC, of at most over 3%. Our method accurately detects abnormal patterns in multiple challenging environmental monitoring scenarios, illustrating the potential application possibilities in the environmental protection domain and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]