1. Degradation analysis of 1-10 µm hygroscopic seeding material for rain enhancement purposes.
- Author
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Adhitya, Krisna, Harsanti, Dini, Abdillah, Purnomo Arif, Sembiring, Ray Mundo, Abdurrahman, Muhammad Ikhwan, Arifian, Jon, and Harsoyo, Budi
- Subjects
RAINFALL ,WEATHER control ,CLOUD condensation nuclei ,HUMIDITY ,ENVIRONMENTAL degradation ,RAIN-making ,SEEDS - Abstract
Giant cloud condensation nuclei (GCCN)-based cloud seeding which uses 1-10 µm-sized hygroscopic powder has been known to be an effective warm-cloud seeding material, especially compared to hygroscopic flares in a rain enhancement weather modification operation. This is because it is able to produce 3 times the number of GCCN compared to that from flare-based seeding. The resulting GCCN would then accelerate collision and coalescence process within the clouds, which then result in higher precipitation events. However, one of the main challenges in preparing and utilizing this material is its tendency to coagulate in a room temperature and high humidity environment. Understanding and controlling this property is a major consideration in the use of this material in a weather modification operation. Further, there are not many literatures that discusses degradation behavior from this type of seeding material. I n this research, we have prepared and identified a 10:1 mixture of NaCl powder mixed with Cab-o-Sil anti-caking agent as a potential GCCN seeding material. We use a combination of frequent mechanical mixing, cross-beater (CB) milling and jet mill micronization to produce GCCN powders with the 1-10 µm size distribution. In order to understand and investigate seeding material degradation under such environmental condition, we performed weekly particle size (PSA), mass flow rate and angle of repose analysis to two batches of sample kept under two different conditions, one in a controlled room environment and another in a high humidity, room temperature environment, for a period of 4 weeks. We readily found that after 4 weeks, the mean and D90 particle size changes of the controlled sample are relatively small compared to changes in both parameters in an uncontrolled sample. While after the same period, the uncontrolled sample's flow rate is slightly larger compared to the controlled sample, with both sample's angle of repose showing small or insignificant changes compared to the beginning of experiment. We then conclude that although the 1-10 µm hygroscopic seeding material experiences large changes in particle sizes under a room temperature environment, the material flow characteristics in terms of flow rate and angle of repose does not change significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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