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This study investigated the impact of climate conditions on the quality of essential oils extracted from Apiaceae fruits, specifically coriander (Coriandrum sativum var. microcarpum), aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), and annual caraway (Carum carvi var. annuum) grown at three distinct locations in Serbia over three consecutive years. Field experiments were conducted, and essential oils were extracted using a Clevenger-type apparatus followed by gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis for compound identification. Weather conditions during the vegetation periods were recorded, and statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis, were performed to assess the volatile compound compositions. Results indicate significant correlations among various compounds within each fruit type, with distinct patterns observed across different years. PCA further elucidates the influence of both year and sampling location on the chemical profiles of essential oils. Cluster analysis reveals clustering primarily based on the year of cultivation rather than geographical location, emphasizing the dominant role of weather conditions in shaping essential oil compositions. This study highlights the intricate relationship between climate conditions and the quality of essential oils in Apiaceae fruits, providing valuable insights for optimizing cultivation practices and enhancing essential oil production. In general, climate conditions strongly influence the coriander, anise, and annual caraway cultivation, and also essential oil quality.

The numerical model of the granular flow within an aggregate mixture, conducted in the vertical static and/or the conveyor blender, was explored using the discrete element method (DEM) approach. The blending quality of limestone fine aggregate fractions binary mixture for application in self-compacting concrete was studied. The potential of augmenting the conveyor mixer working efficiency by joining its operation to a Komax-type vertical static mixer, to increase the blending conduct was investigated. In addition the impact of the feed height on the flow field in the cone-shaped conveyor mixer was examined using the DEM simulation. Applying the numerical approach enabled a deeper insight into the quality of blending actions, while the relative standard deviation criteria ranked the uniformity of the mixture. The primary objective of this investigation was to examine the behavior of mixture for two types of blenders and to estimate the combined blending action of these two mixers, to explore the potential to augment the homogeneity of the aggregate fractions binary mixture, i.e., mixing quality, reduce the blending time and to abbreviate the energy-consuming.

The processes of transportation of bulk materials from silos and hoppers are significant in various industrial applications because of their influences on material characteristics and working parameters of the production process. In this paper, a rotating valve feeder, with eight vanes was investigated for transport action of bulk materials, such as wheat, maize and rice, which were ground, using the sieve sizes of 1, 3 and 5 mm. The rotating valve feeders under investigation have proven to be useful in transportation processes despite their construction simplicity. All investigations were done experimentally and numerically, using coupled Discrete Element Method (DEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics calculation (CFD). The influences of different types of bulk materials and its particle size, on the performances of the rotating valve feeder during material transport were explored. The artificial neural network was developed (in the form of a multi-layer perceptron model) in order to optimize the granular flow of the bulk material, showing the high prediction capability of bulk density, dosing time and granular material flow, with the coefficient of determination equal to 0.999 during the training period. The decreasing of the sieve opening diameter caused the decrease in bulk density of the ground material, but statistically significant only for rice, as seen from the experiments and the results of the neural network model. The 5 mm sieve ensured the material with the highest flowability, significantly increasing the granular flow and decreasing the dosing time. The granular particles were modelled as the spheres in the DEM/CFD simulation, with a small-sized triangular surfaces. The DEM/CFD prediction of the mass transport for rice, wheat and maize was quite adequate, obtaining the coefficient of determination being 0.997; 0.998 and 0.849, respectively.

Although the production of copper and its usage has been known for thousands of years, the search for the optimal process of its production is still in progress. The removal of the negative impacts of a certain technology could cost more, over a period of time, than the initial investment in the selection of the optimal technology process which would consider these effects. Hence, the selection should be supported by the innovative and modern tools, such as the applying of the multi-criteria analysis. This paper presents the implementation of the PROMETHEE/GAIA methodology for the ranking of the appropriate technological pyrometallurgical smelting process for the copper concentrate based on the eleven parameters which recognize the economic, ecological and technical aspects of the technological process. The implementation of the multi-criteria decision-making presented in this paper can be deemed as a contribution to the decision making tools, that is, to the one who makes a decision on the selection of the appropriate technological facility for smelting of the copper concentrates. The decision-makers faced with the practical need of evaluating and selecting the most appropriate technological process for pyrometallurgical copper extraction will get the greatest benefit from this multi-criteria model. The innovative contribution of this paper is also presented in the obtained model which systematically analyzes the ecological, economic and technical parameters of the copper extraction process.

In this paper, five types of horizontal single-pitch screw conveyors with modified geometry, with three different lengths (400, 600 and 800 mm) were investigated for transport and auxiliary mixing action of two materials: natural zeolite and quartz aggregate (sand) with particle sizes 3, 4 and 5 mm. The geometry of the screw transporter is changed by welding three additional helices oriented in the same or the opposite direction from screw cutting edges, enabling the premixing of materials, during the transport. The proper mixing of the observed materials provides an adequate disposition of zeolite particles within the composite and prevents agglomeration and interference with cement hydration. Zeolite application as a binder in a building material is a possible solution to environmental pollution problems caused by cement production. The influences of screw length, particle diameter, the studied geometry variations of screw design, on the mixing performances of the screw conveyor-mixer during material transport were explored. All investigations were performed experimentally and numerically, by using Discrete Element Method (DEM). The experimental results and the results of the DEM investigation were used for the development of mathematical models for the prediction of mixing quality, which are presented in the form of second order polynomial and artificial neural network model.

In this paper, five types of horizontal single-pitch screw conveyors with modified geometry, with three different lengths (400, 600 and 800 mm) were investigated for transport and auxiliary mixing action of two materials: natural zeolite and quartz aggregate (sand) with particle sizes 3, 4 and 5 mm. The geometry of the screw transporter is changed by welding three additional helices oriented in the same or the opposite direction from screw cutting edges, enabling the premixing of materials, during the transport. The proper mixing of the observed materials provides an adequate disposition of zeolite particles within the composite and prevents agglomeration and interference with cement hydration. Zeolite application as a binder in a building material is a possible solution to environmental pollution problems caused by cement production. The influences of screw length, particle diameter, the studied geometry variations of screw design, on the mixing performances of the screw conveyor-mixer during material transport were explored. All investigations were performed experimentally and numerically, by using Discrete Element Method (DEM). The experimental results and the results of the DEM investigation were used for the development of mathematical models for the prediction of mixing quality, which are presented in the form of second order polynomial and artificial neural network model.

The mixing process greatly influences the mixing efficiency, as well as the quality and the price of the intermediate and/or the final product. Static mixer is used for premixing action before the main mixing process, for significant reduction of mixing time and energy consumption. This type of premixing action is not investigated in detail in the open literature. In this article, the novel numerical approach called Discrete Element Method is used for modelling of granular flow in multiple static mixer applications (1-3 Komax or Ross mixing elements were utilized), while the Computational Fluid Dynamic Method was chosen for fluid flow modelling, using the Eulerian multiphase model. The main aim of this article is to predict the behavior of granules being gravitationally transported in different mixer configuration and to choose the best configuration of the mixer taking into account the total particle path, the number of mixing elements and the quality of the obtained mixture. The results of the numerical simulations in the static mixers were compared to experimental results, the mixing quality is examined by RSD (relative standard deviation) criterion, and the effects on the mixer type and the number of mixing elements on mixing process were studied. The effects of the mixer type and the number of mixing elements on mixing process were studied using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mathematical modelling is used for optimization of number of Ross and Komax segments in mixer in order to gain desirable mixing results.

DEM/CFD (Discrete Element Method/Computational Fluid Dynamic) approach was used to develop a three dimensional model of fluid flow and mixing process of solid particles within the revolving static mixer, type Komax. Static mixers are widely used in process industry, food industry, pharmaceutical and chemical industry. Mixing process adds significant value to the final product and it can be regarded as a key process. The quality and the price of the product often depend on mixing efficiency. Both design and operation of the mixing unit itself have a strong influence on the quality produced. In this paper, DEM is used for modeling granular flow of zeolite spheres in the revolving Komax static mixer and CFD method was used for modeling fluid flow through the Eulerian multiphase model. Coupling of these two methods provides reliable analysis of particle motion and flow pattern of the working fluid. The objective of this paper is to predict the behavior of particles after several rotations of the revolving static mixer. This type of device is used for premixing action before the main mixing process, for significant reduction of mixing time and energy consumption. This type of premixing action is not investigated in detail in the open literature. The results of the numerical simulation are compared with appropriate experimental results. The special design revolving static mixer, made of transparent Plexiglas was used for this experiment. Mixing quality was examined by RSD (relative standard deviation) criterion. Application of this model provides the optimization of the number of revolutions and geometrical parameters of mixing process taking into account the quality of the mixing process. (c) 2016 The Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pužni transporteri imaju široku primenu u prehrambenoj industriji, građevinskim i rudarskim kompanijima, u hemijskoj, poljoprivrednoj i prerađivačkoj industriji, uglavnom za podizanje i / ili transport rasutih materijala na kratkim i srednjim rastojanjima. Uprkos njihovoj očiglednoj jednostavnosti, poboljšanje transportnih parametara je veoma zahtevan zadatak i inženjeri obično moraju da se oslanjaju na podatke dobijene empirijskim istraživanjima. U ovom radu, ispitivano je petnaest horizontalnih pužnih transportera sa konstantnim korakom pužnice, različite dužine, sa modifikovanom geometrijom. Ovi puževi su ispitivani radi mogućnosti pomoćnog mešanja tokom transporta materijala. Sva ispitivanja su rađena eksperimentalno i numerički, pomoću metode diskretnih elemenata (Discrete Element Method - DEM). Uticaji dužine puža, kao i predložene modifikacije geometrije u dizajnu pužne spirale, ipitivani su radi pomoćnog mešanja, tokom transporta granulisanog materijala kroz pužni transporter. Pomoćno mešanje (koje se koristi se za poboljšanje finalnog procesa mešanja) je postignuto tokom transporta materijala. Geometrija pužnog transportera se menja dodavanjem tri komplementarne spirale orijentisane u istom ili suprotnom smeru od pužne spirale. Čestice materijala se transportuju padaju dole sa vrha spirale do sledeće slobodne površine, i taj segment spirale je korišćen za dodatnu akciju mešanje. Prema eksperimentima i DEM analizema trajektorija čestice se povećava, sa primenjenim modifikacijama transportera, a ovakva geometrija može se koristiti za povećanje kvaliteta finalnog mešanja., Fifteen horizontal single-pitch screw conveyors with modified geometry and the different lengths were investigated for premixing action, during the transport of materials. All investigations were performed experimentally and numerically, by using Discrete Element Method (DEM). The influences of screw length, observed geometry variations and different types of screw design, on the performances of the screw conveyor-mixer during material transport were explored. The auxiliary mixing action was achieved during the transport of the material. The geometry of the screw conveyor is changed by adding three complementary helices oriented in the same or the opposite direction from screw blades. The particles of the material being transported tumble down from the top of the helix to the next free surface, and that segment of helix was used for additional mixing action. According to DEM analysis, particle path length is increased, and the improved geometry could be determined for increasing the quality of mixing.

Kvalitetno mešanje praškastih materijala, čestica ili granula je od izuzetnog inženjerskog, energetskog, ekonomskog i ekološkog značaja u raznim granama industrije: prehrambenoj, procesnoj, hemijskoj, farmaceutskoj industriji. Efikasnost mešanja, dizajn opreme i parametri procesa mešanja imaju značajan uticaj na kvalitet i cenu poluproizvoda ili finalnog proizvoda. U ovoj tezi, prikazana je upotreba metode diskretnih elemenata (DEM) na modelovanje mešanja granula i/ili praškastih materijala (granulisani zeolit ili kukuruzna prekrupa) u različitim konfiguracijama statičkih mešača Komax i Ross, kao i za modifikovane pužne transportere / predmešalice. Primenjen je i metod računske dinamike fluida (CFD) za modelovanje protoka fluida u Ojlerovom višefaznom modelu, za predviđanje ponašanja čestica unutar različitih konfiguracija statičkih mešalica. Ispitivano je petnaest horizontalnih pužnih transportera sa nepromenljivog koraka, sa modifikovanom geometrijom, različitih dužina pužnice, sa dodatnim elementima na pužnoj spirali, radi istraživanja mogućnosti mešanja granulisanog materijala, tokom transporta materijala (granulisani zeolit). Rezultati matematičkog modeliranja i numeričke simulacije su upoređeni sa odgovarajućim eksperimentalnim rezultatima na osnovu stepena pomešanosti mešavine, primenom kriterijuma relativne standardne devijacije (RSD). Zahvaljujući ovde postavljenim modelima moguće je uraditi optimizaciju geometrije i parametara sistema mešanja uzimajući u obzir kvalitet procesa mešanja i cenu finalnog proizvoda., The quality mixing of powders, particles and/or granules obtain an engineering, energetic, economic and ecological importance of various technologies, food industry, pharmaceutical and chemical industry. The mixing efficiency, the design of equipment and mixing parameters exert a strong impact on quality and the price of intermediate or final product. In this thesis, the use of Discrete Element Method (DEM) is shown for modeling of granular and/or powder flow in various multiple Komax and Ross mixing applications, as well as for the modified screw conveyors premixers . Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) method was used for modeling of fluid flow through Eulerian multiphase model, for the prediction of particle displacement within the various static mixers configurations. Fifteen horizontal screw conveyors with invariant pitch, with modified geometry and different screw length , with some additional elements welded on the helix were tested for the possibility of granular material mixing during the material transport (granulated zeolite). The results of the numerical simulation are compared with appropriate experimental results, according to relative standard deviation criterion (RSD). Application of this model provide the optimization of the geometry and parameters of mixing systems taking into account the quality of the mixing process and the cost of the final product.

The mixing process greatly influence the quality of the intermediate and/or the final product, moreover, the parameters of the mixing process and the design of used equipment have a strong impact on mixing efficiency, the quality and the price of the product. In this article, Discrete Element Method is used for modeling of granular flow in multiple static mixer applications (Komax and Ross configurations were utilized). Computational Fluid Dynamic method was chosen for fluid flow modeling, using Eulerian multiphase model. Coupling of these two methods provides reliable, sufficiently correct and adequate results of proposed model compared to experimental measurements. The aim of this article is to predict the behavior of granules in different mixer configuration and to optimize parameters of the mixing process taking into account the duration of the mixing process and the quality of mixture, as well as the price of final product., Proces mešanja veoma utiče na kvalitet krajnjeg poluproizvoda i/ili krajnjeg proizvoda, a parametri procesa mešanja i dizajn opreme veoma utiču na efikasnost mešanja, kvalitet proizvoda i cenu proizvoda. U ovom radu, prikazana je upotreba metode diskretnih elemenata (engl. Discrete Element Method - DEM) na modelovanje mešanja granula u različitim konfiguracijama statičkih mešača (korišćene su različite Komax i Ross konfiguracije za mešanje). Za modelovanje protoka fluida primenjena je metoda računske dinamike fluida (engl. Computational Fluid Dynamic - CFD), korišćenjem Ojlerovog višefaznog modela. Povezivanjem rezultata ove dve metode dobija se pouzdan, dovoljno tačan i adekvatan model koji daje rezultate koji odgovaraju eksperimentalnim merenjima. Praćene su i analizirane trajektorije, brzine i ubrzanja čestica, u cilju procene kvaliteta procesa mešanja. Dobro poznati kriterijum za kvalitet mešanja, pod nazivom relativna standardna devijacija (RSD) je korišćen za ovu svrhu. Optimizacija dimenzija i parametara mešanja u statičkoj mešalici je izvedena korišćenjem matematičkog modeliranja. Cilj ovog rada je bio da se predvidi ponašanje granulamog materijala u različitim konfiguracijama mešalica i da optimizuje parametre procesa uzimajući u obzir trajanje procesa mešanja, kvalitet mešavine i cenu finalnog proizvoda mešanja. U istraživanju je primećeno da su Komax elementi primenljiviji, u poređenju sa Ross elementima, posebno kada je visina instalacije mala. Međutim, upotreba Ross je finansijski prihvatljivija, zbog njegove jednostavnije geometrije. Dodatna pregrada sa kvadratnim otvorima, koja se postavlja na izlazu iz statičke mešalice, koristi se da bi se umirilo kretanje granula na obodu cevi, kao i da smanji segregaciju granula.

Pužni transporteri se veoma intenzivno koriste u industriji za proizvodnju i preradu hrane, plastike, mineralnih sirovina, u poljoprivrednoj proizvodnji kao i u prerađivačkoj industriji za podizanje i/ili transport rasutih materijala na kratkim i srednjim rastojanjima. Uprkos njihovoj očiglednoj konstrukcionoj jednostavnosti, sam čin transporta je veoma složen za razumevanje i konstruktori se često oslanjaju na iskustvene podatke pri konstruisanju i izradi. Osobine pužnih transportera su određene radnim uslovima (kao što su: brzinu rotacije vratila puža, ugao pod kojim je nagnut pužni transporter, nivo zapreminskog punjenja puža, itd.). U ovom radu je opisano nekoliko horizontalnih puževa, konstantne dužine koraka, pri čemu su geometrije pužnih spirala neznatno izmenjene radi ispitivanja procesa mešanja tokom transporta, korišćenjem metode diskretnih elemenata (Discrete Element Method - DEM). Ispitivani su uticaji geometrijskih izmena na osobine pužnog transportera, različita konstrukciona rešenja pužne spirale su međusobno poređena, kao i efekti geometrijskih izmena na mešanje u toku transporta. Tokom transporta u pužnom transporteru, čestice padaju sa vrha pužne spirale na prvu sledeću slobodnu površinu pužne spirale i taj segment putanje čestice može da bude iskorišćen za dopunsko mešanje materijala tokom transporta. Putanja čestice se drastično povećava ugradnjom tri dodatne zavojne površine usmerene u istom pravcu kao i pužna spirala (1458,2 mm u poređenju sa 397,6 mm u slučaju pužnog transportera sa jednom spiralom). Skraćivanjem dodatnih zavojnica, koje su usmerene u istom smeru kao i pužna spirala, unekoliko se smanjuje putanja čestice, na dužinu od 1728,8 mm (usled prekidanja zavojnice na sredini pužnog transportera). Putanja čestice se produžava na 1764.4 mm, kada se ugrade dodatne zavojne površine koje su usmerene u suprotnom pravcu od pravca pužne spirale. Ugradnjom tri dodatna pravolinijske letve, dobijena je najduža putanja čestice: 2061,6 mm., Screw conveyors are used extensively in food, plastics, mineral processing, agriculture and processing industries for elevating and/or transporting bulk materials over short to medium distances. Despite their apparent simplicity in design, the transportation action is very complex for design and constructors have tended to rely heavily on empirical performance data. Screw conveyor performance is affected by its operating conditions (such as: the rotational speed of the screw, the inclination of the screw conveyor and its volumetric fill level). In this paper, horizontal, several single-pitch screw conveyors with some geometry variations in screw blade were investigated for mixing action during transport, using Discrete Element Method (DEM). The influence of geometry modifications on the performance of screw conveyor was examined, different screw designs were compared, and the effects of geometrical variations on mixing performances during transport were explored. During the transport, the particle tumbles down from the top of the helix to the next free surface and that segment of the path was used for auxiliary mixing action. The particle path is dramatically increased with the addition of three complementary helices oriented in the same direction as screw blades (1458.2 mm compared to 397.6 mm in case of single flight screw conveyor). Transport route enlarges to 1764.4 mm, when installing helices oriented in the opposite direction from screw blades. By addition of straight line blade to single flight screw conveyor, the longest particle path is being reached: 2061.6 mm.

Mixing of powders, particles and/or granules obtains an economic importance in various technologies, and in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In many cases, the mixing process greatly influences the quality of the final product. The parameters of the mixing process and the design of equipment have a strong impact on the mixing efficiency, and the quality and the price of the intermediate or final product. In this study, the discrete element method (DEM) is used for modeling of granular flow in various multiple Komax and Ross mixing applications. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method was used for modeling of fluid flow through the Eulerian multiphase model. Coupling of these two methods provides reliable, sufficiently correct and adequate results of the proposed model compared to experimental measurements. The objective of this paper is to predict the behavior of particles in different static mixer configurations. The results of the numerical simulation are compared with appropriate experimental results. Application of this model provides the optimization of the geometry and parameters of mixing systems taking into account the quality of the mixing process and the cost of the final product. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Projektni porfolio menadžment je okvir koji prevodi strategiju u programe i projekte i usaglašava ih sa finansijskim i menadžment kapacitetima kompanije. Da bi strategija organizacije bila uspešno implementirana, jedna od najznačajnijih aktivnosti je izbor projekata koji će se naći u okviru portfolia. Svrha ovog rada je da da novi model koji će omogućiti donosiocima odluka predviđanje uspeha portfolia, na osnovu metoda koje se koriste u selekciji i aktivnosti operativnog i strategijskog planiranja. U radu je sprovedeno istraživanje literature i prikazan veliki broj postojećih metoda i modela koji se koriste u selekciji projekata. Na osnovu identifikovanog problema koji je utvrdio veliki broj autora, a koji se odnosi na nepostojanje fleksibilnog modela koji će podržati proces selekcije, kreiran je model koji prikazuje direktan uticaj izbora metoda na uspeh kreiranja portfolia. Teorijska osnova i empirijski rezultati pokazuju da metode i tehnike za optimizaciju portfolia nisu u dovoljnoj meri formalno uključene u proces selekcije. To se posebno odnosi na našu zemlju i ta činjenica ide u prilog značaju ove disertacije, jer je na jednom mestu sakupljena referentna analiza primena potencijalnih metoda u selekciji i upravljanju projektima u portfoliu domaćih kompanija. Iako postoji veliki broj različitih modela za selekciju i optimizaciju projekata, napravljen je mali pomak u dostizanju integrisanog okvira koji uključuje puno učešće donosilaca odluka. Ovaj rad predstavlja originalni naučni doprinos u oblasti, jer predlaže model koji je moguće koristiti za predviđanje uspeha portfolia, bez obzira na tip projekata, odnosno oblast poslovanja organizacije., Project portfolio management is a framework that translates the strategy into programmes and projects and adjusts them to the company’s financial and management capacities. One of the most important activities necessary in order that the organizational strategy should be effectively implemented is the selection of projects to be included into the portfolio. The purpose of this paper is to offer a new model that will enable decision makers to anticipate the portfolio success, on the basis of the methods implemented in the selection and the activities of the operational and strategic planning. The paper includes a literature review as well as a review of a large number of existing methods and models implemented in the project selection. On the basis of the problem identified and described by many authors as the lack of a flexible model to support the selection process, a model is created that shows and explains the direct impact of the choice of the method upon the success of portfolio creation. The theoretical basis and the empirical results show that the portfolio optimization methods and techniques are not formally included in the selection process to a sufficient extent. This is especially the case in this country and this fact only stresses the importance of this dissertation, since the reference analysis of the implementation of potential methods in the project selection and management in the portfolios of national companies is compiled and presented in one place. There is a large number of different portfolio selection and optimization models, nevertheless, a slight advance is made here in attaining an integrated framework that involves a full participation of decision makers. This work is a genuine scientific contribution in the area as it proposes a model that can be implemented in anticipating the portfolio success, regardless of the type of the project or the field of organizational business.

This study investigates the use of hard coal as an adsorbent for removal of mineral oil from wastewater. In order to determine the efficiency of hard coal as an adsorbent of mineral oil, process parameters such as sorption capacity (in static and dynamic conditions), temperature, pH, contact time, flow rate, and chemical pretreatment were evaluated in a series of batch and continuous flow experiments. There were significant differences in the mineral oil removal for various pH values examined. The adsorption of mineral oil increased as pH values diverged from 7 (neutral). At lower temperatures, the adsorption was notably higher. The wastewater flow rate was adjusted to achieve optimal water purification. Equilibrium was reached after 10 h in static conditions. At that time, more than 99% of mineral oil had been removed. At the beginning of the filtering process, the adsorption rate increased rapidly, only to show a minor decrease afterwards. Equilibrium data were fitted to Freundlich models to determine the water-hard coal partitioning coefficient. Physical adsorption caused by properties of the compounds was the predominant mechanism in the removal process.