023710   Gupta S;Kidwai A H (Centre for the Study of Regional Development (CSRD), JNU, New Delhi-110 067) : Performance of major ports of India in the post reform era (1991-2004) : a comparative analysis. Indian Ports 2006, 38(2), 11-22.

10 tables, 4 illus, 9 ref

023709   Gupta S K;Dhingra P K (NO, , Holtec Consulting Private Limited, Gurgaon) : Project management - a case study. Process Pl Engng 2006, 23(4), 33-4, 36-7.

Various project execution modes, as prevalent, being adopted in various international projects has been presented. The paper also covers the role and responsibilities of the Monitoring Consultant or Lender's Engineer, assigned to project management agencies by the financial institutions/agencies. Brings out the role of monitoring consultant vis-a-vis Owner's project management system. Actual experience based on the role played by Holtec as Monitoring Consultant/Lender's Engineer on behalf of an international financial institution for a large cement project in Northern Africa has been presented.

ref

023708   Goyal H;Hanmandlu M;Kothari D P (Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016) : New optimal flow control approach for automatic control of small hydro power plants. J Instn Engrs-Pt ID 2006, 87(May), 1-5.

A flow control based model is proposed for the automatic control of small hydro power plants. In the proposed model, a servomotor is used to control the flow of mater by controlling the rotational motion of the spear valve. The spear valve causes a 'continuous' control of the flow of water. "Discrete' flow control is achieved by the use of a butterfly gate which is activated by a dc motor. The suitability of servomotors for the control of small hydro power plants is discussed and PI controllers art used to further enhance their governing capability. State space representation is used to mathematically model the proposed model. Extensive simulations are performed to analyse the behaviour of the proposed model. Parameter optimization is performed using Artificial Neural Networks.

2 tables, 6 illus, 9 ref

023707   Ghosh A;Kundu S;Chatterjee S (NO, Bengal Engineering and Science Univ, Shibpur, Howrah-711 103) : Structure and properties of thermomechanically-processed HSLA steels for naval applications. Def Sci J 2007, 57(4), 627-36.

Four high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels with varying chemical compositions were forged in two different temperature ranges followed by cooling in various media. Microstructures and mechanical properties of the steels were evaluated. The microstructures obtained in water-quenched low-carbon HSLA steels were lath martensite packet within the pancaked grains. On air or sand cooling predominantly bainitic ferrite or granular bainite structure forms. The strength properties of these steels decreased with decrease in cooling rate and is accompanied by an increase in elongation and impact toughness values. The ductile-to-brittle transition temperature of HSLA-100 grade steel was found to be - 40 °C. The impact fracture surface of air cooled HSLA-100 steel showed ductile failure with formation of dimples at 20 °C and at - 20 °C. The fracture mode changed to brittle failure with formation of cleavage and river pattern at - 40 °C and at - 60 °C. The microstructures of the ultra-low carbon HSLA steel show lath ferrite or granular ferrite in water-quenched condition. With slower cooling rate, the volume fraction of lath ferrite decreased with an increase in formation of polygonal ferrite. The maximum strength value obtained in air-cooled condition is achieved due to precipitation of fine microalloying carbides and carbonitrides. Slower cooling rate increases the volume fraction of polygonal ferrite which increases the toughness value.

16 illus, 13 ref

023706   Dey A;Tripathi A;Verma A;Banoudha A (Electrical Engineering Dep, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sitapur Road, Lucknow) : Analysis of solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems for residential application. J Instn Engrs-Pt ID 2006, 87(May), 6-9.

The design and cost analysis of proposed solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems, to be installed in a building, to supply electricity has been presented. The analysis indicates that SPV system for a residential building is an economically viable alternative to grid electricity.

3 tables, 6 ref

023705   Desai J P (NO, , Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd. Ahmedabad) : An innovative approach for construction of super performance cement concrete road with high volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete technology. Process Pl Engng 2006, 23(4), 63-6.

3 tables, 4 illus, 2 ref

023704   Dembla A K;Murthy P V R;Pandey G C (NO, , Humboldt Wedag India, New Delhi) : Process re-engineering and retrofit options in pyroprocess by KHD humboldt wedag. Process Pl Engng 2006, 23(4), 58-61.

7 illus

023703   Deepu M;Gokhale S S;Jayaraj S (NO, N.S.S. College of Engineering, Palakkad, Kerala-678 008) : Numerical modelling of scramjet combustor. Def Sci J 2007, 57(4), 513-25.

Numerical modelling of turbulent-reacting flow field of supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) combustors are presented. The developed numerical procedure is based on the implicit treatment of chemical source terms by preconditioning and solved along with unstedy turbulent Navier-Stokes equations explicitly. Reaction is modelled using an eight-step hydrogen-air chemistry. Code is validated against a standard wall jet experimental data and is successfully used to model the turbulent-reacting flow field resulting due to the combustion of hydrogen injected from diamond-shaped strut and also in the wake region of wedge-shaped strut placed in the heated supersonic airstream. The analysis could demonstrate the effect of interaction of oblique shock wave with a supersonic stream of hydrogen in its (fuel-air) mixing and reaction for strut-based scramjet combustors.

14 illus, 15 ref

023702   Chhagan lal;Jain R K;*Jain I P (Centre for Non-Conventional Energy Resources, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004, Email: ipjain46@gmail.com) : Structural and electrical properties of swift heavy ion beam irradiated Fe/Si interface. Bull Mater Sci 2007, 30(2), 153-6.

Deals with the mixing of iron and silicon by swift heavy ions in high-energy range. The thin film was deposited on a n-Si (111) substrate at 10^-6 torr and at room temperature. Irradiations were undertaken at room temperature using 120 MeV Au⁺⁹ ions at the Fe/Si interface to investigate ion beam mixing at various doses: 5 x 10¹² and 5 x 10¹³ ions/cm². Formation of different phases of iron-silicide has been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, which shows enhancement of intermixing and silicide formation as a result of irradiation. I-V measurements for both pristine and irradiated samples have been carried out at room temperature, series resistance and barrier heights for both as deposited and irradiated samples were extracted. The barrier height was found to vary from 0.73-0.54 eV. The series resistance varied from 102.04-38.61 kΩ.

1 table, 2 illus, 17 ref

023701   Chaubey S (Physics Dep, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad-211 004, Email: chaubey55@yahoo.com) : Relative catalytic efficiencies of zinc and aluminium on nucleation of dispersed bismuth droplets. Bull Mater Sci 2007, 30(2), 81-7.

In Zn-Bi and Al-Bi systems, both of which belong to monotectic class, dispersion of second phase particles within the matrix have been produced through rapid solidification processing (RSP) route. In order to understand relative catalytic efficiencies of Zn and Al matrices in catalyzing nucleation of Bi particles entrapped in the respective metal matrices, thermal analysis in constant program mode was performed. Thermal analyses revealed that Bi undercools by 132° in Zn matrix and by 157° in Al matrix. Thermodynamic barrier to nucleation (Δ G*) for Bi has also been calculated, which is 39.8 kcal/mole and 47.085 kcal/mole, in Zn and Al matrices, respectively at the maximum recorded undercoolings.

5 illus, 50 ref

023700   Chanda R S;Bhattacharjee S;Auddy A (NO, Institute of Jute Technology, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Deterministic reliability analysis of a jute spinning mill using minimal cut theory. J Instn Engrs-Pt ID 2006, 87(May), 10-13.

Minimal cut concept has been applied for the reliability evaluation of a Jute Spinning Mill. The method has been based on basic reliability equations for evaluation of reliability in terms of failure rate and annual outage duration. The approach finally finds three reliability indices, the average outage rate, the average outage duration and the average annual outage time taking component failure rate and other reliability data into account based on the criteria that component failure ensures the system failure. A generalized computer program has been developed to determine the reliability indices.

1 table, 4 illus, 4 ref

023699   Chabra S;Talole S E (NO, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune-411 025) : Fuzzy logic-based terminal guidance with impact angle control. Def Sci J 2007, 57(4), 497-506.

New formulation of terminal guidance law which controls the impact attitude angle while minimising the miss distance has been presented. The formulation is based on the fuzzy logic-control approach. Unlike many prevalent designs, the proposed guidance law does not require linearisation of missile-target engagement model. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the proposed guidance law offers satisfactory performance, fulfilling its design goals.

6 illus, 19 ref

023698   Batra V K;Mittal P K (NO, , Holtec Consulting Private Limited, Gurgaon) : Creating value through business process optimisation. Process Pl Engng 2006, 23(4), 38-41.

Basic model for cost optimisation based on the actual experience gained through various projects over an extended period at HOLTEC.

2 tables, ref

023697   Bansod R D (Soil and Water Conserv Engng Dep, Dr. A.S.Coll of Ag & Engng, Rahuri, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra) : Water application uniformity as affected by operating pressure and micro sprinkler spacing. Asian J Soil Sci 2007, 2(1), 51-4.

Five different types of micro sprinklers (coded for identification as MS-1, MS-11, MS-111, MS-IV and MS- V) were evaluated at various microsprinkler spacing (3 m x 3 m, 4 m x 4 m, 5 m x 5 m, 6 m x 6 m, 7 m x 7 m and 8 mx 8 m, 9 mx 9 mand 10 m x 10m) and operating pressures (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg/cm²). The depth distribution data obtained from the experiment was analysed for Christiansen's Uniformity Coefficient (UCC) and Merrium and Keller Distribution Uniformity (DU). At the rated pressure (2 kg/cm²), the maximum value of UCC (94.74%) was recorded for MS- V at 3 m x 3 m microsprinkler spacing followed by MS-III (92.5%), MS 11 (92.06%), MS- I (91.0 1%) and MS- IV (87.52%) at the same pressure and spacing. More than desired value (70%) of UCC was reported only for MS-I for all pressures under consideration and for spacings 3 m x 3 m to 7 m x 7 m which indicates its superiority over other types of microsprinklers. A fairly good value of DU (78.00%) was recorded at all pressures and at 3 m x 3 m and 4 m x 4 m spacing for all the microsprinklers except MS-IV At rated pressure, the DU values recorded for MS- I, MS- II, MS-III, MS- IV and MS- V were 91.47,96.90,92.61, 91.35 and 96.75%, respectively.

2 tables, 7 ref

022607   Ubhi J S;Patterh M S;Kamal T S (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur-148 106) : Analysis of switched diversity system in Rician fading environment. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2007, 87(Jan), 3-7.

Performance analysis of switched diversity system operations in wireless fading environment using discrete time model is presented. The fading channels are modelled as frequency non selective slow Rician fading channels, corrupted by additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). Two branch switched diversity receiver is considered with independent diversity branches. The probability density function (pdf) of the resultant signal to noise ratio (SNR) associated with each bit at the output of switched diversity combiner is derived. The bit error rate (BER) expression for non coherent frequency shift keying (NCFSK) under switched diversity is obtained and analyzed. The numerical results are plotted as average BER against average SNR per bit for various values of Rician parameter K in order to examine the performance with the change in the fading depth. The results are compared with the BER results of NCFSK for no diversity. Closed form expression that can be used for numerical computation of optimum adaptive switching threshold is also derived. The results presented are general enough so that they include AWGN and Rayleigh fading as special cases. The analytical results presented are expected to provide a convenient tool for design and analysis of a radio system in fading environment under diversity reception.

2 illus, 13 ref

022606   Swarup K S (Electrical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of technology, Madras, Chennai-600 036) : Constrained optimization using evolutionary programming for dynamic economic dispatch of power systems. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 87(Mar), 17-22.

Constrained evolutionary programming algorithm approach for two distinct studies of static and dynamic economic dispatch is presented. Economic dispatch (ED) is one of the main functions of power generation operation and control. The objective is to operate an electric power system most economically while the system is operating within its security limits. Multiple objective functions subjected to power flow constraints; Ramp rate limits for units, minimum and maximul allowable generations for each units are considered. Comparison of the computational efficiency and accuracy of constrained evolutionary programming (CEP) is provided. Proposes a novel methodology for solving dynamic economic dispathc. comparison with other evolutionary methods like genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization has been provided for 10-generator system with non-smooth fuel cost functions to illustrate the suitability and effectiveness of the proposed method.

3 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

022605   Smigh R J B;Sabarathinam P I (Chem Engng Dep, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632 014) : Simple and quick method of estimating Prandtl number of fifty commonly used liquids. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2006, 87(Sept), 48-50.

Being an important parameter, Prandtl number (N_Pr) plays a pivotal role in the field of convective-beat transfer. The calculation of Prandtl number for liquids at various operating temperatures is a damnting task. To reduce the work load and save valuable time, the Prandtl number values at available temperatures for 50 most commonly used liquids are calculated and are correlated as a function of temperature and the characteristic constants for each liquid are tabulated. By substituting the constants, the Prandtl number at any temperature within the given temperature range can he calculated easily and quickly. The average percentage derivations (maximum deviation of 2.678%) in the calculated N_Pr values of the liquids from those of experimental values are also given.

2 tables, 1 illus, 7 ref

022604   Singh B;Agrawal M; (Electrical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016) : Analysis and design of single-phase power-factor corrected ac-dc SEPIC converter with high frequency isolation. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 87(Mar), 3-11.

Presents the design, analysis and experimental validation of single-phase buck-boost ac-dc SEPIC converter having power factor correction (PEC) with high frequency transformer isolation for both discontinuous and continuous conduction modes (DCM and CCM) of operation for high level steady state and dynamic performance. Both modes of operation of DCM and CCM of SEPIC converter is compared from point of view of steady state and dynamic behaviour, power quality, simplicity, control technique, device rating and converter size. Voltage follower approach is carried out in DCM, while for CCM operation, average current control technique is used. It is observed that CCM is most suitable for higher power applications in which it requires little complex control and sensing the additional variables. A prototype of single phase PFC based ac-dc SEPIC converter is developed and simulated results are validated with test results.

10 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

022603   Shukla A K (Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012) : Turning sunlight into electricity. Resonance 2006, 11(7), 42-50.

The intensity of solar radiation in the Earth's direction from the Sun is approximately 1353 kW/m², a number also called the 'solar constant'. Accordingly, it is estimated that Earth receives about 96 billion kilowatts from the Sun each second. If this colossal and unlimited energy could be more fully utilized, our dependence on fast dwindling fossil cache will be drastically reduced. Solar energy is available in various forms such as direct solar radiation, wind, wave power, rain (in the form of hydropower), photosynthesis and ocean thermal gradients. Among these, the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity is clean and attractive. This article highlights various routes to directly harness electricity from sunlight.

3 illus, 4 ref

022602   Shanmugasundarm M;Lakshmi P;Purniah B; Venugopal S (NO, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam-603 102) : PLC based practical surface heater temperature control in in-sodium test facility. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2007, 87(Jan), 34-7.

In-sodium testing facility (INSOT) at elevated temperatures for materials used in fast breeder reactors is extremely essential. A testing facility has been developed in the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR). Heating methodology and various heater control methods are described. One group of heaters is connected only in the pipeline, next group is laid, in both the pipeline and components and the last group is laid in the components. In this way a total of 250 heaters in the fatigue loop are grouped into eleven groups. This paper presents the way each group is individually studied and control methodology is also reviewed.

2 illus, 3 ref

022601   Setty Y P (Chemical Engineering Dep, National Institute of technology, Warangal-506 004) : Prediction of Axial voidage in a circulating fluidized bed. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2007, 87(Mar), 34-7.

Work involves experimental investigations on pressure drop of solids in a circulating fluidized bed and estimation of axial voidage along the length of the riser. The inflection point between dense phase and dilute phase is determined for each experiment. The effect of system variables like solid circulation rate, gas velocity, particle size and the riser height on axial bed voidage is reported.

4 illus, 4 t, 9 ref

022600   Sathes Kumar G;Jayabarathi T;Ramesh V (Power Electronics Dep, Vellore Institute of technology, Vellore 632 014) : Particle swarm optimization based optimal reactive power dispatch. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 87(Mar), 42-7.

Proposes a new method to solve the problem of optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) using particle swarm optimization (PSO). The objective of the proposed method is to minimize the system active power loss. The control variables are generator bus voltages, transformer tap positions and switchable shunt capacitor banks. The proposed method has been applied to practical Ward Hale 6-bus system and IEEE 30-bus system. The optimal reactive power dispatch was solved by traditional and non-traditional methods. The proposed approach is much simpler than these methods. The results obtained by using the PSO method are compared with the genetic algorithm (GA) for Ward Hale 6-bus system and evolutionary programming (EP) for IEEE 30-bus system in terms of solution quality.

4 illus,5 tables, 8 ref

022599   Sahoo A;Roy G K (Chemical Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela-769 008) : Effect of co-axial promoters (rod and disc type) on pressure drop in squared gas-solid fluidized bed. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2006, 87(Sept), 42-7.

Deals with the experiments conducted to obtain pressure drop in a squared gas-solid fluidized bed under varying conditions. The flow rate, the initial static bed height, particle size and density have been altered and the bed pressure drops under fluidized conditions have been measured. The data has been correlated in terms of Euler Number. Correlations, relating Euler Number with the system parameters have been developed for the unpromoted bed and beds with rod and disc promoters. Developed correlations have been authenticated by an ANN model. The values of Euler Number, thus predicted, as well as the bed pressure drop values calculated there of have been compared with the experimental values and have been found to agree fairly well.

3 tables, 8 illus, 26 ref

022598   Roy S C;Biswas G K;Biswas S (Chemical Engineering Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032) : Locate acid corrosion in natural draught chimney. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2006, 87(Sept), 35-7.

Add corrosion is a regular phenomenon for oil-fired boilers and furnaces. As a result of this corrosion, large metal loss generally takes place every year. The engineers in charge of boiler and furnace often want to know the likely position of corroded area. This, however, depends on several factors, such as, external heat loss, air infiltration, etc. The complex calculation can be avoided and a simple method of calculation is presented.

1 illus, 2 ref

022597   Ravi G;Chakrabarti R;Choudhuri S (Department of Electrical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700 032) : Hybrid intelligent technique for solving non-convex economic load dispatch problem. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 87(Mar), 27-31.

Attempts to demonstrate the solution of non-convex economic load dispatch (ELD) problems by taking into consideration of consumer load pattern variations through a hybrid intelligent technique, which is a combination of the use of artificial neural networks (ANN) and improved fast evolutionary programming (IFEP) technique. In the proposed approach, an evolutionary based search algorithm is used to achieve global optimum ELD solution and an auto configuring ANN approach is adopted to obtain fast solution. This hybrid technique is tested on the IEEE 6-bus system with several heuristic load patterns. It has been observed that the trained network successfully gives the results almost instantonaneously with sufficient accuracy for the unknown load patterns. This powerful and versatile feature of the proposed method may be quite befitting for real time implementation of the ELD in an energy management system without any restrictions on the natural of the cost curves.

2 illus, 15 ref

022596   Rangarajan R;Kandaswamy A;Haripriya R;Nithya R (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore) : Finite element thermal modelling of power transistor. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2007, 87(Jan), 15-18.

More than 50% of the failures in power electronic circuits are due to thermal breakdown of the active device. Thermal breakdown occurs when the junction temperature reaches close to 175°C. Thermal analysis is of immense use, not only for finding the optimum power handling capacity of the given heat sink but can also be used for designing the heat sink for the required power dissipation. In this paper, thermal modelling of the power transistor using Ansys ® software with the actual practical set up with the heat sinks is analyzed. The simulation is also used to determine temperature of transistor case, which is used to predict junction temperature. This will help to maintain the transistor from not entering the second breakdown and confirm the safe operation of power transistors. The experimental and the simulation results are compared to support the modelling procedure.

8 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

022595   Rajan C C A (Electrical and Electronics Engineering Dep, Pondicherry Engineering College, Pondicherry 605 014) : Evolutionary programming based simulated annealing method for unit commitment problem with cooling- banking constraints. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 87(Mar), 12-16.

Presents a new approach to solve the short-term unit commitment problem using an evolutionary programming based simulated annealing method with cooling and banking constraints. The objective of this paper is to find the generation scheduling, such that, the total operating cost can be minimized, when subjected to a variety of constraints. In evolutionary programming, the unit commitment schedule is coded as a string of symbols and SA improves the status. The best population is selected by evolutionary strategy. A thermal power station in India demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach; extensive studies have also been performed for different IEEE power systems consist of 10, 26 and 34 generating units. Numerical results are shown comparing the cost solutions and computation time obtained by using the evolutionary programming method and other conventional methods like dynamic programming, Legrangian relaxation and simulated annealing in reaching proper unit commitment.

4 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

022594   Raghavendra H B;Rajendra S (Civil Engineering Dep, J N N College of Engineering, Shimoga-577 204) : Performance of blast furnace slag concrete-water absorption. Indian J envir Prot 2007, 27(3), 245-52.

Blast furnace slag is the waste produced in Visweshwaraiah Iron and Steel Plant, Bhadravathi (about 12 km from the place of work carried out). The industry is producing huge quantity of blast furnace slag. The authorities are finding it extremely difficult to dispose the waste efficiently and economically. Construction industry is one of the areas, which has potential to use effluents from industries. The influence of water absorption on blast furnace slag concentrate is investigated. Blast furnace slag is obtained from Visweshwaraiah Iron and Steel dravathi. The specimens prepared by replacing cement with different percentages of blast furnace slag and cured for 28 day were tested for their water absorptions values. The results are compared with plain concrete specimens. The results of the experimental study indicate that incorporation of blast furnace slag in place of cement in concrete increases the resistance to water absorption.

4 tables, 2 illus, 29 ref

022593   Poornachandra S;Kumaravel N (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, Anna Univ, Annamalai-603 110) : Wavelet thresholding by α-trim mean filter. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2007, 87(Jan), 47-50.

Novel model for reducing noise from electro cardio gram (ECG) using alpha-trim mean filter in wavelet domain has been proposed. It uses alpha-trim mean filter, which selects the threshold value for shrinkage function. The a -trim mean filter offers variable thresholding that optimizes the value for each sub band. The empirical wavelet coefficients at every sub band level are filtered and the mean square error (MSE) is minimized by least mean squared (LMS) algorithm. It is shown that the proposed model can perform better than running mean and median filters in Gaussian noise suppression. It finds its applications in noise removal and data compression in medicine and communication sector.

3 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

022592   Patil V S;Dhake J D (Chemical Technology Dep, North Maharashtra Univ, Jalgaon-425 001) : Upgradation of cellulose fibre by chemical modification. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2006, 87(Sept), 25-9.

Acetylation involves reaction between hydroxyl group present in cellulosic structure and acetic anhydride. Acetylation is expected to reduce the hydrogen bond density between hydroxyl groups, increase water-repelling properties and enhance paper-making characteristics. The experimental acetylation procedure using dimethyl formamide (DMF) solvent and related calculation has been described. The reaction monitored by determination of hydroxyl value at regular reaction intervals. The observation and paper making characteristics have been reported. The idea is to determine the kinetics by using integral method of analysis and examine effect of acetylation on paper making characteristics. The acetylation reaction is carried out at a room temperature 30°C. The time for the reaction varies between 5 b and 8 b which depends on the hydroxyl value of acetylated pulp. The product is centrifuged, dried in a dryer or oven and dry acetylated pulp flakes are used for papermaking. The acetyl content of acetylated bagasse, bamboo and waste paper pulp are estimated and found to contain 5.26%, 4.96% and 5.11%, respectively. Characterization of acetylated pulp is conducted and hydroxyl values an determined at regular interval. Considerable reduction in hydroxyl value with time is observed using bagasse pulp, bamboo pulp and wastepaper pulp. As per hydroxyl value obtained, bagasse pulp acetylation equilibrium is established after 8 h and low hydroxyl value is found. In case of bamboo pulp highest hydroxyl value, equilibrium is established after 6 h and has waste paper pulp observed intermediate hydroxyl value and equilibrium extablished after 7 h. The first order rate constant, for bagasse pulp, bamboo pulp and waste paper pulp are 0.17 h^-1, 0.188 h^-1 and 0.196 h^-1, respectively. The changes in properties of paper after acetylation have been visualized. The acetylation does not bring any change in weight per unit area of pulp as indicated by GMS value. Acetylated waste paper pulp and bagasse pulp do not exhibit change in burst factor at 80 GSM. Acetylation bamboo pulp exhibites 33% increase in burst factor. The effect of acetylation on tear force, tear factor and tearing strength of pulp is found to be remarkable. At lower degree of acetylation, the enhancement in tear factor is very high. With further acetylation, the tear factor increase is small and at further increase in degree of acetylation, tear strength decreases. The folding endurance of acetylated bamboo pulp is found to be excellent (almost 100% increase).

9 tables, 5 illus, 20 ref

022591   Pati U C (Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Orissa-769 008) : PC based humidity monitoring system. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2007, 87(Jan), 30-3.

Design and development of an on line PC based data acquisition system (PCDAS) for monitoring humidity of a gas has been presented. The sensing and in built signal processing circuit of a digital hygrometer provides the required analog voltage, which is proportional to the measured humidity. The analog voltage is fed to the developed signal conditioning module, which feeds a PC add-on card PCL-207, with 12-bit ADC on board. A powerful software has been written to acquire on line data, to calibrate and to interpret/display it on PC monitor. The system is tested at different humidity conditions and the results are found to be satisfactory.

5 illus, 5 ref

022590   Padmanabhan K;Ramamurthy V;Ananthi S (Chemical Engineering Dep, A C College of Technology, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025) : Important aspects in design of novel ozone generators for chemical treatment applications. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2006, 87(Sept), 16-24.

For ozone generating equipment in various advanced oxidation-based treatment applications in chemical engineering, controlled quantities of ozone have to be produced. A new and better method of ozone contact with the treatment fluid is evolved and is referred to as the 'in-situ' ozonator. Methods of construction of such ozone reactors have been summarized. Such a method makes it possible to utilize the transient but high energy distribution components of the ozone formed in the corona discharge tube. Experiments illustrating the 'efficacy of this method are also presented. Additionally, for generating a required ozonation effect, the ozone reactor's high voltage input is controlled by a Fuzzy logic controller. The various parameters which normally affect the ozone production, such as, temperature, input dew point and flow rates are measured and used to effect a rule-based fuzzy control. A hardware fuzzy logic controller (NLX230) if implemented. It adjusts the high voltage high frequency pulse output that feeds the corona generating extra high tension transformer. The frequency employed is 15 kHz which is quite safe with no shock risk unlike 50 Hz high voltage ozone generators. Units have been built which can give a production of I g-50 g of ozone per hour.

12 illus, 3 ref

022589   Mondal D;Datta;Bhattacharjee C (Chemical Engineering Dep, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700 032) : A simplified model for simulation of plate reactive distillation column. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2007, 87(Mar), 3-10.

New, simplified method for studying the plate reactive distillation column (RDC) has been proposed in this study which couples the approximate method with rigorous matrix method. In the approximate method, calculations were performed assuming a non reacting mixture to get different parameter values required for matrix method. Subsequently, the reaction terms were incorporated in the rigorous solution. The mathematical model and corresponding computational algorithms were presented in this study and a series of simulations for a reactive distillation tray column were performed. The homogeneous liquid phase reversible reaction between acetic acid and ethyl alcohol in production of ethyl acetate was taken as case study in this analysis. The key components in a pertaining reaction mixture were decided based on Shiraz-Hanson-Gibson (SHG) equation. Hengstebeck method was employed for determination of distribution of components in the distillate and bottoms. Minimum reflux ratio was calculated by Underwood's method and ultimately the compositions and temperatures at each stage were obtained by iterative technique, employing matrix method. Experimental data for the specific reaction concerned were obtained using pilot scale plate column with intermediate probe for temperature measurement and sample collection. Though it is a simple model, derived under several assumptions, the simulated data shows a very good fit when compared with the experimental data.

4 illus,1 table, 17 ref

022588   Majumder S K;Kundu G;Mukherjee D (Chemical Engineering Dep, BITS, Pilani-333 031) : Prediction of intensity of liquid axial disperion in a modified downflow bubble column. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2007, 87(Mar), 28-33.

Intensity of liquid phase dispersion has been experimentally estimated in a modified down flow bubble column. the intensity of the dispersion was calculated by residence time distribution (RTD) technique. A unified correlation has been developed to predict the intensity of liquid dispersion in the downflow bubble column. The correlation introduces the concept of liquid circulation velocity inside the column.

5 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

022587   Majumder S K;Kundu G K (ChemicalEngineering Dep, IIT, Kharagpur 721 302) : Mixing characteristics of slurry in Annular and Non-annular floating columns. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2007, 87(Mar), 16-21.

Countercurrent bubble columns as floatation columns have recently been applied to froth separation of minerals. One of the most important features of a floatation column is the water stream applied at the top of the column for the purpose of washing, which entrained the non-floatable particles from the floatable bubble particle aggregate, consequently permitting high upgradation in a single separation stage. When gases flow through an annular and non-annular floatation column at constant rate, the gas spends more or less than the average residence time in the column. This spreading of residence time can have an important effect on the performance of the column. The objective of the work is to develop a scale-up methodology for this type of floatation columns. Experiments were carried out to study the reisdence time distribution (RTD) in an annular and non annular floatation column, as function of different slurry and gas flow rates. Pulse response was studied with flame photometer measurements and were used to measure RTD characteristics, and a dimensionless mixing parameters L/[N(D_o - D_i)] and L/[N(D_c)] were used as a measure of approach to plug flow for both annular and non annular columns, respectively. The information would be useful to design and scale up of the floatation column that behave like stirred tanks in series or approach plug flow system.

6 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

022586   Maity T;Ghosh A;Bhunia S K (Electrical Engineering Dep, College of Engineering and Management, Kolaghat, Kolkata) : Four quadrant converter operation for a DC motor from personal computer. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2007, 87(Jan), 19-23.

Software program is developed through which all four quadrant chopper operations are achieved for a dc motor via a personal computer (PC). The method described is an integrated, automated and efficient control, where all the operations are possible interactively. A software program has been developed here in assembly language in Cenvironment to generate the controllable switching signals for precise operations. These signals are suitable for the triggering operation of four power electronic switches of the chopper. The program was compiled and run, the switching signals were interfaced, and the chopper drive was run successfully. The minimum hardware requirement for the control circuit leads it to a more reliable system. A user friendly control room method has been adopted using the keyboard for smooth speed control of the motor and also for the forward reverse, regenerative braking and emergency stop operations.

5 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

022585   Kyatanavar D N;Deshpande M S;Patil M S;Sood R P (Electronics Engineering Dep, SRES College of Engineering, Kopargaon-423 603) : Hi tech security vision. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2007, 87(Jan), 24-9.

Describes an internet based security system, Hi-tech security vision, to satisfy the security demands for affordable multipurpose security.

5 illus, 4 ref

022584   Kumar A;Roy G K (Civil Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela-769 008) : Pressure drop through a fixed bed of particles with rod promoter. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2007, 87(Mar), 38-41.

Hagen-Poiseuille's equation for laminar flow through circular pipe has been used to formulate fixed/packed bed pressure drop equations by introducting characteristics of the bed and porous medium. Two such equations, one for unpromoted bed and another for the case of bed with rod promoters, have been proposed to predict packed bed pressure drop in the respective cases. The experimental data of bed pressure drop collected with the system variables viz. initial static bed heights, bed material of different sizes and densities and different promoter blockage volume have been used in the investigation. The predicted values of packed bed pressure drop using modified proposed equations for the two cases were compared with those of corresponding experimental ones. A conclusion has also ben derived for the effect of promoter parameter on packed bed pressure drops.

4 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

022583   Kumar A;Roy G K (Ccivil Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rrourkela-769 008, ) : Distributor to bed pressure drop ratio in promoted gas-solid fluidized beds. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2007, 87(Mar), 11-15.

Experiments have been carried out extensively to study the influence of promoters (internals) and other system variables on distributor to bed pressure drop ratio in gas-solid fluidized beds. The system variables include four number of rod promoters, seven number of disk promoters, one blade type promoter and five number of distributors of varying open area (12.9%) to 1.43% of the column cross section). Correlations have been developed to predict distributor to bed pressure drop ratio for unpromoterd and promoterd beds with rod, disk and blade type of promoters using dimensional analysis approach. the values of distributor to bed pressure drop ratio obtained from the developed correlations compare fairly well with the corresponding experimental ones.

6 illus, 15 ref

022582   Kothavale V R (Electronics Dep, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416 004) : Temperature indication and measurement with multi-channel digital temperature indicator with its application in Muffle furnace. Bioinfolet 2007, 4(2), 114-18.

Temperature is an important parameter in various process. Many biological processes are temperature dependent and need to be monitored. Measurement of temperature in different industrial processes including effluent treatment plants is a routine process. Changes in temperatures play a key role in many physical phenomenons. There are different devices for the measurement of temperature. But the handling of temperature including devises is quite difficult and time consuming. The existing systems are either less accurate or costly. there is need to develop a multi-channel digital temperature indicator which will be accurate and cost effective. Efforts have been made to develop a Multi-channel digital temperature indicator. The new system was tested for its application in muffle furnace and observed more reliable and accurate in various scientific studies.

3 illus, 2 tables

022581   Khettab M;Talbi L;Kerkouche F;Ladjouzi M A (NO, Laboratoire d'electrochimie corrosion metallurgie et chimie minerale,, BP 32, Al-Alia, Bab-Ezzouar, Alger, Algerie, Email: mellekhettab@yahoo.fr) : Electrochemical behaviour of carbon allied steel using a zinc electrode as sacrificial anode in aerated NaCl 3% and influence of the number and arrangement of zinc anodes. Res J Chem Envir 2007, 11(1), 96-9.

Resistance of carbon allied (0.18% in mass) steel ( AP15 L nuance - M-X52 grade) was improved at 25<144>C in aerated NaCI 3%, using a pure zinc sacrificial anode. The comparison of log (i) = f (E) curves showed the protection of steel with respect to zinc which corrodes. Moreover, the effect of the number and the arrangement of anodes arouna steel were studied. The interpretation of such curves and the micrographic observation confirm this influence.

7 illus, 8 ref

022580   Kapoor S R (NO, Engineering College, Kota-324 010) : Application specific instruction processor implementation on FPGA architecture. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2007, 87(Jan), 8-14.

Reconfigurable systems, and in particular, FPGA- based custom computing architectures, offer an unique opportunity to define application specific architectures. These architectures offer performance advantages for application domains such as image processing, communication, control systems, drives control, where the use of customized design exploits the inherent parallelism for the miniaturization and speed effective solution for the user specified design. The design implementation of an application specific instruction processor chip (ASIP) on FPGA architecture using VHDL programming at XILINX's (integrated software environment) ISE platform supported by Modeltech's Modelsim simulator has been described. The proposed design under test (DUT) is intended to make available a 16-bit processor driving an universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART) on an FPGA chip to demonstrate the design of ASIP. The application specific instruction processor contains a structural model integrating all the requisite components at lower level into an ASIP at the higher level. The paper focuses on design methodology based on tools and techniques to capture the design, simulate it at several levels abstraction, and to implement it through synthesis, thus making it easy to develop a hardware prototype. Once evaluated, it is easier to change the design at the VHDL level and then resynthesize it to ensure that the design meets the required specifications. The presented design is extendable to the development of system on programmable chip (SOPC).

6 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

022579   Joshi D;Verma V K (Department of Electrical Engineering, National institute of Technology, Kurukshetra) : Critical performance evaluation of multi-quadrant dc drive using genetic algorithm. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 87(Mar), 23-6.

Describes the design of speed and current controllers of a multi-quadrant separately excited dc drive. Design and performance analysis of the drive is done through mathematical simulation. Genetic algorithm (GA) is used to coordinate the parameters of PI speed and current controller. An integral performance criterion is used here.

3 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

022578   Indulkar C S (Electrical Engineering Dept, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi) : Monte carlo analysis of a three-phase induction motor for unbalanced voltage supply. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 87(Mar), 37-41.

Provides an application of Monte-Carlo analysis to study the operation of a three-phase induction motor under unbalanced voltage supplies. Randomness of the supply voltage, both magnitude and angle, is considered. The analysis of the motor for several unbalanced voltage supplies using the symmetrical component theory shows how the motor efficiency varies with the several known, as well as newly-defined, voltage unbalance factors.

1 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

022577   Hossain S M;Anantharaman N;Das M (Chemical Engineering Dep, Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Kilakarai-623 806) : Lignin biodegradation wheat straw using Trametes versicolor and Lentinus crinitus. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2007, 87(Mar), 42-50.

Comparison is made between the performance of the two white rot fungi, Trametes versicolor and Lentinus crinitus for lignin biodegradation of the lignocellulosic agro residue material wheat straw with amendment 1.5%(w/v) glucose as carbon source and 0.15% (w/v)I- alanine as nitronen source. The highest lignin biodegradation observed with trametes versicolor and Lentinus crinitus were 49.37% (w/w) and 54.40% (w/w) of wheat straw respectively. The optimum time of lignin biodegradation was 20 days and 24 days for Trametes versicolor and Lentinus crinitus respectively. The optimum temperature of lignin biodegradation was 35°C and the optimum pH and 5.5 for both types of fungi for the studies. 30% (v/v) and 7 days age old inoculum culture were used.

2 illus, 9 tables, 35 ref

022576   Guha C;Chaudhuri A (Chemical Engineering Dep, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700 032) : Transient analysis of heat exchanger network. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2007, 87(Mar), 51-9.

Transient behaviour of heat exchanger network is investigated numerically. The analysis is aimed to predict thermal transients in the network in case of any fluctuation of inlet temperature of hot or cold stream. Mathematical model equations are developed to describe the transient heat exchange between the process streams. A finite difference nunmerical scheme and solution algorithm is developed to solve the set of model equations. Tthe results show the nature of thermal dynamics in the heat exchanging streams owing to sinusoidal and periodic square wave variation of the inlet temperature. The investigation gives an idea about the relative interaction between the different fluid streams and the identificantion of the process streams, which are more susceptible to inlet temperature change for the test network configurations. Possible points for temperature control in heat exchange networks, considered for test cases, are suggested.

16 illus, 11 ref

022575   Guha C (Chemical Engineering Dep, Jadavpur University, Kolkata-700 032) : Numerical analysis of solidification of sulphur over a moving surface. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2007, 87(Mar), 22-7.

Mathematical modelling and numerical solution of solidification process of molten sulfur over a moving surface such as belt cooler is presented. The problem involves transient flow, heat transfer, moving boundary and phase change phenomena. Time taken for complete solidification and minimum length of the belt cooler is found to be the functions of system geometric and operating parameters.

8 illus, 9 ref

022574   Gangwar R P S;Mathur S;Kumar A;Joshi M C (Electronics & Communication Engng Coll Technol, G B Pant Univ of Agciculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145) : The aL<. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2007, 87(Jan), 38-42.

Because of their simplicity, the relations aL^b and cV¹ between the absorption loss P_abs and the path length L, as well as P_abs and visibility Vare carried out to evaluate the loss in sand and dust storms. Values for the frequency dependent parameters a, b, c and d for millimeter wave frequency range have been calculated using non -linear regression to develop a model which can be used to estimate the loss for given frequency and visibility/length. The results obtained from the relationships are in good agreement with transmission concepts for absorption loss.

2 illus, 7 ref

022573   Ganguly U P (Chemical Technology Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721 302) : Elutriation of solids from gas-solid fluidized bed system-determination of order of the rate process. J Instn Engrs-Pt CH 2006, 87(Sept), 3-8.

Long-cherished convention that the elutriation of solids from gas-solid fluidized bed system is analogous with that of a first order chemical reaction is verified and shown to be far from the actual situation. The actual order has been found to lie wide apart from the conventional value of 1.0 and depend on the system parameters that affect the process. A correlation has been developed to link such order, n, with the relevant system parameters. The standard deviation of such correlation has been found to be ± 12.8%.

3 tables, 8 illus, ref

022572   Chunder I (Sasken Communication Technologies Ltd, , Bangalore-560 071) : Visions of 4G network. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2007, 87(Jan), 43-6.

Paper looks beyond 3G Networks and visualizes the network of the next generation, ie, 4G Networks. Essentially it discusses what 4G Network is and the need for 4G Networks. Also the advantages of 4G Network have been discussed. The paper also discusses how the network will be IP based and how it is different from its previous networks. Technical details front different industries who are conducting research in the field of 4G Networks have been collected. For the Ml deployment of a wireless network, a gestation period of five years is required. Assuming that the 3G network whose deployment has started in 2001/2002 to reach full fledged deployment by 2007, it will be the time for 4G networks to get commenced into service by 2010, from basic conception (planning) to roll-out takes a period of around ten years if at 2G and 3G networks are looked at. Going by these figures it is clear that if planning for 4G Networks is started now this network can be deployed some time in 2010. Also the importance of 4G today is that it inspires debate and visionary thinking, which are both important steps if the wireless industry is to move forward. With the above objective in mind this paper has been written.

2 illus, 9 ref