Exposure to Methyl Methacrylate and Its Subjective Symptoms Among Dental Technicians,Tehran, Iran

Exposure to methyl methacrylate (MMA), total dust and health symptoms were investigated in 20 dental laboratories located in Tehran, Iran. Time-weighted average (TWA) of MMA and peak concentrations were determined, using XAD-2 tubes followed by GC-ID analysis. Total dusts were evaluated gravimetrically. Health symptoms were asked using a questionnaire. TWA for technicians with direct and indirect exposure to MMA were 327.28 ± 79.42 and 282.9 ± 41.84 mg/m³ , respectively. Peak concentration of MMA for those technicians were 337.0 ± 36.81 and 328.88 ± 45.40 mg/m³, respectively.

There were no significant differences between TWA of MMA and peak concentration in different weekly workdays; however, within-day variations were observed (P < .05).

TWA of MMA and peak concentration correlation with the laboratory volume were 0.61-0.65. Dust exposure of technicians was 2.35 ± 2.70 mg/m³. Cough and skin dryness were the common health symptoms. Smoking and asbestos exposure history were factors influencing cough prevalence (p < .05).

It is concluded that the current Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) is not low enough to protect technicians against the adverse effects caused by MMA.     

Explosion characteristics of micron- and nano-size magnesium powders

Explosion characteristics of micron- and nano-size magnesium powders were determined using CSIR-CBRI 20-L Sphere, Hartmann apparatus and Godbert-Greenwald furnace to study influence of particle size reduction to nano-range on these. The explosion parameters investigated are: maximum explosion pressure (P_max), maximum rate of pressure-rise (dP/dt)_max, dust explosibility index (K_St), minimum explosible concentration (MEC), minimum ignition energy (MIE), minimum ignition temperature (MIT), limiting oxygen concentration (LOC) and effect of reduced oxygen level on explosion severity. Magnesium particle sizes are: 125, 74, 38, 22, 10 and 1 μm; and 400, 200, 150, 100, 50 and 30 nm. Experimental results indicate significant increase in explosion severity (P_max: 7–14 bar, K_St: 98–510 bar·m/s) as particle size decreases from 125 to 1 μm, it is maximum for 400 nm (P_max: 14.6 bar, K_St: 528 bar·m/s) and decreases with further decrease of particle size to nano-range 200–30 nm (P_max: 12.4–9.4 bar, K_St: 460–262 bar·m/s) as it is affected by agglomeration of nano-particles. MEC decreases from 160 to 30 g/m³ on decreasing particle size from 125 to 1 μm, its value is 30 g/m³ for 400 and 200 nm and 20 g/m³ for further decrease in nano-range (150–30 nm). MIE reduces from 120 to 2 mJ on decreasing the particle size from 125 to 1 μm, its value is 1 mJ for 400, 200, 150 nm size and <1 mJ for 50 and 30 nm. Minimum ignition temperature is 600 °C for 125 μm magnesium, it varies between 570 and 450 °C for sizes 38–1 μm and 400–350 °C for size range 400–30 nm. Magnesium powders in nano-range (30–200 nm) explode less violently than micron-range powder. However, likelihood of explosion increases significantly for nano-range magnesium. LOC is 5% for magnesium size range 125–38 μm, 4% for 22–1 μm, 3% for 400 nm, 4% for 200, 150 and 100 nm, and 5% for 50 and 30 nm. Reduction in oxygen levels to 9% results in decrease in P_max and K_St by a factor of 2–3 and 4–5, respectively, for micron as well as nano-sizes. The experimental data presented will be useful for industries producing or handling similar size range micron- and nano-magnesium in order to evaluate explosibility of their magnesium powders and propose/design adequate safety measures.     

MIE determination and thermal degradation study of PA12 polymer powder used for laser sintering

Pulverized materials such as metallic or polymer powders play a considerable role in many industrial processes. Their use requires the introduction of preventive safeguards to control the plant's safety.PA12 polymer powder processing by laser sintering is characteristic of this tendency. The present work concerns PA12 powder (bimodal particle size distribution: 10 μm and 55 μm) and relates to explosion sensitivity and the thermal degradation of this powder, which can occur during laser sintering. Minimum Ignition Energy is determined using a modified Hartmann tube combined with the Langlie method developed in the PRISME Laboratory. This study shows the influence of parameters such as distance between the electrodes, powder concentration and arc power on MIE values. Theses parameters vary in the range of 3–6 A for the current intensity of the spark and the electrode gap in the range of 2.5–4 mm. The MIE is obtained for a spark gap of 3 mm and current intensity of the 4 A spark in our device. It shows that the MIE is less than 40 mJ for concentrations approaching 1000 g/m³. At lower concentrations (under 150 g/m³) the MIE increases but discrepancies in measurements appear, probably because of the static electricity that creates strong irregularities in dust dispersion. The second part of this study concerns the thermal degradation of the PA12 which is performed by thermogravimetric experiments coupled with mass spectrometric (MS) analysis for gas investigation. The mass loss measurement combined with the gas analysis allows the principal stages of degradation to be determined so as to calculate the kinetics parameter PA12. Experiments have been performed for different heating rates between 1 and 30 K min^?1 and the reproducibility of experiments has been verified. The activation energy is determined using two methods: Freidman and KAS. For a reaction rate of between 0.2 and 0.6, the activation energy is nearly constant. The KAS method gives a value of E_a = 250 kJ mol^?1 and the Friedman method gives E_a = 300 kJ mol^?1. The gas analysis by MS shows that oxidation begins at over 350 °C and finishes at under 650 °C with the formation of CO₂ and H₂O. Other major peaks with an m/z ratio of 29, 28 and 30 are noticed in this range of temperature. They show the presence of intermediate species such as C₂H₆, NO or CH₂O. The presence of HCN is also detected (m/z ratio of 27).     

Partial nitritation of landfill leachate with varying influent composition under intermittent aeration conditions

The start-up and operation of a partial nitritation sequencing batch reactor for the treatment of landfill leachate were carried out on intermittent aeration mode. Partial nitrite accumulation was established in 15 days after the mode was changed from continuous aeration to intermittent aeration. Despite the varying influent composition, partial nitritation could be maintained by adjusting the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and the air flow rate. An increase in the air flow rate together with a decrease in air off duration can improve the partial nitritation capacity and eventually result in the development of granular sludge with fine diameters. A nitrogen loading rate of 0.71 ± 0.14 kg/m³/d and a COD removal rate of 2.21 ± 0.13 kg/m³/d were achieved under the conditions of an air flow rate of 19.36 ± 1.71 m³ air/m³/h and an air on/off duration of 1.5 min/0.7 min. When the ratio of total air flux (TAF) to the influent loading rate (ILR) was controlled at the range of 163–256 m³ air/kg COD, a stable effluent NO₃^?–N/NO_x^?–N (NO₂^?–N plus NO₃^?–N) ratio below 13% was achieved. Interestingly, the effluent pH was found to be a good indicator of the effluent NO₂^?–N/NH₄⁺–N ratio, which is an essential parameter for a subsequent anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) reactor.     

Workers’ exposure to electric fields during the task ‘maintenance of an operating device of circuit breaker from a service platform’ at 110-kV substations

The objective of the study was to investigate occupational exposure to electric fields during the task ‘maintenance of an operating device of circuit breaker from a service platform’ at 110-kV substations. The aim was also to compare the results to Directive 2013/35/EU. At 16 substations, 255 electric field measurements were performed. The highest mean value of the electric fields was 9.6?kV?m^?1. At 63% of substations the maximum values were over 10.0?kV?m^?1, and at 31% of the substations the 75th percentiles were over 10.0?kV?m^?1, which is the low action level (AL) according to Directive 2013/35/EU. All measured values were below the high AL (20.0?kV?m^?1). In the future, it is important to take into account that the measurements were only taken at Finnish 110-kV substations; therefore, it is not possible to generalize these results to other countries and different types of substations.     

Boron removal from produced water using electrocoagulation

Produced water is the largest wastestream of oil and gas exploration but its chemical composition hinders its beneficial use. Effective treatment and reuse of produced water can mitigate scarcity of fresh water, especially in arid areas. Presence of inorganic compounds such as boron in produced water renders its beneficial use difficult. In this study, boron removal from produced water was investigated. Synthetic wastewater was prepared simulating the range of boron concentrations in produced water. Four operating parameters pH (3–11), charge loading (1200–3600 Ah/m³), contact time (15–90 min) and concentration (10–30 mg/L) were selected and their optimum conditions investigated. The obtained optimum conditions were applied to treat real produced water. Residual boron concentration of 0.3 mg/L was obtained from initial boron concentration of 15 mg/L in real produced water at optimum conditions of pH 7, charge loading 2400 Ah/m³ and contact time 90 min. Boron adsorption could be represented by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Electrocoagulation can be used for the effective removal of boron from produced water.     

Synthesis and adsorption studies of NiO nanoparticles in the presence of H2acacen ligand,for removing Rhodamine B in wastewater treatment

Cost efficient NiO nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal production of nano-scale Ni(OH)₂, using Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and NaOH as precursors, in the presence of H₂acacen ligand, followed by calcinations of the produced Ni(OH)₂. Prepared samples were then characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). BET analysis revealed high surface area for pure nano sized NiO, averaging 176.56 m²/g and confirming its application as an efficient adsorbent. Experimental studies for Rhodamine B (RB) removal from aqueous solutions in batch systems revealed that the adsorption equilibrium was best represented by Langmuir isotherm, with the maximum monolayer capacity of 111 mg/g for RB. The kinetic data was well described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, having intraparticle diffusion model as a rate limiting step.     

Achieving stable partial nitritation using endpoint pH control in an SBR treating landfill leachate

The feasibility of using endpoint pH control to achieve stable partial nitritation (PN) in an SBR for landfill leachate treatment was investigated. By imposing a fixed-time anoxia followed by variable-time aeration in an SBR cycle, successful partial nitritation was maintained for 182 days at a nitrogen loading rate of 0.30–0.89 kg/m³/day. The effluent NO₂⁻-N/NH₄⁺-N ratio and the effluent NO₃⁻-N concentration were 1.30 ± 0.22 and 16 ± 9 mg/L, respectively. High free ammonia (FA) and low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations were inhibition factors of nitrate formation. The termination of aeration at a suitable endpoint pH was the key to achieve an effluent NO₂⁻-N/NH₄⁺-N ratio close to the stoichiometric value. This endpoint pH control strategy represents practical potentials in the engineered application of combined PN–ANAMMOX processes.     

Method for Evaluating Germicidal Ultraviolet Inactivation of Biocontaminated Surfaces

Safety issues related to work-site conditions often deal with potential worker exposure to infectious airborne microorganisms due to their dissemination in indoor air and contamination of surfaces. Germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) radiation is used in health-care settings and other occupational environments for microbial inactivation. In this study, a new methodology for determining the efficiency of GUV microbial inactivation of surfaces was developed and evaluated. The method utilizes identical chambers in which test microorganisms are irradiated on agar surfaces at different humidity and irradiation intensity levels. The effects of GUV intensity and exposure time on microbial inactivation were examined for Micrococcus luteus and Serratia marcescens. It was found that at low humidity levels (20–25%) both organisms can be inactivated with at least 95% efficiency if the GUV intensity exceeds 50 μW/cm² for at least 3-5 min (corresponding to a dose of ~ 10 mJ/cm²). The radiation dose needed for effective inactivation of S. marcescens, as measured by a UV meter near the microbial sample, was found not to be affected by the humidity level, whereas that of M. luteus increased at higher humidities. The findings of this study can be used to determine sufficient GUV inactivation doses for occupational environments with various microbial contaminations.     

Experimental investigation on extinguishing performance of a novel nanocomposite for gaseous fires

A novel nanocomposite was synthesized by incorporating three different types of flame-retardants and its extinguishing performance was tested for gaseous fires. The nanocomposite consists of the inorganic magnesium hydroxide (MH) nanoparticles as the dominant component, the nitrogen-based melamine cyanurate (MCA), and the phosphorus-based ODOPB. The wet mixing, dry mixing, and ultrasonic agitation were employed in the preparation process to enhance the homogeneity of the nanocomposite. The prepared powders were characterized using a series of analytical instruments including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravity analyzer (TGA), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The efficiency of various samples in extinguishing gaseous fires was investigated in a lab-scale extinguishing system. The fire extinguishing tests indicated that the nanocomposite is considerably more effective in fire extinguishing than other powders in terms of extinction time and agent mass consumed. The fire extinction time of nanocomposite was 45.2% shorter than that of commercial ABC-MAP powder. Furthermore, the consumed amount of nanocomposite was 63.2% less than that of commercial powder. In addition, the order of extinguishing mass concentrations was as follows: the novel nanocomposite (103.7 g/m³) < MH/MCA (148.1 g/m³) < MH/ODOPB (155.6 g/m³) < MH (170.4 g/m³) < commercial ABC powder (281.5 g/m³) < MCA/ODOPB (384.1 g/m³). The fire suppression mechanisms of the nanocomposite were also discussed. It was inferred that the extinguishing mechanism of nanocomposite comprised of simultaneous chemical and physical inhibition actions involving chemical inhibition action, cooling action, and asphyxiation action. This study provides a promising attempt to gain benefits from the striking features of nanotechnology and flame-retardants in extinguishing gaseous fires.     

Influence of super-absorbent polymer on the growth rate of gas hydrate

The growth rate of hydrate and morphology of methane hydrate formation were studied in a visual pressure cell at 5.5 MPa. The gas hydrate formation was carried out (coal mine methane (CMM) + tetrahydrofuran (THF) + sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) + H₂O) with and without SAP. Experimental data on the hydrate growth rate and induction time were obtained for three different CMM samples. The influence of SAP on hydrate growth rate was determined. Results showed that after the addition of SAP, with the methane concentration increased in CMM, the induction time was reduced by 9 min, 10 min and 3 min, and the growth rate was shortened by 0.56 × 10⁻⁶/m³ min⁻¹, 0.53 × 10⁻⁶/m³ min⁻¹ and 1.42 × 10⁻⁶/m³ min⁻¹, respectively. This study could be useful for the recovery of methane from CMM by forming hydrate in the chemical and mining industry.     

Filtration Properties of Nonwovens

Abstract

This paper presents the results and conclusions from experimental investigations concerning filtration properties of nonwovens. The needled nonwovens were made from polyester fibres (PTE) with average fibre diameter 12 µm and polypropylene fibres (PP) with average fibre diameter 32 μm. Nonwovens were produced out of each of those fibres or out of a mixture of polyester and polypropylene fibres. This paper also presents investigations of nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene fibres (PP) with average fibre diameter 2.6 μm, which was formed according to melt-blown technology. Oil mist, as challenge aerosol, was used to evaluate the performance of filter media at various aerosol velocities. The average oil mist test aerosol particle diameter was 0.3 μm. Filter penetration was measured at oil mist concentration 0.24 g/m³.     

Sensitivity analysis and optimization for gasoline vapor condensation recovery

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are easily evaporated and discharged from everywhere into the atmosphere, especially in various operations of gasoline. The emission of VOCs is always a significant environmental problem, and the control of VOCs pollution has been a hot topic in the field of air purification. In this paper, the condensation separation method for gasoline vapor recovery was investigated and four gasoline vapors of S1–S4 were selected for the sensitivity analysis and optimization of the condensation process, using the Model Analysis Tools from Aspen Plus. Generally, to control VOCs pollution efficiently, both the vapor recovery efficiency and the outlet vapor concentration of the condensation recovery system should be simultaneously considered. Then an optimized three-stage condensation process was proposed, whose condensation temperatures were optimized and designed at 1 °C, −40 °C and −110 °C, respectively. Further, based on the comprehensive consideration of both meeting the more strict VOCs emission standard and ensuring the condensation recovery system work stably and economically, it was recommended that the maximum total vapor recovery efficiencies for S1–S4 should be 99.73%, 99.79%, 99.82% and 99.19%, and the minimum outlet vapor concentrations be 2.87 g/m³, 2.75 g/m³, 3.04 g/m³ and 16.98 g/m³, respectively. Accordingly, the condensation temperature of the copious cooling stage should be set at −130 °C. Moreover, the total cooling duties for the single-stage and three-stage condensation processes were investigated and compared when the condensation temperature of the recovery system ranged from 20 °C to −110 °C. The total cooling duties of the three-stage condensation process for S1–S4 would be saved by 12.23%, 15.68%, 13.96% and 15.65%, respectively. Finally, a three-stage condensation system was developed for the industrial gasoline vapor recovery, which has performed well since its installation.     

Study into influence of different types of igniters on the explosion parameters of dispersed nitrocellulose powder

Nitrocellulose is a flammable compound produced by cellulose nitration. The nitrocellulose production and handling are associated with a risk of fire and explosion. Nitrocellulose is used as either collodion cotton (<12.5% N) or as an explosive (>12.5% N). Nitrocellulose is a fibrous or powdered substance and may detonate or burn upon certain conditions. The article compares the combustion parameters of dry nitrocellulose in the KV-150M2-UIBE explosion chamber at the concentrations of 250, 500 and 750 g m⁻³. To ignite a nitrocellulose sample, six different types of igniters were used. A commercially available 5 kJ pyrotechnic igniter was used as the standard. Also used were a nitrocellulose igniter, a pyrotechnic igniter with magnesium powder and KNO₃/KClO₃, and an exploding wire (Kanthal and tungsten wire). The examined igniters were found to affect the explosion parameters of dispersed nitrocellulose. The deviation of the explosion constant K_st reached 50% of the standard value. The highest pressure of 12.73 bar g was reached at a concentration of 750 g m⁻³ and an igniter exploding wire with Kanthal wire. The highest K_st value of 287.9 bar.m.s⁻¹ was achieved at a concentration of 750 g m⁻³, when using the pyrotechnic igniter with KClO₃ and magnesium powder.     

Attenuation of a point blast shock wave in the dusty air

The behavior of the blast impulse initiated by a point blast in the dusty air is investigated theoretically. It is shown that the jumps of parameters at the shock front in the dusty air follow other regularities in comparison with the case of an ideal gas, beginning from the distance of three dynamic radii, so at ten dynamic radii the difference in overpressure exceeds 60%. When the air heterogeneity is taken into account, substantial gradual changes of wave profile come over and the total blast wave impulse can't be determined by the front overpressure only. The known far asymptotic law takes no place in the point blast flow at the volume dust densities ρ₂₀ > 3·10^?3 kg/m³. In contrast to the ideal gas, the shock front discontinuity vanishes in the dusty air at a finite distance from its origin and the blast wave eventually turns into a dispersive wave without discontinuity. The wave structure changing is studied in the process of the shock wave transformation into the dispersive wave.     

Removal of toluene vapour from air stream using a biofilter packed with polyurethane foam

Biodegradation of toluene vapour was investigated for 168 days in a polyurethane packed biofilter inoculated with a mixed microbial population. Biofilter consisted of five square cross-section modular units each of size 0.16 m × 0.16 m × 0.20 m and filled with the polyurethane foam cubes up to a height of 0.15 m. Inlet concentration of toluene was varied from 0.04 to 2.5 g m^?3 and the volumetric flow rate of toluene loaded air from 0.06 to 0.90 m³ h^?1.Depending upon initial loading rates, removal efficiency ranging from 68.2 to 99.9% and elimination capacity ranging from 10.85 to 90.48 g h^?1 m^?3 were observed during steady state operations. More than 90% removal efficiency was observed up to an inlet loading rate of 76.3 g h^?1 m^?3. High carbon recovery (>90%) indicated effective biodegradation in the bed. Low variation of pH (7.2–8.8) and pressure drop (45.8–76.3 Pa) was observed. The stability of the biomass was evident from the fast response of the biofilter to shutdown and restartup.     

Flame propagation in lycopodium/air mixtures below atmospheric pressure

Industrial processes are often operated at conditions deviating from atmospheric conditions. Safety relevant parameters normally used for hazard evaluation and classification of combustible dusts are only valid within a very narrow range of pressure, temperature and gas composition. The development of dust explosions and flame propagation under reduced pressure conditions is poorly investigated. Standard laboratory equipment like the 20 l Siwek chamber does not allow investigations at very low pressures. Therefore an experimental device was developed for the investigations on flame propagation and ignition under reduced pressure conditions. Flame propagation was analysed by a video analysis system the actual flame speed was measured by optical sensors. Experiments were carried out with lycopodium at dust concentrations of 100 g/m³, 200 g/m³ and 300 g/m³. It was found that both flame shapes and flame speeds were quite different from those obtained at atmospheric pressure. Effects like buoyancy of hot gases during ignition and flame propagation are less strong than at atmospheric conditions. For the investigated dust concentrations the flame reaches speeds that are nearly an order of a magnitude higher than at ambient conditions.     

Medium-scale experiments on vented hydrogen deflagration

A series of medium-scale experiments on vented hydrogen deflagration was carried out at the KIT test side in a chamber of 1 × 1 × 1 m³ size with different vent areas. The experimental program was divided in three series: (1) uniform hydrogen–air mixtures; (2) stratified hydrogen–air mixtures within the enclosure; (3) a layer deflagration of uniform mixture. Different uniform hydrogen–air mixtures from 7 to 18% hydrogen were tested with variable vent areas 0.01–1.0 m². One test was done for rich mixture with 50% H₂. To vary a gradient of concentration, all the experiments with a stratified hydrogen–air mixtures had about 4%H₂ at the bottom and 10 to 25% H₂ at the top of the enclosure. Measurement system consisted of a set of pressure sensors and thermocouples inside and outside the enclosure. Four cameras combined with a schlieren system (BOS) for visual observation of combustion process through transparent sidewalls were used. Four experiments were selected as benchmark experiments to compare them with four times larger scale FM Global tests (Bauwens et al., 2011) and to provide experimental data for further CFD modelling. The nature of external explosion leading to the multiple pressure peak structure was investigated in details. Current work addresses knowledge gaps regarding indoor hydrogen accumulations and vented deflagrations. The experiments carried out within this work attend to contribute the data for improved criteria for hydrogen–air mixture and enclosure parameters to avoid unacceptable explosion overpressure. Based on theoretical analysis and current experimental data a further vent sizing technology for hydrogen deflagrations in confined spaces should be developed, taking into account the peculiarities of hydrogen–air mixture deflagrations in presence of obstacles, concentration gradients of hydrogen–air mixtures, dimensions of a layer of flammable cloud, vent inertia, etc.     

Effects of high ammonia loads on nitrogen mass balance and treatment performance of a biotrickling filter

A biotrickling filter packed with coal slag as packing medium was continuously used for more than 9 months under high ammonia loading rates of up to 140 g/m³/h. Nitrogen mass balance and microbial community analysis were conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of high ammonia concentration and metabolic by-products on the rates of nitrification. Ammonia removal efficiency reached above 99% at an empty bed retention time of as low as 8 s when inlet concentrations were below 350 ppm. The maximum and critical elimination capacities of the biotrickling filter were 118 g/m³/h and 108.1 g/m³/h, respectively. Kinetics analysis results showed that less than 2.5 s was required for the biotrickling filter with pH control to treat ammonia at concentrations of up to 500 ppm in compliance with the Taiwan EPA standard (outlet NH₃ < 1 ppm). Results of mass balance and microbial community analysis indicated that complete removal was mainly contributed by the activities of autotrophic ammonia oxidizing bacteria and not by physical absorption or adsorption at low loading rates. However, at high inlet loadings, ammonium became the dominant by-product due to inhibitory effects of high ammonia concentration on the bacterial community.