Friday, November 19, 2010

Free Expansion ( Unresisted Expansion ) Process

               The free expansion process is an irreversible non-flow process. A free expansion process occurs when a fluid is allowed to expand suddenly into a vacuum chamber through an orifice of large dimensions.
               Consider two chamber A and B separated by a partition. Since there is no expansion of the boundary of the system, because it is rigid, therefore no work is done. Thus, for a free expansion,
                                    Q1-2 = 0; W1-2 = 0 and dU = 0
                The following points may be noted regarding the free expansion of a gas:
1. Since the system is perfectly insulated so that no heat transfer takes place therefore the expansion of gas may be called as an adiabatic expansion.
2. Since the free expansion of the gas from the equilibrium state 1 to the equilibrium state 2 takes place therefore the intermediate state will not be in equilibrium states.
etc...

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Rate of Heat Transfer

                    Heat transfer during a polytropic process
                                        Q1-2 = (segma) - n / (segma) - 1 * W1-2
 where W1-2 is the work done during polytropic process.
                     If dQ is the small quantity of heat transfer during small change of pressure and volume, then
                                                 dQ = (segma) - n / (segma) - 1 * pdv
Rate of heat transfer per unit volume,
                                                dQ / dv = (segma) - n / (segma) - 1 * p

and rate of heat transfer per second,
                                     dQ / dt = dQ / dv * dv / dt = (segma) - n / (segma) -1 * p * dv / dt
where dv / dt is the swept volume of the piston per second.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Constant Tempreture Process (Isothermal Process)

             A process, in which the tempreture of the working substance remains constant during its expansion or compression, is called constant tempreture process or isothermal process. This will happen when the working substance remains in a perfect thermal contact with the surroundings, so th
at the heat "sucked in' or 'squeezed out' is compensated exactly for the work done by the gas or on the gas respectively. It is thus obvious that in an isothermal process:
    1. there is no change in tempreture.
    2. there is no change in internal energy, and
    3. there is no change in enthalpy.
          Now consider m kg of a certain gas being heated at constant tempreture from an intial state 1 to final state 2.
    Let                 p1v1 and T1 = Pressure, volume and tempreture at the intial state 1, and
                          p2v2 and T2 = Pressure, volume and tempreture at the final state 2.



Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Hyperbolic Process

           A process, in which the gas is heated or expanded in such a way that the product of its pressure and volume (i.e *v ) remains constant, is called a hyperbolic process.
          It may be noted that the hyperbolic process is governed by Boyle,s law i.e p v = constant. If we plot a graph for pressure and volume, during the process as shown in fig we shall get a rectangular hyperbola. Hence, this process is terned as hyperbolic process. It is merely a theoretical case, and has a little importance from the subject point of view. Its practical application is isothermal process, which is discussed below.

Friday, October 29, 2010

General Laws for Expansion and Compression

     The general law of expansion or compression of a perfect gas is pVn = Constant. It gives the relationship between pressure and volume of a given quantity of gas. The value of n depends upon the nature of gas., and condition under which the changes take place. The value of n may be between zero and infinity. But the following values of n are important from the subject point of view.

1. when n = 0. This means pV0 = constant, i.e.p = constant. In other words, for the expansion or constant of a perfect gas at constant pressure, n = 0.

2. when n = 1 ; then pv = constant, i.e the expansion or compression is isothermal or hyperbolic.
3. when n lies between 1 and n, the expension or compression is polytropic, i.e. pVn = Constant.
4. when n = & the expension or compression is adiabatic
5. when n = infinity the expansion or compression is at constant volume, i.e. v - Constant.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Importance of Critical Steel Ratio in Calculating Thermal Reinforcement

The fulfillment of critical steel ratio means that in construction joints or planes of weakness of concrete structure, steel reinforcement will not yield and concrete fails in tension first. This is important in ensuring formation of more cracks by failure of concrete in tension, otherwise failure in steel reinforcement would produce a few wide cracks which is undesirable. 

   What is the difference in arranging pumps in series and in parallel… solved example extracted from the topic Pumping Station of steel structures based on civil engineering… identical pumps with similar functions, if the pumps arranged in series, the total head is increased without a change to maximum discharge...

  • Functions of Cap Block, Drive Cap and Pile Cushion
       What are the functions of cap block, drive cap and pile cushion in driven piles… Solved example based on the topic piles and foundation Marine Piles of Reinforced Concrete Design of civil engineering subject… Cap block is installed between the hammer end and the drive cap to control the hammer blow in order to protect both the hammer and the pile from damage.




  • Relation of Bearing Pressure
       What is the relation of bearing pressure on soil nail head to the ratio La/Lb, where La is the length of soil nail before the potential slip circle…sample problem based on the topic Soils & Rocks from the Soil Mechanics of Civil Engineering subject… unstable soil mass before the potential circular slip is resisted by two components: soil nail head bearing pressure and friction of soil nail in the unstable soil mass...




  • Acetylene Gas Cylinders used for Gas Welding
       Why should acetylene gas cylinders used for gas welding be erected in upright position… Solved Example based on the topic Steel Structural Analysis of structure from the subject Civil Engineering… Acetylene gas is commonly used for gas welding because of its simplicity of production and transportation and its ability to achieve high temperature in combustion...




  • Major Problems in Using Pumping
       What are the major problems in using pumping for concreting works… solved example extracted from the topic Composite Steel-Concrete Construction of steel structures based on civil engineering… The main problems associated with pumping are the effect of segregation and bleeding…



  • Saturday, October 23, 2010

    SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

    When engineering personnel work outside of the engineering department, the responsibility for training and enforcing safety precautions rests with the head of the  department  controlling  the  operation.  For  example, weapons and ammunition handling requires special instructions by the weapons officer. The   engineer   officer   has   the   following responsibility  for  safety  in  the  engineering  department: l l l Be  sure  safety  precautions  are  posted  in  a conspicuous  and  accessible  places. Be sure all persons in the department and others who  may  be  concerned  with  engineering  matters observe safety precautions. Drill personnel in the safety procedures that apply to their work. Each   division   officer   has   the   following responsibilities for safety in his division: l l l Instruct  subordinates  in  all  safety  precautions that  apply. Require  subordinates  to  observe  all  safety precautions that apply. Post   safety   precautions   and   warnings   in conspicuous  places.  This  includes  posting warnings on dangerous equipment and in areas of the ship where there are particular hazards. Each  member  of  the  engineering  department  has the  following  responsibilities: l l l l l Report  unsafe  conditions  and  correct  the conditions  where  possible. Warn  others  of  unsafe  conditions. Use  approved  protective  clothing  and  equipment where it is called for. Report injury or ill health to supervisors. Use caution in emergency conditions or other dangerous  situations. WARMING-UP SCHEDULES Warming-up schedules for propulsion machinery and boilers are chronological checklists of the key steps used to light boiler fires and warm up the ship’s main engineering plant.

    Saturday, October 16, 2010

    Types of Air compresser

    Centrifugal
    in service. Where capacity or horsepower rather than numbers is considered as a measure, the centrifugal,
    without a doubt, heads the compressor field. During the past 30 years, the centrifugal compressor,
    because of its smaller relative size and weight compared to the reciprocating machine, became
    much more popular for use in process plants, which were growing in size. The centrifugal compressor
    does not exhibit the inertially induced shaking forces of the reciprocator and therefore does not need
    the same massive foundation. Initially, the efficiency of the centrifugal was not as good as that of a
    well maintained reciprocating compressor. However, the centrifugal established its hold on the market
    in an era of cheap energy when power cost was rarely, if ever, evaluated.
    The smaller compressor design was able to penetrate the general-process plant market, which had
    historically belonged to the reciprocating compressor. As the compressor grew in popularity, developments
    were begun to improve reliability, performance, and efficiency. With the increase in energy
    cost in the mid-1970s, efficiency improvements became a high priority. Initially, most development
    had concentrated on making the machine reliable, a goal that was reasonably well achieved. Run
    time between overhauls currently is three years or more, with six-year run times not unusual. As
    plant size increased, the pressure to maintain or improve reliability was very high because of the
    large economic impact of a nonscheduled shutdown.
    Centrifugal compressors are dynamic types with rotating impellers that impart velocity and pressure
    to air (Fig. 61.6). Their design is simple and straightforward, consisting of one or more highspeed
    impellers with cooling sections. The only lubrication required is in the drive system, which is
    sealed off from the air system.
    Integral gear-type centrifugal air compressors are generally used in central plant air applications
    requiring volumes ranging from 1000-30,000 cfm and discharge pressures from 100-125 psig.
    Centrifugal air compressors are normally specified on the basis of required air-flow volume.
    However, there are several ways to calculate volume and serious problems can result unless both
    user and manufacturer use the same method. At the very least, the user can have problems comparing
    bids from competing manufacturers. At worst, he may choose the wrong compressor.
    These problems can be avoided by specifying capacity in terms of actual inlet conditions and by
    understanding how compressor capacity is affected by variable ambient conditions such as inlet
    pressure, temperature, and relative humidity. Factors such as cooling water temperature and motor
    load must be considered before a compressor and its drive motor can be sized.
    A multistage arrangement for integral gear-type compressors is shown in Fig. 61.7. The flow path
    is straight through the compressor, moving through each impeller and cooler in turn. This type of
    centrifugal compressor is probably the most common of any found in process service, with applications
    ranging from air to gas.
    compressors are second only to reciprocating compressors in numbers of machines
    Sliding-vane
    61.8). As the rotor turns, the vanes slide out against the stator or housing. Air compression occurs
    when the volume of the space between the sliding vanes is reduced as the rotor turns. Single- and
    multistage versions are available.
    compressors consist of a vane-type rotor mounted eccentrically in a housing (Fig.

    • Oxidation
    • Condensation
    • Viscosity
    • Outgassing in the inlet
    • Foaming
    • Separation performance
    • Chemical reaction
    Some problems can be solved with specially selected oil grades. Another solution is synthetic oils,
    but cost is a problem, particularly with silicone oils. Alternatives need to be reviewed to match
    service life of the lubricant with lubrication requirements in the compressor.
    One consideration for flooded compressors is the recovery of liquid. In conventional arrangements,
    the lubricating oil is separated at the compressor outlet, cooled, filtered, and returned to the compressor.
    This is fine for air service, where oil in the stream is not a major problem, but when oilfree
    air is needed, the separation problem becomes more complex. Because the machine is flooded
    and the discharge temperature is not high, separation is much easier relative to compressors that send
    small amounts of fluid at high temperature down stream. Usually part of the lubricant is in a vaporized
    form and is difficult to condense except where it is not wanted. To achieve quality oil-free air, such
    as that suitable for a desiccant-type dryer, separators that operate at the tertiary level should be
    considered. Here, the operator must be dedicated to separator maintenance, because these units require
    more than casual attention. Separation by refrigeration is not as critical if direct expansion chillers
    are used. In these applications, the oil moves through the tubes with the refrigerant and comes back
    to the compressor with no problem, if the temperature is not too low for the lubricant.
    Advantages of helical screw compressors include smooth and pulse-free air output, compact size,
    high output volume, low vibration levels, and long life.

    Air Compressor


    material is also a factor in setting the temperature limit. While 30O
    should be remembered that this is an average outlet temperature and the cylinder will have hot spots
    exceeding this temperature.
    Lubricated compressors use either a full-pressure or splash-lubricating system with oil in the
    crankcase. Oil-free compressors have a crosshead or distance piece between the crankcase and cylinders.
    Nonlubricated compressors use nonmetallic piston rings, guides, and sealed bearings with no
    lubricating oil in the crankcase.
    0F may not seem all that hot, it
    Reciprocating double-acting
    used for heavy-duty, continuous service. Discharge pressures range from above atmospheric to several
    thousand psig. The largest single application is continuous-duty, supplying air at 100 psig. This design
    is available with the same modifications as single-acting compressors.
    Double-acting crosshead compressors, when used as single-stage, have horizontal cylinders. The
    double-acting cylinder compressor is built in both the horizontal and the vertical arrangement. There
    is generally a design tradeoff to be made in this group of compressors regarding cylinder orientation.
    From a ring-wear consideration, the more logical orientation is vertical; however, taking into account
    size and the ensuing physical location as well as maintenance problems, most installations normally
    favor a horizontal arrangement (Fig. 61.3).
    designs compress air on both strokes of the piston and are normally
    Rotary screw
    machines. Oil or water injection is normally used to seal clearances and remove the heat of
    compression. Oil-free designs have reduced clearances and do not require any other sealing medium.
    In single-screw designs, the rotor meshes with one or two pairs of gates (Fig. 61.4). The screw
    and casing act as a cylinder, while the gates act like the piston in a reciprocating compressor. The
    screw also acts as a rotary valve, with the gates and screw cooperating as a suction valve and the
    screw and a port in the casing acting as a discharge valve. Single-stage sizes range from 10-1200
    cfm with pressures up to 150 psig. 250-psig designs, supplying 700-1200 cfm, are available.
    Dual rotor designs use two intermeshing rotors in a twin-bore housing (Fig. 61.5). Air is compressed
    between the convex and concave rotors. The trapped volume of air is decreased along the
    rotor, increasing pressure. Single- and multistage versions are available with and without lubrication.
    The power consumption of rotary screw compressors during unloaded operation is normally higher
    than that of reciprocating types. Recent developments have produced systems where the unloaded
    horsepower is 15-25% of loaded power. These systems are normally used with electric motor,
    constant-speed drives. Use as a base load compressor is recommended to avoid excessive unloaded
    power costs.
    A dry screw compressor may be selected for applications where a high air-flow rate is required
    but space does not allow a reciprocating compressor, or where the flow requirement is greater than
    can be supplied by a single-unit, oil-flooded screw compressor. Packaged versions of dry screw
    compressors require a minimum of floor space.
    Dry screw compressors generate high frequency pulsations that affect system piping and can cause
    acoustic vibration problems. These would be similar to the type of problems experienced in reciprocating
    compressor applications, except that the frequency is higher. While volume bottles work
    with the reciprocator, dry-type screw compressors require a manufacturer-supplied proprietary silencer
    to take care of the problem.
    There is one problem this compressor can handle quite well: unlike most other compressors, it
    will tolerate a moderate amount of liquid. Injection for auxiliary cooling can be used, normally at a
    lower level than would be used in a flooded compressor. The compressor also works well in fouling
    service, if the material is not abrasive. The foulant tends to help seal the compressor and, in time,
    may improve performance.
    compressors use one or two rotors or screws and are constant-volume, variablepressure

    Friday, October 15, 2010

    NUMERICAL CALCULATIONS.

    addition to the name and the date, all calculations shouldaccompanied by a complete record of the object and purpose
    of
    the calculation, the apparatus, the assumptions made, the
    data
    used, reference to other calculations or data employed,
    etc.,
    to
    in short, they should include all the information requiredmake the calculation intelligible to another engineer without
    further
    information besides that contained in the calculations,
    or in the references
    given therein. The small amount of time
    and
    increased
    work required to do this is negligible compared with theutility of the calculation.
    Tables
    and curves belonging to the calculation should in
    the
    same way be completely identified with it and contain
    sufficient
    data to be intelligible.
    d.
    167.
    Reliability of Numerical Calculations.The most important and essential requirement of
    numerical
    engineering calculations is their absolute reliability.
    When
    making a calculation, the most brilliant ability, theoretical
    knowledge and
    practical experience of an engineer are
    made
    useless, and even worse than useless, by a single error in
    an
    important calculation.
    Reliability
    of the numerical calculation is of vastly greater
    importance
    in engineering than in any other field. In pure
    mathematics
    example which
    an error in the numerical calculation of anillustrates a general proposition, does not detract
    from the
    interest and value of the latter, which is the main
    purpose; in physics, the general
    the'
    law which is the subject ofinvestigation remains true, and the investigation of interest
    and
    use, even if in the numerical illustration of the law an
    error
    is made. With the most brilliant engineering design,
    however,
    if in the numerical calculation of a single structural
    member
    an error has been made, and its strength thereby calculated
    wrong,
    the rotor of the machine flies to pieces by centrifugal
    forces,
    engineer.
    or the bridge collapses, and with it the reputation of theThe essential difference between engineering and
    purely
    scientific caclulations is the rapid check on the correctnessof the calculation, which is usually afforded by the per
    In
    be