Os fatores envolvidos na obstrução dos gotejadores são divididos em químicos, físicos e biológicos, os quais, dependem da qualidade da água utilizada na irrigação e dos adubos utilizados em fertirrigação. Dentre os fatores físicos estão as partículas de areia, que são classificadas como sólidas inertes, pois não sofrem agregação com outras partículas já presentes na água e nem dispersão. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do tamanho e concentração de partículas de areia e da velocidade de escoamento da água nas linhas laterais na obstrução de um único modelo de gotejador do tipo cilíndrico, não regulado, com vazão nominal de 2 L h-1. Foram realizados ensaios de obstrução com areia misturada em água destilada, combinando os seguintes fatores: três faixas granulométricas de partículas de areia (53-105; 105-250 e 250-500 μm), três concentrações de areia na água destilada (100, 250 e 500 mg L-1) e três velocidades de escoamento da água no início das linhas laterais (0,13; 0,25 e 0,94 m s-1). O tempo de ensaio para cada combinação de fatores foi de 48 horas. A vazão de 32 gotejadores foi medida a cada doze minutos por meio de um sistema automatizado desenvolvido durante esta pesquisa, sendo que esse operou adequadamente durante todo o período de ensaios de obstrução. Utilizaram-se oito linhas laterais conectadas em linha de derivação com bifurcações simétricas, cuja finalidade era distribuir uniformemente a água as partículas de areia entre as linhas laterais. Em ensaios com faixa granulométrica de 105 a 250 μm, ocorreu a obstrução nas concentrações de 250 e 500 mg L-1, para as velocidades de escoamento da água no inicío das linhas laterais V2 (0,25 m s-1) e V3 (0,94 m s-1). Já na faixa granulométrica de 250 a 500 μm, ocorreu obstrução nas concentrações de 100, 250 e 500 mg L-1, para V2 e V3. A obstrução de gotejadores ocorreu de forma aleatória nas oito linhas laterais. Após obstruídos os gotejadores não desobstruíram com o passar do tempo de ensaio, portanto fenômenos de autolimpeza não foram observados durante os experimentos. / Clogging of emitters is influenced by chemical, physical and biological agents that are associated with irrigation water quality and fertilizers, in case of adoption of fertigation practices. Among the physical agents, sand particles are one of the most important clogging sources. Sand particles are considered to be inert since it does not aggregate with other particles suspended in water. The purpose of this research was to assess influence of concentration, size of sand particles, and flow velocity within laterals on sensitivity of drippers to clogging. The results are limited to a cylindrical integrated dripper of 2 L h-1 nominal flow rate that is a nonpressure compensating emitter. Experiments were undertaken using distilled water and sand particles. The following levels were evaluated: (a) three ranges of particles sizes (0.053-0.105; 0.105-0.25 and 0.25-0.5 mm); (b) three concentrations of particles (100, 250 and 500 mg L-1); and, (c) three flow velocities at the laterals inlet (0.13, 0.25 and 0.94 m s-1). Each testing level had 48 hours duration. The flow rate of 32 drippers was measured every 12 minutes by an automated system developed and successfully validated during this research. A manifold with symmetrical bifurcations was designed to assure uniform water distribution among eight parallel laterals installed on the testing bench. Within the range of particle sizes from 105 to 250 μm, clogging of emitters was observed under concentration of particles of 250 and 500 mg L-1 and under flow velocities of 0.25 and 0.94 m s-1. Within the range of particles sizes from 250 to 500 μm, clogging was observed under all concentrations and under flow velocities of 0.25 and 0.94 m s-1. Apparently, clogging of emitters of the eight laterals occurred randomly. Once clogged, emitters did not recovered its initial flow rate, therefore self-cleaning phenomena was not observed during the experiments.

Os fatores envolvidos na obstrução dos gotejadores são divididos em químicos, físicos e biológicos, os quais, dependem da qualidade da água utilizada na irrigação e dos adubos utilizados em fertirrigação. Dentre os fatores físicos estão as partículas de areia, que são classificadas como sólidas inertes, pois não sofrem agregação com outras partículas já presentes na água e nem dispersão. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do tamanho e concentração de partículas de areia e da velocidade de escoamento da água nas linhas laterais na obstrução de um único modelo de gotejador do tipo cilíndrico, não regulado, com vazão nominal de 2 L h-1. Foram realizados ensaios de obstrução com areia misturada em água destilada, combinando os seguintes fatores: três faixas granulométricas de partículas de areia (53-105; 105-250 e 250-500 μm), três concentrações de areia na água destilada (100, 250 e 500 mg L-1) e três velocidades de escoamento da água no início das linhas laterais (0,13; 0,25 e 0,94 m s-1). O tempo de ensaio para cada combinação de fatores foi de 48 horas. A vazão de 32 gotejadores foi medida a cada doze minutos por meio de um sistema automatizado desenvolvido durante esta pesquisa, sendo que esse operou adequadamente durante todo o período de ensaios de obstrução. Utilizaram-se oito linhas laterais conectadas em linha de derivação com bifurcações simétricas, cuja finalidade era distribuir uniformemente a água as partículas de areia entre as linhas laterais. Em ensaios com faixa granulométrica de 105 a 250 μm, ocorreu a obstrução nas concentrações de 250 e 500 mg L-1, para as velocidades de escoamento da água no inicío das linhas laterais V2 (0,25 m s-1) e V3 (0,94 m s-1). Já na faixa granulométrica de 250 a 500 μm, ocorreu obstrução nas concentrações de 100, 250 e 500 mg L-1, para V2 e V3. A obstrução de gotejadores ocorreu de forma aleatória nas oito linhas laterais. Após obstruídos os gotejadores não desobstruíram com o passar do tempo de ensaio, portanto fenômenos de autolimpeza não foram observados durante os experimentos. / Clogging of emitters is influenced by chemical, physical and biological agents that are associated with irrigation water quality and fertilizers, in case of adoption of fertigation practices. Among the physical agents, sand particles are one of the most important clogging sources. Sand particles are considered to be inert since it does not aggregate with other particles suspended in water. The purpose of this research was to assess influence of concentration, size of sand particles, and flow velocity within laterals on sensitivity of drippers to clogging. The results are limited to a cylindrical integrated dripper of 2 L h-1 nominal flow rate that is a nonpressure compensating emitter. Experiments were undertaken using distilled water and sand particles. The following levels were evaluated: (a) three ranges of particles sizes (0.053-0.105; 0.105-0.25 and 0.25-0.5 mm); (b) three concentrations of particles (100, 250 and 500 mg L-1); and, (c) three flow velocities at the laterals inlet (0.13, 0.25 and 0.94 m s-1). Each testing level had 48 hours duration. The flow rate of 32 drippers was measured every 12 minutes by an automated system developed and successfully validated during this research. A manifold with symmetrical bifurcations was designed to assure uniform water distribution among eight parallel laterals installed on the testing bench. Within the range of particle sizes from 105 to 250 μm, clogging of emitters was observed under concentration of particles of 250 and 500 mg L-1 and under flow velocities of 0.25 and 0.94 m s-1. Within the range of particles sizes from 250 to 500 μm, clogging was observed under all concentrations and under flow velocities of 0.25 and 0.94 m s-1. Apparently, clogging of emitters of the eight laterals occurred randomly. Once clogged, emitters did not recovered its initial flow rate, therefore self-cleaning phenomena was not observed during the experiments.

Šio darbo tikslas – kompleksiškai ištirti dulkėtumą ir triukšmą kaimo gyvenviečių žvyruotų kelių aplinkoje ir natūralių želdinių įtaką taršos lygiui. Atliktais tyrimais nustatyta, kad dulkių koncentracija kelyje su žvyro danga ir jo aplinkoje kelis kartus didesnė nei kelyje su asfalto danga ir iki 10 m atstumu nuo kelio viršijama leistinoji 0,5 mg m-³ koncentracijos vertė. Didžiausias dulkių sklaidos sulaikymas nustatytas pakelėje su liepų augmenija. Ištyrus dulkių dalelių kiekį pagal jų dydį (15 m atstumu nuo kelio krašto kur gyventojai dažniausiai būna lauke) nustatyta, kad pravažiavus pavienei transporto priemonei daugiausiai užfiksuota smulkiųjų (0,3-0,49 μm) dalelių - apie 45000 vnt. m-³. Ištyrus pavienės transporto priemonės sukeltą triukšmą nustatyta, kad asfalto ir žvyro dangų keliuose atviroje vietovėje 15 m atstumu nuo kelio garso lygis 6 dBA didesnis žvyruoto kelio atveju. Žvyro kelyje kai nėra kelkraštėje jokios natūralios atitvaros garso lygis 15 dBA didesnis nei kelyje su užtvara. Esant skirtingoms kelio kelkraštėje augmenijos užtvaroms, už jų triukšmo slopinimas skyrėsi apie 10 dBA, o efektyviausiai triukšmą slopina įvairių želdinių augmenija. / The main idea of this work - a comprehensive investigate dust and noise, gravel roads of rural settlements in the environment and natural greenery influence to the level of pollution. After finishing this research showed that concentrations of dust on the road with partition with a gravel surface and its atmosphere are several times higher than on the road with partition with asphalt and up to 10 m from the road exceeded the permissible 0.5 mg m-³ concentration value. The maximum delay dispersion of dust at the roadside with the lime trees. After research the amount of dust particles by size (15 m from the edge of the road where people is usually outdoor) found that the passing of single vehicle mostly recorded small (0.3 to 0.49 µm) particles - about 45,000 units. m-³. After research individual vehicle noise found that the asphalt and gravel roads in an open area of 15 m from the road sound level 6 dB above the gravel road. On gravel on the road with partition where there is no natural roadside partitions sound level 15 dB higher than the on the road with partition. At roadside vegetation in different road barricades for the noise attenuation of 10 dB difference, and the most effective noise levels of various plantation vegetation.

Flows of fluids and solid particles through microchannels have a very wide range of applications in biological and medical science and engineering. Understanding the mechanism of microflows will help to improve the development of the devices and systems in those applications. The aim of this study is to develop a sophisticated simulation and analysis technique for the study of fluid-particle flow through microchannels. This work involves construction of mathematical models, development of analytical methods and numerical algorithms, and numerical investigation and analysis. / The study consists of three parts. The first part of the research focuses on the transient flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid through a micro-annual with a slip boundary. The flow of the fluid is governed by the continuity equation and the Navier-Stokes equations, and is driven by the pressure field with a timevarying pressure gradient. By using the Fourier series expansion in time and Bessel functions in space, an exact solution is derived for the velocity field. The velocity solution is then used to obtain the exact solutions for the flow rate and the stress field. Based on the exact solutions, the influence of the slip parameter on the flow behaviour is then investigated. / The second part of the research focuses on the particle-fluid flow in microchannels. The transport of fluid in the vessel is governed by the continuity equation and the transient Navier-Stokes equations, while the motion of the particles is governed by Newton’s laws. The particle-wall and particle-particle interactions are modelled by the interacting forces, while the particle-fluid interaction is described by the fluid drag force. A numerical scheme based on the finite element method and the Arbitary Lagrangian-Eulerian method is developed to simulate the motion of the particles and the fluid flow in the vessels. The influence of boundary slip on the velocity field in the fluid is also investigated numerically. / Based on the work in the second part, the third part of the research focuses onthe control of the movement of particles in the fluid by applying an external magneticfield to the system. Maxwell’s equations are used to model the magnetic fieldgenerated by the external magnetic source, and a finite element based numericalscheme is developed to solve the underlying boundary value problem for the magneticflux density generated. From the computed flux density and magnetic vectorpotential, the magnetic forces acting on the particles are determined. These magneticforces together with the drag force and the particle-particle interacting forcesdominate the behaviour of the particle motion. A numerical scheme, similar to thatfor the second part of the research, is then developed to study the fluid-particle flowin microchannels under magnetic forces, followed by a numerical investigation onthe influence of the magnetic forces on the particle flow behaviour.

[pt] Experimentos referentes ao movimento relativo entre partículas sólidas e um fluido viscoso confinado no interior de cilindros de seção reta arbitrária (circular, quadrangular) foram realizados. Para todos os casos experimentalmente investigados e, para escoamentos variando desde regimes de muito baixo Números de Reynolds (Re menor que 0,1) até um regime bem além do regime de Oseen, constatou-se que a razão entre a força de pressão e a força de arrasto viscoso (Delta P mais A/D) pode ser diretamente medida através de parâmetros do escoamento não perturbado (escoamento em ausência da partícula). De acordo com uma recente teoria (Brenner, 1962) a afirmativa acima que se baseia em uma linearização do tipo Oseen das equações de movimento, deveria apenas ser esperada para regimes de baixos Números de Reynolds (Re menor que 2). Brenner (1962), utilizando-se dos teoremas de momentum e energia, aplicados ao movimento relativo de uma partícula sólida e um fluido viscoso confinado por paredes sólidas, mostrou que, devido ao movimento relativo, uma força de cisalhamento atuando nas paredes do cilindro deve necessariamente existir, ainda que estas paredes estejam infinitamente distantes da perturbação induzida pela partícula. A generalidade da Teoria de Brenner, relativa à geometria da seção reta do cilindro, foi também verificada nos regimes de Stokes e de Oseen. Experimentos realizados em uma coluna curta (1 m) de seção reta circular forneceram um conjunto de dados que foram utilizados para se qualificar, a um baixo nível de incerteza experimental, a técnica experimental utilizada. Experimentos realizados em uma coluna longa (3 m) de seção reta quadrangular permitiram a verificação da teoria em regimes distantes do regime teórico. Medidas da diferença de pressão adicional induzida pelo movimento relativo entre a partícula e o líquido viscoso confinado no duto de seção quadrangular, claramente definiram três diferentes regiões: i) até Re~50, verificou-se que a razão Delta P+A/D aproximadamente 2,093, resultado este que deveria ser esperado apenas para Re < 2,0. Por consideração elementares de momentum aplicáveis a um volume de controle constituído do fluido viscoso no entorno da partícula, pode-se facilmente mostrar que o valor Delta P+A/D diferente de 1,0 confirma a existência de uma força de cisalhamento finita atuando nas paredes do duto infinitamente distantes da partícula; ii) além de Re ~ 50, uma transição abrupta se inicia forçando o valor Delta P+A/D a decrescer. A razão de força Delta P+A/D decresce assintoticamente para o valor 1,0, valor este que corresponde à situação de um fluido ilimitado (meio contínuo fluido sem fronteiras) conforme prescrito pelo Princípio de Momentum; iii) para Re > 2500, a razão Delta P+A/D fortemente aproxima-se do valor 1,0. O maior regime investigado foi Re ~ 36000 mas, fisicamente, não parece existir nenhum argumento que possa contradizer a permanência do comportamento acima descrito. Este trabalho discute também um método bastante preciso conduzindo à medição do arrasto viscoso sobre a partícula e também uma técnica para se medir as pequenas quedas de pressão(~ 1 a 10 elevado à -3 mm Hg) induzidas pelo movimento da partícula. / [en] Experiments concerning the relative motion of solid particles and viscous fluids, confined within cylinders of arbitrary cross-section (circular and quadrangular) have been conducted. For all cases experimentally investigated and for a flow regime extending from a very low particle Reynolds Number (Re less than 0.1) up to far beyond the Oseen s Regime, it has been shown that the additional pressure force to viscous drag ratio (Delta plus A/D) can be directly evaluated by means of parameters of the unperturbed flow. Accordingly to a recent theory (Brenner, 1962) the above statement which uses a Oseen s type linearization of the equation of motion, should only be expected for the very low particle Reynolds Number regime (Re < 2). Brenner (1962), using momentum and energy theorems applied to the relative motion of a particle and a confined viscous fluid has shown that, as a result of the relative motion, a finete shearing force acting on the cylinder walls must existis, even if the walls are infinitely distant from the particle perturbation. The generality of Brenner s theory concerning the cylinder geometry was also verified in the Stokes and in the Oseen s regimes. Experiments conducted in a short (1 m) circular cylinder, filled with a Newtonian fluid, provided the base line data set used to qualify the experimental technique used, within very low experimental uncertainties. Experiments conducted in a long square cylinder (3 m), allowed verification of the theory far beyond the theorectical regime. Measurements of the additional pressure drop created by the relative motion between a solid particle and the viscous fluid, confined in the square cylinder, cleary defined three regions: i) up to about Re ~ 50 it was found that the pressure force to Viscous drag ratio Delta P+A/D approximately 2.093 which should be expected only for Re < 2. By elementary momentum considerations, applied to the fluid control volume around the particle present in the flow, it can easily be show that this value of Delta P+A/D diferente than 1 confirms the existence of a finete shearing force on the far walls of the cylinder; ii) beyond Re = 50 and up to Re ~ 2500 a very complex and not completely understood transition occurs. At about Re ~ 50 an abrupt transition takes place forcing the value of Delta P+A/D to decrease. The ratio Delta P+A/D decreases asymptotically towards the value 1.0 wich corresponds to the situation of an unbounded fluid as can be predicted by the Momentum Principle; iii) for particle Reynolds Number Re > 2500, the Delta P+A/D approaches very closely the value 1.0. The largest flow regime investigated was Re ~ 36000 but, physically, there seems to be no reason to expect any change in the described behaviour. This work also discusses an accurate method for directly measuring the viscous drag force and the diminute dynamic pressure (~ 1 to 10 (-3) mm Hg) created by the motion of the particle.

Afin de mieux comprendre les mécanismes liés à l’érosion du sol sous l’effet du vent, le transport de particules solides dans un écoulement de couche limite turbulente à l’échelle d’une soufflerie est étudié à l’aide de simulations numériques. La présence d’une ou plusieurs collines Gaussiennes au sol permet d’étudier les effets de la topographie sur le transport, le dépôt et la réémission de particules solides. L’écoulement du fluide porteur est résolu par la Simulation des Grandes Échelles (SGE). Des modèles de paroi pour la vitesse du fluide sont implémentés afin de mieux représenter l’écoulement proche d’une colline. Le mouvement des particules est pris en compte par un suivi Lagrangien. Des modèles d’envol et de rebond sont développés et utilisés pour prendre en compte l’émission et l’impact au sol des particules. Dans la première partie, l’écoulement au-dessus de collines transversales est simulé et validé par des comparaisons avec différentes expériences. Selon Oke [1988], l’écoulement dans la canopée urbaine peut être schématiquement caractérisé par différents régimes en fonction du positionnement relatif des obstacles. Ce concept est appliqué au cas des dunes, assimilées à des collines dans notre étude. L’accent est mis sur la zone de recirculation (ZR) formée derrière ces collines. Les variations de la ZR sont examinées en fonction de différents paramètres dont la configuration des collines et le nombre de Reynolds. De plus, une étude portant sur la sous couche rugueuse est effectuée de façon à déterminer l’effet de la rugosité due à la couche de particules solides au sol. La seconde partie du travail porte sur la simulation des particules au-dessus des collines. L’objectif est l’amélioration des modélisations concernant l’envol, le rebond et le couplage entre le fluide et les particules. Un premier travail de validation est réalisé en utilisant le modèle complet de transport des particules solides. En particulier, l’évolution du flux d’émission des particules, estimé par le modèle d’envol, en fonction du nombre de Shields, donne des résultats comparables aux modèles classiques de saltation et aux expériences de la littérature. Au-dessus des collines, le transport des particules solides est étudié par des profils de concentration et de vitesse moyenne. Pour analyser les résultats, deux cartographies sont réalisées. La première donne l’intensité des événements locaux et instantanés qui seraient à l’origine de l’évacuation des particules piégées au sein de la ZR. La seconde montre la distribution des particules déposées au sol. Ces résultats permettent d’identifier des zones sujettes à l’érosion et à l’accumulation autour des collines. Enfin, les flux des particules piégées et déposées à l’intérieur de la ZR sont quantifiés et comparés aux flux des particules émises en amont. Ces flux, bien que faibles par rapport au flux entrant, contribueraient aux migrations des dunes et à l’avancée des déserts. / The transport of solid particles inside a laboratory-scale turbulent boundary-layer is studied by numerical simulations, to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms associated with wind erosion of soil. The presence of one or several Gaussian hills allows a study of the topographic effects on the transport, deposition and re-emission of solid particles. The carrier fluid motion is resolved in a Large Eddy Simulation (LES). Wall models are implemented to better account for the effects of turbulent flow near the terrain. Particle trajectories are calculated using a Lagrangian tracking. Take-off and rebound models are developed in order to take into account particle emissions and impacts at the wall. In the first part, the flow over transversal Gaussian hills is simulated and validated by comparison with different experiments. According to Oke [1988], the flow inside an urban canopy can be schematically characterised into different flow regimes depending on the relative localisation of the obstacles at the ground. This concept is applied to the case of sand dunes, assimilated to 2D hills in this study. The focus is on the recirculation zone (RZ) on the lee side, which has the characteristic of increasing the residence time and the interaction fluid/particle in general, particle trapping and deposition in particular. The variations of RZ with different hill geometries and Reynolds numbers are examined. A study on the roughness sublayer is conducted in order to determine the roughness effects due to the layer of solid particles on the wall. The second part of the work is devoted to the simulation of solid particle transport over the Gaussian hills. The objective is to improve the modelling of particle take-off, rebound and the two-way coupling between the fluid and the particle. A first work of validation is conducted by using the complete model of solid particle transport developed in this thesis. In particular, the evolution of particle emission flux predicted by the take-off model is in accordance with classical saltation models and experiments from the literature. Over the Gaussian hills, analysis of particle transport is conducted using concentration and mean velocity fields. Two mappings are realised. The first indicates the intensity of the local and instantaneous flow structures that arguably regulate the re-entrainment of particles trapped inside the RZ. The second shows the accumulation of particles on the wall. These results highlight zones prone to wind erosion and particle deposition around the hills. Last but not least, the fluxes of particle trapping and deposition inside the RZ are quantified and compared to the incoming flux from upstream. These fluxes, albeit relatively weak in comparison to the incoming one, contribute potentially to dune migrations and desertification.

A obstrução de natureza física é ocasionada por partículas sólidas presentes em suspensão na água de irrigação e tem sido apontada como a mais comum entre os tipos de obstrução. A suscetibilidade dos gotejadores a problemas de obstrução é influenciada pela qualidade da água e por características geométricas do canal de escoamento do gotejador. Normalmente locais com baixa velocidade de escoamento, como as regiões de estagnação de fluxo e o centro de vórtices, proporcionam baixa capacidade de sustentação das partículas, o que favorece a sedimentação e acúmulo de sedimentos no canal, favorecendo a obstrução do emissor. Este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre características geométricas de gotejadores e as características de escoamento no labirinto com seu desempenho hidráulico e a dinâmica da obstrução causada por partículas sólidas, a fim de adquirir fundamentos para suporte ao aprimoramento de geometrias de labirintos de emissores. Para isso foram projetados, desenvolvidos e avaliados dois grupos de protótipos de labirintos com características construtivas que conduzem a condições de escoamento distintas. No primeiro grupo os labirintos apresentaram escoamento uniforme (EU) apresentando geometria e características de escoamento que minimizam zonas de vórtice, comparando canais com diferentes seções de escoamento e ângulos de defletores. No segundo, os labirintos foram desenvolvidos para favorecer a formação de vórtices bem desenvolvidos (EV) por meio de alterações na altura dos defletores e na largura do canal. Alterações nos parâmetros construtivos dos labirintos resultaram em variações significativas na magnitude da perda de carga e no expoente de fluxo dos labirintos. Os emissores com características geométricas que favoreceram a formação de vórtices bem desenvolvidos apresentaram maior potencial de perda de carga e menores expoente de fluxo comparado aos emissores que permitem escoamento com características mais uniformes no canal. Em relação ao desempenho antiobstrução observou-se que a seção do canal foi um fator limitante, sendo que para ambas as etapas, emissores com largura de canal inferior a 0,8 mm, foram obstruídos rapidamente por partículas relativamente grandes. Por outro lado, os emissores com largura de canal igual ou superior a 1,0 mm não foram sensíveis à obstrução. Os resultados indicaram que a adoção dos vórtices bem desenvolvidos nos labirintos é benéfica do ponto de vista de desempenho hidráulico e antiobstrução pois permite a construção de labirintos com canais mais largos e mais curtos, além de não favorecerem a sedimentação de partículas ao longo do canal nas condições estudadas. / Clogging of physical nature is caused by solid particles present in suspension in irrigation water and has been pointed out as the most common type of clogging. The susceptibility of the drippers to clogging problems is influenced by the water quality and geometric characteristics of the drip channel of the dripper. Usually low flow velocity sites, such as the regions of flow stagnation and the center of vortices, provide low particle support capacity, which favors sedimentation and sediment accumulation in the channel, favoring the emitter clogging. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between geometrical characteristics of drip and flow characteristics in the labyrinth with its hydraulic performance and dynamics of the clogging caused by solid particles in order to acquire fundamentals to support the enhancement of emitters labyrinth geometries. For this, two groups of labyrinth prototypes with constructive characteristics were designed, developed and evaluated that lead to different flow conditions. In the first group the labyrinths presented uniform flow (EU) presenting geometry and flow characteristics that minimize vortex zones, comparing channels with different flow sections and deflector angles. In the second the labyrinths were developed to favor the formation of well developed vortices (EV) by means of changes in the height of the baffles and the width of the channel. Changes in the constructive parameters of the labyrinths resulted in significant variations in the magnitude of the head loss and the exponent of flow of the labyrinths. The emitters with geometric characteristics that favored the formation of well developed vortices presented greater potential of head loss and smaller exponent of flow compared to the emitters that allow flow with more uniform characteristics in the channel. Regarding the anti-clogging performance, it was observed that the section of the channel was a limiting factor, and for both steps, emitters with channel width less than 0.8 mm, were obstructed by relatively large particles. On the other hand, the emitters channel width exceeding 1.0 mm were not sensitive to clogging. The results indicated that the adoption of well developed vortices in the labyrinths is beneficial from the point of view of hydraulic performance and anti-obstruction because it allows the construction of labyrinths with wider and shorter channels, besides not favoring the sedimentation of particles along the channel in the conditions studied.

A good slag practice is essential for production of a high-quality stainless steel. In addition, the electrical and material efficiency of the electric arc furnace (EAF) can considerably be improved by a good slag practice. The metallurgical properties of the slag are strongly influenced by its high-temperature microstructure. Thus, characterization of the phases within the EAF slag as well as the determination of the amount of these phases is of high importance.In addition, the knowledge about the chemical composition of the liquid slag and solid phases at the process temperatures is instrumental in developing a good slag practice.In order to study the slag in EAF high-chromium stainless steelmaking, slag samples were collected from 14 heats of AISI 304L steel (two samples per heat) and 7 heats of duplex steel (three samples per heat).The selected slag samples were petrographically studied both using scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and light optical microscopy (LOM). In some cases, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were also performed. Moreover, computational thermodynamics was used to determine the equilibrium phases in the EAF steelmaking slags at the process temperatures. In addition, parameter studies were performed on the factors influencing the equilibria.More specifically, a petrographical and thermodynamic characterization was performed on the EAF austenitic steelmaking slags. Thereafter, the microstructural evolution of the slag during the EAF duplex steelmaking process was investigated. Moreover, an investigation with focus on the total amount of precipitates within the high-chromium stainless steelmaking slags was done. Finally, the foamability of these slags was quantified and evaluated.The petrographic investigations showed that, during the refining stage, in both austenitic and duplex cases, the main constituent of the EAF slag is a melt consisting of liquid oxides. In addition, the slag samples contain solid spinel particles. However, before ferrosilicon-addition (FeSi), the slag may also contain solid stoichiometric calcium chromite. Moreover, depending on the slag basicity, the slag may contain solid dicalcium silicate at the process temperatures.The evolution of the slag during the refining stage of the EAF was graphically illustrated in the calculated isothermal phase diagrams for the slag system Al2O3-Cr2O3-CaO-MgO-SiO2-TiO2.It was found that the only critical parameter affecting the amount of solid spinel particles in the slag is the chromium-oxide content. More specifically, it was shown that the amount of the spinel particles in the slag increases with an increased chromium-oxide content of the slag. It wasvialso shown that a higher basicity and a lower temperature of the slag contribute to the dicalcium silicate precipitation.In order to evaluate and quantify the foamability of the slags, the slag’s physical properties influencing its foaming index were determined. Computational thermodynamics was used as a tool to calculate the weight fractions of the solid phases within the slag at different EAF process stages. The computational thermophysics was used to estimate the viscosity of the liquid part of the slag samples at the process temperatures. The apparent viscosity of the samples was calculated by combining the above results. By estimating the density, surface tension and the foaming-gas bubble size, the foaming index of the slag samples were quantified. It could be shown that the foaming index of the EAF high-chromium stainless steelmaking slag may be on its minimum as the slag’s basicity takes a value in the range of 1.2 – 1.5. A basicity value of around 1.50 – 1.60 can be suitable for enhancing the foaming index of the slag, during the refining period in EAF high-chromium stainless steelmaking.

Lubrication contamination and degradation is one of the major causes of unexpected failure of tribological nodes. As a result, different levels of maintenance are introduced in practice, leading to a longer service life of the lubricated node. These systems often include sophisticated on-line diagnostic tools that can be used to evaluate a sample of a lubricant using certain variables such as viscosity, number of particles, humidity, dielectric constant, etc. Based on changes of these variables some systems can make corrective measures such as filtering or complete replacement of lubricant. Therefore, the aim of this experimental thesis is to determine the influence of lubrication contamination (solid particles, moisture) and degradation (oxidation) on the lubricating film behavior with respect to its limit bearing capacity. To examine the thickness of the lubricating film, friction and wear, an optical and MTM tribometer, in the ball-on-disc configuration, was used.

Vid SSAB Europé i Luleå produceras höghållfaststål. För att uppnå sådan kvalité måste renligheten i stålet vara god i hela processen. Risken att få förhöjda värden av exempelvis vanadin efter LD-processen vid deoxidationssteget, då medföljande vanadininhållande slagg som återreduceras till stålet är hög. Det finns olika system som jobbar för att förhindra medföljande slagg vid tappning av LD-konvertern. På SSAB i Luleå används IR-kamera för att identifiera slagg vid tappning och en mekanisk slaggstoppare som blockerar tapphålet samt tvingar flödet tillbaka in i konvertern med hjälp av kvävgas. Ett annat möjligt system att använda skulle kunna vara slaggens viskositet, då en högviskös slagg skulle fungera som en vortexinhibitor och därigenom reducera mängden medföljande slagg. Målet med examensarbetet har varit att undersöka sena tillsatsers påverkan av medföljande slagg, där de sena tillsatserna syftar till att öka viskositeten på slaggen genom att skapa fasta partiklar. I daglig drift görs ingen uppskattning av mängden medföljande slagg eller hur sena slaggtillsatser påverkar detta. Genom slaggprovtagning samt stålprover innan och efter tappning av LD-konvertern kan en massbalans göras av mängden medföljande slagg. Beräkningsämnena som passade bäst i denna studie var kisel och vanadin, två ämnen som oftast återfinns endast i slaggen. Utifrån resultatet av proverna visade sena tillsatser inte ha någon påverkan av mängden medföljande slagg. Ingen påvisad skillnad av viskositetsberäkningarna kunde kopplas till de sena tillsatserna, där beräkningarna gjordes i FactSage. Studien visade att sena tillsatser inte har den önskade effekten på medföljande slagg som man tidigare trott och skulle kunna tas bort helt. Detta för att reducera kostnaderna för tillsatser och deponi. Slaggen fick flytegenskaper redan vid 72% andel fasta partiklar och en temperatur på 1379°C. Vid LD-processen har slaggen 8% andel fasta partiklar och temperatur på 1739°C. Detta påvisar att det blir praktiskt omöjligt att styva upp slaggen i LD-processen med hjälp av sena tillsatser. / SSAB Europé in Luleå produce high-strength steel. To reach this quality the purity must be good in the whole process. There is a risk to get a high value of for example vanadium in the steel after the LD-process at the deoxidations step. The carried-over slag from the LD-process has a high content of vanadium that may reduce back to the steel from the deoxidation agent.  Several process systems work to reduce the amount of carried-over slag at LD-converter. At SSAB in Luleå this system is an IR-camera that is used for detecting carried-over slag at the tapping of the converter and a mechanical slagblocker that block the tapping jet and blow back the slag using nitrogen.  Another possible system could be to use the slag viscosity. High viscous slag will work like a vortex inhibitor and reduce the amount of carried-over slag. The goal of this master thesis is to study late additives impact of the amount of carried-over slag, there the purpose of the late additives is to increase the viscosity of the slag through solve in solid particles.  In the daily operations SSAB doesn´t do an estimate of the amount of carried-over slag or how the late additives affect carried-over slag. By conducting slag and steel sampling before and after tapping the LD-converter a mass balance can be used to calculate the amount of carried-over slag. The base of the mass calculation that fit beast in this study was silicon and vanadium. Two substances that often occurs in the slag. From the results of the samples, the late additive didn´t do any impact on the amount of carried-over slag. No impact of the viscosity calculation could connect to the amount of carried-over slag. The calculation has been done in FactSage. The study shows that late additive don´t have any impact on the amount of carried-over slag and that is why it should be avoided. This could decrease the cost of additive and landfill. The slag gets flow properties as early as 72% share solid particles and temperature at 1379°C and in the LD-process the slag had 8% share solid particles and temperature at 1739°C. This shows that it´s practically impossible to stiff up the slag in the LD-process with help of late additive.