012395   Nemade P D;Kadam A M;Shankar H S (Chemical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400 076) : Adsorption of arsenic from aqueous solution on naturally available red soil. J envir Biol 2009, 30(4), 499-504.

In the study arsenate and arsenite removal from naturally available red soil in and around Western Ghats of Maharashtra near Mumbai has been investigated. The parameters like adsorbent dose, operating pH, contact time, initial arsenite concentration, adsorbent particle size, etc. on the removal of arsenite and arsenate are examined. Kinetic study in centrifuge vessel reveals that uptake of As (III) ions is rapid in the first two hours and slows down thereafter. Maximum removal efficiency of As (III) achieved is 98% at an adsorbent dose of 45 gl^{1 with initial As (III) concentration of 1000 μgl1 in batch studies and 95% at 25 g I1 absorbent dose under the same conditions. Equilibrium time is almost independent of initial arsenite concentration. Equilibrium studies show that As (III) ions have high affinity towards red soil even at very low concentration of arsenite. In speciation study, about 25% conversion to As (V) from As (III) is observed, with initial As (III) concentration of 1000 μgl-1 and at 25 g/l-1 adsorbent dose. The results suggest that red soil could be used as effective filter medium for removal of arsenic from water.}

7 illus, 7 tables, 31 ref

012394   Muharram M M;Bayoumi R A;Makky E A (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Al-Azhar Univ, Faculty of Science (Boys), Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt. P.N. 11884, Email: magdimohamed72@yahoo.com) : Phenotypic and genotypic characterization for lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional cheese in Egypt. Asian J expl Sci 2010, 24(1), 65-73.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are found in many nutrient rich environments and occur naturally in various food products, such as dairy, meat products and vegetables. About fifteen LAB isolates obtained from five different traditional cheese samples in Egypt, phenotypically and genotypically were characterized. Genotypic characterization was made by random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) and cell wall proteins analyses. For phenotypic and genotypic characterizations, LAB isolates were divided into five clusters (A-E). Cluster (A) contained two Lactobaclllus plantamm starins and one Lactobacillus curvatus strain. Cluster (B) contained three Leuconostoc mesenteroides straines. Cluster (C) contained two Pediococcus acidilactici strains and one Pediococcus pentosaceus strain while cluster (D) contained three Lactococcus lactis strains. Cluster (E) contained three Microccus lactis strains. RAPD-PCR and cell wall proteins proved to be helpful analyses in discrimination between LAB strains.

1 illus, 2 tables, 53 ref

012393   Mahakud J;Misra A K (Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT, Kharagpur-721 302) : Effect of leverage and adjustment costs on corporate performance: evidence from Indian companies. J Mgmt Res 2009, 9(1), 35-42.

The leverage ratio of Indian companies has increased significantly due to easy availability of various means of finance in the globalization period. In this context, our purpose is to find out the impact of leverage and adjustment costs on performance of the companies. The dynamic panel data model is estimated by Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) method that yield consistent parameter estimates. We have found that the adjustment speed of the various corporate performance measures has been varied between 24-58 percent and leverage has the negative impact on performance. Other control variables like size of the firm, tangibility, short-term liabilities and time dummy have also significant impact on various corporate performance measures. The paper has practical implications for managers, investors and policy makers to take cost effective financing and investment decisions in the rising interest rate regime, and developing the collateralized borrowing market in India.

2 tables, 16 ref

012392   Liu Z G;Ouyang J H;Zhou Y (Materials Science Dep, Institute for Advanced Ceramics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P R China, Email: ouyangjh@hit.edu.cn) : Heat capacity measurements on Yb_xGd_2-xZr₂O₇ (x = 0, 1, 2) ceramics by differential scanning calorimetry. Bull Mater Sci 2009, 32(6), 603-6.

Yb_xGd_2-xZ_r2O₇ (x = 0, 1, 2) ceramics were pressureless-sintered using ceramic powders acquired by chemical-coprecipitation and calcination methods. Heat capacities of Yb_xGd_2-xZ_r2O₇ were measured with a heat flux-type differential scanning calorimetry in the temperature range of 298-1200 K. At 298 K, the heat capacities of Gd₂Z_r2O₇, YbGdZ_r2O₇ and Yb₂Z_r2O₇ were 214, 221 and 230 J-K^{1 moF1, respectively.}

4 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

012391   Harshavardhan Reddy A;Chikkasubbanna V (Horticulture Div, Agricultural Sciences Univ, G.K.V.K., Bangalore, Karnataka) : Storage behaviour of amla syrup. Asian J Hort 2009, 4(1), 5-9.

Amla syrup with 25 and 30 per cent pulp,65 and 70°brix T.S.S was prepared and subjected to physico-chemical analysis at 0, 30, 60 and 90 days of storage and organoleptic rating at 90 days of storage. An increasing trend in pH, total soluble solids and total sugars, reducing sugars and decreasing trend in acidity, crude protein, fibre, tannins, non-reducing sugars and ascorbic acid was noticed during storage period of 90 days. Syrup prepared with 25 per cent pulp, 70°B total soluble solids was found to be the best recipe for organoleptic qualities like appearance, aroma and flavour, taste and overall acceptability.

3 tables, 19 ref

012390   Dubey R;Shami T C;Bhasker Rao K U (Defence Materials & Stores Research & Development Establishment, , Kanpur-208 013) : Microencapsulation technology and applications. Def Sci J 2009, 59(1), 82-95.

Microencapsulation technology allows a compound to be encapsulated inside a tiny sphere known as microsphcrc/microcapsulc, having an average diameter as small as 1μrn to several hundred micro meters. Many different active materials like drugs, enzymes, vitamins, pesticides, flavours and catalysis have been successfully encapsulated inside microballoons or microcapsules made from a variety of polymeric and non polymeric materials including poly(cthylene glycol)s, poly(methacrylate)s, poly(styrene)s, cellulose. poly(lactide)s, poly(lactidc-co-glycolidc)s, gelatin and acacia, etc. These microcapsules release their contents at appropriate time by using different release mechanisms, depending on the end use of encapsulated products. This technology has been used in several fields including pharmaceutical, agriculture, food, printing, cosmetic, textile and defence. In defence sector this technology has introduced the concept of self-healing composites as well as chemical decontaminating fabrics. This review paper highlights the major reasons behind microencapsulation, important techniques of microencapsulalion and application of microcncapsulated products in different areas of science and technology.

5 illus, 1 table, 144 ref

012389   Bose D;Ghosh U;Gangopadhyay H (Food Technology & Biochemical Engineering Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032) : Effect of metal salts on production of fungal alpha amylase and amyloglucosidase by solid state fermentation utilizing agricultural wastes as medium. J mycopathol Res 2009, 47(2), 161-7.

Extracellular alpha amylase and amyloglucosidase were produced from Aspergillus oryzae NCIM 645 under solid state fermentation. House hold agro-wastes such as mixture of potato peels, wastes potatoes, peas peals, non edibie parts of spinach, cabbag and cauliflower were used as medium in the study. These are considered as major pollutants due to unfavorable gas production via natural fermentation beside creating disposal problem. Investigations were carried out to evaluate the effect of different chemical compounds of various metals (metal salts) such as FeSO₄.7H₂O, CuSO₄.5H₂0. MnCl₂.4H₂O, MgSO₄.7H₂O, KH₂PO₄.7H₂O and ZnSO₄. 7H₂O with various concentrations on production of enzymes alpha amylase and amyloglucosidase obtained from Aspergillus oryzae by solid state fermentation utilizing above agricultural wastes as the fermentation medium. Results indicated that maximum activity of alpha amylase was obtained with 10 ppm ZnSO₄. 7H₂O solution and maximum activity of amylogiucosidase was obtained with 10 ppm MgSO₄.7H₂O solution.

12 illus, 37 ref

012388   Baligidad R G;Khaple S (NO, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad-500 058, Email: sikaple@yahoo.com) : Effect of cerium and thermomechanical processing on microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe-10.5Al-0.8C alloy. Bull Mater Sci 2009, 32(5), 531-6.

The effect of cerium content and thermomechanical processing on structure and properties of Fe-10.5 wt.%AI-0.8 wt%C alloy has been investigated. Alloys were prepared by a combination of air induction melting with flux cover (AIMFC) and electroslag remelting (ESR). The ESR ingots were hot-forged and hot-rolled at 1373 K as well as warm-rolled at 923 K and heat-treated. Hot-rolled, warm-rolled and heat treated alloys were examined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction to understand the microstructure of these alloys. The ternary, Fe-10.5 wt. %Al-0.8 wt. %C alloy showed the presence of two phases; Fe-Al with bcc structure, and large volume fraction of Fe₃AlC_0.5 precipitates. Addition of cerium to Fe-10.5 wt.%AI-0.8 wt.%C alloy resulted in three phases, the additional phase being small volume fraction of fine cerium oxy-carbide precipitates. Improvement in tensile elongation from 3-6.4% was achieved by increasing the cerium content from 0.01-0.2 wt.% and further improvement in tensile elongation from 6-4-10% was achieved by warm-rolling and heat treatment.

6 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

012387   Asmotoddin M;Maske V S;Ghulghule J N (Agricultural Economics Dep, Marathwada Agricultural Univ, Parbhani, Maharashtra) : Economic analysis of tomato soup as value added product in Nagar district. Asian J Hort 2009, 4(1), 211-13.

Annual wastage of fruit and vegetables in India is estimated Rs. 2500 crores. It is disheartening to note that value addition to fruit and vegetable processed in India is only 7% as against 23% in China and 88% in U.K. thus, the scope of value addition is mind boggling for the reasons such as availability of raw material as well as large domestic market size. The study an economic analysis of tomato soup as value added product in Ahmednagar district of Western Maharashtra was undertaken with specific objectives to analyse the value addition in tomato soup. The multistage sampling design has been used for selection of district, tehsil, villages and the respondents tomato grower, marketing functionaries and processors. Tomatoes have long been considered a healthy food it significantly reduces heart diseases. The economics of production of value added product i.e. tomato soup was calculated. It showed total cost for preparation of tomato soup for 33.8 q was Rs. 1.31 lakh and the return was Rs. 1.69 lakh and input output ratio was 1.29.

2 tables, 3 ref

011385   Vijaya Y;Krishnaiah A (Biopolymers and Thermo Physical Laboratories, Chemistry Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: abburikrishnaiah@gmail.com) : Column adsorption and desorption studies of fluoride on perchloric acid cross-linked calcium alginate beads. E J Chem 2010, 7(1), 265-70.

Contamination of drinking water due to fluoride is a severe health hazard problem. Excess of fluoride (>1.5 mg/L) in drinking water is harmful to the human health. Various treatment technologies for removing fluoride from ground water have been investigated in the past. Investigation aims to remove fluoride by perchloric acid cross-linked calcium alginate (PCA). Column flow adsorption data were utilized to obtain breakthrough curves and desorption experiment have been carried out with a view to recover the adsorbed fluoride and regenerate the PCA beads using 0.05 M EDT A. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were used for the characterization of the adsorbent.

4 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

011384   Sophie Beulah S;Muthukumaran K (Chemistry Dep, Govt College of Engineering, Tirunelveli-627 007, Email: bamikumar@yahoo.co.in) : Sorption studies of chromium(VI) and mercury(II) by high temperature activated carbon from Syzygium jambolanum Nut. E J Chem 2010, 7(1), 299-307.

High temperature activated Syzygium lambolanum nut carbon (HSJC) has een effectively used for the removal of Cr(VI) and Hg(II) from aqueous solution by batch experiments. Effect of pH, carbon dose and equilibration time were determined. Adsorption followed Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. Kinetic studies indicated that the removal process followed reversible fIrst order equation. Desorption of Cr(VI) was done with 1 M NaOH and 10% H₂0₂ mixture and Hg(m with 2% Na₂S in 1% NaOH. The performance of HSJC was compared with a commercial activated carbon (CAC).

12 illus, 5 tables, 19 ref

011383   Ray R C;Sharma P;Panda S H (NO, Regional Centre of Central Tuber Crops research Institute, Bhubaneswar-751 019, Email: rc_ray@rediffmail.com) : Lactic acid production from cassava fibrous residue using Lcatobacilus plantarum MTCC 1407. J envir Biol 2009, 30(5; Suppl), 847-52.

During extraction of starch from cassava, fibrous residue is a major waste released into the environment. Owing to the high starch content (60- 65% on dry weight basis) and organic matter of cassava fibrous residue (CFR), an attempt has been made to utilize it for the production of lactic acid (LA) in semi- solid state fermentation using Mann Rogassa Sharpe medium containing [5% (wv^{-1)] CFR in lieu of glucose [2% (wv-1)] as the carbon source. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effect of main variables, i. e. incubation period, temperature and pH on LA production. The experimental results showed that the optimum incubation period, temperature andpH were 120 hr, 35°C and 6.5, respectively. Maximum starch conversion by Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 1407 to LA was 63.3%. The organism produced 29.86 g of (L+) LA from 60 got starch present in 100 g of CFR. The LA production yield (i.e. mass LA produced mass starch present in CFR-1 x 100) was 49.76%.}

3 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

011382   Moola J;Dora K C;Chowdhury S;Mishra R (Fish Processing Technology Dep, Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal Univ of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata) : Shelf-life of sausage prepared from ribbon fish (Lepturacanthus savala) during refrigerated storage. Asian J Anim Sci 2009, 3(2), 106-9.

An attempt has been made to develop fish sausages from ribbon fish (Leptur acanthus savald) and to study the shelf-life of the product using domestic refrigerator at a storage temperature of 4°C. The minced meat was water washed by using chilled water (5°C) giving a suspension time of 15 minutes in the ratio of [mince meat: water (W/V)= 1:2] to remove blood, pigment, fat and other low molecular weight components. After each wash, the meat was subjected to pressing by screw press and the moisture content of the product was maintained at about 80% level. The fish mince was made into four batches depending upon the number of washing cycles. The first batch was used directly for the preparation of sausages (T₁). Subsequent batches were washed once (T₂), twice (T₃) and thrice (T₄), respectively, then dewatered and used in sausage preparation. Then the samples were used to prepare high jelly paste product 'fish sausage' and analyzed for quality. Changes in pH, gel strength, water soluble protein, salt soluble protein, non-protein nitrogen, total volatile base nitrogen, peroxide value and free fatty acid were studied during one week of storage at 4°C. The study has established that the ribbon fish is very much suitable for the preparation of sausage. Moreover, considering the fact that this fish is reasonably priced, it makes more meaningful to utilise them for the preparation of value added products such as sausage which has a good demand among the consumers.

5 tables, 22 ref

011381   Lohar P S;Mundhe S A;Kshirsagar R B;Gadhe K S (Food Science and technology Dep, College of Food Technology, MAU, Parbhani-431 402) : Preparation of RTS carbonated beverage from karonda (Carissa carandas L.) fruits. Bionano Front 2010, 3(1), 36-9.

The investigation was undertaken to standardize a suitable method of juice extraction to prepare more acceptable RTS carbonated beverage from karonda fruits. The juice of fully matured fresh karonda fruits was extracted by cold extraction method which gave dark red coloured refreshing and soothing karonda juice with about TSS 20 °Bx, acidity 0.45 per cent and more juice recovery of 60 per cent as compared to hot extraction method. The plain RTS beverage was standardized to juice 15 per cent, TSS 15 °Bx and acidity 0.30 per cent giving maximum acceptability over other combinations for further experiment of standardizing CO2 level to prepare RTSC beverages. Three levels of carbonation i.e. 60, 80 and 100 psi were tested to prepare RTSC beverages. Among these, carbonation at 100 psi was rated better in chemical and sensory qualities than others.

4 tables, 12 ref

011380   Kalbande S R (Dep of Unconventional Energy Sources, Faculty of Agricultural Engineer, Dr P.D.Krishi Vidyapeeth, Krishinagar, Akola-444 104) : Production of biodiesel from multifeed - stock vegetable oils and its utilization for power generation in diesel engine. Green Fmg 2009, 2(10), 709-12.

The cost effective domestic model of bio-diesel processor have been designed and developed for the capacity of 20 Kg per batch. The bio-diesel processor is capable of producing biodiesel from any vegetable oils such as jatropha, karanj, castor, cotton, palm and soybean and can easily prepared 75 kg of biodiesel per day at domestic level. The biodiesel was further tested for electricity generation in 7.5 KVA electrical generator. The overall efficiency of the 7.5 KVA electricity generator for 4500 and 6000 watt loading condition fueled with specified blends of jatropha, karanj, castor, palm and soybean biodiesel were found in the range of 23-25, 21-23, 21-23,22-25, 23-25 and 31-33, 33-39, 30-32, 33-39, 34-36 per cent respectively. In case of Jatropha biodiesel blend the operational efficiency were found less than the diesel fueled condition. The kinematic viscosity of castor biodiesel and petrodiesel are incomparable. The specific gravity and kinematic viscosity of palm biodiesel is very close to petro-diesel. The engine performance was observed very satisfactory on all the biodiesel blends. In all the biodiesels karanj biodiesel blend B80 gave better results and the maximum overall efficiency during electricity production.

9 ref, 4 tables

011379   Hooda S;Tyagi P K;Elangovan A V;Mandal A B; Tyagi P K (Nutrition and Feed Technology Div, Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Email: pktyagi57@rediffmail.com) : Self-life and sensory quality of stored quail meat as influenced by higher dietary levels of vitamin E. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2009, 9(2), 221-30.

Effect of higher dietary concentrations of vitamin E on self-life and sensory quality of stored meat were examined in broiler quails. Day-old heavy body weight quail chicks (n=320) were randomly selected and divided into 20 groups of 16 chicks each. The quail chicks were reared in electrically heated battery cages fitted with feeders and waterers. A basal diet having 24% crude protein and 2700 kcal ME/ kg was formulated. From this basal diet, five experimental diets were prepared by incorporating vitamin E (α-tocopherol acetate) at graded levels of 75, 150, 225 and 300 mg/kg in diet. Each experimental diet was offered ad libitum as mash to four groups of quail chicks for 5 weeks. At the end of the trial, meat samples were collected from four birds picked up randomly from each replicate and stored at -18° C at different time intervals for analysis of various meat and sensory quality parameters. The results of the study revealed that higher dietary vitamin E levels at 225 and 300 mg vitamin E/kg were more effective in retarding oxidative deterioration of meat samples stored at -18°C for two and three months, respectively. Drip loss of one and two months stored meat samples decreased gradually with an increase in dietary vitamin E concentration. Supplemental vitamin E had no effect on ether extract content and total bacterial count of fresh and stored meat samples. The sensory quality of pressure-cooked quail meat (appearance, flavour, texture, tenderness and overall acceptability) deteriorated more rapidly in diets low in vitamin E concentration with increasing storage interval. It is concluded that dietary vitamin E at higher supplemental levels of 225-300 mg/kg in diet of quail was beneficial for storage of meat under frozen condition.

2 tables, 33 ref

011378   Gupta M K;Srivastava R K;Singh A K (Civil Engineering Dep, Kamla Nehru Institute of Technology, Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh) -228 118, Email: mohitgupta0311@gmail.com) : Bench scale treatability studies of contaminated soil using soil washing technique. E J Chem 2010, 7(1), 73-80.

Soil contamination is one of the most widespread and serious environmental problems confronting both the industrialized as well as developing nations like India. Different contaminants have different physicochemical properties, which influence the geochemical reactions induced in the soils and may bring about changes in their engineering and environmental behaviour. Several technologies exist for the remediation of contaminated soil and water. In the study soil washing technique using plain water with surfactants as an enhancer was used to study the remediation of soil contaminated with (i) an organic contaminant (engine lubricant oil) and (ii) an inorganic contaminant (heavy metal). The lub11cant engine oil was used at different percentages (by dry weight of the soil) to artificially contaminate the soil. It was found that geotechnical properties of the soil , underwent large modifications on account of mixing with the lubricant oil. The sorption experiments were conducted with cadmium metal in aqueous medium at different initial concentration of the metal and at varying pH values of the sorbing medium. For the remediation of contaminated soil matrices, a nonionic surfactant was used for the restoration of geotechnical properties of lubricant oil contaminated soil samples, whereas an anionic surfactant was employed to desorb cadmium from the contaminated soil matrix. The surfactant in case of soil contaminated with the lubricant oil was able to restore properties to an extent of 98% vis-a.-vis the virgin soil, while up to 54% cadmium was desorbed from the contaminated soil matrix in surfactant aided desorption experiments.

3 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

011377   Datey S P;Raut V U (Horticulture Dep, Dr. Panjabrao Deshamukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Krishinagar, Akila-444 104) : Physico-chemical changes in mango pulp at ambient storage in glass containers. Green Fmg 2009, 2(10), 713-14.

he mango pulp prepared from Amrapali, Kesar, Dashahari and Pairi fruits were stored at ambient storage (3±2°c) and evaluated for its chemical composition after every fifteen days for its storability. During the storage, TSS was steadily increased up to the end of storage (90 days). However pH and ascorbic acid reduced constantly while, titratable acidity and reducing sugars increased with the advancement of storage period. Maximum variation in the chemical constituents was observed in Kesar variety while less variation was recorded in Dashehari pulp in glass containers, stored at ambient storage.

5 ref, 2 tables

010313   Tiwari S N;Mazumder S M;Bhattacharya S; Tripathi P K (R & D Centre for Iron & Steel, SAIL, Ranchi-834 002) : Enrichment of plate mill secondary sludge to improve recycling potential. Steel India 2008, 31(1), 23-8.

Mill sludge is a dense slurry mainly composed of iron containing solid wastes in very fine form along with oil and moisture. Presence of oil makes these wastes potentially hazardous and unsuitable for dumping. Since the iron content of the sludge is generally >55%, the material has a high potential for recycling. The oil content can be reduced in the sludge by physical, chemical and biological treatments. Moisture content can be reduced subsequently by heating electrically or applying microwave for quick moisture removal. In the bench scale study different unit processes have been applied to bring down oil and moisture content.

5 illus, 6 tables, 9 ref

010312   Sinha P K;Sardar M K;Jha N N;Patwari K; Bandyopadhyay A K (R & D Centre for Iron & Steel, SAIL, Ranchi-834 002) : Improving decarburisation rate during VOD refining of stainless steel. Steel India 2008, 31(1), 18-22.

Steels Plant (ASP), Durgapur produces various grades of stainless steel through EAF-VOD-CC route. After tapping from EAF, steel is treated in VOD for removal of carbon by oxygen blowing and vacuum refining. Decarburisation rate in VOD was rather low, about 0.01 % per minute. Therefore, the process regime for VOD refining was modified based on the information available in the literature, a mathematical model of decarburisation process and results of the analysis of the data collected for the conventional heats. For heats made with the modified practice decarburisation rate has increased from 0.01 to 0.0145 % per minute, and oxygen efficiency from 48.8 to 63%.

4 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

010311   Singh Y P;Majumdar S;Ray A K (R & D Centre for Iron & Steel, SAIL, Ranchi-834 002) : Evolution of slag and its control in BOF. Steel India 2008, 31(1), 34-8.

Role of slag in BOF steelmaking is important because of the extremely fast blowing cycle, where entire refining operation is completed within 16 - 20 minutes. Slag is capable of playing both positive and negative roles. It needs careful attention during the entire blowing duration. A study has been undertaken in 120 t BOF at Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) on development of slag during blow. Observations and findings of slag path development, and measures suggested to achieve desired end point conditions have been presented.

5 illus, 2 ref

010310   Singh R K;Padhi S K (Chemical Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela-769 008, Email: raghubansh.singh@rediffmail.com) : Characterization of Jatropha oil for the preparation of biodiesel. Nat Prod Radiance 2009, 8(2), 127-32.

There has been greater awareness on biodiesel in developing countries in the recent times and significant activities have picked up for its production especially with a view to boost the rural economy. In the present investigation Jatropha curcas Linn, seed oil (non-edible) and iis methyl ester have been chosen to find out their suitability for use as petro-diesel. Experimental investigation has been done to find out the different properties of jatropha oil. Theoretical equation has been developed to find out the properties and they have been compared with the experimental values. Biodiesel was prepared from jatropha oil, through esterification followed by trais-esterification; former was performed using acid catalyst (5% H₂SO₄) and methanol (20% of oil). The trans-esterification reaction was carried out for 2 hrs keeping the molar ratio of methanol to oil at 6:1 and sodium hydroxide concentration of 0.7 weight percentage of oil. The yield of jatropha oil methyl ester was about 97%. The properties of biodiesel depends on the nature of the vegetable oil to be used for preparation of biodiesel and if the developed process is scaled up to commercial levels then excellent business opportunity will be offered by the biodiesel obtained from jatropha oil methyl ester and it could be a major step towards the creation of an eco-friendly transportation fuel that is relatively clean on combustion and provides farmers with substantial income.

2 tables, 24 ref

010309   Singh R K;Khandal R K;Gurdeep Singh (NO, Shriram Inst for Industrial Res, 19, Univ Road, Delhi-110 007, Email: rksingh@shriraminstitute.org) : Use of gamma radiation in degradation of polychrorinated biphenyls in lubricating oils. Asian J chem envir Res 2009, 2(1-2), 1-5.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic organic chemicals and have been commercially used worldwide in many applications. PCBs have been used in oils because of their remarkable properties like flame resistance, thermal stability, dielectric constant, high break down voltage, low volatility etc. However, due to their adverse affects on human health and environment, the use of PCBs has now been banned. PCBs are today considered among widespread pollutants in the global system. Various remedial technologies have been developed in the world to detoxify PCBs. In the recent years, the radiation technology has emerged as an environment friendly technique for treatment of wide spread pollutants. The process involving gamma radiation is safe, reliably, energy efficient and environment-friendly. A study was undertaken to detoxify PCBs in lubricating oils by gamma radiation using Cobalt 60 as radiation source. Analysis of PCBs in lubricating oil before and after radiation was carried out by GC-MS instrument. The method used was found to be highly effective and destruction of PCBs was as high as 74.59%. The degradation efficiency of PCBs destruction was found to be dependent on the applied radiation dose, source of lubricating oil and also on the type of PCBs.

3 tables, 11 ref

010308   Shami T C;Mathur G N;Srivastava M (Defence Materials Stores Research & Development Establishment, DMSRDE, GT Road, Kanpur) : Non absorbent coatings based on polyester polyurethane for protection against chloroethylsulphide. Paintindia 2008, 58(10), 83-4,86,88,90.

A suitable polyester polyol is synthesized by reacting phthalic anhydride with trimethylol propane. The synthesized polyester polyolis transparent pale yellow in color having an acid number of 3 to 4, and hydroxyl group content in the range of 7-8%. The polyester polyol is further reacted with Desmodur W (based on hexamethylene diisocyanate) to formulate the polyurethane coating. The coating based on this polyurethane is tested for its mechanical properties as well as protection against chloroethyl sulphide (toxic chemical). The results show that the coating had superior mechanical properties compared to the conventional alkyd based coatings and is highly resistant to chloroethyl sulphide compounds.

2 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

010307   Sen M;Dubey P K;Singh A P;Kumar P;Tripathi P K;Kukarni R C (R & D Centre for Iron & Steel, SAIL, Ranchi-834 002) : Introduction of high capacity BF gas burner in boiler of power plant-I at Bhilai Steel Plant. Steel India 2008, 31(1), 44-51.

High capacity blast furnace (BF) gas firing system has been introduced to replace pulverised coal firing in boiler no. 6 of power plant -1 at Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP). BF gas does not burn easily because of its low calorific value (CV (780 kcal/Nm^{3). A special burner design has been developed to meet the technological requirements for firing BF gas in large quantity. Six burners of identical design, each with a capacity of 10000 Nm3/hr, have been installed along with other accessories and equipment, retaining the original 12 composite burners on the boiler front wall. The new BF gas firing system has been commissioned and working well. Pulverised coal firing in boiler no. 6 has been completely replaced by BF gas. This has resulted in significant economical and environmental benefits to BSP. The design features of the high capacity BF gas burner and the modifications incorporated in the boiler are highlighted.}

5 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

010306   Sarkar B;Santosh Kumar;Maitra S M;De S K; Mallick S;Datta R (R & D Centre for Iron & Steel, SAIL, Ranchi-834 002) : Development of titanium microalloyed extra deep drawing quality steel. Steel India 2008, 31(1), 56-63.

Bokaro Steel Plant (BSP) produces and supplies low carbon (< 0.04%) extra deep drawing (EDD) quality steel through combined blowing technology (CBT). In response to the demand for higher elongation by the customers, measures have been undertaken to improve the elongation levels from 38-42 % to 42-45 % in case of hot rolled (HR) coils and from 38-43 to 40-46 % in case of cold rolled (CR), annealed and skin passed coils. Incidence of rolled -in-scale has been minimised fay ensuring low (950 C) finish entry temperature. The strategy adopted has involved lowering of C to 0.03 % max. by partially replacing medium carbon ferromanganese by high purity (99.7%) Mn, tying up free N by the addition of ~ 0.01% Ti and controlling Si to 0.02% max. by the addition of calcined bauxite, controlling the carryover slag and tapping temperature. Deoxidation has been optimised by reducing Al addition in ladle furnace in order to restrict the amount of Si. The coiling temperature has been kept at 610-630 C in case of HR coils, and 540-560 C for CR coils. In case of CR and annealed coils, the strain aging index has been restricted to ~2 % compared to ~8 % in conventional EDD coils. This has enabled the load to be reduced during skin passing of CR and annealed coils by about 50%. However, Si could not be restricted to 0.02% max. Also, the partial addition of high purity Mn has not been found to be a viable option in view of the exorbitant price. The market acceptability of low carbon EDD HR as well as CR has improved with the implementation of above measures. Performance feedback for HR EDD received from Hero Cycles and Bhushan Steel has been encouraging. Similarly, CR EDD supplied to major vendors of Maruti Udyog has been successfully used for making moderate to critical auto components.

9 illus, 9 tables, 3 ref

010305   Sardar M K;Bangopadhyay U K;Mallick S (R & D Centre for Iron & Steel, SAIL, Ranchi-834 002) : Thermodynamic analysis of desulfurisation in LF at SMS II of bokaro steel plant. Steel India 2008, 31(1), 39-43.

Poruous plugs in 300 t steel ladle of Bokaro Steel Plant are located at the adjacent quadrants of ladle bottom. This results in reduced slag metal interactions at low stirring rates and wide plume eye formation at moderate stirring rates. Optical basicity (A), equilibrium sulphide capacity (C_S) and activity of A1₂0₃ (αAl₂O₃) of LF final slag have been calculated using expressions derived by different investigators. C_s and αAl₂O₃ have been related with actual sulphur partition (Ls) obtained at the final stage of LF operation. It has been found that actual Ls varies directly with Cs and an inverse relationship exists between actual Ls and αAl₂O₃. The stirring rate and increase in % A1₂O₃ in LF slag have been correlated for existing porous plug location. It is observed that % A1₂O₃ in LF final slag increases drastically at a critical cumulative argon rate of 350 NI/minute/plu. Modified argon stirring, either by change in porous plug location or by Increase in numbers of porous plug, will be more effective. Better slag-metal interaction with moderate stirring rate and low intensity of plume eye formation can be achieved.

5 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

010304   Reddy T S;Chintaiah P;Prasad J;Bhattacharya A K;Prabhat Kumar (R & D Centre for Iron & Steel, SAIL, Ranchi-834 002) : Curtain flame ignition system for sinter plant of bokaro steel plant. Steel India 2008, 31(1), 52-5.

New technology, called curtain flame ignition system, has been developed for sinter mix ignition. Desirable ignition of top layer of sinter mix could be achieved with new burners installed on the roof top in single row. Effective length and height of the ignition hood has come down. The new technology has been introduced in band # 1 of Sinter Plant at Bokaro. On getting encouraging results the same has been incorporated in bands # 2 and # 3. Overall gas consumption has come down by around 50%.

2 tables

010303   Rathnakumar K;Maria Magthalen J;Jeyakumari A (Fish Processing Technology Dep, Fisheries College and Research Institu, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Thoothukudi-628 008) : Quality characteristics of pasteurized crab meat in retort pouch. Indian J Nutr Diet 2008, 45(11), 466-71.

3 illus, 5 tables, 12 ref

010302   Parihar P;Tomar A K;S Kumar (Food Science and Technology Dep, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Effect of various extraction processes on the juice recovery of bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) fruits. J trop For 2009, 25(1-2), 49-53.

Investigation was made to study the influence of various extraction processes on the juice recovery of Bael fruit. Various experimental techniques were used for the extraction of juice and comparision of their various organoleptic properties and changes in the physio - chemical attributes during storage of juice prepared from full ripe bael fruits. Different extraction methods, such as cold extraction, hot extraction and enzymatic treatment, use of pectinase enzymes in different concentrations was employed. The highest juice recovery (81%) was obtained from enzymatic treatment. Enzymatic method of extraction recorded the highest total soluble solids, acidity, vitamin C-colour and over all acceptability after storage of juice at ambient temperature. During storage of juice for six months, there was slight increase in TSS and acidity content whereas ascorbic acid and organoleptic properties were decreased during storage.

1 illus, 7 tables, 7 ref

010301   Panda R;Panda H (NO, , Devashish Consultants (P) Ltd. 61, West End City, Bidholia, Rampur Road, P.O.: Clutterbuckganj-243 502, Email: technical.publication.2008@gmail.com) : Making of formable viscid caulking member. Paintindia 2008, 58(10), 115-16,121-2.

5 illus

010300   Mundhe S A;Kshirsagar R B;Kulkarni D N;Patil B M (Food Science Dep, College of Food Technology, MAU, Parbhani-431 402) : Utilization of custard apple pulp in toffee. Indian J Nutr Diet 2008, 45(11), 472-8.

The custard apple toffees were prepared by using different levels of (45,50 and 55 %) homogenized pulp. The toffees prepared from different formulations were evaluated for chemical composition and organoleptic characteristics. The differences in TSS of toffees prepared by different treatments were found to be non-significant. The acidity of toffee increased while PH decreased significantly with increase in the pulp level in the formulation. The total, reducing and non-reducing sugars contents in the toffees prepared by different treatments ranged from 77.2 to 79.3 per cent, 32.7 to 41.8 per cent and from 35.8 to 46.6 per cent respectively while ascorbic acid content was found to range from 7.12 to 7.50 mg/l00g. The toffee prepared by using 55 per cent pulp scored maximum for colour, appearance, texture and overall acceptability and this toffee can be ideal supplement to the diet of young children.

1 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

010299   Mukherjee A K (R & D Centre for Iron & Steel, SAIL, Ranchi-834 002) : Role of input quality in BOF steelmaking. Steel India 2008, 31(1), 1-7.

BOF steelmaking is an oxidising process and there is no external source of heat. Hot metal is the main source of metallic charge and heat input. Excess heat generated by oxidation of the metalloids present in hot metal is utilized by scrap, sponge iron/DRI. Balancing of charge consisting of metallic, fluxes and oxidant is necessary to obtain desired end point requirements. The input qualify plays an important role in achieving the cost-effective and desired turndown condition. The paper highlights the role of different input materials used in BOF steelmaking, the required quality of raw materials, and its implications on BOF performance.

3 illus, 3 tables, 3 ref

010298   Kathiravan M;Ponnuswamy A S;Vanitha C (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: cvani_seed@yahoo.co.in) : Determination of suitable cutting size for vegetative propagation and comparison of propagules to evaluate the seed quality attributes in Jatropha curcas Linn.. Nat Prod Radiance 2009, 8(2), 162-6.

Attempt was made to propagate the Jatropha, Jatropha curcas Linn. through stem cutting without any rooting hormonal treatments. The cuttings were selected with three different lengths, viz. 20 cm (L₁), 30 cm (L₂) and 40 cm (L₃) and four different stem thickness: 1.5-2.0 cm (T₁), 2.0-2.5 cm (T₂), 2.5-3.0 cm (T₃) and 3.0-3.5 cm (T₄). The cuttings were planted in the nursery and observed for survival percentage, number of leaves per plant, root volume, root fresh and dry weight on 90 days after planting. The result revealed that the stem cutting with 40 cm length (L₃) and 2.5 to 3.0 cm thickness (T₃) was found to be very suitable for quicker regeneration with seedling quality characteristics compared to other types of cuttings. Hence, to find out the suitable propagating material for commercial exploitation, the best performed stem cutting with 40 cm length (L₃) and 2.5 to 3.0 cm thickness T₃) along with freshly harvested seeds were forwarded to field trial. The plant biometric characteristics, fruit and seed quality attributes were observed in both the treatments and compared to find out the best propagating techniques. The plants propagated by seeds recorded more plant height (1.65 m), number of branches (3.2). However, the flowering was four days earlier by cuttings than the plants propagated by seeds. The reproductive character of the monoecious inflorescence in terms of male to female flower ratio was higher in seed propagated crop (24:1) than cuttings (22:1). J. curcas propagated through seeds recorded better performance related to plant biometric and seed quality characteristics compared to cuttings, which induced early flowering and more female flowers than the seed crop.

3 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

010297   Karnik A B (NO, , A5/603/ Rutu Enclave, Ghod Bunder Road, Thane-400 601, Email: Karnik2479@yahoo.com) : Method for determination of surface area of dry extenders & pigments powders by the ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGME). Paintindia 2008, 58(10), 79-81.

The test procedure is described for the determination of SSA of extenders, white pigments, colored pigments and organic pigments. The test involves saturating a pigment sample with Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGME) and then removing the excess EGME in a vacuum desiccator. It is assumed that the monomolecular layer of EGME is formed on the pigment surface. This monomolecular layer EGME formed on the pigment surface is used to compute the specific surface area of the pigment. This proposed method, is relatively simple to perform, and allows for rapid determination of SSA of pigment. This procedure is an extension of the test procedure mainly developed by Amy B. Cerato and Alan J. Luteneggerl for the determination of specific surface area (SSA) of soil to pigments.

15 ref

010296   Joshi M K;Ganguli S (NO, Unilever Res Centre, 64, Main Road, Whitefield, Bangalore, Email: joshi.manoj@unilever.com) : Health effects of black tea and their modulation by milk. Int J Tea Sci 2008, 7(1&2), 1-18.

Reviews the relevant literature available on influence of milk on the health effects of tea. The available literature indicates that amount of milk in tea, if kept below 25%, does not significantly affect bioavailability of catechins in blood plasma. Though milk may delay the time taken to raise plasma antioxidant potential, the levels still reach significantly higher to that of baseline. There is a need, particularly in South Asia, to initiate further studies to generate data, which at this time seem insufficient for any evidence based nutritional recommendation on addition of milk to tea especially when the amount of added milk is high.

^iia119 ref

010295   Halder D;Kujur M K;Zaminder D;Ray D R; Parameswar K (R & D Centre for Iron & Steel, SAIL, Ranchi-834 002) : Improvement in performance of steel ladle through change in operational logistics and modified lining. Steel India 2008, 31(1), 8-13.

The average lining life of steel ladle at IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) was very low. Major reason behind premature failure of lining was skull formation. Time and motion study was conducted along with measurement of dynamic thermal status of ladles. This has revealed that average life might be improved by better thermal insulation and logistics in ladle operation. Accordingly, insulation backup followed by monolithic safety was incorporated in the lining based on thermal calculations. Operational norms for faster turnaround and ladle heating up were recommended and implemented. Independent ladle heating facilities for each twin hearth furnace and programmed maintenance practice for overhead cranes have minimised logistic problems. A high velocity burner has been installed for improvement of ladle heating. These efforts have resulted in reduction of skull formation by 10 %, and consequent increase in yearly average life of steel ladles from 17 to 23 heats. The life of safety lining has also improved from 1 to 14 campaigns resulting in lower total cost of refractory.

6 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

010294   Gangotri L T;Lande P V (Surface Coating Technology Dep, Laxminarayan Institute of Technology, R. T. M. Nagpur Univ, Nagpur-440 033) : Polyurethane coatings based on hydroxylated polyester resin. Paintindia 2008, 58(10), 69-70,72,74,76,.

Five different hydroxyl terminated polyester resins of 2000 molecular weight were prepared using a combination of propylene glycol and glycerol giving varying number of hydroxyl groups on the polymer chain. Polyurethane coatings were prepared based on these hydroxylated polyester resins and evaluated for their various properties. It was found that the scratch hardness increased from 1400 gms to 1700 gms. by increasing the number of hydroxyl groups on the polymer chain. The use of excess of TDI (toluene diisocynate) was found to increase the scratch hardness up to 2200 gms.

15 tables, 13 ref

010293   Bauman I;Curic D;Boban M (Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Zagreb Univ, Pierottijeva 6, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia, Email: ibauman@pbf.hr) : Mixing of solids in different mixing devices. Sadhana 2008, 33(6), 721-31.

Mixing of powders is a common operation in any industry. Most powders are known to be cohesive, many agglomerate spontaneously when exposed to humid atmosphere or elevated storage temperature. Agitation of the powder (especially powders with different bulk densities) may result in migration of smaller particles downwards and of larger ones upwards. Another problem is segregation whose main cause is the difference in particle size, density shape and resilience. There are standard mixing devices, such as drum tumblers or Turbula mixers. Alternate device type used is the static mixer of Kenics type. Static mixers save energy, disable segregation and effect particle migration. In this paper, static mixers, as devices for powder mixing, are tested as well as Turbula and V-shaped drum mixer, since those devices are commonly used for powder blending in industry. Mixtures that were blended by means of those three devices were made out of the model material, quartz sand, in different component ratios (20:80 and 30:70). The results were statistically calculated and graphically presented. Cohesion indexes were measured with Powder Flow Analyser to see the effect of material flow on the mixture quality. The results obtained by those three devices, the particle size effect and cohesion indexes, bring us to the conclusion that static mixers could be used for mixing of powders, but their shape, number of mixing elements and the mixer length should be adapted for each mixture separately, experimentally and mathematically, through modelling of the system.

10 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

010292   Baruah D;Bhuyan L P;Tamuly P;Bhattacharya S K;Hazarika M (Tocklai Experimental Station, Tea Res Association, Jorhat, Assam, Email: bhuyanlp@yahoo.com) : Effect of level of chemical wither and duration of fermentation on biochemical composition of made tea. Int J Tea Sci 2008, 7(1&2), 39-48.

A series of withering and fermentation experiments in black tea processing were conducted in Environmentally Controlled Manufacturing (ECM) system. Three different hygrometric conditions (i.e. T₁, T₂ & T₃) during withering and five different fermenting times during fermentation were maintained to assess the variation in quality components of black tea. To prepare the samples fresh tea leaves of clones TV1 and TV26 were collected from the experimental garden of Tea Research Association, Jorhat. Composition of five major catechins i.e. EGC, +C, EC, EGCG and ECG in fresh (F) as well as in withered (W) leaf and theaflavins (TF), thearubigins (TR) and its fractions, total color (TC), brightness (B) and volatile flavor components (VFC) in black tea were estimated using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC) and UV/Vis spectrophotometer. In this set of experiment total withering time was maintained 12hrs, where the moisture loss in the initial hours was restricted by manipulating the wet bulb depression (WBD). Under the least WBD (T₃) the chemical changes (chemical withering) was most favorable from quality point of view. Fermentation time 50min was found better for obtaining brighter tea in TV1 whereas for TV26 it was 70min. It was observed that Flavour Index (FI) in clone TV1 was higher in treatment T₃ while for clone TV26 it was T₁ )

3 illus, 2 tables, 41 ref

010291   Atre A A;Malshe V C (NO, ICT, Mumbai, Email: vcmalshe@rediffmail.com) : Application of polymers in explosives. Paintindia 2008, 58(10), 99-100,102,104,.

^iia21 illus, 2 tables, 1 ref

010290   Ahuja R K;Ray A K;Mukhopadhyay S;Raychoudhury P K;Tiwari L (R & D Centre for Iron & Steel, SAIL, Ranchi-834 002) : Modified slide gate system for steel ladle in SMS-II of bokaro steel plant. Steel India 2008, 31(1), 29-33.

Slab caster at Bokaro Steel Plant is designed to produce 930 - 1850 mm wide slabs of 200 mm thickness. Generally, about 20% of the slabs cast are of width greater than 1500 mm. While casting the wider slabs, it is found that even after full opening of the slide gate valve, the flow of metal from ladle to tundish drops down to 6 t/min. when the ferrostatic head in the ladle reaches below one third level. This in turn compels the operator to reduce the casting speed thereby loosing productivity. A modified slide gate system having higher bore diameter of 85 mm (against the existing 70 mm) has been tried in steel ladle of SMS-II. The relevant functional refractories like well block, inner nozzle and collector nozzle have been redesigned to accommodate the higher bore diameter. The design of shroud and shroud holder ring has been suitably modified. Two trials have shown that throughput from ladle to tundish can be increased to more than 8.5 t/min. even when the ladle was almost empty. Additional benefit of higher slide gate plate life has also been demonstrated by taking multiple heats with the same slide gate plates as against only one heat with the existing system.

5 illus, 2 tables, 3 ref

009168   Syed Enayathali S;Gopalasamy V (Civil Engineering Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainager-608 001) : Treatment of grey water by modified rotating biological contactor (RBC). Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2008, 7(4), 749-52.

The laboratory model of Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) used in grey water treatment was a modified one, in respect of the reactor. The reactor had four blades each of size 350 mm x 100 mm attached to a shaft at an angle of 90°. The partially treated effluent from RBC was allowed to pass through three columns of filter connected in series. The experiments were run for two different filter media namely, granite, stone and coal separately. The experiment was conducted for different influent substrate concentrations and different speeds of rotating blades. Among the different speeds of rotational blades in treating grey water, the rotational speed of 3 rpm was found to yield better percent removal of COD, BOD, TSS, turbidity, œ. coli, faecal coliforms, and total coliforms than the rotational speeds of 4.5 and 6 rpm.

3 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

009167   Srinivasa Gopal T K;Ravi Shankar C N; Devadasan K (Central Institue of Fisheries Technology, Matsyapuri, P.O. Cochin, Kerala-682 029) : Entreneurship in fish processing. Indian Fmg 2008, 58(1), 28-9.

With increasing global demand for ready-to-serve mouth-watering seafood products, advantages of retort pouch processed products and also the health benefits offish, the retort pouch technology has a good future in seafood industry. Since the machinery and pouches are manufactured indigenously, this technology can be taken up even at a small scale by self-help groups, NGOs, state departments and private entrepreneurs. The pouch products are not expensive and are affordable by middle and lower-middle class people.

009166   Saxena S;Mishra B B;Chander R;Sharma A (Food Technology Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085) : Shelf stable intermediate moisture pineapple (Ananas comosus) slices using hurdle technology. BARC Newsl 2009, 309(Oct; spl), 302-10.

A process has been developed to prepare shelf stable Ready-To-Eat (RTE) intermediate moisture pineapple (Ananas comosus) slices, using hurdle technology. The combination of hurdles including osmotic dehydration, infrared drying and gamma radiation dose of 1 kGy, successfully reduced the microbial load to below detectable limit. The shelf life of the intermediate moisture pineapple slices was found to be 40 days at ambient temperature (26 ± 2 °C). The untreated control samples spoiled within 6 days. The RTE intermediate moisture pineapple slices were found to have good texture, colour and sensory acceptability, during this 40 days storage.

5 tables, 27 ref

009165   Rao J S;Reddy D N;Prasad B V (A.V.U. Engineering Pvt Ltd., , Survey No. 53, Bahadurpally, Hyderabad-500 043, Email: jsrsystem@yahoo.com) : Effect of conical distributor parameters on the fluidisation characteristics of cylindrical fluidised bed reactors. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(1), 23-34.

Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) is one of the most advanced power generation technologies. The normal approach to design a commercial size pressurised fluidised bed gasifier (pFBG) for IGCC is based on large-scale pilot plant experimentation or scale-up of hydrodynamically similar cold model The conical distributor is a critical component of PFBG, which affects the hydrodynamic performance of the fluidiser. A correlation to bring out the effect of distributor apex angle u on fluidisation quality has been developed and presented. The correlation has been validated with that of Antoni Lucas et al. [1]. The average deviation and standard deviations of the correlation are 6.8 and 27%, respectively. The experimental results show that minimum fluidising velocity increases with increase in α. The bed voidage derived from Ergun's equation is found to decrease with increase of α indicating better fluidisation quality. Aims to study the fluidisation characteristics of cylindrical fluidised bed reactors with varying apex angle of conical distributor and derive a correlation of Reynolds number at minimum fluidising velocity as a function of Archimedes number and apex angle of the distributor.

10 illus, 9 tables, 11 ref

009164   Mohan V M;Rao B S;Prasad P R;Sujatha V (Chemical Engineering Dep, College of Engineering, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: prprasad_au@yahoo.co.in) : Development of controlled release fertiliser by using fly ash. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(1), 35-47.

Fly ash waste disposal can be effectively dealt with the development of controlled release fertilisers. In the study, potassium chloride based controlled release fertiliser has been prepared with fly ash and lime. Pellets were made from the mixture and the release rate of potassium chloride with time was studied. The parameters covered are fractional potassium chloride, fractional fly ash, fractional lime and diameter of the pellet.

illus, table, ref

009163   Mehta A S (NO, Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar-364 002, Email: asmehta@csmcri.org ) : Steam stripping of bromine from sea brine: mass-transfer analysis of randomly packed columns. Indian chem Engr 2009, 51(1), 1-22.

Mass transfer data have been collected on stripping of bromine from aqueous solution at different flow rates of liquid and steam using Rasching and Pall Ring packings randomly packed in glass columns (6.25 to 90 cm diameter) and tower constructed by using granite slabs having square cross-section (25 cm x 25 cm). In the present study, the model proposed by Wagner et al. [1] for distillation considering gas phase resistance as the controlling resistance is modified wherein liquid phase resistance is considered as the controlling resistance for mass-transfer. The modified model and model proposed by Castillo et al. [2] for stripping of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water have been successfully applied to the experimental data on debromination of sea brine. Average deviation between observed and calculated value of height of transfer unit based on the modified model of Wagner et al. [1] is 20.9 and 10.7% for bromide-bromate solution and bittern, respectively. The average deviation between observed and calculated overall volumetric liquid phase mass transfer coefficient is 16.62, 15.13 and 84.19% for debromination of bittern using pilot plant data, commercial bromine plants, and sodium bromide-bromate solution, respectively, based on correlations given by Wagner et al. [1]. Similar results based on Castillo et al. [2] model are 34.43, 49.69 and 26.80%, respectively. Volumetric liquid phase mass transfer coefficient for stripping of VOCs from water is in the range of 0.001-0.008 (l/s) whereas in the present study it varies from 0.001 to 0.017 (l/s). In other words, steam stripping of bromine from aqueous systems appears comparatively easier than stripping of VOCs from water

6 illus, 7 tables, 32 ref

009162   Abioye V F;Babarinde G O (Deparment of Food Science and Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso (Nigeria), Email: gobabarinde@yahoo.com) : Potentials of fonio (Digitaria iburua) for production of breakfast meal. Ultra Scient phys Sci 2009, 21(2), 233-8.

This study was carried out to develop a product from fonio, Digitaria iburua, and to evaluate the physical, chemical and sensory attributes of the developed product. Fonio grain was cleaned, steam cooked and drum dried to give a flaking roll. The thickness and the colour of the developed fonio meal was comparable to that of the commercial oat. Proximate composition of the meal indicated a moisture content of 9.02%; protein, 8.44%; fat, 1.49%; ash, 0.56%; carbohydrate, 80.66% and crude fibre, 0.71%. It was also high in calcium (8.14mg/ 100 g), phosphorus (28.40mg/100g) and iron (10.74mg/100g). The amino acid profile was attractive having six of the essential amino acids: lysine (32.26 mg/ 100g), threonine (11.95mg/100g), methionine(6.7mg/100g), leucine (38.89mg/ 100 g), iso-leucine (17.21 mg/100g) and tryptophan (4.53mg/100g). In sensory evaluation, the panellists rated the product better than commercial oat meal, but statistical analysis indicated that the difference between the meal and a commercial oat product was not significant (P<62>0.05).

1 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

007082   Zhang G;Ji B;Li Bo;Tian F;Chen G;Ji F;Zhang H;Yang Z;Zhao L (College of food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural Univ, P.O. Box 294, No.17 Qinghua East Road, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China, Email: xz0063@tom.com) : Effects of processing and storage condition on phenolic concentration and antioxident activities of apple and apple juices. J Fd Sci Technol 2008, 45(4), 339-43.

Processing and storage effects on polyphenol concentrations and antioxidant activities in 4 apple varieties and their juices were investigated. Each juice was extracted by centrifuging, straight pressing, oxidation or pulp enzyme method. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using the ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FR/AP) and 2, 2-diphenyl -1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. After pressing of apples into juices, the levels of phenolic compounds were reduced up to 30% and the antioxidant activities of juices were only 12-25% of the activities of fresh apples. The total phenolic contents of centrifuged treated juices were reduced by 1-1.5 fold when compared to the corresponding crude juices, and the antioxidant activities decreased significantly for 'Wanglin' and 'Guoguang' variety juices. Treatment with pectolytic enzymes before pressing increased total phenolic contents and FR/AP of apple juices. Oxidation resulted in significant decrease of phenolic concentrations and antioxidant activities for the cultivars tested. During storage at 4°C for 30 days, the antioxidant activity of apple juice did not change significantly. However, the total phenolic contents were increased with 8% of the initial values (502±8 mg gallic acid equivalent/1 juice). Total phenolic contents were increased and chemical oxidation promoted an initial increase and then a decrease in the antioxidant activity both at 20°C and accelerated storage at 80°C.

3 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref