http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/1788 Search the Channel search http://nopr.niscair.res.in/simple-search http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/1800 Title: Performance enhancement of natural circulating storage type <br/> <br/>Authors: Bhatt, M Siddhartha <br/> <br/>Abstract: Performance of solar water heater was simulated for one extraction per day (at 18:59 h), two extractions per day (12:00 & 18:59 h) and hourly extractions (06:00 - 18:59 h). Annual thermal energy output (for 2 m² collector system) was 1181.65, 1354.69 and 1585.89 kWh/m²/year at annual collector-tank system efficiency of 59.61, 68.34 and 80.0 % respectively. Maximum temperatures reached at 18:59 h was 92.3°C for one extraction mode and 67.1°C for two extraction mode. Performance can be enhanced (20-30%) through multiple extraction of water over the day by controllable dual tank system and a performance optimizer for electrical back up. Also, average solar radiation and weather data of Bangalore for 1977-2005 is presented. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 549-555 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:58:59 GMT http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/1799 Title: Performance of copper coated spark ignition engine with methanol-blended gasoline with catalytic converter <br/> <br/>Authors: Krishna, M V S Murali; Kishor, K <br/> <br/>Abstract: This paper reports performance evaluation of four-stroke, single cylinder spark ignition (SI) engine with methanol blended gasoline (20% methanol, 80% gasoline, by vol) having copper coated engine [copper (thickness, 300 ¼) coated on piston crown and inner side of cylinder head] provided with catalytic converter with sponge iron as catalyst and compared with conventional SI engine with gasoline operation. Brake thermal efficiency increased with methanol blended gasoline with both engine types. Copper-coated engine showed improved performance than conventional engine with both test fuels. Catalytic converter with air injection significantly reduced pollutants with both test fuels on both engine types. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 543-548 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:58:59 GMT http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/1798 Title: Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by white rot fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium in sterile and unsterile soil <br/> <br/>Authors: Bishnoi, Kiran; Kumar, Rajender; Bishnoi, Narsi R <br/> <br/>Abstract: Ligninolytic white rot fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, isolated from soil sample of petroleum refinery, was used for degradation of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs: acenaphthene, anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene), simultaneously and individually in sterile and unsterile soil. For maximum biodegradation, after 42 days of incubation, optimum conditions were pH 7.0, 30°C and 5μg/g PAHs concentration. In sterile soil, degradation in 42 days of incubation of five PAHs was as follows: phenanthrene, 98.96; anthracene, 92.6; pyrene, 92.2; acenaphthene, 83.8; and fluoranthene, 79.8%. In unsterile soil, PAHs degradation was low (38.94-62.89%). <br/> <br/>Page(s): 538-542 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:58:59 GMT http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/1797 Title: Direct conversion of raw starch to lactic acid by Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 1407 in semi- solid fermentation using sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) flour <br/> <br/>Authors: Panda, S H; Ray, R C <br/> <br/>Abstract: Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC 1407 was used for direct fermentation of raw starch in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) flour (SPF) to lactic acid (LA) under semi- solid fermentation using Mann Rogassa Sharpe medium containing (3%) SPF in lieu of glucose (2%) as carbon source. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate effect of incubation period, temperature and pH on LA production, using a full factorial Central Composite Design (CCD). At optimum parameters (incubation period, 120 h; temperature, 35°C and pH, 6.5), maximum starch conversion by Lb. plantarum MTCC 1407 to LA was 56.4%. The organism produced (L+) LA (23.86 g) from starch (55 g) present in SPF (100 g); LA production yield (mass LA produced mass starch present in SPF⁻¹ x 100) was 43.4%. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 531-537 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:58:59 GMT