Design of a fuzzy logic control system for monitoring gearbox jamming in a bottle washer machine
- Authors: Mushiri, Tawanda , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2015-03-03
- Subjects: Fuzzy logic , Gearbox jamming
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14286
- Description: The purpose of this research was to come up with an intelligent monitoring tool to reduce the number of breakdowns of a beverage company bottle washer. The Fuzzy Logic system was derived among other artificial intelligent systems to be best appropriate to solve the breakdown challenges of the bottle washer. A gearbox is always jamming and it is not easy to troubleshoot the breakdown cause and fuzzy logic is a tool that was used for monitoring. The researchers carried out a company audit, interviews and administered questionnaires in order to gather relevant data. The results were used in intelligent condition-based-maintenance modelling to solve the problem using fuzzy logic system and it was found that oil level should be always above 40% otherwise the gearbox will be made to stop. Torque is supposed to have a range of values accepted from 0-8 000Nm beyond that we consider the stoppage of the gearbox. Very higher torques above 10000Nm damages the machinery.
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Sustainable management in the synfuels sector in South Africa
- Authors: Maimbo, T. T. , Mbohwa, Charles , Mutingi, M.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Synthetic fuels , Sustainable management , Coal
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6024 , ISBN 978-09855497-0-1 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10044
- Description: The debate about the decline in petroleum reserves, the worries over peak oil, the Middle East tension and oil price speculation challenges has made it important to focus on sustainable management and utilization of alternative fuels. The use of alternative fuels to supply the energy needs of the world is not a new concept. This paper reviews coal as a recoverable hydrocarbon-rich resource found in abundant quantities in South Africa (SA). This study review shows that coal will continue to provide a key for the unlocking many of the future global requirements for high-quality energy and chemical building blocks. The historical premise that coal is a dirty fuel is being countered with the continued development and operation of technology to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of coal-sourced energy is investigated. Conclusions are drawn. Firstly, the study brings to our attention that technology is available and is continually being improved to turn coal into synthetic natural gas, transportation fuels, chemicals, chemical intermediates and hydrogen in a way that reduces GHG emissions. Secondly, the study shows that there is a viable coal-to-liquids (CTL) industry in South Africa supplying high-quality middle distillates, in particular diesel fuel, jet kerosene and middle distillate blend stocks. The CTL economics, the potential role of the government and how large-scale development of this industry might impact the environment is analysed on sustainable management.
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