STANDARDIZATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS FOR READY TO EAT FISH PRODUCTS IN INDIGENOUS POLYMER COATED TIN FREE STEEL CANS

In the present work, Indigenous polymer coated Tin Free Steel cans were analyzed fortheir suitability for thermal processing and storage of fish and fish products following standard methods. The raw materials used for the development of ready to eat thermally processed fish products were found to be of fresh condition. The values for various biochemical and microbiological parameters of the raw materials were well within the limits. Based on the analysis of commercial sterility, instrumental colour, texture, WB-shear force and sensory parameters, squid masala processed to F0 value of 8 min with a total process time of 38.5 min and cook value of 92 min was chosen as the optimum for squid masala in tin free steel cans while shrimp curry processed to F0 7 min with total process time of 44.0 min and cook value of 91.1 min was found to be ideal and was selected for storage study. Squid masala and shrimp curry thermally processed in indigenous polymer coated TFS cans were found to be acceptable even after one year of storage at room temperaturebased on the analysis of various sensory and biochemical parameters. Analysis of the Commission Internationale d’ Eclirage L*, a* and b* color values showed that the duration of exposure to heat treatment influenced the color parameters: the lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*)decreased, and the redness (a*) significantly increased with the increase in processing time or reduction in processing temperature.Instrumental analysis of texture showed that hardness-1 & 2 decreased with reduction in retort temperature while cohesiveness value did not show any appreciable change with decrease in temperature of processing. Other texture profile parameters like gumminess, springiness and chewiness decreased significantly with increase of processing time. W-B shear force values of mackerel meat processed at 130 °C were significantly higher than those processed at 121.1 and 115 °C. HTST processing of mackerel in brine helped in reducing the process time and improving the quality.The study also indicated that indigenous polymer coated TFS cans with easy openends can be a viable alternative to the conventional tin and aluminium cans. The industry can utilize these cans for processing ready to eat fish and shell fish products for both domestic and export markets. This will help in reviving the canning industry in India.

Optimization of Process Parameters for the Extraction of Gelatin from the Skin of Freshwater Fish and the Evaluation of Physical anal Chemical Characteristics

Faculty of Marine Sciences,Cochin University of Science and Technology

Impact of process parameters on chitinase production by an alkalophilic marine Beau6eria bassiana in solid state fermentation

A chitinolytic fungus, Beau6eria bassiana was isolated from marine sediment and significant process parameters influencing chitinase production in solid state fermentation using wheat bran were optimised. The organism was strongly alkalophilic and produced maximum chitinase at pH 9·20. The NaCl and colloidal chitin requirements varied with the type of moistening medium used. Vegetative (mycelial) inoculum was more suitable than conidial inoculum for obtaining maximal enzyme yield. The addition of phosphate and yeast extract resulted in enhancement of chitinase yield. After optimisation, the maximum enzyme yield was 246·6 units g 1 initial dry substrate (U gIDS 1). This is the first report of the production of chitinase from a marine fungus.

Impact of process parameters on L-glutaminase production by marine Vibrio costicola in solid state fermentation using polystyrene as an inert support

Process parameters influencing e-glutaminase production by marine Vibrio costicola in solid state fermentation (SSF) using polystyrene as an inert support were optimised. Maximal enzyme yield (157 U/g dry substrate) was obtained at 2% (w/w) t:glutamine, 35°C and pH 7.0 after 24 h. Maltose and potassium dihydrogen phosphate at 1% (w/w) concentration enhanced enzyme yield by 23 and 18%, respectively, while nitrogen sources had an inhibitory effect. Leachate with high specific activity for glutaminase (4.2 U/mg protein) and low viscosity (0-966 Ns/m 2) was recovered from the polystyrene SSF system

Process Optimization for Mass Production of Marine Yeast Candida sp. S 27 and its Nutritional Characterization

The main source of protein for human and animal consumption is from the agricultural sector, where the production is vulnerable to diseases, fluctuations in climatic conditions and deteriorating hydrological conditions due to water pollution. Therefore Single Cell Protein (SCP) production has evolved as an excellent alternative. Among all sources of microbial protein, yeast has attained global acceptability and has been preferred for SCP production. The screening and evaluation of nutritional and other culture variables of microorganisms are very important in the development of a bioprocess for SCP production. The application of statistical experimental design in bioprocess development can result in improved product yields, reduced process variability, closer confirmation of the output response to target requirements and reduced development time and overall cost.The present work was undertaken to develop a bioprocess technology for the mass production of a marine yeast, Candida sp.S27. Yeasts isolated from the offshore waters of the South west coast of India and maintained in the Microbiology Laboratory were subjected to various tests for the selection of a potent strain for biomass production. The selected marine yeast was identified based on ITS sequencing. Biochemical/nutritional characterization of Candida sp.S27 was carried out. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) the process parameters (pH, temperature and salinity) were optimized. For mass production of yeast biomass, a chemically defined medium (Barnett and Ingram, 1955) and a crude medium (Molasses-Yeast extract) were optimized using RSM. Scale up of biomass production was done in a Bench top Fermenter using these two optimized media. Comparative efficacy of the defined and crude media were estimated besides nutritional evaluation of the biomass developed using these two optimized media.

Optimization of Two Stage Process for the Growth of In2S3 , CuInSe2 and CuIn (Sel-xSx)2Thin Films for Solar Cell Application

Two stage processes consisting of precursor preparation by thermal evaporation followed by chalcogenisation in the required atmosphere is found to be a feasible technique for the PV materials such as n-Beta In2S3, p-CulnSe2, p-CulnS2 and p-CuIn(Sel_xSx)2. The growth parameters such as chalcogenisation temperature and duration of chalcogenisation etc have been optimised in the present study.Single phase Beta-In2S3 thin films can be obtained by sulfurising the indium films above 300°C for 45 minutes. Low sulfurisation temperatures required prolonged annealing after the sulfurisation to obtain single phase Beta-1n2S3, which resulted in high material loss. The maximum band gap of 2.58 eV was obtained for the nearly stoichiometric Beta-In2S3 film which was sulfurised at 350°C. This wider band gap, n type Beta-In2S3 can be used as an alternative to toxic CdS as window layer in photovoltaics .The systematic study on the structural optical and electrical properties of CuInSe2 films by varying the process parameters such as the duration of selenization and the selenization temperature led to the conclusion that for the growth of single-phase CuInSe2, the optimum selenization temperature is 350°C and duration is 3 hours. The presence of some binary phases in films for shorter selenization period and lower selenization temperature may be due to the incomplete reaction and indium loss. Optical band gap energy of 1.05 eV obtained for the films under the optimum condition.In order to obtain a closer match to the solar spectrum it is desirable to increase the band gap of the CulnSe2 by a few meV . Further research works were carried out to produce graded band gap CuIn(Se,S)2 absorber films by incorporation of sulfur into CuInSe2. It was observed that when the CulnSe2 prepared by two stage process were post annealed in sulfur atmosphere, the sulfur may be occupying the interstitial positions or forming a CuInS2 phase along with CuInSe2 phase. The sulfur treatment during the selenization process OfCu11 ln9 precursors resulted in Culn (Se,S)2 thin films. A band gap of 1.38 eV was obtained for the CuIn(Se,S)2.The optimised thin films n-beta 1n2S3, p-CulnSe2 and p-Culn(Sel-xSx)2 can be used for fabrication of polycrystalline solar cells.

Preparation and characterisation of certain II-VI, I-III-VI2 semiconductor thin films and transparent conducting oxides

There is an increasing demand for renewable energies due to the limited availability of fossil and nuclear fuels and due to growing environmental problems. Photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion has the potential to contribute significantly to the electrical energy generation in the future. Currently, the cost for photovoltaic systems is one of the main obstacles preventing production and application on a large scale. The photovoltaic research is now focused on the development of materials that will allow mass production without compromising on the conversion efficiencies. Among important selection criteria of PV material and in particular for thin films, are a suitable band gap, high absorption coefficient and reproducible deposition processes capable of large-volume and low cost production. The chalcopyrite semiconductor thin films such as Copper indium selenide and Copper indium sulphide are the materials that are being intensively investigated for lowering the cost of solar cells. Conversion efficiencies of 19 % have been reported for laboratory scale solar cell based on CuInSe2 and its alloys. The main objective of this thesis work is to optimise the growth conditions of materials suitable for the fabrication of solar cell, employing cost effective techniques. A typical heterojunction thin film solar cell consists of an absorber layer, buffer layer and transparent conducting contacts. The most appropriate techniques have been used for depositing these different layers, viz; chemical bath deposition for the window layer, flash evaporation and two-stage process for the absorber layer, and RF magnetron sputtering for the transparent conducting layer. Low cost experimental setups were fabricated for selenisation and sulphurisation experiments, and the magnetron gun for the RF sputtering was indigenously fabricated. The films thus grown were characterised using different tools. A powder X-ray diffractometer was used to analyse the crystalline nature of the films. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy i (SEM) were used for evaluating the composition and morphology of the films. Optical properties were investigated using the UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer by recording the transmission/absorption spectra. The electrical properties were studied using the two probe and four probe electrical measurements. Nature of conductivity of the films was determined by thermoprobe and thermopower measurements. The deposition conditions and the process parameters were optimised based on these characterisations.

Monolithic fused 1 x 4 couplers with high uniformity

A new method for the fabrication of high uniformity monolithic 1 x 4 single mode fused coupler is described together with details of its performance in terms of coupling ratio, spectral response and uniformity. The fabricated device exhibits ultra-broadband performance with a port-to-port uniformity of 0.4 dB. The reliability of such couplers is also evaluated and found to have good stability. Moreover, by controlling the process parameters it is possible to control the power remaining in the through put port of the device, which can be used for dedicated non-intrusive network health monitoring.

Monolithic fused 1 x 4 couplers with high uniformity

A new method for the fabrication of high uniformity monolithic 1 x4 single-mode fused coupler is described together with details of its performance in terms of coupling ratio, spectral response and uniformity. The fabricated device exhibits ultra-broadband performance with a port-to-port uniformity of 0.4 dB. The reliability of such couplers is also evaluated and found to have good stability. Moreover, by controlling the process parameters it is possible to control the power remaining in the through put port of the device, which can be used for dedicated non-intrusive network health monitoring

Propionylation of anisole to 4-methoxypropiophenone over zeolite H-beta

The results of a detailed study of the propionylation of anisole over various medium and large pore zeolites such as H-ZSM-5, H-beta, H-Na-beta. H-mordenite. H-Y and H-RE- Y are presented and discussed. In addition, homogenous catalysts and amorphous Si02-Al2O3 are also included for comparison, The catalyst and process parameters are optimised to enhance the conversion of propionyl chloride(PC) and selectivity to 4-methoxypropiophenone(4-MOPP).

Production of Alkaline Protease by Free and Immobilised Cells of VIBRIO sp. Under Different Fermentation Systems and Its Application on Deproteinisation of Prawn Shell Waste for Chitin Recovery

This thesis presents a detailed account of a cost - effective approach towards enhanced production of alkaline protease at profitable levels using different fermentation designs employing cheap agro-industrial residues. It involves the optimisation of process parameters for the production of a thermostable alkaline protease by Vibrio sp. V26 under solid state, submerged and biphasic fermentations, production of the enzyme using cell immobilisation technology and the application of the crude enzyme on the deproteinisation of crustacean waste.The present investigation suggests an economic move towards Improved production of alkaline protease at gainful altitudes employing different fermentation designs utilising inexpensive agro-industrial residues. Moreover, the use of agro-industrial and other solid waste substrates for fermentation helps to provide a substitute in conserving the already dwindling global energy resources. Another alternative for accomplishing economically feasible production is by the use of immobilisation technique. This method avoids the wasteful expense of continually growing microorganisms. The high protease producing potential of the organism under study ascertains their exploitation in the utilisation and management of wastes. However, strain improvement studies for the production of high yielding variants using mutagens or by gene transfer are required before recommending them to Industries.Industries, all over the world, have made several attempts to exploit the microbial diversity of this planet. For sustainable development, it is essential to discover, develop and defend this natural prosperity. The Industrial development of any country is critically dependent on the intellectual and financial investment in this area. The need of the hour is to harness the beneficial uses of microbes for maximum utilisation of natural resources and technological yields. Owing to the multitude of applications in a variety of industrial sectors, there has always been an increasing demand for novel producers and resources of alkaline proteases as well as for innovative methods of production at a commercial altitude. This investigation forms a humble endeavour towards this perspective and bequeaths hope and inspiration for inventions to follow.

An investigation on the effects of Ag addition in the powder — in tube processing of long multifilamentary (Bi,Pb) - 2223/Ag superconducting tapes

It is important that long superconducting tape must have desired strain tolerance (less reduction of Jc with applied strains) and stress tolerance (less reduction of JC in applied stresses) for its use as coils and magnets. Ag addition to the BPSCCO system has many advantages with its physical and chemical inertness to the system, reduces the processing temperature, and promotes the grain growth, grain alignment and connectivity. All these not only enhance the critical current density of the tapes but also improve the mechanical properties. But the published results show very much scattering on the type of Ag additive to be selected, method of addition and its optimum percentage. Also there are some negative reports in this regard. The present work has been undertaken to study the effect of silver addition in different forms (Ag powder, Ag2O, AgNO3) on the superconducting and mechanical properties of (Bi,Pb)-2223/Ag tapes and to find out a suitable form of Ag additive and its optimum percentage to have better superconducting and mechanical properties. Also it is the aim of the present work is to optimise the process parameters needed to prepare (Bi,Pb)-2223/Ag multifilamentary tapes of length ~ 12 m in solenoid and pancake coil forms with good critical current density and homogeneity of J C along the length of the tapes.

Utilization of prawn waste for chitinase production by the marine fungus Beauveria bassiana by solid state fermentation

Prawn waste, a chitinous solid waste of the shell®sh processing industry, was used as a substrate for chitinase production by the marine fungus Beauveria bassiana BTMF S10, in a solid state fermentation (SSF) culture. The process parameters in¯uencing SSF were optimized. A maximum chitinase yield of 248.0 units/g initial dry substrate (U/gIDS) was obtained in a medium containing a 5:1 ratio (w/v) of prawn waste/sea water, 1% (w/w) NaCl, 2.5% (w/w) KH2PO4, 425±600 lm substrate particle size at 27 °C, initial pH 9.5, and after 5 days of incubation. The presence of yeast extract reduced chitinase yield. The results indicate scope for the utilization of shell®sh processing (prawn) waste for the industrial production of chitinase by using solid state fermentation.

Production, purification and partial characterization of a novel protease from marine Engyodontium album BTMFS10 under solid state fermentation

Engyodontium album isolated from marine sediment produced protease, which was active at pH 11. Process parameters influencing the production of alkaline protease by marine E. album was optimized. Particle size of <425 mm, 60% initial moisture content and incubation at 25 8C for 120 h were optimal for protease production under solid state fermentation (SSF) using wheat bran. The organism has two optimal pH (5 and 10) for maximal enzyme production. Sucrose as carbon source, ammonium hydrogen carbonate as additional inorganic nitrogen source and amino acid leucine enhanced enzyme production during SSF. The protease was purified and partially characterized. A 16-fold purified enzyme was obtained after ammonium sulphate precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography. Molecular weight of the purified enzyme protein was recorded approximately 38 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 11 and 60 8C. Activity at high temperature and high alkaline pH suggests suitability of the enzyme for its application in detergent industry

A Comparative Study Of Tensile And Microstructural Characteristics Of Friction Welded Joints And Conventionally Welded Joints Of Aluminium Alloy 6061

Welding of high strength and low weight materials like Aluminium Alloys without any defects by conventional welding techniques is a major challenge in industries. Hence research on solid state welding techniques like Friction stir welding and Friction welding techniques have got much importance in joining of Aluminium alloys. However most of the industries are not changing conventional techniques as skilled workers are available on that area. Most common conventional welding techniques used for joining of Aluminium alloys are Gas welding and Arc welding. Friction welding is a solid-state welding process that generates heat through mechanical friction between a moving and a stationary component with the addition of a lateral force called “upset” to plast ically displace and fuse the materials. In this work, experimental study on tensile and micro structural characteristics of welded joints formed from conventional welding techniques and Rotary friction welding(suitable for weld specimens with circular cross section) has been carried out and the same were compared. The process parameters for arc welding used was 50-70 Amp reverse polarity DC and electrodes of 2.3mm diameter. In Gas welding, the parameters were oxy acetylene neural flame at 3200°C and 3mm electrodes . In the case of friction welding an axial pressure loading of 3Mpa with 5 MPa as upsetting pressure and 500 rpm were used to obtain good welded joints. Tensile characteristic studies of Arc welded joints and Gas welded joints showed 48% and 60 % variations respectively from the maximum load bearing characteristics of parent metal. In the case of friction welded joint, the variation was found to 46%. Micro structural evaluation of conventionally welded joints exhibited clear distinct zones of various weld regions. In the case of friction welded joint micro structural photographs showed comparable features both in parent metal and welded region. Thus the tensile characteristic study and microstructure evaluations proved that friction welded joints are good in both aspects compared to conventionally welded joints.