Avaliação de métodos de análises para determinação da contagem de células somáticas no leite cru, mantido em tanque de resfriamento

We analyzed the quality of raw milk from eight dairy farms in Rio Grande do Norte stored in a cooling tank , in order to evaluate methods for determining somatic cell counts (SCC). The Somaticell® kit and a portable Direct Cell Counter (DCC) were compared with each other and with the MilkoScanTM FT+ (FOSS Denmark), which uses Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy). Direct cell counter data were processed for somatic cell scores (log-transformed somatic cell count) and analyzed with the SAS®, statistical package , Statistical Analysis System, (SAS, INSTITUTE, 1998). Comparison of means and correlation of somatic cell scores were conducted using Pearson s correlation coefficient and the Tukey Test at 1 %. No significant difference was observed for comparison of means. The correlation between somatic cell scores was significant, that is, 0.907 and 0.876 between the MilkoScanTM FT+ and the Somaticell® kit and Direct Cell Count (DCC) respectively, and 0.943 between the Somaticell® kit and Direct Cell Count (DCC). The methods can be recommended for monitoring the quality of raw milk kept in a cooling tank in the production unit

Desenvolvimento de um equipamento para avaliação do desempenho de geomantas

O controle sobre os processos erosivos é uma necessidade constatada em vários segmentos da engenharia. A movimentação de terra necessária para a execução de taludes rodoviários, por exemplo, pode resultar em taludes de corte ou aterro vulneráveis à erosão superficial. Dentre as alternativas tecnológicas para controle de erosão a utilização de geossintéticos se apresenta como uma solução potencial. A referida aplicação encontra-se em amplo desenvolvimento em alguns países como, por exemplo, nos EUA. No Brasil, a especificação de geossintéticos para controle de erosão é limitada pela ausência de caracterização desses produtos e de normas nacionais, sendo a única fonte técnica de informação, os catálogos dos fabricantes. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é construir um equipamento e desenvolver métodos de ensaio para caracterização e avaliação de geossintéticos utilizados no controle de erosão superficial, com base na ASTM D7101. Além de um simulador de chuvas, o equipamento é composto por uma bancada de testes formada por: rampa de escoamento, mesa de suporte e núcleos de solo. Utilizando a bancada construída, foram realizados ensaios para avaliar o funcionamento do equipamento e o desempenho de uma geomanta na redução da taxa de erosão superficial. Os ensaios foram realizados com intensidades de precipitação de 100 ± 4mm/h e 150 ± 4mm/h, durante 30 minutos, com intervalo de leitura de 5 minutos. Os resultados obtidos nos ensaios sem a presença da geomanta mostraram uma perda de solo acentuada durante as chuvas simuladas, com uma iv tendência de crescimento linear da perda de solo acumulada em função do tempo de ensaio. Nos ensaios realizados com a presença da geomanta observou-se a ação de proteção do geossintético com uma redução da ordem de 90% da perda de solo acumulada para todas as intensidades de chuvas utilizadas

Modelagem de decisão na seleção de equipamento: um estudo usando o processo analítico hierárquico na contratação de sondas de perfuração de poços de petróleo

The main goal of this dissertation is to develop a Multi Criteria Decision Aid Model to be used in Oils and Gas perforation rigs contracts choices. The developed model should permit the utilization of multiples criterions, covering problems that exist with models that mainly use the price of the contracts as its decision criterion. The AHP has been chosen because its large utilization, not only academic, but in many other areas, its simplicity of use and flexibility, and also fill all the requirements necessary to complete the task. The development of the model was conducted by interviews and surveys with one specialist in this specific area, who also acts as the main actor on the decision process. The final model consists in six criterions: Costs, mobility, automation, technical support, how fast the service could be concluded and availability to start the operations. Three rigs were chosen as possible solutions for the problem. The results reached by the utilizations of the model suggests that the utilization of AHP as a decision support system in this kind of situation is possible, allowing a simplifications of the problem, and also it s a useful tool to improve every one involved on the process s knowledge about the problem subject, and its possible solutions

Análise de Handover inter e intra-célula em um sistema de telefonia celular através de método de medição simplificado

This dissertation has the purpose to present a portable device named PlugData MG100G, equipped with a cellular module, to analyze the radiofrequency coverage in a GSM network situated in João Pessoa city, state of Paraíba, at four distinct regions. The equipment, originally, was developed to be used in fixed environments, so it was adapted so that it could be used in conditions of mobility. From the Mobile Measurement Reports (MMRs) RF coverage and the handover process are analyzed. The MMRs enable the identification of the serving cell and the list of the closest neighboring cells monitored by the mobile. This work analyses only data referent to the serving cell and the two closest neighboring cells. Inter-cell and intra-cell handovers are identified. The frequency planning and quality of service offered by the network related to the regions are discussed as well

Controle feedback de nível baseado em sensor de imagem aplicado ao equipamento misturador-decantador à inversão de fases (MDIF®)

The treatment of wastewaters contaminated with oil is of great practical interest and it is fundamental in environmental issues. A relevant process, which has been studied on continuous treatment of contaminated water with oil, is the equipment denominated MDIF® (a mixer-settler based on phase inversion). An important variable during the operation of MDIF® is the water-solvent interface level in the separation section. The control of this level is essential both to avoid the dragging of the solvent during the water removal and improve the extraction efficiency of the oil by the solvent. The measurement of oil-water interface level (in line) is still a hard task. There are few sensors able to measure oil-water interface level in a reliable way. In the case of lab scale systems, there are no interface sensors with compatible dimensions. The objective of this work was to implement a level control system to the organic solvent/water interface level on the equipment MDIF®. The detection of the interface level is based on the acquisition and treatment of images obtained dynamically through a standard camera (webcam). The control strategy was developed to operate in feedback mode, where the level measure obtained by image detection is compared to the desired level and an action is taken on a control valve according to an implemented PID law. A control and data acquisition program was developed in Fortran to accomplish the following tasks: image acquisition; water-solvent interface identification; to perform decisions and send control signals; and to record data in files. Some experimental runs in open-loop were carried out using the MDIF® and random pulse disturbances were applied on the input variable (water outlet flow). The responses of interface level permitted the process identification by transfer models. From these models, the parameters for a PID controller were tuned by direct synthesis and tests in closed-loop were performed. Preliminary results for the feedback loop demonstrated that the sensor and the control strategy developed in this work were suitable for the control of organic solvent-water interface level

Projeto e Operação em Escala Semi-Industrial de um Equipamento para Tratamento de Águas Produzidas na Indústria do Petróleo Utilizando Nova Tecnologia: misturador-decantador à inversão de fases - MDIF

The aim of this work is to use a new technology in the treatment of produced wastewaters from oil industry. An unit for treat produced waters called UTMDIF, was designed, installed and operated in an industrial plant for treatment of effluents from oil industry. This unit operates by means of the method of separation of phase inversion and can become a promising alternative to solve the problem of oil/water separation. This method constitutes the basis of the working of a new design of mixersettler of vertical configuration which occupies small surface area. The last characteristic becomes specially important when there is limitation on the lay-out of the plant, for example, over maritime platforms to explore oil. This equipment in a semi-industrial scale treats produced wastewaters contaminated with oil at low concentrations (ranging from 30 to 150 mg/L) and throughputs of 320 m3/d (47,4 m3 m-2 h-1). Good results were obtained in oil/water separation which leads to the necessary specification to discharge those wastewaters. Besides, the non dependence of the efficiency of separation in spite of the salinity of the medium becomes the equipment an attractive new technology to treat wastewaters containing oil at low concentrations