VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "O'Shaughnessy, Louis"

Browsing by Author "O'Shaughnessy, Louis"

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Corrosion of alloys by crude fatty acids at high temperatures
Schaaf, George Jacob (Virginia Tech, 1939-06-05)
This investigation was undertaken in order to determine the effect of alloying on the corrodibility of various alloys to hot crude tallow.
A critical study of various types of exhaust gas analyzers for gasoline engines
Dilworth, John L. (Virginia Tech, 1940-05-05)
It is quite common practice in automotive and aircraft engine maintenance, operation, and research to employ any one of several types of instruments now on the market for determining the air-fuel ratio by exhaust gas analysis. It was the purpose of this investigation to determine the most important operating characteristics, especially range and accuracy, of each of these types of instruments. The theory underlying the operation of this kind of apparatus was studied critically, and certain tests were performed on representative makes in order to observe the operation of each type under service conditions. These tests consisted essentially of connecting the analyzers to the exhaust pipe of a single-cylinder engine and comparing the analyazer readings with the true air-fuel ratio determined by accurately measuring the air and fuel supplied to the engine while the instruments were being observed. This procedure was repeated for a number of different carburetor settings, all other factors being kept as nearly constant as possible during a given series of runs. The effect of variations in engine spark advance and the pressure of the gas supplied to the instruments was also investigated. The test revealed several interesting facts. Study of the operating principles of the several instruments indicated that they were limited te air fue1 ratios below about 14 to 1, and this has been conclusively proved by these experiments. This limitation applies to thermal conductivity, hot-wire catalytic, and relative density types. W While the most expensive makes of instruments were not tested, it was found that, in general, the limit of accuracy is not greater than one-half of one air-fue1 ratio, regardless of the operating principle employed. Large variations in the pressure and rate of flow of the exhaust supplied to the analyzers were found to cause considerable deviations in those instruments which did not employ some kind of device to insure a steady and uniform supply. Certain features of design and construction which effect the reliability of the various types of exhaust gas analyzers are also reviewed in this thesis, and some of the more important chemical methods of analysis are treated briefly.
The design of a plant for the commercial production of a pesticidal derivative of chloral hydrate
Gary, James Hubert (Virginia Tech, 1946-06-05)
The object of this study is to design a commercial plant for the production of a Pesticide formed by the condensation of para-dichlorobenzene with chloral.
The design, construction, and operation of a centrifugal molecular still
Coli, Guido John Jr. (Virginia Tech, 1949-05-15)
The three basic requirements for unobstructed, short path distillation are: a surface over which a think layer of distilland is distributed, a cooler condensing surface in close proximity to the evaporating surface, and a suitable system for evacuating the space between the two surfaces. When the distance of transfer between the evaporating and condensing surfaces is comparable to the mean free path of the vapor molecules in the residual gas, the process is known as molecular distillation. [Continued in document]
The effect of lubricating oil on the puncture strength of paper insulation
Koslow, Herman M. (Virginia Tech, 1939-06-05)
Due to the fact that only comparative results were sought, the investigation was greatly simplified. On a comparative basis, the effects of external influences were largely eliminated from positions of vital importance and the use of an elaborate test, circuit was unnecessary. The equipment consisted of a high-voltage test transformer which supplied the test voltage; an induction regulator, auto transformer and generator field rheostats for voltage control; overload relay and aircore inductances for circuit protection; motor-generator set for a source of 60 cycle alternating voltage. The electrodes were circular, square edge brass discs. Specimens were immersed in lubricating oil for periods up to 40 hours and then tested for puncture strength. Following this, specimens were immersed for one hour and 24 hours and each of the two groups tested at intervals of time up to 720 hours. In each test the voltage was raised in steps of 200 volts, starting at 1000 volts. The puncture strength of the untreated paper was determined by testing a sufficient number of specimens over a period of days. The results obtained indicated no immediate deleterious effects of lubricating oil on paper. On the contrary, there was an improvement in puncture strength, accounted for by the fact that the relatively low voltages-used did not make ionization a serious factor. The results of tho long-time tests were unsatisfactory, as explained previously. However, they did permit the conclusion that deterioration of paper impregnated with lubricating oil would become apparent much sooner than if insulating oil were used. Oxidation, although probably existing, was apparently too slow to affect the results.
The effect of metals on the deterioration of steam-turbine oils
Clower, Marion Grove (Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute, 1940)
Tests were conducted in the Lubrication Laboratory of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute to study the effect of several metals on the deterioration of steam-turbine oils. A special test apparatus was constructed and three commercial turbine oils were tested in the presence of 14 different metal and metal combination. Included in this group of metals were five bearing metals, several metals now extensively used in turbine lubricating systems, and several metals that are not at present used in turbine oiling systems. Oxidation of the oils was accomplished by heating the oil in glass containers at 275°F for 200 hours, in the presence of the metals. The oil samples were then subjected to laboratory inspections to determine the extent of oxidation. It was found that in the case of oil A copper, lead and the copper-lead combination were increasingly effective in increasing the viscosity and acidity. Brass, copper, and copper-lead were increasingly effective in promoting sludge formation. With oil B copper, lead, and the copper-lead combination were increasingly effective in promoting sludge formation and increasing the viscosity. Steel, lead and the copper-lead combination were increasingly effective in producing acidity. Copper, metal No. 9, and the copper-lead combination were increasingly effective in increasing the viscosity of oil C. Copper, metal Ho. 5, and copper-lead produced acidity in increasing amounts. Aluminum, zinc, and cooper were increasingly effective in promoting sludge formation. Tin showed the least effect on solidity in the case of all three oil. It caused the lowest sludge formation with oils A and B and was low with oil C. The viscosity of oil A was least affected by metal No. 6, of oil B by metal No. 8, end of oil C by steel.
The esterification of tall oil to obtain drying oil characteristics
Arnold, Clifford Emil (Virginia Tech, 1947-05-05)
A investigation of the literature was made to determine the scope of previous investigations into the possibilities of obtaining drying oil characteristics in tall oil. Refined tall oil was esterified in an inert atmosphere with pentaerythritol at temperatures of 250, 300, and 320°C. Carbon dioxide was used to maintain an inert atmosphere. The esterification was carried out in a glass, Wolfe, three-necked flash heated in a constant temperature oil bath using S.A.E. 250 gear oil as a hosting medium. Agitation was supplied by means of an air driven agitator. The runs were six hours in length with the exception of one four hour run made at 32C°C. The procedure was repeated using activated alumina as a catalyst. the same procedure was repeated using dipentaerythritol in place of pentaerythritol. Crude tell oil was esterified with both pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol at 250°G for six hours in an inert atmosphere of carbon dioxide.
An investigation of the effects of freezing on portland cement concrete
Fuller, Edward H. (Virginia Tech, 1939-06-15)
The results of this investigation may serve as the basis for some conclusions with regard to the curing of Portland cement concrete. Some of the more important conclusions are as follows l. A concrete, if it may be classed as such, consisting of fine aggregate, cement, and water, is not subject to the extreme effects of freezing as is a true concrete containing a coarse aggregate. 2. Maximum loss of strength, which is evidently long-enduring is suffered by concrete frozen in an extremely green stage when frost enters mortar paste. 3. Freezing may be harmful at any time within the first week. However, in most cases a recovery is indicated. 4. Steam curing, if not carefully controlled at optimum conditions, will result in loss of strength in a concrete. 5. The expansion and drying which occur at the temperatures in the steam chamber apparently are the cause of harmful results in steam.curing. It must be borne in mind that the limitations of data gathered make these conclusions more indicative than conclusive. There is still much room.for further research at this institution along the line of both problems presented herein.
The operating characteristics of a synchronous motor and their relation to stability
Simenson, Ralph L. (Virginia Tech, 1939-06-05)
In review, the author is struck with a feeling of the relative insignificance of his findings. Other sources of information seem to have a wealth of ideas, a scope far beyond the present investigation, and a variety of means to approach the subject. Upon further consideration, however, and a realization of the comparative expenditures of time, energy, and thought given to the subject, much familiarity has been gained with the general problem, with the factors involved, and their relative importance. Some interesting experiments have been watched, and the groundwork has been laid for more. In this light, the original purpose has been accomplished.
Performance tests and cooling effect distribution of the V.P.I. forced draft cooling tower
Biddle, Richard Scull; Fisher, Wilson Hunt (Virginia Tech, 1939-05-15)
Test data of forced draft cooling towers is all too meager, and that available is, in many instances, incomplete. It is the opinion of the authors that putting cooling tower design on a rational basis can be brought about only by two methods. Either complete and intensive study of all existing towers or a thorough study of models, similar to the research conducted on airplanes in wind tunnels and on boat hulls in towing tanks, is necessary. Models used should be so constructed that quantity, condition, and velocity of air; quantity and condition of water; and type and arrangement of filling may be controlled. It is by the second method that the authors believe rational tower design may best be brought about.
Selection of the zeo-karb Na and zeo-karb H carbonaceous zeolite system for water treatment at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute power plant
Gudaitis, Peter P. (Virginia Tech, 1942-09-15)
A number of investigations have been undertaken with the object of replacing the present water treatment system at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute Power Plant.
Sewerage
Obenshain, Schuyler A.; O'Shaughnessy, Louis (Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute, 1904)
Some effects of ultrahigh frequency induced electrical currents on certain micro-organisms
Rabb, J. W. (Virginia Tech, 1941-06-05)
High frequency induced electrical energy has been used by medical science for several years to produce heat internally in the human body. The uses of such a process are many and varied. They range all the way from producing artificial fever in the entire body to heating one certain afflicted spot such as a rheumatic joint.
Some of the factors affecting the operation of a screw conveyor type mixer
Coli, Guido John (Virginia Tech, 1942-05-15)
A four unit helical conveyor type mixer with cut and folded elements built by L. C. Peery at Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1939 was tested. Preliminary investigations, made before tests to obtain pertinent data were begun, showed the advisability of straightening these folds. The purpose of this was to prevent all of the mixing action from occurring in the first unit and to show an incomplete picture of the mixer operation. These preliminary investigations also showed the maximum particle size usable in the mixer without obtaining excessive size reduction during mixing. In addition to the above, the investigations showed that in tests where a difference in the density of these materials existed as well as a difference in their crystalline structure, irregularities in the mixing data obtained under these conditions could be attributed more to the difference in density than to the difference in the crystalline structure of the materials. On this basis, tests made on the screw conveyor mixer with the available materials were titled as studies of the effect of a difference in density on mixing. The first tests on the mixer were made with chert and copper sulfate to determine the effect of speed of elements, feed rate, feed proportions, and particle size on mixing efficiency. These materials were relatively inexpensive and the copper sulfate was readily leached from the samples to form a basis for weight analysis of samples. In the tests to determine the effect of a difference in density on mixing efficiency the materials used were barytes, andalusite and chert with copper sulfate, which is the only soluble material of the four listed. The procedure followed is as follows: the particle size, density, and weight of the two materials to be used were recorded. These materials were fed into the mixer and at given time intervals samples were taken at the sampling ports and discharge opening. The feed time, time of the run, rpm. of the mixer elements, average time between samples and weight of material in the system were taken. These samples were analyzed and families of curves drawn to show the relationship of variations in the variable factors to mixing efficiency. Results show that a mixing element speed up to 56 rpm. and above 108 rpm. gave the most efficient mixing with feed rates below three cubic feet per hour and above nine cubic feet per hour. The optimum particle size was in the range from twenty to fifty mesh with feeds of approximately equal percentages by weight of the two materials showing the best mixing efficiency at 108 rpm. At a speed of 56 rpm. the relationship of feed proportions to mixing efficiency was not definitely established. The efficiency of mixing varied inversely with the difference in density at a speed of 108 rpm. and showed the apparent reverse of this at 56 rpm, but dispersion of the materials in each other at this speed was very poor. With materials of 16 mesh size, the size reduction taking place during mixing is negligible, but with materials of 4 mesh size there is an appreciable amount of size reduction taking place. Equations, holding within specified limits and showing the effect of each variable factor on mixing efficiency, were derived.
Statistical analysis and presentation of ball clay tests for low-tension electrical porcelain
Venable, Charles R. (Virginia Tech, 1944-05-05)
The effects of using different ball clays on the physical properties of the standard body have been shown. Although variations in all of the physical properties can be attributed to the use of different ball clays, these variations are more pronounced on the compressive strength properties. Since feldspar mainly controls fired shrinkage and fired absorption, and since the same amount of feldspar was used in each body, the effects of using different ball clays on these physical properties were not so pronounced.
A steam-load study of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute power plant
Creel, Robert B.; Young, Richard L. (Virginia Tech, 1936-06-15)
The VPI plant has met the load situation of the 1935-1936 heating season with a small margin of capacity. Should it have been considered necessary, as a matter of policy, to carry reserve through this heating season, 20,751 pounds per hour of steam capacity would have been lacking. To meet the maximum possible hourly-load anticipated for the 1936- 1937 heating season, it would require an increase in the present capacity of the plant of 11 percent. Considering the carrying of ample reserve, an increase of 117 percent would be necessary. In that the load has reached and passed the most economical output from the standpoint of fuel consumption, forcing of present equipment will now involve economic losses that may be used to offset the costs of a new boiler installation. The load duration curve shown in Fig. 11 will be valuable in economic studies of this type. In conclusion, the authors suggest the possibility of using capacity now latent in the plant. The building of a storage place to make dry coal available tor No.4 boiler would release approximately 6,700 pounds per hour of latent steam capacity. Further gains could be made by forcing boilers 1, 2, and 3 to higher ratings with excess air during the peak hours, while the use of a higher grade bituminous coal during the heavy heating season would also show substantial gains in capacity.
A study of the crease-resistance of viscose rayon
Sugarman, Nathan (Virginia Tech, 1942-05-01)
Crease-resistance is a very greatly desirable property in textile fibers. Of the natural fibers, wool exhibits this property to the greatest degree, followed by silk, cotton, and flax, which has a very low crease-resistance. The artificial cellulose fibers fall considerably below wool and silk in this respect. The improvement of the crease-resistance of rayon and other fibers has been sought in various after-treatment processes, in which substances are either deposited within the fiber, or react with it. There are numerous patents (22) for such methods of imparting crease-resistance. It would be highly desirable if the crease-resisting powers could be achieved "by a modification of the intrinsic properties of a fiber, that is, by producing a fiber which already is crease-resistant. The purpose of the work reported here was to attempt to produce a viscose rayon fiber with better crease-resisting properties, and to study the effect of a variation in the cellulose chain length distribution in the rayon upon this property. This work was done under a Fellowship of the Behr-Manning Corporation, Troy, New York.
A study of the stream pollution problem in the Roanoke, Virginia, metropolitan district
Eich, Henry F.; McGauhey, Percy Harold; Jackson, Herbert William; Henderson, Croswell (Virginia Tech, 1942-06-05)
A field investigation of the pollution existing in the Roanoke River within the Roanoke Metropolitan district was carried out from June, 1940 to May, 1941 by various departments of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute with the material aid of several other interested groups. Studies of the chemical and bacteriological conditions, and of the microscopic life existing in the stream were made by P. H. McGauhey and H. F. Eich, of the Department of Civil Engineering. The invertebrate and vertebrate life of the stream, as well as the toxicity of viscose wastes to fishes, was investigated by H. W. Jackson and Croswell Henderson, of the Department of Biology. Monthly mineral analyses of water were made by F. H. Fish and others of the Department of Chemistry, and data relative to certain industrial wastes were furnished by R. A. Fisher and Dudley Thompson, of the Department of Chemical Engineering.
A study of the variable factors controlling spray drying
Carnell, William Caldwell (Virginia Tech, 1942-06-17)
The process of spray drying consists of dispersing a liquid to be dried into a hot desiccating medium. This operation is carried out in a chamber where the process is completed, and from which the dried product is removed. Due to the tremendous surface area of the dispersed particles and intimate contact of the particles with the drying medium, the drying time is reduced to a minimum These facts along with the fact that the particle is not heated above the wet bulb temperature of the drying medium, make the process particularly adaptable to drying heat sensitive materials. Although, the theory for spray drying is similar to that for other drying processes, it is complicated by the aerodynamics of small particles suspended in a turbulent medium. Neither quantitative data nor mathematical relationships are available in the literature which would enable spray drying equipment to be designed on the basis of calculated drying rates. A study of the numerous variables encountered in drying materials by this process should be very helpful for future design work. The purpose of this investigation was to determine how variable factors such as condition of feed, atomizing variables, and chamber conditions affected the moisture content, bulk density, and particle size of a spray dried material. These variables were studied in a unit constructed at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute according to plans based on available information, and cut and try experimental work. Sodium sulphate was dried in this unit with the concentration, temperature and pressure of the feed; temperature and pressure of the atomizing air; and temperature of the drying air varied from an arbitrary set of operating conditions. The product from these runs was analyzed for its moisture content, bulk density, and particle size. The results of these analysis indicated that the concentration of the feed was the most significant variable tested. A variation of 25 to 200 per cent saturation at room temperature reduced the specific surface from 24.04 to 20.00, reduced the bulk density from 2.5 to 2.2 grams per cc and also reduced the moisture content from 1.16 to 0.55 per cent. Increasing the temperature of the atomizing air from 75 to 200° F and temperature of the atomizing air from 95 to 200° F was found to have almost no effect on the variables tested. Varying the atomizing air pressure from 8 to 26 pounds per sq. in. reduced the moisture content from 0.58 to 0.47 per cent and increased the bulk density of the product from 2.2 to 2.4 grams per cc without any definite trend in specific surface. The bulk density was decreased from 2.5 to 2.5 grams per cc when the temperature of the chamber air was increased from 150 to 236° F. Variation in the specific surface factor indicated that the particle size increased and the moisture content remained constant for this run.
The utilization of peanut hulls as liquid adsorbent chars
Gano, Stephen M. (Virginia Tech, 1947-06-05)
The annual national production of peanut hulls averages about two hundred million pounds. These hulls are generally disposed of as fuel in the plante processing the nuts or discarded as waste material. Similar cellulosic wastes have been profitably utilized in the past as activated ohars. It was the purpose of this work to determine the conditions by which peanut hulls could be converted to liquid adsorbent chars.

Browsing by Author "O'Shaughnessy, Louis"

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