ERU - 2009

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/14686

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 75

item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Proceedings of the 15th Annual Symposium 2009 (Pre Text)
(The Engineering Research Unit University of Moratuwa, 2009-10) Rodrigo, R
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Chemical recycling of PET from waste soft drinks bottles to recover Terephthalic Acid
(2009) Udayakumara, SV; Gunapala, PY; Gunapala, O
This project aims to develop an efficient and low cost chemical recycling method to extract valuable terephthalic acid (TPA) from post consumer Poly (ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) in Sri Lanka. PET waste from soft drink bottles was subjected to alkaline hydrolysis using NaOH to produce sodium terephthalate. Reaction was carried out under different hydrolysis conditions including varying Ethylene glycol to PET ratios, reaction temperature and time. After completing the reaction, mixture was diluted with sulfuric acid to precipitate TPA that was separated by filtration. Characterization and identification of purified TPA were performed using Fourier Transformation Infrared techniques.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Shape prior based Image segmentation using a log distance — theta model
(2009) Rodrigo, JS; Rodrigo,R
Image segmentation is a popular topic in computer vision. Incorporation of prior shape knowledge into this process and the subsequent extraction of objects demonstrating shape characteristics similar to the priors are being extensively researched. Major challenges include the judgment of parameters such as scale and rotation as well tolerating object distortions such as occlusions and noise. This paper proposes a novel framework to successfully overcome these by using a log distance-theta domain mapping which greatly simplifies rotation, scaling and provides an opportunity to incorporate a decision threshold.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Control of electrical appliances from hand tracking
(2009) Wickramarachchi, N; Bandara, HMSLG; Jayarathna, KHEH; Karunapala, PMAU; Senevirathne, MRKC
Control of Electrical appliances from hand tracking is our final year project and mainly based on newly emerging image processing technology. Image grabbed by the camera will be processed by PC and if it is identified any new gesture it will given to the microcontroller. Microcontroller will generate the correct control signal for that gesture and it will be transmitted to the receiver through transmitter. Receiver unit will identify the control signal correctly and it will provide the relevant output for the control circuit of the appliance.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Treatment of soak wastewater resulting from paddy parboiling process: combined methods approach
(2009) Karunaratne, HWGI; Gunasekera, MY
Parboiling is a process used to improve the milling characteristics of paddy. The wastewater generated from soaking operation in parboiling process has pollutant levels higher than the discharge standards. Lab scale experiments carried out to remove Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in soak water resulting from hot soaking of a red rice variety named LD 356. Combined treatment of this wastewater using biological treatment with aeration and coagulation able to remove 95.48% COD while coagulation and adsorption collectively removed 92.58%. The combination adsorption and aquatic plant based treatment removed 90.64% COD in which adsorption alone removed 90%.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Development of an effective communication skill development program embedded in engineering study Program
(2009) Ranaweera, RAMP; Kahangamage, UP
This paper presents a successful and innovative approach for improving presentation skills of undergraduates by incorporating PowerPoint presentation to laboratory practical assessments. The key aims were to improve oral presentation skills, to enhance the knowledge of undergraduates about the state of the art technologies and to improve the effectiveness of laboratory practical assessments. After completion of the first "presentation coursework" session, a noteworthy improvement in presentation skills and enthusiasm among undergraduates for making presentations was clearly seen.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Investigation of effectiveness of carbonized rice husk in oily water treatment
(2009) Anurangi, WAJ; Amarasinghe, BMWPK; De Alwis, AAP
In this study, agricultural waste, rice husk was used as an adsorbent in the oil pollution management. Thermally treated rice husk, prepared by carbonizing rice husk at 600 °C for 3 hrs, were tested for oil removal from aqueous mixtures. Solution pH, adsorbent dose and mixing time affect the degree of oil removal. COD removal efficiencies of 99% were achieved.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Development of die & mould making industry in Sri Lanka though tripartite collaboration of university-industry-government
(2009) Senevirathne, SWMAI; Kahangamage, UP; Mangala, KHJ
Most of the Sri Lankan Die & mould makers are Small and Medium Enterprises. Due to various constraints they manage cater only for 20% of local die & mould demand. One of the reasons is the high technological gap between SMEs scale mould makers The local SME mould makers need financial and technological support to increase production and the quality. Considering the strengths and weaknesses of different parties, a tripartite approach that involves the government and the academic institutes has been proposed to uplift this industry. This paper presents a proposed mode! for a tripartite approach and its successful implementation being carried out at University of Moratuwa.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Enhancement of students' learning experience through introduction of innovative methods of conducting and assessing laboratory classes: a case study
(2009) Ranaweera, RAMP; Gamage, JR; Kahangamage, UP; Dassanayake, VPC
This paper elaborates a successful attempt made for improved way of conducting and assessing of laboratory classes. The key aims were to improve the quality & effectiveness of laboratory classes, promote team work and increase relevance of the undergraduate practical programme that suits the industrial environment. In the design stage, problems of the existing methods, industrial requirements and expert views were carefully analysed. Finally it shown considerable improvement in quality and effectiveness of the practical programme and team working ability students.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Refrigerated three-wheeler truck
(2009) Sandamali, RC; Senevirathne, NGKSN; Sirimanna, MPG; Fernando, MARV
The mobile fish sellers in Sri Lanka used bicycles, motor bicycles and three wheelers to distribute fish. Refrigerated three-wheeler truck was developed targeting mobile food sellers. A prototype was fabricated which consists of an Electrolux vapour absorption system fitted to a specially designed cool box to suit commonly used three-wheelers. The waste heat in exhaust gas of vehicle is used as the power source. The heat available is sufficient to cater for around 140W unit.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
CFD simulation of flow around ceiling fan
(2009) Kodikara, MC; Samarasinghe, SADH; Chandrasiri, MS; Sugathapala, AGT
This manuscript consists of the computation of the aerodynamic performances of flow around ceiling fan of symmetrical blade profiles ceiling fans by computational fluid mechanics (CFD) methods, developing a methodology for analysis of the flow pattern generated by ceiling fan with CFD methods. The aerodynamic performances of the generated flow are evaluated using Star-CD software for different fan speeds and for the different ceiling gaps. The results of these computations are presented in the graphs to identify the patterns of the flow field generated and the behavior and the reasons for the results were discussed.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Challenges and common failures in implementing lean manufacturing
(2009) Vilasini, PPG
Lean is a management philosophy which delivers many benefits such as waste reduction, cycle time inventory reduction, improvement in quality, delivery in time, high customer satisfaction etc. But up to S0% implemented programs will fail to achieve those benefits. However, many of the problems that lead to failure could predicted and dealt with prior to the start of the improvement process. The purpose of this paper is to find out failure factors of lean implementation and strategies to overcome those.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Design of conventional extruder die for production of semi rigid PVC pipe
(2009) Gunapala, O; Gunapala, PY; Tilakasena, U
The research was directed to design an extruder die for production of semi rigid poly-vinyl-chloride ( PVC) pipes widely used as an outlet pipe in washing machines, that are very popular not only at homes but in a number factories located in Sri Lanka, belonging to certain industries including dyeing, protective clothing etc. Nevertheless extrusion dies for production of semi rigid pipes have been neither produced nor designed in Sri Lanka. Theoretical approach in the research project was based on rheology and thermodynamics of plasticized PVC melt that enabled design of the extrusion die considering the specialties of the selected material and processing limitations. The carried out research consisted of two parts. Firstly to come up with a general solution package that was used to derive dimensions when information about the input material and the expected output was given. Secondly, using the package to design the die for a special application of the desired dimensions. An Excel spread sheet was developed that embodied the theoretical aspects of the research project. Changing the indicated input parameters, spread calculated and produced the dimension of the desired die. A sequence of calculations and AutoCAD diagrams were produced for the specific die requirements. With this information at hand, Sri Lankan industries can start manufacture of the extruder dies for production of plasticized PVC pipes on a good theoretical basis ensuring success, instead importing.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Research on motion capture technologies to develop a bionic leg
(2009) Dassanayake, VPC; Dalpatadu, KPS; De Silva, BMO; Gamage, ANE
This paper explains how motion capture technology can effectively be used to detect, analyze and quantify human activities such as walking, standing, sitting and climbing stairs. This technology is expected to be used for active (eg: motor driven) knee replacements used by above knee amputees. A motion capture system is implemented using inertial sensors and force sensors which quantify gait parameters. The results are used to design a finite state control system for an active above knee prosthetic.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Development of low cost evaporative cooler unit to suit industrial environment
(2009) Attalage, RA; Abeysekara, GPTK; Ketanwila, KHHG; Vithana, KAP
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the adaptability of evaporative cooling technology to Sri Lankan environment. Desiccant cooling technology is initiated to control the relative humidity level of the environment. A generic model of the evaporative cooler is constructed using direct evaporative cooling method and solid desiccant dehumidification method. The model was installed in the testing environment. The results show that the evaporative cooler is provided the sufficient level of thermal comfort to the people changing relative humidity slightly.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Control platform for a mobile robot team to move in a formation in an indoor environment
(2009) Dassanayake, VPC; Abeysiriwardena, DSDeZ; Lalitharatne, SWHMTD; Wimalarathne, KAAP
The purpose of this paper is to explain the approach taken and results achieved in an attempt made to develop mobile robot team which can move in formation in an indoor environment. A trilateration system is implemented using RF and ultrasonic signals for localization. Two PID control loops are used to maintain the formation parameters and control the driving motors.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Evaluate the potential of alternative air conditioning systems in place of conventional vapor compression for industrial buildings in Sri Lanka
(2009) Abeynayake, AMNS; Amarakoon, AMAB; Weerasinghe, DGO
This research evaluates the potential of alternative air conditioning techniques for industrial buildings in Sri Lanka. In order to assess the applicability of selected alternatives, a life cycle cost analysis was performed for a selected case and alternatives. C02 emissions from the air conditioning systems were calculated to assess the ecological feasibility. The results indicate that biomass fueled, vapor absorption system is a viable option compared with the conventional vapor compression system.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Simulation of a poly-bag manufacturing system
(2009) Gopura, RARC; Jayawardene, TSS; Amarasena, KGAH
Poly bag manufacturing entrepreneurs face many challenges due to frequent fluctuation and continuous increasing trend of material prices of poly bags. Further legal restrictions imposed on some types of polythene products made the situation aggravated. With the purview of optimizing the poly bag manufacturing process, authors attempted model and simulate the poly bag manufacturing process in the light of posed challenges. This paper presents a modeling method and a simulation study of a poly bag manufacturing system.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Development of an efficient drying method for large scale timber drying
(2009) Bandara, PMTSS; Basnayake, BMHSK; Dissanayake, DMMC; Kahangamage, UP
The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on how to overcome the problematic issues the Sri Lankan timber drying industry is currently facing with and to assure the future sustenance of the industry. In order to achieve the desired outcomes a field survey and an energy audit were carried out. Using those results improvements to a selected conventional timber drying kiln were done. A conceptual energy efficient timber drying method suitable for the Lankan industry was also developed.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Brain E-Learner
(2009) Dias, SAD; Dayananada, NWN; Ferdinand, NS; Thivya, K; Udagedara, EA; Weerathunga, PE
The objective of this extended abstract is to present Brain e-Learning System -which ^vas developed and tested final year undergraduate project at the department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering university Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. The Brain e-Learning System is an integrated on-line system for remote education covering aspects of Medical Image Analysis, Remote patient monitoring, Video/Audio Conferencing and Brain E-Learning materials. It provides user-friendly web interface and optimized functionality with three different access medical students, medical consultants and administrator

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