投稿者: Sugita

What Is Sodium Propionate?

Sodium propionate is the sodium salt of propionic acid and is primarily used in the food industry.

It is widely used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, especially in processed foods. Propionic acid has strong anti-mold properties, and its sodium salt retains these effects. Sodium propionate is particularly effective against mold and certain bacteria, making it suitable for preserving baked goods, cheese, and other foods prone to microbial contamination. It is also used in agriculture due to its high chemical stability and low environmental impact.

In addition to food preservation, sodium propionate is used as a feed additive and in road deicing agents. As a component of deicers, it has been shown to help prevent corrosion of metal structures, such as steel reinforcements in bridges.

Uses of Sodium Propionate

Sodium propionate is mainly used in food processing and animal feed. Other applications include infrastructure maintenance.

1. Food Preservative

The most common application is as a preservative in food products. It is especially used in bakery items such as bread, cakes, doughnuts, and muffins to inhibit mold growth. It is also added to cheese and certain fermented dairy products to extend shelf life. This contributes to food safety and helps reduce food waste.

2. Feed Additive

In animal feed, sodium propionate is used to suppress mold and microbial growth. It helps preserve feed quality, supports long-term storage, and promotes livestock health. It is particularly effective in hot and humid environments where mold formation is a concern.

3. Road Deicing Agent

Sodium chloride is a common deicing agent but is known to corrode metals and concrete. To mitigate this issue, sodium propionate is added to deicing formulations. It has been shown to reduce metal corrosion and is now used in practical applications. Additionally, it has minimal environmental impact, making it suitable for road surface treatment.

What Is Sodium Butyrate?

Sodium butyrate is a chemical compound formed when butyric acid is converted into its sodium salt.

It is a colorless to white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and has a slightly unpleasant odor. Its molecular formula is CH₃(CH₂)₂COONa, and its molecular weight is 110.09. Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid with a strong, distinctive odor, often compared to cheese or sweat. It is naturally produced in the human gut by intestinal bacteria fermenting dietary fiber. Sodium butyrate is a more stable and consumable form of butyric acid.

In the human colon, butyric acid serves as the main energy source for the colonic mucosa. It plays a role in maintaining the intestinal environment, suppressing inflammation, and regulating immunity. Oral intake of sodium butyrate can help increase butyric acid levels in the intestines and support gut health.

Uses of Sodium Butyrate

Sodium butyrate is widely used in health, animal husbandry, and research. Major applications include the following:

1. Health Foods and Supplements

Sodium butyrate is used as an ingredient in dietary supplements aimed at improving intestinal health. It may help regulate bowel movements and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis by improving gut microbiota balance and enhancing the barrier function of the large intestine.

2. Feed Additives

Sodium butyrate is also used as a feed additive for livestock. It helps regulate the intestinal environment of animals, promoting growth and preventing disease. It is being explored as an alternative to antibiotics, particularly in pigs and poultry, and is gaining attention for its role in antibiotic-free livestock production.

3. Medical and Research Applications

In medical research, sodium butyrate is studied as a potential histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. HDAC inhibitors are being developed for treating cancer, infectious diseases, and inflammatory conditions.

What Is Sodium Formate?

Sodium formate is an inorganic compound formed by the reaction of formic acid and sodium. It is the sodium salt of formic acid.

It appears as a white or colorless crystalline powder with little odor. It dissolves easily in water and methanol.

Sodium formate has reducing properties and is chemically stable, making it easy to handle. When dissolved in water, it becomes slightly alkaline and is useful in neutralization reactions with acids.

Although it is not highly toxic, exposure to its dust or solution can irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. Therefore, protective equipment such as gloves and goggles should be worn when handling it.

Uses of Sodium Formate

Sodium formate is used in various applications due to its chemical characteristics. Major uses include the following:

1. Deicing Agent and Antifreeze

Sodium formate is used as an eco-friendly deicing agent on roads and runways. Compared to traditional agents like calcium chloride and sodium chloride, it is less corrosive and has a smaller impact on plants and soil. This makes it suitable for use in sustainable infrastructure development.

2. Metal Refining and Reduction Reactions

Due to its reducing properties, sodium formate is used in metal refining. It acts as a reducing agent in the recovery of rare metals such as platinum and precious metals like palladium.

3. Hydrogen Carrier

Formic acid and its salt, sodium formate, are gaining attention as safe and eco-friendly hydrogen carriers. They are stable at room temperature and pressure, enabling hydrogen storage and transportation without high pressure or extremely low temperatures. Research is ongoing to use catalysts for efficient hydrogen gas generation.

4. Dyeing Industry and Chemical Synthesis

In the dyeing industry, sodium formate is used to promote reduction reactions of dyes. In chemical synthesis, it serves as a source of carbon monoxide and formic acid and is used in various reactions, especially catalytic and reduction reactions.

What is a Non-intrusive Density Metersr?

Non-intrusive density meters are instruments used to measure the density or concentration of a substance without making direct contact with the material being measured.

The term “non-invasive” originally comes from the medical field, where it refers to procedures that do not physically harm or penetrate the body. In industrial applications, it describes methods that do not require physical contact or modification of the object being measured.

Conventional density meters typically require taking a physical sample, placing it in a container, or inserting a sensor into a pipe or tank. Non-intrusive models, on the other hand, use technologies such as radiation, ultrasonic waves, or U-tube sensors to perform measurements externally – eliminating the need to cut pipes or stop production lines.

These meters are widely adopted across industries like chemical processing, food and beverage, energy, and environmental monitoring, thanks to their ability to improve safety, streamline processes, and support automation.

Applications of Non-Intrusive Density Meters

Non-intrusive density meters are used across a range of industries to meet operational challenges and environmental requirements without interfering with ongoing processes.

1. Industrial Processes

In chemical plants, non-intrusive density meters are used to monitor chemical concentrations in real time. Ultrasonic sensors are placed outside the piping to continuously track liquid density and concentration. This helps optimize quality control and reduce costs by precisely managing dilution ratios and mixing levels. Because there’s no direct contact – even with corrosive substances – these systems also enhance safety and reduce maintenance demands.

2. Food and Beverage Production

These meters are also widely used in food and beverage manufacturing. Inline sensors can measure Brix (sugar content) and alcohol concentration in products like juice or beer in real time. Integrated with automated control systems, they help maintain consistent product quality and ensure efficient use of raw materials.

3. Medical Applications

In the medical field, bone densitometers fall under the category of non-intrusive density meters. Using ultrasonic pulse velocity and attenuation, these devices can safely and quickly assess bone density without the need for invasive procedures. Different models are available to suit various parts of the body.

What is a MotorBoat?

A MotorBoat is a small vessel powered by an engine (motor)  that travels on water.

Its greatest feature is that it can sail at a stable speed because it is self-propelled and does not depend on wind or human power. Compared to rowboats and sailboats, they are easier to operate and relatively easy to handle even for beginners, making them widely used for leisure, marine sports, and commercial purposes.

MotorBoats come in a variety of structures, but the majority of MotorBoats are “outboard” type, in which the engine is installed on the outside of the hull. The engine is easy to remove and easy to maintain.

Uses of MotorBoats

MotorBoats are vessels that can be used in a wide range of situations.

1. For leisure and sightseeing

One of the most common uses of MotorBoats is for leisure and sightseeing. They are widely used for fishing, cruising, water skiing, wakeboarding, and other water-based outdoor activities. In addition to being enjoyed by individuals for leisure purposes, motorboats are sometimes used for business in tourist areas such as lakes for pleasure purposes. 2.

2. Towing for water sports

MotorBoats are indispensable for enjoying water sports such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and banana boating. They pull riders while maintaining a stable speed with their powerful engines.

3. For safety and transportation

MotorBoats are also used for commercial purposes. They are used for harbor and river patrols, water cabs, goods transportation, research activities, and even as a means of commuting to remote islands or to the opposite shore. They are also indispensable for emergency response in times of disaster, such as transporting relief supplies and saving lives.

4. For public interest competitions

MotorBoats are used in boating competitions for public interest. Boats are used for speed and maneuvering skill competitions, and boats designed specifically for racing are constructed to minimize air and water resistance.

What is a PowerBoat?

A PowerBoat is a vessel powered by a powerful engine and designed to travel at high speed on water.

While some PowerBoats are used for racing, inflatable power boats with an air inflated tube structure are widely available for the general public. Equipped with a tube (air tube) inflated with air around the hull, they are characterized by safety and stability on the water and extremely high buoyancy. Most are powered by outboard motors, making them easy to maintain.

PowerBoats, on the other hand, require a high level of skill to operate due to their speed and maneuverability. In Japan, a “small boat pilot license” may be required depending on the engine output. In addition, sufficient knowledge and experience are required for operation in rough weather and in waters with high waves.

Uses of PowerBoat

PowerBoats are used in various fields taking advantage of their mobility, stability, and light weight.

1. Leisure and touring

Powerboats are popular for personal leisure use. Some models can be deflated and folded compactly for easy transportation and storage. They are also suitable for touring and fishing in relatively quiet waters such as lakes and bays, and can be used safely by families.

2. Commercial and Business transportation

PowerBoats are used for shuttle transportation and activity boats in the tourism and marine sports facilities. Because of their speed and safety, they can provide a sense of security to tourists and beginners. They are also used for transportation to dive sites and can be used for loading tanks and equipment.

3. Rescue and Rescue operations

Inflatable PowerBoats are ideal for rescue activities in marine accidents and rivers. Their air-inflated hulls absorb shock easily and have a low risk of capsizing, enabling safe transport of personnel and supplies even in unstable conditions. They can also enter relatively shallow waters, making them suitable for rescue operations close to shore.

What is an ERV Core?

ERV Core is a mechanical component that safely and efficiently bridges the temperature difference between two fluids.

ERV Core (Heat Exchange Element) is the core component in a ventilation system that regulates temperature and humidity when exchanging exhaust air and supply air to reduce fluctuations in indoor temperature and humidity and provide a comfortable indoor environment. The basic structure consists of a partition plate that allows temperature and humidity to move back and forth and a spacing plate that forms a flow path. Paper, resin, and metal are commonly used as materials.

Total heat efficiency and sensible heat efficiency are used as indicators of efficiency, and the higher the efficiency, the better the control of fluctuations in the indoor environment. The higher the efficiency, the lower the fluctuation of the indoor environment, thereby reducing the load on air conditioning equipment and contributing to cost reductions through energy conservation.

Applications of ERV Core

ERV Core is used in the following applications

1. factories

Large ERV Core are widely used because of the need for both ventilation and air conditioning in large spaces such as manufacturing plants.

This improves energy efficiency and reduces wasteful energy consumption while improving IAQ (indoor air quality) by exhausting dust, gases, odors, etc. generated at manufacturing sites, and is widely used as a technology to support sustainable production.

2. commercial facilities

Fixed Plate (cross flow or counter flow) and rotary types are mainly used to increase the efficiency of heating and cooling and to reduce energy consumption through temperature exchange with outdoor air. This provides a comfortable environment with low operating costs and contributes to reducing environmental impact.

3. Residential (detached houses, apartment buildings, etc.)

Fixed Plate (cross flow or counter flow) and rotary types are mainly used, and are incorporated in various types of ventilation systems. These systems efficiently regulate indoor temperatures and exchange temperatures with outdoor air to reduce the load of heating and cooling, thereby realizing energy conservation.

What Is AI Visual Inspection?

AI visual inspection is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to inspect the appearance of products or other objects automatically.

As an alternative to human visual inspection, devices such as cameras and sensors capture images of a product’s exterior. AI algorithms then analyze these images to detect defects and anomalies. This process is typically performed at the end of the manufacturing process to enhance quality control.

AI visual inspection relies on advanced pattern recognition and image processing techniques. It can detect defects with very high accuracy and is often automated, enabling inspections that are faster and more consistent than those done manually. This improves manufacturing efficiency and the quality of the final products.

Uses of AI Visual Inspection

AI visual inspection is used across a wide range of industries. Some common examples include:

1. Automotive Industry

In automotive manufacturing, where part quality is critical, AI visual inspection detects defects such as scratches, dents, and color inconsistencies quickly and accurately. This enables early detection of faulty products and ensures the delivery of high-quality items to customers.

2. Food Industry

Since product quality and contamination directly impact consumer trust, AI visual inspection detects defects, discoloration, and foreign substances in food products. It can also verify package seals and labeling to ensure product integrity.

3. Electronics Industry

In electronics, where reliability is crucial, AI visual inspection detects issues such as soldering defects and missing components, enabling manufacturers to maintain high standards.

4. Connector and Plastic Molding Industry

Connectors and plastic molded products are often produced in small lots with many variations. Visual inspection is a challenge in this field due to the diversity and volume of products.
AI inspection is an effective alternative, especially where manual labor deployment is difficult.

Types of AI Visual Inspection

AI visual inspection uses different machine learning models:

• Supervised Learning Models: These learn from labeled abnormal images and detect similar defects.
• Unsupervised Learning Models: These models learn only from normal images and flag anything different as an anomaly. The accuracy of these models has improved significantly in recent years.

One challenge with supervised learning is the need for many abnormal image samples. To address this, researchers are exploring the use of generative AI to create synthetic defect images and improve model performance.

AI visual inspection is increasingly replacing conventional visual checks and rule-based systems, where human-defined rules were used for inspections.

How to Select an AI Visual Inspection System

Several factors should be considered when choosing an AI visual inspection system:

1. Characteristics of the Inspection Target and Types of Defects

Each AI method has strengths and limitations. Consider the shape, size, and surface of the inspection target, as well as potential types of defects. Select a system suited to these conditions.

2. Imaging Environment and Process Integration

Since detection depends on image quality, factors like lighting, camera placement, and equipment setup must be optimized. It is also important to integrate the inspection system into the workflow, enabling automated rejection of defective products.

3. Scalability for Changing Requirements

The inspection system should adapt to changes in volume or product type, such as seasonal or custom products. Evaluate whether the system supports such scalability and whether the vendor offers adequate technical support.

4. Data Requirements

High accuracy depends on training data. The more diverse and extensive the dataset, the better the AI model’s performance. Collecting and preparing quality data is therefore essential.

What Is a Hydraulic Gantry?

A hydraulic gantry is a lifting machine that consists of jacks (legs) equipped with a telescoping mechanism, such as hydraulic cylinders, and beams arranged in a gantry shape. It moves heavy objects below or above the beam by extending and retracting the jacks.

Hydraulic gantries are called “gantries” because their structure resembles a gate. They are also known as “bridge lifters” due to their shape. The term “gantry” refers to a structure with horizontal beams supported by multiple vertical legs.

The traveling frame is equipped with wheels, allowing the gantry to move while lifting a load. Some models can also shift horizontally. There are a wide variety of gantries, from small ones with a lifting capacity of about 1 ton to large ones capable of lifting over 1,000 tons. They also differ in beam length, lift height, and stroke. These machines are ideal for safely moving heavy loads in environments where cranes cannot be used due to building constraints or limited space.

Uses of Hydraulic Gantry

A hydraulic gantry is often used to move heavy objects in confined spaces where cranes are impractical, such as in buildings with low ceilings, tunnels, or areas with overhead obstructions like electric cables. They are also useful in buildings where overhead cranes cannot be installed, such as in leased buildings or structures that are not strong enough to support cranes.

Hydraulic gantries lift objects by extending and retracting jacks. Because the load can be directly suspended from a special hanger, the lifting loss is minimal. The beam height can also be adjusted to navigate obstacles overhead.

When moving long or heavy loads, using cranes or forklifts can be unstable and dangerous. In such cases, two hydraulic gantries can be used for safer and more efficient handling. Different types and sizes of gantries are used depending on the working environment.

Principle of Hydraulic Gantry

A hydraulic gantry uses a hydraulic or electric jack powered by electricity, with a beam mounted at the top. The beam may have special hangers (rings) to hold the load or a deck on which the load is placed.

For hanger types, the load is positioned under the beam. The jack is retracted to lower the beam, the load is suspended from the hangers, and then raised.

For deck types, the deck is lowered by retracting the jacks. The load is placed on the deck, and then it is raised.

Larger gantries move using motor-powered wheels at the base of the jacks. Smaller models may be moved manually. The gantry is operated via a switch panel connected to a control unit.

Types of Hydraulic Gantry

Hydraulic gantries are available in various types, including beam-lifting and deck-lifting models. They differ in terms of lifting capacity, stroke, and span, depending on the weight and size of the cargo.

1. Lift: The distance from the ground (or the top of the rail, if present) to the bottom of the hanger hole.
2. Stroke: The total travel distance from full extension to full retraction of the jack.
3. Span: The horizontal distance between the centers of the left and right jacks.

Hydraulic gantries can be disassembled and reassembled, allowing them to be transported to various locations and used as needed. This improves the equipment’s investment efficiency and flexibility.

How to Select a Hydraulic Gantry

Hydraulic gantries are used to lift heavy loads that cannot be handled manually. Therefore, safety is the top priority in selecting and operating a gantry lifter. Companies may not be able to manage accidents or breakdowns on their own.

When choosing a gantry, consider not only the machine’s specifications but also the proposed installation method for the specific site conditions and the availability of maintenance and support services.

What Is an ADAS Camera?

An advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) camera is an essential component used in advanced driver assistance systems.

An ADAS camera captures images of a vehicle’s surroundings to help the driver operate the vehicle safely.

Specifically, it detects the distance to pedestrians and other vehicles, lane positions, and provides warnings or control inputs as needed. Combined with advanced image processing technology, it can identify road signs and traffic signals, and estimate pedestrian behavior. Compared to other sensors such as radar and LiDAR, ADAS cameras have the advantage of capturing detailed information about the color and shape of objects.

Uses of ADAS Camera

ADAS cameras are mounted on vehicles for the following purposes:

1. Collision Avoidance

The camera is used for safety checks to prevent collisions. It detects lane deviations and the distance to the vehicle in front. In the event of potential danger, it warns the driver and may activate emergency braking. In addition to compensating for driver oversight, the system can quickly recognize hazardous situations and reduce accident risks.

2. Parking Assistance

The system supports parking and driving in tight spaces. It uses images from the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle to accurately determine distances to obstacles and assist with optimal steering. A major advantage is its ability to help park more safely and smoothly, even in narrow spaces. With wide-angle cameras, it also checks areas that are typically blind spots to prevent unexpected collisions.

3. Advanced Driving Assistance

This system also supports more complex driving maneuvers. It is used for functions such as smooth highway merging and optimal lane positioning. It can also detect road signs and traffic signals, enabling more precise assistive driving through integration with other support functions.