Browsing by Author "Kent, GA"

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Improved train safety through improved locomotive braking performance : SRDC final report QUT019
(Sugar Research Institute, 2009) McKenzie, NJ; Koppen, DE; McCallum, C; Kent, GA; Plaza, F
The safe operation of the cane railway, in the same way as for mainline railways, is gaining greater attention. One important aspect of safe operation is the ability to stop a train in an acceptable distance (or time). Previous work has measured quite variable braking performance (and hence stopping distance) in an extensive series of tests with different locomotives on different track sections in different mill areas. It was found that the locomotive driver was the most variable factor associated with braking performance. When the driver factor was eliminated through the application of a fixed braking pressure, very consistent braking performance could be achieved. It was concluded that it was the driver’s ability to detect wheel slide and their action to reduce slide that caused the variability in braking performance. It was hypothesised that an anti-lock braking system (ABS), where the driver has little influence on the braking performance, could deliver better average braking performance and hence reduced, or at least more consistent, stopping distances.
Reducing in surging in shredders : final report 2019/204
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2020) Arzaghi, E; Kent, GA; Chohan, P
Cane shredders and the level of cane preparation achieved by them play a significant role in the performance of every mill’s extraction train. The application of feeder rolls to shredders has a twofold objective of increasing the angle of wrap and maintaining a uniform feed of cane into the shredder. In addition to these improvements that were observed in several experiments across the Australian mills, there have been reports on other benefits of using feeder rollers including reduction of deterioration in shredders. Feeder rolls are currently installed in half of the Australian sugar mills. However, there exists several challenges with operating feeder rolls including inconsistency in feeding rate. Limited research effort has been made to identify a design and setting which yields adequate feeding consistency. Most of the previous research focused on feeder rolls dates back to the 1980s and 1990s confirming that the influence of geometric factors on feeding behaviour is well worthy of investigation.
Reviewing and extending knowledge of fibre quality assessment within the SRA breeding program to develop optimally adapted varieties for the Australian sugar industry
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2018) Kent, GA; Parfitt, RC
This project aimed to improve knowledge of the significance of fibre quality measurement data to improve its value for variety selection and to provide guidance on further research work to utilise fibre quality requirements to guide variety development. It provided an opportunity to review the fibre quality assessment program that has been operating since 1992 and the way fibre quality is utilised in the breeding program. The three existing fibre quality measurements, shear strength, impact resistance and short fibre content have proven to be useful indicators of fibre quality. Shear strength appears to be the most robust measurement while short fibre content appears to correlate best with factory effects. No promising alternative fibre quality measurement methods have been identified after consulting cotton, forestry and timber products and pulp and paper industries and overseas sugar industries. Fibre quality is currently measured two years before the release of a variety. Fibre quality assessment could be done by SpectraCaneTM as early as eight years before release at low cost or by laboratory methods as early as seven years before release at considerable cost. Assessment by laboratory methods one year earlier could be done at modest cost. Correlations were found between fibre content, short fibre content, and several key factory operation and performance parameters. An economic analysis on a per hectare basis, considering sugar, molasses and electricity production benefits and harvest, transport, season length and auxiliary fuel costs is considered a suitable way of accounting for the net benefit of a variety.