Data collection is one of the most relevant topics of modern automation and industry. It is usually a costly and time-consuming task, especially in continuous processes. Our case study takes place in a sugar cane mill. The required continuous operation of a belt conveyor for bagasse transportation makes it a critical system in the overall production process. Therefore, a predictive maintenance tool is highly applicable here. We identified bearing housings as critical points for data collection intended for prognostics of the conveyor. However, given the number of points, the cost of a commercial solution becomes unfeasible by our company. This paper reports the development of low-cost devices for measurements and wireless transmission of vibration and temperature data from bearing housings. We assessed several sensor options and made decisions based on a cost-suitability commitment, which led to the design of the electronic devices. The devices were tested for correct operation, reliability (99%), and relative measurement errors under 1.2%. From the tests, we conclude that our proposal is appropriate for our case study’s industrial needs and budget restrictions.

This work presents a low-cost device for evaluating Variable Orifice Flow Meters (VOFM) used in medical mechanical ventilation applications. Specifically, the equipment was used to assess the impact of length and thickness on pressure drop for different flows in a rectangular geometry VOFM. A total of six VOFMs, with three different lengths and two different thicknesses, were evaluated. All VOFMs were stimulated with an airflow ranging from 0 $\mathrm{L}.{\mathrm{m}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{n}}^{-1}$ to 90 $\mathrm{L}.{\mathrm{m}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{n}}^{-1}$, with increments of approximately 2 $\mathrm{L}.{\mathrm{m}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{n}}^{-1}$. The experiments conducted with the device showed a strong relationship between pressure drop $∆P$ and flow rate $Q$ in the evaluated VOFMs, with two different zones: one exhibiting non-linear behavior and another showing linear behavior. The results suggest that increased length and decreased thickness lead to higher sensitivity. However, it is essential to reduce the cross-sectional area to mitigate nonlinear effects of the sensor.

En este trabajo se propone un método y se diseña un equipo para la determinación experimental del módulo de compresibilidad adiabático como función de la presión y temperatura en aceites minerales utilizando ondas ultrasónicas. El módulo de compresibilidad adiabático se obtiene al multiplicar el cuadrado de la velocidad de propagación del sonido en el fluido por su densidad.

Through this project, a prototype of video laryngoscope-type medical equipment was developed using low-cost materials and simple manufacturing methods. The development of the prototype aimed to support medical personnel during the intubation procedures in patients who require it, considering that currently this type of device is recommended as the first-line option for patient intubation with suspected or diagnosed COVID-19, however, they are expensive and difficult to acquire. For modeling and prototyping, computer aided design technologies CAD were used, and for manufacturing, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies (3D printing), as well as video transmission technologies for medical applications. With the development of the Video Laryngoscope, it was possible to obtain a low-cost, fast-to-manufacture and easily accessible device, to provide a useful tool for doctors when addressing the airway in patients with COVID-19, and in general, in any difficult airway scenario as an alternative to direct laryngoscopy.