This study investigates the wear characteristics and optimization of a centrifugal pump (Q = 25 m³/h, H = 50 m, n = 2900 r/min) applied in sediment-laden waters of Southern Xinjiang irrigation systems. A numerical framework integrating the Realizable $k-\epsilon$ turbulence model, Discrete Phase Model (DPM), and Oka erosion model was established to analyze wear patterns under varying parameters (particle size, density, and mass flow rate). Results indicate that the average erosion rate peaks at 0.92 kg/s mass flow rate. Subsequently, a Response Surface Methodology (RSM)-based optimization was implemented: (1) Plackett–Burman (PB) screening identified the inlet placement angle (A), inlet diameter (C), and outlet width (E) as dominant factors; (2) Full factorial design (FFD) revealed significant interactions (e.g., A × C, C × E); (3) Box–Behnken Design (BBD) generated quadratic regression models for head, efficiency, shaft power, and wear rate (R² > 0.94). Optimization reduced the average erosion rate by 31.35% (from 1.550 × 10⁻⁴ to 1.064 × 10⁻⁴ kg·m⁻²·s⁻¹). Experimental validation confirmed the numerical model’s accuracy in predicting wear localization (e.g., impeller outlet). This work provides a robust methodology for enhancing the wear resistance of centrifugal pumps for agricultural irrigation in water with high fine sediment concentration environments.

Freshwater scarcity in southern Xinjiang has intensified the need for effective utilization of saline–alkaline agricultural drainage. This study evaluates pre-treatment technologies for reverse osmosis (RO) systems to improve water quality and mitigate membrane fouling. Three processes were tested: coagulation–sedimentation–media filtration (G₁), micro-flocculation–media filtration (G₂), and micro-flocculation (G₃) combined with ultrafiltration and varying polyaluminum chloride (PAC) dosages (0–15 mg·L⁻¹). Results show that G₁ and G₂ significantly outperform G₃ in removing turbidity, organic matter, and inorganic ions, achieving SDI₁₅ < 5 and turbidity < 0.3 NTU, meeting RO feedwater standards. Optimal performance occurred at the 7.5–10 mg·L⁻¹ coagulant dosage range, effectively controlling flux decline and fouling. The integrated pre-treatment–ultrafiltration system provides a robust technical framework for saline–alkaline water desalination, offering practical guidance for sustainable water resource utilization in arid agricultural regions.

Antarctic krill oil (AKO) is a valuable nutraceutical; however, it is highly susceptible to oxidation. Encapsulation represents an effective strategy to enhance the storage stability of AKO. This study explored a novel approach for encapsulating AKO using sodium alginate (ALG) and gelatin (GLN) to improve its stability, and multiple parameters were systematically evaluated, including oil-loading efficiency, surface oil content, particle size, water activity, and thermal stability. Additionally, core-material retention efficiency, acid value, peroxide value, and anisidine value were measured after accelerated oxidation. The results demonstrated that the optimal encapsulation conditions consisted of an ALG:GLN ratio of 2:1, a 9% CaCl₂ coagulation bath, 750 μm nozzle size, followed by freeze-drying. Under these conditions, the microcapsules achieved an oil-loading efficiency of 62.63% and a surface oil content of 19.21%. The water activity of the microcapsules was 0.516. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that AKO microcapsules encapsulated with ALG/GLN exhibited higher thermal stability (~300 °C) compared to those encapsulated with ALG alone (~280 °C). When AKO or its microcapsules were subjected to accelerated oxidation at 65 °C, compared to ALG-encapsulation alone, the ALG/GLN encapsulation system significantly reduced the oxidation indicators of the oil, such as acid value (24%), peroxide value (26%), and anisidine value (28%). In conclusion, incorporating GLN into ALG-based microcapsules significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of AKO and prolonged its shelf life.