News November 2022

Now more and more attention is paid to the process of restoration of nitrogen and phosphorus from industrial and agricultural waste. This is connected with the need to implement the concept of sustainable development of society, based on the circular economy. These elements are biogenic, vital for plant growth. Phosphorus reserves are limited, and the process of obtaining nitrogen is energy-consuming. Potential sources of secondary raw materials are water waste from many industries: the fertilizer industry, pharmaceutical products, semiconductor production and agriculture. The recycling of nitrogen and phosphorus allows not only to reduce the consumption of non-renewable mineral resources, but also to reduce the saturation of natural water bodies with biogenic elements, the excess of which leads to swamping of water bodies and to a decrease in the amount of drinking water. To solve this problem, PNRPU scientists have developed a new approach that has increased the efficiency of extracting ammonium (a form of nitrogen) and phosphate (a form of phosphorus) from industrial waste water to 98-99%. The traditional method does not achieve such results. Moreover, the technology of Perm scientists will make it possible to produce domestically produced long-acting fertilizer based on struvite (a phosphate mineral) and will contribute to the import substitution of foreign analogues.

The method of laser powder surfacing is used to restore worn-out or damaged metal parts. A powerful fiber laser creates a molten weld pool, and then metal powder is automatically fed into it. A common problem that occurs in this process is the deformation of the part, being repaired, under the action of internal stresses. This leads to a defect called warping. One of the aims of developing a technological process for the repair of parts by laser powder surfacing is the prediction of warping defects. The determination of the optimal defect-free surfacing mode for specific parts experimentally is unprofitable due to high financial and time costs and often even impossible. The researchers of the PNRPU together with JSC “UEC-Aviadvigatel” developed a mathematical model for calculating warping during laser powder surfacing to solve this problem. The scientists were able to predict with high accuracy the behavior of the part during the surfacing process thanks to numerical simulations. In the future, the development will help in choosing the optimal set of parameters for repairing parts with the most complicated parts.

The president of the Russian Federation in the Executive Order on Russia’s national development goals through 2030 requires the use of new modern methods of strategic management of oil producing companies with a focus on international cooperation. For the first time in the world and domestic theory and practice scientists of Perm National Research Polytechnic University have created an information system of strategic management, which responds in real time to changes in external and internal environment, quickly makes technical, technological or organisational decisions when controlling the operation of equipment at different depths of the well during its drilling and operation. The management model allows for leadership orientation and increases the competitiveness of companies in an unstable market.

Cement plants are one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide. This has a negative impact on the environment. Russian cement plants most often use the wet production method, which leaves the largest carbon footprint. The scientists at Perm Polytechnic University assessed the carbon dioxide emissions using the example of large cement plants of the Urals region and suggested ways to reduce greenhouse gases.