ERU - 2008

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/14685

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 66

item: Conference-Abstract
Proceedings of the 14th Annual Symposium 2008 (Pre Text)
(The Engineering Research Unit University of Moratuwa, 2008-10) Kumarawadu, S
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
The competitiveness of Sri Lankan apparel industry
(2008) Mataraarachchi, R; Heenkenda, N
The apparel industry of Sri Lanka has survived for along period of time and the industry was successfully catered to the international market especially for US and EU market in the last two decades. Apparel exports still remains as the number one industrial exporter for Sri Lanka gaining a share of 59% from total industrial exports in 2004.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Implementation of statistical process reducing the rejection rate of a manufactured by calendering process control for rubber tile
(2008) Jayalath, JADUD; Amarasinghe, ADUS
Statistical Process Control (SPC) is an indispensable methodological approach to implement Total Quality Management (TQM) in production processes. More generally, statistical thinking is becoming accepted as a necessary philosophy to reduce variation and thus improve quality and performance throughout the entire chain of marketing, development, production and sales processes. SPC is aimed at delivering high quality products to customers. It is a powerful problem solving technique used for monitoring, controlling, analyzing, managing and improving a process using statistical methods. In order to determine whether or not a process is in a state of statistical control, SPC uses astatistical tool called a control chart. This is a simple graph with three lines; the centerline represents the process mean, and the other two lines (called control lines or limits) represent the allowed process variability.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
A study of information literacy skills of engineering undergraduates at University of Moratuwa
(2008) Seneviratne, TM; Wickramasinghe, V
This research was conducted to investigate the status of information literacy skills of the undergraduates of Engineering Faculty of University of Moratuwa. Survey questionnaire was the main method of data collection and it was administered to stratified random sample of 189 Level 4 Engineering undergraduates representing all academic departments. The findings and implications of the research will be discussed.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Analysis and design of garbage compacting tractor trailer for Sri Lanka
(2008) Wanigasinghe, N; Wijesinghe, A; Fernando, MARV; Piyasiri, TA
Low efficiency in collection and transportation of garbage and environmental pollution with the currently available vehicles such as open dump trucks, tractor trailers are two of the main problems encountered in solid waste management in Sri Lanka. This paper proposes an innovative design using a currently available tractor trailer improve above problems. The capacity of waste transported is improved by compacting the garbage using a hydraulic system. A closed body is built with safe unloading system to overcome the environmental pollution.
item: Conference-Abstract
Improvement of efficiency of bio-ethanol manufacturing process
(2008) Cooray, PLHM; Perera, DHN
Many distilleries where potable-quality ethanol spirit is manufactured contain a hydro-extractive distillation column. Addition of water as the extractive agent here results in a large dilution of ethanol, and subsequently, a higher energy consumption at the rectification column. By means of computer-aided simulation, it was found that the hydro-extractive distillation step could be effectively replaced with a high-reflux distillation step. It was also found that application of this result to a working distillery in Sri Lanka would result in an energy saving of 251 kW.
item: Conference-Abstract
Developing a food nano-bio technology roadmap for Sri Lanka
(2008) Perera, DHN; De Alwis, AAP; Ranaweera, KKDS
Nanotechnology, the next revolution in the 21" century has many applications in several fields. Sri Lanka as a country based on the agricultural economy can benefit from this technology by enhancing the quality, safety and variety of food products. The food nano-bio technology roadmap opens a pathway to identify the available techniques, their applicability to the food industry and the required facilities. Commercially available applications are discussed with their applicability to the Sri Lankan food industry.
item: Conference-Abstract
Coir pith activated carbon for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions
(2008) Dhanusekera, DW; Amarasinghe, BMWPK
Adsorption of methylene blue, malachite green and nylosan blue dyes onto carbonized coir pith from aqueous solutions was studied. Adsorbent was prepared by carbonizing coir pith at 700 C for l hr. Batch experiments showed that solution pH and adsorbent dose affects the adsorption capacity. The adsorption capacity was highest at solution pH 2 for nylosan blue and above pH 5 for methylene blue and malachite green. The kinetic data fits to second order model. The equilibrium data were satisfactorily fitted to Freundlich isotherm.
item: Conference-Abstract
A comparative study on work related attitudes of operator level employees and supervisors across firms of different ownership in Sri Lanka
(2008) Wanniarachchi, T; Wickramasinghe, V; Wanigatunge, N
This study investigates the influences of work related attitudes different ownerships (local, foreign and joint venture) type of firms as well as different employee category (worker level employee and supervisory level employee) in Sri Lankan context. An examination of samples of 200 machine operators and 100 supervisory level employees revealed that there was no significant difference between job satisfaction and organizational commitment of different ownership companies.
item: Conference-Abstract
Development of breathing monolayer plastic packaging
(2008) Gunapala, O; Gunapala, PY; Illangarathne, SSKP
The importance and relevance of development of permeable polymeric materials become apparent due to accelerating demand on breathing packaging in food processing, pharmaceutical, and horticultural industries. The present research was pursued to develop breathable plastic packaging suited for desired level of moisture permeable applications. The monolayer plastic films differed by resin composition were extruded on blown film equipment and two types of packages differed by architecture were prepared from the films extruded .To evaluate the package quality the shelf life of fresh mushrooms packed in the packages was studied. Water vapor transmission rate and other performance properties of plastic films were determined. Results demonstrated good breathability of the developed packaging. Preference was given to the filled polyolefin compounds. Importance of filler particle size, treatment and processing conditions, including biaxial orientation was shown. Use of local fillers and traditional single layer extrusion equipment did not contribute to the cost significantly, making packaging affordable easily by local consumers.
item: Conference-Abstract
The application of CAD/CAM in the Sri Lankan SME footwear industry : a developmental strategy
(2008) Mutunayake, APK; Kahangamage, UP; Punchihewa, HKG
The Sri Lankan small and medium scale enterprise (SME) footwear industry is at crossroads. Developmental strategies for this industry are vital given the economic condition of these organisations and the global context of the footwear industry. The overall objective of this research is to identify the present state of technology usage in the SME footwear industry and to recommend pragmatic solutions to develop it. To this end, a random sample of the stakeholders (n=l4) in the SME footwear industry was surveyed and the data was analysed. This paper presents the initial findings from survey on the current status of CAD/CAM applications and the stakeholder view on a proposed common facility named "CAD/CAM Resource Centre" (CRC) for the SME footwear industry.
item: Conference-Abstract
Alternative techniques for economical and quality injection mould making for low volume production in Sri Lanka
(2008) Mangala, KHJ; Walpolage, S; Warnakulasuriya, N; Wickramasekara, H; Wijayawardana, L
At present, low volume production of injection moulded parts are being neglected due to high costs. This research was carried out to identify feasible alternative techniques of injection mould making for low volumes. A quantitative analysis was carried out with respect to quality and cost on these methods in Sri Lankan context. Further analysis revealed that reusable mould base method, based on the interchangeability of components is the most feasible method of production, which reduces costs by 30% to 70%.. This was illustrated by a case study and a detailed design.
item: Conference-Abstract
Flow Behavior Of Mineral Particles Through Silos
(2008) Rohitha, LPS; Dissanayaka, DMDOK; Fernando, WLW
Flow behavior of dry minerals in silos has been investigated initially with glass funnels with different orifices. Thereafter, funnel was scaled up to a pilot plant (Silo) with adjustable orifices at its discharge end. The flow rates vs particle size were investigated with beach mineral sands and quartz grains of varying sizes obtained from river sand. Zero flow rates were observed at d/D ratio of 1/5-1/4 for large size sand grains. For small grains of size about 200 microns zero flow rate was observed for orifice diameters 1.5, 2.0 and 3.5cms respectively due to 'floc' effect arising probably from static electrical charges of the powder and the humidity of air prevailing at the time of investigation.
item: Conference-Abstract
Extraction, isolation & identification of colouring substances in local natural dye yielding plants
(2008) Abeysinge, W; Suraweera, P; Kurnaratunge, S; Wijayapala, UGS
This paper is based on the extraction, isolation and identification of yellow dye pigments present in jak saw dust (Artocarpus heterophyl/us) by solvent extraction method. Six natural dye yielding plants were selected (Teak, Betel, Jak, Neem, Rambutan, and Jaman) to identify the best dye yielding plant. Dyeing trials were carried out to find conditions of optimum depth and stability. Extracts from the Jak gave the best dye shade on mercerized cotton fabric with best performances. This Plant is abundantly available throughout in Sri Lanka. It has been reported that heart wood of jak fruit tree contains many flavonoids.(l)
item: Conference-Abstract
Analysis of risks and bottlenecks of a poly bag manufacturing factory - a case study
(2008) Gopura, RARC; Jayawardene, TSS
The material prices of poly bags skyrocket to new heights and forecasters see no end to this trend. Also legal restrictions are imposed on some types of polythene products. In this situation, any entrepreneur engaging in the poly bag manufacturing process faces significant challenges. Therefore, a case study of an analysis of risks and bottlenecks of a poly bag manufacturing factory was carried out for the purpose of modeling and simulation of a poly bag manufacturing factory to improve the productivity to face the underlying challenges. This paper presents the analysis methods, and the results of the analysis are also discussed.
item: Conference-Abstract
Organizational factors influencing for the success of ERP implementation
(2008) Perera, HSC
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems link together entire organization's operations. The success of ERP implementation depends not only on the technology but also on many organizational factors. This study identifies the organizational factors influencing the success of ERP system. The study found that the success of ERP implementation depends on several organizational elements. According to research findings, these can be categorized into three main elements: Alignment of ERP with the business process, Transferring ERP know-how to end users and Promoting ERP acceptance in the user organization
item: Conference-Abstract
Transportation network analysis and applications in disaster management
(2008) Adikariwattage, VV; Bandara, JMSJ
Transportation reliability and vulnerability studies are a new area that has started to draw a lot of attention particularly about its possible applications to help disaster management practices. In order to assess a transport network quantitatively, number of operational measurements are needed such as network topology, travel time or level of service and probability of hazards. This paper introduces a methodology to assess the state of a transportation network along with the applications by using concepts of transportation network reliability and vulnerability analysis. The measure is introduced as an index called the preparedness index which takes in to account the quality of the connections between individual origin destination pairs in terms of the number of alternative paths available, distance of paths, travel time and the connectivity reliability between the origin destination pair. By developing this measurement it is possible to assess the network for vulnerability or reliability of accessibility provided and by further analysis it is possible to identify critical links of the network that will help direct scarce development resources where there is most effect.
item: Conference-Abstract
Investigation of problematic issues associated with Sri Lankan SME sector die and mould industry
(2008) Galappaththi, UIK; Kahangamage,UP; Mangala, KHJ
The high cost of moulds, poor quality and low productivity are three main issues faced by the SME sector die and mould industry in Sri Lanka. Those key issues are created by several interconnected problematic issues. The main objective of this paper is to present some of the key issues faced by local SME sector die and mould industries. This investigation was carried out through a questionnaire based survey data gathered from local SME sector die and mould manufacturing organizations.
item: Conference-Abstract
Work design concept as a productivity improvement tool : a csae study of soft drink manufacturing company
(2008) Vilasini,PPGN; Kahangamage, UP; Samarakoon, P; Perera, ULIU
The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on how work design concept influenced to the overall productivity of a manufacturing organisation. In order to apply the Work Design concept, a generic model of Work Design is defined. This generic model was then applied to selected work centers of a soft drink manufacturing plant. The results show that when Work Design Concept is applied according to the generic model defined has improved the productivity of the work centers.
item: Conference-Abstract
Exploring new opportunities - the application of ULTRASONIC Technology in fashion
(2008) Seram, NCK
The development of new technologies applied to fashion offer opportunities to adapt the multiple and ever changing lifestyles redefining how we think about the design, manufacture and consumption of fashion. In fashion world , not only designers but also scientists are experimenting and exploring new ways to replace the traditional method of garment construction with the use of sewing machine, needle and threads. This paper will produce strong evidence to support the use of Ultrasonic technology as an alternative for seaming.

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