Abstract: The present disclosure provides to a novel two-target method for measuring the concentration of dust clouds, and an apparatus system that uses the novel two-target method. Cornstarch, corn dust, and saw dust are tested with the apparatus system with the method. This method used the light extinction coefficient of a dust cloud between two targets using a digital camera. This extinction coefficient is linearly related to the concentration of the dust, and the mass extinction coefficient is the key value for this measurement method. The mass extinction efficiency (K) depend greatly on the physical and chemical properties of the dust particles.

Abstract: Portable flow aid devices, systems, and methods for promoting bulk powder flow in containers. The portable flow aid devices include a housing having an enclosed internal cavity therein, and at least two vibration motors each adapted to generate vibration and each separately fixedly attached to an interior surface of the housing within the internal cavity to transmit the vibration generated thereby to the housing. Wireless communication with the portable flow aid devices causes the vibration motors to generate the vibrations and thereby apply a localized vibration to portions of a bulk powder within a container and in contact with the housing of the portable flow aid device to promote flow of the bulk powder within the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides to a novel two-target method for measuring the concentration of dust clouds, and an apparatus system that uses the novel two-target method. Cornstarch, corn dust, and saw dust are tested with the apparatus system with the method. This method used the light extinction coefficient of a dust cloud between two targets using a digital camera. This extinction coefficient is linearly related to the concentration of the dust, and the mass extinction coefficient is the key value for this measurement method. The mass extinction efficiency (K) depend greatly on the physical and chemical properties of the dust particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to layer-wise agglomerated controlled release granular urea composition and methods of making and using the layer-wise agglomerated controlled release granular urea composition. In a particular composition, the water-soluble plant nutrient comprises urea, the binding material for the core comprises corn starch, the hydrogel for the coating layer comprises corn starch hydrogel, the core has a thickness of 2.5-3.5 mm and a closed porosity of 0.05-3%, and the coating layer has a thickness of 1.35-1.5 mm and a closed porosity of 0.1-5%.

Abstract: Portable flow aid devices, systems, and methods for promoting bulk powder flow in containers. The portable flow aid devices include a housing having an enclosed internal cavity therein, and at least two vibration motors each adapted to generate vibration and each separately fixedly attached to an interior surface of the housing within the internal cavity to transmit the vibration generated thereby to the housing. Wireless communication with the portable flow aid devices causes the vibration motors to generate the vibrations and thereby apply a localized vibration to portions of a bulk powder within a container and in contact with the housing of the portable flow aid device to promote flow of the bulk powder within the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to layer-wise agglomerated controlled release granular urea composition and methods of making and using the layer-wise agglomerated controlled release granular urea composition. In a particular composition, the water-soluble plant nutrient comprises urea, the binding material for the core comprises corn starch, the hydrogel for the coating layer comprises corn starch hydrogel, the core has a thickness of 2.5-3.5 mm and a closed porosity of 0.05-3%, and the coating layer has a thickness of 1.35-1.5 mm and a closed porosity of 0.1-5%.