International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

Prototypes of an innovative collapsible beehive, built of long-lasting, structural elements of quartz ceramics with high atmospheric resistance and the presence of air cavities with thermal insulation properties, were prepared. Prescription compositions, an original set of molds, and an adequate heat treatment regime applicable to obtain the structural details were developed. The role of the various technological factors in the formation of the performance indicators of the end products was analyzed. The main characteristics of the prepared experimental prototypes and their major functional advantages in comparison with the existing standard and traditional hives were observed. The presented innovative beehive provides a favorable natural habitat for the normal and safe development of bee families and allows the full application of modern approaches for the efficient and ecological production of high-quality natural apian products.

An observation of the current state of the beekeeping industry and the prevailing main problems was carried out. The prospects for increasing the efficiency and functional capabilities of the bee farms were analyzed. According to the long-term research activity, a technological regulation was contrived for producing innovative ceramic hives. The development is superior to the existing standard beehives made of other materials, in terms of complex operational indicators. The phase composition and technical characteristics of obtained samples of marl raw material (from Bulgarian deposits) were investigated, potentially applicable for the production of various
modifications of ceramic collapsible hives.

A general overview of a number of thermal insulation materials and products made on the basis of inorganic binders (mainly Portland cement) is presented. The technological methods of production, the main operational indicators and the application in construction of various heat-insulating and structural-heat-insulating lightweight concretes are examined. The structure of various cellular concretes (foam concretes and aerated concretes), composite materials and lightweight aggregate concrete was analyzed. The role of the origin, technological processing, characteristics and composition of different types of light additive materials for the formation of the final operational properties of the products has been traced.

An innovative collapsible frame hive was developed, consisting of structural elements made of technical ceramics containing thermal insulation air chambers. Experimental prototypes were prepared using the slip casting method and based on modified recipe compositions, prepared casting molding masses, original gypsum matrices and optimal heat treatment mode. A comparison was performed between the main operational characteristics of the experimental samples and the traditional non-separable hives which have existed throughout history and made primarily of various plant materials and natural plastic raw materials (clays).

A financial project was presented for the construction of a technological line for the production of high-quality replicas of the socalled “yellow paving stones” and an additional assortment of products with different characteristics based on raw materials originating in Bulgaria. After many years of investigation in laboratory and semi-industrial conditions, polycomponent formulations and an original hightemperature technological regime for the preparation of functional and long-lasting silicate products have been developed. The planned technological approach is in accordance with the existing machine park and the qualification of the industrial production personnel, characteristic of the silicate industry. The main possibilities for the realization of the production are the full restoration of the street areas of the central historical part of Sofia and the construction of long-lasting and aesthetic pavements with a variety of functional purposes in different areas of the capital and other populated areas. The current applied development is oriented towards possible potential producers and investors and various specialists from the field of public infrastructure and cultural-historical heritage.

A financial project has been prepared for the construction of a plant equipped with a technological line for the production of foam glass products. It is planned to build a warehouse for raw materials, a sector for preparation of materials, various production workshops for the manufacturing of foamed granules and pieces, a continuous tape or block of foam glass, various composite materials (thermal insulation and color decorative panels, various small and large composite elements, etc.), repair section and two warehouses for finished products. Approximate calculations have been made for the necessary raw materials, technical equipment, electricity, personnel and other costs for the realization and operation of the plant.

A conceptual design of a technological line for the production on the one hand of a continuous flat strip and block and on the other hand granules and pieces of foam glass, including a ware house for raw materials, a workshop for preparation of materials, workshops for foamed granules and a continuous flat strip of foam glass, workshop for composite elements semi O, P and slabs, repair section and warehouse for finished products is presented The necessary equipment and materials, building the technological line and functioning of the plant as a whole, are presented.