This article addresses the optimization of start-up modes for technological machines with heavy rotors, relevant across industries, including mining and metallurgy. It proposes a pneumatic starting and auxiliary device (PSAD) using bellows pneumatic cylinders and a ratchet mechanism to facilitate start-up and reduce inrush currents in such machines. Materials and methods. An experimental setup simulating a ball mill’s operation was designed. The methodology involved investigating the impact of the limit switch position, which controls the main engine, on the inrush current value. The experiment then fixed this position and altered the pneumatic system pressure in 0.1 MPa increments, from 0.1 MPa to 0.4 MPa, recording the resulting inrush current changes. Results. The study shows the impact from pulse and follow-up current to motor terminals, and the pre-work of PSAD in step-by-step mode. The result showed significant reduction in the initial current peaks due to the starting process of the main engine. The optimal limit switch position was at the beginning of the stroke of one cylinder, providing maximum force at minimal deformation. Increasing pressure led to inrush current decreases. Discussion. These results affirm pneumatic power systems and implementation in starting equipment, but there are complexities with precise adjustment and the requirement for good manufacturing and assembling qualities. These additional findings provide a more detailed evaluation of factors influencing PSAD performance. In particular, selecting the ideal diameter for supply piping is crucial. Conclusion. PSAD using bellows pneumatic cylinders and a ratchet mechanism is a promising approach for heavy rotor machines. Tests displayed efficiency in reducing inrush currents. Pre-work in step-by-step mode, combined with pressure increase, lowers starter loads on the drive. Precise adjustment is critical, otherwise, system performance and reverse drum rotation will result. Resume. This research establishes optimal PSAD parameters (limit switch placement, pneumatic pressure) for minimal inrush current. Results aid PSAD implementation in mining/metallurgy, enhancing reliability, energy efficiency, and decreasing costs. Still, deployment should consider adjusting difficulties and needs of producing and meeting components.

In this article, composite binders based on industrial waste—phosphogypsum, granular phosphoric slag, and burnt barium carbonate tailings––are investigated. It was found that the optimal composition (65% slag, 20% phosphogypsum, 15% tailings) provides compressive strength up to 31.1 MPa after steaming, which corresponds to grade M300 cement. Replacing natural gypsum with phosphogypsum increases strength by 5–10%, and using waste reduces cost by 20–25% compared to traditional binders. This technology eliminates the need for high-temperature firing, reducing energy consumption by 40–50%. Neutralization of harmful impurities of phosphogypsum with oxides of MgO and CaO reduces the ecotoxicity of the material by 70–80%. It is shown that hydrothermal treatment accelerates hardening, providing 90% of brand strength in 28 days. The developed binders are promising for the production of building blocks, road surfaces, and land reclamation.

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the population structures, anatomical adaptations, and chloroplast genome organizations of three rare tree species—Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge, Celtis caucasica Willd., and Betula jarmolenkoana Golosk.—from the Northern Tien Shan region of Kazakhstan. Field surveys revealed species-specific demographic patterns, with F. sogdiana and B. jarmolenkoana populations displaying a complete age spectrum and signs of ongoing regeneration, while C. caucasica exhibited a lack of juvenile stages, indicating regeneration failure. Anatomical analysis of leaf and stem tissues highlighted adaptive features aligned with habitat conditions: F. sogdiana showed mesophytic traits suited for riparian environments, C. caucasica displayed xeromorphic structures reflecting drought tolerance, and B. jarmolenkoana demonstrated structural reinforcement adapted to high-altitude stressors. Whole chloroplast genome sequencing revealed conserved quadripartite architecture across species, with minor variations in gene content and inverted repeat boundaries suggesting lineage-specific evolution. The findings underscore the ecological sensitivity and conservation priority of these species and provide foundational data for future ecological monitoring, restoration efforts, and phylogenomic research in Central Asian montane ecosystems.

This study presents a scenario-based assessment of the future sensitivity of minimal low-water runoff to climate change in Western Kazakhstan. An ensemble of global climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), combined with dynamically downscaled projections for Central Asia, was applied to estimate minimal monthly runoff during the summer–autumn and winter low-water periods for the rivers of the Zhaiyk–Caspian water management basin. The analysis covers three future time horizons: 2040 (2031–2050), 2060 (2051–2070), and 2080 (2071–2090), under two greenhouse gas concentration scenarios: SSP3-7.0 (moderately high emissions) and SSP5-8.5 (high emissions). The results reveal a pronounced seasonal contrast in the projected hydrological response. During the winter low-water period, a steady increase in minimal runoff is projected for all rivers, with the most significant changes observed for the Or, Zhem, Temir, and Shagan rivers. This increase is primarily driven by higher winter precipitation, increased thaw frequency, and enhanced infiltration recharge. Conversely, despite modest increases in summer–autumn precipitation, minimal runoff during the summer–autumn low-water period is projected to decline significantly, particularly in the southern basins, due to elevated evapotranspiration rates and soil moisture deficits associated with rising air temperatures. These findings emphasize the importance of developing seasonally differentiated, climate-resilient water management strategies to mitigate low-flow risks and ensure water security under future climate conditions in arid and semi-arid regions.

This scientific research explores the possibility of remotely controlling an ozone generator ETRО-02, based on electric spark discharge, through the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The presented ozonator is designed to sterilize and purify drinking and wastewater. The use of IoT technology can enhance the efficiency of the ozonator and allow for remote monitoring and control of its operation process. The aim of this research is to describe the architecture and working principles of the system developed for managing the operational modes of the ozonator through IoT technology. This system can automatically adjust the ozone level through sensors, controllers, and other electronic components, as well as provide the user with timely information about the device's status. The research also pays special attention to the security, reliability, and scalability of the system. As a result, this study contributes to the development of a remote control system for ozonators using IoT, aimed at improving their efficiency in water purification and agriculture sectors.

Near the ore deposits as well as in adjacent territories near enterprises and areas for storing raw materials and waste during the enrichment and processing of heavy metals, there are zones of accumulation of high concentrations of substances involved in the technological process of metallurgical production. To control the negative impact to the environment, to reduce negative consequences, it is required to monitor and carry out environmental protection measures aimed at preserving the acceptable properties of the habitat of various types of organisms in the soil, water and air. The harmful impact of human economic activity to the nature can be remote both in time and in space. This is due to a number of factors: the persistence of the processes of impact to the nature caused by the dynamics of biogeocenoses, the resistance and adaptation of the ecosystem to negative impacts, the effects of summation and migration of pollutants, etc. Studies of heavy metal contamination of snow cover and soil were carried out by taking soil and snow samples for atomic sorption spectrometry. When assessing the distribution of pollutant concentrations,the maps of contamination of Ile River delta territory by Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co), Cadmium (Cd) were created. This made it possible to clarify the mechanism of transport of pollutants and identify areas of accumulation of heavy metals in snow and soil. Based on the results of the analysis, were made the conclusions about participation of heavy metal deposits in the emissions of substances accumulated in the lithosphere. This is confirmed by the relative location of emission sources and pollutant accumulation zones. Transfer over land occurs over longer distances compared to air trajectories crossing the waters of the Lake Balkash. Research results can be taken into account for the development of environmental protection measures. © 2023, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. All rights reserved.

In the arid and semi-arid climate of Southern Kazakhstan, groundwater is the primary and most resilient source of water for pasture irrigation. This study provides an integrated assessment of the predicted, natural, and operational groundwater resources across five administrative regions—Almaty, Zhetysu, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, and Turkestan—considering water quality (total dissolved solids, TDS), potential well yield, and aquifer depth. Hydrogeological maps at 1:200,000 and 1:1,000,000 scales, a regional well inventory, and GIS-based spatial analysis were combined to classify resource availability and identify surplus and deficit zones. Results show that 92.5% of predicted exploitable resources (totaling 1155.2 m3/s) have TDS ≤ 3 g/L, making them suitable for domestic and livestock use. Regional disparities are pronounced: Zhetysu, Almaty, and Zhambyl exhibit resource surpluses, Kyzylorda approaches balance, while Turkestan faces a marked deficit. The developed groundwater availability map integrates mineralization, well productivity, and recommended drilling depth, enabling the design of water intake systems without costly field exploration. This decision-support tool has practical value for optimizing water allocation, reducing operational costs, and improving the sustainability of pasture management under the constraints of limited surface water resources. © 2025 by the authors.