Installation Conditions Research Articles

A reliability-based framework for comparing ultrasonic flowmeter calibration methods

Ultrasonic flowmeters stand as sophisticated instruments employed for the precise measurement of fluid flow, utilizing cutting-edge time-of-flight technique. However, the optimal functioning of these devices is susceptible to the influence of various factors, including fluid properties and installation conditions, thereby introducing uncertainties into the measurement process. This research introduces a significant method based in structural reliability theory for comparing experimental conditions of ultrasonic flowmeters. This approach strives to offer a thorough comprehension of the factors that affect measurement reliability, actively contributing to the continuous endeavors aimed at fine-tuning the accuracy of ultrasonic flowmeters. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, it is applied and tested using data derived from measurements of an ultrasonic liquid flowmeter conducted by INMETRO. These results are subsequently compared against the metrological requirements outlined in OIML R 117. The results not only affirm the applicability of the proposed approach but also demonstrate its effectiveness in handling the uncertainties linked to fluid flow measurements. By enhancing the reliability of these devices, the proposed approach paves the way for advancements in the field, fostering greater precision and confidence in fluid flow measurements for various industrial applications.

Full-Scale Testing of Corrosion Resistant Alloy-Mechanically Lined Pipes for Submarine Pipelines

Abstract This study evaluates the fatigue performance of Corrosion Resistant Alloy–Mechanically Lined Pipes (CRA-MLPs), focusing on the critical triple point, where the CRA liner, weld overlay, and backing steel pipe intersect. Through Full-Scale Bending Tests (FSBT) and Full-Scale Resonance Fatigue Tests (FSFT), real-world operational and installation conditions were simulated to assess fatigue resistance, particularly at the triple point–an area not adequately addressed in current industry standards. The results reveal that the triple point exhibits excellent fatigue performance, exceeding the criteria of existing guidelines, despite the lack of specific provisions for this critical region. This study provides valuable data to inform updates to industry standards, enhancing the safety and reliability of subsea pipeline operations.

Changes in properties of thermal insulations under certain environmental effects

AbstractSaving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a priority for the construction sector. Heating of buildings requires the burning of fossil fuels, which can be significantly reduced by insulating the building envelope. Nowadays, the thermal insulation of buildings is essential. There are several important, well-known data about most thermal insulation materials, but there is only negligible information about the change of their properties under installation conditions or if they are already exposed to additional stresses due to structural failures and damages. This study aimed to examine the changes in properties of three common thermal insulation materials when installed in a flat roof or facade and exposed to excess moisture due to the damage of waterproofing or façade and/or when exposed to direct strong sunlight.

Pull-out behavior and failure mechanism of steel expansion anchors in high-performance steel fiber reinforced concrete(HPSFRC)

Past research on the pull-out performance of anchors mainly focuses on normal concrete(NC) concretes. New design methods are needed for the pull-out performance of anchors in the concretes of new cementitious materials with high strength and toughness. Accordingly, the pull-out behavior of torque-controlled expansion anchor(TCE) in high-performance steel fiber reinforced concrete(HPSFRC) concrete with different fiber content and installation conditions(embedment depth and anchor diameter) was investigated. The focus was on the failure modes, crack morphology, and load-displacement behavior(including pull-out load-bearing capacity, anchorage stiffness, and anchorage toughness). The addition of fibers leads to increased load-bearing capacity and toughness, reduced stiffness, and all failure modes exhibited ductile cracking and sufficient tensile ductility. Both diameter and depth had a positive impact on load-bearing capacity. A broader database based on literature and this study was analyzed for further exploration of the effects of fibers. The accuracy of predicting load-bearing capacity was compared between two empirical models(concrete capacity design-CCD and Toth models) and the proposed modified model. The CCD model greatly underestimates capacity, and the Toth model is unsuitable for high fiber content(exceeds 2.0 %) HPSFRC scenarios. The modified model showed the best bearing capacity prediction for anchors on HPSFRC concretes, with a mean ratio of predicted values to experimental values reaching 1.01–1.08 and a coefficient of dispersion below 15.0 %.

Numerical Study on the Effects of Horizontal Barriers on Fire Behavior in Logistics Facility Racks

In this study, a numerical analysis was conducted to derive the optimal installation conditions for flame-spread barriers within racks, to reduce the damage caused by recurrent fire accidents in logistics facilities. The effectiveness of the fire extinguishing system according to domestic regulations was reviewed to ensure the feasibility of installation of the horizontal barrier. This review revealed that sprinkler systems were ineffective in delaying or preventing the initial spread of fire under certain fire conditions, confirming the need for horizontal barriers. Furthermore, although the installation of horizontal barriers was effective in delaying the initial fire spread, it led to an increase in fire size by blocking the extinguishing water and altering the fire spread path. It was confirmed that deriving the optimal installation conditions for barriers requires the consideration of the interactions between the in-rack sprinkler heads and the surrounding fire extinguishing systems.

Consideration on the efficient calibration method for low-cost microphones

Current microphone calibration methods in the international standards are basically targeting laboratory and working standard microphones specified in the IEC 61094-2 and IEC 61094-4, respectively. These methods are promising to ensure the reliability however there are many difficulties in applying it to low-cost acoustic sensors such as MEMS microphones, which are rapidly becoming widespread, with aspects of time and cost. Moreover, since the installation conditions for these low-cost microphones are different from those of standardized measurement microphones, calibration methods that take these usage conditions into consideration are required. As potential methods to overcome the problems, the feasibility of the active coupler method applicable to surface mounted condition and the bulk calibration method in the reverberation room are investigated. Both proposed methods can be applied under actual installation conditions and enable rapid and cost-efficient calibration. In this study, methods and procedures for securing traceability are proposed, and uncertainty evaluation is conducted.

Combustion of liquid hydrocarbon fuels sprayed into gas generation chamber with superheated steam as low emission technology for energy production

Experimental and numerical studies were conducted to scientifically validate the Steam Injection Method with Gas Generation chamber (SIMGG) as a low-emission combustion technology for energy production in low and medium power boilers using different types of fuels. For the first time, a fully functional prototype of a burner implementing SIMGG was tested under the conditions of a standard low-power boiler installation, and combustion characteristics of fuels with various physical properties (diesel fuel and a mixture of used automotive oils) were obtained under different operating parameters. The results of the studies show that using SIMGG reduces carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by up to half or more under closed-combustion conditions for various fuels. The lowest total emissions of CO and NOx are achieved at an air excess coefficient of 1.2 and a steam-to-fuel ratio of greater than 0.66.

Optimization of the Design of a Greenhouse LED Luminaire with Immersion Cooling

Modern agriculture, with the use of artificial lighting, requires high-intensity LED luminaires with compact dimensions. In this regard, new approaches to the design of LED luminaires using both new materials and technical solutions have been considered. The theoretical evaluation of the influence of different materials on the efficiency of removal of thermal energy from LEDs was shown. A new material PMS-5 is proposed and evaluated as an immersion liquid, which can be used as an effective heat sink in the lower part of the luminaire up to the level of LEDs located in the top light LED luminaires. The proposed polymethylsiloxane PMS-5 liquid has more than twice the thermal conductivity (0.167 W/(m·K)) of HFE7200 and NS15 liquids used in immersion-cooled LED luminaires. Based on the theoretical evaluation, the requirements for parameters, such as metal profile area, immersion liquid volume, wall thickness area, and external area of the cylinder, are highlighted and shown. The noted parameters have a key role in the design of an efficient top light LED luminaire. It has been shown that the design of the metal profile significantly affects the efficiency of the removal of thermal energy from LEDs and it is necessary to use specialized profiles optimized for the diameter of the LED luminaire cylinder. A number of LED luminaire designs were proposed, depending on the thermal properties of the construction materials, technical and economic performance, as well as actual operating and installation conditions. The analysis of the presented theoretical evaluations allowed overlay of the design basis of LED luminaires within the presented concept and top light.

An experimental investigation on frosting characteristics and performance of microchannel evaporators with varied aspect ratios

Microchannel evaporators are susceptible to frosting, which can significantly impair heat transfer performance. To provide a basis for microchannel evaporators' effective design and broad application, frosting experiments were conducted in this study. Leveraging infrared thermal imaging and digital image processing technology, the impact of different aspect ratios on refrigerant distribution was quantitatively measured, and the microchannel evaporators' frosting behavior and performance under frosting conditions were analyzed. The results showed that a higher aspect ratio for Evaporator C led to reduced uniformity in the refrigerant distribution, resulting in an increased frost height, a larger frosting coverage area, and greater frost accumulation. Consequently, as frost accumulated, Evaporator C exhibited the most discernible reductions in the heat transfer rate, evaporation pressure, and refrigerant pressure loss, which were 61.07 %, 31.7 %, and 52.83 %, respectively. Therefore, microchannel evaporators with small aspect ratios are recommended where practical field installation conditions permit. And the results are anticipated to provide useful guidance for selecting microchannel evaporators with the optimal aspect ratio, tailored to operate efficiently under frosting conditions.

Research on the influence of acoustic short circuit fault of air spring isolator on ship floating raft isolation system

Air spring isolator is the crucial component of ship floating raft isolation system. However, due to various factors such as manufacturing errors and installation conditions of air spring isolators, abnormal contacts cannot be avoided in the internal limiters of air spring isolator, resulting in the acoustic short circuit fault. This leads to a significant decrease in isolation effectiveness. To address this issue, experiments on the acoustic short circuit fault of air spring isolators are conducted, and the experimental results are analysed. Then the causes behind the phenomena and results of the acoustic short circuit experiments are further elucidated through finite element simulations and mathematical theory analysis. The research results indicate that the acoustic short circuit of air spring isolators affects the isolation effectiveness. The more severe the acoustic short circuit fault, the greater its impact on the isolation effectiveness, particularly in the low-frequency isolation component. This is because, during the acoustic short circuit of air spring isolators, the rubber part of the internal limiter comes into contact, causing an increase in the stiffness of the air spring support, thereby resulting in an increase in the modal frequency of the isolation device and consequently severely impacting the low-frequency isolation effectiveness.

The Influence of Wave Characteristics, Tides, and Installation Conditions of L-Shaped OWC Wave Energy Converter on Energy Absorption Capability

The Influence of Wave Characteristics, Tides, and Installation Conditions of L-Shaped OWC Wave Energy Converter on Energy Absorption Capability

Ascites in cirrhotic patients: a comprehensive review

Ascites is a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis, associated with a bad prognosis. Ascites is associated with severe complications, such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and kidney dysfunction, which must be diagnosed and managed rapidly. First-line management is based on diuretics use. Beta-blockers role remains debated but an early administration could probably decrease complications associated with portal hypertension. Albumin infusion is validated in large volume paracenteses, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or kidney dysfunction, but is debated in other situations. Technical progresses allow the worldwide use of TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt), but patient selection must be rigorous because of potential severe complications. An alternative treatment, automated low-flow ascites pump, can be offered in patients without TIPS possibility: It is a recent technique, whose patients’ selection and installation conditions were improved, with interesting results. Liver transplantation remains the gold standard, but the lack of grafts, and specific side effects, lead to prefer other methods. In case of acute kidney injury due to hepatorenal syndrome, terlipressin remains the standard of care; continuous infusion is associated with fewer side effects.

Enhancing geotechnical damage detection with deep learning: a convolutional neural network approach.

Most natural disasters result from geodynamic events such as landslides and slope collapse. These failures cause catastrophes that directly impact the environment and cause financial and human losses. Visual inspection is the primary method for detecting failures in geotechnical structures, but on-site visits can be risky due to unstable soil. In addition, the body design and hostile and remote installation conditions make monitoring these structures inviable. When a fast and secure evaluation is required, analysis by computational methods becomes feasible. In this study, a convolutional neural network (CNN) approach to computer vision is applied to identify defects in the surface of geotechnical structures aided by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and mobile devices, aiming to reduce the reliance on human-led on-site inspections. However, studies in computer vision algorithms still need to be explored in this field due to particularities of geotechnical engineering, such as limited public datasets and redundant images. Thus, this study obtained images of surface failure indicators from slopes near a Brazilian national road, assisted by UAV and mobile devices. We then proposed a custom CNN and low complexity model architecture to build a binary classifier image-aided to detect faults in geotechnical surfaces. The model achieved a satisfactory average accuracy rate of 94.26%. An AUC metric score of 0.99 from the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and matrix confusion with a testing dataset show satisfactory results. The results suggest that the capability of the model to distinguish between the classes 'damage' and 'intact' is excellent. It enables the identification of failure indicators. Early failure indicator detection on the surface of slopes can facilitate proper maintenance and alarms and prevent disasters, as the integrity of the soil directly affects the structures built around and above it.

Readiness of Malaysian PV System to Utilize Energy Storage System with Second-Life Electric Vehicle Batteries

The potential of renewable energy sources to lower greenhouse gas emissions and lessen our reliance on fossil fuels has accelerated their integration globally, and especially that of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Malaysia has shown great progress in the adoption of photovoltaic systems thanks to its plentiful solar resources. On the other hand, energy storage systems (ESSs) are becoming more and more necessary in order to guarantee grid stability and fully realize the benefits of PV systems. This study attempts to assess the current condition of PV installations in Malaysia with an emphasis on their economic feasibility, regulatory compliance, technological capabilities, and compatibility with various energy storage technologies. Malaysian photovoltaic (PV) systems’ readiness to integrate energy storage systems (ESSs) using second-life electric vehicle batteries (SLEVBs) is examined in this article. Integrating PV systems with SLEVBs in residential ESSs shows economic viability, with a 15-year payback and 25% return on investment (ROI). Therefore, for every 1 MW of installed PV capacity, with ESS integration it is estimated to reduce approximately 3504 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually in Malaysia. The homeowner benefits from large electricity bill savings, net metering revenue, and various incentives or financing alternatives that make the project financially attractive despite the extended payback time. Energy storage solutions are needed to improve grid stability, energy usage, and solar power generation in Malaysia as renewable energy adoption increases. Reusing retired EV batteries for stationary storage could solve environmental and economic issues. This study examines the feasibility, regulatory frameworks, and economic viability of combining second-life EV batteries with PV installations in Malaysia.

Shaking table tests on concrete blocks anchored at the bottom of hydrogen storage vessels considering field installation conditions

ABSTRACT In this study, a scale model was created based on field investigation and design standards to evaluate the structural safety of a vertical hydrogen storage vessel stored in gas and liquid form during an earthquake, and a shaking table test was performed. Through testing, it was recognized that fixed anchors were also vulnerable to earthquakes, and additional seismic performance tests were conducted. In Set 1, where gas was stored, no damaged areas were observed during the maximum input seismic motion (EQ 200 %). In Set 2, where liquid was stored, cracks began to appear between the concrete block and the foundation at EQ 100 %, corresponding to the seismic design standard, and progressed to complete destruction at EQ 150 %. Cracks between the concrete block and the foundation led to a decrease in resonant frequency, accompanied by an amplification in acceleration. A reduction in resonant frequency by more than 15 % is anticipated to result in severe damage to the substructure, indicating a potential for brittle failure due to concrete damage prior to anchor failure. The anchors exhibited residual loads of over 80 % of the design load on average, confirming the use of anchors meeting seismic performance requirements.

Finite element analysis based verification of shape estimation performance according to displacement conditions and module types of FBG bending sensor

This study proposes a novel, versatile sensor application solution suitable for various environments by verifying the shape estimation performance of three different module types of an FBG bending sensor based on finite element analysis. FBG bending sensors, including the individual attachment type, triangular stacking type, and band type, were attached to the structure. Subsequently, two simple plane displacement and one complex 3D displacement were applied to the structure to derive the strain for nine cases through finite element analysis. The shape estimation performance was then verified through a simulation based on the previously derived strain. As a result of verifying the shape estimation performance, it was confirmed that all three module types had high performance under simple plane displacement condition, whereas individual attachment types had better performance under complex 3D displacement condition. However, it’s important to note that the triangular stacking type and band type, with their small spacing between FBGs, have been developed to overcome the limited attachment conditions of the individual attachment type and to streamline the manufacturing process of the FBG bending sensors. Therefore, it is possible to select the FBG bending sensor according to the installation conditions of the structure to be applied and the required sensor performance by comprehensively considering the performance verification results of this study and the characteristics of the module types.

АДАПТАЦИИ РЕГЕНЕРАНТОВ HUMULUS LUPULUS L. К УСЛОВИЯМ EX VITRO

The purpose of the study is to develop a scheme for two-stage adaptation of regenerated plants of common hop (Humulus lupulus L.) to ex vitro conditions using a hydroponic installation. Objectives: to study the influence of the method of fixing hop regenerants in a hydroponic system; to determine the duration of the adaptation stage in hydroponics; to select the substrate composition at the second stage of adaptation. The object was a sterile culture of common hop of three varieties: Tsivilsky, Flagman and Taurus, after completion of the in vitro rooting stage on a nutrient medium according to the Murashige-Skoog recipe (MS) containing glucose (20 g/l) and IBA (0.5 mg/l). The duration of the adaptation stage of hops rooted in vitro in a tidal-type hydroponic system was determined, identified by the stable maintenance of turgor by leaves and active growth of shoots – 18–21 days. The influence of the method of fixing hop regenerants in a hydroponic system was studied: the use of seedling cassettes with a substrate of perlite and vermiculite (1 : 1) showed a 25 % higher survival rate of plants compared to substrate-free cuvettes with liners made of polyethylene film. It was shown that under hydroponic installation conditions, regardless of the fixation method, the height of the shoots increased by 36.0–48.3 %. The root system of the samples adapted in cassettes with substrate was better developed and was characterized by a large number of 2nd order roots with a length of at least 4 cm. The subsequent stage of adaptation in most peat-containing substrates ensures 100 % survival and the production of high-quality planting material. Recommendations for growing hop planting material after two-stage adaptation are presented.

System Study Review of Electrical Machines under Specific Operating Conditions of Power Installations

The problem of life cycle vulnerability, predetermined by the development stages, operation and modernization of electrical machines due tosize and weight restrictions, dynamic electromagnetic and thermal overloads, possible flooding and changes in ventilation and cooling conditionsis considered. Reducing the weight and size of electric machines implies eliminating passive sections of magnetic circuits and optimizing the ratio of copper and steel. The desire to reduce weight and size indicators and increase energy density entails increased heat generation and temperature loads of structural elements. The increase in operatingtemperatures of modern machines indicates the need to develop mathematical models that account the response of electrical materials and structural elements to the combined thermal and magnetic fieldeffects. Such models are in demand to study the temperature dependence of insulating, magnetic and operating properties of electrical machines when establishing the requiredoperating moderestrictions in order to preserve and extend the life cycle. The criterion for making management decisions aimed at changing operating modes during operation can be maximum loads that limit exceeding the maximum permissible temperatures of the electrical insulationclass used, as well as critical values of induction determined by the temperature dependence of ferromagnetproperties that affect the performance characteristics of electrical machines. Further solution to the problem lies in the creation of digital twins containing complete mathematical and computer simulation models that describe processes in electrical machines, taking into account the temperature dependence of materialphysical properties of structural elements being subjected to thermal, magnetic and electric fields.

THE ROLE OF SURROGATE MODELS AND MACHINE LEARNING IN MODERN ULTRASONIC FLOW MEASUREMENT

Recent developments in the field of machine learning have found their application in a wide range of design processes. They have particular use where numerical simulations are involved and fast, more accurate predictions and optimized models are very much needed. In order to speed up experiments on a device or system model, it is necessary to speed up its execution (simulation). Instead of detailed models, you can create a surrogate. Its main task is fast execution, small amount of occupied memory and preservation of the specified error threshold in relation to the detailed model. This article demonstrates the integration of machine learning into the flow measurement process using ultrasonic flowmeters. The main source of errors in the application of the modern ultrasonic principle of flow measurement arises from the difficulty of taking into account the actual velocity profile of the measuring flow. In practice, the distribution of velocities in the cross-section of the pipeline differs from the theoretical one introduced in the calculation algorithm. However, if the velocity profile is known, an appropriate correction can be estimated and taken into account during calibration. This will increase the accuracy of measurements. In this study, an intelligent compensation of errors caused by profile distortion was presented to improve the accuracy of using multipath meters in such ultrasonic conditions. The purpose of such an intelligent correction arises in the search for the optimal layout and the minimum sufficient number of chords in the measuring transducer for various installation conditions. The adoption of a new approach based on a surrogate model with a neural network made it possible to take an approximate flow profile that has a certain distortion. So, for the chosen topology of the acoustic flow sensing channels, programmatically, by changing the location angle of the measuring system, instead of the local resistance, add such a position of the chords for which it is possible to set maximum admissible measurement accuracy. This means using a neural network for the required input correction model, especially in an environment characterized by a change in the velocity profile under the influence of different flow distortions.

Upgrade and Renovation of Steel Billet Scale in front of High-speed Wire Furnace

This article briefly introduces the weighing device for steel billets in front of the heating furnace of the high-speed wire rod unit, and analyzes and summarizes the problems existing in the original weighing device for steel billets in production and use. Based on on-site installation conditions, design a new weighing method, match a large range weighing sensor, upgrade the automation control of the weighing device, and remotely transmit the billet weighing data to the MES system of the group. The automatic, stable, reliable, and accurate measurement of steel billet raw materials has been achieved, providing important guarantees for the accurate measurement of production line billet and product yield.