Installation Phase Research Articles

Assessing the sustainability and safety of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) liners for Lead Service Lines (LSL) Upgrades

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) liners have been proposed by industry as a more cost effective and less disruptive alternative to lead service lines (LSL) replacement. However, concerns have been raised about their aging under real-use conditions and their potential health and environmental impacts. In this study, two approaches were implemented. First, bench and pilot scale experiments were carried out to investigate the aging of a PET liner under conditions that simulate normal usage. Results show early surface oxidation and leaching of potentially hazardous metals (lead, zinc and titanium). No short-term fragmentation of the PET liner into microplastics was observed. Next, a life cycle assessment (LCA) compared the health and environmental impacts of three LSL upgrades alternatives: PET liners and full LSL replacement using either copper or PEX pipes. The installation phase was shown to be the main contributor to impact scores, while the benefits of PET liners are highly dependent on its lifespan. PEX installed by torpedoing lowers impacts as compared to PET liners and copper pipes for equal lifespan, while the use of PET liners remains less impactful regarding human health and ecosystem quality when a complete excavation is needed. LCA derived global human health effects due to ingestion of leached metals from PET liners, copper pipes, and unreplaced LSL and showed that PET liners and copper pipes significantly reduce health impacts by 14 and 80 DALY respectively compared to unreplaced LSL. Finally, the Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic (IEUBK) model was used to assess the impact of lead exposure specifically for drinking water ingestion. Estimated Blood Lead Levels (BLL) in children and infants in households with long unreplaced LSL was up to 263.7% and 207.8% greater compared to either replacement with copper pipes or rehabilitation with PET liners, showing the clear benefits of corrective action. Combining experimental results, LCA and biokinetic modelling provides actionable information for utilities to select the best upgrade options, considering environmental, health and practical constraints, whilst identifying remaining data gaps. The relative benefits of the PET liner should be carefully evaluated considering its lifespan under real-life conditions, the complete replacement costs after failure, and the growing evidence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) risks.

Life cycle climate performance of photovoltaic power plant for Turkey’s solar power conditions

ABSTRACT In this study, a solar power plant with an output power of 10 kW AC was designed according to the Turkish Electricity Legislation. Silicon-based photovoltaic modules were used in the design. The solar power plant’s annual and lifetime electricity generation was calculated for 81 provinces of Turkey. The study contributes significantly to the literature by evaluating the environmental impacts of energy sources in a more realistic way. According to the electricity generation calculations, the power plant in Trabzon generates a minimum of 13,037 kWh of electricity per year. In comparison, the power plant in Antalya generates a maximum of 18,562 kWh. Over the plant’s life, Antalya will generate 464,040 kWh of electricity and Trabzon will generate 325,929 kWh. The life cycle climate performance technique was used to understand the environmental impacts during the installation phase, and these values were determined to be 5759 kgCO2. Emission values from electricity generation vary between 0.01241 and 0.01767 kgCO2 per kWh. These data provide a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impacts of solar power plants. This study contributes to the literature by investigating the potential and environmental effects of solar energy in different regions of Turkey in detail. In particular, presenting the emission values of electricity generation from photovoltaic systems for each province provides valuable data that can be used in shaping energy policies and developing environmental strategies. This unique study will provide a scientific basis for planning and implementing solar energy investments in Turkey and contribute significantly to developing energy policies and environmental strategies.

Environmental impacts of solar energy systems

The yearly growth in worldwide energy usage, coupled with the associated environmental problems and worries, are major factors driving the widespread adoption of sustainable and renewable energy on a global scale. Solar energy systems have garnered significant attention in the past decade, surpassing other forms of renewable energy systems. Nevertheless, renewable energies might still cause negative environmental impacts. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise careful consideration and implement appropriate precautionary measures. This report delivers a detailed assessment of the environmental impacts of both established and innovative solar energy solutions, shedding light on their effects on the ecosystem, considering their impact on the environment at both small and large sizes. The study examines both the associated advancements and the crucial components in their systems. The strategy encompasses all steps, commencing with the designs, and progressing through the manufacture, materials, construction or installation phases, as well as the operation lifetime and decommissioning. This article explores targeted strategies for various systems, including waste reduction and recycling, as well as providing technically and ecologically beneficial suggestions for minimising their effects.

Multicriteria decision tools for selection of sustainable integrated retrofits: application to the seismic and energy upgrade of a masonry building

The design of sustainable integrated retrofits is a new frontier in civil engineering that aims to minimize economic and environmental impacts of interventions on existing buildings. The enhanced methodology presented in this paper combines seismic and energy performance metrics with economic and environmental indicators associated with each integrated retrofit. The purpose is to identify the optimal retrofit through histograms, radar charts, proficiency ratios and iso-class plots, as the one corresponding to the higher seismic and energy performances and the minimum economic and environmental impacts. Such a methodology can be applied to either the installation phase of the retrofit or its entire life cycle, making it possible to compare these two scenarios in a long-term perspective. The methodology, generally valid for any building materials or structural typologies, is here applied to a two-story natural-stone masonry building, damaged by the 2016 Central Italy earthquake sequence.

The DarkSide-20k underground argon procurement chain

The DarkSide-20k experiment searches for dark matter by looking for interactions of WIMPs in a 50-tonnes target of liquid argon using double-phase time projection chamber (TPC) technology. The key component of the experiment is low radioactivity argon depleted in the isotope 39Ar. Unfortunately, 39Ar is naturally present in atmospheric argon and it is constantly produced due to the interaction with cosmic rays. Finding a source of depleted argon was the first step of the Collaboration when it started to size the DarkSide-20k detector.The procurement chain begins with the Urania plant in Colorado, which can produce argon with a purity of 99.99% from a crude CO2 stream extracted from a deep well, at a rate of about 250 kg per day. The plant has already been fabricated while the site is being prepared for installation. After the extraction and purification of 120 t of underground argon (UAr), it will be transported to Sardinia, Italy, where the ARIA plant, consisting of a 350 m cryogenic distillation column, will further remove impurities up to 2 orders of magnitude. The final purity is expected to be 99.9999%. After the ARIA purification stage, the ultra-pure UAr will be delivered to the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, L'Aquila, Italy where it will fill the DarkSide-20k TPC.The ARIA plant has already been fully fabricated and is now in the installation phase in a mine shaft. A shorter version, about 26 m high, has been tested over the last three years with very positive results. We were able to measure the separation factor between two isotopes of nitrogen (29N2, 28N2) and three of argon (40Ar, 38Ar, 36Ar) thus validating the capability of performing isotopic distillation with ARIA.

Analysis of Sling Tension on the Lifting Process of Riser Support Jacket on Installation Phase

Analysis of Sling Tension on the Lifting Process of Riser Support Jacket on Installation Phase

MINÉRALISATION POLYMÉTALLIQUE Zn-Pb-Cu (Au, Ag, V) DU GISEMENT DE BAMBA-KILENDA, DANS L’AVANT-PAYS DE LA CHAÎNE WEST CONGO (WCB) : PHASES DE MINÉRALISATION ET NATURES DES FLUIDES »

Bamba-Kilenda deposit is located 70 km (as the crow flies) south of Kinshasa. The studies of Verhaegen (2005) based on fluid inclusions made it possible to highlight two spatially and temporally distinct episodes of mineralization. The decrepitation technology used by Verhaegen (2005) remains imprecise. For this, Fe-Ti, Ca-Ti and Fe-Ca geothermometry and the alkalinity index evaluation (K+Na/Ca) proposed Intiomale (2013 and 2014) uses those as part of this study. The staging of mineral concentrations reflects the installation in the FK2/4a drilling of the Bamba-Kilenda deposit, from bottom to top: 1) Phase of sedimentary ores (Phase 1), the pyrite sheath spared by oxidation and impurities provides information on an alkanity index of 0.21 typical of fluids of sedimentary origin; 2) Installation phase by orogenic fluids (Phase 2) of the Mississippi Valley (MVT) type, with alkalinity varying between 3.5 – 6.5 and temperatures 56 – 70°C; 3) Installation phase by metamorphic fluids (Phase 3), rich in copper and zinc, at a temperature of 400°C. The Bamba-Kilenda FK2/4a drilling did not intersect veins of Qtz-Cu-Fe coming from thermal reflux fluids (THERMOREF: Phase 4), the ores formed between 455 - 475°C ores and no longer the ores linked to N-S rift faults (POST-RIFT: Phase 5) observed at Nsienene Wogila and Mbusu, observed in the foreland of the West Congo Belt. Finally, meteoric fluids (Phase 6) infiltrated into the fault zone reworked and oxidized the ores observed in the Bamba-Kilenda FK2/4a borehole.

Optimizing offshore wind export cable routing using GIS-based environmental heat maps

Abstract. In the United States, there are plans to produce up to 30 GW of offshore wind power by the year 2030, resulting in numerous seabed lease areas which are currently going through the leasing or construction and operations phase. A key challenge associated with offshore wind is optimal routing and installation of the subsea power cables, which transmit power from the main offshore wind energy production area to a land-based station, where it connects to the electrical grid. By traversing a vast extent of the seafloor, the installation and operational phases of subsea power cables have the potential to result in a range of environmental impacts, which may negatively affect sensitive biological, physical, human and/or cultural resource receptors. Presented here is a case study from southeastern North Carolina to identify optimal seabed cable routes and coastal landfalls for a recently leased offshore wind farm by using a combination of publicly available data, coupled with standard environmental impact assessment methodologies and geographic information system (GIS)-based heat maps. The study identified a range of high-risk areas, in addition to a number of potential low-risk routes and landfall areas which minimize seabed user conflicts and impacts on environmentally sensitive locations. Although additional high-resolution and site-specific environmental, geological and biological surveys are required to develop a robust cable installation plan, the preliminary steps from this research optimize early-phase marine spatial planning for offshore wind projects and other similar subsea industries.

Commissioning of the ESS large-scale 20 K helium refrigeration system for the cryogenic moderator system

At the ESS, a large-scale 20 K helium refrigeration system with a cooling capacity of 30.3 kW at 15 K, which is called Target Moderator CryoPlant (TMCP), has been designed to cool the cryogenic moderator system (CMS) where subcooled liquid hydrogen will be circulated at 1.0 kg/s through four hydrogen moderators where the total nuclear heating is estimated to be 17.2 kW for the proton beam power of 5 MW. The first phase of the TMCP installation and commissioning for the TMCP compressor skids and cold box was completed in 2019. The phase 2 installation of 300 m-long cryogenic helium transfer lines (CTLs) and a valve box located at one end of it in the Target building has been completed in the summer of 2022. Subsequently, the commissioning has been conducted until December 2022. This paper will describe the performance evaluation test results of the CTL heat load and pressure drop, the TMCP cooling capacity, and a test result of a failure action caused by instrument air failure.

A Comprehensive Review of Screen Plugging during Openhole Sand Control Completions Installation: Causes, Consequences, and Best Practices

Summary In openhole completions, screens are one of the very common equipment used to control production of solids. Screens could get plugged during installation in case of improper wellbore fluid conditioning and displacement. Awareness of screen plugging is not widely spread, and many practicing engineers do not pay enough attention to its implications. In this paper, we discuss the causes, consequences, and ways of determining plugging and recommend best practices to reduce the risk of screen plugging. First, we review the various reasons for screens to get plugged during openhole completion installations and explain in detail undesirable events caused by screen plugging such as: Inability to properly displace wellbore fluids Inability to fully pack the screen annulus Damage to screens during displacement and gravel packing We also review downhole gauge data of several jobs to identify and discuss screen plugging signatures and their outcomes. Additionally, we discuss potential preventive measures. In openhole completions, it is very common to run screens in wellbores containing solids-laden fluids intentionally or unintentionally. Poor wellbore displacement or improper fluid conditioning can result in leaving some bigger size solids in the screen-running fluid (SRF), which could plug the screens. Also, the exposure of reactive shales to water-based fluids can destabilize the shales and lead to plugging. In some cases, the SRF quality control is not properly accounting for the actual flow inside the screen while running in hole, resulting in a false pass. We present several case histories of downhole gauge data analysis, showing evidence of screen plugging leading to excessive treating pressure, incomplete gravel pack, and, in a few cases, screen erosion during gravel pack operations. To prevent screen plugging, it is necessary to properly model all the displacement stages, pay attention to proper conditioning and quality control of the fluid, and ensure compatibility of the fluids with shales. A comprehensive review of screen plugging during sand control installation phase and its potential consequences supported with extensive downhole gauge data has not been published previously. This paper will be a valuable source of knowledge for completion engineers and help them better design and execute future operations.

Utilizing The Edu-Panda Application To Improve Personnel And Academic Administration Services

Information and communication technology have influenced various aspects of life, including education. In the context of schools, using administration-based applications has become increasingly important to facilitate and enhance the efficiency of administrative processes. This abstract presents an overview of the utilization of the edu-Panda application in MAN 2 Kota Malang (a high school in Malang City) and its impact on the effectiveness of school administration management. This study aims to describe the implementation of an educational management information system (MIS) that includes utilizing management information systems and its implementation on administrative services at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 2 Kota Malang. This research adopts a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data is collected through techniques such as interviews, observations, and documentation as supporting evidence. Data analysis is conducted using qualitative analysis techniques, including data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. To ensure the validity of the data, the researcher employs triangulation techniques, including source triangulation and technique triangulation. The results of this study indicate that the planning of the edu-Panda application in Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 2 Kota Malang is based on the school's needs. After the system development is completed, a feasibility test is conducted before reaching the system installation phase. Thus, the system can operate according to its intended purpose. The implementation of the edu-Panda application in Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 2 Kota Malang can be used to track attendance, information, allowances, graduation, and matters related to personnel and academics. Based on the five dimensions of service quality used to assess and measure service quality in Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 2 Kota Malang, namely Tangibles, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance, and Empathy, the services in Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 2 Kota Malang are considered good. Keywords: Management Information System, edu-Panda, Staffing, Academic

Assessment of different lifting devices for the shipping bays for DONES main building

During the installation and maintenance phase of IFMIF-DONES (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility-DEMO Oriented Neutron Source), several components need to be transported vertically between different floors inside the DONES main building. There are totally four shipping bays inside the main building, two of which are mainly responsible for components transportation. The lifting devices in the shipping bays should be carefully selected based on the requirements of components, including their sizes, weights, shapes, activation status, shielding requirements, human escorts and transportation routes. Considering these requirements and the building information, five possible lifting devices are proposed, namely parallel ropes lift, heavy load storage and retrieval machine, rack and pinion lift, upside-down scissor lift as well as rigid chain lift. The optioneering method is applied to assess the different lifting devices with the help of weighted criteria. As a result, parallel ropes lift, heavy load storage and retrieval machine and rigid chain lift are assessed as the most appropriate lifting devices in the shipping bays for DONES main building. A market survey is carried out on these three kinds of lifting devices. At the end of this paper, the principle sketches of the rigid chain lift inside the shipping bay are shown including the transport platform.

Improvement and analysis of aircraft maintenance flow process using lean manufacturing, PDCA, PICA, and VSM for sustainable operation system

The aircraft maintenance process plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel. However, this process often encounters inefficiencies and waste, reducing productivity. This study aims to analyze the flow of the aircraft maintenance process and identify areas for improvement using Lean Manufacturing, Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA), Problem Identification and Corrective Action (PICA), and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) methods within a sustainability system. This study demonstrates how non-value-adding (NVA) and necessary but non-value-adding activities (NNVA) contribute to maintenance process delays, waste generation, and decreased process efficiency. It also underscores the impact of waste on process performance and proposes potential time savings through focused improvements. The result revealed that inventory wastage was the most prevalent issue, accounting for 9 out of 26 activities, followed by waiting for wastage with seven activities and defects with 5 activities. These wasteful activities are primarily concentrated in phases 3, 4, and 5, encompassing inspection, repair, and installation phases. Consequently, there is a pressing need to enhance efficiency in all phases, particularly phases 3, 4, and 5, by targeting non-value-added activities. Implementing these improvements can reduce the total process time from 18,229 minutes to 15,170.2 minutes, offering a detailed roadmap for enhancing the aircraft maintenance process. Thus, this study is an alternative consideration for the aircraft maintenance industry to ensure a continuous improvement process in facing the challenges of global industry innovation as the category of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Implementation of Road Equipment Installation in South Sumatera Province (Case Study of Installation of Street Lighting Equipment on the Betung – BTS Section, Palembang City)

Road infrastructure plays a pivotal role in the development and functionality of urban areas, and installing road equipment, such as street lighting, is crucial for ensuring safety and accessibility. This study focuses on the implementation of road equipment installation, with a specific case study of installing street lighting equipment on the Betung – BTS section in Palembang City, South Sumatra Province. The research employs a comprehensive approach, combining technical assessments, project management analysis, and stakeholder engagement evaluations. It examines the planning and design phases of the street lighting installation, considering factors such as traffic patterns, safety requirements, and energy efficiency. The study also investigates the procurement process for the equipment, including vendor selection, quality control, and cost management. Furthermore, the research evaluates the installation process, including on-site challenges, coordination among involved parties, and adherence to established timelines. The effectiveness of the installed street lighting equipment in enhancing road safety and urban aesthetics is assessed through field observations and community feedback. The findings of this study aim to provide insights into the best practices and challenges encountered during the implementation of road equipment projects, mainly focusing on street lighting in the Betung – BTS section. Recommendations derived from the research contribute to optimizing future road equipment installations in South Sumatra Province, emphasizing the importance of efficient project management, technical considerations, and community engagement in achieving sustainable and safe urban infrastructure development.

SOLAR POWERED OFF-GRID WATER DISTRIBUTION PROJECTS: A CASE STUDY COMPARISON OF TWO COMMUNITIES

This paper presents the pre-construction planning and construction installation phases of student-run projects in Ecuador and Ghana to provide fresh water via pumped water storage through photovoltaic (PV) systems. Our Ecuadorian project relied on a preliminary design prepared by a non-profit organization as the construction basis. The Ghanian project was designed by students, with faculty support. These two case studies were chosen because they had similar project goals, occurred close in time, and had the same faculty and student clubs performing the work. The fundamental project management areas of scope, schedule, and budget management were assessed as a basis for comparison. Although there were several differences between the projects, students gained new knowledge in all of these areas. The work involved several students and two faculty from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly). The work included piping connections to direct current submersible pumps, water storage, distribution piping/connections to a village community center or directly to households, PV panels, and an electrical distribution system with overcurrent protection. The initial design was an important part of each project; however, many details were resolved during construction using a design-build approach.

FLOATING OFFSHORE TURBINES - INSTALLATION METHODS

Floating offshore wind turbines are a possible source of large scale electricity. Fabrication and offshore installation design of these large floating structures is required to provide confidence to developers and insurers that they are constructed in a safe and cost effective manner. The design methods developed in this paper cover the substructure types such as Spars, semi submersibles, barges and TLPs. The engineering of mooring types includes catenary, taut and tension, plus turret mooring.This paper details the preparation of engineering requirements for installation vessels and large onshore cranes used for the shipyard construction of substructures for floating wind. Each installation phase, for a floating offshore wind turbine, raises issues regarding existing construction methods and the need to develop revised installation works.The engineering processes include mooring installation and connection. In addition consideration of load-out analysis, ocean transportation analysis including sea-fastening, intact stability and tow motion response. Installation analysis is required for lifting, up-ending, afloat construction, and cable lay methods.Floating offshore wind turbines are offering a new approach to using marine resources and this paper will provide information on how naval engineering can be used to promote this development.

Intact stability analysis of crane barge due to loading orientation effect during heavy lifting operation

Changes in the position of the lifting load on the crane barge during heavy lifting operation significantly affect the stability of the vessel. The changes in stability during this heavy lifting operation must be analysed to prevent operational failures. This study conducted an intact stability analysis of the crane barge during lifting of topside structures in the installation phase. The analysis was performed with variations in the position of the lifted load from starboard to bow for every 15° change in the crane angle. The stability results of the Crane Barge for all variations, using both analytical and numerical methods, have met the IMO requirements. The extreme condition occurred in load case 8, with a maximum GZ value of 2.904 m at a 22° angle and an area of 103,894 m.deg. The comparison of the stability results of the crane barge during the structural lifting operation using analytical calculation and numerical methods indicates that the overall validation error values have met the ±5% requirement according to the ABS Rules. However, when considering the corrections for changes in the lifting load moment in the analytical calculation, stability error values increase significantly as the heeling angle of the vessel increases.

Handling the Functional Features of Accelerator Components Using ISO GPS Situation Features

The building blocks of a scientific facility based on particle beams comprise magnets and electro-magnetic devices. The optical design usually imposes a demanding accuracy with respect to their theoretically exact position and orientation. It happens that the functional features are either not clearly defined – what is the « axis » of a magnet –, or not explicitly used along their lifecycle. Improving how to handle these functional features would contribute to meeting demanding challenges. The European Spallation Source (ESS) is aiming at providing a powerful proton linear accelerator and a target system to produce pulsed neutrons. The challenging complex design and integration yielded to introducing a tool shared in common by all stakeholders along the lifecycle: the “situation features”, as defined in ISO GPS (Geometrical Product Specifications) standards. They are here developed, and extended to beyond-mechanics use cases. Two examples of fiducialization and installation phases are presented for neutron beam guides and quadrupole magnets. Perspectives of generic use are also highlighted.

Time Cost Optimization of Assembly Building Installation Phase Based on Particle Swarm Optimization

This paper combines the theory of resource-constrained project scheduling to analyze the cost influencing factors during the installation phase of prefabricated buildings, and establishes a resource-constrained scheduling model with the goal of minimizing the installation time to achieve the optimization of time cost during the installation phase.

Structural and topology optimization of steel construction profiles in solar energy systems

In recent years, significant investments have been made for Solar Power Plants (SPP) plants in many countries. The installation costs of SPP plants are quite high. This situation increases the amortization period of investments. Lowering these costs during the installation phase will pave the way for more investments. One of the most important cost items of Solar Power Plants (SPP) is steel construction costs. In this study, it is aimed to reduce the cost by designing the best performance product by reducing the weight of C profiles, one of the steel constructions used during the installation of solar panels, with shape and topology methods. The results obtained show that shape and topological optimization can provide significant gains in terms of cost.