Installation Time Research Articles

On proposing a non-intrusive device and methodology to monitor motor degradation

Monitoring the degradation of induction motors is an essential concern for industries, especially when there are high costs related to maintenance and their stops. Nowadays, there are many non-invasive ways to monitor the health status of induction motors, including sensors to measure temperature, magnetic field, vibration, current, and power. However, installing these sensors may not be a simple task since intrusive procedures such as engine disassembling, wire separation, and engine interruption are commonly observed. Thus, we propose MUCLA (Multiphase Clamp and Tracking - patent pending) as a new device and methodology for monitoring motor degradation by analyzing its stator current. MUCLA introduces a non-invasive current sensors array on a proposed clamp in the hardware perspective, while a spectral tracking methodology refers to our novelty in the software viewpoint. For end-users, the main MUCLA contribution relies on the combination of the simplicity of installation and the possibility of using the proposed device even when considering Variable-Frequency Drive powered engines. The results obtained with both simulation and practical tests show encouraging results over different input workloads and emulated degradation. Compared to the current initiatives, we can classify MUCLA as a better solution for industrial plants in terms of installation time, installation complexity, and cost.

Selection of membranes and linking method in slope stabilization systems for the reduction on the installation time using multi-criteria decision analysis

Abstract Flexible systems anchored to the ground are low visual impact alternatives to be used in slope protection. With the aim of reducing their installation time and costs the mechanical union between layers of membranes is proposed to be done in warehouses instead of independent installations on site. The most appropriate component selection and linking method is selected using multi-criteria decision analysis, specifically using AHP, WASPAS and TOPSIS techniques. The criteria considered in order to take the decision are cost of materials, ease of sewing, transport and installation of the system, biodegradability of the secondary mat and its hydroseeding retention capacity that stimulates the revegetation. Due to the uncertainty on the data of biodegradability, four scenarios were analysed. The results indicate that the most suitable secondary membrane in all cases is the coconut fibre mesh and should be connected to the main membrane using a cable tie machine.

Pemanfaatan Saluran Irigasi sebagai Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Air (VORTEX) untuk Daerah Tidak Terdampak Pasokan Listrik PLN

Duren village, ivory sub-district, located in the mountainous area south of Probolinggo Regency, is one of the mountainous villages that has limited electricity supply or has not yet received electricity supply from PLN. Because they have not yet received electricity supply from PLN, the local community uses the irrigation channel as a vortex power plant. Where the area of Duren village is very possible to make a vortex power plant because the irrigation canal is very suitable as a manufacturing location. With the existence of a whirlpool (vortex) power plant, it can alleviate the community of Duren village due to the electricity needs that have not received electricity supply from PLN. Results obtained from channel utilization activities a whirlpool (Vortex) irrigation power plant in the village of Duren areIncreased public knowledge about Vortex Before installing the equipment, first hold a meeting with community leaders in Duren village to determine the important places or facilities to install the equipment. At the installation location and an explanation of the Vortex to the responsible citizen. Instructions are also given directly to those who are given the task of operating the equipment on a daily basis at the time of installation. From this activity it is known that the community does not know how to properly care for and maintain the whirlpool power plant facilities. The material presented was about the basic principles of Vortex and continued with installation and maintenance procedures.

Design Study of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete Shaft Lining for Swelling Ground in Toronto, Canada

Reinforced concrete (RC) is a widely used construction material around the world. RC has many advantages in terms of structural stability. However, the reinforcement of RC requires extensive labour costs. Steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) has been widely studied to replace steel bars in concrete structures over the decades. However, most underground structures, such as tunnel lining, are usually designed using conventional RC for long-term stability due to unexpected geotechnical characteristics, such as directional and depth-dependent varied lateral pressure, earthquakes, groundwater, and time-dependent swelling behaviour. In this paper, an alternative design of shaft structure using SFRC, based on the original RC designed data in the Toronto region, was studied to evaluate the feasibility of SFRC replacing conventional RC. A key geological feature of the site is that the bedrock is comprised of Georgian Bay shale, which exhibits long-term time-dependent deformation (TDD). The capacities of RC and SFRC for the shaft lining were calculated based on the Canadian concrete design codes CSA A23.3 and RILEM TC 162-TDF, to assess the benefit of adding steel fibre, and several analytical solutions were used to calculate the applied load on the lining. A specialised TDD constitutive model in Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua (FLAC) 2D was developed to estimate whether the optimum installation time of the shaft lining, based on the geological reports, is appropriate under swelling behaviour, and evaluate the resultant long-term stability. The calculated hoop thrust and bending moment for several loading cases were within the capacity of the SFRC shaft lining. The numerical analysis demonstrated that the proposed lining installation time could be reduced, despite consideration of the long-term TDD behaviour.

Virtual Simulations of a New Construction of the Artificial Shaft Bottom (Shaft Safety Platform) for Use in Mine Shafts

The deepening of a mine shaft is a difficult and dangerous operation. Moreover, it requires the continuous operation of the shaft during the process of deepening. Because of this, it is necessary to leave the plug on the shaft bottom or install an artificial shaft bottom. The main task of an artificial shaft bottom is to provide safety from falling objects for the employees working on the shaft bottom. Many solutions for shaft safety platforms have been used in Polish mines over the years. A new construction of the artificial shaft bottom consists of using layers of highly durable net. It allows a reduction in the construction weight as well as the installation time. This article presents a new construction of an artificial shaft bottom and the simulations and calculations that confirm the possibility of its application to mine shafts during their deepening.

Optimal sizing and location of open-UPQC in distribution networks considering load growth

Voltage and current deficiencies in distribution network (DN) necessitate the improvement of power quality (PQ). Custom power devices (CPDs) compensate for these deficiencies. Recently, in presence of communication infrastructure in smart distribution network, open unified power quality conditioner (OUPQC) is attracted the attention of DN researchers and operators. OUPQC is utilized in DN to improve voltage and current deficiencies by operation of its series unit (SEU) and shunt units (SHU), respectively. Simultaneous compensation capability of voltage and current in distribution network increase its utilization by network operator. In steady state condition, the operation of SHUs compensate the reactive power flow in distribution network and the operation of SEU improve the voltage deficiencies in installation location. Hence, the optimum utilization of OUPQC result in maximization of its benefit for voltage and current improvement. In this regard, the planning of distribution network is performed considering the utilization of OUPQC and load growth. The optimum location, size and installation time of OUPQC is determined for minimizing the cost of distribution network during the planning horizon. Power loss reduction and voltage profile improvement are considered as benefits of the proposed planning approach. On the other hand, the added costs to the distribution network include the installation and maintenance costs of SEU and SHUs of OUPQC. The proposed planning approach is utilized to be tested on both standard IEEE 69-bus and practical Iranian 95-bus distribution networks. The results show that the proposed planning method is effective in term of economic and technical parameters of distribution networks and is useful for network planners.

Design of an Ionic Conductor as Permanent Electrode for Monitoring Cathodic Protection System performance.

The most dominant used method for protecting the bottom of a tank is impressing a current cathodic protection (ICCP). Monitoring the CP system is critical to maintain and extend the service life of the exterior bottom of the storage tank. The bottom of the tank usually located on or near the surface of the ground and in contact with materials used to support the tank and so presents a corrosion challenge. This work presents a successful design of an ionic conductor that can be used as a monitor procedure of ICCP system for ground storage tanks bottom. The new ionic conductor system offers an accurate and efficient performance compared with old copper/ copper sulphate electrode monitoring system. The risks failure of permanent electrodes including cables disconnection and electrode dryness are increasing. Ionic conductors were used to insure proper potential monitoring. The new ionic conductor system scheme has the features of lower cost and less installation time over conventional methods.

Off-Site Calibration Approach of EnviroScan Capacitance Probe to Assist Operational Field Applications

Soil water content or soil moisture content is considered one of the most critical properties of the soil for crop production, irrigation, and environmental studies. The technical development of soil moisture measurement devices is swift, but calibration among field conditions is still not entirely resolved. Accurate calibration requires samples taken right next to the sensor that disturbs the site and changes the soil conditions. Real field operation requires the probe to represent larger areas that have undisturbed soils around the probe. These would describe the parcel’s general soil conditions and start providing data from the time of installation. This study aimed to compare several potential solutions for off-site calibration of an operational EnviroScan sensor (Sentek Technologies, Stepney South, Australia). The performances of the default and soil texture-specific equations provided by the manufacturer were compared with the field and laboratory calibration approaches. Two statistical parameters, coefficient of determination (R2) and root square mean error (RMSE) was used to determine logarithmic model results. The results show that the default calibration equations in all three classes have relatively low performances with RMSE values of around 10–15 and R2 values ranging from 0.4 to 0.8. However, significant refinement was achieved by selecting texture-specific equations from the manufacturer’s libraries. The soil texture-specific equations of the EnviroScan often yielded quite satisfactory results, with RMSEs ranging between 2 and 4. Similar RMSE values were achieved from the laboratory calibration exercises, but the reapplication potential of these equations was often questionable due to the severely changed soil conditions of the laboratory processed soil compared to the field soil conditions.

A life cycle analysis of ionizing radiation shielding construction systems in healthcare buildings

Optimization of material resources, energy efficiency and reduction of environmental impact are basic aspects in selection of a construction system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental impact generated by different shielding systems for walls of an X-ray room in healthcare buildings. Eight commercial construction systems for anti-X shielding were analysed. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed by SimaPro using the Ecoinvent database, and a single-score damage category analysis was performed for midpoint and endpoint levels. Prices of installation and working time employed in the construction of a functional unit of each system were obtained. Solutions with clay brick, cast-in-place reinforced concrete and sprayed concrete were the most favourable for the different categories. Sprayed concrete obtained 6.739 points/m2 of against 165.12 points/m2 of rolled steel option. The damage to human health occupies between 41% and 87% of the total impact in the protection areas. The impact category of human toxicity is also the broadest in the midpoint approach. Considering time and cost of implementation, clay brick solutions proved to be the most favourable, along with cast-in-place reinforced concrete and barite concrete. System #6 is the most environmentally friendly, 1.6 times less than the next one (which is #4), although its unit price is 1.94 times the cheapest (which is #2) and its execution time is 1.89 times the lowest (which is #2 again). The knowledge generated in this study will improve investment decision making for the planning departments of the Sanitary Systems, obtaining an economic, social and environmental benefit. The main novelty of the work lies in the object of the study (X-ray room) as well as in the integration of LCA and economic aspects.

Large Deformation Control of Deep Roadways in Fractured Hard Rock Based on Cracking-Restraint Method

Large deformations often occur during and after the construction of deep roadways, particularly in fractured hard rock. With persistent deformation, there may be mechanistically unexplained, repeated failure phenomena—they are difficult problems to analyse and address. One strategy is to analyse the failure characteristics of roadways and internal cracking characteristics of the surrounding rock which can be analysed with a digital borehole televiewer and three-dimensional laser scanning equipment. Here, we used this approach combined with research on geostress, joint information, and mechanical properties of rock to reveal the preliminary large deformation mechanism of deep fractured roadways. Based on a cracking-restraint method for engineering design, a control technique is proposed to prevent and control large deformations. The depth and degree of cracking are considered to design parameters and determine the appropriate installation time of the support system. To test this approach, the proposed control technique was applied to a roadway project more than 700 meters deep. The monitoring results demonstrated that this control strategy effectively restrained the cracking of surrounding rocks, improved the quality index of the rock mass, and reduced surface displacement. In addition, due to the improved deformation capacity of the bolt structure, an anti-deformation and energy-absorbing bolt can bear large deformations, preventing premature bolt failures in mining environments.

Hysterectomy and Adnexal Procedures by Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (VNH): Initial Findings From a Korean Surgeon.

Objective: To evaluate feasibility and safety of hysterectomy and adnexal procedures by vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES).Study Design: This is a prospective observational study at a tertiary center and teaching University hospital. We enrolled prospectively 34 patients with benign diseases sequentially.Results: We measured baseline characteristics, surgical data, and pain score (VAS) after surgery. We surveyed before/after surgery. The time of port installation and each stage of surgery was measured. The learning curve was assessed through the graph according to the number of operations using linear and logarithmic regression curve estimation. The complications of surgery were investigated. The median age of the patients was 47.5 years (38–73). Median BMI was 22.4 (18.2–30.0). 20 cases of leiomyoma, four cases of adenomyosis, three cases of uterine prolapse, four cases of endometrial hyperplasia, and three cases of CIN were diagnosed. The median uterine weight was 180.0 g. The median port-installation time was 15.0 min (range, 4–35 min) and median total operation time was 85.5 min (range 43.0–132.0). Complications occurred in three patients. Two cases of bladder injury happened during vesicovaginal space dissection before the installation of the Wound Retractor (WR). One patient underwent transumbilical single-port surgery because of late-onset postoperative bleeding on the 13th postoperative day. The mean postoperative VAS scores were 3.36 immediately after surgery and 3.06, 2.79, and 2.45 at 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery, respectively. In continuous variable analysis, we detected a correlation between port-installation time and postoperative VAS ≥4 (pain score as need for medication). Based on a learning curve, port-installation time and total operation time appeared to reach the proficiency level by the 10th case.Conclusions: Although there were three complications, vNOTES offers advantages to patients and surgeons. More surgical techniques will be developed in vNOTES.

A plug-and-play, lightweight, single-axis gradient insert design for increasing spatiotemporal resolution in echo planar imaging-based brain imaging.

The goal of this study was to introduce and evaluate the performance of a lightweight, high‐performance, single‐axis (z‐axis) gradient insert design primarily intended for high‐resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging, and aimed at providing both ease of use and a boost in spatiotemporal resolution. The optimal winding positions of the coil were obtained using a genetic algorithm with a cost function that balanced gradient performance (minimum 0.30 mT/m/A) and field linearity (≥16 cm linear region). These parameters were verified using field distribution measurements by B0‐mapping. The correction of geometrical distortions was performed using theoretical field distribution of the coil. Simulations and measurements were performed to investigate the echo planar imaging echo‐spacing reduction due to the improved gradient performance. The resulting coil featured a 16‐cm linear region, a weight of 45 kg, an installation time of 15 min, and a maximum gradient strength and slew rate of 200 mT/m and 1300 T/m/s, respectively, when paired with a commercially available gradient amplifier (940 V/630 A). The field distribution measurements matched the theoretically expected field. By utilizing the theoretical field distribution, geometrical distortions were corrected to within 6% of the whole‐body gradient reference image in the target region. Compared with a whole‐body gradient set, a maximum reduction in echo‐spacing of a factor of 2.3 was found, translating to a 344 μs echo‐spacing, for a field of view of 192 mm, a receiver bandwidth of 920 kHz and a gradient amplitude of 112 mT/m. We present a lightweight, single‐axis gradient insert design that can provide high gradient performance and an increase in spatiotemporal resolution with correctable geometrical distortions while also offering a short installation time of less than 15 min and minimal system modifications.

Estimating Compton scatter distributions with a regressional neural network for use in a real-time staff dose management system for fluoroscopic procedures.

Staff-dose management in fluoroscopic procedures is a continuing concern due to insufficient awareness of radiation dose levels. To maintain dose as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), we have developed a software system capable of monitoring the procedure room scattered radiation and the dose to staff members in real-time during fluoroscopic procedures. The scattered-radiation display system (SDS) acquires imaging-system signal inputs to update technique and geometric parameters used to provide a color-coded mapping of room scatter. We have calculated a discrete look-up-table (LUT) of scatter distributions using Monte-Carlo (MC) software and developed an interpolation technique for the multiple parameters known to alter the spatial shape of the distribution. However, the file size for the LUT's can be large (~2GB), leading to long SDS installation times in the clinic. Instead, this work investigated the speed and accuracy of a regressional neural network (RNN) that we developed for predicting the scatter distribution from imaging-system inputs without the need for the LUT and interpolation. This method greatly reduces installation time while maintaining real-time performance. Results using error maps derived from the structural similarity index indicate high visual accuracy of predicted matrices when compared to the MC-calculated distributions. Dose error is also acceptable with a matrix element-averaged percent error of 31%. This dose-monitoring system for staff members can lead to improved radiation safety due to immediate visual feedback of high-dose regions in the room during the procedure as well as enhanced reporting of individual doses post-procedure.

Flexural strengthening of RC beams using aluminum alloy plates with mechanically-fastened anchorage systems: An experimental investigation

Externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) has emerged as one of the promising techniques for flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) members due to its practicality and structural effectiveness. However, shortcomings like premature failure modes, cost, labor, and installation time limited its use. Mechanically fastened (MF) Aluminum Alloy (AA) plates instead have the potential to overcome some of these drawbacks by providing strength and ductility, while influencing the failure modes. In this investigation, 16 RC beams were prepared, one beam was left un-strengthened (CB), one was strengthened with an externally bonded (EB) AA plate (CBE), and the remaining 14 beams were strengthened with MF AA plates that varied based on expansion anchor bolts (EAB) sizes, spacing, layout, and the presence or absence of epoxy. The test results indicated that all the specimens with MF AA plates exhibited approximately 30% increase in strength accompanied with drastic increase in ductility up to about 84% compared to specimen CBE. Analytical predictions were made to numerically assess the advantages of using MF systems where ACI 318-19 outperformed ACI 440.2R-17 due to the sufficient composite behavior that allows the AA plates to behave similar to steel reinforcement such that the section has an additional lever arm. It is concluded that the implementation of epoxy and EAB as an alternative anchorage technique serves as a viable approach in enhancing the strength and ductility of RC beams strengthened with AA plates.

Regioselective assembly of fused pyrazole-azepine heterocycles: Synthesis of the 5-HT7 antagonist 1-benzyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydropyrazolo[3,4-d]azepine

The synthesis of the 5-HT7 antagonist 1-benzyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydropyrazolo[3,4-d]azepine is described using a regioselective assembly of a pyrazole ring fused to an azepine ring. Two different approaches were examined for the construction of the fused pyrazole-azepine heterocyclic core. These were based on the timing and method of installation of the appended aryl ring and construction of the fused heterocycle. The team focused on a route that featured a palladium coupling reaction to introduce the aryl ring via a pyrazole triflate and a selective alkylation to set the position of benzyl moiety on the pyrazole nitrogen. This led to a scalable synthesis of 1 (JNJ-18038683) allowing the discovery team to select and advance a clinical candidate.

Cages’ farming foundation as a limiting factor in cultivation of sturgeon fish hybrids

The work experimentally confirmed the negative influence of fouling of cage structures on the growth and survival rates of reared young sturgeon hybrid — bester (Huso (Linnaeus, 1758) × Acipenser ruthenus (Linnaeus, 1758)). A significant decrease in growth and an increase in fish mortality in modules with a maximum biofouling area was noted. The possibility of using alternative cleaning methods in comparison with traditional mechanical and chemical ones has been investigated. The positive results of the experimental approbation of the author’s development — the practical application of a specially designed structure made of tarpaulin for the cage are given. The use of an easy-to-manufacture and operate device prevented active contamination of the cells, increased the efficiency of keeping fish, which is economically beneficial for commercial sturgeon growing in cages. In general, in fish farms located in a natural reservoir in the spring-summer period, the overgrowth of fodder bottoms and cage walls with filamentous algae has a strong negative effect on the cultivation of sturgeon fish. To optimize the fish-breeding process and reduce the number of algae during the period of their active growth on cages (the timing must be determined according to the conditions of a particular reservoir), special canvas covers should be used. This device will reduce the amount of sunlight entering the cage bottoms and slow down the growth of filamentous algae. To install this device on the cage, two workers are required, the approximate installation time (and, if necessary, dismantling) will be 20 minutes. To reduce the negative effect of algae fouling of the cage bed, measures should be taken to mechanically clean the stern bottoms and walls of the cage with high-pressure cleaning (washer) devices, after transplanting the cultivated objects into another fish hatchery

Semi-automated system for assembly of insulated corner faux bricks

Insulated faux brick (IFB) is an improvement on traditional faux brick that aims to further reduce weight and installation time while providing insulation characteristics beyond traditional brick. Current production of insulated faux corner bricks relies on human workers to apply adhesive and press together two end pieces until the adhesive has dried. This is a time-consuming step which is not easily scalable to higher production rates. This research explored potential automated solutions to meet the ever-increasing demand. Specifically, the concept discussed in this paper uses a modular array of joining units that can be repeated to achieve the desired scale of production. This concept was verified through the construction of a beta prototype containing two joining units and a low-cost glue dispensing system to service both units. The prototype was operated continuously with an average throughput greater than two bricks per minute and with similar quality to the manual process. Based on a critical path analysis, a production system with eight joining units based on the same modular architecture has the potential for a threefold increase in production rate per worker.

Optimal planning of artificial lift operations in a shale gas multiwell pad

AbstractLifting operations play a key role to sustain shale gas wells productivity. Artificial Lift Systems (ALS) involve a wide range of techniques aimed at deliquifying wells. Although these operations are relatively mature for vertical wells in conventional reservoirs, enhancing productivity from shale gas wells has become a new frontier for unconventional production. The main contribution of this work is the development of the first Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulation determining the integrated planning of several ALS in a multiwell pad. The model simultaneously manages ALS selection, investment and operational decisions, hedging against rapid decline curves in different wells. We introduce very detailed piecewise functions accounting for the ALS installation and removal times. The performance of the MILP is evaluated by solving five illustrative case studies.

Low carbon generation expansion planning with carbon capture technology and coal phase-out under renewable integration

In this paper, a multi-period low carbon Generation Expansion Planning (LC-GEP) model is proposed to determine the optimal type, capacity, and installation time of conventional and renewable generation technologies under low carbon policy. Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) is utilized as a carbon reduction technology for existing coal units. Also, the coal phase-out option is included as a low carbon strategy. Different candidate technologies including Coal-fired Steam, Natural Gas Open Cycle (NGOC), Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC), Nuclear and renewable resources are considered. The lead time for conversion of NGOC units to NGCC units is considered as an efficiency improvement tool to reduce the carbon emission. The efficacy of the proposed LC-GEP model in realizing carbon emission targets is investigated under Carbon Cap and Tax policy. A clustering method is utilized to extract some representative days to capture the daily variations of renewable and load scenarios in each year of the planning horizon. Technical constraints including reserve requirement, power balance, and tunnel limits are considered. A new test system is developed for verifying the performance of the model. The proposed multi-year LC-GEP model is formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model and is solved using CPLEX algorithm.

FSDroid:- A feature selection technique to detect malware from Android using Machine Learning Techniques: FSDroid.

With the recognition of free apps, Android has become the most widely used smartphone operating system these days and it naturally invited cyber-criminals to build malware-infected apps that can steal vital information from these devices. The most critical problem is to detect malware-infected apps and keep them out of Google play store. The vulnerability lies in the underlying permission model of Android apps. Consequently, it has become the responsibility of the app developers to precisely specify the permissions which are going to be demanded by the apps during their installation and execution time. In this study, we examine the permission-induced risk which begins by giving unnecessary permissions to these Android apps. The experimental work done in this research paper includes the development of an effective malware detection system which helps to determine and investigate the detective influence of numerous well-known and broadly used set of features for malware detection. To select best features from our collected features data set we implement ten distinct feature selection approaches. Further, we developed the malware detection model by utilizing LSSVM (Least Square Support Vector Machine) learning approach connected through three distinct kernel functions i.e., linear, radial basis and polynomial. Experiments were performed by using 2,00,000 distinct Android apps. Empirical result reveals that the model build by utilizing LSSVM with RBF (i.e., radial basis kernel function) named as FSdroid is able to detect 98.8% of malware when compared to distinct anti-virus scanners and also achieved 3% higher detection rate when compared to different frameworks or approaches proposed in the literature.