Equipment Options Research Articles

REDUCING THE COST OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING

The purpose of this article is to disclose the methodology for reducing costs associated with the use of special equipment for hydraulic fracturing at the wells of Tatneft PJSC. The paper considers in detail a method for optimizing the selection and use of specialized equipment aimed at reducing operating costs and increasing the efficiency of the hydraulic fracturing restoration process.Hydraulic fracturing is an important process in the oil and gas industry, which allows you to increase the flow rate of a well by creating cracks in natural formations. However, the use of specialized equipment for hydraulic fracturing can significantly increase operating costs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a methodology that would optimize the selection and use of such equipment in order to reduce operating costs.The study analyzed various types of specialized equipment available for hydraulic fracturing and compared them in terms of cost of use and efficiency. The results of the study allowed us to identify the optimal equipment options that most effectively combine low operating costs and good hydraulic fracturing recovery rates.Further implementation of the proposed methodology may allow Tatneft PJSC to significantly reduce the cost of hydraulic fracturing and thereby increase its competitiveness in the oil products market. The discoveries made in the framework of this study may be useful for other oil and gas companies involved in hydraulic fracturing, and contribute to more efficient use of resources and lower operating costs in this area.

Hyphenation of microflow chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for bioanalytical applications focusing on low molecular weight compounds: A tutorial review.

Benefits of miniaturized chromatography with various detection modes, such as increased sensitivity, chromatographic efficiency, and speed, were recognized nearly 50 years ago. Over the past two decades, this approach has experienced rapid growth, driven by the emergence of mass spectrometry applications serving -omics sciences and the need for analyzing minute volumes of precious samples with ever higher sensitivity. While nanoscale liquid chromatography (flow rates <1 μL/min) has gained widespread recognition in proteomics, the adoption of microscale setups (flow rates ranging from 1 to 100 μL/min) for low molecular weight compound applications, including metabolomics, has been surprisingly slow, despite the inherent advantages of the approach. Highly heterogeneous matrices and chemical structures accompanied by a relative lack of options for both selective sample preparation and user-friendly equipment are usually reported as major hindrances. To facilitate the wider implementation of microscale analyses, we present here a comprehensive tutorial encompassing important theoretical and practical considerations. We provide fundamental principles in micro-chromatography and guide the reader through the main elements of a microflow workflow, from LC pumps to ionization devices. Finally, based on both our literature overview and experience, illustrated by some in-house data, we highlight the critical importance of the ionization source design and its careful optimization to achieve significant sensitivity improvement.

A digital CAD/CAM configurator for the production of orthodontic appliances – Going new ways

Functional therapy in growing patients is a highly relevant area in orthodontics. With the increasing integration of computer-aided design and manufacturing technology (CAD/CAM) in orthodontics, we are witnessing significant advancements in the design of orthodontic appliances. Modern 3D printing technologies allow for the creation of complex, customized equipment in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner, using robust and durable resins. Additionally, the creative input of dental CAD design programs has led to the development of new designs.The aim of this report is to present a novel digital orthodontic prescription that aligns with the concept of a “full digital workflow”. This prescription utilizes a digital virtual configurator, enabling effective communication between the clinician, the technician and the patient.Using this prescription system, clinicians can easily configurate an orthodontic appliance before sending it to a dental technician for individualisation. 3D printing of the final design can then be performed directly within the dental office or by the technician. This approach allows the clinician to explore different orthodontic equipment options and modules, without the requirement for a demanding and sophisticated design process and without any knowledge of CAD. The availability of the present configurator might represent a fundamental advancement in the field of the CAD/CAM production of removable appliance linked to economic and ecological benefits.

Should I stay or should I go? An exploratory study comparing wheelchair-adapted rowing at home vs. in community gyms

Purpose Wheelchair users experience many barriers to physical activity as affordable and accessible exercise equipment options are limited. Thus, the home-based adapted rower (aROW) and gym-based aROW were developed. The objectives were to determine: 1) wheelchair users’ preferences, perspectives, facilitators, and barriers to using the home-based versus the gym-based aROW, 2) perceived usability of the home and gym aROWs, and 3) recommendations to adapt the aROW further for home and community use. Materials and Methods In this two-phase exploratory mixed-methods study, participants completed one month of using a home aROW, followed by one month of using a community gym aROW. After each phase, participants completed a semi-structured interview and the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. Interview data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and effect size comparing SUS data was calculated. Results and Conclusions Four categories were identified: what worked well, barriers to using the aROWs, what could be improved and important considerations. There was a large effect size in perceived usability between the aROWs with participants preferring the home aROW. Overall, rowing was enjoyable, and participants achieved positive physical outcomes. As preferences are individual, the home aROW provides wheelchair users with a potential choice between home or gym exercise.

ВАРІАНТИ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ВЛАСТИВОСТІ УНІФІКАЦІЇ ПРИ ВИБОРІ КОНСТРУКТИВНО-ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНИХ РІШЕНЬ З’ЄДНАНЬ “МЕТАЛ+КОМПОЗИТ”

Possibility of unification property realization in application to variants of structural-technological solutions of “metal+composite” joints.It is drawn that this property is important for up-today vehicle engineering structures at different goals of its manufacturing. It is shown that there are three possible options can be revealed in metal-composite heterogenous joints realization: with monolithic, cylindrical and sheet transversal fastening connections.Possibility of application sheet transversal fastening elements produced on metal strips is considered exactly. Also, possibility of implementation strips of different materials and thickness is analyzed.The property of unification is most fully manifested at the stages of design, technological preparation of production and production itself. Variants of technological processes for manufacturing sheet fasteners on metal strips using stamping methods or laser cutting are proposed. An analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of these technical processes showed that the most rational method is stamping with bending.Options for route technical processes for forming transversal connections on metal tips using sheet reinforcing elements are proposed.Options for equipment are proposed, with the help of which serial production of teeth on metal strips is possible. It should be noted among these equipment options metal stamps for stamping teeth and using an electro-hydraulic device for bending them.Examples of implementation of design and technological solutions with sheet micro-elements in the manufacture of high-pressure vessels and in the strengthening of bolted joints are given.

Analytical Review on Newly Approved Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Drugs

Diabetes and hypertension are the principal causes of death all over the world. Both diabetes and hypertension coexist frequently. Managing both is a multi-faced task requiring extensive care. Therapeutic intervention optimization and ensuring patient safety are the results of assessing medications in biological samples. The development of an analytical technique specific to the measurement of a medicinal chemical in a certain matrix requires careful consideration of the various equipment options and an understanding of their relative capabilities with regard to selectivity, sensitivity, usability, speed of investigation, etc. This article aimed to systematically analyze many popular quantitative analytical techniques for measuring some newly approved antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs in pharmaceutical planning. Several chromatographic techniques have been employed for quantitative research into these pharmaceuticals. Rapid, accurate, cost-effective, and straightforward drug analysis methods are now essential for developing and using new technologies.

Electrospun nanofiber drug delivery systems and recent applications: An overview

Fiber technology plays a significant role in advancing drug research. While developing drug delivery systems, nanofiber technology has gained importance due to its high surface area to volume ratio and porosity. The most preferred nanofiber production method is the electrospinning method. This review focuses on electrospun nanofiber drug delivery systems, including analysis of critical process parameters affecting electrospinning and nanofiber properties. Moreover, the design strategies for nanofiber drug delivery systems are explored, including equipment preferences and design types. Given to these design strategies, it is possible to design either nanofiber mat or nanofiber itself. It has been shown that a tailor-made drug delivery system can be prepared using axial-based nozzles and other equipment options. In addition, the prominent features and usage areas of frequently used polymers are mentioned. General characterization studies of post-production nanofibers are discussed. Examples of areas of use for pharmaceutical purposes are presented. Finally, drug release kinetics were evaluated on electrospun nanofiber drug delivery systems. As a result of exhaustive evaluations, various effective applications in the literature have been shown to achieve remarkable results such as drug release manipulation, drug targeting, self-assembling formulation strategies. Therefore, it is clear that in the field of electrospun nanofiber technology, it is possible to modify all the process options and develop a unique drug delivery product, thanks to a comprehensive evaluation of the critical quality parameters of the drug product.

Valoración de los atributos para la elección de un centro odontológico en Trujillo, Perú: pacientes versus odontólogos

Objective: To determine the difference between patients and dentists regarding the assessment of attributes for choosing a dental center in Trujillo, Peru. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving a sample of 162 dentists and 162 patients from the Trujillo province in Peru. The data was collected through a virtual questionnaire, validated by experts, and assessed for reliability. Statistical analysis was performed using the U-Mann Whitney and Spearman correlation tests, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: Patients, in comparison to dentists, demonstrated a greater preference for selecting a dental center where the practitioner is a recognized specialist (p&lt;0.001). Similarly, patients showed a preference for centers offering expedited appointments, advanced technology, and equipment, providing affordable and flexible payment options, free consultations, and having convenient parking and comfortable facilities (p&lt;0.05). Conversely, dentists perceived that the most valued attribute by patients is the recommendation of the dentist (p=0.031). Conclusions: When choosing a dental center, patients primarily value attributes related to both the professional responsible for care and administrative management. Conversely, dentists consider the main factor influencing a patient’s choice of dental center to be recommendations of the dentist. Valoración de los atributos para la elección de un centro odontológico en Trujillo, Perú: pacientes versus odontólogos.

К вопросу о множественной концептуализации исторического кванториума

The article examines the possibilities of conceptual substantiation of the historical quantorium as a digital edu-cational platform within the framework of studying the history of the native land. The authors’ assumption re-garding the possible mitigation of the risks of digital education “Generation Z” (as well as the ability to over-come the “digital divide” at the level of semantic and ideological transformation of traditional practices through the justification and implementation of the digital historical quantorium) is explicated by a synthesis of various models and their own proposals. The multivalence of conceptual approaches to quantoriums, associated with their habitual consideration as natural science platforms, is rethought in the perspective of the development of digital historical education. The key characteristics of the digital historical quantorium are highlighted, the main directions and types of activity of the participants are determined, and possible options for methodological equipment of the educational platform are proposed (projects with elements of augmented reality, interactive maps, interactive desktops, video games).

Stabilisation and resuscitation with intact cord circulation is feasible using a wide variety of approaches; a scoping review.

This scoping review identified studies on approaches to intact cord resuscitation and/or stabilisation (ICR/S) for neonates delivered by Caesarean section (C-section). A systematic literature search was carried out using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane and CINAHL databases to identify papers published in English from inception to 14 November 2022. We assessed 2613 studies and included 18 from 10 countries, covering 1-125 C-sections: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Italy, China, France, The Netherlands, New Zealand and Taiwan. The papers were published from 2014 to 2023, and the majority were randomised controlled trials and observational studies. Different platforms, equipment and staff positions in relation to the operating table were described. Options for resuscitation and stabilisation included different bedding and trolley approaches, and maintaining aseptic conditions was mainly addressed by the neonatal team scrubbing in. Hypothermia was prevented by using warm surfaces, polythene bags and radiant heaters. Equipment was kept easily accessible by mounting it on a trolley or a separate mobile pole. We could not reach definitive conclusions on the optimal method for performing ICR/S during a C-section, due to study variations. However, a number of equipment and management options appeared to be feasible approaches.

Integrated Continuous Wet Granulation and Drying: Process Evaluation and Comparison with Batch Processing.

The pharmaceutical industry is in the midst of a transition from traditional batch processes to continuous manufacturing. However, the challenges in making this transition vary depending on the selected manufacturing process. Compared with other oral solid dosage processes, wet granulation has been challenging to move towards continuous processing since traditional equipment has been predominantly strictly batch, instead of readily adapted to material flow such as dry granulation or tablet compression, and there have been few equipment options for continuous granule drying. Recently, pilot and commercial scale equipment combining a twin-screw wet granulator and a novel horizontal vibratory fluid-bed dryer have been developed. This study describes the process space of that equipment and compares the granules produced with batch high-shear and fluid-bed wet granulation processes. The results of this evaluation demonstrate that the equipment works across a range of formulations, effectively granulates and dries, and produces granules of similar or improved quality to batch wet granulation and drying.

Methodology to capture the single blade loads on a cross-flow tidal turbine flume model

The OPTIDE project aims to improve the efficiency and durability of Hydro-kinetic cross-flow tidal turbines (CFTT). These turbines are attractive for the exploitation of tidal energy, as the area-based power density of such turbine arrays is higher in comparison to those from horizontal-axis turbines. CFTT also generally feature a simpler design and the ability to operate under varying flow conditions. Nevertheless, the efficiency of single CFTT is lower relative to the most commonly used axial turbine type. Furthermore the life time can be affected by alternating and pulsating stresses, caused by continuous variations of the angle of attack and hydraulic loads during the rotation. These stresses may lead to structural damage and fatigue-induced material failures. A promising approach to overcome these drawbacks is intracycle blade pitching. In this case the angle of attack is continuously adjusted individually for each blade during the rotation. The consequence is smoothed peaks of the load alternations and a higher power coefficient CP . The project aims to explore the influence of active blade pitching on CFTTs and to optimize it with numerical and experimental means. Therefore, a lab-scaled three-bladed experimental turbine with embedded pitch actuators is developed. The model will subsequently be tested in the lab flume of the Institute of Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics of the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. Blade forces in tangential and radial components as well as the machine torque and the rotational speed are measured during the experiments. The turbine is equipped with two full-bridges of strain gauges for the detection of the blade loads, from which the structural stress is calculated subsequently. To ensure the turbine model’s mechanical durability, weakly coupled fluid-solid-interaction (FSI) simulations have been performed and will be presented. To this purpose, a 2D flow analysis, employing the open-source CFD toolkit OpenFOAM (v2206), has been coupled with a 3D structural analysis, using the Mechanical module of the commercial software package Ansys Workbench (2020 R2). The FSI simulations show that the current setup only allows for the measurement of the radial blade load component, because the pitching moment at blade level interferes with the measurements as soon as the profile stalls. The measurements are further distorted by secondary force paths from the loads on the other rotor blades. Possible measures for an improved instrumentation strategy on the flume model will be presented and discussed. It is shown that multiple equipment options allow for a decent investigation of the forces on blade level.

Sustainable energy transition and decision-making for enhancing the performance of building equipment in diverse climatic conditions

The utilization of renewable resources for energy generation holds paramount significance in ensuring substantial and enduring growth for every nation. Both developing and developed countries heavily rely on conventional energy sources like coal, petroleum, and natural gas in thermal power plants, resulting in significant environmental impact due to their emissions. This research culminates in the successful evaluation of alternative approaches to implement sustainable green structures using an innovative scientific technique. This research has effectively identified ten key challenges impeding operational efficiency in the construction industry. The application of the groundbreaking Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technology facilitated the simultaneous ranking of the most optimal solutions. The precise assessment of numerous Energy Management equipment options for sustainable green buildings was achieved, highlighting the tool’s impartiality and neutrality in addressing Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) challenges. The ‘Roof-mounted Solar Photovoltaic (SPV)’ configuration consistently ranked first across all MCDM solution techniques examined in this study. This robust consensus underscores the significance of solar panels followed by biodiesel nanoparticles energy generation as the preferred choice. In conclusion, the impartiality of the tools used to address multi-criteria challenges in “greening building” projects empowers decision-makers within institutions to make informed investment choices. By considering the rankings generated by these tools, funding can be directed towards the most appropriate projects. Following prioritization, the alternatives are ranked as follows: Solar thermal setup > Installing sunshade devices > Light switches > Free cooling > Controlling the cooling & heating of spaces > Utilizing the chiller’s waste heat > Energy-efficient light bulbs > Electrical appliance energy efficiency ratings > Effective active space cooling solutions.

Neonatal venoarterial and venovenous ECMO

ECMO remains an important support tool in the treatment of neonates with reversible congenital cardiopulmonary diseases. There are specific circumstances that call for either venoarterial (VA) or venovenous (VV) ECMO in neonates. While limited by the infant's the size and gestational age, ECMO can confer exceptional survival rates to a number of neonates who can often develop without devastating complications. However, it remains a labor and time intensive endeavor, which may be impractical or unattainable in resource-limited environments. While adult and pediatric ECMO indications and equipment options have expanded in recent years, neonatal ECMO continues to be a niche subspecialty requiring specific expertise and technical skill, especially considering the ever-changing neonatal physiology in the setting of cardiopulmonary support.It is critical to recognize the unique approaches to cannulation options, imaging, vessel management, anticoagulation, and monitoring protocols to achieve optimal outcomes. Thus, it becomes nearly impossible to separate the role of pediatric surgeons from the continuous involvement with and management of neonatal ECMO patients. This necessitates that pediatric surgeons in ECMO centers continue to hone their expertise and remain heavily involved in neonatal ECMO. This section reviews the most critical current approaches and unresolved controversies in neonatal ECMO with special attention to the practical aspects and decisions a surgeon faces in initiation and termination of neonatal ECMO.

Simulation analysis of high-throughput oyster cryopreservation at three scales of production.

Cryopreservation and germplasm repositories offer a variety of potential benefits to aquaculture industries. Despite this, no comprehensive repository systems exist for any prominent aquaculture species. A species that could greatly benefit from the use of cryopreserved sperm and repository storage is the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. High-throughput cryopreservation protocols already exist for this species, and the easy transport of frozen sperm could facilitate selective breeding programs that address pressing challenges currently faced in the industry, such as mortality due to low-salinity conditions. This study addressed the gap between cryopreservation protocols and repository development in the oyster industry by creating simulation models to evaluate cryopreservation needs at three different scales of production. The effects of high-throughput device options and three key parameters (straws per oyster, batch size, and number of operators) on production capacity, time, and cost were evaluated. Recommendations for decisions concerning cryopreservation pathways and repository creation were given at each scale of production. Relative values of broodstock, juvenile oysters, and oyster sperm sold at hatcheries were also discussed. In general, repositories operating at higher production levels benefited from the economy of scale, could use automated high-throughput equipment options, and could hire more labor without drastically increasing production costs.

Justification of the optimal option and transportation parameters for export supplies using marine transport

The object of this research is transport provision of supplies using sea transport. The problem of increasing the efficiency of transportation of bulk cargo by bulk carriers or universal destination by optimizing the option and parameters of transport equipment is considered. For categories of goods that are exported using sea transport, it is possible to use not only different options for transport equipment – own or leased (for vessels – time charter), but also different options from the point of view of the parameters of the vehicles. In this paper, the parameters are understood as the characteristics of sea vessels, on which the main economic indicators depend – deadweight, which reflects the size of the vessel and its carrying capacity for bulk carriers; as well as the age of the courts, which determines the cost of their rent and the level of operational costs. The result of the research is an optimization model that allows to determine for each market a variant of transport equipment and its parameters. Model not only distributes deliveries according to transport options, but also determines which vessels of what size and age (for time charter) should carry out transportation. These results are focused on the exporter's decision-making process about sales markets in combination with decisions on transport provision before concluding contracts. Varying the size and age of the vessels makes it possible to consider a wider range of options from the point of view of parameters. The practical use of the model allows the exporter at the stage of preparation (before the conclusion of contracts) depending on the volume of supplies and the market situation, including the freight one, to make decisions about options for transport support, which is taken into account when formulating transport conditions of contracts. Integral consideration of commercial (volumes of deliveries, transport terms of contracts), economic (price levels, freight rates, costs) and technological (size of vessels and their age) factors within the framework of the model allows taking into account the multifaceted nature of the problem of transport provision.

Exercise Habits and Resources for Southeastern US Firefighters.

This study aimed to assess exercise habits and facility resources accessible to southeastern US firefighters. Firefighters completed questionnaires on topics including demographics, work demands, exercise methods, and facility resources. Sixty-six percent of participants reported they engage in exercise ≥30 min/d. More firefighters engaged in exercise when better on-site equipment options were available ( P = 0.001). Perception of how on-shift exercise impacts occupational performance did not impact their on-shift exercise ( P = 0.17). Although 34% reported not meeting exercise guidelines, the majority of southeastern US firefighters reported meeting these guidelines and allotted exercise time on-shift. Exercise habits are impacted by equipment options, but not call volume or perception of on-shift exercise. Open-ended question responses suggested that perception of on-shift exercise did not deter firefighters from exercising on-shift but may impact intensity.

Trends in the development of the processing of melons and gourds

The review of equipment for processing and technology of processing melons and gourds is given. Primary processing of gourds has not been industrialized in the CIS countries and abroad until recent years. Theoretical prerequisites for the creation of products based on melon are presented, the issues of rational use of melon for the production of long-term storage products are highlighted. The main physical-mechanical and rheological properties of pumpkin, melon and watermelon fruits are given. The proposed options for equipment and technological lines for the processing of watermelon, melon, pumpkin fruits are presented. The technologies for processing the fruits of watermelon and melon are described.&#x0D; The object of research: Melons and gourds, namely processing technology&#x0D; Investigated problem: Imperfect technologies for processing melon fruits.&#x0D; The main scientific results: systematization of data on the problem of processing melon fruits for food in order to choose a rational way to improve processing technologies.&#x0D; The area of practical use of the research results: The bottom line is the developed technologies&#x0D; Innovative technological product: technology for processing gourds.&#x0D; Scope of the technological innovative product: food industry (Food production).

Multiobjective Optimization for Improving Sustainable Equipment Options in Road Construction Projects

The increasing awareness of sustainability has resulted in the progressive regulation of contractors for public projects to lower the pollution associated with their equipment fleet. Nevertheless, such implementation has not been fully developed yet due to the challenges this presents to contractor profitability and the practical usefulness of decision-support tools. This paper developed a sustainable equipment fleet (SEF) decision-support optimization model with the capability to reduce the CO2 emissions of construction equipment and to minimize the equipment fleet modification cost, subject to the contractor’s budget and time constraints. The model utilizes a multiobjective genetic algorithm (GA) to search for the combination of equipment utilization, equipment model, and sustainable options that provide the optimal equipment fleet options to contractors. The results from the case study of a road construction project demonstrated the tradeoff between emissions and costs, with a wide range of optimal sustainable equipment fleet options. In addition, the fuel equivalent ratio (FER) and the equipment cost-effective ratio (CER) were newly established to normalize pollutant generation and equipment investment and to enable equipment comparisons for facilitating equipment selection by the contractor. The findings suggested that equipment selection involving a lower FER is preferable for sustainability and likewise, a lower CER for the cost aspect. However, effectiveness was measured as the proportion of FER to CER, with higher effectiveness when the proportion was lower. This paper facilitates the assessment and prioritization by construction companies of their equipment investment options to satisfy sustainability requirements.

Digitalization of technological and design decisions making processes in modern construction

The results of the study can expand the implementation field of the “decisions tree” method. This method can be used in the design decision making processes and technological equipment options when choosing construction equipment for the production of earthwork. The study was carried out on the example of the “Voznesensky” Architectural Ensemble? in Tyumen, hereinafter “Voznesensky AE”. Following goals were achieved: options for a traditional approach to determining the need for construction equipment were considered; models and methods of making managerial decisions were analyzed; the method of “decisions tree” was studied, advantages and disadvantages were identified. The “decisions tree” method ia successfully applied in a digital experiment and recommended for real implementation in the development of an algorithm for making design decisions and when choosing options for mechanizing the production of excavation work using the Deductor Academic Studio program at the construction of a real facility. Currently, there are no cases of direct application of the «decision tree» method in the management of projects in the Russian construction industry. There are no published research results to introduce the «decision tree» method in the processes of design and production decisions.