Manometric Research Articles

Demonstration of a Transparent and Adhesive Sealing Top for Microfluidic Lab-Chip Applications.

A transparent and adhesive film-based enclosing and sealing method is here presented for out-of-cleanroom-based open-form microfluidic devices. The commercially available polyester flexible film known as Microseal 'B' is presented in this paper as a cover seal for open-form microfluidic devices. This film is adaptable to high working temperatures and is biocompatible. The quality of the sealing film was investigated by leak tests, fluorescence tests, and contact angle measurements. The investigations revealed its sealing strength, fluorescence detection compatibility, and surface wettability. It was found that the proposed sealing polyester film on the 3D-printed device could sustain a gauge pressure of 2.7 atm at a flow rate of 4 mL/min without any leaks. It also provided fluorescence detection compatibility and an intensity-to-background ratio in the range of 2.3 to 4.5 for particle sizes of 5 μm and 15 μm, respectively, which is comparable with the performances of other sealing materials. The film's hydrophobicity is comparable to other polymers used in microfluidics. This paper concludes by showcasing some applications of such transparent tops in classical microfluidic devices used for droplet generation and fluid mixing, in order to demonstrate the prospects of this fabrication technique in lab-on-a-chip devices.

Ten Years of Experience on the Effectiveness and Efficiency of the Cleanfield Device in Cardiothoracic Surgery

AbstractThe process of blood management and treatment from the surgical field to produce concentrated red blood cells (RBC) is crucial in the context of cardiothoracic surgery and in other branch of surgery. The role of autotransfusion reservoir is not well described in the literature in terms of superiority suction for hemolysis prevention. In this context, we presented a ten-year single-center retrospective analysis on suction, filtering, and blood collection from surgical field through the use of the Cleanfield Autotransfusion Reservoir (Eurosets SRL, Medolla, Italy) in terms of performance, effectiveness, and safety. From January 2013 to January 2023 were collected and analyzed the consecutive uses of Cleanfield Autotransfusion Reservoir in a single cardiothoracic surgery center Anthea Hospital Gvm Care & Research, Bari, Italy. For single procedure, the number of cleanfield disposable used, the relative maximum blood volume filtered and collected, the suction pressure from devices through vacuum meter and the electronic suction pressure measurements in the devices for suctions and the presence and the incidence of adverse events during the use (implosion, clot formation, inability to cell saver use, inability to suction during the use) were analyzed. 5202 Cleanfield disposable autotransfusion reservoir were analyzed for blood volume suction, filtering and collection on 5199 cardiac surgery procedures, the maximum blood volume filtered and collected was 1997 ± 123 ml, the mean suction pressure measured from the device with vacuum meter during suction use was 38 ± 3 mmHg, the mean suction pressure measured in the device during suction use was 38 ± 2 mmHg, no presence of adverse event was reported for implosion, clot formation, inability to cell saver use, and inability to suction during the use. In our retrospective report, the use of Cleanfield autotransfusion reservoir (Eurosets SRL, Medolla Italy) in cardiothoracic surgery context was safe and effective for blood volume suction, filtering, and collection.

Comparison between Microwave Radar Gauge and Pressure Gauge in Monitoring Sea Level Surface at Alexandria Naval Port

Comparison between Microwave Radar Gauge and Pressure Gauge in Monitoring Sea Level Surface at Alexandria Naval Port

Technological challenges in manufacturing of vacuum gauge thermionic cathode using thick-film technology

Abstract This paper focuses on the development of a technological challenges of manufacturing the planar ceramic vacuum sensor based on the principles of hot-cathode ionization in the Bayard-Alpert configuration. The goal is to simplify the technological process by utilizing planar platinum structures with gold electrical paths instead of 3-dimensional structures. Various methods were tested, including the use of carbon-based SVM (Sacrifice Volume Materials) materials, but without success. Wet-etching using potassium hydroxide on Al2O3 substrates showed promise results. The findings highlight the challenges and progress made in developing the thermo-emittercomponent of the vacuum sensor.

Real‐Time Water Levels Using GNSS‐IR: A Potential Tool for Flood Monitoring

AbstractGlobal Navigation Satellite System Interferometric Reflectometry (GNSS‐IR) using low‐cost antennas is a practical solution for monitoring water levels from rivers, lakes and seas that does not require submerging any instruments in water. Here we present a novel method for obtaining real‐time water levels using multiple low‐cost antennas that we validate by comparing with measurements from a co‐located pressure gauge at two sites with variable tides. Additionally, we use survey measurements to show that there is a site‐dependant mean bias in GNSS‐IR measurements up to a few centimeters, but this mean bias can be effectively removed by using a correction for the effect of tropospheric delay. We conclude that GNSS‐IR water level sensors could be a powerful tool for real‐time applications such as flood or storm surge monitoring and water resource management, as well as for improving the spatial coverage of sensors in remote regions.

Optimizing suction force in mechanical thrombectomy: Priming the aspiration tubing with air versus saline.

We sought to investigate how priming the tube between air versus air mixed with saline ex vivo influenced suction force. We examined how priming the tube influenced peak suction force and time to achieve peak suction force between both modalities. Using a Dwyer Instruments (Dwyer Instruments Inc., Michigan City, IN, USA), INC Digitial Pressure Gauge, we were able to connect a .072 inch aspiration catheter to a rotating hemostatic valve and to aspiration tubing. We recorded suction force measured in negative inches of Mercury (inHg) over 10 iterations between having the aspiration tube primed with air alone versus air mixed with saline. A test was used to compare results between both modalities. Priming the tube with air alone compared to air mixed with saline was found to have an increased average max suction force (-28.60 versus -28.20 in HG, p<0.01). We also identified a logarithmic curve of suction force across time in which time to maximal suction force was more prompt with air compared with air mixed with saline (13.8 seconds versus 21.60 seconds, p<0.01). Priming the tube with air compared to air mixed with saline suggests that not only is increased maximal suction force achieved, but also the time required to achieve maximal suction force is less. This data suggests against priming the aspiration tubing with saline and suggests that the first pass aspiration primed with air may have the greatest suction force.

Cylindrical single-wall and double-wall structures with or without internal water subjected to underwater shock loading

A series of experimental studies were conducted for cylindrical structures subjected to underwater shock loading to understand their dynamic responses and failure characteristics. All tests were performed inside an anechoic water tank. The submerged test cylinders were freely suspended, and an underwater shock loading was generated by the Compressed Air Shock Pipe Underwater Release (CASPUR) system. Cylinders were made of two different materials. The first group of cylinders was fabricated from carbon fiber and resin using the filament winding technique. The winding angles were ± 45° resulting in the same properties along axial and hoop directions. The second group of cylinders was constructed using a 3-D printer with polylactic acid (PLA) material. The 3-D printed cylinders had an orthotropic material property with different values in the axial and hoop directions. Both single-wall and double-wall cylindrical structures were tested. The latter consisted of two concentric cylinders of different diameters with uniform spacing between them. In addition, within the single-wall cylinders and the annuli of double-wall cylinders, the water fill was varied at 0%, 50%, or 100%. Pressure and strain gages were used to measure the shock pressure and deformation of the cylinders. The number of cylinders such as single-wall or double-wall and the internal water resulted in significant effects on the measured dynamic response (i.e., strain gage response) as well as the failure loading and failure characteristics including major failure locations. Internal water reduced the strain on the cylinders and made them withstand greater shock loading for both single-wall and double-wall cylinders.

Cold atom technology applied to ultra-high vacuum (UHV) measurements

Accurate measurements in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) are increasingly critical for scientific research and industrial applications. Here, we report an experimental study of UHV measurements performed on a 7Li cold atom vacuum measurement setup. The setup enables cold atom vacuum measurements in the magneto-optical and magnetic traps (CAVM-MOT and CAVM-MT), respectively. The precision of the vacuum measurements in both traps was effectively improved after optimisation of the excited-state fraction data processing for CAVM-MOT and the initial loading control method for CAVM-MT. A comparison of the measurement methods was carried out in combination with an ionisation gauge, revealing the good linearity and accuracy of the CAVM. We believe that CAVM in the two potential traps have their own application situations and development directions, respectively.

The Procedure for Measuring Fuel Pressure on an Injection Motorbike Uses a Pressure Gauge

This study aimed to design and test a fuel pump pressure tester for injection motors to measure fuel pressure and determine whether the fuel pump is working properly. The qualitative method was used in the design process, which included creating design concepts, observation, and data processing. A literature review was conducted to strengthen the research results. The functional test in the final process showed that the tool could work well and provide information in measuring fuel pressure from the fuel pump. The implication of this study is that the fuel pump pressure tester can be used to prevent engine failure and improve engine performance. Highlight: Qualitative method used in the design process Literature review conducted to strengthen research results Functional test showed tool can measure fuel pressure accurately Keywords: fuel pump pressure tester, injection motors, fuel pressure, engine failure, engine performance.

Characterization of a NEG cartridge under high pressure conditions

The development of advanced sintered pumping elements based on the ZAO® alloy, characterized by a high affinity towards hydrogen and its isotopes, make Non Evaporable Getter (NEG) pumps particularly appealing for applications in fusion research, which typically deal with large fluxes of these gaseous species. NEG getters show high pumping speeds and capacity, excellent reliability with ability to withstand a high number of loading and unloading cycles without showing any type of failure, ease of integration within a complex system (such as a fusion reactor) because of their high specific properties and the simplicity of the mechanism that regulates its operation. These properties make NEG technology particularly suitable for the development of compact, efficient and easily scalable solutions, which are also very safe, since the release of absorbed hydrogen is prevented in the case of power outage or subsystem failures, as it can occur only by providing an adequate amount of heat to the getter material. This paper reports the results of an experimental campaign conducted on a new type of NEG pump, aimed to obtaining an accurate characterization in response to different operating conditions. Hydrogen pumping speed was investigated in a range of pressures of particular interest for the activities of the Divertor Tokamak Test facility (between 0.1 and 10 Pa). The influence of nitrogen absorption and getter material operating temperature on the pumping performances of the NEG pump were also examined. Finally, numerical simulations have been performed to estimate the nominal pumping speed of the NEG pump, that is, the one acting at the absorbing surface, stripped of the effects of the conductance of the paths from the pump NEG to the pressure gauges.

Evaluation of bovine carbonic anhydrase for promoting CO2 capture via reaction with KOH and high-salinity reject brine

In this study, we investigate the preliminary effect of bovine carbonic anhydrase (BCA) catalyst on CO2 capture via a reaction with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and reject brine under different operational conditions. Experiments were performed at a constant gauge pressure of 2 bar, with a CO2 inlet concentration of 10% and a CO2 flow rate of 776 mL/min. First, the impact of the BCA catalyst on CO2 capture in the absence of the alkaline material (KOH) was studied. Results showed that using 3-mg/L BCA increases the CO2 capture by 181% compared with the case without BCA. Second, the effect of BCA on CO2 uptake and ions reduction was examined in the presence of KOH. At a KOH concentration of 10-g/L, BCA concentration of 50-mg/L, and temperature of 40℃, a CO2 uptake value of 0.08 g CO2/g KOH was obtained. In comparison, adding 30-g/L KOH and 50-mg/L BCA increased the CO2 uptake by 737.5% (0.67 g CO2/g KOH). Furthermore, the sodium (Na+) reduction percentage reached a maximum of 40.8% at KOH and BCA concentrations of 30 g/L and 50 mg/L, respectively. However, increasing the BCA concentration to 100 mg/L negatively impacted CO2 capture and ion removal, indicating that the BCA concentration could be better optimized to achieve maximum efficiency. Additionally, when the BCA concentration was increased from 50 to 100 mg/L, the reaction rate remained nearly constant at 0.0047 mol/L·min.

Investigation on the pressure drop characteristics of ITER thermal shield cooling pipes

This paper presents the experimental results of the pressure drop through the cooling pipes of the ITER Thermal Shield (TS) panels. High pressure and room temperature nitrogen gas is selected for the experiment, which is equivalent operating condition with the 80 K helium gas from fluid mechanics point of view. Flow rate is set by a mass flow controller and pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the cooling pipe is measured by a differential pressure gauge. The experimental set-up is open loop type, which is connected to high pressure gas bottle. Flexible corrugated pipes are used to connect the TS cooling pipes with the measurement system line. The effect of the corrugated pipe is evaluated separately and excluded from the measurement results of the TS pipes. Test results of several TS panels are shown in this paper and are compared with the calculation using existing friction factor correlation and local loss coefficient of the pipe bends. The limitation of the calculation is discussed considering the hydrodynamic developing flow in the pipe routing.

Effect of twisting of intravitreal injections on ocular bio-mechanics: a novel insight to ocular surgery.

Although intravitreal (IVT) injections provide several advantages in treating posterior segment eye diseases, several associated challenges remain. The current study uses the finite element method (FEM) to highlight the effect of IVT needle rotation along the insertion axis on the reaction forces and deformation inside the eye. A comparison of the reaction forces at the eye's key locations has been made with and without rotation. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of various parameters, such as the needle's angular speed, insertion location, angle, gauge, shape, and intraocular pressure (IOP), has been carried out to delineate the individual parameter's effect on reaction forces during rotation. Results demonstrate that twisting the needle significantly reduces the reaction forces at the penetration location and throughout the needle travel length, resulting in quicker penetration. Moreover, ocular biomechanics are influenced by needle insertion location, angle, shape, size, and IOP. The reaction forces incurred by the patient may be reduced by using a bevel needle of the higher gauge when inserted close to the normal of the local scleral surface toward the orra serrata within the Pars Plana region. Results obtained from the current study can deepen the understanding of the twisting needle's interaction with the ocular tissue.

Experimental Study of Failures of the Rigid Spinal Posterior Fixation System Under Compressive Load Conditions: A Cadaver Study.

Background Many studies have been conducted on the biomechanics of the spine to elucidate the fixation properties of spinal fusion surgery and the causes of instrumentation failure. Among these studies, there are some studies on load sharing in the spine and measurement using strain gauges and pressure gauges, but there is a lack of research on axial compressive loads. Methods Axial compressive load tests were performed on human cadaveric injured lumbar vertebrae fixed with pedicle screws (PS). Both the strain generated in the PS rod and the intradiscal pressure were measured. Subsequently, the stress generated in the PS rod and the load sharing of the spine and instrumentation were calculated. Results Even when only compressive load is applied, bending stress of more than 10 times the compression stress was generated in the rod, and the stress tended to concentrate on one rod. Rod deformation becomes kyphotic, in contrast to the lordotic deformation behavior of the lumbar spine. The stress shielding rate was approximately 40%, less than half. Conclusions This study obtained basic data useful for constructing and verifying numerical simulations that are effective for predicting and elucidating the causes of dislodgement and failure of spinal implants.

Highly‐Sensitive, Tri‐Modal Luminescent Manometer Utilizing Band‐Shift, Ratiometric and Lifetime‐Based Sensing Parameters

AbstractIn addressing the broad spectrum of applications for optical pressure sensors, their predominant drawback lies in their limited sensitivity to pressure fluctuations. To overcome these constraints, this study introduces a luminescent manometer harnessing the emission properties of Cr3+ ions in Li3Sc2(PO4)3, operational in three distinct reading modes: spectral shift, ratiometric, and lifetime‐based. Notably, the conducted research establishes this luminescent manometer as the most sensitive reported to date in both spectra shift (λ/dp = 23.9 nm/GPa) and lifetime‐based (SR = 93.56%/GPa) modes. A departure from conventional lifetime‐based luminescent pressure gauges, Li3Sc2(PO4)3:Cr3+ exhibits a prolongation of lifetime of the 4T2 state correlated with increasing pressure. The advantages extend beyond sensitivity, encompassing a three‐fold surge in emission intensity with pressure escalation from ambient to 3 GPa, coupled with minimal susceptibility to temperature‐induced fluctuations. Unquestionably, Li3Sc2(PO4)3:Cr3+ showcases remarkable manometric performance, validating its significant application potential in diverse scenarios within the realm of optical pressure sensors.

Dynamic Simulation Platform Aids Deep Transient Tests, Well-Control Safety

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 215454, “Enhancing Well-Control Safety With Dynamic Well-Control Cloud Solutions: Case Studies of Successful Deep Transient Tests in Southeast Asia,” by M. Ashraf Abu Talib, SPE, M. Shahril Ahmad Kassim, and Izral Izarruddin Marzuki, SPE, Petronas, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ The complete paper addresses challenges related to well control and highlights the successful implementation of deep transient tests (DTT) in an offshore well performed with the help of a dynamic well-control simulation platform. The paper aims to provide insights into the prejob simulation process, which ensured a safer operation from a well-control perspective. Additionally, a comparison between simulated and actual sensor measurements during the DTT operation is presented. DTT DTT is a formation-testing (FT) method that allows pressure transient tests that reach deeper into the formation compared with conventional interval pressure transient tests (IPTT). DTT enables the testing of formations with higher permeability, greater thickness, and lower viscosity and real-time measurement of crucial parameters. During a DTT, formation fluid is pumped from the reservoir; upon stopping the pump, the formation pressure begins to recover as fluid further from the wellbore replaces the extracted fluid. By analyzing the resulting pressure transient, properties such as formation permeability, permeability anisotropy, and other characteristics can be determined. DTT allows for a better understanding of reservoir characteristics and rock heterogeneity. When properly designed and executed, DTT can reveal potential baffles and boundaries within the radius of investigation. A further advantage of DTT over drillstem tests (DST) is its minimal fluid flow, which allows for the attainment of objectives while contributing to the United Nations sustainable development goals. In DTT operations, the FT tool is connected to the drillpipe through a circulating sub and a slip joint. The circulating sub plays a critical role in DTT operations because it enables the continuous mixing of pumped formation fluid with circulated mud and facilitates its transportation to the surface (Fig. 1). Typically, a constant circulation rate ranging from 100 to 250 gal/min is maintained. During circulation, the annular preventer is closed and the mud/hydrocarbon mixture is directed through the choke line to the mud/gas separator (MGS) once it reaches the surface. No formation fluids are flared during DTT operations. Instead, the circulated oil is retained in the mud and only small amounts of gas are vented. By use of a slip joint, the FT remains anchored to the borehole wall. A high-resolution pressure gauge is used to capture and interpret even minor pressure fluctuations during the pressure transient buildup.

Experimental validation on a calibration position of a hot-wire anemometer for measuring multi-scale grid-generated turbulence

This study aims to experimentally examine conditions that should be satisfied by a calibration position of a constant-temperature hot-wire anemometer. Specifically, this study addresses an appropriate measurement point when this calibration is performed downstream of a turbulent field generated by a multi-scale turbulence grid. The hot-wire measurement in this study is based on an I-type probe with a standard 5 μm tungsten wire. The hot-wire anemometer in this study is small and can be attached to a probe support. In this study, uncertainty in the calibration curve of the hot-wire measurement is first checked. Here, Pitot tube velocimetry to obtain the calibration curves is carried out using two bell-type micro-differential pressure gauges. Then, the characteristics of the obtained velocity fluctuations and turbulence will be examined. Based on this relative velocity fluctuation RMS value, the effects of the obtained streamwise velocity fluctuation on output voltage are obtained by asymptotically expanding a calibration curve. Using these results, the intensity of the free-stream turbulence, which has a negligible effect on output voltage giving a calibration curve, is clarified.

Flowing Bottomhole Pressure during Gas Lift in Unconventional Oil Wells

Summary We present artificial neural network (ANN) models for predicting the flowing bottomhole pressure (FBHP) of unconventional oil wells under gas lift operations. Well parameters, fluid properties, production/injection data, and bottomhole gauge pressures from 16 shale oil wells in Permian Basin, Texas, USA, are analyzed to determine key parameters affecting FBHP during the gas lift operation. For the reservoir fluid properties, several pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) models, such as Benedict-Webb-Rubin (BWR); Lee, Gonzalez, and Eakin; and Standing, among others, are examined against experimentally tuned fluid properties (i.e., viscosity, formation volume factor, and solution gas-oil ratio) to identify representative fluid (PVT) models for oil and gas properties. Pipe flow models (i.e., Hagedorn and Brown; Gray, Begs and Brill; and Petalas and Aziz) are also examined by comparing calculated FBHP against the bottomhole gauge pressures to identify a representative pipe flow model. Training and test data sets are then generated using the representative PVT and pipe flow models to develop a physics-based ANN model. The physics-based ANN model inputs are hydrocarbon fluid properties, liquid flow rate (qL), gas-liquid ratio (GLR), water-oil ratio (WOR), well true vertical depth (TVD), wellhead pressure (Pwh), wellhead temperature (Twh), and temperature gradient (dT/dh). A data-based ANN model is also developed based on only TVD, Pwh, qL, GLR, and WOR. Both physics- and data-based ANN models are trained through hyperparameter optimization using genetic algorithm and K-fold validation and then tested against the gauge FBHP. The results reveal that both models perform well with the FBHP prediction from field data with a normalized mean absolute error (NMAE) of around 10%. However, a comparison between results from the physics- and data-based ANN models shows that the accuracy of the physics-based model is higher at the later phase of the gas lift operation when the steady-state pipe flow is well established. On the contrary, the data-based model performs better for the early phase of gas lift operation when transient flow behavior is dominant. Developed ANN models and workflows can be applied to optimize gas lift operations under different fluid and well conditions.

A MEMS Friction Gauge For High Vacuum Measurement

A MEMS Friction Gauge For High Vacuum Measurement

Experimental study of the time of pressure rise and fall in the sprayer pipe

A wide variety of meteorological factors, soil and climatic conditions, the saturation of fields with many types of weeds, a significant set of cultivated plants and many other factors necessitate the implementation of innovative technological schemes for the use of pesticides, which will reduce the pesticide load as much as possible and determine the safe environmental effect of preparations. Experimental studies were carried out to determine the time of pressure rise and fall in the sprayer pipe and to establish the corresponding functional dependencies. The automatic adjustment system of the application rate was set to change the pressure when the green simulation surface hit 0.5 MPa, and the yellow surface hit 0.2 MPa. Sensor impact on a surface of different colours was simulated. At the same time, the pressure in the system changed. The pressure in the sprayer pipe of trailer sprayer OP-2000-2 was measured using a WIKAI EN837-1 pressure gauge and the readings were recorded with a Panasonic NV-GS75 digital video camera mounted on a Continent TRIPOD A2 stand. As a result of calculating the experimental data, it was found that the arithmetic mean of pressure reduction from 0.5 to 0.2 MPa is 1.94 s. And the arithmetic mean for four experiments, a pressure reduction of 0.05 MPa is 0.32 s. When calculating the experimental data of the pressure rise, it was found that the arithmetic mean of the pressure rise from 0.2 to 0.5 MPa is 2.37 s. And the average value for four experiments, the pressure rise by 0.05 MPa is 0.395 s. After approximation of experimental data obtained during single-factor experiments, when the pressure P and the corresponding time values t change, the corresponding polynomial functions describing the characteristic t=f(P) when operating a sprayer with automatic application rate control were obtained. The results obtained would allow calculating the time of delay or advance opening of the spray torch when working with variable standards for target plans, in order to avoid non-compliance with the application rate with the specified values