Proprietary Processes Research Articles

Cyclic fatigue resistance of two pediatric rotary files manufactured with different heat treatments: an in-vitro study.

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments offer many advantages during endodontic instrumentation; however, the fracture risk within the canal remains a concern. Manufacturers continuously develop and introduce instruments to the market with supposedly enhanced cyclic fatigue resistance and increased flexibility, achieved through different proprietary manufacturing processes, the details of which have not been made public. In recent years, two rotary systems specially designed for deciduous teeth have been commercially available, but information about their performance is lacking. This investigation aimed to identify which manufacturing process provides better cyclic fatigue resistance: the AF-H Wire technology used in the AF baby rotary files (AF-f) or the CM-Wire technology used in the i3 Gold deciduous teeth rotary files (i3G-f). Forty rotary International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 25/04 files were tested in artificial canals with a standard geometry of 60° angle and 2.5 mm radius until fracture. The number of cycles to fracture was calculated, and the length of the fragments was measured. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the fracture surfaces and fragments. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to determine the percentage weight of NiTi in each file. The statistical analysis (Mann-Whitney test) showed that the cyclic fatigue resistance of the AF-f was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than that of the i3G-f. Additionally, there was a significant difference (p = 0.0419) in the length of the fractured fragments. All instruments showed one or more types of manufacturing defects and presented similar NiTi percentages by weight. The manufacturing process is critical to cyclic fatigue resistance, and there seems to be responsible for the difference in cyclic fatigue resistance between these similar instruments.

Comparative Analysis of Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of NeoEndo Flex Vs Protaper Gold Rotary Files: An In-Vitro Study

Background: During the endodontic process, cleaning and shaping are essential steps. The fracture of nickel-titanium (NiTi) tools is a procedural issue that significantly impedes therapy in normal endodontic therapy. Efficient and reliable endodontic therapy requires rotary NiTi files that demonstrate superior cyclic fatigue resistance to prevent file separation within the canal. This study aimed to investigate the in-vitro cyclic fatigue resistance of two commonly used rotary NiTi files: NeoEndo Flex file and ProTaper Gold file. Methods: The cyclic fatigue tests were carried out by determining the lifespan of each file type in a controlled environment mimicking a curved root canal. A total of 30 files (15 NeoEndo Flex and 15 ProTaper Gold) were subjected to continuous rotation until fracture occurred. The numbers of cycles until failure (NCF) were recorded for statistical comparison. Results: The ProTaper Gold files showed significantly higher NCF, indicative of stronger cyclic fatigue resistance when compared to NeoEndo Flex files (p &lt; 0.05). The variance in fatigue resistance is attributable, in part, to differences in alloy composition and proprietary heat treatment processes. Conclusion: ProTaper Gold rotary NiTi files exhibited enhanced cyclic fatigue resistance in comparison to NeoEndo Flex, suggesting that they may be the preferred choice for clinical procedures where greater stresses are anticipated on the file. However, clinicians should balance file strength with other clinical factors when choosing the appropriate file for endodontic treatment.

Know-How and Trade Secrets in Digital Business

This article explores the unique challenges posed by the digital age in preserving the confidentiality of trade secrets and know-how, examines the legal frameworks governing trade secret protection, highlighting the strengths and limitations of existing laws in addressing the complexities of the digital realm. In the modern digital landscape, where data and information drive innovation and economic growth, the protection of trade secrets and know-how has become paramount for businesses seeking to maintain a competitive edge. As companies increasingly rely on proprietary knowledge, processes, and digital assets to differentiate themselves, safeguarding these intangible assets from misappropriation and unauthorized disclosure is crucial. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities surrounding trade secrets and know-how in the digital age, this paper aims to equip businesses with the knowledge and strategies necessary to safeguard their valuable intellectual property assets, fostering innovation, competitiveness, and sustained growth in the knowledge economy.

Abstract 1320: Engineered expression of HLA-E and HLA-G protects iPSC-derived cells from killing by primary NK cells

Abstract Background: A major challenge to off-the-shelf allogeneic cell therapies is the HLA-targeted elimination of genetically dissimilar cells. To combat this, HLA Class I can be deleted through transgene insertion at the beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) locus, while HLA Class II can be deleted by disruption of the gene encoding MHC Class II Transactivator (CIITA). Lack of HLA Class I expression, however, marks cells for elimination by natural killer (NK) cells, which normally receive inhibitory signals from this protein family. HLA-E and HLA-G are non-classical HLA Class I molecules that are far less polymorphic than HLA-A/B/C. They can inhibit natural killer cell-mediated activation by engaging NKG2A, KIR2DL4, ILT2, and ILT4. The objective of this study was to assess allo-evasion from NK cells by iPSC-derived cells engineered to overexpress HLA-E and -G. Methods: Allo-evasion by HLA-E, -G or both was first assessed in the chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cell line, which expresses very low HLA Class I and is highly susceptible to NK-mediated killing. K562 cells were engineered using CRISPR/CAS9 to express chimeric molecules encoding either HLA-E or HLA-G heavy chains tethered to a defined nominal self-peptide and B2M, or HLA-E/peptide/B2M-P2A-HLA-G/peptide/B2M. Along with parental K562, these were used as targets in co-cultures with allogeneic PBMCs (n=22 donors) at different E:T ratios. Target killing was observed using flow cytometry and normalized to parental K562. Phenotyping of effector PBMCs for NK frequency and expression of HLA-E and -G receptors (NKG2A, KIR2DL4, ILT2, and ILT4) was performed to study correlations with killing efficiency and allo-evasion. IPSCs with endogenous B2M knocked out were also engineered to overexpress HLA-E and -G with the constructs described above. These were then differentiated into NK cells and gamma delta T cells using proprietary processes. Allo-evasion of these cells from killing by the same PBMC cohort was evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: While NK cells across donors expressed heterogeneous combinations of HLA-E and -G receptors, the strongest correlation with PBMC allo-responsiveness was NK frequency. K562 and iPSC-derived cells lacking HLA were susceptible to killing by PBMCs. Overexpression of HLA-E and -G offered protection to K562 and iPSC-derived cells against all tested donors. HLA-E offered more protection than HLA-G, and the combination of both HLA-E and -G was most potent. Conclusion: When genetically dissimilar HLA Class I protein family must be deleted to prevent graft rejection, expression of the more-conserved HLA-E and -G can effectively protect allogeneic drug products from elimination. These Allo-evasionTM edits may increase the in vivo persistence and enable multi-dosing of our iPSC-derived allogeneic cell therapies. Citation Format: Andriana Lebid, Dae Hwan Kim, Gabrielle Greco, Heidi Jessup, Alyssa Suarez, Shelby Brown, Nicholas Alexander, Mitan Desai, Buddha Gurung, Barry Morse, Daniel J. Perry, Michael F. Naso, Hyam Levitsky. Engineered expression of HLA-E and HLA-G protects iPSC-derived cells from killing by primary NK cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1320.

Real-World Clinical Utilization Differences of onabotulinumtoxinA and abobotulinumtoxinA in Upper Limb Spasticity (P12-8.013)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To compare real-world clinical utilization of onabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) and abobotulinumtoxinA (abobotA) in the treatment of adult upper limb spasticity (ULS). <h3>Background:</h3> 3 botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) products are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ULS. Each BoNT/A product is manufactured and tested via proprietary processes, resulting in unique clinical profiles. FDA-mandated boxed warnings state that potency units of one product are not interchangeable and cannot be converted into units of another BoNT/A product. We compared real-world clinical utilization of onabotA and abobotA in the treatment of adult ULS. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> De-identified medical records were obtained via survey of 101 unique healthcare professionals on patients diagnosed with ULS per International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, (ICD-10) and treated via botulinum toxin using current procedural terminology (CPT) in the US. 215 patient charts were reviewed: 107 treated with onabotA and 108 with abobotA. Patients received at least 3 treatments of onabotA or abobotA in 1 spastic upper limb prior to March 2020. Number and type of muscles injected were compared between BoNT/A products. <h3>Results:</h3> 75% of patients were classified as having moderate-to-severe ULS by the injector. On average, patients were diagnosed with ULS for &gt;3 years: onabotA 44.2 months (10–200) or abobotA 40.0 months (11–212). A significantly greater average number of muscles were injected with onabotA (4.3; range, 1 to 16), compared with abobotA (3.1; range, 1 to 8), <i>P</i>=0.0001. Significantly more patients received onabotA injections in forearm muscles (87/107, 81.3%) compared with abobotA (70/108, 64.8%), <i>P</i>=0.0064. Similarly, a significant difference was observed in the utilization of onabotA in hand muscles (23/107, 21.5%) compared with abobotA (4/108, 3.7%), <i>P</i>=0.0001. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> These results are consistent with published evidence across other indications, further supporting that each BoNT/A product is unique and not interchangeable as indicated by the FDA. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Nelson has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Allergan, an AbbVie company. Dr. Nelson has received stock or an ownership interest from Allergan, an AbbVie company. Dr. Zuzek has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of AbbVie Inc.. Dr. Zuzek has stock in AbbVie Inc.. Marc Schwartz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Singh has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of AbbVie. Dr. Singh has stock in AbbVie.

Trending and analysis of payload vs. All low earth conjunction data messages below 1000 km, from 2016 through 2021

The Air Force Safety Center is developing a program to quantify the distribution of risks to the orbital environment across time and space by trending and analyzing orbital conjunction events. Previous efforts described automating the intake of Conjunction Data Messages (CDM) previously generated by the 18th and 19th Space Defense Squadrons (18 SDS, 19 SDS) and developing pre-processing scripts necessary to populate information germane to orbital collision risk assessment. The intent of the current effort is to account not only for the probability of collision (Pc), but also the consequence of the debris products from a collision to the low Earth orbital environment, should it occur. To accomplish this, the team analyzed all reported CDMs of conjunction events below 1000 km in altitude, between 1 Jan 2016 and 31 Dec 2021. 18 SDS reported Pcs were re-computed using the Foster-92 method. A circular 2-dimensional interaction area was applied instead of a square, to reduce conservatism and lend closer towards realism. Hard Body Radii estimates were pooled from externally sourced information, including The Aerospace Corporation and various open sources. When not available, radius estimates were imputed based on available data. Covariance information was sourced from CDMs. For consequence, the amount of damaging, lethal non-trackable and trackable debris products were estimated using The Aerospace Corporation's IMPACT 8.0 model. The model accounts for relative velocity, object masses, mass distribution, and structure. Object distribution and structure were inferred from the object type field in the CDMs. Relative velocity was also sourced from CDMs. The object masses were sourced from data furnished by The Aerospace Corporation and Union of Concerned Scientists satellite database. The expected number of damaging, lethal non-trackable, and trackable debris products were multiplied by the Pc to produce a quantitative risk metric for each conjunction event. Risks were adjusted to account for likely collision avoidance maneuvers based on satellite age, mass, and Pc. The results show a logarithmic increase in total risk over time, particularly after 2020. This change correlates to the launch of Starlink and OneWeb satellites into orbit, and analysis confirmed that the uptick in risk is attributable to the launch of those large constellations into orbit. The risk metric for Starlink vs. Starlink conjunctions was further adjusted to more accurately account for proprietary processes and high accuracy ephemerides which enables better information for performing collision avoidance maneuvers. This adjustment reduced the slope of the risk trends starting in 2020, but they are still positive and logarithmic. Spatial domain analysis revealed that the preponderance of debris production risk for reported conjunctions below 1,000 km resides between the altitudes of 450 km and 850 km. The spatial distribution of risk by altitude changed starting in 2020 due to the launch of large constellations, resulting in a higher and more evenly distributed risk of debris production between 350 and 1,000 km. Results also indicate that more trackable debris would have likely been generated by collisions between payloads and trackable objects, with perigees below 1,000 km than the 37 that have been confirmed and cataloged during that time period. However, analysis of the four confirmed payload collision events with cataloged debris produced a bootstrapped confidence interval of trackable debris generated per year suggesting the trackable debris production rate estimated here is within a plausible range. Planned future work looks to address known assumptions and limitations. This work is the first known effort to quantitatively analyze historical risks of conjunction events using full sets of CDM data and fuse them with the latest semi-analytical breakup algorithms. Analyses such as these are necessary to better inform ongoing and future Space Safety and Space Traffic Management policy development efforts within the US Government and internationally.

Algorithmic Audiences, Serialized Streamers, and the Discontents of Datafication

This article addresses streaming television platforms’ reliance on algorithms, serial narratives, and user interfaces and the effect of these strategies on the television viewing audience. The datafication of television means that opaque, proprietary computational processes play a significant role in the television that gets made, in steering viewing to particular series, and in reshaping the identity of the viewing public. User interfaces, data tracking, seriality, and algorithms have thus far proven inadequate for navigating the vast databases offered by streaming platforms. In practice, these systems off-load work to viewers and actively create obstacles to the formation of a collective viewing experience. Algorithmic audiences are trained to be sequential, isolated viewers, whose work of watching occurs in labor-intensive ways.

A Simple Guideline for Applying Online or Offline Biochemical/Biological Databases Targeting Undergraduate Students up to Postgraduate Ones

About half a century ago, perhaps few people thought that the development of a particular type of viral disease and the vaccination process would take nearly a year; however, it happened (successful or unsuccessful). The best tool to help researchers in this direction is the subsequent development of computer-based science and proprietary processes. As we all know, biological science is largely attributed to the development of computers and artificial intelligence in the identification, prevention, and treatment of various diseases. The different overlap between these two disciplines has always attracted the audience of its attributes in the interdisciplinary field. For a specific group of science students, one of the disadvantages is familiarity with how they work and how to distinguish between databases. Many databases for researchers have been developed online in their specific fields. Searching and using this series of data on the Internet has become a common practice, which means that for a professional researcher, this in itself turns into an advantage. However, some groups are interested in using these data and do not have the special information as experienced researchers. This article briefly attempts to introduce a simple ladder of biochemical science and biology based solely on cyberspace.

Comparative evaluation of shaping ability of sequential rotary, single rotary, and single reciprocating file systems in simulated curved canals using cone-beam computed tomography: An in vitro study

Comparative evaluation of shaping ability of sequential rotary, single rotary, and single reciprocating file systems in simulated curved canals using cone-beam computed tomography: An in vitro study

Comparison of structural differences between yeast β-glucan sourced from different strains of saccharomyces cerevisiae and processed using proprietary manufacturing processes

In this study, we explored structural differences of five commercial samples of yeast β-glucan. Samples were assayed for their β-glucan content and the yeast storage carbohydrate, glycogen. The β-glucan content ranged from 74% to 86%, the glycogen content varied from 0 to 20%. The linkage pattern of each sample was measured by the partially methylated alditol acetate method. This method showed that the samples varied from 1.9% to 9.2% branching. The side chain length distribution for each sample was analyzed by an alkaline degradation assay followed by ion chromatography. The side length distributions of the samples were shown to be similar. The samples were also analyzed by FT-IR and 1HNMR spectroscopy but it was difficult to derive quantitative differences in the samples by these methods. Our findings confirm that each proprietary source of yeast β-glucan has a unique purity profile, branching, and linkage patterns that determine the chemical structure and composition.

PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICATION PROCESS IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

AbstractRequirements engineering and requirements management are essential sub-processes of product development and are an integrated part of virtually all product development models and industrial process descriptions. Proprietary and context specific processes for working with requirements are used in industrial design practice. However, these are not appropriately reflected in existing process models for product development. Existing standards describe the content and generation of requirements documents but not their integration in the product development process.The study is based on a retrospective analysis of a set of representative real-world product development projects from automotive industry and rail industry. Comparing the processes downstream the milestone “release of PRD”, it was found that subsequent processes to manage requirements and specifications do not differ much with regard to industrial context. Based on this, a model for the product requirements specification (PRS) process is proposed which addresses the gap.

Exploring the Future of Universities Through Experimental Foresight

Throughout 2018/2019, The Futures Lab, Inc. (TFL) was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive foresight study on the potential futures for universities in Norway. For the most part, the project followed the full, TFL comprehensive six-stage foresight process and a number of customized approaches that leveraged the specificities of the Norwegian Education System. The foresight project covered two future time horizons, namely 2025 to 2030 and 2031 to 2040. Rather than focus here on the Future of the University project itself, this paper considers five experimental foresight methods that produced an extra edge to the creative inputs to this project and delivered some unexpected and critical insights that became decisive platforms and framing cues for the ultimate seven futures scenarios that were delivered, and for which strategies and action plans were created. The term experimental foresight is interpreted as freeform thinking, testing the boundaries, incorporating unorthodox, disparate approaches, tools, artifacts and environment, and real-time improvization, it is about testing new techniques and repurposing and updating older ones. Experimental foresight is closely allied with and some would claim often indistinguishable from experiential futures, which has become prominent within foresight. We distinguish the two insomuch that experiential refers to the way the foresight is conducted, whereas experimental is what is conducted. The paper describes the five experimental foresight methods and techniques based upon theory, practice and proprietary development processes, reflecting various approaches to creative thinking. The paper outlines the design and architecture of each method as well as how it was applied to the Future of the University project, the outcomes, values and benefits. Where appropriate examples of the outcomes have been used to explain or underpin the purpose and benefits of the method under discussion. The methods selected are always harmonized with the more linear, mathematical and modeling applied in the practice of foresight.

P7. Hierarchical surface roughness produced with additive manufacturing technology significantly increases osteogenic cellular differentiation and gene expression when compared to PEEK and smooth titanium surfaces

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Spine interbody fusion devices are used to stabilize and treat diseased and degenerative spine conditions. Commonly utilized interbody fusion devices are comprised of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or titanium (Ti). PEEK interbody devices have a hydrophobic surface that does not directly bond to bone and promotes fibrous tissue formation. In contrast, Tispinal fusion devices have favorable osseointegration properties especially for those with roughened surfaces. PURPOSE Previous studies have shown that nano-scale surface features created by subtractive grit blasting and acid etching increase osteogenic differentiation and gene expression when compared to PEEK or smooth Ti (Sm Ti) surfaces. More recently, proprietary 3D additive manufacturing processes have been used to create implants that have a hierarchical surface roughness that spans from the macro to nano-scale. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the P3D surface increases osteogenic differentiation and gene expression when compared to PEEK or smooth Ti surfaces, as similarly seen in acid etch surfaces. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING N/A PATIENT SAMPLE N/A OUTCOME MEASURES N/A METHODS The P3D implants with hierarchical surface roughness were produced on a Q 10+ 3D printer (Arcam). Bone marrow was harvested from a BAC transgenic reporter mouse. Primary bone marrow stem cells (BMSC) were cultured under basal conditions and seeded onto P3D, Sm Ti, or PEEK constructs. Cell-constructs cultured in osteogenic condition were harvested at days 3, 7, 14 and 22. Cells were removed by accutase for fluorescence image cytometry. RNA evaluation was performed by submerging in trizol and physical scraping. cDNA synthesis and qPCR utilized sequences for 18S, osteocalcin, collagen type 1, alkaline phosphatase, osterix and PHEX. Students 2-tailed t-test was utilized to evaluate statistical differences. RESULTS Significantly more (p CONCLUSIONS Compared to PEEK and Sm Ti surfaces, the P3D rough Ti surface enabled a significantly greater proportion of BMSC to enter the osteogenic lineage and resulted in faster and significantly greater osteogenic gene expression. Similar to prior publications that demonstrated increased osteogenesis on nanotopography surfaces, P3D with macro to nano-scale surface roughness also increased osteogenesis. The increased osteogenic response from the 3DP surface features may lead to quicker bone/implant fixation which would provide a stable environment for fusion to occur and reduce the risk of complications. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Post Marketing Safety of Plus CBD™ Products, a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract: A 2-Year Experience

The market for products featuring hemp extracts is large and growing larger. However, safety concerns have been raised by medical and regulatory agencies. Post marketing surveillance of full spectrum hemp extract (FSHE) products manufactured and distributed by CV Sciences (CVSI) and traded under the brand PlusCBD™ was conducted over a 2-year period (2018-2019). The safety of these products was assessed by analyzing adverse events reports. From a total of approximately five million product units sold during the 2-year period, 1,429 (0.03%) adverse events (AE) were reported in 1,151 unique customers. Of those, only two were classified as serious AEs. For orally ingested products, the most common types of AEs reported were gastrointestinal (e.g. abdominal discomfort), while for topically applied products, the most reports mentioned dermatological symptoms (e.g. rashes). There has been no evidence of liver toxicity associated with CVSI products. Based on this longitudinal dataset, the products manufactured using CVSI’s proprietary processes are safe and well tolerated at the recommended doses.

Is an Algorithm the Answer? Wattpad Books’s Challenge to Publishing Infrastructures

This article explores Wattpad’s algorithmically defined publishing arm, Wattpad Books, and its claims to be a neutral and unbiased alternative to traditional publishing selection processes. Removing editorial bias with an algorithmic selector, however, does not eliminate bias entirely; rather, it shifts bias from editors to the creators of the algorithm. Wattpad Books thus presents a new and insidious bias in publishing, claiming a neutrality in its data-driven proprietary processes that it does not have.

Method for Predicting Dipole Moments of Complex Molecules for Use in Thermophysical Property Estimation

We present a formalism for accurate estimation of dipole moments using quantum mechanics for complex molecules having conformational degrees of freedom. Dipole moments of complex molecules are often needed for use in correlations for estimating viscosities and other thermophysical properties. However, experimentally measured dipole moments are not available for many molecules, especially those used in proprietary industrial processes and products. Many complex molecules have dipole moments that change significantly in response to the conformation of the molecules. We show that proper accounting of the conformation-dependent dipole moment may be required to achieve an acceptably accurate estimate of the experimental dipole moment and provide recommendations on efficient estimation techniques. We also demonstrate that for molecules with dipole moments above about 1.3 D reasonably accurate estimation of the dipole moment is required for reliable prediction of vapor phase viscosity, whereas estimation of ther...

Industry relatedness, FDI liberalization and the indigenous innovation process in China

ABSTRACTThis paper employs a structural innovation model to study the process of indigenous innovation in China and the role of industry relatedness. To better take into account China's transitioning economy context, it further tests to what extent the relationship between relatedness and firms’ innovation process is influenced by the relaxation of foreign ownership controls, an arguably exogenous shock. Controlling for selection, simultaneity and unobserved heterogeneity, the results show that firm research and development (R&D) boosts innovation output, which in turn enhances firm productivity. Relatedness economies are positively related to each phase of innovation, although the size of the effects depends on the type of firm and the stage of innovation. Foreign direct investment (FDI) liberalization encourages firms to rely more on relatedness economies: (1) to complement R&D spending that is required to adapt foreign technologies to local applications; (2) to recombine knowledge from related industries in order to bring forth new proprietary ideas, processes or concepts; and (3) to help solve process or organizational problems faced in related industries.

Application of Exergy-Based Fault Detection in a Gas-To-Liquids Process Plant.

Fault detection and isolation (FDI) within the petrochemical industries (PCIs) is largely dominated by statistical techniques. Although a signal-based technique centered on exergy flows within a process plant was proposed, it has only been applied to single process units. The exergy-based scheme has not yet been applied to process plants that feature at least a single recycle stream. The Tennessee Eastman process (TEP) is commonly used as an FDI benchmark process, but due to obfuscation, the TEP cannot be directly implemented in a commercial process simulator. Thus, application of FDI techniques to proprietary processes will require significant investment into the implementation of the FDI scheme. This is a key impediment to the wide-spread comparison of various FDI techniques to non-benchmark processes. In this paper, a gas-to-liquids (GTL) process model is developed in Aspen HYSYS®, and the model’s performance is validated. The exergy-based FDI technique is applied to the GTL process while the process is subjected to carefully selected faults. The selected faults aim to affect several process units, and specifically, the resultant recycle stream of the GTL process is considered. The results indicate that even though the exergy-based technique makes use of fixed thresholds, complete detection and isolation can be achieved for a list of common process faults. This is significant since it shows, for the first time, that the exergy-based FDI scheme can successfully be deployed in processes with recycle streams.

Acquisition strengthens Sulzer's Chemtech business

Sulzer has acquired GTC Technology US LLC, a Houston, Texas-headquartered technology company that offers proprietary processes and systems for the production of aromatics and other petrochemicals.

Q&amp;A: An Interview With Visuray CEO Kambiz Safinya

Q&amp;A How did your company get started? Visuray was born out of a simple desire to help oil companies see inside their wells, thereby eliminating downtime on rigs where each moment of uncertainty translates to thousands of dollars lost. Conventional imaging in wells is fraught with issues, not least being the fact that most wells are filled with opaque fluid. The solution has been to use X-rays that pass through all types of well fluids and then to use the back-scattered X-rays to produce 2D and 3D images of the downhole hardware, even in the most opaque and troublesome well environments. With start-up funds from Statoil, BP, and Shell, we first developed the foundation for our technology. In 2005, the first successful laboratory image was taken through mud. Two years later in 2007, a prototype 4m long and 9 in. in diameter was run in the Ullrigg test well just outside Stavanger. This prompted a second round of funding by our JIP partners. In early 2015, after 7 years and $90 million of investment, a 35/8-in. commercial wireline tool, called the VR90, was successfully tested in a well in Germany. How big is your company now? Visuray comprises a team of 60 professionals from 20 countries, who have developed the world’s first downhole X-ray platform. Visuray has developed cutting-edge technology and proprietary processes to deliver electronically produced radiation in an oil well at unprecedented levels of brightness in a perfectly safe manner. Coupled with the most sensitive high-temperature, solid state X-ray detectors, Visuray can see and diagnose problems inside oil wells with millimetric accuracy. The first commercial product stemming from the downhole platform is the VR90 downhole X-ray diagnostic tool. It has proven itself in the field with 100% successful jobs conducted in North America, Europe, and the Middle East since 2015. What’s next for Visuray? After doing some 20 jobs from North America to the Middle East, the VR90 has reached a significant level of maturity and proven success, and the downhole X-ray platform (DXP) is now proving capable of providing a range of services. In the last 6 months, the VR90 has done 10 times as many jobs as it did in the previous 6-month period. So, you can say the uptake is increasing and is now limited only by the number of tools in our fleet. These tools are now being built at our product center in Katy, Texas and we are ramping up production to be able to service the demand in the market.